Autism Therapists in Del Mar, CA
I also have extensive training in assessing and diagnosing autism, learning disorders, developmental disabilities, and ADHD, and I teach assessment as an Adjunct Faculty in a Psychology Doctoral department.
Waitlist closed. Updated May 2024. I believe that good therapy involves a combination of a supportive and warm relationship plus science-based therapeutic techniques. Within this framework I consider each person’s unique situation, neurodiversity, and set of problems and then tailor my approach to you or your child’s needs. Therapy should be a collaborative process, and I try to bring a sense of humor and fun to my work with you or your family.
I also have extensive training in assessing and diagnosing autism, learning disorders, developmental disabilities, and ADHD, and I teach assessment as an Adjunct Faculty in a Psychology Doctoral department.
Waitlist closed. Updated May 2024. I believe that good therapy involves a combination of a supportive and warm relationship plus science-based therapeutic techniques. Within this framework I consider each person’s unique situation, neurodiversity, and set of problems and then tailor my approach to you or your child’s needs. Therapy should be a collaborative process, and I try to bring a sense of humor and fun to my work with you or your family.
Claire Muller
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Del Mar, CA 92014 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Over the past 5 years, I’ve gained knowledge working alongside trauma, anxiety, depression, neurodiversity, Autism, and youth in the LGBTQ community from my experience within community mental health.
There are many reasons why someone chooses to explore therapy. Some want support navigating relationships at home, school, or work. Others are interested in gaining confidence in advocating for themselves and their identity. Some may be feeling stuck or want to talk through different options or choices. Others want to have a safe, nonjudgemental space to express themselves while feeling heard, understood, and accepted. Whatever your reason, I would love the opportunity to talk and see if we can discover some ways to help you feel grounded. I’m committed to honoring your unique experiences, hopes, values, expertise, and needs.
Over the past 5 years, I’ve gained knowledge working alongside trauma, anxiety, depression, neurodiversity, Autism, and youth in the LGBTQ community from my experience within community mental health.
There are many reasons why someone chooses to explore therapy. Some want support navigating relationships at home, school, or work. Others are interested in gaining confidence in advocating for themselves and their identity. Some may be feeling stuck or want to talk through different options or choices. Others want to have a safe, nonjudgemental space to express themselves while feeling heard, understood, and accepted. Whatever your reason, I would love the opportunity to talk and see if we can discover some ways to help you feel grounded. I’m committed to honoring your unique experiences, hopes, values, expertise, and needs.
An expert in the autism field, I am sought out for my gold-standard ASD evaluations, which combine clinical astuteness with a great respect for human diversity.
I am a neuropsychologist with a great respect for neurodiversity and learning differences. Although the assessment of children and adolescents is my mainstay, I also have extensive experience in evaluating adults. I am particularly skilled at assessing neurodivergent women and girls who have learned to mask their symptoms. I evaluate for learning disorders, processing deficits, and developmental disorders, including but not limited to ADHD, ASD, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, and Dysgraphia. I also provide comprehensive psychological evaluations of folks who are struggling with emotional challenges, like anxiety, depression, and OCD.
An expert in the autism field, I am sought out for my gold-standard ASD evaluations, which combine clinical astuteness with a great respect for human diversity.
I am a neuropsychologist with a great respect for neurodiversity and learning differences. Although the assessment of children and adolescents is my mainstay, I also have extensive experience in evaluating adults. I am particularly skilled at assessing neurodivergent women and girls who have learned to mask their symptoms. I evaluate for learning disorders, processing deficits, and developmental disorders, including but not limited to ADHD, ASD, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, and Dysgraphia. I also provide comprehensive psychological evaluations of folks who are struggling with emotional challenges, like anxiety, depression, and OCD.
General diagnostic considerations include neurobehavioral concerns, including, but not limited to intellectual disabilities/global developmental delays, ADHD, Autism, Mood Disorders, Learning Disabilities, neurocognitive changes due to a medical condition.
