Autism Therapists in Los Gatos, CA
Hailey Williford
Associate Clinical Social Worker, LMSW, ASW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Gatos, CA 95032 (Online Only)
Hi there! I'm a neurodiverse therapist specializing in ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, life transitions, identity work, OCD, religious trauma, and LGBTQ+ topics seeing clients via telehealth. I love working with those who are looking to set goals or are in a period of uncertainty. If you are someone who feels stuck, are in a transition phase of your life, or are looking for help navigating challenges, we can work together to find clarity. As a neurodiverse person myself, I take pride in creating a neurodiverse-affirming space for my clients, free from shame or judgement.
Hi there! I'm a neurodiverse therapist specializing in ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, life transitions, identity work, OCD, religious trauma, and LGBTQ+ topics seeing clients via telehealth. I love working with those who are looking to set goals or are in a period of uncertainty. If you are someone who feels stuck, are in a transition phase of your life, or are looking for help navigating challenges, we can work together to find clarity. As a neurodiverse person myself, I take pride in creating a neurodiverse-affirming space for my clients, free from shame or judgement.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist, bilingual in Spanish, with over 12 years of experience counseling children, adolescents, and adults. I work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, grief and loss, life transitions, parenting issues, work stress and cultural diversity. I have a specialty interest in children on the autism spectrum and children with special needs. I also work with adults individually to address challenges in everyday life and to help clients develop better coping skills.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist, bilingual in Spanish, with over 12 years of experience counseling children, adolescents, and adults. I work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, grief and loss, life transitions, parenting issues, work stress and cultural diversity. I have a specialty interest in children on the autism spectrum and children with special needs. I also work with adults individually to address challenges in everyday life and to help clients develop better coping skills.
Felice Hensley
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Waitlist for new clients
I focus on working with neurodivergent individuals ( Autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences, and other forms of neurodivergence).
Beginning therapy is a great way to prioritize and care for yourself. This can be a nourishing and validating experience, especially if you have been misunderstood or feel your needs are often dismissed. Therapy will be a collaborative effort, as I support you in working toward your goals. I am here to help you honor your needs, and discover how to implement them into your daily life. My approach is individualized, compassionate, and direct. I am affirming of neurodiversity, curious, and maintain flexibility in the process. I believe you are the expert on your experience and identity.
I focus on working with neurodivergent individuals ( Autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences, and other forms of neurodivergence).
Beginning therapy is a great way to prioritize and care for yourself. This can be a nourishing and validating experience, especially if you have been misunderstood or feel your needs are often dismissed. Therapy will be a collaborative effort, as I support you in working toward your goals. I am here to help you honor your needs, and discover how to implement them into your daily life. My approach is individualized, compassionate, and direct. I am affirming of neurodiversity, curious, and maintain flexibility in the process. I believe you are the expert on your experience and identity.
Laura Johnston
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, NCC
Verified Verified
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Waitlist for new clients
I also have experience with late-diagnosed autism.
Hi, I’m Laura. Welcome! I bring warmth, knowledge, and humor to the therapy room. I love working with autistic teens & adults, artists/creatives, and the LGBTQIA+ community. We are all complex beings and a dynamic approach is needed to honor that. I care to understand you and show up as a steady base as we work together toward your goals, collaborating with your system rather than trying to force it to be different. Who and how you are is welcome here.
I also have experience with late-diagnosed autism.
Hi, I’m Laura. Welcome! I bring warmth, knowledge, and humor to the therapy room. I love working with autistic teens & adults, artists/creatives, and the LGBTQIA+ community. We are all complex beings and a dynamic approach is needed to honor that. I care to understand you and show up as a steady base as we work together toward your goals, collaborating with your system rather than trying to force it to be different. Who and how you are is welcome here.
