Autism Therapists in Encinitas, CA
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Shereen Cohen
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Encinitas, CA 92024 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in working with adults and teens on the autism spectrum who struggle with anxiety or depression, or who need support with navigating the academic, occupational, or social world. My goal is not to “fix” you - you are not broken! I aim to facilitate understanding, grow your skills, and expand your options in order to help you achieve your goals. In addition to autism, I treat those with anxiety disorders, OCD, tic disorders, ADHD, depression, and trauma. I also love working with parents, offering support for parenting stress, as well as tools and strategies for managing behavioral challenges in younger children.
I specialize in working with adults and teens on the autism spectrum who struggle with anxiety or depression, or who need support with navigating the academic, occupational, or social world. My goal is not to “fix” you - you are not broken! I aim to facilitate understanding, grow your skills, and expand your options in order to help you achieve your goals. In addition to autism, I treat those with anxiety disorders, OCD, tic disorders, ADHD, depression, and trauma. I also love working with parents, offering support for parenting stress, as well as tools and strategies for managing behavioral challenges in younger children.
![Photo of Sara Walpole - Sara Walpole - Tesserae Family Therapy, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/e4836757-b462-498a-aa94-fb418b239ea0/3/320x400.jpeg)
Sara Walpole - Tesserae Family Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Encinitas, CA 92024
I also have extensive experience working with individuals with Autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
What I love about my work is encouraging and empowering children, teens and families. This is why Francesca Riddell and I started Tesserae Family Therapy. Families come to us for support with depression, anxiety, difficult behaviors as well as learning how to make and keep friends through the PEERS program. Our goal is to help families, adolescents, children and young adults learn concrete skills to help better manage emotions, behaviors and have more positive social interactions. We will provide the support and guidance to assist you in meeting your goals.
I also have extensive experience working with individuals with Autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
What I love about my work is encouraging and empowering children, teens and families. This is why Francesca Riddell and I started Tesserae Family Therapy. Families come to us for support with depression, anxiety, difficult behaviors as well as learning how to make and keep friends through the PEERS program. Our goal is to help families, adolescents, children and young adults learn concrete skills to help better manage emotions, behaviors and have more positive social interactions. We will provide the support and guidance to assist you in meeting your goals.
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In addition, I specialize in neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD.
Asking for help is one of the most difficult things to do for yourself or your child. You've taken the first step, so let us help you with the next. My goal is to provide a safe space and build strong therapeutic alliances with all of my clients. I promise to make each treatment plan unique to you in order to fully capture your individual needs and facilitate lasting change. My therapy dog, Bowlby, may greet you at the door and is present to provide comfort and cuddles.
In addition, I specialize in neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD.
Asking for help is one of the most difficult things to do for yourself or your child. You've taken the first step, so let us help you with the next. My goal is to provide a safe space and build strong therapeutic alliances with all of my clients. I promise to make each treatment plan unique to you in order to fully capture your individual needs and facilitate lasting change. My therapy dog, Bowlby, may greet you at the door and is present to provide comfort and cuddles.
We specialize in psychological and educational testing for individuals across the lifespan. We provide testing for ADHD/ADD, learning disorders, Autism/Asperger's disorder, dementia evaluations, traumatic brain injury evaluations, neuropsychological testing, substance abuse evaluations, trauma assessments, career assessments, and personality assessments. Our testing assessments evaluate IQ, memory, executive functioning, academic achievement, language, trauma symptomology and psychological/emotional functioning.
We specialize in psychological and educational testing for individuals across the lifespan. We provide testing for ADHD/ADD, learning disorders, Autism/Asperger's disorder, dementia evaluations, traumatic brain injury evaluations, neuropsychological testing, substance abuse evaluations, trauma assessments, career assessments, and personality assessments. Our testing assessments evaluate IQ, memory, executive functioning, academic achievement, language, trauma symptomology and psychological/emotional functioning.
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A neuropsychological evaluation provides a comprehensive understanding of brain functioning and an individual's strengths and weaknesses. I work with children, teens, and young adults. Neurocognitive skills, academic abilities, social skills, and behavior are assessed as part of each evaluation using gold standard tools. I'm well-known for my expertise in the diagnosis of autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities. My goal is to help each person reach their full potential. I do not offer therapy services.