Are you concerned your child is demonstrating delays in milestones, such as speech and motor skills? Is your child demonstrating symptoms of poor attention/concentration, difficulties establishing peer relationships, difficulty learning or is not progressing in school as expected? Does your child have a history of a head injury or any other medical concerns that caused a decline/loss of skills? If any of the above are a concern, then perhaps, a neuropsychological evaluation would assist in understanding your child's current functioning and specific strengths and weaknesses. Please feel free to contact me for a free phone consultation .
General diagnostic considerations include neurobehavioral concerns, including, but not limited to intellectual disabilities/global developmental delays, ADHD, Autism, Mood Disorders, Learning Disabilities, neurocognitive changes due to a medical condition.
Are you concerned your child is demonstrating delays in milestones, such as speech and motor skills? Is your child demonstrating symptoms of poor attention/concentration, difficulties establishing peer relationships, difficulty learning or is not progressing in school as expected? Does your child have a history of a head injury or any other medical concerns that caused a decline/loss of skills? If any of the above are a concern, then perhaps, a neuropsychological evaluation would assist in understanding your child's current functioning and specific strengths and weaknesses. Please feel free to contact me for a free phone consultation .
We provide comprehensive evaluations and multi-modal therapies for ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Learning Disabilities, mood/anxiety, emotional regulation, & trauma.
Every child is unique. To help children overcome social, emotional, behavioral, developmental, and/or academic challenges, we can't be preoccupied with simply signing labels. Rather, we need to identify a child's individual strengths as well as their weaknesses in order to design effective strategies that suit their needs. We work closely with parents, schools, and other professionals to establish a comprehensive picture of the whole child. It's from this highly individualized approach along with the collaboration with those that know the child/teen well, that we are able to create the most significant and dramatic change!
We provide comprehensive evaluations and multi-modal therapies for ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Learning Disabilities, mood/anxiety, emotional regulation, & trauma.
Every child is unique. To help children overcome social, emotional, behavioral, developmental, and/or academic challenges, we can't be preoccupied with simply signing labels. Rather, we need to identify a child's individual strengths as well as their weaknesses in order to design effective strategies that suit their needs. We work closely with parents, schools, and other professionals to establish a comprehensive picture of the whole child. It's from this highly individualized approach along with the collaboration with those that know the child/teen well, that we are able to create the most significant and dramatic change!
Dr. Donica Dohrenwend, PhD and her team at Psychology 360, specialize in assessments and evaluations to help clarify diagnoses and identify the best supports and interventions for children, adolescents, and adults. Evaluations can assist with diagnosing ADHD, Learning Disorders (Dyslexia/Dyscalculia), Autism Spectrum Disorder, Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders etc). Psychology 360 also offers brief individual therapy, parent consultation, medication management and brain scans.
Dr. Donica Dohrenwend, PhD and her team at Psychology 360, specialize in assessments and evaluations to help clarify diagnoses and identify the best supports and interventions for children, adolescents, and adults. Evaluations can assist with diagnosing ADHD, Learning Disorders (Dyslexia/Dyscalculia), Autism Spectrum Disorder, Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders etc). Psychology 360 also offers brief individual therapy, parent consultation, medication management and brain scans.
Through an extensive day of testing, we are able to assess for Overall Cognitive Functioning, Learning Disorders, ADHD, Depression, Autism, and various different Mental Health Diagnoses.
Dr. Max Doshay believes it is of utmost importance to treat all patients holistically and examine all levels of their functioning. Incorporating a variety of evidence-based assessment methods such as the WAIS IV, MMPI 3, WRAML 3, TAT, Vineland Adaptive Scales, and Bender Visual Spatial Gestalt Test (and more!), Dr. Max and his team can help tailor an individualized treatment plan through Neuropsychological Evaluations that meets the patient’s specific wants and needs instead of applying a “one size fits all” therapeutic technique used by many in the mental health industry.
Through an extensive day of testing, we are able to assess for Overall Cognitive Functioning, Learning Disorders, ADHD, Depression, Autism, and various different Mental Health Diagnoses.
Dr. Max Doshay believes it is of utmost importance to treat all patients holistically and examine all levels of their functioning. Incorporating a variety of evidence-based assessment methods such as the WAIS IV, MMPI 3, WRAML 3, TAT, Vineland Adaptive Scales, and Bender Visual Spatial Gestalt Test (and more!), Dr. Max and his team can help tailor an individualized treatment plan through Neuropsychological Evaluations that meets the patient’s specific wants and needs instead of applying a “one size fits all” therapeutic technique used by many in the mental health industry.
