Autism Therapists in Pismo Beach, CA
Megan Payer
Psychologist, PhD, RYT, BCBA, SEP(t)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pismo Beach, CA 93448
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in assessing and treating neurodiverse teens and adults (ADHD, Autism, Tourette’s, Highly Sensitive, etc.
I help people who seek improved interpersonal relationships, enhanced brain function, nervous system regulation, spiritual guidance, and diagnostic clarification. You may have experienced a loss, a trauma, a transition, or an unexpected life upheaval. My job is to walk with you in the darkness and shine a light, so we may find the way through together. Whether you are seeking an assessment for diagnostic questions, or a longer therapeutic relationship to allow deeper self-exploration, I am happy to join you in the work. I am highly motivated to work with individuals that identify as part of the LGBTQ+ and neurodiverse communities.
I specialize in assessing and treating neurodiverse teens and adults (ADHD, Autism, Tourette’s, Highly Sensitive, etc.
I help people who seek improved interpersonal relationships, enhanced brain function, nervous system regulation, spiritual guidance, and diagnostic clarification. You may have experienced a loss, a trauma, a transition, or an unexpected life upheaval. My job is to walk with you in the darkness and shine a light, so we may find the way through together. Whether you are seeking an assessment for diagnostic questions, or a longer therapeutic relationship to allow deeper self-exploration, I am happy to join you in the work. I am highly motivated to work with individuals that identify as part of the LGBTQ+ and neurodiverse communities.
If requested, I can offer psychological testing for ADHD, Autism and Mood Disorders.
My name is Dr. Linnea Hagens, a clinical psychological associate for Dr. Tammy Dobbs. I provide personalized therapy aimed to relieve emotional distress and develop goals of improving some aspects of your life. Therapy sessions include examining and gaining insight into life choices and difficulties faced.
If requested, I can offer psychological testing for ADHD, Autism and Mood Disorders.
My name is Dr. Linnea Hagens, a clinical psychological associate for Dr. Tammy Dobbs. I provide personalized therapy aimed to relieve emotional distress and develop goals of improving some aspects of your life. Therapy sessions include examining and gaining insight into life choices and difficulties faced.
Kim Richards
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
My practice focuses on supporting adolescents, young adults, and adults dealing with a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/loss, life transitions, relationship issues, stress management, and other mental health concerns. I enjoy working with teens and supporting them in navigating the unique complexities associated with this life phase. I also work with families to help create bridges of communication and understanding between teens and their parents. I am a strong believer in the importance of joyful movement, mindfulness, social connection, and nutrition to help us reach our optimal state of well-being.
My practice focuses on supporting adolescents, young adults, and adults dealing with a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/loss, life transitions, relationship issues, stress management, and other mental health concerns. I enjoy working with teens and supporting them in navigating the unique complexities associated with this life phase. I also work with families to help create bridges of communication and understanding between teens and their parents. I am a strong believer in the importance of joyful movement, mindfulness, social connection, and nutrition to help us reach our optimal state of well-being.
"Therapy can be a place where the wonder and awe of self discovery can culminate in personal clarity, empowerment and promote a richer more fulfilling life. Living with past and present wounds, dealing with depression, anxiety, anger or addictions, or working through difficult relationships and life transitions, our lives may seem out of control when our emotions and our thinking are out of balance. As your counselor I will help you by gently guiding you in finding that balance by creating a safe and supportive environment as you develop skills to regain your mentally healthy life."
"Therapy can be a place where the wonder and awe of self discovery can culminate in personal clarity, empowerment and promote a richer more fulfilling life. Living with past and present wounds, dealing with depression, anxiety, anger or addictions, or working through difficult relationships and life transitions, our lives may seem out of control when our emotions and our thinking are out of balance. As your counselor I will help you by gently guiding you in finding that balance by creating a safe and supportive environment as you develop skills to regain your mentally healthy life."
