Autism Therapists in Destin, FL
I enjoy working with adults, children and adolescents. I believe that the central healing factor of effective therapy is a strong therapeutic connection or relationship between the client and the therapist. My goal in therapy is to offer a safe, warm haven to the client where they feel accepted and free to express the issues that brought them to therapy. I use an eclectic approach to therapy using a variety of theories and methods to approach the needs of the individual client.
I enjoy working with adults, children and adolescents. I believe that the central healing factor of effective therapy is a strong therapeutic connection or relationship between the client and the therapist. My goal in therapy is to offer a safe, warm haven to the client where they feel accepted and free to express the issues that brought them to therapy. I use an eclectic approach to therapy using a variety of theories and methods to approach the needs of the individual client.
The issues I have experience working with are ADHD, Anger Management, Behavioral Issues, Bipolar Disorder, Codependency, Coping Skills, Divorce, Grief, Infidelity, Life Transitions, Marital and Premarital, Parenting, Peer Relationships, Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum, Self Esteem, Sleep or Insomnia, Stress, and Mood Disorders and Women's Issues.
The issues I have experience working with are ADHD, Anger Management, Behavioral Issues, Bipolar Disorder, Codependency, Coping Skills, Divorce, Grief, Infidelity, Life Transitions, Marital and Premarital, Parenting, Peer Relationships, Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum, Self Esteem, Sleep or Insomnia, Stress, and Mood Disorders and Women's Issues.
I help clients battling mixed emotions: anxiety, depression, worries, fear, and trauma. They have excessive/some worry that is difficult to control, occurring more days than not for more than 30 days and beyond. They might also experience motor tension, autonomic hyperactivity, and hypervigilance. I work with you to create short- and long-term goals to reduce symptoms' frequency, intensity, and duration so that daily functioning is not impaired. The plan is to stabilize anxiety levels while increasing the ability to function. Help resolve the core conflict causing the anxiety. Enhance ability to cope with daily and life stressors.
I help clients battling mixed emotions: anxiety, depression, worries, fear, and trauma. They have excessive/some worry that is difficult to control, occurring more days than not for more than 30 days and beyond. They might also experience motor tension, autonomic hyperactivity, and hypervigilance. I work with you to create short- and long-term goals to reduce symptoms' frequency, intensity, and duration so that daily functioning is not impaired. The plan is to stabilize anxiety levels while increasing the ability to function. Help resolve the core conflict causing the anxiety. Enhance ability to cope with daily and life stressors.
Accentus Health TMS is a leading provider of mental health services, offering a range of specialized therapies, medication management, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy. My specific focus at Accentus Health TMS is the neurodiverse community, trauma, addiction and couple's issues. As a team we work together to create an individualized plan of care that is designed to meet the specific needs of each patient. We believe that mental health is essential for overall well-being, and we strive to ensure our patients are able to achieve their goals in a safe and supportive environment. It’s time to feel better!
Accentus Health TMS is a leading provider of mental health services, offering a range of specialized therapies, medication management, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy. My specific focus at Accentus Health TMS is the neurodiverse community, trauma, addiction and couple's issues. As a team we work together to create an individualized plan of care that is designed to meet the specific needs of each patient. We believe that mental health is essential for overall well-being, and we strive to ensure our patients are able to achieve their goals in a safe and supportive environment. It’s time to feel better!
More Therapists Nearby
In addition, I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) that provides ABA to clients with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Making the decision and moving forward with seeking therapy is a huge step and usually, it’s the biggest challenge in therapy. From the moment you step through my door, you’ve already got someone in your corner. I take pride in offering a supportive, calm, accepting, and safe environment for my clients. Today’s environment makes it more difficult for us to find ways to create healthy coping skills. We will work together to identify thought patterns and behaviors, process your emotions, and explore your values and beliefs. We’ll build those healthy coping skills together. It may not always be easy, but it will certainly be worth it.
