Therapists in Wilmington, NC
![Photo of Margaret Mensch, MEd, LCMHC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46d9494c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Margaret Mensch
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MEd, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wilmington, NC 28403
Mensch has experience treating adults and children with adjustment disorders, ADHD, Autism, anxiety, OCD, depression, grief/loss, personality issues, marital/family and work related issues.
Margaret Mensch, MEd, LCMHC has 10 years of experience working in individual and family therapy. She strives to provide quality and compassionate care by helping clients to gain insight, grow, and heal through the therapeutic process. Her passion is guiding, inspiring, and teaching skills to people, so that they feel empowered to overcome life's challenges. Ms. Mensch approaches the therapeutic process through a humanistic lens, using modalities and theories that help fit her clients needs including cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness training, and solution focused work.
Mensch has experience treating adults and children with adjustment disorders, ADHD, Autism, anxiety, OCD, depression, grief/loss, personality issues, marital/family and work related issues.
Margaret Mensch, MEd, LCMHC has 10 years of experience working in individual and family therapy. She strives to provide quality and compassionate care by helping clients to gain insight, grow, and heal through the therapeutic process. Her passion is guiding, inspiring, and teaching skills to people, so that they feel empowered to overcome life's challenges. Ms. Mensch approaches the therapeutic process through a humanistic lens, using modalities and theories that help fit her clients needs including cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness training, and solution focused work.
![Photo of Katie Schneeberger, MEd, LCMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8eea6d8b-ee71-4c7f-b650-27548a997a6a/4/320x400.jpeg)
Katie Schneeberger
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LCMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Wilmington, NC 28403 (Online Only)
Life can feel overwhelming & exhausting, causing us to feel burned out, stressed out, & stuck surviving instead of thriving. Many things can lead us to this place, including trauma, depression, masking our neurodivergences, anxiety, ADHD, Autism, parenting, pregnancy, being the default parent, carrying a heavy mental load, struggling in our relationships with food & our bodies, complicated relationships, & managing a huge workload at home, school, & work. You may want to figure out how to balance life's stressors, accept & love your authentic self, set boundaries, eat intuitively, process trauma, initiate and complete tasks, etc.
Life can feel overwhelming & exhausting, causing us to feel burned out, stressed out, & stuck surviving instead of thriving. Many things can lead us to this place, including trauma, depression, masking our neurodivergences, anxiety, ADHD, Autism, parenting, pregnancy, being the default parent, carrying a heavy mental load, struggling in our relationships with food & our bodies, complicated relationships, & managing a huge workload at home, school, & work. You may want to figure out how to balance life's stressors, accept & love your authentic self, set boundaries, eat intuitively, process trauma, initiate and complete tasks, etc.
![Photo of Rob Moser, MEd, LCMHCA, LCASA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/511bb154-14c1-4da9-9552-0b0484d73c44/3/320x400.jpeg)
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage issues, relationship struggles, parenting/child/teen problems, pain, addiction, pornography, or a faith crisis? Or maybe just seeking peace amidst life’s general uncertainty? Rob’s 20-year career in counseling, six years as a lead pastor, and four years as an overseas missionary, as well as his experience as a foster/adoptive parent, give him the confidence to wade into a myriad of life’s challenges with you.
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage issues, relationship struggles, parenting/child/teen problems, pain, addiction, pornography, or a faith crisis? Or maybe just seeking peace amidst life’s general uncertainty? Rob’s 20-year career in counseling, six years as a lead pastor, and four years as an overseas missionary, as well as his experience as a foster/adoptive parent, give him the confidence to wade into a myriad of life’s challenges with you.
![Photo of Jane A Slovik, MAEd, LCMHCA, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1cddfd9c-d952-48f3-84a6-f002fbd59c9c/1/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in addressing all aspects of the family system. I have a long background in education, and bring valuable skills to support youth and their families. As I do in my personal life, I bring lightness and a good sense of humor into all of my sessions. My extensive experience enables me to provide impactful guidance in navigating challenges such as grief, infertility, couples therapy, and postpartum mental health issues. I offer a warm and personalized therapeutic approach, rooted in evidence-based methods.
