Autism Therapists in Martinez, CA

Photo of Valerie Sonnikson, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Valerie Sonnikson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Martinez, CA 94553
If you or your child has autism, you probably already know that finding a therapist knowledgeable about autism is hard.
All members of a family have an important job. I believe in a family-centered approach that prioritizes connection which promotes resilience in children and their families. As a parent/caregiver, you deserve a space to process your experiences and feelings that arise when caring for a child. Children encounter challenges at every stage of development. Whether these difficulties are typical for their age or arise from unexpected stressors affecting the child or family, seeking counseling might be beneficial. I have decades of experience working with children and find ease and joy in building rapport with kids.
If you or your child has autism, you probably already know that finding a therapist knowledgeable about autism is hard.
All members of a family have an important job. I believe in a family-centered approach that prioritizes connection which promotes resilience in children and their families. As a parent/caregiver, you deserve a space to process your experiences and feelings that arise when caring for a child. Children encounter challenges at every stage of development. Whether these difficulties are typical for their age or arise from unexpected stressors affecting the child or family, seeking counseling might be beneficial. I have decades of experience working with children and find ease and joy in building rapport with kids.
(925) 397-3491 View (925) 397-3491
Photo of Natasha Griffin, MA, LMFT, LPCC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Natasha Griffin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Martinez, CA 94553  (Online Only)
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Do you notice symptoms of anxiety and depression impacting your daily life? Are you searching for tools to overcome stress and relational strains?
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Do you notice symptoms of anxiety and depression impacting your daily life? Are you searching for tools to overcome stress and relational strains?
(925) 281-3064 View (925) 281-3064
Photo of Brandi Shae Ellis, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Brandi Shae Ellis
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Martinez, CA 94553  (Online Only)
Brandi uses the following individualized & evidence based approaches during treatment: • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) • Trauma-informed Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) • Motivational Interviewing • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) •
Brandi uses the following individualized & evidence based approaches during treatment: • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) • Trauma-informed Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) • Motivational Interviewing • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) •
(925) 578-2569 View (925) 578-2569
Photo of Candace Selover, PsyD , Psychologist
Candace Selover
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Martinez, CA 94553  (Online Only)
No one ever said how much you will care for your clients as a therapist. Or how invested you become in their healing journey. Areas of focus include: women’s health issues; male specific difficulties; chronic pain; trauma; family therapy; and working with adolescents. Additional specializations include working with Veterans, law enforcement personnel and first responders. I use an integrative therapeutic approach and am passionate about structuring therapy and evaluations to best fit the needs of the client.
No one ever said how much you will care for your clients as a therapist. Or how invested you become in their healing journey. Areas of focus include: women’s health issues; male specific difficulties; chronic pain; trauma; family therapy; and working with adolescents. Additional specializations include working with Veterans, law enforcement personnel and first responders. I use an integrative therapeutic approach and am passionate about structuring therapy and evaluations to best fit the needs of the client.
(925) 940-1473 View (925) 940-1473
Photo of Stacey Tisler, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Stacey Tisler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Martinez, CA 94553
Hello, my name is Stacey. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Bakersfield, California. I am passionate about my work and providing an opportunity to help individuals and families cope with life's challenges and work towards healing and creating a life worth living. I work well with children, adolescents, and young adults; however, I have the ability to engage with and work with any age group. I also have the ability to engage with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and ethnicities.
Hello, my name is Stacey. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Bakersfield, California. I am passionate about my work and providing an opportunity to help individuals and families cope with life's challenges and work towards healing and creating a life worth living. I work well with children, adolescents, and young adults; however, I have the ability to engage with and work with any age group. I also have the ability to engage with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and ethnicities.
(661) 903-8622 View (661) 903-8622
Photo of Gisoo Mohandesi, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Gisoo Mohandesi
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Martinez, CA 94553
Hello, I am Gisoo Mohandesi, a licensed marriage and family therapist (License 10875), with over (10 years) of professional experience. As a professional, who is passionate about helping individuals, children, adolescents, and families, I believe that the way to help my clients cultivate well-being is to understand them as human beings and not just their struggles.I believe we are not defined by our hardships, but rather can learn how to use them towards building self-awareness and enhancing our strengths.
