Autism Psychologists and Therapists in Bentleigh East

Photo of May Yeung - Metocha Play Therapy, MA
Metocha Play Therapy
Verified Verified
Serves Area
The challenges we address include tantrums and anxiety, self-harm, depression, ADHD, autism, speech and language difficulties, selective mutism, learning disabilities, conduct disorders, aggressive behaviors, post-traumatic stress, and the lasting effects of divorce, domestic violence, sexual abuse, withdrawn behavior, and multicultural transitions.
Our play therapy has achieved a success rate of over 95% within 3 to 24 months for individuals aged 2 to 80. We walk alongside our clients through every emotional, behavioral, and social challenge, uplifting them as they grow on their journey toward psychosocial well-being. We have supported clients from a rich mosaic of cultures spanning Asia, Oceania, Europe, and the Americas, helping them navigate a wide spectrum of emotional, behavioral, and social issues. Our website features uplifting success stories and heartfelt client testimonials that bring our methods to life, offering comfort and renewed hope.
The challenges we address include tantrums and anxiety, self-harm, depression, ADHD, autism, speech and language difficulties, selective mutism, learning disabilities, conduct disorders, aggressive behaviors, post-traumatic stress, and the lasting effects of divorce, domestic violence, sexual abuse, withdrawn behavior, and multicultural transitions.
Our play therapy has achieved a success rate of over 95% within 3 to 24 months for individuals aged 2 to 80. We walk alongside our clients through every emotional, behavioral, and social challenge, uplifting them as they grow on their journey toward psychosocial well-being. We have supported clients from a rich mosaic of cultures spanning Asia, Oceania, Europe, and the Americas, helping them navigate a wide spectrum of emotional, behavioral, and social issues. Our website features uplifting success stories and heartfelt client testimonials that bring our methods to life, offering comfort and renewed hope.
(03) 7500 5930 View (03) 7500 5930
Photo of Mel Sahin, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Mel Sahin
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Serves Area
I work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, and those with ADHD or autism who want to better understand themselves and feel more in control of their lives.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to you. I use evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), while recognising that everyone’s experiences are unique. This means we focus on practical strategies that feel realistic, supportive, and that support meaningful change.
I work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, and those with ADHD or autism who want to better understand themselves and feel more in control of their lives.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to you. I use evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), while recognising that everyone’s experiences are unique. This means we focus on practical strategies that feel realistic, supportive, and that support meaningful change.
(03) 8771 5920 View (03) 8771 5920
Photo of Dr Anastasiya Suetin, Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Dr Anastasiya Suetin
Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Serves Area
I see clients with ADHD, autism, giftedness, learning difficulties, anxiety or mood concerns.
As a Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years of experience working in a variety of settings, I am passionate about supporting neurodiversity across the lifespan, with a particular interest in providing high-quality clinical assessments that bring clarity and understanding. Whether working with children, adolescents or adults, I aim to create a safe, respectful space where differences are recognised and celebrated rather than pathologised. I believe that a thoughtful assessment can be a powerful turning point, helping individuals and families better understand strengths, challenges and the pathways forward.
I see clients with ADHD, autism, giftedness, learning difficulties, anxiety or mood concerns.
As a Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years of experience working in a variety of settings, I am passionate about supporting neurodiversity across the lifespan, with a particular interest in providing high-quality clinical assessments that bring clarity and understanding. Whether working with children, adolescents or adults, I aim to create a safe, respectful space where differences are recognised and celebrated rather than pathologised. I believe that a thoughtful assessment can be a powerful turning point, helping individuals and families better understand strengths, challenges and the pathways forward.
(03) 8203 5419 View (03) 8203 5419
Photo of Kenny Dao, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Kenny Dao
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Serves Area
I have a keen interest both children, teens and adults in areas such as depression/anxiety, autism/ADHD, trauma and PTSD, school refusal, workplace issues, NDIS/workcover/TAC/DVA presentations and assessments.
Welcome to Peach Psychology. I am a registered psychologist, and have practiced across a range of diverse settings since 2019. With my previous therapeutic experience spanning across different age groups, I provide support to children (5+), adolescents, adults and elderly individuals, focusing on assisting each client to identify and work towards their own personal, individual goals.
