Autism Therapists in The Colony, TX

Photo of Tara Camille Sheffield, M Ed, PSC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Tara Camille Sheffield
Licensed Professional Counselor, M Ed, PSC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
The Colony, TX 75056  (Online Only)
I also work with individuals on the Autism spectrum.
I am dedicated to creating a safe and nurturing space where we can explore your truth and navigate through any emotional barriers that may be hindering your growth. My goal is to support you in processing traumatic experiences and uncovering your authentic self. Utilizing modalities such as Mindfulness, Solution-Focused therapy, and Crisis Intervention, I tailor my approach to suit your specific needs.
I also work with individuals on the Autism spectrum.
I am dedicated to creating a safe and nurturing space where we can explore your truth and navigate through any emotional barriers that may be hindering your growth. My goal is to support you in processing traumatic experiences and uncovering your authentic self. Utilizing modalities such as Mindfulness, Solution-Focused therapy, and Crisis Intervention, I tailor my approach to suit your specific needs.
(940) 204-5194 View (940) 204-5194
Photo of Micholyn Gayoso - Assessment and Resource Center , PsyD, Psychologist
Assessment and Resource Center
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
The Colony, TX 75056
ARC's philosophy is to provide a unique and tailored comprehensive assessment and analysis process. Rather than domain-based testing to search for a specific diagnosis, we evaluate to uncover, discover and provide a blueprint highlighting the unique ways that each person’s brain functions. We approach every case, client and family with a clean slate for the purpose of an unbiased approach to performing comprehensive neuropsychological testing. Through the testing process, Dr. Gayoso and her team interpret and analyze the results to give each patient and family a blueprint, rather than a diagnosis, as to how their brain works.
ARC's philosophy is to provide a unique and tailored comprehensive assessment and analysis process. Rather than domain-based testing to search for a specific diagnosis, we evaluate to uncover, discover and provide a blueprint highlighting the unique ways that each person’s brain functions. We approach every case, client and family with a clean slate for the purpose of an unbiased approach to performing comprehensive neuropsychological testing. Through the testing process, Dr. Gayoso and her team interpret and analyze the results to give each patient and family a blueprint, rather than a diagnosis, as to how their brain works.
(469) 517-0570 View (469) 517-0570
Photo of Hilary M DeWeerd, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Hilary M DeWeerd
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
The Colony, TX 75056  (Online Only)
My name is Hilary M. DeWeerd and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I work with adults (18+) and provide individual and couples counseling. I welcome clients of any race, religion or orientation. Client issues that I work with: Anxiety Substance Abuse Depression Trauma Life Transitions Neurodiversity Grief. Therapeutic -theoretical I offer: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Insight-oriented Therapy Family Systems Therapy Mindfulness Therapy
My name is Hilary M. DeWeerd and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I work with adults (18+) and provide individual and couples counseling. I welcome clients of any race, religion or orientation. Client issues that I work with: Anxiety Substance Abuse Depression Trauma Life Transitions Neurodiversity Grief. Therapeutic -theoretical I offer: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Insight-oriented Therapy Family Systems Therapy Mindfulness Therapy
(817) 968-3188 View (817) 968-3188
Photo of Amy English, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Amy English
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
The Colony, TX 75056
I in address a range of challenges faced by children and adolescents, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, and conflict resolution. I take an eclectic approach, drawing from various theoretical orientations such as play therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
I in address a range of challenges faced by children and adolescents, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, and conflict resolution. I take an eclectic approach, drawing from various theoretical orientations such as play therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
(469) 606-3731 View (469) 606-3731

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Emily Bogaev, MS, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Emily Bogaev
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, NCC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Frisco, TX 75034
I specialize in helping children and teens with anxiety, depression, autism, ADHD, life transitions, behavioral concerns, and family connection.
Is your child exhibiting defiant behaviors or having trouble with transitions? Is your teenager struggling with anxiety or depression? Are you at a loss for how to help your child or how to address unwanted behaviors? Are the changes your family is facing more than you can handle by yourself? Navigating life's hills and valleys can be hard, but you and your family don't have to do it alone. Let me help you and your family by providing safe place for healing and change to begin.