I specialize in addressing all aspects of the family system. I have a long background in education, and bring valuable skills to support youth and their families. As I do in my personal life, I bring lightness and a good sense of humor into all of my sessions. My extensive experience enables me to provide impactful guidance in navigating challenges such as grief, infertility, couples therapy, and postpartum mental health issues. I offer a warm and personalized therapeutic approach, rooted in evidence-based methods.
![Photo of Paige Goldbach, MSW, LCSWA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/27df8ffc-0f9b-4c6e-b7ef-d57d098c30fb/1/320x400.png)
Paige Goldbach
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSWA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wilmington, NC 28405
From a very early age, Paige has been particularly passionate about working with both children, adolescents, and young adults to help promote early interventions and practices for positive mental and behavioral wellness. Paige intends to help these individuals through a wide variety of issues including depression, anxiety, LGBTQIA+ challenges, OCD, eating disorders, stress management, life changes, and adjustment issues, grief and loss, intellectual and developmental disabilities, effective communication, self-esteem, peer pressure, bullying, and more.
From a very early age, Paige has been particularly passionate about working with both children, adolescents, and young adults to help promote early interventions and practices for positive mental and behavioral wellness. Paige intends to help these individuals through a wide variety of issues including depression, anxiety, LGBTQIA+ challenges, OCD, eating disorders, stress management, life changes, and adjustment issues, grief and loss, intellectual and developmental disabilities, effective communication, self-esteem, peer pressure, bullying, and more.
![Photo of Gloria M Brown, MA, LPA, Psychological Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e5494b9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a licensed therapist with 25+ years of experience. I see adults and adolescents who are ready to work on issues that have a negative impact on their lives and emotional health. I combine a holistic mind/body/spirit approach using positive, solution-focused therapy methods, as well as cognitive behavioral strategies and the many tools from the 12-Step Programs. I work with individuals having problems with addiction, alcoholism, anxiety, panic attacks, social anxiety, anger, bipolar I and II disorders, cyclothymic disorder, depression, chronic pain and health issues, kleptomania, excoriation, self-injury, trichotillomania, schizophrenia, ADHD, OCD, and PTSD.
I am a licensed therapist with 25+ years of experience. I see adults and adolescents who are ready to work on issues that have a negative impact on their lives and emotional health. I combine a holistic mind/body/spirit approach using positive, solution-focused therapy methods, as well as cognitive behavioral strategies and the many tools from the 12-Step Programs. I work with individuals having problems with addiction, alcoholism, anxiety, panic attacks, social anxiety, anger, bipolar I and II disorders, cyclothymic disorder, depression, chronic pain and health issues, kleptomania, excoriation, self-injury, trichotillomania, schizophrenia, ADHD, OCD, and PTSD.
![Photo of Jennifer G. Walker, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1e060c23-4d10-49cb-8edd-e2576a3b8861/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer G. Walker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wilmington, NC 28403
Hello! I’m Jennifer Walker, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a passion for guiding individuals and families through life's challenges. I bring 30 years of experience across various settings to my practice. My work in nonprofits, child advocacy, juvenile crime prevention, and social services demonstrate my compassion and commitment to improving the lives of those in our community. Whether you are seeking support for yourself, your child, or your family, I offer a safe and compassionate space to explore your goals and work towards growth and healing. I will work in partnership with you to provide the tools and support you need.
Hello! I’m Jennifer Walker, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a passion for guiding individuals and families through life's challenges. I bring 30 years of experience across various settings to my practice. My work in nonprofits, child advocacy, juvenile crime prevention, and social services demonstrate my compassion and commitment to improving the lives of those in our community. Whether you are seeking support for yourself, your child, or your family, I offer a safe and compassionate space to explore your goals and work towards growth and healing. I will work in partnership with you to provide the tools and support you need.
![Photo of Kristin Jones, LCSW, LCAS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/71aa514e-b75f-4d85-8181-ecbefdf25f37/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kristin Jones
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCAS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wilmington, NC 28411
Unsure of where to turn or what is next? Feeling overwhelmed? By life, work or just in general? Things seem to be impossible at times. I am here to help navigate through these times. We can work on coping skills to help deal with things as they come up. We can work on identifying triggers and learn ways to be in control of those things. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist. I have specialized training working with SU and MH. I work with clients age 12 and up.
