Autism Psychiatrists in Parker, CO
![Photo of Kristin Pazdernik, PMHNP, MSN, RN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ebf5d81c-c266-4940-a4b6-3a39ddbb63cc/1/320x400.jpeg)
It takes a lot to reach out for help- I am here for you. I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner recognized by CO state and ANCC. I have experience working in corrections, palliative and hospice care, and child psychiatry and have worked with a wide range of mental health needs such as autism spectrum disorders, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, grief, and more. I aim to remove the stigma of mental health and bring awareness to the community about ways we can support each other.
It takes a lot to reach out for help- I am here for you. I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner recognized by CO state and ANCC. I have experience working in corrections, palliative and hospice care, and child psychiatry and have worked with a wide range of mental health needs such as autism spectrum disorders, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, grief, and more. I aim to remove the stigma of mental health and bring awareness to the community about ways we can support each other.
![Photo of Laurie Reeder, RxN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d578024-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in treating youth who have Autism (ASD).
You can find joy! As an experienced psychiatric nurse practitioner, I have worked extensively with children, adolescents, and adults prescribing medication and providing therapy services. I provide traditional psychiatric services in conjunction with holistic and complementary approaches. I believe that medication may be necessary yet is only part of the healing process. I offer alternatives to medication and help people safely get off psychiatric meds. I frequently order genetic testing and lab tests to evaluate potential root causes to symptoms and medication response.
I specialize in treating youth who have Autism (ASD).
You can find joy! As an experienced psychiatric nurse practitioner, I have worked extensively with children, adolescents, and adults prescribing medication and providing therapy services. I provide traditional psychiatric services in conjunction with holistic and complementary approaches. I believe that medication may be necessary yet is only part of the healing process. I offer alternatives to medication and help people safely get off psychiatric meds. I frequently order genetic testing and lab tests to evaluate potential root causes to symptoms and medication response.
![Photo of Briana Haight - Briana Haight Rocky Heights Wellness , PMHNPBC, APRN, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42920bed-466c-4ee5-b22a-cf86cfef2a56/2/320x400.jpeg)
Briana Haight Rocky Heights Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC, APRN, MSN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Parker, CO 80134
*ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS* OFFERING BOTH IN PERSON AND TELEHEALTH. IMMEDIATE APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE. In network with Cigna, Anthem and United as well as accepting medicaid! Specializing in children and adolescents as well as adults of all ages with mental health concerns. I have worked with individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, attention disorders, trauma disorders and a variety of other mood disorders. I have experience in inpatient, outpatient, crisis stabilization units, and emergency room settings. I also worked in an inpatient eating disorder unit for many years.
*ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS* OFFERING BOTH IN PERSON AND TELEHEALTH. IMMEDIATE APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE. In network with Cigna, Anthem and United as well as accepting medicaid! Specializing in children and adolescents as well as adults of all ages with mental health concerns. I have worked with individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, attention disorders, trauma disorders and a variety of other mood disorders. I have experience in inpatient, outpatient, crisis stabilization units, and emergency room settings. I also worked in an inpatient eating disorder unit for many years.
![Photo of Christopher Archer, PMHNP, GNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1ecb51ad-05c4-4f16-8dd1-ac2802d0c3f3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting New Patients! Christopher Archer, Maj (ret), USAF, PMHNP/GNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (GNP) with nearly 16 years of experience. In 2000, he joined the United States Air Force, where he worked as a clinical nurse in Pediatrics, Family Practice, Flight/Aerospace Medicine, and also had the opportunity to be a team leader on Vice President Dick Cheney's medical support team. Chris is an expert in diagnosing and treating ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Addiction, Stress, Trauma and PTSD - as well as many other conditions.
Accepting New Patients! Christopher Archer, Maj (ret), USAF, PMHNP/GNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (GNP) with nearly 16 years of experience. In 2000, he joined the United States Air Force, where he worked as a clinical nurse in Pediatrics, Family Practice, Flight/Aerospace Medicine, and also had the opportunity to be a team leader on Vice President Dick Cheney's medical support team. Chris is an expert in diagnosing and treating ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Addiction, Stress, Trauma and PTSD - as well as many other conditions.
