Autism Therapists in Washington, DC
Megan M Herbets
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20016 (Online Only)
She has experience working with children diagnosed with a range of learning disabilities, Autism and Asperger’s.
Oftentimes, we lose sight of what we truly want for ourselves. Megan’s goal is to empower you to focus on your own experiences rather than on what others expect of you. Born and raised in the Washington Metro area, Megan understands firsthand how the stress of the DMV lifestyle can affect one’s personal life, work life and home life. Clients describe Megan as being creative, quirky, empathetic and reliable. Megan has seven years of experience helping children and adults work through behavioral and emotional struggles related to depression, PTSD, grief, substance abuse, eating disorders, body image, anxiety, family and sexuality.
She has experience working with children diagnosed with a range of learning disabilities, Autism and Asperger’s.
Oftentimes, we lose sight of what we truly want for ourselves. Megan’s goal is to empower you to focus on your own experiences rather than on what others expect of you. Born and raised in the Washington Metro area, Megan understands firsthand how the stress of the DMV lifestyle can affect one’s personal life, work life and home life. Clients describe Megan as being creative, quirky, empathetic and reliable. Megan has seven years of experience helping children and adults work through behavioral and emotional struggles related to depression, PTSD, grief, substance abuse, eating disorders, body image, anxiety, family and sexuality.
Kristin E Scopelliti
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LCPC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20016 (Online Only)
Kristin further has specialized knowledge and understanding of individuals diagnosed as having Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
“The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction not a destination.” Do you find yourself wondering what you can do to feel better—less anxious, more confident, even happy? It seems like you’ve tried everything but nothing seems to work, at least not for very long. You may be able to support others yet you fall short on supporting yourself. You no longer feel like yourself and worry that it could get worse. Imagine what it would feel like not to constantly worry and to be confident in your ability to handle challenging situations. Therapy is a step in practicing self-awareness and self-care.
Kristin further has specialized knowledge and understanding of individuals diagnosed as having Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
“The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction not a destination.” Do you find yourself wondering what you can do to feel better—less anxious, more confident, even happy? It seems like you’ve tried everything but nothing seems to work, at least not for very long. You may be able to support others yet you fall short on supporting yourself. You no longer feel like yourself and worry that it could get worse. Imagine what it would feel like not to constantly worry and to be confident in your ability to handle challenging situations. Therapy is a step in practicing self-awareness and self-care.
Phoenix Counseling Centre-Counseling for Christ
Psychological Associate, Thd, DivD, MA
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20007
Phoenix Counseling Centre is a Christ-based organization that serves to provide individual, family, child, marriage and autism diagnostic therapy services. Phoenix Counseling Centre was founded on the principles of Christ. We believe honesty, integrity and compassion are the cornerstone of our practice. Our clinicians are dedicated to the personal growth of each individual client; each with years of experience in counseling. Our humanistic approach is client-centered and based in the Jungian and Rogerian theoretical perspectives. We work cooperatively with each client to eliminate barriers to their personal mental health.
Phoenix Counseling Centre is a Christ-based organization that serves to provide individual, family, child, marriage and autism diagnostic therapy services. Phoenix Counseling Centre was founded on the principles of Christ. We believe honesty, integrity and compassion are the cornerstone of our practice. Our clinicians are dedicated to the personal growth of each individual client; each with years of experience in counseling. Our humanistic approach is client-centered and based in the Jungian and Rogerian theoretical perspectives. We work cooperatively with each client to eliminate barriers to their personal mental health.
Christen Fanelli - The Mind Center Llc
Pre-Licensed Professional, PhD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036
With a Doctoral Degree and Certification in School Psychology, I specialize in testing for ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Giftedness, IEP and 504 Plans, special needs, autism, trauma, depression, anxiety, self esteem issues, and more.
Are you ready to get top notch psych-educational evaluations, with no wait time? As a psychologist on The Mind Center's team, I understand the challenges you face when navigating your child's academic and emotional needs. My services are designed to pinpoint your child's strengths and areas of improvement. The mission? To team up with parents, their kids, and schools, creating a dynamic trio that supports every child in becoming their own hero with tailored intervention strategies. Through testing, challenges can turn into triumphs, and question marks into exclamation points. My approach is evidence-based and action-oriented.