A neuropsychological evaluation provides a comprehensive understanding of brain functioning and an individual's strengths and weaknesses. I work with children, teens, and young adults. Neurocognitive skills, academic abilities, social skills, and behavior are assessed as part of each evaluation using gold standard tools. I'm well-known for my expertise in the diagnosis of autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities. My goal is to help each person reach their full potential. I do not offer therapy services.
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I provide parent training and behavioral consultations to parents who are struggling to manage their child's behavior in home, public, or school settings. Some of the issues I address are tantrums, aggression, how to increase cooperation/following directions, toilet training, social-skill development, autism related issues, and much more. I empower parents by giving them effective strategies and ongoing support to tackle these behaviors.
I provide parent training and behavioral consultations to parents who are struggling to manage their child's behavior in home, public, or school settings. Some of the issues I address are tantrums, aggression, how to increase cooperation/following directions, toilet training, social-skill development, autism related issues, and much more. I empower parents by giving them effective strategies and ongoing support to tackle these behaviors.
![Photo of Claire Muller, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/ce7689ed-94a3-4383-83c6-e866ced11138/1/320x400.jpeg)
Claire Muller
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Encinitas, CA 92024 (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.
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I am a specialist in Psychoeducational Assessment for children through adults. With extensive experience in working with individuals who may be gifted underachievers, learning disabilities (like dyslexia), autism-spectrum, ADHD/ADD, behavior & neuropsychological concerns, I am the professional to see regarding special needs. Assessments may be used for identification and services in special education/504 eligibility, school admissions, college and work. I work closely with other professionals to provide comprehensive services with specialists in speech, language, audiology, mental health therapy, occupational, & educational therapy
I am a specialist in Psychoeducational Assessment for children through adults. With extensive experience in working with individuals who may be gifted underachievers, learning disabilities (like dyslexia), autism-spectrum, ADHD/ADD, behavior & neuropsychological concerns, I am the professional to see regarding special needs. Assessments may be used for identification and services in special education/504 eligibility, school admissions, college and work. I work closely with other professionals to provide comprehensive services with specialists in speech, language, audiology, mental health therapy, occupational, & educational therapy
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I have been a School and Educational Psychologist for over 20 years and provide testing for learning disabilities such as Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, and Dysgraphia; diagnosis of ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and anxiety/mood disorders.
Neurodiversity is the new norm and I am here to help you navigate your journey. It is important to understand the root causes of one's difficulties before wasting time and money on unsuccessful interventions. Proper assessment and diagnosis are the first step in understanding the most effective treatments and research-based recommendations at home and school. With this informed perspective, one can pursue accommodations and support from preschool through post-graduate pursuits.
I have been a School and Educational Psychologist for over 20 years and provide testing for learning disabilities such as Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, and Dysgraphia; diagnosis of ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and anxiety/mood disorders.
Neurodiversity is the new norm and I am here to help you navigate your journey. It is important to understand the root causes of one's difficulties before wasting time and money on unsuccessful interventions. Proper assessment and diagnosis are the first step in understanding the most effective treatments and research-based recommendations at home and school. With this informed perspective, one can pursue accommodations and support from preschool through post-graduate pursuits.
![Photo of Dr. Amrita Mehta, PhD, MS, Psychologist](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/061646b0-dd55-4cfe-bae6-bbbd89e6741d/3/320x400.jpeg)
, ADHD, Learning differences, Autism), neurocognitive (e.
Our group practice, Savera Psychological Services has a team of skilled and compassionate clinicians who offer psychotherapy, evaluations, and educational consulting. Our therapists offer a diverse range of specialties, ranging from sensory/play therapy for children, to individual and couples therapy in areas of depression, anxiety, trauma recovery, grief/loss, fertility/family building, life transitions, relationship challenges and school or work related pressures.
, ADHD, Learning differences, Autism), neurocognitive (e.