![Photo of Brittany Nielsen - Wolf Pack Mind & Body, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, PNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/169005ae-4485-476a-883a-74fae5e2f734/1/320x400.jpeg)
Wolf Pack Mind & Body
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, PNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Parker, CO 80134
Accepting New Patients! Are you, your child or teenager experiencing difficulties navigating everyday life? No matter what stage of life you or your loved one are in, we can help navigate through it together. While we see individuals as young as 5 years old and up to 64 years old, we do specialize in children, adolescents and young adults. We strive to break down the mental health stigma and truly listen to others to understand their needs. As a dual board-certified Nurse Practitioner, we work to bring mind and body together incorporating primary care providers and specialists when appropriate.
Accepting New Patients! Are you, your child or teenager experiencing difficulties navigating everyday life? No matter what stage of life you or your loved one are in, we can help navigate through it together. While we see individuals as young as 5 years old and up to 64 years old, we do specialize in children, adolescents and young adults. We strive to break down the mental health stigma and truly listen to others to understand their needs. As a dual board-certified Nurse Practitioner, we work to bring mind and body together incorporating primary care providers and specialists when appropriate.
![Photo of Sidoine Michele Magakou, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3077b5ba-f8d1-42be-bca6-24f7c9e09e90/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sidoine Michele Magakou
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
17 Endorsed
Parker, CO 80134 (Online Only)
Hello! I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of Nursing experience beginning as a CNA, then as a bedside Registered Nurse for over 12 years, many of which were spent in the critical care unit where I worked during the Covid pandemic. My experience during that time cemented my need to care for patients in order to prevent them from finding themselves in that setting. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, listening to podcasts, hiking, and spending time with loved ones when not traveling and learning about other cultures.
Hello! I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of Nursing experience beginning as a CNA, then as a bedside Registered Nurse for over 12 years, many of which were spent in the critical care unit where I worked during the Covid pandemic. My experience during that time cemented my need to care for patients in order to prevent them from finding themselves in that setting. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, listening to podcasts, hiking, and spending time with loved ones when not traveling and learning about other cultures.
![Photo of Alyssa Jennings, PMHNP-B, MSN, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a8dfd38d-7246-48d5-bbe8-106b31cae60b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Alyssa Jennings
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-B, MSN, APRN
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Parker, CO 80134
Accepting New Patients! Now accepting Anthem, United, Cigna, Colorado Medicaid, and Self-Pay clients! Specializing in all ages from children to adults with mental health concerns. I have worked with individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, attention disorders, trauma disorders, eating disorders, and a variety of other mood disorders. I have experience in both inpatient and outpatient care.
Accepting New Patients! Now accepting Anthem, United, Cigna, Colorado Medicaid, and Self-Pay clients! Specializing in all ages from children to adults with mental health concerns. I have worked with individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, attention disorders, trauma disorders, eating disorders, and a variety of other mood disorders. I have experience in both inpatient and outpatient care.
![Photo of Lindsey Steigerwald, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0c281389-62e4-423b-b327-0f8b580d5907/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lindsey Steigerwald
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Parker, CO 80134
Hello, my name is Lindsey. I see kids in the PARKER location. I was born and raised in the state of Colorado. I have 15 years of healthcare experience working directly with patients across the lifespan. Throughout my career, I worked as a nursing assistant, a burn care technician, and a registered nurse. I have worked in multiple settings such as the Neuro ICU, the Burn Unit, as well as the Operating Room. During my nursing career, I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to travel to different surgical centers and hospitals around Colorado and Vermont.
Hello, my name is Lindsey. I see kids in the PARKER location. I was born and raised in the state of Colorado. I have 15 years of healthcare experience working directly with patients across the lifespan. Throughout my career, I worked as a nursing assistant, a burn care technician, and a registered nurse. I have worked in multiple settings such as the Neuro ICU, the Burn Unit, as well as the Operating Room. During my nursing career, I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to travel to different surgical centers and hospitals around Colorado and Vermont.
![Photo of Jordan Nguyen, PA, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dfb83772-fbc4-47e7-8f15-2dfe8e9681d4/2/320x400.jpeg)
All journeys begin with a single step, and we can take that step together. Above all else, my goal as a mental health provider is to make sure that you feel understood while offering treatment plans that are personalized, evidence-based, and aligned with your comfort level. I will be your advocate and together we can get you feeling like your best self.
All journeys begin with a single step, and we can take that step together. Above all else, my goal as a mental health provider is to make sure that you feel understood while offering treatment plans that are personalized, evidence-based, and aligned with your comfort level. I will be your advocate and together we can get you feeling like your best self.