I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, PTSD, autism disorder, ADHD, relationship challenges, parenting issues, and career development.
“The opportunity to positively impact individuals is an extraordinary gift. With gratitude, I embrace this gift to enhance a person's quality of life within a collaborative and supportive environment. I apply personalized tools and a strength-based approach to help lift a person towards their full potential.” I am a bilingual licensed clinical psychologist who works in evaluating and treating children, adolescents, adults, and families with a wide range of health, developmental, social-emotional and/or behavioral needs.I use integrative Evidence-Based tools (CBT,DBT,ACT, Motivational Interviewing,among others).
I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, PTSD, autism disorder, ADHD, relationship challenges, parenting issues, and career development.
“The opportunity to positively impact individuals is an extraordinary gift. With gratitude, I embrace this gift to enhance a person's quality of life within a collaborative and supportive environment. I apply personalized tools and a strength-based approach to help lift a person towards their full potential.” I am a bilingual licensed clinical psychologist who works in evaluating and treating children, adolescents, adults, and families with a wide range of health, developmental, social-emotional and/or behavioral needs.I use integrative Evidence-Based tools (CBT,DBT,ACT, Motivational Interviewing,among others).
Nina Careri | Trauma And Relationship Therapist
Counselor, MSEd, LPCC
Verified Verified
Del Mar, CA 92014 (Online Only)
Healing is a transformative process; a journey we embark on to reclaim our peace and power. Therapy offers a safe haven for your story to unfold, where every session becomes a sanctuary of empowerment, empathy, and understanding. To me, quality care considers the person as a whole and creates an environment that nurtures trust and collaboration. Together we'll explore complex emotions, pinpoint patterns, identify barriers to growth, practice effective communication skills, and find meaningful methods of coping all while developing your sense of resilience and intuition along the way.
Healing is a transformative process; a journey we embark on to reclaim our peace and power. Therapy offers a safe haven for your story to unfold, where every session becomes a sanctuary of empowerment, empathy, and understanding. To me, quality care considers the person as a whole and creates an environment that nurtures trust and collaboration. Together we'll explore complex emotions, pinpoint patterns, identify barriers to growth, practice effective communication skills, and find meaningful methods of coping all while developing your sense of resilience and intuition along the way.
Are you a high-achieving person who needs help shedding negative self beliefs, unhealthy patterns or to be a better version of yourself? Maybe you're a parent who wants to learn how to deal with daily frustrations and find the good? Maybe you're a teenager or young adult wanting to learn how to flourish into adulthood? Many clients come to me when they have tried other ways of coping but have not seen the results they need to live fully. My clients come to have an unbiased outlet for working through issues like job or school stress, relationships, and/or tough memories. Everyone's needs are different but the main goal is happiness.
Are you a high-achieving person who needs help shedding negative self beliefs, unhealthy patterns or to be a better version of yourself? Maybe you're a parent who wants to learn how to deal with daily frustrations and find the good? Maybe you're a teenager or young adult wanting to learn how to flourish into adulthood? Many clients come to me when they have tried other ways of coping but have not seen the results they need to live fully. My clients come to have an unbiased outlet for working through issues like job or school stress, relationships, and/or tough memories. Everyone's needs are different but the main goal is happiness.
Shawna Bethel
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Del Mar, CA 92014 (Online Only)
People often feel vulnerable and overwhelmed when starting therapy. My approach to therapy is that therapy is a partnership between the client and the therapist. I believe it is important that we both are working towards the same goal and that you feel comfortable enough to be honest and open to my help. Creating a partnership will help the two of us make progress together and empower you to be aware of your own potential.
I provide individual, couples, family and group therapies. All therapies focus on developing skills to make lasting change and to improve self esteem.
People often feel vulnerable and overwhelmed when starting therapy. My approach to therapy is that therapy is a partnership between the client and the therapist. I believe it is important that we both are working towards the same goal and that you feel comfortable enough to be honest and open to my help. Creating a partnership will help the two of us make progress together and empower you to be aware of your own potential.