In addition, I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) that provides ABA to clients with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Making the decision and moving forward with seeking therapy is a huge step and usually, it’s the biggest challenge in therapy. From the moment you step through my door, you’ve already got someone in your corner. I take pride in offering a supportive, calm, accepting, and safe environment for my clients. Today’s environment makes it more difficult for us to find ways to create healthy coping skills. We will work together to identify thought patterns and behaviors, process your emotions, and explore your values and beliefs. We’ll build those healthy coping skills together. It may not always be easy, but it will certainly be worth it.
Alina Griffith
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, MS, CCTP, ASDCS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
My specialties include children, adolescents, teens, and adults with anxiety, trauma, depression, emotional disturbances, and individuals diagnosed with Autism and ADHD.
I create a trusting space and build rapport so that you can have a place to process challenges, which also creates growth. Creating a safe space for my clients also means creating a space of compassion, empathy, understanding, and non-judgment. I value the transformative nature of a strong therapeutic relationship. Sometimes, there are disruptions in life that affect not only the present but the future as well. These disruptions can impact how we see ourselves, how we see others, and how we perceive the world in a negative way. I draw from the modalities of CBT, DBT, Person-Centered Therapy, and SandTray Therapy.
My specialties include children, adolescents, teens, and adults with anxiety, trauma, depression, emotional disturbances, and individuals diagnosed with Autism and ADHD.
I create a trusting space and build rapport so that you can have a place to process challenges, which also creates growth. Creating a safe space for my clients also means creating a space of compassion, empathy, understanding, and non-judgment. I value the transformative nature of a strong therapeutic relationship. Sometimes, there are disruptions in life that affect not only the present but the future as well. These disruptions can impact how we see ourselves, how we see others, and how we perceive the world in a negative way. I draw from the modalities of CBT, DBT, Person-Centered Therapy, and SandTray Therapy.
Life can be overwhelming and at times we don’t even know what to do to find relief. Whether it is trauma that has a grip on your days and nights, difficulties with worry and fear, parenting concerns, or just feeling lost, I am here to help, listen, and guide you. Together we will find a solution to your challenges so that you can experience freedom and healing.
Life can be overwhelming and at times we don’t even know what to do to find relief. Whether it is trauma that has a grip on your days and nights, difficulties with worry and fear, parenting concerns, or just feeling lost, I am here to help, listen, and guide you. Together we will find a solution to your challenges so that you can experience freedom and healing.
Shae Nicole Luster
Counselor, L, M, H, C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547 (Online Only)
Do you struggle with anxious racing thoughts that won't go away ? It is like trying to hold an enormous inflatable beach ball under water, but it keeps popping up? When a person experiences trauma or life stressors it is not uncommon for their lives to unravel. My purpose and passion is to bring healing to people who have been through traumatic/stressful experiences. I help my clients who include, adults, active duty military, veterans, and teens to find healthy perceptions of themselves, others and the world.
Do you struggle with anxious racing thoughts that won't go away ? It is like trying to hold an enormous inflatable beach ball under water, but it keeps popping up? When a person experiences trauma or life stressors it is not uncommon for their lives to unravel. My purpose and passion is to bring healing to people who have been through traumatic/stressful experiences. I help my clients who include, adults, active duty military, veterans, and teens to find healthy perceptions of themselves, others and the world.
An interesting client for me is the middle-aged male who has climbed the ladder of success only to find there is nothing there but "stuff". They are extremely depressed realizing that they are unsatisfied with their lives. So they come into therapy to start "The Male Journey". If they become humble and honest, there is a chance that they can transform their lives for the better. Often, this approach is successful with couples who are in need of relationship counseling.
An interesting client for me is the middle-aged male who has climbed the ladder of success only to find there is nothing there but "stuff". They are extremely depressed realizing that they are unsatisfied with their lives. So they come into therapy to start "The Male Journey". If they become humble and honest, there is a chance that they can transform their lives for the better. Often, this approach is successful with couples who are in need of relationship counseling.