As a parent or guardian, you may have concerns about your child’s school performance, learning difficulties, and attention or hyperactivity. Dr. Haupenthal wants to help your child succeed academically and emotionally to the best of his/her abilities. Dr. Haupenthal is bilingual, English/Spanish and provides child, adolescent, and college student testing including concerns with ADHD, intellectual disability, autism, learning and language difficulties, behavior issues at home and/or school, low academic performance, anxiety, and depression. Dr. Haupenthal also provides IQ testing for school entrance and psychotherapy services.
As a parent or guardian, you may have concerns about your child’s school performance, learning difficulties, and attention or hyperactivity. Dr. Haupenthal wants to help your child succeed academically and emotionally to the best of his/her abilities. Dr. Haupenthal is bilingual, English/Spanish and provides child, adolescent, and college student testing including concerns with ADHD, intellectual disability, autism, learning and language difficulties, behavior issues at home and/or school, low academic performance, anxiety, and depression. Dr. Haupenthal also provides IQ testing for school entrance and psychotherapy services.
Dr. Thomas Lucking, PhD
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Autism/Asperger’s, ADHD, and digital addiction are specialties in my practice.
Change and growth are hard but regressive change is ultimately harder. My approach to change is integrative: mind, body, spirit, social. My decades of experience enable me to bring objectivity, knowledge, and compassion to our task of uncovering your truth and your path to individual and relational health. As a psychology professor I stay current with new research. I use a diverse set of tools to help you achieve your goals: IFS, CBT, EFT, EMDR, trauma-informed therapy, and Neurofeedback. I am a communications expert who uses powerful tools to implement research-backed processes to help your relationships thrive.
Autism/Asperger’s, ADHD, and digital addiction are specialties in my practice.
Change and growth are hard but regressive change is ultimately harder. My approach to change is integrative: mind, body, spirit, social. My decades of experience enable me to bring objectivity, knowledge, and compassion to our task of uncovering your truth and your path to individual and relational health. As a psychology professor I stay current with new research. I use a diverse set of tools to help you achieve your goals: IFS, CBT, EFT, EMDR, trauma-informed therapy, and Neurofeedback. I am a communications expert who uses powerful tools to implement research-backed processes to help your relationships thrive.
Cynthia Haartman: Psychotherapy, EMDR, Sex Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CST
Verified Verified
13 Endorsed
Los Gatos, CA 95032 (Online Only)
I am a Certified Sex Therapist, and also Certified in EMDR Therapy. My primary focus includes: intimacy and sexuality concerns, pelvic pain, fear and anxiety around intimacy, stress, trauma, anxiety, self worth, guilt and shame, neurodivergence - specifically ADHD and high masking Autism, chronic pain and chronic illness, as well as medical trauma, and manifestation of stress physically in the body. I am kink affirming and knowledgable, LGBTQ+/sexual and gender minority inclusive, and a sex positive provider.
I am a Certified Sex Therapist, and also Certified in EMDR Therapy. My primary focus includes: intimacy and sexuality concerns, pelvic pain, fear and anxiety around intimacy, stress, trauma, anxiety, self worth, guilt and shame, neurodivergence - specifically ADHD and high masking Autism, chronic pain and chronic illness, as well as medical trauma, and manifestation of stress physically in the body. I am kink affirming and knowledgable, LGBTQ+/sexual and gender minority inclusive, and a sex positive provider.
Is your child struggling? Are you wondering if there might be something going on for them, such as a learning, emotional, or attention difference? Perhaps, you suspect that your child is gifted or twice-exceptional. I can help. I provide evidence-based, strengths-focused assessment, therapy, and consultation services for children, teens, and young adults, and their families. My areas of expertise are in giftedness, twice exceptionality, learning differences, Autism, ADHD, social processing, and anxiety.
Is your child struggling? Are you wondering if there might be something going on for them, such as a learning, emotional, or attention difference? Perhaps, you suspect that your child is gifted or twice-exceptional. I can help. I provide evidence-based, strengths-focused assessment, therapy, and consultation services for children, teens, and young adults, and their families. My areas of expertise are in giftedness, twice exceptionality, learning differences, Autism, ADHD, social processing, and anxiety.