I specialize in helping children and teens with anxiety, depression, autism, ADHD, life transitions, behavioral concerns, and family connection.
Is your child exhibiting defiant behaviors or having trouble with transitions? Is your teenager struggling with anxiety or depression? Are you at a loss for how to help your child or how to address unwanted behaviors? Are the changes your family is facing more than you can handle by yourself? Navigating life's hills and valleys can be hard, but you and your family don't have to do it alone. Let me help you and your family by providing safe place for healing and change to begin.
(972) 413-8027 View (972) 413-8027
Photo of Cheryl Inmon Long, PhD, LP, LSSP, Psychologist
Cheryl Inmon Long
Psychologist, PhD, LP, LSSP
Verified Verified
Lewisville, TX 75056
Waitlist for new clients
Interested in a thorough evaluation for you or a loved one? We provide multi-disciplinary, gold standard evaluations for autism spectrum disorder, including a complete evaluation of speech and language functioning by a licensed speech and language pathologist.
Ready to move beyond anxiety, stress, depression, disappointment? Interrupted by obsessive thoughts, chronic illness, pain, sleep problems? It isn't uncommon at all to reach out for assistance - and it isn't a sign of weakness. As a licensed psychologist, I provide non-medication interventions for a variety of emotional and mental health concerns, alone or as complementary therapy to pharmacological treatment. Biofeedback therapy optionally incorporates user-friendly technology to promote natural symptom relief, stress response control, and as an adjunctive treatment for addiction recovery.
Interested in a thorough evaluation for you or a loved one? We provide multi-disciplinary, gold standard evaluations for autism spectrum disorder, including a complete evaluation of speech and language functioning by a licensed speech and language pathologist.
Ready to move beyond anxiety, stress, depression, disappointment? Interrupted by obsessive thoughts, chronic illness, pain, sleep problems? It isn't uncommon at all to reach out for assistance - and it isn't a sign of weakness. As a licensed psychologist, I provide non-medication interventions for a variety of emotional and mental health concerns, alone or as complementary therapy to pharmacological treatment. Biofeedback therapy optionally incorporates user-friendly technology to promote natural symptom relief, stress response control, and as an adjunctive treatment for addiction recovery.
(972) 635-4817 View (972) 635-4817
Photo of Kavina McLeod, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kavina McLeod
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Frisco, TX 75034
As a mental health professional, wife, mother of three (including a child with autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder), daughter, sister, and former athlete, I understand firsthand how mental health challenges can cause significant stress, affecting every aspect of your daily life and relationships. It can feel as if you're desperately searching for the final pieces to a puzzle, which can lead to wavering motivation, or navigating an unfamiliar maze without a clear endpoint in sight. You may feel isolated, as if the world doesn’t understand your struggles. It’s an ongoing battle, and at times, it can be exhausting.
As a mental health professional, wife, mother of three (including a child with autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder), daughter, sister, and former athlete, I understand firsthand how mental health challenges can cause significant stress, affecting every aspect of your daily life and relationships. It can feel as if you're desperately searching for the final pieces to a puzzle, which can lead to wavering motivation, or navigating an unfamiliar maze without a clear endpoint in sight. You may feel isolated, as if the world doesn’t understand your struggles. It’s an ongoing battle, and at times, it can be exhausting.
(469) 465-4967 View (469) 465-4967
Photo of Dr. Ashley Theresa Geerts-Perry - Dr. Ashley Geerts-Perry - Assessment and Therapy, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Ashley Geerts-Perry - Assessment and Therapy
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Frisco, TX 75034
In my practice, I offer comprehensive psychological assessments and therapy with adults, children, and families. Regarding testing and evaluation, my specialties include assessing and diagnosing a range of neurodevelopmental and socioemotional concerns, including Autism, ADHD, learning differences, intellectual ability, anxiety, depression, trauma, and personality functioning. I believe psychological assessment is a powerful therapeutic intervention and that accurate diagnosing is critical in identifying treatment approaches and informing academic placements.