Emerald Coast NeuroFeedback
Counselor, MS, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
Since 2013, I’ve worked with a range of mental health concerns in my private practice. In 2015 I learned of NeruoTherapy and utilized it as part of a wellness based inpatient program. And in 2017 I introduced it to my private practice. After seeing remarkable improvements with so many client concerns, (Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, TBI, Stroke Recovery, ADHD, Sleep Issues, Memory, Focus, Performance Enhancement, and more), Emerald Coast NeruoFeedback was founded in 2021, making it available outside of my counseling practice. At ECNF we combine cutting edge software with years of clinical experience from assessment to implementation.
Since 2013, I’ve worked with a range of mental health concerns in my private practice. In 2015 I learned of NeruoTherapy and utilized it as part of a wellness based inpatient program. And in 2017 I introduced it to my private practice. After seeing remarkable improvements with so many client concerns, (Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, TBI, Stroke Recovery, ADHD, Sleep Issues, Memory, Focus, Performance Enhancement, and more), Emerald Coast NeruoFeedback was founded in 2021, making it available outside of my counseling practice. At ECNF we combine cutting edge software with years of clinical experience from assessment to implementation.
My name is Christina, I have a Master of Science degree in counseling and psychology. Life is a beautiful journey, but there are moments when it can seem too overwhelming to navigate it alone. Sometimes you need to reach out to someone who can help you find your way forward. If you feel weighed down by feelings of uncertainty or distress, come to see me. Together, we can work to identify and treat the root causes of your difficulties and create a new opportunity for a life with rich experiences and joyful memories.
My name is Christina, I have a Master of Science degree in counseling and psychology. Life is a beautiful journey, but there are moments when it can seem too overwhelming to navigate it alone. Sometimes you need to reach out to someone who can help you find your way forward. If you feel weighed down by feelings of uncertainty or distress, come to see me. Together, we can work to identify and treat the root causes of your difficulties and create a new opportunity for a life with rich experiences and joyful memories.
Dr. Ana Santana is a Bilingual (English and Spanish) Licensed Clinical Neuropsychologist, for the state of Florida. She specializes in psychotherapy, neuropsychological evaluations, psychoeducational and vocational rehabilitation psychodiagnostic testing for job-related recommendations. She has received extensive bilingual training conducting neuropsychological evaluations with neurologically impaired outpatients and inpatients, with a diverse clinical diagnosis including traumatic brain injury; polytrauma; cerebrovascular accidents and a variety of neurological and medical disorders. Her approach to psychotherapy is cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused and empirically based treatments. Within her approach she integrates therapeutic modalities that work best with the treatment needs of the individual.
Dr. Ana Santana is a Bilingual (English and Spanish) Licensed Clinical Neuropsychologist, for the state of Florida. She specializes in psychotherapy, neuropsychological evaluations, psychoeducational and vocational rehabilitation psychodiagnostic testing for job-related recommendations. She has received extensive bilingual training conducting neuropsychological evaluations with neurologically impaired outpatients and inpatients, with a diverse clinical diagnosis including traumatic brain injury; polytrauma; cerebrovascular accidents and a variety of neurological and medical disorders. Her approach to psychotherapy is cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused and empirically based treatments. Within her approach she integrates therapeutic modalities that work best with the treatment needs of the individual.
Michelle Milligan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CIC-CSp, CTMH
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
Not accepting new clients
I am EMDR Trained and can assist and guide those needing help from the ages of 12+ that might suffer from Anxiety, Depression, Grief, and a number of other mental health conditions. .
I am EMDR Trained and can assist and guide those needing help from the ages of 12+ that might suffer from Anxiety, Depression, Grief, and a number of other mental health conditions. .
Online Therapists
I have worked most closely with crisis and trauma, domestic violence, addiction, and autism spectrum disorders.
