Therapists in Gordon County, GA
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Check out therapists located nearby or offering teletherapy in Georgia below.Online Therapists
![Photo of Ben Heath, MA, APC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d20ae393-2933-417d-887f-8622fdf7490e/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have a special interest in working with folks on the Autism spectrum.
I specialize in working with people who are experiencing increased anxiety and stress, struggling with panic and responses to past trauma, and navigating daily-life with obsessions and compulsions. I know that awareness brings change. One of the greatest tasks then for therapy is to gain insight and understanding as to what leads to feeling sad, anxious, and panicked. So often our first desire is to get rid of these experiences, but as we demonstrate the courage to understand and accept all parts of ourselves, we gain access to balance, self-guidance, and peace that is often missing in life.
I have a special interest in working with folks on the Autism spectrum.
I specialize in working with people who are experiencing increased anxiety and stress, struggling with panic and responses to past trauma, and navigating daily-life with obsessions and compulsions. I know that awareness brings change. One of the greatest tasks then for therapy is to gain insight and understanding as to what leads to feeling sad, anxious, and panicked. So often our first desire is to get rid of these experiences, but as we demonstrate the courage to understand and accept all parts of ourselves, we gain access to balance, self-guidance, and peace that is often missing in life.
![Photo of Kanishka Patel, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fce8f0e8-87d2-4fe8-bc51-2218275a2bb3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kanishka Patel
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30328
Waitlist for new clients
Looking for support in life? Someone who takes your identity and culture into consideration to provide culturally competent care? I am dedicated to providing support to you in navigating the challenges in life. I love working with adolescents, teenagers, young adults, and their families to support communication, self-esteem, and life transitions. I'm experienced in working with individuals facing anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, ADHD, college support, life transitions, "adulting," forming healthy relationships/boundary setting, & autism. I am familiar with working in family counseling supporting and aligning each individual.
Looking for support in life? Someone who takes your identity and culture into consideration to provide culturally competent care? I am dedicated to providing support to you in navigating the challenges in life. I love working with adolescents, teenagers, young adults, and their families to support communication, self-esteem, and life transitions. I'm experienced in working with individuals facing anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, ADHD, college support, life transitions, "adulting," forming healthy relationships/boundary setting, & autism. I am familiar with working in family counseling supporting and aligning each individual.
![Photo of Ashley McDonald, LAPC, NCC, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7ef0bf56-2e9a-42a6-a410-ae3169ff9ba6/1/320x400.png)
Now accepting new children, adolescent, and adult clients. Whether you are navigating a challenging life transition, seeking to boost your self-esteem, managing anxiety or depression, managing or navigating your Autism Spectrum Disorder symptoms, coping with grief, exploring career options, working through relationship issues, or healing from trauma, I am here to support you on your journey. Together, we can uncover your strengths, foster resilience, and work towards a more fulfilling and balanced life. I am a Supervised therapist.
Now accepting new children, adolescent, and adult clients. Whether you are navigating a challenging life transition, seeking to boost your self-esteem, managing anxiety or depression, managing or navigating your Autism Spectrum Disorder symptoms, coping with grief, exploring career options, working through relationship issues, or healing from trauma, I am here to support you on your journey. Together, we can uncover your strengths, foster resilience, and work towards a more fulfilling and balanced life. I am a Supervised therapist.
![Photo of Robert Hunter - Beautiful Dreamers Behavioral and Educational Cent, MD](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c390afc-118b-4c2d-8906-41aece2f8c57/2/320x400.jpeg)
Beautiful Dreamers Behavioral and Educational Center provides a wide range of services to include all areas of behavioral health and edducational supportive services including autism services and classroom modifications and interventions.
At times, life presents challenges that impact the quality of our relationships and daily functioning. Counseling can help to ease the overwhelming feelings associated with life transitions, grief, depression, parenting, anxiety, anger, family, low self-esteem, and other interpersonal relationship concerns. At Beautiful Dreamers Behavioral and Educational Center, we offer comprehensive therapeutic, psychological, psychiatric, medication management, nursing service, and psycho-educational services. Whether individual, family or group, our mission is to provide a collaborative and encouraging environment that encourages personal growth. Our team of expert therapists possesses a variety of specialties and certifications that focus on the needs of the individual regardless age (including preschoolers) and area of struggle. Beautiful Dreamers Behavioral and Educational Center also provides comprehensive psychological educational evaluations for children and adults in the areas of intellectual functioning, academic, behavioral, vocational, and forensics. Our psycho-educational assessments are highly detailed and identify any underlying impairments affecting school performance.