Kristin Blecha
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCC, MS, CCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Pismo Beach, CA 93449 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Life has a way of providing us with times where we feel so hurt, messy, or emotionally raw that we may find ourselves wishing to be alone and hide - perhaps even from ourselves. Therapy provides a safe space and opportunity to delve into our relationships with others, ourselves, past events, and hopes in order to illuminate our preferred way of navigating through life. In my work with children and adolescents, I value learning the personal narratives that influence their sense of self, who they feel they are "supposed" to be, who they wish to be, and the problems that keep getting in the way.
Life has a way of providing us with times where we feel so hurt, messy, or emotionally raw that we may find ourselves wishing to be alone and hide - perhaps even from ourselves. Therapy provides a safe space and opportunity to delve into our relationships with others, ourselves, past events, and hopes in order to illuminate our preferred way of navigating through life. In my work with children and adolescents, I value learning the personal narratives that influence their sense of self, who they feel they are "supposed" to be, who they wish to be, and the problems that keep getting in the way.
More Therapists Nearby
Leslie Barton
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
I have interests in reproductive technology and autism.
"I believe that each person has unlimited potential within themself! It is my role to assist a person in finding the answers to the dilemnas' they may be facing. Often someone is experiencing a high level of stress through a current life circumstance that brings up feelings or grief from the past. When this happens, part of the therapy process is to deal with the "unfinished business" to access more energy to bring to the present. As a Marriage and Family therapist, I focus on relationship issues including patterns of communication that can improve to develop more satisfying relationships too.
I have interests in reproductive technology and autism.
"I believe that each person has unlimited potential within themself! It is my role to assist a person in finding the answers to the dilemnas' they may be facing. Often someone is experiencing a high level of stress through a current life circumstance that brings up feelings or grief from the past. When this happens, part of the therapy process is to deal with the "unfinished business" to access more energy to bring to the present. As a Marriage and Family therapist, I focus on relationship issues including patterns of communication that can improve to develop more satisfying relationships too.
ADHD • Autism • Learning Disability • Giftedness • Academic Achievement • IQ Testing • Competency to Stand Trial • Criminal Mitigation/MH Diversion • Insanity (NGI) • Diagnostic Clarification • Firearm Possession • Immigration/Asylum • Malingering • Personality Assessment • Personal Injury • PreEmployment Screens/Fitness for Duty • PreSurgery Evaluations .
I specialize in psychological assessment. Whether you would benefit from accommodations at school or work, need testing for private school admission/gifted placement, require an evaluation for employment or a medical procedure, are facing legal problems due to mental health issues, are interested in clarifying a diagnosis, or simply desire more insight into yourself and your strengths and weakness, I can help you obtain the answers you need. I am one of several psychologists at CCES, a specialized practice committed to providing the most up-to-date, comprehensive and objective psychological evaluations. Types of evaluations include:
ADHD • Autism • Learning Disability • Giftedness • Academic Achievement • IQ Testing • Competency to Stand Trial • Criminal Mitigation/MH Diversion • Insanity (NGI) • Diagnostic Clarification • Firearm Possession • Immigration/Asylum • Malingering • Personality Assessment • Personal Injury • PreEmployment Screens/Fitness for Duty • PreSurgery Evaluations .
I specialize in psychological assessment. Whether you would benefit from accommodations at school or work, need testing for private school admission/gifted placement, require an evaluation for employment or a medical procedure, are facing legal problems due to mental health issues, are interested in clarifying a diagnosis, or simply desire more insight into yourself and your strengths and weakness, I can help you obtain the answers you need. I am one of several psychologists at CCES, a specialized practice committed to providing the most up-to-date, comprehensive and objective psychological evaluations. Types of evaluations include:
I specialize in working with individuals with autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive (OCD), attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, sleep or insomnia, parent training and supports and behavior managment.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist offering evidence-based treatment for anxiety and related disorders, attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder, and autism spectrum disorder, with children, teens, and their parents. My framework is based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Applied Behavior Analysis.
I specialize in working with individuals with autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive (OCD), attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, sleep or insomnia, parent training and supports and behavior managment.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist offering evidence-based treatment for anxiety and related disorders, attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder, and autism spectrum disorder, with children, teens, and their parents. My framework is based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Applied Behavior Analysis.
