Interview with Psychiatrist Dr. Marcy Cooper:
I recently sat down with Dr. Marcy Cooper, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, to talk about how she works with families managing ADHD—and what she wishes more people understood about psychiatric treatment. Below is an excerpt from our conversation.
Cindy: Dr. Cooper, I’m so glad to share your insights with my readers. Can you start by telling us how you help families when a child is struggling with ADHD?
Dr. Cooper: Absolutely. When I meet with families, one of my first goals is to understand what’s going on—not just the symptoms, but how those symptoms are impacting the child’s day-to-day functioning and emotional well-being. I’m trained to evaluate both psychiatric and medical factors that might be contributing to a child’s difficulties. Sometimes a child has already been diagnosed with ADHD and started on medication, but things still aren’t going well. They may be struggling with sleep, anxiety, irritability, or even tics. My role is to help the family put all the pieces together so we can understand the full picture.
Cindy: That whole-child perspective is so important. How do you approach treatment planning?
Dr. Cooper: I really believe in collaboration. Treatment works best when it’s individualized, flexible, and responsive to how the child is doing over time. Medication is just one part of the equation—I often compare it to wearing glasses. If you need glasses and you’re not wearing them, you’ll work twice as hard to get through the day. Medication can help level the playing field, but only if it’s the right fit and carefully monitored.
Of course, we also consider many other pieces: Are the parents receiving adequate support? Are behavioral strategies being used consistently? What’s happening at school? I often recommend that families work with an ADHD coach—someone like you—to help reinforce consistent strategies and reduce the stress that often comes with parenting a neurodivergent child.
Cindy: That collaborative spirit really resonates with me and is central to my work. So often, parents feel overwhelmed or like they’re doing something wrong. What do you wish more parents knew about working with a psychiatrist?
Dr. Cooper: I wish parents knew they don’t have to have everything figured out before seeking help. There’s still so much stigma and misunderstanding around psychiatric care, especially when it comes to children. My job isn’t to label or judge—it’s to listen, support, and help the family function better. I always explain what I’m doing and why, so parents feel informed and empowered. And I really take their values and concerns into account throughout the process.
Cindy: You mentioned earlier that some families come to you after a medication trial hasn’t gone well. Can you say more about that?
Dr. Cooper: Sure. It’s not uncommon for kids to be started on medication by a general pediatrician—sometimes that’s entirely appropriate. But if things aren’t improving or the child is experiencing side effects, it’s time to take a deeper look. Sometimes what seems like ADHD is actually something else, or the child may have co-occurring conditions like anxiety, depression, or a learning difference that complicates treatment. I do a thorough evaluation to understand what’s happening neurologically, emotionally, and psychologically, and I tailor the treatment plan accordingly.
Cindy: I really appreciate that thoughtful, whole-child approach. I often remind parents that medication is just one tool in the toolbox—and it’s not meant to be the only tool. Pills don’t teach skills. Parents, educators, and life experiences do. That’s why I emphasize pairing medication with education, coaching, and ongoing support. When used thoughtfully and with guidance, medication can create the conditions that make skill-building more accessible and sustainable. But it doesn’t replace the work of helping kids learn how to manage their time, regulate their emotions, and advocate for themselves.
Many parents I work with come to realize that they, too, have struggled with the same challenges their children face—difficulty focusing, managing time, or following through on tasks—but they were never identified as having ADHD when they were younger. Do you diagnose and treat adults as well?
Dr. Cooper: Absolutely. I see both children and adults. It’s not uncommon for parents to have a lightbulb moment during their child’s evaluation—they see their child’s behavior through a new lens and start to reflect on their own experience. There’s often great relief in getting a diagnosis later in life. It helps make sense of long-standing challenges and opens the door to treatment strategies that can make a real difference, even in adulthood.
Cindy: Before we wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with families who may be struggling?
Dr. Cooper: Just that you’re not alone. ADHD is a complex and nuanced condition—and it doesn’t mean anything negative about your child or your parenting. With the right support and information, kids with ADHD can absolutely thrive. And when parents have access to professionals who listen and care, the whole family benefits.
Want to Learn More?
If you’re a parent navigating the challenges of ADHD—whether for your child or yourself—there is support out there. Coaching, collaboration, and compassionate care can change the trajectory for your family.
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