Therapists in Mechanicsburg, PA
Hello. I have over 20 yrs of clinical experience with children, teens, and adults. I grew up in central Pennsylvania and attended Penn State for undergraduate schooling. I then earned a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Central Michigan University and later a masters degree in Psychopharmacology from Argosy University. I also completed a two year fellowship in Clinical Child Psychology to work with children, teens, and families. I enjoy working with all age groups. Whether you are a parent wanting support for your child or teenager or an adult I would be happy to help you.
Hello. I have over 20 yrs of clinical experience with children, teens, and adults. I grew up in central Pennsylvania and attended Penn State for undergraduate schooling. I then earned a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Central Michigan University and later a masters degree in Psychopharmacology from Argosy University. I also completed a two year fellowship in Clinical Child Psychology to work with children, teens, and families. I enjoy working with all age groups. Whether you are a parent wanting support for your child or teenager or an adult I would be happy to help you.
![Photo of Cynthia Bartok - Downtown Counseling Center LLC, PhD](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45e364de-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Downtown Counseling Center (DCC) has specialty trained providers whose mission is to provide an individually tailored therapy experience to address the concerns of our clients. Our providers use empirically supported, research based interventions to help children, adolescents, adults or families reach treatment goals.
Downtown Counseling Center (DCC) has specialty trained providers whose mission is to provide an individually tailored therapy experience to address the concerns of our clients. Our providers use empirically supported, research based interventions to help children, adolescents, adults or families reach treatment goals.
![Photo of Marjorie Koch - Jewish Family Service of Greater Harrisburg, LCSW, LPC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/93c5f4e5-7a25-4ae7-a406-97ef5a44a278/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jewish Family Service of Greater Harrisburg
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LPC
Verified Verified
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Now more than ever, we know how important it is to reach out for help if you need it. If you are going through a difficult time and feel overwhelmed or simply want to make improvements, why not take the first steps to sit down and talk to someone? Our capable, nonjudgmental clinicians offer therapy services for all stages of life. Mynd Works has 3 full time therapists, and 2 part time therapists. Please visit our website to view their profiles.
Now more than ever, we know how important it is to reach out for help if you need it. If you are going through a difficult time and feel overwhelmed or simply want to make improvements, why not take the first steps to sit down and talk to someone? Our capable, nonjudgmental clinicians offer therapy services for all stages of life. Mynd Works has 3 full time therapists, and 2 part time therapists. Please visit our website to view their profiles.
![Photo of Sarah Kushnir, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b313cc3c-681f-4733-8a84-64da9ecd45ab/2/320x400.jpeg)
My ideal client would be someone that is willing to be present in treatment and open to the process of understanding themselves. I am open to treating anyone with a willingness to participate and collaborate with me as I view treatment as a journey of working together rather than me solely guiding treatment. I would want clients to be willing to learn skills and apply them in order to thrive in their lives rather than survive.
My ideal client would be someone that is willing to be present in treatment and open to the process of understanding themselves. I am open to treating anyone with a willingness to participate and collaborate with me as I view treatment as a journey of working together rather than me solely guiding treatment. I would want clients to be willing to learn skills and apply them in order to thrive in their lives rather than survive.
![Photo of Emily Short Steiner, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/496b0def-aab4-433a-bdfd-17ad5f7f4713/1/320x400.jpeg)
Emily Short Steiner
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Not accepting new clients
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. I believe that our challenges and strengths emerge from a combination of our personality, biology, family upbringing, environment, stage of life, and current relationships. My goal as a therapist is to help individuals, couples, and families make sense of these influences and understand the context that affects them. My second goal is to support my clients in making the changes they want within this context. I collaborate with my clients to find what works for them in therapy be it validation, challenge, comfort, support, guidance, or a good laugh.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. I believe that our challenges and strengths emerge from a combination of our personality, biology, family upbringing, environment, stage of life, and current relationships. My goal as a therapist is to help individuals, couples, and families make sense of these influences and understand the context that affects them. My second goal is to support my clients in making the changes they want within this context. I collaborate with my clients to find what works for them in therapy be it validation, challenge, comfort, support, guidance, or a good laugh.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Amy Westcott, MA, ATR-BC, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e6da6727-46ae-4543-ab8b-f386289a52e8/2/320x400.png)
My foremost goal is to provide an open, supportive, and safe environment in which you feel comfortable to share your life experiences. I incorporate art therapy techniques to foster emotional expression and explore your experiences through a different lens. I also utilize CBT techniques, humanistic theory, and attachment theory. I currently work with children, teens, and adults, with a focus on mood disorders, anxiety disorders, autism spectrum disorder, stress, and low self-esteem.