Hello, I am Gisoo Mohandesi, a licensed marriage and family therapist (License 10875), with over (10 years) of professional experience. As a professional, who is passionate about helping individuals, children, adolescents, and families, I believe that the way to help my clients cultivate well-being is to understand them as human beings and not just their struggles.I believe we are not defined by our hardships, but rather can learn how to use them towards building self-awareness and enhancing our strengths.
(916) 656-0708 View (916) 656-0708

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Arwin Cotas-Girard - Arwin Cotas-Girard, PsyD, PsyD, Psychologist
Arwin Cotas-Girard, PsyD
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in child and adolescent therapy and comprehensive psychological assessment services for all ages. I also specialize in the evaluation of Autism Spectrum Disorder, particularly for girls and women. I am trained in Therapeutic Assessments and consider my evaluations to be brief therapeutic interventions that may allow healing and change to occur through the process of self-discovery and reworking of narratives. I work collaboratively with my clients, their caregivers, and other important people and systems in their lives to gain a comprehensive understanding of their needs.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in child and adolescent therapy and comprehensive psychological assessment services for all ages. I also specialize in the evaluation of Autism Spectrum Disorder, particularly for girls and women. I am trained in Therapeutic Assessments and consider my evaluations to be brief therapeutic interventions that may allow healing and change to occur through the process of self-discovery and reworking of narratives. I work collaboratively with my clients, their caregivers, and other important people and systems in their lives to gain a comprehensive understanding of their needs.
(925) 212-4757 View (925) 212-4757
Photo of Gabriella Ruzin, PsyD, Psychologist
Gabriella Ruzin
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
Ruzin specializes in assessing children when there are questions about a possible Autism Spectrum Disorder (previously known as Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Disorder or Pervasive Developmental Disorder), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD or ADD), thinking, problem solving or learning challenges, or behavioral difficulties.
Evaluation can take different forms depending on the questions being asked, so it is important to discuss goals for assessment prior to beginning. Dr. Ruzin will guide you through this process, and is pleased to answer questions along the way.
Ruzin specializes in assessing children when there are questions about a possible Autism Spectrum Disorder (previously known as Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Disorder or Pervasive Developmental Disorder), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD or ADD), thinking, problem solving or learning challenges, or behavioral difficulties.
Evaluation can take different forms depending on the questions being asked, so it is important to discuss goals for assessment prior to beginning. Dr. Ruzin will guide you through this process, and is pleased to answer questions along the way.
(925) 886-4033 View (925) 886-4033
Photo of Chelsie Crilly, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Chelsie Crilly
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CA 94549  (Online Only)
I specialize in working with ADHD, HSP, OCD, and Autism. Being in our bodies- and being in our world- can be very difficult. This is especially true when when you're a highly sensitive person. My typical client often hears "you're being too much" while also dreading the feeling of not "being enough". I'm here to take a deep dive into what's making you feel like "too much" and highlight the ways you are "just enough for the right people". Typically, my client's goals are to live more comfortably in their sensitive skin, find liberation from shame, and better manage depression and anxiety.
I specialize in working with ADHD, HSP, OCD, and Autism. Being in our bodies- and being in our world- can be very difficult. This is especially true when when you're a highly sensitive person. My typical client often hears "you're being too much" while also dreading the feeling of not "being enough". I'm here to take a deep dive into what's making you feel like "too much" and highlight the ways you are "just enough for the right people". Typically, my client's goals are to live more comfortably in their sensitive skin, find liberation from shame, and better manage depression and anxiety.
