Cogmed Program for ADHD
Is ADHD Making It Hard to Get Things Done?
Cogmed Can Help.
Do you lose track of things—your keys, your deadlines, your to-do list - and then feel frustrated and upset with yourself for running behind or dropping a ball again? Do you catch yourself zoning out during meetings and then feel stressed or embarrassed when you have no idea how to respond to a question just asked?
Maybe this is the first time you’re considering something other than medication to address your ADHD symptoms. Or maybe you’ve tried other things - like productivity tools and reminders - but can’t seem to stick with them.
You're not alone.
Many adults with ADHD, despite good intentions and efforts, face challenges like:
Constantly misplacing items
Forgetting important tasks or details
Overcommitting, then struggling to follow through
Making careless mistakes at work
Feeling overwhelmed by deadlines
Often, knowing the right strategy isn’t the problem – it’s remembering it at the right moment, following through, and doing it consistently.
If this sounds familiar, Cogmed - a digital training program of fun and challenging brain exercises designed to improve working memory - might be worth considering.
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What Is Cogmed?
Cogmed is a program designed to help improve attention and focus by strengthening working memory—your brain’s ability to hold and use information in real time to complete tasks or connect pieces of information. It is an essential part of executive functioning that’s often weak in people with ADHD.
Developed by neuroscientists and backed by research, Cogmed is more than just a brain-training app. It’s a targeted, structured program with lasting results—and I’m here to walk with you through the entire process.
I offer Cogmed as part of my specialized services for adults navigating ADHD. As a licensed psychologist, ADHD specialist, and Cogmed coach, I guide clients step-by-step so they don’t have to figure it all out on their own and can see Cogmed through to the end.
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How Does It Work?
Cogmed is done online, in the comfort of your own home or office, at your own pace, and with consistent guidance and support from me along the way. The program adapts to your performance, challenging you just enough to keep you moving forward. Each week, we meet for a session to:
Keep you motivated so that you can persist with the program from start to finish
Provide accountability for follow-through
Track your progress to help you take stock of your wins and provide extra support in challenge areas
Using your computer or tablet, you’ll complete 25 training sessions of short, fun brain exercises (4–5 per week over 5 to 7 weeks). Everything is designed to be accessible, flexible, and manageable.
Here's what it looks like in practice:
Intake appointment – We’ll talk about your experiences with ADHD and create a plan.
Start-up session – I’ll help you get set up and started with a baseline training session.
Self-paced training – You’ll complete the Cogmed exercises independently.
Weekly contacts – We’ll meet to check in, troubleshoot, and keep things on track.
Wrap-up session - We’ll review progress and discuss the next steps. If you'd like to build on your progress, you can also choose to continue with a follow-up executive functioning skills building series.
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Why Working Memory?
When working memory improves, it translates to improvements in daily life like:
Keeping track of what you’re doing (and why you’re doing it) - Imagine that you're cooking dinner and are able to remember all the ingredients without checking the recipe 5 times - or leaving the onion sizzling while you search for garlic.
Following through without getting derailed - You start cleaning out a drawer and finish it without ending up in another room organizing something completely different.
Staying focused even when distractions pop up - For instance, your phone buzzes while you are working (or studying), but instead of getting pulled into texts or social media, you acknowledge the distraction and get back to what you were doing - without losing your momentum.
Keeping track of tasks and responsibilities - You juggle multiple assignments at work or school and manage to prioritize effectively—keeping due dates, key tasks, and next steps mentally organized.
Improved reading comprehension - You're able to read a few pages of a book or an article without zoning out or re-reading the same paragraph multiple times—because you can hold and connect what you've just read.
Being less likely to act on impulses - You’re frustrated during a team meeting and want to blurt out a critical comment—but instead, you pause, gather your thoughts, and respond calmly, keeping your goals in mind.
Feeling more self-confident in mentally demanding situations - You walk into a job interview or presentation feeling more composed because you know you can remember what you prepared and stay on track under pressure.
Improved interpersonal relationships - You remember to follow through on commitments—like picking up your partner’s prescription, responding to texts, or showing up on time—so others trust you more.
By strengthening this core skill, Cogmed supports meaningful improvements in daily life—not just during the program, but long after it ends.
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Why I Offer Cogmed
After two decades of helping adults with ADHD, I know how frustrating it can be when strategies just don’t stick.
While tools like reminders and to-do lists are useful for managing symptoms, Cogmed targets something deeper: the underlying brain-based processes that shape attention, organization, and follow-through. It strengthens the mental foundation needed to use the tools and routines you already know help.
You’ll still need reminders, structure, and support - but with a stronger cognitive system, you may find that:
Strategies “click” faster
Habits feel easier to maintain
You bounce back more quickly when you get off track
I’m currently the only provider in Oklahoma offering Cogmed, and I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact it can have for clients who once felt stuck.
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Is Cogmed Right for You?
If you’re tired of feeling like you’re always playing catch-up—and you’re looking for a research-backed approach to decrease the interference of ADHD in daily life—Cogmed may be a good fit.
I’d be honored to support you in exploring this option. Reach out if you’d like to talk through whether it feels right for you.
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FAQ
What makes Cogmed different from free apps?
Proven Results – Developed by neuroscientists and supported by peer-reviewed research.
Ongoing Support – Weekly coaching keeps you accountable, motivated, and supported.
Lasting Change – Improvements in working memory can lead to gains that continue to grow for months after the program ends.
Do I need to be in therapy to do Cogmed?
No. Cogmed can be done as a standalone program or during the course of therapy. I’ll help you decide what makes the most sense for your goals.
How much time does it take?
Most people complete their 25 training sessions over 5 to 7 weeks, with training sessions taking about 50 minutes each. Weekly meetings with Dr. Jackson alternate in lengths of 20 minutes and 45 minutes.
Can this really help with ADHD?
Yes. Research supports Cogmed’s effectiveness for people with attention difficulties—especially when working memory is a challenge (I.e., difficulty holding information “in mind” and using it to complete a task or connect pieces of information). It is an essential part of executive functioning that’s often underactive in people with ADHD.
And while it’s not a replacement for medication or behavioral strategies, many clients find that Cogmed complements other ADHD supports beautifully.
What happens after the training is over?
After your 25 training sessions, we’ll meet for a wrap-up session. If you'd like more structure and support in furthering your progress, you can also continue with executive functioning skills building.
Is Cogmed reimbursable by insurance?
Cogmed is not typically covered by insurance, but some clients have successfully used HSA or FSA funds to pay for it. I’m happy to provide a detailed invoice (superbill) upon request if you’d like to explore reimbursement with your insurance company.
If you're curious or ready to start, click here to schedule a free, 15-minute discovery call with me, or reach out using the "Let's Connect" button below. I’d love to help you decide if Cogmed is the right next step.