My foremost goal is to provide an open, supportive, and safe environment in which you feel comfortable to share your life experiences. I incorporate art therapy techniques to foster emotional expression and explore your experiences through a different lens. I also utilize CBT techniques, humanistic theory, and attachment theory. I currently work with children, teens, and adults, with a focus on mood disorders, anxiety disorders, autism spectrum disorder, stress, and low self-esteem.
![Photo of Nakeesha M Kenney-Futrell - Elevated Mental Health Services LLC, LCSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d9bed5f3-9735-4836-bc7e-8e2849fc84c7/3/320x400.jpeg)
Elevated Mental Health Services LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Steelton, PA 17113
We are dedicated to thoughtfully serving your unmet mental health needs. We help disrupt any fears or stigmas in seeking care. Ignoring ones MH needs can lead to many unfortunate and unnecessary issues related to employment, relationships, and general uncertainty about your future. Whether you’re a parent dealing with stress from a child's behavior, someone struggling with anxiety or depression, or you’ve recently suffered a loss, we are prepared to support you. We welcome clients who have the desire to be "Elevated". That means you want to move forward eliminate problems/negative behaviors, and be Free from the weight of stress.
We are dedicated to thoughtfully serving your unmet mental health needs. We help disrupt any fears or stigmas in seeking care. Ignoring ones MH needs can lead to many unfortunate and unnecessary issues related to employment, relationships, and general uncertainty about your future. Whether you’re a parent dealing with stress from a child's behavior, someone struggling with anxiety or depression, or you’ve recently suffered a loss, we are prepared to support you. We welcome clients who have the desire to be "Elevated". That means you want to move forward eliminate problems/negative behaviors, and be Free from the weight of stress.
![Photo of Sasha Winters, MS, CTP, NCC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b8830a5f-8be3-43df-9fa3-4acaee16a4f7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sasha Winters
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, CTP, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
Harrisburg, PA 17102
Trauma tends to be considered a buzz word. If you have experienced a traumatic event. You know that there is nothing trendy about what you experience. There is a want to escape the memory and constant reminders of the past. The need to move forward and progress in life. However, there is lingering guilt of what has occurred and how it has continued to make an impact. Being able to identify your triggers, cope with them, and replace the negative thoughts about the experience tends to be the common goal. To feel that your past is not holding you back.
Trauma tends to be considered a buzz word. If you have experienced a traumatic event. You know that there is nothing trendy about what you experience. There is a want to escape the memory and constant reminders of the past. The need to move forward and progress in life. However, there is lingering guilt of what has occurred and how it has continued to make an impact. Being able to identify your triggers, cope with them, and replace the negative thoughts about the experience tends to be the common goal. To feel that your past is not holding you back.
![Photo of Nicholas Pappas, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bd1518a5-4785-42d1-b279-0c6908dbd618/2/320x400.jpeg)
Each client's psychological and spiritual needs are a focus addressing relational issues, behavioral issues, and mood-driven difficulties with consideration of individually-specified treatment goals. Overarching treatment outcome is healing and restoration and rehabilitation for clients to become healthy, happy and productive individuals.
Each client's psychological and spiritual needs are a focus addressing relational issues, behavioral issues, and mood-driven difficulties with consideration of individually-specified treatment goals. Overarching treatment outcome is healing and restoration and rehabilitation for clients to become healthy, happy and productive individuals.
