Autism Therapists in Burtonsville, MD
As an LGPC I have the incredible opportunity of working with a wide array of people at different stages of their mental health journey. Typically I do outpatient work with forced migrants, asylum seekers, LGBTQiA+ communities, neurodiverse populations including those with ADHD and Autism, BIPOC communities, and other marginalized groups. Ideally clients come to session ready to work together in a collaborative way in order to facilitate changes we would like to see.
As an LGPC I have the incredible opportunity of working with a wide array of people at different stages of their mental health journey. Typically I do outpatient work with forced migrants, asylum seekers, LGBTQiA+ communities, neurodiverse populations including those with ADHD and Autism, BIPOC communities, and other marginalized groups. Ideally clients come to session ready to work together in a collaborative way in order to facilitate changes we would like to see.
Hello! I am Natalie Williams. I have been working in mental health since 2014, and my life purpose is to help bring peace and awareness to every soul I can touch. In working with clients from different backgrounds, I have gained experience working in psychiatric hospitals, schools, outpatient facilities, and private practice. I take pride in knowing that I play a role in having increased mental health awareness in communities of color and low SES. I have worked with clients struggling with Trauma, Anxiety, Mood, Neurodevelopmental, and Disruptive Disorders. My mission is to help my clients on their journey to growth.
Hello! I am Natalie Williams. I have been working in mental health since 2014, and my life purpose is to help bring peace and awareness to every soul I can touch. In working with clients from different backgrounds, I have gained experience working in psychiatric hospitals, schools, outpatient facilities, and private practice. I take pride in knowing that I play a role in having increased mental health awareness in communities of color and low SES. I have worked with clients struggling with Trauma, Anxiety, Mood, Neurodevelopmental, and Disruptive Disorders. My mission is to help my clients on their journey to growth.
I am passionate about improving the lives of children, adolescents, adults, and families. I have a special interest in childhood trauma and its effects on adulthood. As we encounter life, we experience stressors from relationships, work, school, finances, etc. It is my mission to provide my clients with the tools and strategies needed to approach life’s stressors. My goal is to help clients develop better problem-solving and emotional skills, reduce symptoms of mental illness, and cope with various life challenges to improve their lives. It’s important for me to provide my clients with a non-judgmental safe space to be themselves.
I am passionate about improving the lives of children, adolescents, adults, and families. I have a special interest in childhood trauma and its effects on adulthood. As we encounter life, we experience stressors from relationships, work, school, finances, etc. It is my mission to provide my clients with the tools and strategies needed to approach life’s stressors. My goal is to help clients develop better problem-solving and emotional skills, reduce symptoms of mental illness, and cope with various life challenges to improve their lives. It’s important for me to provide my clients with a non-judgmental safe space to be themselves.
Life happens to all of us; stressors are inevitable, unresolved feelings may arise and it can all be just a little bit overwhelming. Despite our best efforts we may find ourselves overly stressed, alone, anxious, or just tired. Whether it’s dealing with a transition, a loss, a tragedy, a relationship, or just the daily highs and lows, we all deserve a place to decompress and process what life throws at us. Maybe this is a tough season for you, or maybe you just need support as you work on your goals. Therapy should act as both a safe space filled with warmth and compassion, and a brave space that challenges and empowers.
Life happens to all of us; stressors are inevitable, unresolved feelings may arise and it can all be just a little bit overwhelming. Despite our best efforts we may find ourselves overly stressed, alone, anxious, or just tired. Whether it’s dealing with a transition, a loss, a tragedy, a relationship, or just the daily highs and lows, we all deserve a place to decompress and process what life throws at us. Maybe this is a tough season for you, or maybe you just need support as you work on your goals. Therapy should act as both a safe space filled with warmth and compassion, and a brave space that challenges and empowers.
“Be yourself always, in all ways” Many people come into therapy with a preconceived notion about how therapy has gone for them, how it’s supposed to go, and/or how it will go if they’ve never been. My greatest philosophy is that in order to experience therapy in its purest form, the first step is to let go of those expectations, & come willing to explore something new. Whomever you are, as beautiful or ugly as you assume, your full self is welcome right here. Through genuine empathy and connection, I hope to create a safe space for you to discover and create your identity.
