Autism Therapists in Mount Airy, MD
![Photo of Kirsten K. Holste, LCSW-C, RPT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f0d24a27-cd29-42b4-8eca-3b5efdc734fd/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kirsten K. Holste
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, RPT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Mount Airy, MD 21771
Are you often overwhelmed and perplexed by your child’s behavior? Do you feel at times that you and your child lack the necessary tools to communicate and thrive? Being a parent and a child in today’s day is no easy feat. Feeling supported and having the necessary roadmap is key. Everyday as adults we face a variety of challenges that can often seem overwhelming, exhausting, and frustrating. Children and teens are not exempt from these feelings or struggles and can often act out in confusing and overwhelming ways when they are trying to cope and communicate.
Are you often overwhelmed and perplexed by your child’s behavior? Do you feel at times that you and your child lack the necessary tools to communicate and thrive? Being a parent and a child in today’s day is no easy feat. Feeling supported and having the necessary roadmap is key. Everyday as adults we face a variety of challenges that can often seem overwhelming, exhausting, and frustrating. Children and teens are not exempt from these feelings or struggles and can often act out in confusing and overwhelming ways when they are trying to cope and communicate.
![Photo of Tracy Vickers - Carroll Counseling Ctrs - Mt. Airy And Eldersburg, LCPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7b07b371-274c-49f4-aae5-50bf3830562d/3/320x400.jpeg)
Carroll Counseling Ctrs - Mt. Airy And Eldersburg
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Mount Airy, MD 21771
Life today is difficult with all the demands placed on us by our family, work and our own need to achieve. Add to this the emotional stress of family conflict, divorce, defiant children, an illness or death in the family, and you begin to understand why more and more people are seeking the help of mental health professionals.
Life today is difficult with all the demands placed on us by our family, work and our own need to achieve. Add to this the emotional stress of family conflict, divorce, defiant children, an illness or death in the family, and you begin to understand why more and more people are seeking the help of mental health professionals.
![Photo of Kevin Gillespie, LCPC, ACS, MS, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3dcce838-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome to my profile and congratulations on your first step in helping your child feel better, stronger and more confident about themselves. My goal while working with children, adolescents and young adults, is to provide them with the emotional and mental tools that will empower them to handle the ups, the downs, and struggles that are part of everyday life. They will discover ways to reduce stress, experience personal growth and make informed, rational decisions.
Welcome to my profile and congratulations on your first step in helping your child feel better, stronger and more confident about themselves. My goal while working with children, adolescents and young adults, is to provide them with the emotional and mental tools that will empower them to handle the ups, the downs, and struggles that are part of everyday life. They will discover ways to reduce stress, experience personal growth and make informed, rational decisions.
![Photo of Mindy Navarro, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6906c5c3-d030-4f1b-be08-4f590afaea1e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mindy Navarro
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Mount Airy, MD 21771 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I feel that creating a warm and compassionate environment where people are able to feel safe expressing their true selves needs to be a priority in order for individuals to reach their therapeutic goals. I will work with you to improve coping skills and gain insight into the areas of your life you are struggling with. I have worked as a mental health therapist in various settings such as community, residential, intensive outpatient, and correctional facilities. I have treated diverse populations with a variety of concerns, including those with co-occurring disorders.
I feel that creating a warm and compassionate environment where people are able to feel safe expressing their true selves needs to be a priority in order for individuals to reach their therapeutic goals. I will work with you to improve coping skills and gain insight into the areas of your life you are struggling with. I have worked as a mental health therapist in various settings such as community, residential, intensive outpatient, and correctional facilities. I have treated diverse populations with a variety of concerns, including those with co-occurring disorders.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Elizabeth Ann Tsakiris, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f69d296-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Kristine Boehmer, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49fa39ef-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kristine Boehmer
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Frederick, MD 21701
Waitlist for new clients
Every day, we hear that our children are struggling. They’re overwhelmed by worry, sadness, anger, and stress. We see them tumble and spiral down a path of unhealthy choices and disconnection from their families. Parents become paralyzed by the fear of doing something wrong. They’re afraid of causing another door-slamming anger outburst but are tormented by the potential consequences of not doing anything at all. They’re left confused by how upset their teens get when their Snapstreaks get interrupted or a round of Fortnite is lost.
Every day, we hear that our children are struggling. They’re overwhelmed by worry, sadness, anger, and stress. We see them tumble and spiral down a path of unhealthy choices and disconnection from their families. Parents become paralyzed by the fear of doing something wrong. They’re afraid of causing another door-slamming anger outburst but are tormented by the potential consequences of not doing anything at all. They’re left confused by how upset their teens get when their Snapstreaks get interrupted or a round of Fortnite is lost.