I have enjoyed providing support in mental health for over 20 years now. We all face moments of distress and experience unplanned circumstances in our lives that we simply are not prepared for. It can be difficult to navigate our way through all of the thoughts that may come up or the different levels of pain we tend to experience and I know that reaching out for help can be challenging. All have their own healing journeys and I am grateful to be able to help individuals with discovering their unique path to healing, growth and change.
I have worked most closely with crisis and trauma, domestic violence, addiction, and autism spectrum disorders.
I have enjoyed providing support in mental health for over 20 years now. We all face moments of distress and experience unplanned circumstances in our lives that we simply are not prepared for. It can be difficult to navigate our way through all of the thoughts that may come up or the different levels of pain we tend to experience and I know that reaching out for help can be challenging. All have their own healing journeys and I am grateful to be able to help individuals with discovering their unique path to healing, growth and change.
Megan Dasbach
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC, NCC, MT-BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Panama City, FL 32405
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize with neurodivergence, including Autism Spectrum and Attention Deficit Disorders.
My dear friends! Thank you for taking the time to see my profile. I believe very strongly in the egalitarian relationship - you are the expert in your experiences, and I am here to reflect, process, and help you on your personal journey through whatever you are hoping for support on. Whether you are looking for a therapist for yourself or your little one, I think therapy should be enjoyable, supportive, and our relationship is central to your comfort here.
I specialize with neurodivergence, including Autism Spectrum and Attention Deficit Disorders.
My dear friends! Thank you for taking the time to see my profile. I believe very strongly in the egalitarian relationship - you are the expert in your experiences, and I am here to reflect, process, and help you on your personal journey through whatever you are hoping for support on. Whether you are looking for a therapist for yourself or your little one, I think therapy should be enjoyable, supportive, and our relationship is central to your comfort here.
Evaluations to diagnose learning difficulties, cognitive disabilities, behavioral problems, ADHD, and possible autism spectrum disorders are also conducted.
I’m a Licensed School Psychologist and owner of Child & Adolescent Psychological and Counseling Svcs of NW FL (CAPS) and have been providing psychological assessments and counseling services to children, adolescents, and young adults for 31 years. As a School Psychologist, I'm passionate about seeing children and young adults reach their maximum potential at home, school, and their social setting. My goal is to help children and teens learn to live happier, healthier lives. I think it's paramount to set children and adolescents up for success instead of failure. I can work with the student as well as the parents to make this happen.
Evaluations to diagnose learning difficulties, cognitive disabilities, behavioral problems, ADHD, and possible autism spectrum disorders are also conducted.
I’m a Licensed School Psychologist and owner of Child & Adolescent Psychological and Counseling Svcs of NW FL (CAPS) and have been providing psychological assessments and counseling services to children, adolescents, and young adults for 31 years. As a School Psychologist, I'm passionate about seeing children and young adults reach their maximum potential at home, school, and their social setting. My goal is to help children and teens learn to live happier, healthier lives. I think it's paramount to set children and adolescents up for success instead of failure. I can work with the student as well as the parents to make this happen.
I also offer educational consulting for students who struggle at school with learning disabilities, bullying, autism, and other educational barriers.
Feel like life's challenges are just too much sometimes? Or does your child struggle with ADHD, behavioral, or self-esteem issues? If you battle depression, anxiety, marital or family issues, behavioral concerns, grief, or other hurdles, I can support you through your journey. Besides my formal training, I've lived through many major life transitions, myself: military family life, the death of a child, marital issues, & job loss and change. I understand the complicated feelings involved. I've navigated these situations and I can help you find your way, too.
I also offer educational consulting for students who struggle at school with learning disabilities, bullying, autism, and other educational barriers.