(925) 744-6783 View (925) 744-6783
Photo of Hannah Acevedo, MS, LEP, ABSNP, BCBA
Hannah Acevedo
MS, LEP, ABSNP, BCBA
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
Waitlist for new clients
I am passionate about using best practices in school neuropsychological assessment and behavior analysis to guide my approach to working with a variety of conditions, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Learning Disabilties (Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, NVLD), genetic or medical diagnoses, seizure disorders, motor-speech disorders, and chromosomal variations.
Are you struggling to navigate the educational system to get help for learning or behavioral challenges? I am here to help support parents and students, making the pathway to success for your particular situation more clear and manageable. I specialize in assessment and intervention planning for a range of pediatric disorders that affect learning and behavior. I take care to make the entire consultation or assessment process feel positive, understandable and helpful. I provide School Neuropsychological assessments, Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs), Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs), Behavior Intervention Plans, and consultation around educational and behavior issues at school or at home.
I am passionate about using best practices in school neuropsychological assessment and behavior analysis to guide my approach to working with a variety of conditions, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Learning Disabilties (Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, NVLD), genetic or medical diagnoses, seizure disorders, motor-speech disorders, and chromosomal variations.
Are you struggling to navigate the educational system to get help for learning or behavioral challenges? I am here to help support parents and students, making the pathway to success for your particular situation more clear and manageable. I specialize in assessment and intervention planning for a range of pediatric disorders that affect learning and behavior. I take care to make the entire consultation or assessment process feel positive, understandable and helpful. I provide School Neuropsychological assessments, Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs), Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs), Behavior Intervention Plans, and consultation around educational and behavior issues at school or at home.
(510) 683-5930 View (510) 683-5930
Photo of Benjamin Tucker, MS, LPCC, BCBA, Counselor
Benjamin Tucker
Counselor, MS, LPCC, BCBA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563
I provide services for 3 types of issues: 1) OCD, OCD-Spectrum Disorders (e.g., Tics, hair pulling, skin picking, and hoarding), and anxiety disorders; 2) Autism of all support levels; and 3) OCD, OCD-Spectrum Disorders, and anxiety co-occuring with Autism. My work is with children, teens, and adults and I provide services in office, home, and community settings ranging from once weekly to daily sessions. I take a family-based approach when treating children and teens by giving parent and caregiver training.
I provide services for 3 types of issues: 1) OCD, OCD-Spectrum Disorders (e.g., Tics, hair pulling, skin picking, and hoarding), and anxiety disorders; 2) Autism of all support levels; and 3) OCD, OCD-Spectrum Disorders, and anxiety co-occuring with Autism. My work is with children, teens, and adults and I provide services in office, home, and community settings ranging from once weekly to daily sessions. I take a family-based approach when treating children and teens by giving parent and caregiver training.
(925) 259-3549 View (925) 259-3549
Photo of Grace Malonai - TheraThrive Counseling & Assessment , PhD, LPCC, BC-TMH, Counselor
TheraThrive Counseling & Assessment
Counselor, PhD, LPCC, BC-TMH
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Lafayette, CA 94549
We are neuroaffirming practice, specializing in neurodivergence, including autism, ADHD, 2e/gifted, highly sensitive, and learning disabilities.
If you feel overwhelmed by anxiety, emotional intensity, high sensitivity, loneliness, insomnia, or relationship problems, or if your child or teen struggles with excessive worry, moodiness or sadness, you don't need to manage alone. We are a group of authentic and interactive therapists who are strengths-based in our approach. Let us help you (or your child, teen, family member) gain insight and understanding, learn emotional regulation, improve your relationships, alleviate stress and anxiety, improve satisfaction at work/school, and experience well-being and empowerment. www.TheraThrive.com
We are neuroaffirming practice, specializing in neurodivergence, including autism, ADHD, 2e/gifted, highly sensitive, and learning disabilities.