![Photo of Hanna Chandler, MS, LGPC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/32385a96-0908-421d-9c6c-53263496d259/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am passionate about assisting clients in learning to accept themselves and build self-esteem. I work with my clients to create change in their daily lives. We work together to set and achieve goals, overcome challenges, and accept ourselves unconditionally.
I am passionate about assisting clients in learning to accept themselves and build self-esteem. I work with my clients to create change in their daily lives. We work together to set and achieve goals, overcome challenges, and accept ourselves unconditionally.
![Photo of Alex Abramowicz, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fac42a27-8e35-4ddd-9984-aeb70369e688/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have specialized in working with clients to help them gain greater insight into how their thoughts and behaviors impact not only themselves, but other people in their lives. I believe that the therapeutic relationship can be used as a model for building on relationships with those that matter most to us, outside of the office. I believe that by understanding our past experiences, we can have a better understanding of what is happening currently in our lives, and how we can work together to make changes that align with your values.
I have specialized in working with clients to help them gain greater insight into how their thoughts and behaviors impact not only themselves, but other people in their lives. I believe that the therapeutic relationship can be used as a model for building on relationships with those that matter most to us, outside of the office. I believe that by understanding our past experiences, we can have a better understanding of what is happening currently in our lives, and how we can work together to make changes that align with your values.
![Photo of Nicole Zimmerman, MSW, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3885f23b-5428-481b-baf2-d7351caf6b99/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nicole Zimmerman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
New Market, MD 21774 (Online Only)
Accepting new clients. Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stuck or stressed? Life and situations in our environment can be tough. I understand that and truly want to help as many people as I can. After spending over ten years in the mental health field I realized that I really wanted to help people on a deeper level. Lets work together to explore and process these feelings while establishing tools to help you feel happy, comfortable and validated in this journey we call life.
Accepting new clients. Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stuck or stressed? Life and situations in our environment can be tough. I understand that and truly want to help as many people as I can. After spending over ten years in the mental health field I realized that I really wanted to help people on a deeper level. Lets work together to explore and process these feelings while establishing tools to help you feel happy, comfortable and validated in this journey we call life.
![Photo of Aaron T Heaton, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3fa92214-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Aaron is a licensed psychologist. He and his daughters have moved from sunny Southern California to the community of Frederick with the intent to again practice in close community. He graduated with degrees in both Psychology and Biblical Literature from Azusa Pacific University, earned advanced degrees in psychology and clinical psychology from Marymount University and the American School of Professional Psychology, and has pursued advanced training in applied behavioral analysis, a modality well-suited to the treatment of children and adolescents.
Aaron is a licensed psychologist. He and his daughters have moved from sunny Southern California to the community of Frederick with the intent to again practice in close community. He graduated with degrees in both Psychology and Biblical Literature from Azusa Pacific University, earned advanced degrees in psychology and clinical psychology from Marymount University and the American School of Professional Psychology, and has pursued advanced training in applied behavioral analysis, a modality well-suited to the treatment of children and adolescents.
![Photo of Emily Kendall, LCPAT, Art Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c0f51ba8-3320-406f-ba15-48e6f29742bc/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am an experienced art therapist and counselor who is dedicated to helping young adults cope with neurodivergence, adversity, anxiety, and depression. You likely have good reasons for feeling angry at the world, the people around you, or maybe even yourself, but are you ready to confront the blocks that are keeping you stuck? Sometimes we get stuck in a cycle of avoidance and/ or ambivalence because that's how we've learned to survive. Living in survival mode is exhausting and when the stress of being alive feels like too much to carry and we don't give our emotions the attention they need, they may start to feel "out of control".
I am an experienced art therapist and counselor who is dedicated to helping young adults cope with neurodivergence, adversity, anxiety, and depression. You likely have good reasons for feeling angry at the world, the people around you, or maybe even yourself, but are you ready to confront the blocks that are keeping you stuck? Sometimes we get stuck in a cycle of avoidance and/ or ambivalence because that's how we've learned to survive. Living in survival mode is exhausting and when the stress of being alive feels like too much to carry and we don't give our emotions the attention they need, they may start to feel "out of control".
Online Therapists
![Photo of Keri Sartin, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f5930f12-4645-415f-beed-5bb2dc608c1f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Keri Sartin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brandywine, MD 20613 (Online Only)
I am an Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist as well as a Certified Child Centered Play Therapist and Sand Tray Therapist.
My name is Keri Sartin and I am the owner of Limitless Psychotherapy Services. I am really passionate about serving and helping people. I started my private practice in 2022 after practicing as a school social worker for 9 years and providing services to adults for over 15 years. I believe adults and children, do best when they feel heard and have supportive people in their lives. I enjoy working to address concerns of anxiety, depression, and general life changes. I also have a passion for helping parents better understand and connect with their children to transform and enhance the parent-child relationship.