“Be yourself always, in all ways” Many people come into therapy with a preconceived notion about how therapy has gone for them, how it’s supposed to go, and/or how it will go if they’ve never been. My greatest philosophy is that in order to experience therapy in its purest form, the first step is to let go of those expectations, & come willing to explore something new. Whomever you are, as beautiful or ugly as you assume, your full self is welcome right here. Through genuine empathy and connection, I hope to create a safe space for you to discover and create your identity.
Nazlah Johnson-Gunthrop
Counselor, MA, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Burtonsville, MD 20866 (Online Only)
Have you ever thought…“There has to be more to life than this? What am I here for? No one understands me!” Do you sometimes feel as though you are not noticed or appreciated for what you bring to the table? Does anxiety, fear, worry, thoughts of traumatic events or depression seem to hang around longer these days? Ever think…“I can’t handle this! I don’t know what I’m going to do! Does anyone even care about what I’m going through?” I care and I am here to help you!
Have you ever thought…“There has to be more to life than this? What am I here for? No one understands me!” Do you sometimes feel as though you are not noticed or appreciated for what you bring to the table? Does anxiety, fear, worry, thoughts of traumatic events or depression seem to hang around longer these days? Ever think…“I can’t handle this! I don’t know what I’m going to do! Does anyone even care about what I’m going through?” I care and I am here to help you!
Are you feeling frustrated, irritable, and mad at the world? Are you ready to feel at peace, and proud of the way you are living your everyday life? We all have challenges in life, and sometimes additional support is necessary. No matter how small or overwhelming the challenge I approach treatment from a place of non-judgment to identify the root of problems as opposed to offering a temporary fix. During our first session, I will take time to get to know you. I will ask about your past experiences with therapy, and what you want to accomplish during our time together.
Are you feeling frustrated, irritable, and mad at the world? Are you ready to feel at peace, and proud of the way you are living your everyday life? We all have challenges in life, and sometimes additional support is necessary. No matter how small or overwhelming the challenge I approach treatment from a place of non-judgment to identify the root of problems as opposed to offering a temporary fix. During our first session, I will take time to get to know you. I will ask about your past experiences with therapy, and what you want to accomplish during our time together.
Currently accepting new clients for telehealth. I also offer community therapy in Howard County, Maryland. I support minoritized individuals in addressing workplace discrimination and microaggressions, empowering them to cope and self-advocate. My clients often navigate major life transitions, including job loss, perinatal loss, divorce, blended families, or parenting neurodivergent children. I also specialize in aging-related care, focusing on retirement, legacy planning, dementia, and age-related mental health. I aim to help clients build resilience, find empowerment, and redefine purpose after life’s changes.
Currently accepting new clients for telehealth. I also offer community therapy in Howard County, Maryland. I support minoritized individuals in addressing workplace discrimination and microaggressions, empowering them to cope and self-advocate. My clients often navigate major life transitions, including job loss, perinatal loss, divorce, blended families, or parenting neurodivergent children. I also specialize in aging-related care, focusing on retirement, legacy planning, dementia, and age-related mental health. I aim to help clients build resilience, find empowerment, and redefine purpose after life’s changes.
More Therapists Nearby
I am Board Certified in both Clinical and Neuropsychology, and my practice has evolved over the years to a primary focus on evaluations. Psychoeducational evaluations focus on academic skills and functioning, with ADD/ADHD, Learning Disabilities, and Autism Spectrum Disorders being of particular concern. These evaluations often lead to accommodations in schools and colleges and on standardized admissions tests. Neuropsychological evaluations examine the impact of psychiatric and neurological disorders on cognitive and emotional functioning. Cogscreen--AE evaluations are conducted to screen pilots and air traffic controllers.
I am Board Certified in both Clinical and Neuropsychology, and my practice has evolved over the years to a primary focus on evaluations. Psychoeducational evaluations focus on academic skills and functioning, with ADD/ADHD, Learning Disabilities, and Autism Spectrum Disorders being of particular concern. These evaluations often lead to accommodations in schools and colleges and on standardized admissions tests. Neuropsychological evaluations examine the impact of psychiatric and neurological disorders on cognitive and emotional functioning. Cogscreen--AE evaluations are conducted to screen pilots and air traffic controllers.
I also have a great working with individuals who are neurodivergent, including those with ADHD and Autism spectrum disorder.