If you feel overwhelmed by anxiety, emotional intensity, high sensitivity, loneliness, insomnia, or relationship problems, or if your child or teen struggles with excessive worry, moodiness or sadness, you don't need to manage alone. We are a group of authentic and interactive therapists who are strengths-based in our approach. Let us help you (or your child, teen, family member) gain insight and understanding, learn emotional regulation, improve your relationships, alleviate stress and anxiety, improve satisfaction at work/school, and experience well-being and empowerment. www.TheraThrive.com
(925) 350-8130 View (925) 350-8130
Photo of Dr. Kandece Skinner, EdD, LEP, NCSP
Dr. Kandece Skinner
EdD, LEP, NCSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
I specialize in diagnosing learning disabilities, autism, ADHD, mood and behavioral challenges in children.
Do you have concerns regarding your child's learning, mood, or behavior? Is your child having difficulty making or maintaining friendships? Allow me to partner with you, to help your child receive support. I am available to help you better understand your child's needs and the various services available to help them.
I specialize in diagnosing learning disabilities, autism, ADHD, mood and behavioral challenges in children.
Do you have concerns regarding your child's learning, mood, or behavior? Is your child having difficulty making or maintaining friendships? Allow me to partner with you, to help your child receive support. I am available to help you better understand your child's needs and the various services available to help them.
(510) 361-0868 View (510) 361-0868
Photo of Ruth Rubalcava - Dr. Ruth Rubalcava, PsyD, LEP
Dr. Ruth Rubalcava
Licensed Educational Psychologist, PsyD, LEP
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94595
If your child is struggling in school, psycho-educational testing is the first step in understanding your child's needs. As a licensed educational psychologist, I specialize in psycho-educational testing and school meetings. I have extensive experience in both assessment and intervention of psychological disorders impacting learning and school performance such dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD, autism and emotional disturbance.
If your child is struggling in school, psycho-educational testing is the first step in understanding your child's needs. As a licensed educational psychologist, I specialize in psycho-educational testing and school meetings. I have extensive experience in both assessment and intervention of psychological disorders impacting learning and school performance such dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD, autism and emotional disturbance.
(510) 761-3759 View (510) 761-3759
Photo of Ashley Elefant Baratz, PhD, Psychologist
Ashley Elefant Baratz
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist specializing in assessment and therapy for neurodivergent individuals throughout the lifespan, with a specific focus on working with ADHDers and Autistic individuals. Through strengths-based assessment and therapy services, my goal is to provide comprehensive resources and tailored skills to help neurodivergent individuals get their needs met and thrive in a world that oftentimes feels as if it is working against them. As an ADHDer myself who has spent my career seeking ongoing training on ADHD and Autism, I bring many years of personal and professional experience to the clients that I serve.
I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist specializing in assessment and therapy for neurodivergent individuals throughout the lifespan, with a specific focus on working with ADHDers and Autistic individuals. Through strengths-based assessment and therapy services, my goal is to provide comprehensive resources and tailored skills to help neurodivergent individuals get their needs met and thrive in a world that oftentimes feels as if it is working against them. As an ADHDer myself who has spent my career seeking ongoing training on ADHD and Autism, I bring many years of personal and professional experience to the clients that I serve.
(925) 258-2458 View (925) 258-2458
Photo of Minoo Mehdikhan, PhD, Psychologist
Minoo Mehdikhan
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
My specialization is in the area of stress, mood disorder, trauma, relationship problems, ADD, ADHD, autism, asperger disorder, speech disorder and learning disability. My orientation is eclectic, psychodynamic, hypnotherapy, EMDR, and EEG Neurofeedback. I work with adults, adolescents, as well as children.
My specialization is in the area of stress, mood disorder, trauma, relationship problems, ADD, ADHD, autism, asperger disorder, speech disorder and learning disability. My orientation is eclectic, psychodynamic, hypnotherapy, EMDR, and EEG Neurofeedback. I work with adults, adolescents, as well as children.
(510) 207-2363 View (510) 207-2363
Jenny J Lee
Marriage & Family Therapist, EdD, LMFT, BCBA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Concord, CA 94518  (Online Only)
She also facilitates social and play skills group with children, adolescents, and young adults with Autism and Asperger's, and other related disorders.