Peter Adler PhD Licensed Psychologist, Inc.
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Gatos, CA 95032 (Online Only)
With Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MSBR) techniques, I treat Anxiety, OCD, Panic, Excessive Worry, Depression, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Insomnia, Chronic Pain, Anger, Relationship Difficulties, Marital and Family Discord, Grief, Life Transition Issues, School Problems, and Social Skills Difficulties.
I believe in the capacity of each person to transcend obstacles and problems. Through caring, empathic support, I assist you to tap into your strengths and use these to overcome the problems bringing you to treatment. I listen deeply and help you tap into your inner strengths to overcome challenges. We work collaboratively to find solutions and address your concerns with my knowledge of effective treatments. I've helped adults, children, and adolescents for over thirty years. Feel free to contact me. I'd be happy to provide more information and answer any questions.
With Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MSBR) techniques, I treat Anxiety, OCD, Panic, Excessive Worry, Depression, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Insomnia, Chronic Pain, Anger, Relationship Difficulties, Marital and Family Discord, Grief, Life Transition Issues, School Problems, and Social Skills Difficulties.
I believe in the capacity of each person to transcend obstacles and problems. Through caring, empathic support, I assist you to tap into your strengths and use these to overcome the problems bringing you to treatment. I listen deeply and help you tap into your inner strengths to overcome challenges. We work collaboratively to find solutions and address your concerns with my knowledge of effective treatments. I've helped adults, children, and adolescents for over thirty years. Feel free to contact me. I'd be happy to provide more information and answer any questions.
Itzel Selene Lopez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Gatos, CA 95030 (Online Only)
Everyone deserves a safe space to process their trauma and mental health struggles. In my practice, I provide individuals, couples, children, adolescents and parents with a judgment free environment to be able to talk about/ express their emotions around difficult topics. I have experience in working with individuals who are struggling with Complex PTSD, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from childhood sexual abuse and other traumatic experiences as well as Depression, Anxiety . I am also trained to work with those who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, developmental disabilities, and their families to improve mental health.
Everyone deserves a safe space to process their trauma and mental health struggles. In my practice, I provide individuals, couples, children, adolescents and parents with a judgment free environment to be able to talk about/ express their emotions around difficult topics. I have experience in working with individuals who are struggling with Complex PTSD, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from childhood sexual abuse and other traumatic experiences as well as Depression, Anxiety . I am also trained to work with those who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, developmental disabilities, and their families to improve mental health.
Dr. Amber M Sepsey
Psychologist, PhD, LP, 200 RYT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Waitlist for new clients
Dr. Sepsey is a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of Meraki Psychological Services. She serves children, teens, parents, and emerging adults in Michigan and California. Dr. Sepsey offers therapeutic intervention, neurodevelopmental evaluation, and school advocacy services. She has acquired advanced training at leading institutions including Stanford University and Children’s Hospital of Michigan, where she has gained clinical specialization in working with pediatric chronic pain and illness, as well as supporting individuals across the lifespan to navigate depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, and autism.
Dr. Sepsey is a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of Meraki Psychological Services. She serves children, teens, parents, and emerging adults in Michigan and California. Dr. Sepsey offers therapeutic intervention, neurodevelopmental evaluation, and school advocacy services. She has acquired advanced training at leading institutions including Stanford University and Children’s Hospital of Michigan, where she has gained clinical specialization in working with pediatric chronic pain and illness, as well as supporting individuals across the lifespan to navigate depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, and autism.
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Hailey Williford
Dr. Thomas Lucking, PhD
Anna Hung
Talk-a-While, Child & Family Therapy Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Gatos, CA 95032
We also focus on providing services for our neurodiverse clients struggling with physical, developmental, behavioral/emotional, and sensory challenges including autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, ODD, learning difficulties and processing disorders.
Our team consists of experienced, fully-licensed therapists that provide outpatient therapeutic services for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families based on a relational theory framework where each individual can learn the importance of mutual empathy and empowerment within their current relationships. My name is Karina and I am the Co-Founder of Talk-a-While, Child & Family Therapy Center PC. I’m a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and I specialize in working with children and adolescents with neurodiverse challenges; however, I also enjoy working with adults and couples.