I have a keen interest both children, teens and adults in areas such as depression/anxiety, autism/ADHD, trauma and PTSD, school refusal, workplace issues, NDIS/workcover/TAC/DVA presentations and assessments.
Welcome to Peach Psychology. I am a registered psychologist, and have practiced across a range of diverse settings since 2019. With my previous therapeutic experience spanning across different age groups, I provide support to children (5+), adolescents, adults and elderly individuals, focusing on assisting each client to identify and work towards their own personal, individual goals.
(03) 8771 5313 View (03) 8771 5313
Photo of Jonathan Shai, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Jonathan Shai
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Serves Area
My clinical focus, passion and expertise is with neurodivergent youth facing anxiety, social struggles, or identity challenges, often with autism, ADHD, or sensory differences.
As a registered psychologist with over 6 years’ experience, I specialise in empowering neurodivergent youth with autism, ADHD, or anxiety. I offer tailored, neuro-affirming therapy to build resilience, capacity, communication, and self-acceptance, helping clients and families thrive.
My clinical focus, passion and expertise is with neurodivergent youth facing anxiety, social struggles, or identity challenges, often with autism, ADHD, or sensory differences.
As a registered psychologist with over 6 years’ experience, I specialise in empowering neurodivergent youth with autism, ADHD, or anxiety. I offer tailored, neuro-affirming therapy to build resilience, capacity, communication, and self-acceptance, helping clients and families thrive.
(03) 8771 5720 View (03) 8771 5720
Photo of Natalia Whiteman, Psychologist, MA, PsyBA Endorsed
Natalia Whiteman
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA Endorsed
Bentleigh East, VIC 3165
Hello, I am deeply passionate about supporting children, adolescents, and families through life’s challenges. My professional experience—combined with personal insight as a parent of a child with Autism—has shaped my commitment to working with neurodiverse individuals, including those with Autism and ADHD. I find great fulfilment in providing counselling to children, teens, and their parents, offering compassionate and practical support across a range of concerns. These include behavioural challenges, emotional regulation, grief and loss, learning difficulties, school refusal, anxiety, and mood-related difficulties.
Hello, I am deeply passionate about supporting children, adolescents, and families through life’s challenges. My professional experience—combined with personal insight as a parent of a child with Autism—has shaped my commitment to working with neurodiverse individuals, including those with Autism and ADHD. I find great fulfilment in providing counselling to children, teens, and their parents, offering compassionate and practical support across a range of concerns. These include behavioural challenges, emotional regulation, grief and loss, learning difficulties, school refusal, anxiety, and mood-related difficulties.
(03) 7500 5928 View (03) 7500 5928
Photo of Christina Panagopoulos, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Christina Panagopoulos
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
1 Endorsed
Bentleigh East, VIC 3165
Hi! I’m Christina from State of Flow Psychology. Navigating life's challenges can feel overwhelming, and I'm here to offer a safe and supportive space for you to explore your experiences. I specialise in helping children, teens and young adults who are struggling with anxiety, mood disorders, adjustment to life transitions, and developing effective coping skills. I also have a deep understanding of neurodivergence and its unique impact. My approach is rooted in compassion and empathy, ensuring you feel heard and understood as we work together to build a path towards greater well-being.
Hi! I’m Christina from State of Flow Psychology. Navigating life's challenges can feel overwhelming, and I'm here to offer a safe and supportive space for you to explore your experiences. I specialise in helping children, teens and young adults who are struggling with anxiety, mood disorders, adjustment to life transitions, and developing effective coping skills. I also have a deep understanding of neurodivergence and its unique impact. My approach is rooted in compassion and empathy, ensuring you feel heard and understood as we work together to build a path towards greater well-being.
(03) 8771 5359 View (03) 8771 5359
Photo of Tori Orit Brand - Brand Counselling Services, Counsellor, MA, ACA-L4
Brand Counselling Services
Counsellor, MA, ACA-L4
Bentleigh East, VIC 3165
I believe that loving yourself is the foundation for healthy, fulfilling relationships with others. Life can be challenging, and it’s easy to lose your sense of direction, confidence, or self-worth along the way. With over 18 years of experience, I support clients with warmth, empathy, and unconditional understanding, creating a safe space to explore challenges, heal, and grow. Together, we work to help you reconnect with your true self, build self-compassion, and gain the clarity and tools you need to navigate life’s difficulties, and to attain your goals, be they emotional balance, stronger relationships or personal growth.