Know Thyself! Jenny believes that everyone carries a powerful tool inside them that makes everything possible! By learning about the resources and positive inner-tools that you already own, you can better understand yourself, your troubles, and the choices that you can make. Jenny helps you to become aware of your options, while helping you understand how to utilize them with your inner-strengths and tools.
She also facilitates social and play skills group with children, adolescents, and young adults with Autism and Asperger's, and other related disorders.
Know Thyself! Jenny believes that everyone carries a powerful tool inside them that makes everything possible! By learning about the resources and positive inner-tools that you already own, you can better understand yourself, your troubles, and the choices that you can make. Jenny helps you to become aware of your options, while helping you understand how to utilize them with your inner-strengths and tools.
(925) 386-2156 View (925) 386-2156
Photo of Antolyn S Rosales, Marriage & Family Therapist
Antolyn S Rosales
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Concord, CA 94521  (Online Only)
As someone passionate about supporting individuals affected by Autism, neurodevelopmental disorders, anxiety, depression, adjustment disorder, and family and relational conflicts, I strive to provide counseling, psychotherapy, psychoeducation, and symptom support that promotes understanding, growth, and well-being.
Living with Autism, Depression, ADHD, or Anxiety can be incredibly challenging and isolating. Finding the right support and guidance to navigate these complex conditions is difficult. Traditional therapy approaches often fall short of addressing the unique needs and challenges associated with these conditions, leaving individuals and families feeling frustrated and overwhelmed.
As someone passionate about supporting individuals affected by Autism, neurodevelopmental disorders, anxiety, depression, adjustment disorder, and family and relational conflicts, I strive to provide counseling, psychotherapy, psychoeducation, and symptom support that promotes understanding, growth, and well-being.
Living with Autism, Depression, ADHD, or Anxiety can be incredibly challenging and isolating. Finding the right support and guidance to navigate these complex conditions is difficult. Traditional therapy approaches often fall short of addressing the unique needs and challenges associated with these conditions, leaving individuals and families feeling frustrated and overwhelmed.
(925) 255-7335 View (925) 255-7335
Photo of Jennifer Russo, LEP, MA
Jennifer Russo
LEP, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
I offer psycho-educational assessments, and counseling and intervention for psychological disorders such as Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia and Anxiety.
I am a Licensed Educational Psychologist who strives to help all learners reach their potential. I meet individuals and families where they are at in the education process and work together as a partner to create a successful educational experience.
I offer psycho-educational assessments, and counseling and intervention for psychological disorders such as Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia and Anxiety.
I am a Licensed Educational Psychologist who strives to help all learners reach their potential. I meet individuals and families where they are at in the education process and work together as a partner to create a successful educational experience.
(925) 369-7582 View (925) 369-7582
Photo of David Millen, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
David Millen
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lafayette, CA 94549
I specialize in high sensitivity, giftedness, twice exceptional (2E) and Autism.
I believe forming a strong therapeutic relationship is key for therapy to be successful. I believe that empowerment is an essential part of the therapeutic experience of every client. Our work together will explore your past, which will help you understand your feelings and why you think and respond in ways that may reduce your joy. Our work will also include present-moment awareness, and promote self-compassion and overall well-being. I am a psychodynamic, relational therapist who believes that healing happens through a process of deep diving to address what’s underneath your symptoms and suffering.
I specialize in high sensitivity, giftedness, twice exceptional (2E) and Autism.
I believe forming a strong therapeutic relationship is key for therapy to be successful. I believe that empowerment is an essential part of the therapeutic experience of every client. Our work together will explore your past, which will help you understand your feelings and why you think and respond in ways that may reduce your joy. Our work will also include present-moment awareness, and promote self-compassion and overall well-being. I am a psychodynamic, relational therapist who believes that healing happens through a process of deep diving to address what’s underneath your symptoms and suffering.
(925) 267-6493 View (925) 267-6493
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.