We also focus on providing services for our neurodiverse clients struggling with physical, developmental, behavioral/emotional, and sensory challenges including autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, ODD, learning difficulties and processing disorders.
Our team consists of experienced, fully-licensed therapists that provide outpatient therapeutic services for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families based on a relational theory framework where each individual can learn the importance of mutual empathy and empowerment within their current relationships. My name is Karina and I am the Co-Founder of Talk-a-While, Child & Family Therapy Center PC. I’m a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and I specialize in working with children and adolescents with neurodiverse challenges; however, I also enjoy working with adults and couples.
Life is constantly presenting us with change. Just when we might feel like we know what the day will bring, there might be something around the corner that takes us by surprise; maybe even something that has been there that we didn't even notice before! With change, comes thoughts and feelings we might not be ready to have, such anxiety, sadness, and fear. Coping with these changes can be difficult at times and we might need a little support. One of these unexpected events might be the diagnosis of a developmental delay, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Life is constantly presenting us with change. Just when we might feel like we know what the day will bring, there might be something around the corner that takes us by surprise; maybe even something that has been there that we didn't even notice before! With change, comes thoughts and feelings we might not be ready to have, such anxiety, sadness, and fear. Coping with these changes can be difficult at times and we might need a little support. One of these unexpected events might be the diagnosis of a developmental delay, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder.
I have a specialty interest and comprehensive clinical experience with diagnostic testing for ADHD and autism.
Perfectionism, procrastination, social withdrawal, and oppositional behaviors can be a common part of child development in today's culture of hyper-achievement combined with technology. Child and adolescent behaviors viewed as problematic are frequently communications to those closest to them about a difficulty they are experiencing in their world. I work with children and with families who are struggling to understand their child's academic, behavioral, and emotional struggles.
I have a specialty interest and comprehensive clinical experience with diagnostic testing for ADHD and autism.
Perfectionism, procrastination, social withdrawal, and oppositional behaviors can be a common part of child development in today's culture of hyper-achievement combined with technology. Child and adolescent behaviors viewed as problematic are frequently communications to those closest to them about a difficulty they are experiencing in their world. I work with children and with families who are struggling to understand their child's academic, behavioral, and emotional struggles.
I specialize in testing and diagnosis of Autism and ADHD.
Is your child having behavioral issues that seem more extreme than other children? Does he or she have sensory issues and/or difficulty with transitions? Do you wonder whether you are pushing them too hard, or not hard enough? Do you feel that your child's pediatrician/school or others in his or her life are minimizing your concerns for your child? I have dedicated my career to helping parents fully understand their children's developmental, intellectual, social and academic strengths and weaknesses as well as ruling in or out neurodevelopmental diagnoses, thereby enabling your child to qualify for services the may be entitled to.
I specialize in testing and diagnosis of Autism and ADHD.
Is your child having behavioral issues that seem more extreme than other children? Does he or she have sensory issues and/or difficulty with transitions? Do you wonder whether you are pushing them too hard, or not hard enough? Do you feel that your child's pediatrician/school or others in his or her life are minimizing your concerns for your child? I have dedicated my career to helping parents fully understand their children's developmental, intellectual, social and academic strengths and weaknesses as well as ruling in or out neurodevelopmental diagnoses, thereby enabling your child to qualify for services the may be entitled to.
I bring curiosity, warmth, and humor to my relationships with clients in therapy. I enjoy working with teenagers and adults who are looking for support through times of growth and change. These periods can be catalysts to cultivating a deeper understanding of who we are. I use a holistic approach, drawing from a variety of theories and modalities, to provide a wide array of emotional and behavioral tools. I look forward to helping you work toward specific goals, or provide support on an ongoing basis.
