Autism Therapists in Avondale Estates, GA
Katie Birmingham
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Avondale Estates, GA 30002
In my work with teenagers and adults, I have found that peoples' unique qualities play a critical role in helping them acknowledge, implement, & sustain their own coping abilities. My mission as a therapist is to help facilitate growth & navigation of challenges in a manner that allows clients to feel authentic, capable & safe. I specialize in working with teens, adolescents, & adults to address issues related to Anxiety, Depression, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, self esteem, & stress management. From start to finish of your counseling journey, my goal is to support you through your most accessible and empowering means.
In my work with teenagers and adults, I have found that peoples' unique qualities play a critical role in helping them acknowledge, implement, & sustain their own coping abilities. My mission as a therapist is to help facilitate growth & navigation of challenges in a manner that allows clients to feel authentic, capable & safe. I specialize in working with teens, adolescents, & adults to address issues related to Anxiety, Depression, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, self esteem, & stress management. From start to finish of your counseling journey, my goal is to support you through your most accessible and empowering means.
Sara Zambo
Associate Professional Counselor, MS, LAPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Avondale Estates, GA 30002 (Online Only)
I have experience working with childhood trauma, grief, anxiety, perfectionism, LGBTQIA+ concerns, ADHD, and autism.
I often work with people who are feeling stuck and disconnected from themselves and their loved ones because of past experiences that continue to impact them in the present. You may notice that strategies you developed to survive those periods of your life no longer serve you, but are unsure how to change. Taking the first step to get help and approach the thoughts, emotions, and events that have felt too difficult to touch can be intimidating and anxiety provoking. As your therapist it is my goal to provide a safe, nonjudgmental, and accepting environment for you to process your past and find new ways of caring for yourself today.
I have experience working with childhood trauma, grief, anxiety, perfectionism, LGBTQIA+ concerns, ADHD, and autism.
I often work with people who are feeling stuck and disconnected from themselves and their loved ones because of past experiences that continue to impact them in the present. You may notice that strategies you developed to survive those periods of your life no longer serve you, but are unsure how to change. Taking the first step to get help and approach the thoughts, emotions, and events that have felt too difficult to touch can be intimidating and anxiety provoking. As your therapist it is my goal to provide a safe, nonjudgmental, and accepting environment for you to process your past and find new ways of caring for yourself today.
As a therapist, I hope to provide my clients with a place where they feel seen, heard and understood. My ultimate goal is to help others navigate the challenges of life and work towards helping them to achieve their best possible quality of life. I use an integrative approach, tailoring interventions towards the needs of each individual I work with. After being in the mental health field for over 25 years, I have experience in treating trauma, ADHD, depression, anxiety, panic disorder, bipolar disorder, self harming behavior, grief and adjustment to life transitions. I enjoy working with diverse clients ranging in age from 15 to 80.
As a therapist, I hope to provide my clients with a place where they feel seen, heard and understood. My ultimate goal is to help others navigate the challenges of life and work towards helping them to achieve their best possible quality of life. I use an integrative approach, tailoring interventions towards the needs of each individual I work with. After being in the mental health field for over 25 years, I have experience in treating trauma, ADHD, depression, anxiety, panic disorder, bipolar disorder, self harming behavior, grief and adjustment to life transitions. I enjoy working with diverse clients ranging in age from 15 to 80.
Melissa Dickinson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
13 Endorsed
Avondale Estates, GA 30002
Therapy is a chance to cultivate a healthy relationship with a professional who will allow you to grow and explore new ways of being. I work with you to create a safe space, so that we can make real progress on the issues that matter to you.
Therapy is a chance to cultivate a healthy relationship with a professional who will allow you to grow and explore new ways of being. I work with you to create a safe space, so that we can make real progress on the issues that matter to you.
