Autism Therapists in Takoma Park, MD
Marina Kerlow
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LGMFT
Verified Verified
Takoma Park, MD 20912 (Online Only)
I work with adults, children, teens and families struggling with trauma, anxiety, neurodiversity (ADHD and autism), relationship issues and adjusting to life transitions.
Are you feeling stuck in old patterns and confusion? I can help you break old cycles that no longer serve you and develop more productive and healthier ways of being - whether that's individually or as a family. I provide therapy for improving relationships, healing from trauma, and exploring identity. I draw from my background working in research on child development and family resilience, evidence-based practices, my clinical expertise, and own lived experiences.
I work with adults, children, teens and families struggling with trauma, anxiety, neurodiversity (ADHD and autism), relationship issues and adjusting to life transitions.
Are you feeling stuck in old patterns and confusion? I can help you break old cycles that no longer serve you and develop more productive and healthier ways of being - whether that's individually or as a family. I provide therapy for improving relationships, healing from trauma, and exploring identity. I draw from my background working in research on child development and family resilience, evidence-based practices, my clinical expertise, and own lived experiences.
Infertility, pregnancy/infant loss, adoption, learning challenges and neurodiversity including ADHD and Autism are among the many issues I work with.
I offer short term, brief therapy to support individuals, couples and families in moving forward in some way. Brief therapy typically focuses on solutions rather than problems. The aim is to emphasize strengths and to work collaboratively to figure out alternatives for what the future might look like. I strive to offer a warm, compassionate and non-judgmental environment that allows clients to feel safe to genuinely express themselves and consider new possibilities.
Infertility, pregnancy/infant loss, adoption, learning challenges and neurodiversity including ADHD and Autism are among the many issues I work with.
I offer short term, brief therapy to support individuals, couples and families in moving forward in some way. Brief therapy typically focuses on solutions rather than problems. The aim is to emphasize strengths and to work collaboratively to figure out alternatives for what the future might look like. I strive to offer a warm, compassionate and non-judgmental environment that allows clients to feel safe to genuinely express themselves and consider new possibilities.
I have experience working with a variety of diagnoses including ADHD, Depression, Asperger's Syndrome, Autism, Anxiety, and learning disabilities.
I am trained in a psychodynamic and relational approach that includes the use of play therapy, art, music, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness. I have spent the last 20 years working clinically with children and adolescents in school settings in Baltimore City, Montgomery County and Prince Georges County. I currently combine my work as a school counselor in a special education facility with private practice.
I have experience working with a variety of diagnoses including ADHD, Depression, Asperger's Syndrome, Autism, Anxiety, and learning disabilities.
I am trained in a psychodynamic and relational approach that includes the use of play therapy, art, music, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness. I have spent the last 20 years working clinically with children and adolescents in school settings in Baltimore City, Montgomery County and Prince Georges County. I currently combine my work as a school counselor in a special education facility with private practice.
Seeking help is an important decision Choosing who can help is just as important. Experience and effectiveness are critical qualities; warmth, respect and caring foster a connection that achieves results.
Seeking help is an important decision Choosing who can help is just as important. Experience and effectiveness are critical qualities; warmth, respect and caring foster a connection that achieves results.
Better State of Mind
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, LCSW, BCN
Verified Verified
Takoma Park, MD 20912
Integrated Mental Wellness is an approach combining traditional approaches to mental health such as talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, medications with other modalities that together more comprehensively support wellbeing. Wellness has many domains including relationships/community, health/diet/physical activity, creativity, meaning/spirituality. This approach addresses a whole person as a unique individual attempting to deal in their own ways with their challenges.
Integrated Mental Wellness is an approach combining traditional approaches to mental health such as talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, medications with other modalities that together more comprehensively support wellbeing. Wellness has many domains including relationships/community, health/diet/physical activity, creativity, meaning/spirituality. This approach addresses a whole person as a unique individual attempting to deal in their own ways with their challenges.
As an experienced Mental Health Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist in the DMV area, I am committed to supporting individuals, couples, and families on their journey toward healing and self-discovery. Now a Maryland Board Approved Supervisor, I am accepting supervisees with provisional G-LCPCs to become fully licensed in Maryland. In addition, I incorporate Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy in my work with families struggling with children and teens and their challenging behaviors. This includes conducting in-home function of behavior assessments, protocols, and interventions to decrease unwanted target behaviors.