I provide individual, couples, family and group therapies. All therapies focus on developing skills to make lasting change and to improve self esteem.
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Is your pre-teen or teen-age child unusually irritable, withdrawn, sad, angry or tearful? Teens will often open up to therapists when they don't talk to parents. If your teen is refusing school, or not enjoying life, s/he may be struggling with anxiety or depression, inadequate social skills, bullies, feeling different, sexual identity, parental divorce, or body image worries.
I offer a warm, nurturing and safe environment for adolescents to share their feelings and start to feel better about themselves. I enjoy helping adolescents and parents find their way during these difficult times.
Is your pre-teen or teen-age child unusually irritable, withdrawn, sad, angry or tearful? Teens will often open up to therapists when they don't talk to parents. If your teen is refusing school, or not enjoying life, s/he may be struggling with anxiety or depression, inadequate social skills, bullies, feeling different, sexual identity, parental divorce, or body image worries.
I offer a warm, nurturing and safe environment for adolescents to share their feelings and start to feel better about themselves. I enjoy helping adolescents and parents find their way during these difficult times.
As a life coach I help you to reach your full potential in your business or in your personal life. Biofeedback helps to decrease stress. As a psychologist working with individuals and families I use talk therapy: CBT, DBT, Solution Focused brief therapy or EMDR and ETT, EFT based on the person's choice and comfort level. During my 15 years of praxis I have helped people with anxiety, PTSD, OCD, depression, codependency, sexual, emotional and physical abuse, eating disorder and addictions. Lots of couples regained their love for each other. Teenagers and their parents learnt to solve their problems.
As a life coach I help you to reach your full potential in your business or in your personal life. Biofeedback helps to decrease stress. As a psychologist working with individuals and families I use talk therapy: CBT, DBT, Solution Focused brief therapy or EMDR and ETT, EFT based on the person's choice and comfort level. During my 15 years of praxis I have helped people with anxiety, PTSD, OCD, depression, codependency, sexual, emotional and physical abuse, eating disorder and addictions. Lots of couples regained their love for each other. Teenagers and their parents learnt to solve their problems.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in the assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and young adults experiencing anxiety, depression, emotion regulation issues, social or peer-related difficulties, substance use, gender or identity issues, and challenges with school and/or family relationships. I also enjoy supporting clients through the significant life transitions associated with adolescence and young adulthood. I strive to create a safe space for my clients that includes collaboration, reflective curiosity, and opportunities for growth, creativity, and humor.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in the assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and young adults experiencing anxiety, depression, emotion regulation issues, social or peer-related difficulties, substance use, gender or identity issues, and challenges with school and/or family relationships. I also enjoy supporting clients through the significant life transitions associated with adolescence and young adulthood. I strive to create a safe space for my clients that includes collaboration, reflective curiosity, and opportunities for growth, creativity, and humor.
Seeking assistance when suffering is the first hurdle in trying to feel better as making any sort of change or modification is a Very difficult endeavor even if one is motivated . True change involves a number of fundamental modifications including Cognitive , Behavioral , Physical , Emotional, Social , and Personality maturity. Furthermore , Change is a process, not an immediate phenomenon. My Health & Wellness Program combines these and other proven methods of Change into a 3-Month intensified , but rewarding experience. My Client satisfaction has been consistently excellent. I look forward in helping you make the changes you believe will improve your Life forever.
Seeking assistance when suffering is the first hurdle in trying to feel better as making any sort of change or modification is a Very difficult endeavor even if one is motivated . True change involves a number of fundamental modifications including Cognitive , Behavioral , Physical , Emotional, Social , and Personality maturity. Furthermore , Change is a process, not an immediate phenomenon. My Health & Wellness Program combines these and other proven methods of Change into a 3-Month intensified , but rewarding experience. My Client satisfaction has been consistently excellent. I look forward in helping you make the changes you believe will improve your Life forever.