My ideal client would put as much effort as they are ready to in that moment, day, or week to continue prioritizing their mental health needs. Over time, I hope to support each person in identifying what is helpful vs. harmful to their overall well-being. I look forward to supporting individuals navigating life transitions, women's issues, those in need of validation and perspective-taking, struggling with anxiety, searching for answers and healing from traumatic experiences, feeling "stuck," and individuals hoping for support with executive functioning challenges, sensory challenges, or complex social interactions.
I also have a great working with individuals who are neurodivergent, including those with ADHD and Autism spectrum disorder.
My ideal client would put as much effort as they are ready to in that moment, day, or week to continue prioritizing their mental health needs. Over time, I hope to support each person in identifying what is helpful vs. harmful to their overall well-being. I look forward to supporting individuals navigating life transitions, women's issues, those in need of validation and perspective-taking, struggling with anxiety, searching for answers and healing from traumatic experiences, feeling "stuck," and individuals hoping for support with executive functioning challenges, sensory challenges, or complex social interactions.
I also have a great working with individuals who are neurodivergent, including those with ADHD and Autism spectrum disorder.
My ideal client would put as much effort as they are ready to in that moment, day, or week to continue prioritizing their mental health needs. Over time, I hope to support each person in identifying what is helpful vs. harmful to their overall well-being. I look forward to supporting individuals navigating life transitions, women's issues, those in need of validation and perspective-taking, struggling with anxiety, searching for answers and healing from traumatic experiences, feeling "stuck," and individuals hoping for support with executive functioning challenges, sensory challenges, or complex social interactions.
I also have a great working with individuals who are neurodivergent, including those with ADHD and Autism spectrum disorder.
My ideal client would put as much effort as they are ready to in that moment, day, or week to continue prioritizing their mental health needs. Over time, I hope to support each person in identifying what is helpful vs. harmful to their overall well-being. I look forward to supporting individuals navigating life transitions, women's issues, those in need of validation and perspective-taking, struggling with anxiety, searching for answers and healing from traumatic experiences, feeling "stuck," and individuals hoping for support with executive functioning challenges, sensory challenges, or complex social interactions.
Laura Place
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
College Park, MD 20740 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I really love getting to work with people just like you, whose brains all work differently from each other, whether it's because of ADHD, autism, trauma or their unique quirks.
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. Or perhaps 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. Maybe 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 these journeys.
I really love getting to work with people just like you, whose brains all work differently from each other, whether it's because of ADHD, autism, trauma or their unique quirks.
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. Or perhaps 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. Maybe 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 these journeys.
I am a clinical psychologist with The Kingsbury Wellness & Learning Group, a nonprofit organization providing exceptional psychological services to children and adults. I specialize in the treatment of children, adolescents and young adults struggling with behavioral, emotional regulation, and social challenges. I provide psychotherapy and consultation to help individuals and families navigate anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorder, mood disorders, ADHD, school and learning problems, and behavioral concerns.
I am a clinical psychologist with The Kingsbury Wellness & Learning Group, a nonprofit organization providing exceptional psychological services to children and adults. I specialize in the treatment of children, adolescents and young adults struggling with behavioral, emotional regulation, and social challenges. I provide psychotherapy and consultation to help individuals and families navigate anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorder, mood disorders, ADHD, school and learning problems, and behavioral concerns.
We have expertise in autism; anxiety; depression; trauma; family conflict; parenting, sibling and peer relationship challenges; sexual issues; self harm; OCD; disordered eating; relationship challenges; and neurodiversity-affirming couples therapy.
Starobin Counseling collectively offers over 30 years of experience providing counseling for children, teens, adults, couples, and families. We regard relationships as central to the therapeutic process and help people repair and strengthen their relationships. Some challenges in life are purely personal, but most problems express themselves in the intersections with other people. Therapy helps people understand feelings, listen to their best thinking, and helps people gain new or alternative perspectives. We help people strengthen their own vitality and repair difficult ruptures to unlock their capacity for meaningful connections.
We have expertise in autism; anxiety; depression; trauma; family conflict; parenting, sibling and peer relationship challenges; sexual issues; self harm; OCD; disordered eating; relationship challenges; and neurodiversity-affirming couples therapy.