Beautiful Dreamers Behavioral and Educational Center provides a wide range of services to include all areas of behavioral health and edducational supportive services including autism services and classroom modifications and interventions.
At times, life presents challenges that impact the quality of our relationships and daily functioning. Counseling can help to ease the overwhelming feelings associated with life transitions, grief, depression, parenting, anxiety, anger, family, low self-esteem, and other interpersonal relationship concerns. At Beautiful Dreamers Behavioral and Educational Center, we offer comprehensive therapeutic, psychological, psychiatric, medication management, nursing service, and psycho-educational services. Whether individual, family or group, our mission is to provide a collaborative and encouraging environment that encourages personal growth. Our team of expert therapists possesses a variety of specialties and certifications that focus on the needs of the individual regardless age (including preschoolers) and area of struggle. Beautiful Dreamers Behavioral and Educational Center also provides comprehensive psychological educational evaluations for children and adults in the areas of intellectual functioning, academic, behavioral, vocational, and forensics. Our psycho-educational assessments are highly detailed and identify any underlying impairments affecting school performance.
![Photo of Amber Isley, MA, LPC-A, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/692327c7-7a22-4bb8-881c-b86987335078/5/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in working with complex trauma, ADHD, Autism, addiction, spiritual/religious abuse, personality disorders, depression, anxiety, self-harm/injury, self-esteem issues, grief, chronic pain and illness, couples counseling, parenting, and LGBTQIA & neurodiverse support, education, and advocacy.
Hi Folks! I am passionate about helping empower clients to learn how to LIVE instead of survive. I work with teens, women, men, gender-diverse, LGBTQIA community, families, and couples. I aim to help clients find ways to secure their needs and develop healthy self-esteem, relationships, and boundaries while healing along the way. I believe that building a safe and authentic therapeutic relationship is one of the best signs clients will reach their therapy goals. I also believe that laughter and light-heartedness are essential for healing. The way I help process trauma with clients is tailed to their needs and personality
I specialize in working with complex trauma, ADHD, Autism, addiction, spiritual/religious abuse, personality disorders, depression, anxiety, self-harm/injury, self-esteem issues, grief, chronic pain and illness, couples counseling, parenting, and LGBTQIA & neurodiverse support, education, and advocacy.
Hi Folks! I am passionate about helping empower clients to learn how to LIVE instead of survive. I work with teens, women, men, gender-diverse, LGBTQIA community, families, and couples. I aim to help clients find ways to secure their needs and develop healthy self-esteem, relationships, and boundaries while healing along the way. I believe that building a safe and authentic therapeutic relationship is one of the best signs clients will reach their therapy goals. I also believe that laughter and light-heartedness are essential for healing. The way I help process trauma with clients is tailed to their needs and personality
![Photo of Chasity T Bowers, LPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8b01fea5-82e3-454f-9cf1-4f9caa355158/2/320x400.jpeg)
I help women overcome their challenges and trauma by employing faith and therapy. I also assist families needing support with their children or teens with social deficits on the autism spectrum or undergoing behavioral concerns. I also specialize in serving adults, couples, and families who are experiencing troubling times.
I help women overcome their challenges and trauma by employing faith and therapy. I also assist families needing support with their children or teens with social deficits on the autism spectrum or undergoing behavioral concerns. I also specialize in serving adults, couples, and families who are experiencing troubling times.
![Photo of Cursha Pierce-Lunderman, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/650d1186-2f7f-44e2-b7a8-0a4ddf3ded6e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Cursha Pierce-Lunderman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30303 (Online Only)
-Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Specialist, available for ASD Assessments with children ages 4-17 yrs of age in Atlanta and Savannah areas.
I love partnering with people on their journey to greatness. I use a strengths-based approach to help my clients see the choices that are always at their disposal to unlearn past harmful messaging or combat unrelenting present symptoms. As a Black woman, I always integrate the importance of diversity. Playing small to blend in doesn't serve anyone. Whether we're different based on external or internal attributes, we all need to embrace our beautiful and different qualities so that we can live an authentic life.
-Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Specialist, available for ASD Assessments with children ages 4-17 yrs of age in Atlanta and Savannah areas.