![Photo of Nicole Marie Mallory, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/511beb79-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nicole Marie Mallory
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Harrisburg, PA 17104
Waitlist for new clients
"We can always start again. Or start over." Hello, and welcome. Why suffer longer than you need to? I invite you to come sit on my cozy couch in a peaceful environment where you will receive essential tips about how to release that dead weight that has been dragging you down. My ideal client is tired of their mental health taking over. They are tired of their anxiety keeping them up at night. They are tired of their crappy mood affecting their relationships with others. They are tired of not following their dreams. They are tired- but they are willing to heal to live.
"We can always start again. Or start over." Hello, and welcome. Why suffer longer than you need to? I invite you to come sit on my cozy couch in a peaceful environment where you will receive essential tips about how to release that dead weight that has been dragging you down. My ideal client is tired of their mental health taking over. They are tired of their anxiety keeping them up at night. They are tired of their crappy mood affecting their relationships with others. They are tired of not following their dreams. They are tired- but they are willing to heal to live.
![Photo of Jayson Zammerilli, MS, NCC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b7a1998f-0460-4925-ae93-f4ff584e377f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jayson Zammerilli
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Waitlist for new clients
Welcome everyone ! I understand that seeking therapy can be a significant step towards one's personal growth! As such, I commend you for taking this important first step. My name is Jayson, and as a therapist, my goal is to provide you with a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Therapy is a collaborative journey, and I believe in the power of building a trusting therapeutic relationship with my clients. Together, we will work towards gaining insight, discovering new perspectives, and developing effective coping strategies to navigate life's challenges.
Welcome everyone ! I understand that seeking therapy can be a significant step towards one's personal growth! As such, I commend you for taking this important first step. My name is Jayson, and as a therapist, my goal is to provide you with a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Therapy is a collaborative journey, and I believe in the power of building a trusting therapeutic relationship with my clients. Together, we will work towards gaining insight, discovering new perspectives, and developing effective coping strategies to navigate life's challenges.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Kara Dianne Eberle-Jones, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4ac0e429-2b94-45c3-804b-cbfae28056eb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kara Dianne Eberle-Jones
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bloomsburg, PA 17815
Waitlist for new clients
My specialties include anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, trauma, ADHD, relational issues, Autism, LGBTQ, self-esteem, and suicidal ideation.
I’m a mental health/ behavioral health therapist that works with various populations including children, teens/ adolescents, adults and geriatrics. We will work together to learn how to overcome challenging thoughts, feelings, and/or experiences. My work focuses on partnering with you, and meeting you where you are, to take steps towards what is meaningful and valuable to you and your family, the way you want your life to look, and the person you want to be. I believe we are always growing, changing and learning in all aspects of our lives.
My specialties include anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, trauma, ADHD, relational issues, Autism, LGBTQ, self-esteem, and suicidal ideation.
I’m a mental health/ behavioral health therapist that works with various populations including children, teens/ adolescents, adults and geriatrics. We will work together to learn how to overcome challenging thoughts, feelings, and/or experiences. My work focuses on partnering with you, and meeting you where you are, to take steps towards what is meaningful and valuable to you and your family, the way you want your life to look, and the person you want to be. I believe we are always growing, changing and learning in all aspects of our lives.
![Photo of Nikki Leigh Andruscavage, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1bf9a82c-14ef-4c4e-b388-007cd37c61d6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nikki Leigh Andruscavage
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lancaster, PA 17601
As a therapist, I specialize in helping children, teens, and adults navigate challenges such as depression, behavioral issues, autism, ADHD, anxiety, and stress. My approach is rooted in empathy and understanding, creating a safe space where clients feel heard and supported. Through tailored strategies and compassionate guidance, I empower individuals to build resilience, manage emotions, and foster meaningful connections. I believe in the transformative power of therapy to inspire growth and enhance overall well-being at every stage of life.
As a therapist, I specialize in helping children, teens, and adults navigate challenges such as depression, behavioral issues, autism, ADHD, anxiety, and stress. My approach is rooted in empathy and understanding, creating a safe space where clients feel heard and supported. Through tailored strategies and compassionate guidance, I empower individuals to build resilience, manage emotions, and foster meaningful connections. I believe in the transformative power of therapy to inspire growth and enhance overall well-being at every stage of life.