In my practice, I offer comprehensive psychological assessments and therapy with adults, children, and families. Regarding testing and evaluation, my specialties include assessing and diagnosing a range of neurodevelopmental and socioemotional concerns, including Autism, ADHD, learning differences, intellectual ability, anxiety, depression, trauma, and personality functioning. I believe psychological assessment is a powerful therapeutic intervention and that accurate diagnosing is critical in identifying treatment approaches and informing academic placements.
(214) 609-1575 View (214) 609-1575
Photo of Dr. Matthew Leahy, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Matthew Leahy
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Frisco, TX 75034
Hello! I have been practicing in Texas for 12 years and have a background in health and psychology, having formally trained at Yale, UT Southwestern and SMU. I have extensive treatment experience with anxiety, mood issues, trauma, adjusting to medical illness, sports psychology, autism, child behavior (though I work with an equal number of youth and adults) and life stress. My modality is eclectic, but grounded in empirically supported treatments designed to increase psychological flexibility, leading to sustainable life changes. We will work together to help you, or your loved one, meet whatever challenges bring you in!
Hello! I have been practicing in Texas for 12 years and have a background in health and psychology, having formally trained at Yale, UT Southwestern and SMU. I have extensive treatment experience with anxiety, mood issues, trauma, adjusting to medical illness, sports psychology, autism, child behavior (though I work with an equal number of youth and adults) and life stress. My modality is eclectic, but grounded in empirically supported treatments designed to increase psychological flexibility, leading to sustainable life changes. We will work together to help you, or your loved one, meet whatever challenges bring you in!
(972) 441-7379 View (972) 441-7379
Photo of Erica Jowett Hirst, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA, DipACLM
Erica Jowett Hirst
PhD, BCBA-D, LBA, DipACLM
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Lewisville, TX 75056
Are you ready for change? Learn strategies designed to improve your quality of life in as little as 6 weeks!
Are you ready for change? Learn strategies designed to improve your quality of life in as little as 6 weeks!
(214) 393-8046 View (214) 393-8046
Photo of Adrena Streetz - Spectrum of Grace, MA, BCBA, LBA
Spectrum of Grace
MA, BCBA, LBA
Verified Verified
Lewisville, TX 75056
Waitlist for new clients
Does your child struggle with routines and transitions or engaging in play activities with peers? Are you struggling to teach self help skills? Are you preparing your child for school? Behavior Therapy can provide the tools to promote lasting behavior change for your child. During 1:1 sessions my goal is to create opportunities for learning and to improve upon skills to increase functional independence. Working with parents is an essential component to your child's progress, communication is highly encouraged throughout treatment to ensure confidence and retention in the new skills and resources.
Does your child struggle with routines and transitions or engaging in play activities with peers? Are you struggling to teach self help skills? Are you preparing your child for school? Behavior Therapy can provide the tools to promote lasting behavior change for your child. During 1:1 sessions my goal is to create opportunities for learning and to improve upon skills to increase functional independence. Working with parents is an essential component to your child's progress, communication is highly encouraged throughout treatment to ensure confidence and retention in the new skills and resources.
(469) 900-8063 View (469) 900-8063
Photo of Minta Johnson, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Minta Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Frisco, TX 75034
Life can be stressful, I understand this. One of the first steps in reaching your goals is choosing a therapist whom you can trust. I provide a safe, confidential and nurturing atmosphere for adults and adolescents diagnosed with mood disorders, anxiety, psychosis, personality disorders and provide marital and family therapy. I have been employed in the field for over 20 years. I am currently accepting new clients and accept most major medical insurance. I offer a structured and trouble free resolution to the help that you are seeking.