I love partnering with people on their journey to greatness. I use a strengths-based approach to help my clients see the choices that are always at their disposal to unlearn past harmful messaging or combat unrelenting present symptoms. As a Black woman, I always integrate the importance of diversity. Playing small to blend in doesn't serve anyone. Whether we're different based on external or internal attributes, we all need to embrace our beautiful and different qualities so that we can live an authentic life.
![Photo of Erica Paschel, LPC, NCC, MS](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e7f13b04-c6b9-4583-8724-c3bd7675a08f/2/320x400.jpeg)
During these tumultuous times, our mental health is more essential now than ever before. There's no time like the present to put your emotional and mental health at the forefront. My work includes working with children, adolescents and young adults (ages 5 through 25) of Black,Brown & other marginalized communities to end toxic generational cycles of trauma and unhealthy patterns to increase wholeness & unity. If you are struggling with complex or multigenerational trauma, mood disorders, anger management, life transitions, history of abuse, academic concerns, give me a call or email me at iamrootedoffice@gmail.com
During these tumultuous times, our mental health is more essential now than ever before. There's no time like the present to put your emotional and mental health at the forefront. My work includes working with children, adolescents and young adults (ages 5 through 25) of Black,Brown & other marginalized communities to end toxic generational cycles of trauma and unhealthy patterns to increase wholeness & unity. If you are struggling with complex or multigenerational trauma, mood disorders, anger management, life transitions, history of abuse, academic concerns, give me a call or email me at iamrootedoffice@gmail.com
![Photo of Anna Lisa Derenthal, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d9464ce-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Anna Lisa Derenthal
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Roswell, GA 30076
Are you haunted by the past, consumed by fear, pain, guilt or sadness? I have helped many others like you end suffering and overcome fears, finally putting their pasts behind them. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Brainspotting are specialized therapies for healing Trauma and PTSD more quickly and completely. I am also experienced with grief/loss, panic and anxiety disorders, phobias, depression, low self esteem, and other issues.
In addition, I work with LGBTQI, Gender Identity, transgender people and transitioning. I am open-minded and accepting and I welcome folks from all spiritual belief systems, sexual orientations, gender expressions, colors, shapes and sizes.
Are you haunted by the past, consumed by fear, pain, guilt or sadness? I have helped many others like you end suffering and overcome fears, finally putting their pasts behind them. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Brainspotting are specialized therapies for healing Trauma and PTSD more quickly and completely. I am also experienced with grief/loss, panic and anxiety disorders, phobias, depression, low self esteem, and other issues.
In addition, I work with LGBTQI, Gender Identity, transgender people and transitioning. I am open-minded and accepting and I welcome folks from all spiritual belief systems, sexual orientations, gender expressions, colors, shapes and sizes.
![Photo of Natalie L. Wakeley, MS, LPC, NCC, CPCS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b250d6c3-b1e4-4e5c-a0bd-54a29fcf7afb/4/320x400.jpeg)
Natalie L. Wakeley
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC, CPCS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30309 (Online Only)
If you're new to therapy or have tried therapy in the past and are looking for a solutions-based approach that integrates your body and mind, I can help. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor and I see clients by virtual appointment anywhere in Georgia. I have experience working with clients from all walks of life with varying concerns. My specializations include treating Trauma, PTSD, BPD, Bipolar Disorder, Anger, Depression, Anxiety, family conflict, life transitions and co-dependency. I offer both individual and family therapy.
If you're new to therapy or have tried therapy in the past and are looking for a solutions-based approach that integrates your body and mind, I can help. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor and I see clients by virtual appointment anywhere in Georgia. I have experience working with clients from all walks of life with varying concerns. My specializations include treating Trauma, PTSD, BPD, Bipolar Disorder, Anger, Depression, Anxiety, family conflict, life transitions and co-dependency. I offer both individual and family therapy.
![Photo of Carolyn Amayo, MA, NCC, LAPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8584c090-a209-42d2-84b9-94a5308545b7/3/320x400.png)
As a counselor with Clinical Mental Health training from Richmont Graduate University, I specialize in guiding teens and young adults through their unique challenges. For teens, I address anxiety stemming from social, school, and family dynamics, providing the necessary support to navigate these changes. For young adults, I assist in the transition from college to career, including complexities in dating, family, and work, offering a safe space to explore self-identity and achieve life goals.