Bertrina Olivia West Al-Mahdi
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Avondale Estates, GA 30002
Life is often tough & can be very stressful & overwhelming. Challenges are often thrown our way & we struggle with finding ways to cope. Hi, my name is Dr. O, I am a U. S. Navy veteran with a doctorate degree in International Psychologist. I am the Clinical Director of Out of the Box, CCC, a mom, a wife, & I'm here to help. I understand the difficulties of navigating the challenges of life while trying to hold it all together. I specialize in working with individuals, families, couples, adolescents, and children facing emotional, cognitive, & social challenges as a result of trauma. When most people think about trauma, they usually
Life is often tough & can be very stressful & overwhelming. Challenges are often thrown our way & we struggle with finding ways to cope. Hi, my name is Dr. O, I am a U. S. Navy veteran with a doctorate degree in International Psychologist. I am the Clinical Director of Out of the Box, CCC, a mom, a wife, & I'm here to help. I understand the difficulties of navigating the challenges of life while trying to hold it all together. I specialize in working with individuals, families, couples, adolescents, and children facing emotional, cognitive, & social challenges as a result of trauma. When most people think about trauma, they usually
Miranda Barzey
Counselor, LAPC, CRC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Avondale Estates, GA 30002
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in child centered play therapy with young children ages 2-7 and person centered counseling for adults 20-40. I help clients navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, neurodivergence, gender and sexual identity exploration, suicide, coping with oppression, and adjusting to life changes. My door is wide open to anyone in the LGBTQIA+ community, neurodivergent folks, and polyamorous individuals/families, or anyone looking to do the brave work of understanding themselves more deeply.
I specialize in child centered play therapy with young children ages 2-7 and person centered counseling for adults 20-40. I help clients navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, neurodivergence, gender and sexual identity exploration, suicide, coping with oppression, and adjusting to life changes. My door is wide open to anyone in the LGBTQIA+ community, neurodivergent folks, and polyamorous individuals/families, or anyone looking to do the brave work of understanding themselves more deeply.
More Therapists Nearby
Neurodevelopmental Assessment & Consulting Svc
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Decatur, GA 30030
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise in the diagnostic evaluation of individuals with autism and related disorders from infancy throughout adulthood. I specialize in the earliest emerging symptoms in infancy, as well as more subtle symptoms that can be overlooked in adolescents and adults, particularly females. My recommendations are focused on optimizing outcome based on individual needs. I am also an adjunct faculty member at Emory University where I teach an advanced autism course, and I conduct teaching, training, and consulting for professionals, academic grants, and clinical trials worldwide.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise in the diagnostic evaluation of individuals with autism and related disorders from infancy throughout adulthood. I specialize in the earliest emerging symptoms in infancy, as well as more subtle symptoms that can be overlooked in adolescents and adults, particularly females. My recommendations are focused on optimizing outcome based on individual needs. I am also an adjunct faculty member at Emory University where I teach an advanced autism course, and I conduct teaching, training, and consulting for professionals, academic grants, and clinical trials worldwide.
I am a licensed psychologist with 10 years of experience in evaluating children, adolescents and adults related to a number of concerns including ADHD, adult ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, nonverbal learning disorders, psychiatric disorders, developmental disabilities, college entrance and accommodations, and academic testing. I also have extensive experience working with children in schools and a broad base of knowledge of special education procedures and other school-based intervention services. I conduct psychotherapy with children, adolescents, and their families to help strengthen the family connection, reduce conflict at home/school, and enhance effective communication and problem-solving.
I am a licensed psychologist with 10 years of experience in evaluating children, adolescents and adults related to a number of concerns including ADHD, adult ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, nonverbal learning disorders, psychiatric disorders, developmental disabilities, college entrance and accommodations, and academic testing. I also have extensive experience working with children in schools and a broad base of knowledge of special education procedures and other school-based intervention services. I conduct psychotherapy with children, adolescents, and their families to help strengthen the family connection, reduce conflict at home/school, and enhance effective communication and problem-solving.