I bring curiosity, warmth, and humor to my relationships with clients in therapy. I enjoy working with teenagers and adults who are looking for support through times of growth and change. These periods can be catalysts to cultivating a deeper understanding of who we are. I use a holistic approach, drawing from a variety of theories and modalities, to provide a wide array of emotional and behavioral tools. I look forward to helping you work toward specific goals, or provide support on an ongoing basis.
Life is filled with transitions, changes, growth, and honestly sometimes, even regressions. But that is okay. And even better, you do NOT have to go it alone. Let me walk through the darkness with you and we can find the way out together. Let me help you discover your strengths. Let me guide you getting your life back on track. Therapy does not have to be scary or intimidating. Therapy does not require prior experience. Therapy also does not have to be all talk about feelings for an hour. We can draw, we can take a walk, we can cry, we can laugh, we can even meet virtually! Therapy with me will be about you and your needs.
Life is filled with transitions, changes, growth, and honestly sometimes, even regressions. But that is okay. And even better, you do NOT have to go it alone. Let me walk through the darkness with you and we can find the way out together. Let me help you discover your strengths. Let me guide you getting your life back on track. Therapy does not have to be scary or intimidating. Therapy does not require prior experience. Therapy also does not have to be all talk about feelings for an hour. We can draw, we can take a walk, we can cry, we can laugh, we can even meet virtually! Therapy with me will be about you and your needs.
I believe living a successful life is a process. I have to laugh at the expression,"Expect the Unexpected," because it is so true! In order to navigate through a life of uncertainty, you may need support or guidance during the more difficult stages. I am here so you don't have to go it alone. My goal is to create a safe environment for you to explore your personal needs. I would be honored to assist you with navigating life transitions such as job relocations, marriage conflicts, parenting challenges, major life decisions or empty nest syndrome.
I believe living a successful life is a process. I have to laugh at the expression,"Expect the Unexpected," because it is so true! In order to navigate through a life of uncertainty, you may need support or guidance during the more difficult stages. I am here so you don't have to go it alone. My goal is to create a safe environment for you to explore your personal needs. I would be honored to assist you with navigating life transitions such as job relocations, marriage conflicts, parenting challenges, major life decisions or empty nest syndrome.
David N Rubin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, PPSC, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Gatos, CA 95030 (Online Only)
Congratulations on taking the first step toward healing. One of the most difficult things is to find a therapist who you feel "gets" you, that you feel you can build rapport with. I am a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and have experience working with children, adolescents and adults, those suffering from trauma, sexual assault, grief and loss, and those struggling with school issues (academic under achievement, bullying, emotional disturbance, students with IEPs) providing services via Google Meet, video phone.
Congratulations on taking the first step toward healing. One of the most difficult things is to find a therapist who you feel "gets" you, that you feel you can build rapport with. I am a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and have experience working with children, adolescents and adults, those suffering from trauma, sexual assault, grief and loss, and those struggling with school issues (academic under achievement, bullying, emotional disturbance, students with IEPs) providing services via Google Meet, video phone.
In Person Sessions Available. I provide Couples Therapy, including; Relationship & Marital, Sexual Intimacy issues, Desire Discrepancy, Infidelity, and Individual Therapy for Anxiety, PMDD and PME. I help couples deepen their intimacy, improve communication, and resolve long standing conflicts. I am trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy, Gottman, Sex Therapy, and 3rd wave Behavioral Approaches (DBT, ACT). I have a Sexual Health Certificate in Sex Therapy from University of Michigan and am a member of AASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists.
In Person Sessions Available. I provide Couples Therapy, including; Relationship & Marital, Sexual Intimacy issues, Desire Discrepancy, Infidelity, and Individual Therapy for Anxiety, PMDD and PME. I help couples deepen their intimacy, improve communication, and resolve long standing conflicts. I am trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy, Gottman, Sex Therapy, and 3rd wave Behavioral Approaches (DBT, ACT). I have a Sexual Health Certificate in Sex Therapy from University of Michigan and am a member of AASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists.
See more therapy options for Los Gatos
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Autism Therapists
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.