As a counselor with Clinical Mental Health training from Richmont Graduate University, I specialize in guiding teens and young adults through their unique challenges. For teens, I address anxiety stemming from social, school, and family dynamics, providing the necessary support to navigate these changes. For young adults, I assist in the transition from college to career, including complexities in dating, family, and work, offering a safe space to explore self-identity and achieve life goals.
![Photo of Joy Kelleher, LCSW, CCTP-ll, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5b612961-23b5-4c73-ba52-51eb20159109/2/320x400.jpeg)
Joy Kelleher
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCTP-ll
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gainesville, GA 30501
With over 25 years of experience, I have an eclectic background including extensive international work with people and communities who have experienced trauma. I am certified in EMDR, and I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Level ll. Facilitating healing while equipping people to navigate life in a value driven manner are foundations of my practice. I am passionate about advocacy and creating spaces that empower and inspire. My work also includes local and global consulting and training with organizations, communities, tribal groups, and government agencies, to make a difference in the lives of children and young people.
With over 25 years of experience, I have an eclectic background including extensive international work with people and communities who have experienced trauma. I am certified in EMDR, and I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Level ll. Facilitating healing while equipping people to navigate life in a value driven manner are foundations of my practice. I am passionate about advocacy and creating spaces that empower and inspire. My work also includes local and global consulting and training with organizations, communities, tribal groups, and government agencies, to make a difference in the lives of children and young people.
![Photo of Shae Chisman, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0c5e4883-ae21-402e-8d44-9bf93ccb4614/1/320x400.jpeg)
Finding an inclusive, affirming, and radical therapist in the South can be disheartening. I am here to help marginalized/minority people and their relations to navigate the challenges our society places on them. As a mixed-Indigenous, queer, cisgender woman, I welcome adult clients who are exploring their multi-layered identity, navigating difficult family/community dynamics, searching for chosen family, and healing from past/current trauma. I warmly invite neurodiverse folks who want to empower themselves and learn more about their inherent strengths. I am kink and poly/nonmonogamy affirming too! All are welcome here.
Finding an inclusive, affirming, and radical therapist in the South can be disheartening. I am here to help marginalized/minority people and their relations to navigate the challenges our society places on them. As a mixed-Indigenous, queer, cisgender woman, I welcome adult clients who are exploring their multi-layered identity, navigating difficult family/community dynamics, searching for chosen family, and healing from past/current trauma. I warmly invite neurodiverse folks who want to empower themselves and learn more about their inherent strengths. I am kink and poly/nonmonogamy affirming too! All are welcome here.
![Photo of Virginia Reeves, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/834b8f14-83bf-44bb-b61c-cd6ea57b8659/1/320x400.jpeg)
Life can be a puzzling odyssey. I love helping folks figure out how they got to where they are, where they want to be and a way to get there. I use many different types of therapy techniques but mainly focus on helping people get in touch with their intuition and their "true" self in order to get to a place of free living, free of anxiety and full of inner peace.
Life can be a puzzling odyssey. I love helping folks figure out how they got to where they are, where they want to be and a way to get there. I use many different types of therapy techniques but mainly focus on helping people get in touch with their intuition and their "true" self in order to get to a place of free living, free of anxiety and full of inner peace.
![Photo of Jayde Mullis, MEd, LAPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c128b333-04d3-4128-be99-aba8abff7065/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jayde Mullis
Counselor, MEd, LAPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30329
Waitlist for new clients
Jayde is a graduate of the University of Georgia’s Masters in mental health counseling program with experience seeing individuals and groups. Jayde uses the pronouns they/them and identifies as a trans-nonbinary lesbian. They are working on a specialization in LGBTQ+. BIPOC, and neurodiverse clientele with prior experience working with these marginalized populations.
Jayde is a graduate of the University of Georgia’s Masters in mental health counseling program with experience seeing individuals and groups. Jayde uses the pronouns they/them and identifies as a trans-nonbinary lesbian. They are working on a specialization in LGBTQ+. BIPOC, and neurodiverse clientele with prior experience working with these marginalized populations.
![Photo of Dr. Mercedes Williams - populations and interventions team company (PITC), DBH, MPH, LMSW, CADCIII, CCM, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4b289537-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
populations and interventions team company (PITC)
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DBH, MPH, LMSW, CADCIII, CCM
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Douglasville, GA 30135
Health is "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." To link behavioral risk factors to outcomes so that early interventions can begin, we (Populations and Interventions Teams Company, PITC) address correlated conditions. We strive to make client experiences less complicated but complete, considering the lack of transportation in our rural areas, using evidence-based public health practices and behavioral health practice modalities. We collaborate to achieve treatment goals that would result in improved health outcomes.