Perspectives Psychological Resources, LLC
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Decatur, GA 30030
My mission is to close gaps in identification of autism and adhd and psycheducational testing for families; provide culturally-sensitive, trauma-informed evidenced-based & accessible mental health care; and create wellspace for therapists to provides services while focusing on their wellness.
Have you been searching for services and having trouble being seen or getting what you need?! I'm here to help! I am Dr. Sarah Mac, owner and clinical director of Perspectives. We provide ADHD, Autism, and Psychoeducational assessments. We focus on early identification and see children as early as 15 months up to adolescents and adults. I work with a team to address your needs sooner! Skip the call! Complete our book an assessment link on our website to start services today!
My mission is to close gaps in identification of autism and adhd and psycheducational testing for families; provide culturally-sensitive, trauma-informed evidenced-based & accessible mental health care; and create wellspace for therapists to provides services while focusing on their wellness.
Have you been searching for services and having trouble being seen or getting what you need?! I'm here to help! I am Dr. Sarah Mac, owner and clinical director of Perspectives. We provide ADHD, Autism, and Psychoeducational assessments. We focus on early identification and see children as early as 15 months up to adolescents and adults. I work with a team to address your needs sooner! Skip the call! Complete our book an assessment link on our website to start services today!
ATK Marriage & Family Coaching, LLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Decatur, GA 30030
We serve as consultants to families of children with developmental disabilities (ie Autism, ADHD, etc) which includes improving parenting skills and guidance toward a better quality of life.
We specialize in marriage counseling to help couples improve communication, intimacy, family issues, and how they relate to each other. Couples often get caught up in destructive cycles that create great frustration for them. They find themselves unable to talk, be intimate and relate to each other as desired. This can have severe implications not only for the couple, but the whole family. Let us help you STOP the madness! Our work is the perfect integration of education, years of marriage, parenting, years of teaching special education experience, and a lifetime of experience!
We serve as consultants to families of children with developmental disabilities (ie Autism, ADHD, etc) which includes improving parenting skills and guidance toward a better quality of life.
We specialize in marriage counseling to help couples improve communication, intimacy, family issues, and how they relate to each other. Couples often get caught up in destructive cycles that create great frustration for them. They find themselves unable to talk, be intimate and relate to each other as desired. This can have severe implications not only for the couple, but the whole family. Let us help you STOP the madness! Our work is the perfect integration of education, years of marriage, parenting, years of teaching special education experience, and a lifetime of experience!
Wendy Fritz
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, ASDCS, CAIP, ADHDCCS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Scottdale, GA 30079
I am a Certified Autism-Informed Professional, a Certified Anxiety-Informed Professional, an ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider and a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Specialist.
I provide play therapy to children ages 2-11 years who are challenged with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, Anger/Behavior Challenges, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and Grief/Loss. I also do parent coaching with parents of kids struggling with said challenges. Together we can work on improving executive functioning skills, social skills, increase self-esteem and self-confidence, and work to decrease anxious thoughts, obsessions and compulsions, and episodes of dysregulation.
I am a Certified Autism-Informed Professional, a Certified Anxiety-Informed Professional, an ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider and a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Specialist.
I provide play therapy to children ages 2-11 years who are challenged with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, Anger/Behavior Challenges, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and Grief/Loss. I also do parent coaching with parents of kids struggling with said challenges. Together we can work on improving executive functioning skills, social skills, increase self-esteem and self-confidence, and work to decrease anxious thoughts, obsessions and compulsions, and episodes of dysregulation.