I am an Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist as well as a Certified Child Centered Play Therapist and Sand Tray Therapist.
My name is Keri Sartin and I am the owner of Limitless Psychotherapy Services. I am really passionate about serving and helping people. I started my private practice in 2022 after practicing as a school social worker for 9 years and providing services to adults for over 15 years. I believe adults and children, do best when they feel heard and have supportive people in their lives. I enjoy working to address concerns of anxiety, depression, and general life changes. I also have a passion for helping parents better understand and connect with their children to transform and enhance the parent-child relationship.
![Photo of Alexis Mete, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bcabe3de-bb6c-4e28-89ca-cb6135a8ae25/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alexis Mete
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Severna Park, MD 21146
I provide a supportive and empathetic environment where children and adolescents can address challenges such as anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues, with focuses on diagnoses of Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, and Autism.
As a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), my focus is on helping children and adolescents navigate the ups and downs of growing up. I believe that therapy should be a safe and nurturing space where young people feel comfortable being themselves. My goal is to build a strong, trusting relationship with each client, so they can openly express their thoughts and feelings. Through a combination of behavioral therapies, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Emotion-Focused interventions, I work with the child or adolescent to learn life and social skills throughout each aspect of their life.
I provide a supportive and empathetic environment where children and adolescents can address challenges such as anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues, with focuses on diagnoses of Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, and Autism.
As a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), my focus is on helping children and adolescents navigate the ups and downs of growing up. I believe that therapy should be a safe and nurturing space where young people feel comfortable being themselves. My goal is to build a strong, trusting relationship with each client, so they can openly express their thoughts and feelings. Through a combination of behavioral therapies, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Emotion-Focused interventions, I work with the child or adolescent to learn life and social skills throughout each aspect of their life.
![Photo of Brittany Marie McCartan - Overthinking Wellness, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7752f13f-773c-44d1-816a-0d67c0fd2313/1/320x400.png)
Overthinking Wellness
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Aberdeen, MD 21001 (Online Only)
Overthinking Wellness specializes in exploring, treating, and managing anxiety, ADHD/ autism, big life changes, neurodivergence, emotional dysregulation, oppositional behaviors, and executive dysfunction.
Overthinking Wellness specializes in exploring, treating, and managing anxiety, ADHD/ autism, big life changes, neurodivergence, emotional dysregulation, oppositional behaviors, and executive dysfunction.
![Photo of Megan Kalbaugh, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d080e75e-81f9-4ca7-81eb-b74a6f434ff5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Additionally, much of my work has been with those experiencing anxiety, grief, depression, and neurodivergence ( Autism & ADHD).
Thank you for considering me to be a part of your mental health journey. I believe in a holistic approach, and that a variety of interventions are required to assist clients in illuminating who they want to be. My approach is interactive, non-pathologizing, and client-centered. I believe that clients have developed skills through their life that have helped them get this far, and sometimes we need an extra eye to help us see our own skills, strengths, and patterns. I started my work in Ohio in 2017, and through moves to NC and DC, I have developed a very integrative model through the therapists I've had the pleasure of working with.
Additionally, much of my work has been with those experiencing anxiety, grief, depression, and neurodivergence ( Autism & ADHD).
Thank you for considering me to be a part of your mental health journey. I believe in a holistic approach, and that a variety of interventions are required to assist clients in illuminating who they want to be. My approach is interactive, non-pathologizing, and client-centered. I believe that clients have developed skills through their life that have helped them get this far, and sometimes we need an extra eye to help us see our own skills, strengths, and patterns. I started my work in Ohio in 2017, and through moves to NC and DC, I have developed a very integrative model through the therapists I've had the pleasure of working with.
![Photo of Brenden Stinson, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9ef9df4d-4763-4b94-a000-40f7b3259760/1/320x400.png)
I specialize in crisis intervention and enjoy helping individuals with trauma disorders, stress management, autism, and life transitions.
For me, there is no ideal client. To some extent, everyone is on a spectrum of depression and anxiety, and I seek to work with clients who need assistance becoming oriented toward improvement. I have personal and professional experience and understand how difficult it is to find someone patient enough to grow alongside a client through the therapeutic process. I want to work alongside you to help you live a happy, meaningful life with these conditions.
I specialize in crisis intervention and enjoy helping individuals with trauma disorders, stress management, autism, and life transitions.
For me, there is no ideal client. To some extent, everyone is on a spectrum of depression and anxiety, and I seek to work with clients who need assistance becoming oriented toward improvement. I have personal and professional experience and understand how difficult it is to find someone patient enough to grow alongside a client through the therapeutic process. I want to work alongside you to help you live a happy, meaningful life with these conditions.