Life can be stressful, I understand this. One of the first steps in reaching your goals is choosing a therapist whom you can trust. I provide a safe, confidential and nurturing atmosphere for adults and adolescents diagnosed with mood disorders, anxiety, psychosis, personality disorders and provide marital and family therapy. I have been employed in the field for over 20 years. I am currently accepting new clients and accept most major medical insurance. I offer a structured and trouble free resolution to the help that you are seeking.
(214) 256-4137 View (214) 256-4137
Photo of Kimberly Hansley-Parrish, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kimberly Hansley-Parrish
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Lewisville, TX 75056
Each person has a unique story about what's going on and how they got there. What I incorporate into my sessions is authenticity, humor, and a pragmatic approach. I strive to build a solid rapport with each client, as I know that the therapist/client relationship is essential to healing. I use an eclectic approach and I pull from a lot of different modalities when working with clients. What I find is more important than any theory or modality is being there my client in whatever moment they are in.
Each person has a unique story about what's going on and how they got there. What I incorporate into my sessions is authenticity, humor, and a pragmatic approach. I strive to build a solid rapport with each client, as I know that the therapist/client relationship is essential to healing. I use an eclectic approach and I pull from a lot of different modalities when working with clients. What I find is more important than any theory or modality is being there my client in whatever moment they are in.
(469) 414-3740 View (469) 414-3740
Photo of Amanda H Zepeda, Intern, Pre-Licensed Professional
Amanda H Zepeda
Pre-Licensed Professional, Intern
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lewisville, TX 75056
Welcome! I am a dedicated Clinical Psychology graduate intern under the supervision of Lindsay Ballinger, PhD, LPC-S and am committed to the understanding that effective therapy hinges on personalized treatment tailored to the unique journey of each individual. I prioritize understanding your distinct experiences, challenges, and aspirations to collaboratively develop a therapeutic approach that best supports your growth and healing.
Welcome! I am a dedicated Clinical Psychology graduate intern under the supervision of Lindsay Ballinger, PhD, LPC-S and am committed to the understanding that effective therapy hinges on personalized treatment tailored to the unique journey of each individual. I prioritize understanding your distinct experiences, challenges, and aspirations to collaboratively develop a therapeutic approach that best supports your growth and healing.
(972) 853-9949 View (972) 853-9949
Photo of Megan M Shelton, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Megan M Shelton
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Lewisville, TX 75056
Children and adolescents often struggle with the same difficult feelings and emotions that adults do, but they have limited ways of expressing themselves. Similarly, parents can find themselves at a loss to reach their child, often leading to stress, anxiety, and disconnection. I have spent years working with children, teens, and their families in order to create healthy coping skills and foster healing, growth, and connection. I am passionate about helping children reach their full potential in a safe environment to explore their thoughts and feelings and develop necessary skills to thrive.
Children and adolescents often struggle with the same difficult feelings and emotions that adults do, but they have limited ways of expressing themselves. Similarly, parents can find themselves at a loss to reach their child, often leading to stress, anxiety, and disconnection. I have spent years working with children, teens, and their families in order to create healthy coping skills and foster healing, growth, and connection. I am passionate about helping children reach their full potential in a safe environment to explore their thoughts and feelings and develop necessary skills to thrive.
(214) 974-4129 View (214) 974-4129
Photo of Stephen Simpson, MS, LPC
Stephen Simpson
MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Frisco, TX 75034
My approach is straightforward with an emphasis on collaborative. Together we will work as a team to help you grow and develop during this season.Life transitions, social pressures and being able to process those thoughts emotions can be challenging.My goal is to meet you where you are at while helping you move closer to where you want to be. Together we will find opportunities to release, regroup and to find mental clarity along your journey.
My approach is straightforward with an emphasis on collaborative. Together we will work as a team to help you grow and develop during this season.Life transitions, social pressures and being able to process those thoughts emotions can be challenging.My goal is to meet you where you are at while helping you move closer to where you want to be. Together we will find opportunities to release, regroup and to find mental clarity along your journey.