Our group practice, Savera Psychological Services has a team of skilled and compassionate clinicians who offer psychotherapy, evaluations, and educational consulting. Our therapists offer a diverse range of specialties, ranging from sensory/play therapy for children, to individual and couples therapy in areas of depression, anxiety, trauma recovery, grief/loss, fertility/family building, life transitions, relationship challenges and school or work related pressures.
![Photo of Kelsey Michael Bradshaw, PhD, Psychologist](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/44136990-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Greetings! I am a psychologist providing therapy and assessment services. My background is in treating youth, young adults, and families. I primarily utilize cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with an emphasis on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). I offer virtual-based sessions but primarily work in the office. Assessment services (psychological testing, psychological evaluation) is also a major focus of mine. I specialize in assessment of autism, ADHD, and academics, as well as general psychodiagnostic assessment (clarifying diagnoses) in kids and adults (6 years and older).
Greetings! I am a psychologist providing therapy and assessment services. My background is in treating youth, young adults, and families. I primarily utilize cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with an emphasis on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). I offer virtual-based sessions but primarily work in the office. Assessment services (psychological testing, psychological evaluation) is also a major focus of mine. I specialize in assessment of autism, ADHD, and academics, as well as general psychodiagnostic assessment (clarifying diagnoses) in kids and adults (6 years and older).
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I’m glad to see you here! Taking this step to pursue the tools you need for a more fulfilling life is a brave choice, and it is my hope that I can provide you support for this journey. My approach to counseling focuses on collaboration so that we can explore your strengths, identify the skills you already possess, and develop additional supports to enhance your life and relationships. I particularly enjoy working with children, youth, and families as they seek to change dynamics and find healing.
I’m glad to see you here! Taking this step to pursue the tools you need for a more fulfilling life is a brave choice, and it is my hope that I can provide you support for this journey. My approach to counseling focuses on collaboration so that we can explore your strengths, identify the skills you already possess, and develop additional supports to enhance your life and relationships. I particularly enjoy working with children, youth, and families as they seek to change dynamics and find healing.
![Photo of Nina Sandberg, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/8ac84f39-762f-4d22-8e80-c33c8b5e2751/2/320x400.png)
I strive to create an atmosphere of trust and safety so that we can explore your struggles together and discover new and useful ways of relating to yourself and those around you. I work particularly well with people who are interested in looking beneath the surface of their lives and want to create meaningful and long-lasting changes. I view therapy as a creative collaboration that provides compassion and insight. If you are seeking help for yourself, your child/adolescent, or your family, we will work together to figure out how to make life more rewarding, and fulfilling.
I strive to create an atmosphere of trust and safety so that we can explore your struggles together and discover new and useful ways of relating to yourself and those around you. I work particularly well with people who are interested in looking beneath the surface of their lives and want to create meaningful and long-lasting changes. I view therapy as a creative collaboration that provides compassion and insight. If you are seeking help for yourself, your child/adolescent, or your family, we will work together to figure out how to make life more rewarding, and fulfilling.
![Photo of Paola Osuna, PsyD, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/6f293c8a-2a82-478e-9046-fcc6a45900ac/3/320x400.jpeg)
Are you finally ready to take control of your life? Are you ready for support? Maybe you're experiencing new challenges or changes in your life. These experiences don't have to rob you of your sense of joy. I believe in creating a safe and nurturing space where we can develop a trusted bond. My holistic approach allows me the flexibility to adapt to your specific needs.
Are you finally ready to take control of your life? Are you ready for support? Maybe you're experiencing new challenges or changes in your life. These experiences don't have to rob you of your sense of joy. I believe in creating a safe and nurturing space where we can develop a trusted bond. My holistic approach allows me the flexibility to adapt to your specific needs.
![Photo of Terence l Shigg, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/3c5efb6f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
Terence l Shigg
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Encinitas, CA 92024
I am passionate about affecting change in others and I believe that by helping people change their beliefs you can help them change their lives. My ultimate goal is to give you the tools you need so that you don't need me! I have worked with client's from many different cultures and backgrounds and I would be delighted to work with you! I love people and have been gifted with the ability to connect with and reach almost anyone. I believe in doing what works for the individual. Therapy is about making you stronger not making me feel smarter.