With a Doctoral Degree and Certification in School Psychology, I specialize in testing for ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Giftedness, IEP and 504 Plans, special needs, autism, trauma, depression, anxiety, self esteem issues, and more.
Are you ready to get top notch psych-educational evaluations, with no wait time? As a psychologist on The Mind Center's team, I understand the challenges you face when navigating your child's academic and emotional needs. My services are designed to pinpoint your child's strengths and areas of improvement. The mission? To team up with parents, their kids, and schools, creating a dynamic trio that supports every child in becoming their own hero with tailored intervention strategies. Through testing, challenges can turn into triumphs, and question marks into exclamation points. My approach is evidence-based and action-oriented.
I specialize in supporting queer individuals navigating Autism, ADHD, and chronic illness intersections.
Life's journey as a neurodivergent person often feels like a tightrope walk. There are so many barriers that hinder access to essential services, like education, jobs, and social inclusion. Constantly adapting to an environment that often disregards your needs can significantly impact your emotional and physical well-being, at times pushing you to the brink of burnout or shutdown. For those who are also part of the queer community, these challenges can intensify and, from time to time, give rise to a sense of isolation, as if you're navigating these obstacles all on your own.
I specialize in supporting queer individuals navigating Autism, ADHD, and chronic illness intersections.
Life's journey as a neurodivergent person often feels like a tightrope walk. There are so many barriers that hinder access to essential services, like education, jobs, and social inclusion. Constantly adapting to an environment that often disregards your needs can significantly impact your emotional and physical well-being, at times pushing you to the brink of burnout or shutdown. For those who are also part of the queer community, these challenges can intensify and, from time to time, give rise to a sense of isolation, as if you're navigating these obstacles all on your own.
Did you know autism can be diagnosed in children as young as 14 months of age? So often parents are told to "wait and see" despite having concerns about their child's development. As a child psychologist, I have expertise in the early diagnosis and intervention of autism. I have over a decade of experience conducting gold-standard evaluations for autism and research to advance knowledge about early autism signs with over 25 peer-reviewed publications/book chapters. I offer both diagnosis and intervention services for families of young children via telehealth throughout the country (select states). Contact me for a FREE consult!
Did you know autism can be diagnosed in children as young as 14 months of age? So often parents are told to "wait and see" despite having concerns about their child's development. As a child psychologist, I have expertise in the early diagnosis and intervention of autism. I have over a decade of experience conducting gold-standard evaluations for autism and research to advance knowledge about early autism signs with over 25 peer-reviewed publications/book chapters. I offer both diagnosis and intervention services for families of young children via telehealth throughout the country (select states). Contact me for a FREE consult!
Laura Place
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20016 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
The really fun part of being a therapist is getting to work with people whose brains all work differently from each other, whether it's because of ADHD, autism, trauma or anything else.
You've been on a journey just to figure out who you are and even though some of the pieces have come together, you could use a hand figuring out what to do with those pieces. Or you know just who you are and what you want for your life, but you can't seem to figure out how to manage the day to day challenges of adulting that everyone else seems to breeze through. You know you want and need a change, but you're not sure how to get there-and you've gotten pretty discouraged when you try without getting the results you need. I'm here to be a skilled and experienced guide to help you along any and all of those journeys.
The really fun part of being a therapist is getting to work with people whose brains all work differently from each other, whether it's because of ADHD, autism, trauma or anything else.
You've been on a journey just to figure out who you are and even though some of the pieces have come together, you could use a hand figuring out what to do with those pieces. Or you know just who you are and what you want for your life, but you can't seem to figure out how to manage the day to day challenges of adulting that everyone else seems to breeze through. You know you want and need a change, but you're not sure how to get there-and you've gotten pretty discouraged when you try without getting the results you need. I'm here to be a skilled and experienced guide to help you along any and all of those journeys.