![Photo of John Siegler - First Children Services, PsyD, BCBA-D](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5144746d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome to First Children! We are a multi-site psychological, counseling, and applied behavior analysis (ABA) center serving children, adolescents, and young adults with autism and their families. At our STRIVE centers, we provide comprehensive autism services to our clients, including early screening and diagnostic testing (using the ADOS-2), ABA, behavioral parent training, and individual and group counseling. Our services also include sibling support groups, family counseling, social skills groups, and school consultation.
Welcome to First Children! We are a multi-site psychological, counseling, and applied behavior analysis (ABA) center serving children, adolescents, and young adults with autism and their families. At our STRIVE centers, we provide comprehensive autism services to our clients, including early screening and diagnostic testing (using the ADOS-2), ABA, behavioral parent training, and individual and group counseling. Our services also include sibling support groups, family counseling, social skills groups, and school consultation.
![Photo of Ambre L. Witte, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/452b1f49-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ambre L. Witte
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lancaster, PA 17601
Hi! My name is Ambre Witte, CEO, LCSW at Life and Love Counseling, LLC. I work with children, adolescents, adults, families, & couples. My clinical focus includes mood instability/ Bipolar Disorder, self-harm/suicidal ideation, anger/explosive behavior, ODD, PTSD, OCD, Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Personality Disorders, etc. My clientele primarily seeks strategies & therapeutic interventions for emotional regulation, non-compliance/defiance, conflict resolution, impulse control, executive functioning, low self-esteem, social skills, self-sufficiency, time management, academic concerns, & family/relationship conflict, etc.
Hi! My name is Ambre Witte, CEO, LCSW at Life and Love Counseling, LLC. I work with children, adolescents, adults, families, & couples. My clinical focus includes mood instability/ Bipolar Disorder, self-harm/suicidal ideation, anger/explosive behavior, ODD, PTSD, OCD, Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Personality Disorders, etc. My clientele primarily seeks strategies & therapeutic interventions for emotional regulation, non-compliance/defiance, conflict resolution, impulse control, executive functioning, low self-esteem, social skills, self-sufficiency, time management, academic concerns, & family/relationship conflict, etc.
![Photo of Scott Behrens, LSW, MSW, CFBT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4425fc46-5418-4931-a893-8121b2c2c176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Scott Behrens
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW, MSW, CFBT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Willow Street, PA 17584
My past experience in family based therapy has helped me adapt to the needs of my clients and the wide range of challenges they have faced. In my time in family based I worked with people diagnosed with autism, depression, anxiety, intellectual disability, personality disorders, mood disorders, and many others. I believe in meeting each client where they are at and approaching them in a more person-to-person fashion than therapist-to-client. Each person's story is unique and they are the experts on their own lives which allows me to approach their challenges with curiosity and a desire to learn about them and support where needed.
My past experience in family based therapy has helped me adapt to the needs of my clients and the wide range of challenges they have faced. In my time in family based I worked with people diagnosed with autism, depression, anxiety, intellectual disability, personality disorders, mood disorders, and many others. I believe in meeting each client where they are at and approaching them in a more person-to-person fashion than therapist-to-client. Each person's story is unique and they are the experts on their own lives which allows me to approach their challenges with curiosity and a desire to learn about them and support where needed.
![Photo of Jean-Pierre Assouad - Quintessential Health, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/852eb2da-f4e5-4067-b76e-e33d3abff3b2/2/320x400.jpeg)
At Quintessential Health, we serve a wide range of individuals from young children to adults. We often individual therapy, group counseling, couples counseling, and assessment/testing services. We specialize in generalized and social anxiety, depression, relationship issues, behavioral difficulties, grief/loss, Autism, ADHD, and trauma. Common referrals for assessments include ADHD concerns, Autism, academic difficulties, psychoeducational assessments, and developmental concerns. We welcome patients from the following states: PA, NJ, MD
At Quintessential Health, we serve a wide range of individuals from young children to adults. We often individual therapy, group counseling, couples counseling, and assessment/testing services. We specialize in generalized and social anxiety, depression, relationship issues, behavioral difficulties, grief/loss, Autism, ADHD, and trauma. Common referrals for assessments include ADHD concerns, Autism, academic difficulties, psychoeducational assessments, and developmental concerns. We welcome patients from the following states: PA, NJ, MD
![Photo of Leonard Wright - Taking Time to Care, BS, MS, LBC, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d03dd07-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
My areas of expertise are depression, psychosis, bi-polar, family and couple therapy, childhood behavioral interventions, anxiety disorder, eating and adjustment disorder, schizophrenia, sex therapy, autism, grief and lost and anger managment.