Feel like life's challenges are just too much sometimes? Or does your child struggle with ADHD, behavioral, or self-esteem issues? If you battle depression, anxiety, marital or family issues, behavioral concerns, grief, or other hurdles, I can support you through your journey. Besides my formal training, I've lived through many major life transitions, myself: military family life, the death of a child, marital issues, & job loss and change. I understand the complicated feelings involved. I've navigated these situations and I can help you find your way, too.
Dr. Shellyann M. H. Thomas
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Panama City, FL 32404 (Online Only)
Are you having difficulty connecting and parenting your child? If your kiddo is managing ADHD, Autism, and Oppositional defiance symptoms (ODD), look no further, Reach out to Dr. Shelly for support:-) I am a Family Therapist & Behavior Analyst. I am aware of the issue at hand where parents who need help are unable to get that at this time. If you're waiting for ABA, but want a Dr to see what you're dealing with, email or text me at 754-400-1689. I will provide an Assessment as you wait for services with a treatment plan along with interventions. I will do this for a flat rate of $395. I will request videos as well for my Analysis.
Are you having difficulty connecting and parenting your child? If your kiddo is managing ADHD, Autism, and Oppositional defiance symptoms (ODD), look no further, Reach out to Dr. Shelly for support:-) I am a Family Therapist & Behavior Analyst. I am aware of the issue at hand where parents who need help are unable to get that at this time. If you're waiting for ABA, but want a Dr to see what you're dealing with, email or text me at 754-400-1689. I will provide an Assessment as you wait for services with a treatment plan along with interventions. I will do this for a flat rate of $395. I will request videos as well for my Analysis.
You can do it! I can help! I also provide testing for autism/IQ.
Life is tough...and getting tougher. Sometimes, it can be hard to cope. Sometimes, things can feel overwhelming. Sometimes, you feel like you are just barely hanging on. Maybe you have had a lifetime of trauma that has finally caught up with you. Maybe you are a parent whose child is on your very last nerve. Maybe you are struggling in your relationships. Maybe, in the midst of all this, you have lost hope. Maybe, you have even lost you. Wherever you are today, I would like to help. I bring 25 years of counseling experience into each session and I am still learning. I can't wait to help you on your journey!
You can do it! I can help! I also provide testing for autism/IQ.
Life is tough...and getting tougher. Sometimes, it can be hard to cope. Sometimes, things can feel overwhelming. Sometimes, you feel like you are just barely hanging on. Maybe you have had a lifetime of trauma that has finally caught up with you. Maybe you are a parent whose child is on your very last nerve. Maybe you are struggling in your relationships. Maybe, in the midst of all this, you have lost hope. Maybe, you have even lost you. Wherever you are today, I would like to help. I bring 25 years of counseling experience into each session and I am still learning. I can't wait to help you on your journey!
Hailey Currington
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pensacola, FL 32501
Waitlist for new clients
Owner and Clincian of Collective Living Counseling services LLC, Ms. Currington facilitates an environment where clients can express themselves without fear of rejection or judgment. She currently maintains a focus on adolescents and adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, life adjustments, and/or trauma. She also places a focus on individuals within the Autism Spectrum community who may be looking to gain a better understanding of their diagnosis as well as their mental health needs. This clinician has a passion for helping others through their personal growth and strives on being a support to them through the process.
Owner and Clincian of Collective Living Counseling services LLC, Ms. Currington facilitates an environment where clients can express themselves without fear of rejection or judgment. She currently maintains a focus on adolescents and adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, life adjustments, and/or trauma. She also places a focus on individuals within the Autism Spectrum community who may be looking to gain a better understanding of their diagnosis as well as their mental health needs. This clinician has a passion for helping others through their personal growth and strives on being a support to them through the process.
See more therapy options for Destin
Nearby Autism Therapists Searches for Destin
- Crestview
- Fort Walton Beach
- Gulf Breeze
- Milton
- Navarre
- Niceville
- Pace
- Panama City Beach
- Pensacola
- Santa Rosa Beach
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.