Autism Therapists in Visalia, CA
We at Applied Life Dynamics offer adult and child psychotherapy, psycho-educational/ psychological assessments, career assessment, social skill development for children to young adult with Autism or have other social skills or emotional deficits.
My desire is to work with you in developing the skills and tools necessary to navigate through the struggles you may face on the job, parenting children with or without disabilities, relationships, daily stressors, and helping children to learn the skills needed so they can thrive and develop at their highest potential. It first starts with self-growth, development, and to apply the life skills that are right for you. I am here to guide, council, coach, instruct, and provide assessment in the areas needed to assist in providing you with as much information and support needed to live a more peaceful life with better relationships.
We at Applied Life Dynamics offer adult and child psychotherapy, psycho-educational/ psychological assessments, career assessment, social skill development for children to young adult with Autism or have other social skills or emotional deficits.
My desire is to work with you in developing the skills and tools necessary to navigate through the struggles you may face on the job, parenting children with or without disabilities, relationships, daily stressors, and helping children to learn the skills needed so they can thrive and develop at their highest potential. It first starts with self-growth, development, and to apply the life skills that are right for you. I am here to guide, council, coach, instruct, and provide assessment in the areas needed to assist in providing you with as much information and support needed to live a more peaceful life with better relationships.
Christina M Thomas
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Visalia, CA 93277
Children's Therapist, Now accepting New Clients! Looking for a therapist to help with your child or teen? I specialize in working with youth who struggle from various mental health issues such as depression, suicidal idealization, anxiety, trauma, Mood disorder, life stressors, ADHD, Autism, behavioral concerns and many more. I have knowledge in the school systems and what services can assist your child to feel successful in the school setting. I offer parenting support and additional assessment for a more in depth view of your child's needs. We will create a personal treatment plan focused on the goals your child needs.
Children's Therapist, Now accepting New Clients! Looking for a therapist to help with your child or teen? I specialize in working with youth who struggle from various mental health issues such as depression, suicidal idealization, anxiety, trauma, Mood disorder, life stressors, ADHD, Autism, behavioral concerns and many more. I have knowledge in the school systems and what services can assist your child to feel successful in the school setting. I offer parenting support and additional assessment for a more in depth view of your child's needs. We will create a personal treatment plan focused on the goals your child needs.
I am passionate about supporting children, individuals, and families impacted by special needs, behavior challenges, divorce, and remarriage. I have compassion working with individuals who are previously or currently experiencing domestic violence in various forms. These situations are often unplanned, and can create unbalance in relationships, family dynamics, and social emotional wellbeing. I have been providing mental health services to children, teenagers, and families for over 15 years in school and home settings in Tulare County.
I am passionate about supporting children, individuals, and families impacted by special needs, behavior challenges, divorce, and remarriage. I have compassion working with individuals who are previously or currently experiencing domestic violence in various forms. These situations are often unplanned, and can create unbalance in relationships, family dynamics, and social emotional wellbeing. I have been providing mental health services to children, teenagers, and families for over 15 years in school and home settings in Tulare County.
I’m a dedicated clinician with experience supporting children, adolescents, and adults through various challenges. My professional journey is rooted in clinical counseling, with a specialized focus on school counseling and substance use. I’m passionate about creating a safe, nurturing space where young individuals and their families feel heard, supported, and empowered. I am bilingual in English and Spanish.
I’m a dedicated clinician with experience supporting children, adolescents, and adults through various challenges. My professional journey is rooted in clinical counseling, with a specialized focus on school counseling and substance use. I’m passionate about creating a safe, nurturing space where young individuals and their families feel heard, supported, and empowered. I am bilingual in English and Spanish.
McDermott Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Visalia, CA 93291
McDermott Counseling offers a modern, collaborative approach to therapy. Voted best Psychotherapy practice in Visalia 4 years in a row, we work with clients suffering from relationship concerns, family issues, trauma, conflict, depression, anxiety, sexuality, gender, blended families, anger management, and much more. We specialize in individual, couples, and family therapy as well as child and adolescent therapy. We work to provide you excellent service, a welcoming environment and solutions to your unique situation. We offer evening and weekend appointments and can often get you an appointment within the week.
McDermott Counseling offers a modern, collaborative approach to therapy. Voted best Psychotherapy practice in Visalia 4 years in a row, we work with clients suffering from relationship concerns, family issues, trauma, conflict, depression, anxiety, sexuality, gender, blended families, anger management, and much more. We specialize in individual, couples, and family therapy as well as child and adolescent therapy. We work to provide you excellent service, a welcoming environment and solutions to your unique situation. We offer evening and weekend appointments and can often get you an appointment within the week.