I believe that loving yourself is the foundation for healthy, fulfilling relationships with others. Life can be challenging, and it’s easy to lose your sense of direction, confidence, or self-worth along the way. With over 18 years of experience, I support clients with warmth, empathy, and unconditional understanding, creating a safe space to explore challenges, heal, and grow. Together, we work to help you reconnect with your true self, build self-compassion, and gain the clarity and tools you need to navigate life’s difficulties, and to attain your goals, be they emotional balance, stronger relationships or personal growth.
(03) 7500 5808 View (03) 7500 5808
Photo of Nicola Collins - Kids At Max - Psych, Speech & OT, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA Endorsed
Kids At Max - Psych, Speech & OT
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA Endorsed
Bentleigh East, VIC 3165
ADHD) Autism ( ASD) Bullying Challenging behaviours Depression Family issues Giftedness Intellectual Disability Learning issues Resilience & coping Relationships School readiness School refusal Self-esteem & assertiveness Sleep difficulties Special needs funding
Kids At Max provides counselling and psychological assessments for children and adolescents. We support a wide range of emotional, behavioural and developmental needs through personalised, family-centred care. Appointments are available in clinic, at home, at school and via telehealth, with funding options including NDIS, Medicare, Private Health Insurance and TAC. After an initial assessment, we work with families to create a tailored therapy plan with practical strategies and engaging sessions that support each child’s goals.
ADHD) Autism ( ASD) Bullying Challenging behaviours Depression Family issues Giftedness Intellectual Disability Learning issues Resilience & coping Relationships School readiness School refusal Self-esteem & assertiveness Sleep difficulties Special needs funding
Kids At Max provides counselling and psychological assessments for children and adolescents. We support a wide range of emotional, behavioural and developmental needs through personalised, family-centred care. Appointments are available in clinic, at home, at school and via telehealth, with funding options including NDIS, Medicare, Private Health Insurance and TAC. After an initial assessment, we work with families to create a tailored therapy plan with practical strategies and engaging sessions that support each child’s goals.
(03) 8771 4119 View (03) 8771 4119
Photo of Bianca Lebenholc, Psychologist, MA, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Bianca Lebenholc
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
2 Endorsed
Bentleigh East, VIC 3165
Bianca is a Clinical Psychologist with a passion for helping adolescents and young adults navigate life's challenges. With extensive experience across diverse settings, Bianca has a special interest in supporting the LGBTQIA+ community as well as addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, perfectionism, and OCD. Her warmth and enthusiasm shine through in every session, fostering a welcoming environment where clients feel empowered to explore and grow.
Bianca is a Clinical Psychologist with a passion for helping adolescents and young adults navigate life's challenges. With extensive experience across diverse settings, Bianca has a special interest in supporting the LGBTQIA+ community as well as addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, perfectionism, and OCD. Her warmth and enthusiasm shine through in every session, fostering a welcoming environment where clients feel empowered to explore and grow.
(03) 8771 5049 View (03) 8771 5049
Photo of Gabrielle Volovsky, Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Gabrielle Volovsky
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Online Only
I’m a PACFA-registered counsellor, and founder of Becoming On Point. I specialise in trauma-informed psychotherapy, and support adults navigating anxiety, low mood, burnout, relationship strain, self-worth, AOD challenges, trauma-related patterns, grief, stress and life transitions. Some clients come because they feel stuck or overwhelmed; others appear high-functioning but feel stretched underneath. My approach is warm, practical and collaborative, helping clients better understand their patterns, regulate emotions and move toward sustainable change.
I’m a PACFA-registered counsellor, and founder of Becoming On Point. I specialise in trauma-informed psychotherapy, and support adults navigating anxiety, low mood, burnout, relationship strain, self-worth, AOD challenges, trauma-related patterns, grief, stress and life transitions. Some clients come because they feel stuck or overwhelmed; others appear high-functioning but feel stretched underneath. My approach is warm, practical and collaborative, helping clients better understand their patterns, regulate emotions and move toward sustainable change.