Unsure of where to turn or what is next? Feeling overwhelmed? By life, work or just in general? Things seem to be impossible at times. I am here to help navigate through these times. We can work on coping skills to help deal with things as they come up. We can work on identifying triggers and learn ways to be in control of those things. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist. I have specialized training working with SU and MH. I work with clients age 12 and up.
![Photo of Corey Andolfi, MA, LMFT, NBCCH, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44fb1d38-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Corey Andolfi
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, NBCCH
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Wilmington, NC 28412
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and National Board Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist. I also have training in Brainspotting (An alternative to EMDR - Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT or Tapping), Quantum Flow Breathwork Method, and the art of playing the singing bowls.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and National Board Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist. I also have training in Brainspotting (An alternative to EMDR - Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT or Tapping), Quantum Flow Breathwork Method, and the art of playing the singing bowls.
![Photo of Robert E. McCarthy - McCarthy Counseling Associates, PA, PhD, LPC, CCMHC, BCIM, BCN, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b7a6919-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
McCarthy Counseling Associates, PA
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, CCMHC, BCIM, BCN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wilmington, NC 28401
Dr. Robert E. McCarthy is an internationally-known authority in integrative medicine and a Licensed and Multi-Board Certified Professional Counselor and Supervisor providing assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for a range of psychiatric, medical, neurological and developmental disorders. He specializes in state-of-the-art QEEG, biofeedback, neurofeedback, hemoencephalography and transcranial photobiomodulation, and is a contributing author to the landmark book Neurofeedback: The First Fifty Years and wrote Setting up A State-f-the-Art Integrative Medicine Practice sold by BFE worldwide.
Dr. Robert E. McCarthy is an internationally-known authority in integrative medicine and a Licensed and Multi-Board Certified Professional Counselor and Supervisor providing assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for a range of psychiatric, medical, neurological and developmental disorders. He specializes in state-of-the-art QEEG, biofeedback, neurofeedback, hemoencephalography and transcranial photobiomodulation, and is a contributing author to the landmark book Neurofeedback: The First Fifty Years and wrote Setting up A State-f-the-Art Integrative Medicine Practice sold by BFE worldwide.
![Photo of Adam T. Howell, MS, LCMHC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0167d951-8691-4523-a258-795677d46811/1/320x400.jpeg)
Adam T. Howell
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MS, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Wilmington, NC 28403 (Online Only)
Are you feeling depressed or anxious? Do you feel misunderstood? Have you experienced difficulties communicating with loved ones? Do you doubt your parenting skills? Do you feel empty without a purpose?
Are you feeling depressed or anxious? Do you feel misunderstood? Have you experienced difficulties communicating with loved ones? Do you doubt your parenting skills? Do you feel empty without a purpose?
![Photo of Josie Campbell, LCSW-A, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b5912df1-46bf-4229-9621-a7e7c0e0b2e3/3/320x400.jpeg)
Josie Campbell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-A
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wilmington, NC 28401
Hello! I'm so glad you're here. I work to support folks of all ages to address eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and family of origin concerns. I'm passionate about working with queer and trans folks and individuals who identify as neurodivergent. I'm deeply committed to maintaining an anti-racist, neurodiversity-affirming, and harm-reduction centered practice, considering clients and their challenges in the context of oppressive systems.
Hello! I'm so glad you're here. I work to support folks of all ages to address eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and family of origin concerns. I'm passionate about working with queer and trans folks and individuals who identify as neurodivergent. I'm deeply committed to maintaining an anti-racist, neurodiversity-affirming, and harm-reduction centered practice, considering clients and their challenges in the context of oppressive systems.