![Photo of Jeanna Lee Dietz, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/61d9ade8-2376-44e9-884a-3e4ad6b41d7f/2/320x400.jpeg)
I started my nursing career in North Carolina after graduating from a private nursing school where I was awarded Student of the Year in 2004. I worked several years in Pediatrics and Maternity Nursing before finding my passion for working with those suffering from mental illness and substance use disorders. I now have two master's degrees in nursing (Nursing Education, and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner) and have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with all varieties of mental illness and addiction. I have additional training in perinatal psychiatry.
I started my nursing career in North Carolina after graduating from a private nursing school where I was awarded Student of the Year in 2004. I worked several years in Pediatrics and Maternity Nursing before finding my passion for working with those suffering from mental illness and substance use disorders. I now have two master's degrees in nursing (Nursing Education, and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner) and have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with all varieties of mental illness and addiction. I have additional training in perinatal psychiatry.
![Photo of Melanie Sida - Ketamine and Spravato at Mindful Minds Psychiatry, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5d380bff-d44a-4097-ad2d-71b769237fd1/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ketamine and Spravato at Mindful Minds Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Parker, CO 80134
Ketamine is a relatively new and innovative psychiatric/psychological treatment approach, involving ketamine administration in a safe and supportive setting. The exact nature of the treatment process varies depending on the particular problems being treated and the specific individual’s needs and goals. Initial sessions will involve an evaluation of a patient’s: current problems, concerns, and needs; prior history and review of current or ongoing treatment; overall health/medical condition; and an assessment of the potential suitability and viability of this type of treatment for that patient.
Ketamine is a relatively new and innovative psychiatric/psychological treatment approach, involving ketamine administration in a safe and supportive setting. The exact nature of the treatment process varies depending on the particular problems being treated and the specific individual’s needs and goals. Initial sessions will involve an evaluation of a patient’s: current problems, concerns, and needs; prior history and review of current or ongoing treatment; overall health/medical condition; and an assessment of the potential suitability and viability of this type of treatment for that patient.
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![Photo of Clarisa Hernandez-Koogle, MSN, PMHNP-, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c71f7b9e-a3db-4ab0-adeb-4543e3e53f41/1/320x400.jpeg)
Clarisa Hernandez-Koogle
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP-
Verified Verified
Parker, CO 80138
Clarisa Hernandez-Koogle is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who is dedicated to helping patients define and live their best lives by providing empathetic, non-judgmental, and patient-centered mental health care. Serving the communities in Colorado, she tailors her assessments and treatments to meet the unique needs of each individual, ensuring that every patient receives the optimal care they deserve. Specializing in substance abuse and medication management, Clarisa offers comprehensive support to those struggling with addiction, anxiety, and depression.
Clarisa Hernandez-Koogle is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who is dedicated to helping patients define and live their best lives by providing empathetic, non-judgmental, and patient-centered mental health care. Serving the communities in Colorado, she tailors her assessments and treatments to meet the unique needs of each individual, ensuring that every patient receives the optimal care they deserve. Specializing in substance abuse and medication management, Clarisa offers comprehensive support to those struggling with addiction, anxiety, and depression.
![Photo of Michele Groetzinger, FNP-C, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/638f8344-156b-4c22-b4fa-97005d8b88fd/1/320x400.jpeg)
Michele Groetzinger
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP-C, PMHNP
Verified Verified
20 Endorsed
Parker, CO 80138 (Online Only)
My experience as a nurse expends 20 years and includes nursing education and emergency room practice. My experience as a provider is 10 years and includes emergency medicine, family practice, geriatrics and practicing as a sexual assault nurse examiner for almost 18 years. My hobbies include cooking and traveling with family and friends. I am a dog lover and proud mother to 2 english bulldogs and 3 human children.
My experience as a nurse expends 20 years and includes nursing education and emergency room practice. My experience as a provider is 10 years and includes emergency medicine, family practice, geriatrics and practicing as a sexual assault nurse examiner for almost 18 years. My hobbies include cooking and traveling with family and friends. I am a dog lover and proud mother to 2 english bulldogs and 3 human children.
![Photo of Katie Farley, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bef8a2b4-f933-4439-ba18-ddc74b168ce5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Katie Farley
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Parker, CO 80134
Hi there! I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). I have over 13 years of nursing experience and have worked in numerous settings including medical oncology, med surg, surgery, infusion therapy, and nurse navigation. My most recent position before joining Mindful Minds Psychiatry, I worked as a registered nurse on an acute inpatient psychiatric unit where we treated adult patients with various mental health disorders including mood, anxiety, psychotic illnesses, substance use, and disorders requiring acute stabilization.