My primary focus in private practice is evaluation and assessment for a variety of psychological conditions, such as ADHD, Autism, Mood Disorders, Learning Disabilities and Personality Disorders.
The second focus I have is treatment. I have an integrative approach to therapy in which I use multiple modalities that fit my clients’ individual needs. Some of the modalities I use are interpersonal therapy, supportive therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. I also view other factors that can affect the client, such as cultural, medical, and environmental factors.
My primary focus in private practice is evaluation and assessment for a variety of psychological conditions, such as ADHD, Autism, Mood Disorders, Learning Disabilities and Personality Disorders.
The second focus I have is treatment. I have an integrative approach to therapy in which I use multiple modalities that fit my clients’ individual needs. Some of the modalities I use are interpersonal therapy, supportive therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. I also view other factors that can affect the client, such as cultural, medical, and environmental factors.
Adult Autism Assessment, LLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
I provide telehealth autism assessment services through Adult Autism Assessment & Services, LLC to clients located in the states of Oregon or California.
I am so delighted you found your way here. A little about me – I am a white, queer, genderqueer, afab, neuroqueer (AuDHD) licensed masters-level clinician (LMFT). I am passionate about supporting neurodivergent people in living their best, most liberated lives. I work from a liberation philosophy and neurodivergent-affirming lens and also believe strongly that self-identification is valid. I began working in the mental health field in 2010 and have worked in a variety of settings. The primary focus of my work in recent years has been on supporting neurodivergent adults and adult autism assessments.
I provide telehealth autism assessment services through Adult Autism Assessment & Services, LLC to clients located in the states of Oregon or California.
I am so delighted you found your way here. A little about me – I am a white, queer, genderqueer, afab, neuroqueer (AuDHD) licensed masters-level clinician (LMFT). I am passionate about supporting neurodivergent people in living their best, most liberated lives. I work from a liberation philosophy and neurodivergent-affirming lens and also believe strongly that self-identification is valid. I began working in the mental health field in 2010 and have worked in a variety of settings. The primary focus of my work in recent years has been on supporting neurodivergent adults and adult autism assessments.
Mai Timberlake
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
I work with teens, adults, and couples struggling with anxiety, depression, addictions, autism, life transitions, trauma, and relationship concerns. I'm LGBTQIA+ affirming and am passionate about viewing therapy through a cultural lens. My aim is to create a nonjudgemental, compassionate, and safe space for genuine understanding of your needs and goals. Have you been feeling stuck and unable to make the changes you desire? Are you ready to start shedding unhelpful narratives of your past? I help empower clients to finally take the steps they need to create the life they've always envisioned for themselves.
I work with teens, adults, and couples struggling with anxiety, depression, addictions, autism, life transitions, trauma, and relationship concerns. I'm LGBTQIA+ affirming and am passionate about viewing therapy through a cultural lens. My aim is to create a nonjudgemental, compassionate, and safe space for genuine understanding of your needs and goals. Have you been feeling stuck and unable to make the changes you desire? Are you ready to start shedding unhelpful narratives of your past? I help empower clients to finally take the steps they need to create the life they've always envisioned for themselves.
Types of evaluations might include: ADHD • Autism • Learning Disability • IQ Testing • Diagnostic Clarification • Malingering • Personality Assessment • Testing Accommodations.
I provide psychological assessment of mood, psychosis, trauma, developmental, and personality concerns. The consequences of a problem are often apparent, such as when a child is experiencing academic problems at school, or an adult struggles to maintain personal or professional relationships. The problem itself, however, can often be unclear. A quality assessment can provide you with a heightened understanding of your functioning, including your strengths and growth areas. The assessment will include practical recommendations to enhance the quality of your personal, work, or academic functioning.
Types of evaluations might include: ADHD • Autism • Learning Disability • IQ Testing • Diagnostic Clarification • Malingering • Personality Assessment • Testing Accommodations.