I am passionate about affecting change in others and I believe that by helping people change their beliefs you can help them change their lives. My ultimate goal is to give you the tools you need so that you don't need me! I have worked with client's from many different cultures and backgrounds and I would be delighted to work with you! I love people and have been gifted with the ability to connect with and reach almost anyone. I believe in doing what works for the individual. Therapy is about making you stronger not making me feel smarter.
![Photo of Valerie L. Zar, PsyD, Psychologist](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/49187606-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Marc Rosenberg, LMFT, BCBA, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/eecdd737-0c81-44f6-9398-fcddbb76fc97/2/320x400.jpeg)
Marc Rosenberg
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, BCBA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Encinitas, CA 92024
HEALTHY! You are here because you and your life deserve it. As a collection of experiences, life has many obstacles and barriers. This journey can make us feel unbalanced, without grounding, and comes with peaks and valleys. With a willingness to pursue understanding and desire for purposeful action, our work together starts with cultivating greater awareness of unintentional and directionless experiences.
HEALTHY! You are here because you and your life deserve it. As a collection of experiences, life has many obstacles and barriers. This journey can make us feel unbalanced, without grounding, and comes with peaks and valleys. With a willingness to pursue understanding and desire for purposeful action, our work together starts with cultivating greater awareness of unintentional and directionless experiences.
![Photo of Monica Melchor Alvarez, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/18ae90c0-9155-4138-bc73-b2d5143e59f5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Monica Melchor Alvarez
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Encinitas, CA 92024
Taking the first step to seek support and find healing can be incredibly challenging. I want to validate the fact that you have made it this far! In this space, you belong, and I am here to listen, to guide and support you. Building a healthy and positive relationship with my clients is an important key to therapy. The space that we create is one that will allow for identity exploration, growth and aid in developing a healthy relationship with yourself and those around you. My approach to therapy is through a strength-based, client-centered and trauma-informed lens.
Taking the first step to seek support and find healing can be incredibly challenging. I want to validate the fact that you have made it this far! In this space, you belong, and I am here to listen, to guide and support you. Building a healthy and positive relationship with my clients is an important key to therapy. The space that we create is one that will allow for identity exploration, growth and aid in developing a healthy relationship with yourself and those around you. My approach to therapy is through a strength-based, client-centered and trauma-informed lens.
![Photo of Daniel McGrath, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/3eaa6070-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Feeling overwhelmed with managing in this fast paced world? Life is complex and it's often hard to handle the situations we face each day. Whether figuring out what to do about challenging children, issues in a close relationship, or which way to go as you move forward in life, uncertainties can stop anyone in their tracks. Few things are worse than feeling stuck and struggling when it seems like everyone else has it all figured out. It doesn't have to be that way. Things change, children mature, and if we're watching we find opportunities to heal, learn, and grow.
Feeling overwhelmed with managing in this fast paced world? Life is complex and it's often hard to handle the situations we face each day. Whether figuring out what to do about challenging children, issues in a close relationship, or which way to go as you move forward in life, uncertainties can stop anyone in their tracks. Few things are worse than feeling stuck and struggling when it seems like everyone else has it all figured out. It doesn't have to be that way. Things change, children mature, and if we're watching we find opportunities to heal, learn, and grow.
![Photo of Jennifer Hill - Healing Hearts Counseling Center, MS, LPCC, Counselor](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/3dc15884-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Our overall mission is to promote behavioral health and wellness for our clients to obtain a high quality of life within themselves, their family, and their community. We work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues providing services that include assessment, short-term solution focused interventions, consultation with other providers, and crisis intervention. If you are feeling stuck, stressed from life circumstances, or having trouble adjusting to new transitions, then please contact us. We are here for you!
Our overall mission is to promote behavioral health and wellness for our clients to obtain a high quality of life within themselves, their family, and their community. We work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues providing services that include assessment, short-term solution focused interventions, consultation with other providers, and crisis intervention. If you are feeling stuck, stressed from life circumstances, or having trouble adjusting to new transitions, then please contact us. We are here for you!
See more therapy options for Encinitas
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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.