Starobin Counseling collectively offers over 30 years of experience providing counseling for children, teens, adults, couples, and families. We regard relationships as central to the therapeutic process and help people repair and strengthen their relationships. Some challenges in life are purely personal, but most problems express themselves in the intersections with other people. Therapy helps people understand feelings, listen to their best thinking, and helps people gain new or alternative perspectives. We help people strengthen their own vitality and repair difficult ruptures to unlock their capacity for meaningful connections.
Do you have a child with autism, special needs, or multiple disabilities? Do you want to understand how your child learns and how to relate to him/her? Do you want to get the best for your child and family-despite any disability? If your answer is yes to any of these questions, I am a good match for your family. I have over 30 years' experience as a psychologist and teacher in schools, homes, and hospitals. I specialize in psychological services for children and young adults with special needs, and their families.
Do you have a child with autism, special needs, or multiple disabilities? Do you want to understand how your child learns and how to relate to him/her? Do you want to get the best for your child and family-despite any disability? If your answer is yes to any of these questions, I am a good match for your family. I have over 30 years' experience as a psychologist and teacher in schools, homes, and hospitals. I specialize in psychological services for children and young adults with special needs, and their families.
Christopher DeFranco
Counselor, LCPC, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Silver Spring, MD 20901
Waitlist for new clients
Christopher specializes in working with adolescents and adults struggling with a variety of life's stressors that include, but are not limited to: LGBTQ+ issues, trauma, grief, anger management, impulsivity, chemical dependency, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. He has over 10 years of clinical experience from a wide variety of settings that includes schools, research clinics, inpatient and residential treatment, and outpatient private practice. He also has extensive experience working with PTSD, gender dysphoria, and individuals on the autism spectrum.
Christopher specializes in working with adolescents and adults struggling with a variety of life's stressors that include, but are not limited to: LGBTQ+ issues, trauma, grief, anger management, impulsivity, chemical dependency, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. He has over 10 years of clinical experience from a wide variety of settings that includes schools, research clinics, inpatient and residential treatment, and outpatient private practice. He also has extensive experience working with PTSD, gender dysphoria, and individuals on the autism spectrum.
Dr. Rachael Arowolo (Autism Evaluations)
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Silver Spring, MD 20906
I conduct evaluations for Autism Spectrum Disorder, Executive Functioning/ADHD, Developmental/Cognitive/IQ, and Psychological Disorders.
My name is Rachael Arowolo, PhD, and I am a licensed clinical psychologist and specialize in working with children, adolescents, and young adults. I have extensive training and experience in assessment and therapy for a variety of clinical presentations and individualizing these services to meet you and your family’s goals. I am particularly passionate about working with Autistic individuals, and in identifying and emphasizing the strengths in everyone I work with! In my free time, I enjoys spending time with my family, baking, and painting.
I conduct evaluations for Autism Spectrum Disorder, Executive Functioning/ADHD, Developmental/Cognitive/IQ, and Psychological Disorders.
My name is Rachael Arowolo, PhD, and I am a licensed clinical psychologist and specialize in working with children, adolescents, and young adults. I have extensive training and experience in assessment and therapy for a variety of clinical presentations and individualizing these services to meet you and your family’s goals. I am particularly passionate about working with Autistic individuals, and in identifying and emphasizing the strengths in everyone I work with! In my free time, I enjoys spending time with my family, baking, and painting.
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.
Does your child have a diagnosis of autism? Are you looking for data driven yet warm and caring ABA services? Our goal is to meet your child where they are and create goals that matter to them. A focus on the family as a unit is important in the development of the child. A strong emphasis is placed on caregiver consultation while targeting goals for the child. Finding help that you trust is a necessary step in creating positive long term outcomes.
Does your child have a diagnosis of autism? Are you looking for data driven yet warm and caring ABA services? Our goal is to meet your child where they are and create goals that matter to them. A focus on the family as a unit is important in the development of the child. A strong emphasis is placed on caregiver consultation while targeting goals for the child. Finding help that you trust is a necessary step in creating positive long term outcomes.
Megan M Herbets
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, MD 20815 (Online Only)
She has experience working with children diagnosed with a range of learning disabilities, Autism and Asperger’s.
New Group Open! 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.
New Group Open! 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.
See more therapy options for Burtonsville
Nearby Autism Therapists Searches for Burtonsville
- Clarksville
- College Park
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- Fulton
- Greenbelt
- Hyattsville
- Kensington
- Lanham
- Laurel
- Olney
- Silver Spring
- Takoma Park
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.