I have been described as a down-to-earth psychologist who integrates humor and compassion with a pragmatic, problem-solving approach to help clients reach their goals. I provide psychotherapeutic services to adults with autism spectrum, attention deficit, and other co-occurring disorders. My work involves concrete, structured interventions along with support and guidance that can be utilized in different settings. As a specialist in autism spectrum disorders, I also conduct autism spectrum evaluations for adults.
I have been described as a down-to-earth psychologist who integrates humor and compassion with a pragmatic, problem-solving approach to help clients reach their goals. I provide psychotherapeutic services to adults with autism spectrum, attention deficit, and other co-occurring disorders. My work involves concrete, structured interventions along with support and guidance that can be utilized in different settings. As a specialist in autism spectrum disorders, I also conduct autism spectrum evaluations for adults.
Maryland Neuropsychological Services, LLC
Psychologist, PsyD, NCC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20500
Two areas of intensive specialization are in autism and in trauma treatment.
Services provided by neuropsychologists and licensed clinical psychologists, in the state of Maryland. Therapy is provided to individuals across the lifespan (children and adults). Client issues we can help with includes grief, stress management, anxiety, depression, life issues, compulsions and obsessions, and an umbrella of sexual issues (including voyeurism, exhibitionism, pedophilia, sexuality and issues having sex, and more), neurodevelopmental disorders (autism/ADHD), and trauma. Founder: Dr. Sarah Gardner, PsyD, NCC
Two areas of intensive specialization are in autism and in trauma treatment.
Services provided by neuropsychologists and licensed clinical psychologists, in the state of Maryland. Therapy is provided to individuals across the lifespan (children and adults). Client issues we can help with includes grief, stress management, anxiety, depression, life issues, compulsions and obsessions, and an umbrella of sexual issues (including voyeurism, exhibitionism, pedophilia, sexuality and issues having sex, and more), neurodevelopmental disorders (autism/ADHD), and trauma. Founder: Dr. Sarah Gardner, PsyD, NCC
Jessica Venglarcik
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW, MSSA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20003
Waitlist for new clients
I am an expert in the field of Autism and have worked in this population for 15 years.
You can reclaim happiness and peace in your life! I work with teens (11 and up) and adults. I have extensive experience in a number of areas including individuals with Autism, disabled individuals, faith based counseling, depression, anxiety, employment related issues, and general life stressors. The clients I work with are often feeling overwhelmed, and I help them to create space for healing. You are strong, and I'm here to help coach you back to a place of comfort and peace. I promise to provide non judgmental support and encouragement.
I am an expert in the field of Autism and have worked in this population for 15 years.
You can reclaim happiness and peace in your life! I work with teens (11 and up) and adults. I have extensive experience in a number of areas including individuals with Autism, disabled individuals, faith based counseling, depression, anxiety, employment related issues, and general life stressors. The clients I work with are often feeling overwhelmed, and I help them to create space for healing. You are strong, and I'm here to help coach you back to a place of comfort and peace. I promise to provide non judgmental support and encouragement.
I am passionate about providing therapy and psychological assessment from a holistic point of view. I specialize in health psychology, trauma, autism, ADHD, chronic illness and working with individuals in the LGBTQ+ community. I have found that my lived experiences have driven the areas of psychology I focus on the most. Being queer, AuDHD, and having my own experiences with trauma and chronic illness, I have experienced firsthand some downfalls of the healthcare system. I try my hardest to help others with both similar and different lived experiences navigate life through finding balanced, sustainable, and holistic solutions.
I am passionate about providing therapy and psychological assessment from a holistic point of view. I specialize in health psychology, trauma, autism, ADHD, chronic illness and working with individuals in the LGBTQ+ community. I have found that my lived experiences have driven the areas of psychology I focus on the most. Being queer, AuDHD, and having my own experiences with trauma and chronic illness, I have experienced firsthand some downfalls of the healthcare system. I try my hardest to help others with both similar and different lived experiences navigate life through finding balanced, sustainable, and holistic solutions.
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I am a specialist in neurodiversity including testing for ADHD and autism.
I specialize in neurodiversity-affirming assessments for autism, ADHD and mental health for children and adults. Clients often come to me seeking testing for the first time or as a second opinion after feeling misunderstood by other clinicians. My goal is to understand more about your unique lived experience and neurodivergence, get you the right diagnosis, and help you get connected with the resources that you need.