Core Therapy Services, LLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, BCBA, MT-BC
Verified Verified
Decatur, GA 30030
"I believe in creating a safe and active environment where skills and tools needed to change or successfully transition through a life challenge can be developed and practiced. Everyone has the capability to excel and feel successful, especially when meaningful and doable steps are discovered. All of this occurs when you build trusting and genuine relationships." -Katrina
"I believe in creating a safe and active environment where skills and tools needed to change or successfully transition through a life challenge can be developed and practiced. Everyone has the capability to excel and feel successful, especially when meaningful and doable steps are discovered. All of this occurs when you build trusting and genuine relationships." -Katrina
Katie Leikam
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LISW-CP, MBA
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Decatur, GA 30030 (Online Only)
Are you struggling with coming out, exploring your gender identity, religious trauma, are autistic, have ADHD or are just looking for someone that "gets" you. Really "gets" you or your child. LGBTQ, Transgender and gender expansive clients are my specialty and I have been working with this community for over a decade. As a queer person myself, I understand the struggle of coming out or finding your own place in the world. I enjoy working with people from 6th graders to adults who want to have the courage to be who they are. It is okay to need help and I know you are the authority on your own gender identity.
Are you struggling with coming out, exploring your gender identity, religious trauma, are autistic, have ADHD or are just looking for someone that "gets" you. Really "gets" you or your child. LGBTQ, Transgender and gender expansive clients are my specialty and I have been working with this community for over a decade. As a queer person myself, I understand the struggle of coming out or finding your own place in the world. I enjoy working with people from 6th graders to adults who want to have the courage to be who they are. It is okay to need help and I know you are the authority on your own gender identity.
Dr. Susan Byers
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, CRC, ACS
Verified Verified
Decatur, GA 30030
Life transitions and struggles offer the opportunity to find greater clarity of purpose, more meaningful relationships, increased confidence, and personal satisfaction. To be human is to feel emotion, both the highs and the lows. We are all connected through not only these experiences, but through the relationships with those around us. Therapy is a unique and personal journey built on mutual trust and respect. My perspective is strengths-based, LGBTQIA-affirmative, and integrative. I work with individuals of all backgrounds, bodies, and beliefs. My approach is individualized and collaborative.
Life transitions and struggles offer the opportunity to find greater clarity of purpose, more meaningful relationships, increased confidence, and personal satisfaction. To be human is to feel emotion, both the highs and the lows. We are all connected through not only these experiences, but through the relationships with those around us. Therapy is a unique and personal journey built on mutual trust and respect. My perspective is strengths-based, LGBTQIA-affirmative, and integrative. I work with individuals of all backgrounds, bodies, and beliefs. My approach is individualized and collaborative.
Amy C Bryant
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, EdS, LPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Decatur, GA 30030
Life is demanding. Add the mental and emotional load of parenting, neurodivergence, anxiety, depression, trauma, or recurrent or chronic pain, and you might be left feeling over-burdened, out of control, and unwell. Come restore your strengths, increase your sense of well-being, and reinstate your personal agency over your behaviors, thoughts, emotions, and physiological reactions to yourself, your relationships, and the world around you.
Life is demanding. Add the mental and emotional load of parenting, neurodivergence, anxiety, depression, trauma, or recurrent or chronic pain, and you might be left feeling over-burdened, out of control, and unwell. Come restore your strengths, increase your sense of well-being, and reinstate your personal agency over your behaviors, thoughts, emotions, and physiological reactions to yourself, your relationships, and the world around you.
Seeking therapy is a huge accomplishment in and of itself where you have recognized the want or need for a positive change in your life. Taking that first step into the unknown can be undeniably scary, uncomfortable, and filled with uncertainties- but you did it. My goal is to provide support and guidance along your journey of self-discovery, learning, and growing. I'm glad you're here.
Seeking therapy is a huge accomplishment in and of itself where you have recognized the want or need for a positive change in your life. Taking that first step into the unknown can be undeniably scary, uncomfortable, and filled with uncertainties- but you did it. My goal is to provide support and guidance along your journey of self-discovery, learning, and growing. I'm glad you're here.
C. Richardson Counseling and Consulting
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CRC, ACS, NCC
Verified Verified
Decatur, GA 30030
At times, life can be challenging, frustrating, and complex. As we head into our "new normal," you may notice you are experiencing fear, worry, or angst. Or perhaps you may experience being overwhelmed with feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or despair? You may often feel down and unmotivated, making it challenging to get through your day? If you are experiencing these difficulties, as you return to work in-person or virtually, have challenges identifying a more satisfying career, or lack the confidence to obtain a new role at work, I want to help you to the other side of your journey!