![Photo of Lindsay Carter, LCMHC, LPC, NCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9f78de59-178a-4338-9f2f-fca40bbb8de6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lindsay Carter
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Wilmington, NC 28411 (Online Only)
Change is hard. Our nervous systems can interpret even the most well-intentioned changes as threats, which means sometimes it can be difficult to understand why we feel or behave the way we do. I deeply respect that, as social creatures, we are wired to process transitions through connection with others. I often find that what my clients believe are character flaws are actually intelligent coping responses—they served an important purpose at one point but are no longer helpful in their current lives.
Change is hard. Our nervous systems can interpret even the most well-intentioned changes as threats, which means sometimes it can be difficult to understand why we feel or behave the way we do. I deeply respect that, as social creatures, we are wired to process transitions through connection with others. I often find that what my clients believe are character flaws are actually intelligent coping responses—they served an important purpose at one point but are no longer helpful in their current lives.
![Photo of Alicia Ann Sumner, LCSWA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4ffc4ae5-7c45-4957-953c-058b9a8de484/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alicia Ann Sumner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSWA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wilmington, NC 28403
Not accepting new clients
Happiness begins here! I see therapy as the process of learning about yourself and tapping into your inner source of strength. It is common for people to feel overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, and sometimes just "stuck". I strive to meet each and every person where they are and establish a great relationship that is comfortable, trusting, and non-judgmental. No matter what life throws your way, you are already on the right path to success.
Happiness begins here! I see therapy as the process of learning about yourself and tapping into your inner source of strength. It is common for people to feel overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, and sometimes just "stuck". I strive to meet each and every person where they are and establish a great relationship that is comfortable, trusting, and non-judgmental. No matter what life throws your way, you are already on the right path to success.
![Photo of Shawn Morton, MEd, NCC, LCMHCS, RPT-S](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d94e411-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Shawn Morton
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor, MEd, NCC, LCMHCS, RPT-S
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Wilmington, NC 28403
Not accepting new clients
I believe that working with a therapist should be an experience that not only assists individuals in regaining control of their lives but also empowers them to be the person that they want to be. I strive to create caring, therapeutic relationships where new strategies can be learned, difficult issues can be addressed, distress can be reduced, and self-worth can grow and flourish.
I believe that working with a therapist should be an experience that not only assists individuals in regaining control of their lives but also empowers them to be the person that they want to be. I strive to create caring, therapeutic relationships where new strategies can be learned, difficult issues can be addressed, distress can be reduced, and self-worth can grow and flourish.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Meagan Koch, LMHC, LPC, LCMHCA, LPCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4820eb32-2e4f-4291-89cf-1c1d8bcaf6be/3/320x400.jpeg)
Meagan Koch
Counselor, LMHC, LPC, LCMHCA, LPCC
Verified Verified
Leland, NC 28451
Not accepting new clients
I have a passion for serving those in crisis situations, women and teens facing emotional and behavioral issues, and working with families and couples in relational conflict. Anxiety, depression, trauma and couple counseling are some of the areas that I can help you with. I also have experience working with military families and serving youth and teens. I have worked with clients in crisis pregnancy situations and have helped women grieve after abortion to find healing. I offer free 10 minute consultations to see if I am the right fit for you. I offer in-person sessions in NC and virtual to clients in FL, CA, VA.
I have a passion for serving those in crisis situations, women and teens facing emotional and behavioral issues, and working with families and couples in relational conflict. Anxiety, depression, trauma and couple counseling are some of the areas that I can help you with. I also have experience working with military families and serving youth and teens. I have worked with clients in crisis pregnancy situations and have helped women grieve after abortion to find healing. I offer free 10 minute consultations to see if I am the right fit for you. I offer in-person sessions in NC and virtual to clients in FL, CA, VA.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Nicole Wagoner, MA, LCMHC, ASDCS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9bb625a8-1adc-4bbc-8d8e-3d4b2f257dba/2/320x400.jpeg)
Nicole Wagoner
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCMHC, ASDCS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Burgaw, NC 28425
Hi! My name is Nicole. I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor working at Ocean's Crest Counseling Center, PLLC in Burgaw, NC. I am accepting new clients with BCBS, United Healthcare, Tricare, United Healthcare Community Plan, and Healthy Blue, Amerihealth, and Wellcare. I am certified as an Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist. I have experience with a variety of mental health diagnoses. I have experience working with children, young adults, and military with a variety of mental health diagnoses. Some of these diagnoses have included PTSD, anxiety, depression, ODD, ADHD, and Conduct Disorder.