I provide psychological assessment of mood, psychosis, trauma, developmental, and personality concerns. The consequences of a problem are often apparent, such as when a child is experiencing academic problems at school, or an adult struggles to maintain personal or professional relationships. The problem itself, however, can often be unclear. A quality assessment can provide you with a heightened understanding of your functioning, including your strengths and growth areas. The assessment will include practical recommendations to enhance the quality of your personal, work, or academic functioning.
Kristina Hibshman Berger
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD(c), LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Starting therapy is a significant and courageous step towards nurturing your mental well-being. In my practice, I specialize in two distinct areas, each with deep personal and professional meaning. First, I am passionate about working with neurodiverse individuals, couples, and families. I am a dedicated advocate of the neurodiversity model, which views ADHD, Autism, AuDHD, and other neurodivergent traits as natural variations within the human spectrum. I believe that embracing these differences, rather than pathologizing them, allows for a more compassionate and empowering approach to therapy.
Starting therapy is a significant and courageous step towards nurturing your mental well-being. In my practice, I specialize in two distinct areas, each with deep personal and professional meaning. First, I am passionate about working with neurodiverse individuals, couples, and families. I am a dedicated advocate of the neurodiversity model, which views ADHD, Autism, AuDHD, and other neurodivergent traits as natural variations within the human spectrum. I believe that embracing these differences, rather than pathologizing them, allows for a more compassionate and empowering approach to therapy.
With therapy, psychological/neurological assessments for age related neurrocognitive and medical/mental health conditions affecting cognition/behavior: ADHD Autism PTSD anxiety relationships self esteem depression.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in California with 23 years of professional work experience. My mission is to deliver life-changing care to teens, adults, families, couples and geriatric individuals who experience a wide array of mental health conditions and current life challenges. Such as: traumatic stress, struggles with feeling scattered and not accomplishing your goals, managing emotions, challenging negative thinking, and reducing stress and anxiety. Today's world can be intense and stressful, and it's taking an unprecedented toll on kids, teens, adults, couples and families.
With therapy, psychological/neurological assessments for age related neurrocognitive and medical/mental health conditions affecting cognition/behavior: ADHD Autism PTSD anxiety relationships self esteem depression.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in California with 23 years of professional work experience. My mission is to deliver life-changing care to teens, adults, families, couples and geriatric individuals who experience a wide array of mental health conditions and current life challenges. Such as: traumatic stress, struggles with feeling scattered and not accomplishing your goals, managing emotions, challenging negative thinking, and reducing stress and anxiety. Today's world can be intense and stressful, and it's taking an unprecedented toll on kids, teens, adults, couples and families.
Sometimes life, our feelings, and our minds can become overwhelming. Many of us have been through things that make it difficult to understand our own thoughts and actions. My vast experience with a broad spectrum of human challenges has led me to develop a keen intuition. I am a Neurodiversity affirming therapist and I strive to connect with my clients' inner world. Many clients tell me that they feel like I am "the first person that really understands" them. Working together, I will endeavor to accurately conceptualize the various aspects of your life in order to increase self awareness and maximize personal growth.
Sometimes life, our feelings, and our minds can become overwhelming. Many of us have been through things that make it difficult to understand our own thoughts and actions. My vast experience with a broad spectrum of human challenges has led me to develop a keen intuition. I am a Neurodiversity affirming therapist and I strive to connect with my clients' inner world. Many clients tell me that they feel like I am "the first person that really understands" them. Working together, I will endeavor to accurately conceptualize the various aspects of your life in order to increase self awareness and maximize personal growth.
Carrie Hansen
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Serving all of California, with a few spots open as of Sept 2024! Hi, my name Carrie, and I can be your someone to talk to. I am neurodiverse myself, body-positive, and a fan of the Oxford Comma (hashtag grammar joke). I like to work with youth, adults, and the "sandwich generation" (those who are caring for teens and their aging parents). I have experience with treating depression, anxiety, trauma, life adjustments, and adults parenting neurodiverse populations. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out via phone or email. I'd rather help you get connected to the right place, than not hear from you at all.