Hi there! I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). I have over 13 years of nursing experience and have worked in numerous settings including medical oncology, med surg, surgery, infusion therapy, and nurse navigation. My most recent position before joining Mindful Minds Psychiatry, I worked as a registered nurse on an acute inpatient psychiatric unit where we treated adult patients with various mental health disorders including mood, anxiety, psychotic illnesses, substance use, and disorders requiring acute stabilization.
![Photo of Alexa Potts, DNP, APN, PMHNPBC, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d9f5542b-7974-4930-a499-e72fab5d7a20/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alexa Potts
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APN, PMHNPBC, MSN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Parker, CO 80134
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS *Accepts Medicaid including CO Access, Health First, RMHP, CHP+ Anthem/BCBS, United, and limited Cigna/Evernorth* I'm a Board Certified Doctor of Nursing Practice who believes that heart, soul, hope, and intention are just a few curative factors that can facilitate healing. I make listening to my patients my top priority, and I stand by providing kind, safe, ethical, and honest care, which includes providing adequate medication education. I believe in a whole-person, humanistic approach. Please find our website at www.rockyheightswellness.com.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS *Accepts Medicaid including CO Access, Health First, RMHP, CHP+ Anthem/BCBS, United, and limited Cigna/Evernorth* I'm a Board Certified Doctor of Nursing Practice who believes that heart, soul, hope, and intention are just a few curative factors that can facilitate healing. I make listening to my patients my top priority, and I stand by providing kind, safe, ethical, and honest care, which includes providing adequate medication education. I believe in a whole-person, humanistic approach. Please find our website at www.rockyheightswellness.com.
![Photo of Brittany Rideaux, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f470b8e8-eedc-4e10-ad64-1568795a3fc0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Brittany Rideaux
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
16 Endorsed
Parker, CO 80134 (Online Only)
Hello! I am a PMHNP that hails from Oklahoma City. I started my career in the nursing field 16 years ago and began as a medical assistant. I later became a CNA, then a registered nurse. I have worked both inpatient and outpatient behavioral health for many years before becoming a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I enjoy spending time with my family and have an 18 year old step son that is in college, a daughter headed to college next year, a three year old son, and a 1 year old daughter. I love caring for others as it is one of my passions in life.
Hello! I am a PMHNP that hails from Oklahoma City. I started my career in the nursing field 16 years ago and began as a medical assistant. I later became a CNA, then a registered nurse. I have worked both inpatient and outpatient behavioral health for many years before becoming a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I enjoy spending time with my family and have an 18 year old step son that is in college, a daughter headed to college next year, a three year old son, and a 1 year old daughter. I love caring for others as it is one of my passions in life.
![Photo of Jeanna Lee Dietz, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8268df9b-147e-427a-a01d-b71333e0c2ad/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jeanna Lee Dietz
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Parker, CO 80134 (Online Only)
I have a true passion for mental health and for helping others. People often ask why I chose Psychiatry, and I respond that it chose me. I was a registered nurse for 17 years prior to embarking on this journey as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I've taught mental health to nursing students for several years, then started working as a Psych NP in 2018. I've worked with patients of all acuities and diagnoses, including substance abuse, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, OCD, PTSD, and ADHD. I am comfortable treating children and adults and have additional training in perinatal psychiatry(pregnancy and post-partum)
I have a true passion for mental health and for helping others. People often ask why I chose Psychiatry, and I respond that it chose me. I was a registered nurse for 17 years prior to embarking on this journey as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I've taught mental health to nursing students for several years, then started working as a Psych NP in 2018. I've worked with patients of all acuities and diagnoses, including substance abuse, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, OCD, PTSD, and ADHD. I am comfortable treating children and adults and have additional training in perinatal psychiatry(pregnancy and post-partum)
![Photo of Annmarie Kropp, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/681294a9-3039-46d7-8c15-3d39893b792d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Annmarie Kropp
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Parker, CO 80138 (Online Only)
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and family nurse practitioner based in Denver, Colorado. I received my doctorate degree in family nursing practice from The University of Arizona in 2016. After completing my degree, I worked in pediatric neurology for over 4.5 years. I have always had an interest in psychiatry which prompted me to pursue my postgraduate certificate in psychiatric mental health. I gained most of my psychiatric experience during my clinical rotations.
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and family nurse practitioner based in Denver, Colorado. I received my doctorate degree in family nursing practice from The University of Arizona in 2016. After completing my degree, I worked in pediatric neurology for over 4.5 years. I have always had an interest in psychiatry which prompted me to pursue my postgraduate certificate in psychiatric mental health. I gained most of my psychiatric experience during my clinical rotations.
