Therapy in a Time of Labels: ADHD, Autism, Self-Diagnosis & Finding Your Identity Beyond a Diagnosis with Dr. Alyssa Kerrigan

What happens when mental health awareness meets social media algorithms?

In this thought-provoking episode of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP sits down with Dr. Alyssa Kerrigan, Licensed Psychologist, ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP), and founder of Peace of Mind Testing and Therapy, to explore one of the most important conversations happening in mental health today: self-diagnosis, therapy culture, psychological testing, neurodiversity, social media, and identity.

From TikTok videos about ADHD and autism to viral discussions about anxiety, trauma, executive functioning, and neurodivergence, more people than ever are seeking answers about their mental health. But how do we balance awareness with accuracy? Validation with discernment? Understanding with identity?

Together, Diana and Dr. Kerrigan discuss why so many people turn to social media for mental health answers, the role of comprehensive psychological evaluations, how diagnostic labels can both help and hinder growth, and why understanding ourselves should lead to greater freedom—not greater limitation.

Whether you're a therapist, parent, educator, student, faith leader, or someone navigating your own mental health journey, this episode offers practical insight, compassion, and hope.

In This Episode We Explore

• The impact of TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, AI, and social media on mental health awareness

• Why ADHD, autism, anxiety, trauma, and neurodivergence content is exploding online

• The difference between self-diagnosis and professional psychological evaluation

• How psychological testing can provide clarity, validation, accommodations, and support

• Why many women and adults are being diagnosed with ADHD and autism later in life

• The role of culture, race, family systems, and lived experience in mental health assessment

• How labels can become empowering tools instead of limiting identities

• The importance of digital literacy and critical thinking in the age of algorithms

• Parenting strategies for raising children in a social media-driven world

• How therapists can balance validation, resilience-building, and personal growth

Memorable Takeaways

"Understanding yourself should lead to greater freedom, greater self-compassion, and greater possibility."

A diagnosis is not the end of your story.

Psychological evaluations are not designed to put people into boxes. They are designed to provide clarity, uncover strengths, identify challenges, and create a roadmap for support.

Social media can offer validation and community, but it should never replace a comprehensive evaluation conducted by a qualified mental health professional.

The goal is not to become your diagnosis.

The goal is to better understand yourself so you can move forward with confidence, self-awareness, and appropriate support.

About Dr. Alyssa Kerrigan

Dr. Alyssa Kerrigan is a Licensed Psychologist, ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP), and founder of Peace of Mind Testing and Therapy in Wellington, Florida.

She specializes in psychological and psychoeducational evaluations for children, teens, and adults, helping individuals gain clarity regarding ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, developmental delays, learning disabilities, executive functioning challenges, mood disorders, and neurodivergent presentations.

Dr. Kerrigan is passionate about helping individuals understand how they learn, think, process information, and navigate the world. Through evidence-based assessment and compassionate care, she empowers clients to recognize their strengths, build confidence, and take meaningful steps toward achieving their personal, academic, and professional goals.

Connect with Dr. Alyssa Kerrigan

Website: https://www.peaceofmindtestingandtherapy.com

Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/alyssa-kerrigan-wellington-fl/1058709

Connect with Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP

Through the Valley Therapy https://www.throughthevalleytherapy.com

Transformed Mind Consulting & Coaching https://www.transformedmindcc.com

The Holistic Counselor Podcast https://www.throughthevalleytherapy.com/holistic-counselor-podcast

Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-holistic-counselor/id1732149496

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/throughthevalleytherapy

Diana specializes in anxiety, trauma recovery, perfectionism, faith and identity struggles, religious trauma, nervous system regulation, resilience, neuroplasticity, and whole-person healing through an integrative approach that blends neuroscience, evidence-based therapy, and faith-informed care.

Resources Mentioned

DSM-5-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm

Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)

https://www.parentcenterhub.org/iep-overview/

Neurodiversity-Affirming Care

https://www.usa.edu/blog/neurodiversity-affirming-care-what-does-it-mean-for-therapy/

Digital Literacy and Social Media Awareness

https://www.digitalrights.community/blog/what-is-digital-literacy

CommonSense Media (Parent Resource) https://www.commonsensemedia.org

Understood.org (Learning Differences, ADHD, Dyslexia) https://www.understood.org

Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) https://chadd.org

Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) https://autisticadvocacy.org

American Psychological Association https://www.apa.org

National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov

If This Episode Helped You

Please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend, parent, teacher, therapist, pastor, or family member.

Every conversation helps reduce stigma, increase understanding, and remind people that they are more than a diagnosis.

Remember:

You are not your label.

You are not your diagnosis.

You are a whole person with strengths, challenges, gifts, and a story still being written.

And wherever you are on your journey, I hope today's conversation encourages you to keep learning, keep growing, and keep moving forward.