I am a specialist in neurodiversity including testing for ADHD and autism.
I specialize in neurodiversity-affirming assessments for autism, ADHD and mental health for children and adults. Clients often come to me seeking testing for the first time or as a second opinion after feeling misunderstood by other clinicians. My goal is to understand more about your unique lived experience and neurodivergence, get you the right diagnosis, and help you get connected with the resources that you need.
Welcome! I offer services primarily related to assessment and consultation for children and adults. Evaluations are comprehensive with a focus on various domains of functioning including intellectual, academic, executive functioning, attention, and mood/personality to best understand strengths and areas for improvement. Evaluations are provided for diagnosis of ADHD, Autism, and other neurodevelopmental conditions using evidence-based instruments. Additional areas of testing include learning problems/disabilities, admissions testing, college accommodations, and memory and cognitive decline.
Welcome! I offer services primarily related to assessment and consultation for children and adults. Evaluations are comprehensive with a focus on various domains of functioning including intellectual, academic, executive functioning, attention, and mood/personality to best understand strengths and areas for improvement. Evaluations are provided for diagnosis of ADHD, Autism, and other neurodevelopmental conditions using evidence-based instruments. Additional areas of testing include learning problems/disabilities, admissions testing, college accommodations, and memory and cognitive decline.
I'm a dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor with a passion for fostering growth and resilience in individuals and families. My aim is to provide a nurturing and supportive environment where clients of all ages can explore their inner worlds, overcome challenges, and discover their innate potential for healing and transformation. Whether you're seeking therapy for yourself or your child, adolescent, or family unit, I tailor my approach to meet your specific needs and goals. I work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, anger, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, low self-esteem, trauma, drug and alcohol use and more.
I'm a dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor with a passion for fostering growth and resilience in individuals and families. My aim is to provide a nurturing and supportive environment where clients of all ages can explore their inner worlds, overcome challenges, and discover their innate potential for healing and transformation. Whether you're seeking therapy for yourself or your child, adolescent, or family unit, I tailor my approach to meet your specific needs and goals. I work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, anger, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, low self-esteem, trauma, drug and alcohol use and more.
Meaghon Omobude
Pre-Licensed Professional, LGPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20005 (Online Only)
As a Black, Queer therapist I am passionate about working with people of diverse backgrounds, specifically individuals who identify as BIPOC, Queer, and/or neurodivergent in the D.C area. I believe that clients are the experts of their own lived experiences and that my role is to empower you through cultivating a space of healing. I help clients navigate challenges associated with anxiety, depression, and life transitions. As well as working with concerns related to ADHD, Autism, and gender and/or sexual identity.
As a Black, Queer therapist I am passionate about working with people of diverse backgrounds, specifically individuals who identify as BIPOC, Queer, and/or neurodivergent in the D.C area. I believe that clients are the experts of their own lived experiences and that my role is to empower you through cultivating a space of healing. I help clients navigate challenges associated with anxiety, depression, and life transitions. As well as working with concerns related to ADHD, Autism, and gender and/or sexual identity.
, autism), gender-affirming, and private school admissions testing.
Psychological evaluations are my area of expertise and passion. My goal when conducting assessments is to identify an individual’s areas of strength and weakness in order to provide recommendations for treatment, work and/or school, interpersonal relationships, and daily living. In the context of assessments, I can provide diagnoses and second opinions. A diagnosis is only one aspect of the process, however, and I emphasize understanding underlying cognitive, emotional, and interpersonal processes, and how these combine and manifest in daily life.
, autism), gender-affirming, and private school admissions testing.
Psychological evaluations are my area of expertise and passion. My goal when conducting assessments is to identify an individual’s areas of strength and weakness in order to provide recommendations for treatment, work and/or school, interpersonal relationships, and daily living. In the context of assessments, I can provide diagnoses and second opinions. A diagnosis is only one aspect of the process, however, and I emphasize understanding underlying cognitive, emotional, and interpersonal processes, and how these combine and manifest in daily life.