Serving all of California, with a few spots open as of Sept 2024! Hi, my name Carrie, and I can be your someone to talk to. I am neurodiverse myself, body-positive, and a fan of the Oxford Comma (hashtag grammar joke). I like to work with youth, adults, and the "sandwich generation" (those who are caring for teens and their aging parents). I have experience with treating depression, anxiety, trauma, life adjustments, and adults parenting neurodiverse populations. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out via phone or email. I'd rather help you get connected to the right place, than not hear from you at all.
Rosie Zeolla Calle
Marriage & Family Therapist, MEd, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (Online Only)
I am a queer, neurodivergent therapist who is passionate about working with the LGBTQIA+ community, including those who are navigating their sexuality and/or gender expression. My main area of focus is treating developmental and chronic trauma with EMDR, a clinically-proven, somatic trauma therapy. I am passionate about providing EMDR treatment accommodations for neurodiverse folx and I work collaboratively with clients to make the trauma work accessible.
I am a queer, neurodivergent therapist who is passionate about working with the LGBTQIA+ community, including those who are navigating their sexuality and/or gender expression. My main area of focus is treating developmental and chronic trauma with EMDR, a clinically-proven, somatic trauma therapy. I am passionate about providing EMDR treatment accommodations for neurodiverse folx and I work collaboratively with clients to make the trauma work accessible.
We are an ABA agency who helps individuals with developmental disabilities and their families live enriching independent lives. We teach communication skills, functional living skills, social skills, play skills, amongst others. We also specialize in reducing problematic behaviors that may cause harm to the individual or others.
We are an ABA agency who helps individuals with developmental disabilities and their families live enriching independent lives. We teach communication skills, functional living skills, social skills, play skills, amongst others. We also specialize in reducing problematic behaviors that may cause harm to the individual or others.
Kerianne DiTomasso
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Grover Beach, CA 93433
Waitlist for new clients
Oftentimes in life when we’re struggling, we can feel an overwhelming sense of disconnection: from ourselves, from others, or from life. The pain we experience in the form of mental health symptoms is often a signal of unresolved wounds that need our attention. My role is to help you listen to and understand that pain in a way that directs us to tangible targets for change. I also incorporate education on relevant psychological concepts and skills to help you build a personalized regulation toolkit for managing the hard, overwhelming times.
Oftentimes in life when we’re struggling, we can feel an overwhelming sense of disconnection: from ourselves, from others, or from life. The pain we experience in the form of mental health symptoms is often a signal of unresolved wounds that need our attention. My role is to help you listen to and understand that pain in a way that directs us to tangible targets for change. I also incorporate education on relevant psychological concepts and skills to help you build a personalized regulation toolkit for managing the hard, overwhelming times.
My mission is to help others rise above trauma and adversity, guiding them toward healing and strength. Immigrating from Mexico as a child and growing up in South Central LA, I know firsthand the challenges that come with hardship. With over 10 years of experience, I specialize in working with youth and families, helping them navigate complex issues and build resilience. I’ve worked with Wraparound and IFCCS programs and am trained in Trauma-Focused CBT and other evidence-based practices. My approach is respectful, straight forward and focused on creating real, lasting change. I’m here to support you on your journey.
My mission is to help others rise above trauma and adversity, guiding them toward healing and strength. Immigrating from Mexico as a child and growing up in South Central LA, I know firsthand the challenges that come with hardship. With over 10 years of experience, I specialize in working with youth and families, helping them navigate complex issues and build resilience. I’ve worked with Wraparound and IFCCS programs and am trained in Trauma-Focused CBT and other evidence-based practices. My approach is respectful, straight forward and focused on creating real, lasting change. I’m here to support you on your journey.
See more therapy options for Pismo Beach
Nearby Autism Therapists Searches for Pismo Beach
- Arroyo Grande
- Atascadero
- Grover Beach
- Lompoc
- Morro Bay
- Orcutt
- Paso Robles
- San Luis Obispo
- Santa Maria
- Templeton
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.