As an experienced Mental Health Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist in the DMV area, I am committed to supporting individuals, couples, and families on their journey toward healing and self-discovery. Now a Maryland Board Approved Supervisor, I am accepting supervisees with provisional G-LCPCs to become fully licensed in Maryland. In addition, I incorporate Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy in my work with families struggling with children and teens and their challenging behaviors. This includes conducting in-home function of behavior assessments, protocols, and interventions to decrease unwanted target behaviors.
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.
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.
Emily Pitt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSWC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Takoma Park, MD 20912
Therapy works best when there is a safe and supportive therapy relationship, where you can explore the issues that brought you into therapy in a nonjudgmental environment. I also know that many people come to therapy to make some changes. For this reason, I combine traditional talk therapy with skills-based methods that teach you specific ways to address your concerns. I will work with you to meet your goals while also helping you to understand yourself better, and to understand the patterns that might sometimes get you stuck.
Therapy works best when there is a safe and supportive therapy relationship, where you can explore the issues that brought you into therapy in a nonjudgmental environment. I also know that many people come to therapy to make some changes. For this reason, I combine traditional talk therapy with skills-based methods that teach you specific ways to address your concerns. I will work with you to meet your goals while also helping you to understand yourself better, and to understand the patterns that might sometimes get you stuck.
Chris Farley
Counselor, MS, LCPC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Takoma Park, MD 20901 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am Chris Farley, though not the former Saturday Night Live comedian famous for saying you could end up "living in a van down by the river." I still think I'm funny, but I'm actually a therapist trained in Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) with 20+ years of experience working with adults, teens & families. In recent years, I have begun focusing more on using gaming and nerd culture to connect with and help clients feel accepted, developing Dungeons & Dragons Social Skills/Therapy Groups for adults and teens. If you are interested in learning more about how gaming can be used in therapy, give me a call or shoot me an email.
I am Chris Farley, though not the former Saturday Night Live comedian famous for saying you could end up "living in a van down by the river." I still think I'm funny, but I'm actually a therapist trained in Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) with 20+ years of experience working with adults, teens & families. In recent years, I have begun focusing more on using gaming and nerd culture to connect with and help clients feel accepted, developing Dungeons & Dragons Social Skills/Therapy Groups for adults and teens. If you are interested in learning more about how gaming can be used in therapy, give me a call or shoot me an email.
Leslie C. Kilpatrick
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MEd, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Takoma Park, MD 20912
If you’re considering therapy, you may be in a time of stress or transition. My goal is to ease your access to psychotherapy by providing you or your family with confidential online therapy, from the comfort of your own home. While I work with clients of all ages in any stage of life, my specialties include teen and family LGBTQIA issues, prenatal/postpartum challenges, parenting children with special needs and working with women who feel “stuck.”
If you’re considering therapy, you may be in a time of stress or transition. My goal is to ease your access to psychotherapy by providing you or your family with confidential online therapy, from the comfort of your own home. While I work with clients of all ages in any stage of life, my specialties include teen and family LGBTQIA issues, prenatal/postpartum challenges, parenting children with special needs and working with women who feel “stuck.”
Undone Counseling is a psychotherapeutic practice serving individuals interested in engaging in an exploration of self in the pursuit of healing and growth. Therapy can often look like an undoing. It might be a mending of past trauma, grief and hurt or an undoing of ideas and systems that no longer serve us. It is a beautiful unraveling of parts of self and an excavation of our history in discovery of who we are and who we will become. My role is to help you process what you are experiencing and find the source of discomfort and areas that may need strengthening and restoration.
Undone Counseling is a psychotherapeutic practice serving individuals interested in engaging in an exploration of self in the pursuit of healing and growth. Therapy can often look like an undoing. It might be a mending of past trauma, grief and hurt or an undoing of ideas and systems that no longer serve us. It is a beautiful unraveling of parts of self and an excavation of our history in discovery of who we are and who we will become. My role is to help you process what you are experiencing and find the source of discomfort and areas that may need strengthening and restoration.