Kayena Pierre-Louis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20009 (Online Only)
I have dedicated my career to helping individuals and families find strength and resilience in the face of life's difficulties. With a background in clinical social work, I have worked extensively with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds, addressing an array of concerns such as depression, autism, and developmental disabilities. I understand that no two individuals are the same, and I am committed to tailoring my approach to meet your unique needs. Specialties: 1. Family Therapy: I have a deep understanding of the complexities of family dynamics and the challenges that can arise.
I have dedicated my career to helping individuals and families find strength and resilience in the face of life's difficulties. With a background in clinical social work, I have worked extensively with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds, addressing an array of concerns such as depression, autism, and developmental disabilities. I understand that no two individuals are the same, and I am committed to tailoring my approach to meet your unique needs. Specialties: 1. Family Therapy: I have a deep understanding of the complexities of family dynamics and the challenges that can arise.
Saida Eazizayene
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20006 (Online Only)
In prioritising my clients' diversity and identities, I use culturally-sensitive CBT, DBT, ACT, Person Centered Therapy, Trauma-Informed Care (TIC), motivational therapy, attachment theory to support adults living with depression, anxiety, ADHD, Autism, bipolar disorder, and PTSD related to identity, career, relationships, immigrant experiences, grief and loss, divorce or marriage work . We'll will work toward behavior change, mood regulation, communication, self-acceptance, distress tolerance, assertiveness, resolving trauma, enhancing daily functioning, addressing relationship challenges, boundary setting and self-awareness.
In prioritising my clients' diversity and identities, I use culturally-sensitive CBT, DBT, ACT, Person Centered Therapy, Trauma-Informed Care (TIC), motivational therapy, attachment theory to support adults living with depression, anxiety, ADHD, Autism, bipolar disorder, and PTSD related to identity, career, relationships, immigrant experiences, grief and loss, divorce or marriage work . We'll will work toward behavior change, mood regulation, communication, self-acceptance, distress tolerance, assertiveness, resolving trauma, enhancing daily functioning, addressing relationship challenges, boundary setting and self-awareness.
My name is Dr. Jeff Selman and I am a licensed psychologist, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and a certified school psychologist. I offer evidence-based telepsychology services to individuals across the lifespan and their families. These services include autism screening and assessment, individual and family therapy, parent behavior management training and coaching, and consultation and training for schools and community agencies. My approach is grounded in cognitive behavior therapy and behavior therapy. My sessions tend to be active, goal-oriented, and engaging. I love the work and welcomes complex and challenging cases.
My name is Dr. Jeff Selman and I am a licensed psychologist, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and a certified school psychologist. I offer evidence-based telepsychology services to individuals across the lifespan and their families. These services include autism screening and assessment, individual and family therapy, parent behavior management training and coaching, and consultation and training for schools and community agencies. My approach is grounded in cognitive behavior therapy and behavior therapy. My sessions tend to be active, goal-oriented, and engaging. I love the work and welcomes complex and challenging cases.
Keri Sartin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20008 (Online Only)
I am an Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist as well as a Certified Child Centered Play Therapist and Sand Tray Therapist.
My name is Keri Sartin and I am the owner of Limitless Psychotherapy Services. I am really passionate about serving and helping people. I started my private practice in 2022 after practicing as a school social worker for 9 years and providing services to adults for over 15 years. I believe adults and children, do best when they feel heard and have supportive people in their lives. I enjoy working to address concerns of anxiety, depression, and general life changes. I also have a passion for helping parents better understand and connect with their children to transform and enhance the parent-child relationship.
I am an Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist as well as a Certified Child Centered Play Therapist and Sand Tray Therapist.
My name is Keri Sartin and I am the owner of Limitless Psychotherapy Services. I am really passionate about serving and helping people. I started my private practice in 2022 after practicing as a school social worker for 9 years and providing services to adults for over 15 years. I believe adults and children, do best when they feel heard and have supportive people in their lives. I enjoy working to address concerns of anxiety, depression, and general life changes. I also have a passion for helping parents better understand and connect with their children to transform and enhance the parent-child relationship.
See more therapy options for Washington
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.