David W Toms
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ASW
Verified Verified
Visalia, CA 93291
Waitlist for new clients
My main goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where my clients can be true to themselves. The therapeutic approach I utilize is integrative, tailored, non-judgmental, and client-centered. We will explore therapeutic approaches that fit you best, including but not limited to the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy model (Thoughts-Feelings-Actions) and Solution-Focused Interventions. But please still reach out to get on my waitlist for in-person at our office in Visalia, CA, and video tele-health sessions if you live in CA.
My main goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where my clients can be true to themselves. The therapeutic approach I utilize is integrative, tailored, non-judgmental, and client-centered. We will explore therapeutic approaches that fit you best, including but not limited to the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy model (Thoughts-Feelings-Actions) and Solution-Focused Interventions. But please still reach out to get on my waitlist for in-person at our office in Visalia, CA, and video tele-health sessions if you live in CA.
My name is Rebecca Nace; I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I knows life comes with challenges and we are not given handbooks to deal with those challenges. As a therapist, I offer a safe place for you to identify and address your problems as you process through your own story to create better ending.
My name is Rebecca Nace; I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I knows life comes with challenges and we are not given handbooks to deal with those challenges. As a therapist, I offer a safe place for you to identify and address your problems as you process through your own story to create better ending.
I am here to help you embody a way of being that you are nurtured by. Pain and loss are a part of life, and my work gives you a space to share and process your story, make meaning in the face of suffering, and move toward healing and growth. We all get stuck; in overwhelming emotions, unwanted behaviors, and destructive patterns in relationships.
I am here to help you embody a way of being that you are nurtured by. Pain and loss are a part of life, and my work gives you a space to share and process your story, make meaning in the face of suffering, and move toward healing and growth. We all get stuck; in overwhelming emotions, unwanted behaviors, and destructive patterns in relationships.
My approach as a therapist is to provide a nonjudgmental and client-centered environment. I believe you can obtain emotional healing from life's struggles whether from childhood and adult traumas or present circumstances. My goal is to empower you to work through your struggles, resolve traumas and discover what works for you. I have been providing mental health services for 10+ years to children, adolescents, adults, and families in a variety of settings. This includes, behavioral health, schools and now private practice.
My approach as a therapist is to provide a nonjudgmental and client-centered environment. I believe you can obtain emotional healing from life's struggles whether from childhood and adult traumas or present circumstances. My goal is to empower you to work through your struggles, resolve traumas and discover what works for you. I have been providing mental health services for 10+ years to children, adolescents, adults, and families in a variety of settings. This includes, behavioral health, schools and now private practice.
Dr. Deanna Mercado is a Clinical Psychologist and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.She is a first-generation Latina, bilingual clinician with over 18 years of experience in the field of behavioral health. Her background encompuses treating individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, correctional mental health services for incarcerated youth and adults, crisis management, psychological testing services, educational and corporate psychology.
Dr. Deanna Mercado is a Clinical Psychologist and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.She is a first-generation Latina, bilingual clinician with over 18 years of experience in the field of behavioral health. Her background encompuses treating individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, correctional mental health services for incarcerated youth and adults, crisis management, psychological testing services, educational and corporate psychology.
Ashley Sherae Miller
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Visalia, CA 93277
The human experience is made up of a series of steps and changes. Each change, whether it is perceived in the moment as positive or negative, propels us into uncharted territory, and sometimes, we all need a little help with the navigation. My goal is to assist individuals, children, parents, and couples as they work through new challenges, overcome patterns of negative thoughts and behaviors, and seek personal strength and confidence moving forward.
The human experience is made up of a series of steps and changes. Each change, whether it is perceived in the moment as positive or negative, propels us into uncharted territory, and sometimes, we all need a little help with the navigation. My goal is to assist individuals, children, parents, and couples as they work through new challenges, overcome patterns of negative thoughts and behaviors, and seek personal strength and confidence moving forward.
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Hi there, I’m Maria Avina for me, therapy is all about helping individuals find healing in many areas in their life. I have over 15 years of experience working as a therapist in the community. When I'm not practicing therapy, I am spending time with my two sons, walking my dog and going on hikes with my friends. My approach I set clear goals for myself and my clients and treat every session as an opportunity to make progress. I approach therapy through a person center lens and through other holistic approaches.
Hi there, I’m Maria Avina for me, therapy is all about helping individuals find healing in many areas in their life. I have over 15 years of experience working as a therapist in the community. When I'm not practicing therapy, I am spending time with my two sons, walking my dog and going on hikes with my friends. My approach I set clear goals for myself and my clients and treat every session as an opportunity to make progress. I approach therapy through a person center lens and through other holistic approaches.