My goal is to allow client to openly address their levels of fear, depression and issues relating to their disorder. Many factors from past encounters result in high levels of depression and mental health conditions. My goal is to allow my client to address these fears and use my services as a three stage process to function independently with the least amount of medication and therapeutic interventions as possible. My overall goal is to address condition using alternative therapeutic problem solving interventions, while at the same time helping them to make changes based on their current condition. Phone session is free!!!
My areas of expertise are depression, psychosis, bi-polar, family and couple therapy, childhood behavioral interventions, anxiety disorder, eating and adjustment disorder, schizophrenia, sex therapy, autism, grief and lost and anger managment.
My goal is to allow client to openly address their levels of fear, depression and issues relating to their disorder. Many factors from past encounters result in high levels of depression and mental health conditions. My goal is to allow my client to address these fears and use my services as a three stage process to function independently with the least amount of medication and therapeutic interventions as possible. My overall goal is to address condition using alternative therapeutic problem solving interventions, while at the same time helping them to make changes based on their current condition. Phone session is free!!!
![Photo of Tiffany Jolly Jacob, MS, LPC, BSL, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/74152256-6c47-4dcc-b649-b2331ee459da/3/320x400.jpeg)
Tiffany Jolly Jacob
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, BSL, NCC
Verified Verified
Bethlehem, PA 18020
Throughout the years I've found opportunities to work with various populations ranging in ages, diagnoses, goals, & approaches. I have extensive experience working with children & adolescents on the autism spectrum, as well as with parents to teach skills to manage behavioral issues. I also do family counseling, including with families & adoption. I work with with children & adolescents with trauma, anxiety, & behavioral issues (oppositional defiant disorder, intermittent explosive disorder, ADHD, & reactive attachment disorder). I have experience working with the female population struggling with drug/alcohol addiction, as well as individuals with anxiety, depression, andd mood difficulties.
Throughout the years I've found opportunities to work with various populations ranging in ages, diagnoses, goals, & approaches. I have extensive experience working with children & adolescents on the autism spectrum, as well as with parents to teach skills to manage behavioral issues. I also do family counseling, including with families & adoption. I work with with children & adolescents with trauma, anxiety, & behavioral issues (oppositional defiant disorder, intermittent explosive disorder, ADHD, & reactive attachment disorder). I have experience working with the female population struggling with drug/alcohol addiction, as well as individuals with anxiety, depression, andd mood difficulties.
![Photo of Ernest Pearson, MS, LPC, CAADC, LBS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d072c5b6-2312-49a1-be9e-d9dc1ac73b52/3/320x400.jpeg)
Ernest Pearson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, CAADC, LBS
Verified Verified
Jenkintown, PA 19046 (Online Only)
Pearson also has experience working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Developmental Disabilities.
Mr. Pearson is an experienced Mental Health Professional who is dedicated to serving individuals, families and communities who are in need of counseling and behavioral health services. Mr. Pearson is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor and Licensed Behavioral Specialist in the State of Pennsylvania. Mr. Pearson has over 13 years of experience providing therapeutic services in a variety of settings to children, adolescents and adults including outpatient mental health centers, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, drug and alcohol treatment facilities and in public school systems throughout PA
Pearson also has experience working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Developmental Disabilities.
Mr. Pearson is an experienced Mental Health Professional who is dedicated to serving individuals, families and communities who are in need of counseling and behavioral health services. Mr. Pearson is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor and Licensed Behavioral Specialist in the State of Pennsylvania. Mr. Pearson has over 13 years of experience providing therapeutic services in a variety of settings to children, adolescents and adults including outpatient mental health centers, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, drug and alcohol treatment facilities and in public school systems throughout PA
See more therapy options for Mechanicsburg
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.