![Photo of Alicia Ciliezar, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/85cb2801-7009-42aa-8444-1df4ebbbf533/3/320x400.png)
Need URGENT psychiatric care? Book a Free 10 minutes Consultation Call 888-877-7022 now to start your healing journey. We understand how stress, anxiety, ADHD, depression, burnout, & overwhelming emotions can prevent you from living your best life. At AB Holistic, we believe in a compassionate, integrative approach. We offer personalized treatment plans that include traditional medications, therapy, counseling & holistic therapies to address the root causes of your distress. We're dedicated to supporting you every step of the way. Find the relief you deserve. We offer flexible hours, and have telehealth options available.
Need URGENT psychiatric care? Book a Free 10 minutes Consultation Call 888-877-7022 now to start your healing journey. We understand how stress, anxiety, ADHD, depression, burnout, & overwhelming emotions can prevent you from living your best life. At AB Holistic, we believe in a compassionate, integrative approach. We offer personalized treatment plans that include traditional medications, therapy, counseling & holistic therapies to address the root causes of your distress. We're dedicated to supporting you every step of the way. Find the relief you deserve. We offer flexible hours, and have telehealth options available.
![Photo of Chelsey Lahr, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a1598fc1-40da-4e5c-9d90-e3d27c9d6853/2/320x400.jpeg)
Chelsey Lahr
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Parker, CO 80134
You deserve a care experience that is safe, empowering, and free from judgment. That's why I am committed to providing just that - a positive and supportive space where you can feel confident and understood. Since beginning my work as a psychiatric nurse practitioner in 2015, I have been dedicated to supporting adults facing challenges such as food addiction, depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, or bipolar disorder/mood disorders. I believe in building lasting therapeutic relationships with my clients, taking the time to understand their unique circumstances and symptoms, and together creating a treatment plan.
You deserve a care experience that is safe, empowering, and free from judgment. That's why I am committed to providing just that - a positive and supportive space where you can feel confident and understood. Since beginning my work as a psychiatric nurse practitioner in 2015, I have been dedicated to supporting adults facing challenges such as food addiction, depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, or bipolar disorder/mood disorders. I believe in building lasting therapeutic relationships with my clients, taking the time to understand their unique circumstances and symptoms, and together creating a treatment plan.
See more therapy options for Parker
Nearby Autism Psychiatrists Searches for Parker
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Autism Psychiatrists
What is the most effective treatment for autism?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has come to be considered the standard treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder, and research has confirmed its effectiveness for many children. Therapists trained in ABA techniques work with children (and their parents) on developing social skills, communication and learning abilities, and everyday habits of hygiene and grooming. The clinician will tailor their program to the child’s particular need but the overarching goal will be to help them advance as far as possible toward independence based on their level of symptoms and decrease the need for additional special services. Families should seek a mental health professional specifically trained in ABA, and holding special certification in the technique, who has extensive experience not only with the approach but in using it with children with the same level of symptoms as the child who needs care.
How does ABA work?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) sessions, which typically focus on positive reinforcement, can be intensive, lasting two or more hours several times a week, and continuing for two years or more. Therapists can also be expected to ask parents to take an active role in reinforcing lessons. Research has found that the technique can lead to major improvements that decrease the need for additional special services.
How does treatment for autism work?
Therapy sessions based on Applied Behavior Analysis will likely be frequent, intensive, and highly structured. After a thorough assessment, a therapist will help a child understand and develop skills in a range of areas, including communication, motor skills, social skills, self-care, play, and academic skills, as well as routines of daily living like hygiene. Typically, the therapist will help a child break down the components of a behavior—often referred to as the antecedent (what prompts an action), the behavior, and the consequence(what immediately follows)—and then reward the child at every step, while also asking parents to reinforce the lessons, and the rewards, throughout the day. This core therapy may be supplemented by occupational or speech therapy, and antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants may be prescribed to address specific severe symptoms.
How long does therapy for autism take?
Some people with autism spectrum disorder may be engaged in some level of therapy for many years, but research shows that treatment will be most effective if it is begun early and delivered intensively. When therapy begins by age 3, children tend to be better able to grasp and adopt the skills needed to manage everyday life, including attending school and establishing social relationships. This type of early-intervention treatment regimen is highly structured, typically involving 20 to 40 hours of one-on-one therapy per week, along with additional hours of engagement managed by parents, for a period of two years or more, although the duration of treatment is dependent on the child’s level of symptoms and pace of progress.