Stephanie Zimmerman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Visalia, CA 93291
Every individual, couple, parent or family comes with their own individual needs. My goal as a therapist is to journey with my client towards healing from our pain, feeling empowered as a person and living with healthy boundaries. My approach towards this is to develop awareness into how thoughts affect feelings and lead to actions, develop healthy coping skills and address how past experiences can influence present situations.
Every individual, couple, parent or family comes with their own individual needs. My goal as a therapist is to journey with my client towards healing from our pain, feeling empowered as a person and living with healthy boundaries. My approach towards this is to develop awareness into how thoughts affect feelings and lead to actions, develop healthy coping skills and address how past experiences can influence present situations.
It can be challenging to process painful memories/emotions in therapy. I aim to create a safe space for everyone to feel comfortable being themselves. I have years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in different settings like schools, community clinics, hospitals, etc. I seek to reduce the stigma placed on mental health, the geek/nerd community, ethnic minorities, and everyone who is often viewed as ‘other.’
It can be challenging to process painful memories/emotions in therapy. I aim to create a safe space for everyone to feel comfortable being themselves. I have years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in different settings like schools, community clinics, hospitals, etc. I seek to reduce the stigma placed on mental health, the geek/nerd community, ethnic minorities, and everyone who is often viewed as ‘other.’
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.
Family & Children's Counseling Services, Inc.
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Visalia, CA 93277 (Online Only)
When our children's hearts have been broken, our hearts break, too. Parents often struggle with knowing how to care for a hurting child. The child's behaviors can be challenging. A parent's own unhealed wounds get triggered. Then, there's the parenting guilt! It can be overwhelming. We understand and we are here to help.
When our children's hearts have been broken, our hearts break, too. Parents often struggle with knowing how to care for a hurting child. The child's behaviors can be challenging. A parent's own unhealed wounds get triggered. Then, there's the parenting guilt! It can be overwhelming. We understand and we are here to help.
Dr. Erika Eagerton
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Visalia, CA 93277
Waitlist for new clients
Good mental health as a child is essential to happiness and well-being as an adult. Our mission is to help children, adolescents, and their parents develop healthy, positive responses to issues related to mental, emotional, and behavioral health.
Good mental health as a child is essential to happiness and well-being as an adult. Our mission is to help children, adolescents, and their parents develop healthy, positive responses to issues related to mental, emotional, and behavioral health.
Empathy and trust are essential when working with individuals in therapy. As a Licensed Psychologist, I strongly believe creating a supportive and compassionate space for my clients helps facilitate a deeper level of growth and healing. I prioritize fostering a strong, therapeutic alliance with all of my clients and I am passionate about providing quality, therapeutic care to others.
Empathy and trust are essential when working with individuals in therapy. As a Licensed Psychologist, I strongly believe creating a supportive and compassionate space for my clients helps facilitate a deeper level of growth and healing. I prioritize fostering a strong, therapeutic alliance with all of my clients and I am passionate about providing quality, therapeutic care to others.
I am a California-licensed psychologist with a doctorate in Clinical Psychology. I have extensive experience treating stress, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, trauma, and somatic illness, and is an expert on bio-psycho-social functioning. I work with individuals and families struggling with chronic mental and physical conditions that challenge health, well-being, work-life balance, and daily functioning. I am adept at working within multiple cultures with great sensitivity.
I am a California-licensed psychologist with a doctorate in Clinical Psychology. I have extensive experience treating stress, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, trauma, and somatic illness, and is an expert on bio-psycho-social functioning. I work with individuals and families struggling with chronic mental and physical conditions that challenge health, well-being, work-life balance, and daily functioning. I am adept at working within multiple cultures with great sensitivity.
Hello, my name is Maria Hicks, and I am a Licensed Psychotherapist. I have been practicing in this field for over 10 years with a focus on individuals, couples, and children. I would be excited to be part of your journey in healing and creating a stable foundation for your growth and development. I am also bilingual and provide services in Spanish. I truly look forward to meeting you… My theoretical approaches are client-centered, holistic, and mindfulness with an emphasis on Cognitive Theory.
Hello, my name is Maria Hicks, and I am a Licensed Psychotherapist. I have been practicing in this field for over 10 years with a focus on individuals, couples, and children. I would be excited to be part of your journey in healing and creating a stable foundation for your growth and development. I am also bilingual and provide services in Spanish. I truly look forward to meeting you… My theoretical approaches are client-centered, holistic, and mindfulness with an emphasis on Cognitive Theory.
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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.