I am the Executive Director of the Kingsbury Wellness & Learning Group, a nonprofit serving families in the DC metropolitan area. I work with clients who are hitting a wall with frustration and discouragement. I help them cope with immense stress and responsibility, navigate difficult life changes, engage with their families, and recover a sense of purpose. For young people, this typically means developing greater independence and feeling more secure as their responsibilities expand. For adult clients, it often means reflecting on the direction of their lives to develop a better understanding of what to accept and what to change.
I am the Executive Director of the Kingsbury Wellness & Learning Group, a nonprofit serving families in the DC metropolitan area. I work with clients who are hitting a wall with frustration and discouragement. I help them cope with immense stress and responsibility, navigate difficult life changes, engage with their families, and recover a sense of purpose. For young people, this typically means developing greater independence and feeling more secure as their responsibilities expand. For adult clients, it often means reflecting on the direction of their lives to develop a better understanding of what to accept and what to change.
Laura Charlotte Goss
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC, LGPAT
Verified Verified
Takoma Park, MD 20912
Not accepting new clients
Please note - I am only accepting clients who are age 13+. I am an art therapist and counselor and am excited to work with you using art therapy and other therapy modalities. My goal as a therapist is to support clients in making meaning and finding peace. My approach may involve anything from working together to soothe your anxiety, to sorting through unspeakable trauma. I aim to create a space that is warm and devoid of judgement. I will walk beside you and explore with you, and other than the occasional gentle nudge, I won’t push you where you aren’t ready to go.
Please note - I am only accepting clients who are age 13+. I am an art therapist and counselor and am excited to work with you using art therapy and other therapy modalities. My goal as a therapist is to support clients in making meaning and finding peace. My approach may involve anything from working together to soothe your anxiety, to sorting through unspeakable trauma. I aim to create a space that is warm and devoid of judgement. I will walk beside you and explore with you, and other than the occasional gentle nudge, I won’t push you where you aren’t ready to go.
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 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.
As a pediatric neuropsychologist I provide comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations to children, adolescents, and young adults. I specialize in evaluation of of autism, social, and self regulatory problems as well as learning disabilities, attention disorders, and medical conditions such as epilepsy, traumatic brain injuries, and genetic disorders. I also provide ongoing individual and family consultation and support, including assisting families navigate the transition to adulthood. I also assist with implementation of treatment plans and school placement decisions, attends school meetings (including IEP and due process hearings), and conduct forensic evaluation and expert testimony in cases that involve autism spectrum disorders.
As a pediatric neuropsychologist I provide comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations to children, adolescents, and young adults. I specialize in evaluation of of autism, social, and self regulatory problems as well as learning disabilities, attention disorders, and medical conditions such as epilepsy, traumatic brain injuries, and genetic disorders. I also provide ongoing individual and family consultation and support, including assisting families navigate the transition to adulthood. I also assist with implementation of treatment plans and school placement decisions, attends school meetings (including IEP and due process hearings), and conduct forensic evaluation and expert testimony in cases that involve autism spectrum disorders.
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.
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.
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.
Amber Latimore | Mind Body Art Therapy
MA, LGPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Silver Spring, MD 20910 (Online Only)
My diverse range of experiences from autism to mental health issues have prepared me to work with a multitude of mood and behavior disorders.
My name is Amber Latimore. I am a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor and a published author. I have experience working in education as a special education teacher and working in the private sector as a behavior consultant for families with children on the spectrum. My most recent experience is working in the mental health field with individuals with mood, anxiety and trauma disorders at all ages. I have a master’s in psychology and I am a certified autism specialist and trauma-informed therapy.
My diverse range of experiences from autism to mental health issues have prepared me to work with a multitude of mood and behavior disorders.
My name is Amber Latimore. I am a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor and a published author. I have experience working in education as a special education teacher and working in the private sector as a behavior consultant for families with children on the spectrum. My most recent experience is working in the mental health field with individuals with mood, anxiety and trauma disorders at all ages. I have a master’s in psychology and I am a certified autism specialist and trauma-informed therapy.
See more therapy options for Takoma Park
Nearby Autism Therapists Searches for Takoma Park
- Bethesda
- Burtonsville
- Chevy Chase
- College Park
- Greenbelt
- Hyattsville
- Kensington
- Lanham
- North Bethesda
- Potomac
- Rockville
- Silver Spring
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.