At times, life can be challenging, frustrating, and complex. As we head into our "new normal," you may notice you are experiencing fear, worry, or angst. Or perhaps you may experience being overwhelmed with feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or despair? You may often feel down and unmotivated, making it challenging to get through your day? If you are experiencing these difficulties, as you return to work in-person or virtually, have challenges identifying a more satisfying career, or lack the confidence to obtain a new role at work, I want to help you to the other side of your journey!
Pathways Transition Programs, INC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Decatur, GA 30030 (Online Only)
Pathways Transition Programs, INC. is a private, community based mental health services provider. We serve children, adolescents, adults, and families residing in Hall County & the surrounding counties of Georgia. PTP is able to provide therapy, paraprofessional, and psychiatry services to both English & Spanish speaking clients. We offer services in the school, home, and community setting. Our comprehensive array of assessments/therapy services foster change & growth while supporting clients to heal their wounds of trauma & life challenges. We provide training/skill development to enhance coping skills & build resilience.
Pathways Transition Programs, INC. is a private, community based mental health services provider. We serve children, adolescents, adults, and families residing in Hall County & the surrounding counties of Georgia. PTP is able to provide therapy, paraprofessional, and psychiatry services to both English & Spanish speaking clients. We offer services in the school, home, and community setting. Our comprehensive array of assessments/therapy services foster change & growth while supporting clients to heal their wounds of trauma & life challenges. We provide training/skill development to enhance coping skills & build resilience.
My approach is largely cognitive-behavioral. This means that I believe that one’s thought patterns contribute to one’s feelings and behaviors, and in changing faulty thought processes, we can achieve improvement. My work is solution-focused, which means that I push toward change, setting concrete, attainable goals. I also believe that we are products of our environments. Thus, I often guide clients in examining past patterns and relationships to determine where their symptoms were learned. This is done in an attempt to change maladaptive patterns. It is my goal to be nurturing, empathic, & supportive through this process.
My approach is largely cognitive-behavioral. This means that I believe that one’s thought patterns contribute to one’s feelings and behaviors, and in changing faulty thought processes, we can achieve improvement. My work is solution-focused, which means that I push toward change, setting concrete, attainable goals. I also believe that we are products of our environments. Thus, I often guide clients in examining past patterns and relationships to determine where their symptoms were learned. This is done in an attempt to change maladaptive patterns. It is my goal to be nurturing, empathic, & supportive through this process.
Have you found it difficult to adapt to a new life transition? Are you struggling with past traumas? Struggling to make friends/romantic connections or find motivation? I approach counseling as a partnership and together we can improve your well-being. I strive to create a space that is non-judgmental where you can be yourself without fear. You've made it this far in your life with coping skills you have developed along the way. Some of those ways of coping may be getting in your way now. I'll help you identify unhealthy patterns, understand the origin of your issues, and change your life for the better. You deserve to feel better.
Have you found it difficult to adapt to a new life transition? Are you struggling with past traumas? Struggling to make friends/romantic connections or find motivation? I approach counseling as a partnership and together we can improve your well-being. I strive to create a space that is non-judgmental where you can be yourself without fear. You've made it this far in your life with coping skills you have developed along the way. Some of those ways of coping may be getting in your way now. I'll help you identify unhealthy patterns, understand the origin of your issues, and change your life for the better. You deserve to feel better.
See more therapy options for Avondale Estates
Nearby Autism Therapists Searches for Avondale Estates
- Atlanta
- Brookhaven
- Chamblee
- Decatur
- Dunwoody
- Lilburn
- Lithonia
- Norcross
- Peachtree Corners
- Sandy Springs
- Stone Mountain
- Tucker
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.