![Photo of Breona Gray, MS, LGPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a17951e0-03d3-4c6f-9061-cc131582b737/1/320x400.jpeg)
Within this scope, I have over 8 years of experience working with individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Specific Learning Disability, Developmental Delay, Intellectual Disability and Emotional Disturbance.
Hi. My name is Breona Gray and I am a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor. I have a passion for helping people reach their personal health and healing goals. Using a holistic approach, I fully attend to each clients’ needs through practiced skill and active presence. I work with adolescents and adults, across all ages to help individuals who long to experience true clarity and confidence in themselves and their lives, but are held back by a variety of challenges such anxiety, fear, lack of boundaries, shame, relationship struggles, depression and inner criticism.
Within this scope, I have over 8 years of experience working with individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Specific Learning Disability, Developmental Delay, Intellectual Disability and Emotional Disturbance.
Hi. My name is Breona Gray and I am a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor. I have a passion for helping people reach their personal health and healing goals. Using a holistic approach, I fully attend to each clients’ needs through practiced skill and active presence. I work with adolescents and adults, across all ages to help individuals who long to experience true clarity and confidence in themselves and their lives, but are held back by a variety of challenges such anxiety, fear, lack of boundaries, shame, relationship struggles, depression and inner criticism.
![Photo of Lorrie Ann Ness, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c8b88fc-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/5/320x400.jpeg)
Treatment or consultation for issues related to anxiety, depression, AD/HD, academic challenges, autism spectrum disorders and learning disabilities is also provided.
In today's hurried world I strive always to listen and never to rush. Here, individuals find a safe place to "unpack" their worries and feel understood. I particularly enjoy working with families to uncover sources of academic difficulty and develop individualized solutions. With young children, parents are always in integral part of the treatment and I frequently consult with other health care professionals and educators in order to create a broad treatment team.
Treatment or consultation for issues related to anxiety, depression, AD/HD, academic challenges, autism spectrum disorders and learning disabilities is also provided.
In today's hurried world I strive always to listen and never to rush. Here, individuals find a safe place to "unpack" their worries and feel understood. I particularly enjoy working with families to uncover sources of academic difficulty and develop individualized solutions. With young children, parents are always in integral part of the treatment and I frequently consult with other health care professionals and educators in order to create a broad treatment team.
![Photo of Laura A Mitchell, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/212ed67f-8e63-4efc-94c9-d8cef5d07b72/2/320x400.jpeg)
Laura A Mitchell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Elkridge, MD 21075 (Online Only)
I enjoy working with children, adolescents, families. Most of my experience has been with young clients facing anxiety, autism, and behavioral issues. I believe it is important for me to have a collaborative professional relationship with each client so that we can collectively meet the client's needs. I employ a multi-modal approach, incorporating elements from Applied Behavioral Analysis, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and Strength-Based therapy to tailor my style uniquely to each individual's needs.
I enjoy working with children, adolescents, families. Most of my experience has been with young clients facing anxiety, autism, and behavioral issues. I believe it is important for me to have a collaborative professional relationship with each client so that we can collectively meet the client's needs. I employ a multi-modal approach, incorporating elements from Applied Behavioral Analysis, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and Strength-Based therapy to tailor my style uniquely to each individual's needs.
![Photo of Michelle R Scudero, LCSW-C, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/17cc0cf1-0ef6-47eb-a26b-c6fa0cdd332b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Michelle R Scudero
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
I support families of children with autism and other special needs.
Accepting New Patients NOW! Are you or a loved one navigating the complexities of chronic illness, facing the challenges of grief, or experiencing the emotional toll of a serious medical condition? Do you find yourself struggling with the unique demands of perinatal or postpartum care, or supporting someone with special needs? These experiences can be incredibly overwhelming, but you don't have to face them without support or guidance. As a compassionate Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I specialize in supporting individuals and families through the toughest moments of life.
I support families of children with autism and other special needs.
Accepting New Patients NOW! Are you or a loved one navigating the complexities of chronic illness, facing the challenges of grief, or experiencing the emotional toll of a serious medical condition? Do you find yourself struggling with the unique demands of perinatal or postpartum care, or supporting someone with special needs? These experiences can be incredibly overwhelming, but you don't have to face them without support or guidance. As a compassionate Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I specialize in supporting individuals and families through the toughest moments of life.
See more therapy options for Mount Airy
Nearby Autism Therapists Searches for Mount Airy
- Clarksburg
- Darnestown
- Eldersburg
- Ellicott City
- Frederick
- Fulton
- Gaithersburg
- Germantown
- North Potomac
- Olney
- Sykesville
- Westminster
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.