Hi! My name is Nicole. I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor working at Ocean's Crest Counseling Center, PLLC in Burgaw, NC. I am accepting new clients with BCBS, United Healthcare, Tricare, United Healthcare Community Plan, and Healthy Blue, Amerihealth, and Wellcare. I am certified as an Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist. I have experience with a variety of mental health diagnoses. I have experience working with children, young adults, and military with a variety of mental health diagnoses. Some of these diagnoses have included PTSD, anxiety, depression, ODD, ADHD, and Conduct Disorder.
![Photo of Derek Prescott, PsyD, LCMHC, CAS, CATP](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/87a24d6b-f4e1-4430-8965-d0d9090c64e2/2/320x400.jpeg)
Derek Prescott
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, PsyD, LCMHC, CAS, CATP
Verified Verified
Hubert, NC 28539
National Board Certified Counselor - Certified Marriage and Pre-Marriage counseling, Certified Autism Specialist; Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional, and Anger Management.
For appointments call or text 910-545-2142. We offer a compassionate and positive environment to help you make empowering decisions about life and overcome any struggles or obstacles. Using emphatic, compassionate, empowering skills, our goal is to assist you in applying the skills needed to make healthy changes. We view the therapeutic relationship as an honor and appreciate the courage that it takes to enter a healing relationship. We look forward to sharing your journey and believe that we will learn from one another throughout this healing journey.
National Board Certified Counselor - Certified Marriage and Pre-Marriage counseling, Certified Autism Specialist; Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional, and Anger Management.
For appointments call or text 910-545-2142. We offer a compassionate and positive environment to help you make empowering decisions about life and overcome any struggles or obstacles. Using emphatic, compassionate, empowering skills, our goal is to assist you in applying the skills needed to make healthy changes. We view the therapeutic relationship as an honor and appreciate the courage that it takes to enter a healing relationship. We look forward to sharing your journey and believe that we will learn from one another throughout this healing journey.
![Photo of Carolyn Laura Kindred, LCMHCA, MA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5460ded4-9793-4899-a74d-7970cec32b14/1/320x400.png)
I work with individuals, children, adolescents, teens, adults, couples, families, and persons in the LGBTQ+ community! My clinical interests include working with those affected by trauma, personality disorders, Autism, ADHD and other neurodivergent conditions, as my own life is affected by the differences and challenges my daughter’s Autism has introduced us to throughout her life. I have experience in trauma-focused CBT and DBT for those affected by childhood trauma, abuse, and sexual trauma. I also have experience with the foster-care system, single-parent households & blended families.
I work with individuals, children, adolescents, teens, adults, couples, families, and persons in the LGBTQ+ community! My clinical interests include working with those affected by trauma, personality disorders, Autism, ADHD and other neurodivergent conditions, as my own life is affected by the differences and challenges my daughter’s Autism has introduced us to throughout her life. I have experience in trauma-focused CBT and DBT for those affected by childhood trauma, abuse, and sexual trauma. I also have experience with the foster-care system, single-parent households & blended families.
![Photo of Amy Smith Johnson - A New Leaf Therapeutic Services, PLLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44d3c647-4ff9-42cf-85e1-1eefbb61fdb0/2/320x400.jpeg)
A New Leaf Therapeutic Services, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Fayetteville, NC 28303
A New Leaf also has speech therapy and ABA for children and teens diagnosed with Autism.
Here at A New Leaf Therapeutic Services PLLC, we are committed to working together with children, teens, adults, and families, focusing on their unique, therapeutic journeys to 'turn over a new leaf' toward more stable, healthier, & happier futures.
A New Leaf also has speech therapy and ABA for children and teens diagnosed with Autism.
Here at A New Leaf Therapeutic Services PLLC, we are committed to working together with children, teens, adults, and families, focusing on their unique, therapeutic journeys to 'turn over a new leaf' toward more stable, healthier, & happier futures.
See more therapy options for Wilmington
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.