(214) 974-3757 View (214) 974-3757
Photo of Dr. Jean Kim, DMFT, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dr. Jean Kim
Marriage & Family Therapist, DMFT, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Frisco, TX 75034
I have been working with clients of all ages including adolescents, the young adult population, children, and parents throughout my career through clinical interventions for challenging mental health issues, or coaching for the parents to go through the tough time for their teens. I believe that the most powerful thing during the therapy is the person's unique strength and desire for change. Emotional regulation is the key while rebuilding the new neurological pathway for our brain to process difficult life experiences.
I have been working with clients of all ages including adolescents, the young adult population, children, and parents throughout my career through clinical interventions for challenging mental health issues, or coaching for the parents to go through the tough time for their teens. I believe that the most powerful thing during the therapy is the person's unique strength and desire for change. Emotional regulation is the key while rebuilding the new neurological pathway for our brain to process difficult life experiences.
(469) 423-9411 View (469) 423-9411
Photo of Christian T. Hill - Frisco Teen Support Groups , MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Frisco Teen Support Groups
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Frisco, TX 75034
In addition to providing individual counseling for teen depression, teen anxiety, ASD, teen self-harm, and other teen-related issues, I also provide teen support groups. Group is one of the most powerful tools in helping teens grow and get better alongside other teens. When teens realize they are no longer alone they begin to see there is help and there is hope and want to be a part of a small community with those who understand. Each teen support group is led by a trained therapist with a small group of 4-7 members and ensures positive productive conversation as well as the development of new coping skills. ​​
In addition to providing individual counseling for teen depression, teen anxiety, ASD, teen self-harm, and other teen-related issues, I also provide teen support groups. Group is one of the most powerful tools in helping teens grow and get better alongside other teens. When teens realize they are no longer alone they begin to see there is help and there is hope and want to be a part of a small community with those who understand. Each teen support group is led by a trained therapist with a small group of 4-7 members and ensures positive productive conversation as well as the development of new coping skills. ​​
(214) 884-4204 View (214) 884-4204
Photo of Christian Hill, MA, LPC, Counselor
Christian Hill
Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Frisco, TX 75034
With the rise of social media and all the pressures teens face today, it can be extremely difficult to know how to help when you see your child hurting or struggling. Let's face it, kids are growing up in a different world and in complicated times. Many loving parents want to act, but fail to do so because they either don't know how to help, where to start, or who to trust. This is where I come in. I would love to help you and your family find new solutions, have better communication, and discover a pathway to a stronger relationship as well as a more hopeful future.
With the rise of social media and all the pressures teens face today, it can be extremely difficult to know how to help when you see your child hurting or struggling. Let's face it, kids are growing up in a different world and in complicated times. Many loving parents want to act, but fail to do so because they either don't know how to help, where to start, or who to trust. This is where I come in. I would love to help you and your family find new solutions, have better communication, and discover a pathway to a stronger relationship as well as a more hopeful future.
(817) 409-8887 View (817) 409-8887
Photo of Meghan Skelton, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Meghan Skelton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Frisco, TX 75034
My clients often come to me with life transition issues (teens, parenting challenges, relationship issues, major life events, trauma) and are experiencing a loss of identity, lack of direction and symptoms of pervasive anxiety . Together we explore with compassion for the journey to this point, identifying the life worth living and develop a cohesive treatment plan to meet those goals. Through peeling back layers of an onion, we tackle areas of trauma, hurt, shame as we grow empathy for self and tools to start actively changing the cycle of pain. My proudest moment is when a client is able to step down in treatment as goals are met.
My clients often come to me with life transition issues (teens, parenting challenges, relationship issues, major life events, trauma) and are experiencing a loss of identity, lack of direction and symptoms of pervasive anxiety . Together we explore with compassion for the journey to this point, identifying the life worth living and develop a cohesive treatment plan to meet those goals. Through peeling back layers of an onion, we tackle areas of trauma, hurt, shame as we grow empathy for self and tools to start actively changing the cycle of pain. My proudest moment is when a client is able to step down in treatment as goals are met.
(972) 440-1229 View (972) 440-1229

See more therapy options for The Colony

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.