As a psychoanalyst I believe that an individual's feelings and behaviors are motivated by a variety of unconscious factors often resulting in people feeling stuck. Psychoanalysis helps individuals finally break these habits by understanding their root causes and enable significant changes at the very core of one's emotional responses. Using these experiences, the analyst helps the patient work on a deeply unconscious level to eliminate unproductive and destructive patterns. This opens the patient to new, fresh and genuine experiences and solutions in their lives. This process is achievable through empathy and respect.
As a psychoanalyst I believe that an individual's feelings and behaviors are motivated by a variety of unconscious factors often resulting in people feeling stuck. Psychoanalysis helps individuals finally break these habits by understanding their root causes and enable significant changes at the very core of one's emotional responses. Using these experiences, the analyst helps the patient work on a deeply unconscious level to eliminate unproductive and destructive patterns. This opens the patient to new, fresh and genuine experiences and solutions in their lives. This process is achievable through empathy and respect.
Sometimes life experiences leave us feeling overwhelmed or hopeless and we find that the ways we usually cope are not helping. Sometimes our personal journey involves difficult, seemingly impossible crises or losses. At times like these, we often try to manage emotions with activities that help us feel better for a short time but then the cost starts to outweigh the benefits. I believe we all go through times like this when we are tired of struggling. The path towards recovering from these experiences seems more doable when we are able to find a renewed motivation and clear goals towards healthy change.
Sometimes life experiences leave us feeling overwhelmed or hopeless and we find that the ways we usually cope are not helping. Sometimes our personal journey involves difficult, seemingly impossible crises or losses. At times like these, we often try to manage emotions with activities that help us feel better for a short time but then the cost starts to outweigh the benefits. I believe we all go through times like this when we are tired of struggling. The path towards recovering from these experiences seems more doable when we are able to find a renewed motivation and clear goals towards healthy change.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist in CA and NV working with children, teens, and adults in therapy, helping manage current reactions to childhood and adult traumatic experiences. I also provide comprehensive neuropsychological and psychological evaluations to assess for emotional, cognitive, academic, social, and executive functioning difficulties. Within my practice I utilize a trauma-informed and culturally-informed approach to foster a space that will help us meet your treatment or evaluation goals. Through the use of evidence-based interventions, I support others in living a fulfilling life, whatever that means for them.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist in CA and NV working with children, teens, and adults in therapy, helping manage current reactions to childhood and adult traumatic experiences. I also provide comprehensive neuropsychological and psychological evaluations to assess for emotional, cognitive, academic, social, and executive functioning difficulties. Within my practice I utilize a trauma-informed and culturally-informed approach to foster a space that will help us meet your treatment or evaluation goals. Through the use of evidence-based interventions, I support others in living a fulfilling life, whatever that means for them.
If you are suffering from depression or anxiety, your symptoms may often compromise your quality of life and make it difficult for you to achieve your highest goals. My goal is for you to regain control of your health and stop your disease from dictating your quality of life. I investigate the root cause of disease and address each client as a whole person - mind, body, and spirit - using natural therapies first in order to minimize harmful side effects.
If you are suffering from depression or anxiety, your symptoms may often compromise your quality of life and make it difficult for you to achieve your highest goals. My goal is for you to regain control of your health and stop your disease from dictating your quality of life. I investigate the root cause of disease and address each client as a whole person - mind, body, and spirit - using natural therapies first in order to minimize harmful side effects.
At my practice, I take a holistic and collaborative approach to therapy, working in partnership with you to provide the support and tools you need to feel empowered and in control of your life. I offer guidance on managing stressors, navigating work-life balance, boosting self-esteem, addressing perfectionism, combating burnout, and enhancing relationships in both personal and professional spheres. I am also dedicated to working with women on a diverse range of issues, including infertility, pregnancy, postpartum, body image, and the challenges of motherhood.
At my practice, I take a holistic and collaborative approach to therapy, working in partnership with you to provide the support and tools you need to feel empowered and in control of your life. I offer guidance on managing stressors, navigating work-life balance, boosting self-esteem, addressing perfectionism, combating burnout, and enhancing relationships in both personal and professional spheres. I am also dedicated to working with women on a diverse range of issues, including infertility, pregnancy, postpartum, body image, and the challenges of motherhood.
See more therapy options for Del Mar
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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.