Health is "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." To link behavioral risk factors to outcomes so that early interventions can begin, we (Populations and Interventions Teams Company, PITC) address correlated conditions. We strive to make client experiences less complicated but complete, considering the lack of transportation in our rural areas, using evidence-based public health practices and behavioral health practice modalities. We collaborate to achieve treatment goals that would result in improved health outcomes.
![Photo of Michelle Laden, MS, NCC, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d1be31e9-4e0c-467e-8421-8f29b0d2587d/4/320x400.jpeg)
Life is full of challenges, and seeking help is a courageous step towards personal growth and healing. I believe in the power of connection and I offer compassionate and professional counseling services tailored to meet the unique needs of children, adolescents, and adults. As a trauma informed therapist, I emphasize the importance of a safe, non-judgmental, and understanding therapeutic environment where we can work together to identify goals, overcome obstacles, and develop a treatment plan specific to your needs.
Life is full of challenges, and seeking help is a courageous step towards personal growth and healing. I believe in the power of connection and I offer compassionate and professional counseling services tailored to meet the unique needs of children, adolescents, and adults. As a trauma informed therapist, I emphasize the importance of a safe, non-judgmental, and understanding therapeutic environment where we can work together to identify goals, overcome obstacles, and develop a treatment plan specific to your needs.
![Photo of Kahlor Lutz - Toasted Sesame Therapy LLC, MS, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/112282c8-1328-4400-bdf9-568fcfe681db/1/320x400.jpeg)
Toasted Sesame Therapy LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30318 (Online Only)
Hi! My name is Kahlor (Kay) and my pronouns are she/they. I am a Queer, Multiracial, Korean American, who is passionate about providing culturally-responsive therapy to people who hold multiple marginalized identities.
Hi! My name is Kahlor (Kay) and my pronouns are she/they. I am a Queer, Multiracial, Korean American, who is passionate about providing culturally-responsive therapy to people who hold multiple marginalized identities.
![Photo of Billy Cottrell-Jackson, LPC, NCC, RYT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f4c82237-1fce-43ab-86f9-f0abe4fc9da4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Billy Cottrell-Jackson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, RYT
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30308 (Online Only)
It's your life and it’s a journey. You deserve to live it authentically and joyfully. In challenging times or because of trauma in our past, life can become overwhelming, and we may need a little help finding our way through. To assist clients in achieving their mental health goals and improving overall functioning, Billy Cottrell-Jackson, LPC, NCC, RYT utilizes a variety of evidence-based therapeutic practices to help improve client mental health, wellness, and quality of life.
It's your life and it’s a journey. You deserve to live it authentically and joyfully. In challenging times or because of trauma in our past, life can become overwhelming, and we may need a little help finding our way through. To assist clients in achieving their mental health goals and improving overall functioning, Billy Cottrell-Jackson, LPC, NCC, RYT utilizes a variety of evidence-based therapeutic practices to help improve client mental health, wellness, and quality of life.
![Photo of LaQuanda Jefferson - Familial Bonds LLC Psychotherapy and Consultation, QLC, MAMFT, CANP](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43eab3ae-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Familial Bonds LLC Psychotherapy and Consultation
QLC, MAMFT, CANP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Lithia Springs, GA 30122
Finding the right practitioner; when it comes to your emotional, mental, and spiritual health needs; can be challenging because you may not know what you should be considering during this search. Select a professional who is not only compassionate and passionate about their work and the people they serve, but also someone who knows the element of strength and perseverance personally. Stress can have a huge impact on the way we function in the various domains of our lives and this can sometimes send us down the rabbit hole of doubt. In order to truly accept yourself you must discover the elements of your becoming.
Finding the right practitioner; when it comes to your emotional, mental, and spiritual health needs; can be challenging because you may not know what you should be considering during this search. Select a professional who is not only compassionate and passionate about their work and the people they serve, but also someone who knows the element of strength and perseverance personally. Stress can have a huge impact on the way we function in the various domains of our lives and this can sometimes send us down the rabbit hole of doubt. In order to truly accept yourself you must discover the elements of your becoming.
See more therapy options for Gordon County
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.