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Photo of Alina Rozenstein, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Alina Rozenstein
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Serves Area
I am a psychologist dedicated to supporting psychological wellbeing across individual, workplace, and community settings. I work with adolescence and adults focusing on promoting mental health, resilience, and personal growth through evidence-based and compassionate care. I have experience working with a wide range of presentations, including anxiety, OCD, panic, depression, stress, interpersonal and self-esteem difficulties, adjustment issues, trauma, and life transitions.
I am a psychologist dedicated to supporting psychological wellbeing across individual, workplace, and community settings. I work with adolescence and adults focusing on promoting mental health, resilience, and personal growth through evidence-based and compassionate care. I have experience working with a wide range of presentations, including anxiety, OCD, panic, depression, stress, interpersonal and self-esteem difficulties, adjustment issues, trauma, and life transitions.
(03) 8771 5710 View (03) 8771 5710
Photo of Sharon Weingarten, Counsellor, MA, ACA-L2
Sharon Weingarten
Counsellor, MA, ACA-L2
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Sharon is highly skilled working with clients from a broad range of backgrounds and communities including intimate relationships where one or both partners are neurodivergent.
Sharon has a Masters Degree in Counselling, specialising in relationships. She is passionate about providing a safe and supportive environment for her clients using a warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental therapy approach.  Sharon brings a wealth of experience to her work with both couples and individuals, skilfully navigating a diverse array of issues that can strain relationships. This includes helping clients to improve communication, de-escalate conflict, strengthen connection, navigate life transitions, address parenting concerns, and manage discrepancies in sexual desire.
Sharon is highly skilled working with clients from a broad range of backgrounds and communities including intimate relationships where one or both partners are neurodivergent.
Sharon has a Masters Degree in Counselling, specialising in relationships. She is passionate about providing a safe and supportive environment for her clients using a warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental therapy approach.  Sharon brings a wealth of experience to her work with both couples and individuals, skilfully navigating a diverse array of issues that can strain relationships. This includes helping clients to improve communication, de-escalate conflict, strengthen connection, navigate life transitions, address parenting concerns, and manage discrepancies in sexual desire.
0459 883 205 View 0459 883 205
Photo of Dimity Cowell, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Dimity Cowell
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Dimity is a warm and collaborative psychologist who is passionate about supporting children, adolescents, and their families. She has worked across community organisations, public mental health, and schools, and brings a gentle, neuro-affirming approach to all her therapeutic work. Dimity is experienced in supporting young people with trauma histories, low mood, anxiety, school refusal, eating and feeding challenges, and a wide range of behavioural and emotional differences.
Dimity is a warm and collaborative psychologist who is passionate about supporting children, adolescents, and their families. She has worked across community organisations, public mental health, and schools, and brings a gentle, neuro-affirming approach to all her therapeutic work. Dimity is experienced in supporting young people with trauma histories, low mood, anxiety, school refusal, eating and feeding challenges, and a wide range of behavioural and emotional differences.
(03) 7500 5306 View (03) 7500 5306
Photo of Maria Dhroso, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Ed. Psych.
Maria Dhroso
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Ed. Psych.
Serves Area
Maria provides counselling and intervention for neurodivergent and neurotypical children, young people and families (4 years+).
If you are worried how your child will respond to a psychologist then My Vibe can help. Maria uses engaging and fun activities and her friendly manner helps put children and parents at ease. My Vibe is a 'boutique' practice with only one clinician, allowing us to really focus on each of our clients and addressing their needs.
Maria provides counselling and intervention for neurodivergent and neurotypical children, young people and families (4 years+).
If you are worried how your child will respond to a psychologist then My Vibe can help. Maria uses engaging and fun activities and her friendly manner helps put children and parents at ease. My Vibe is a 'boutique' practice with only one clinician, allowing us to really focus on each of our clients and addressing their needs.
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Photo of Kate Wallace-Boyd, Psychologist, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Kate Wallace-Boyd
Psychologist, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Serves Area
It’s not always easy to ask for support, especially when you’ve been holding it all together for so long. You might be feeling anxious, exhausted, or emotionally drained. Maybe you’re managing a chronic illness, feeling lost in a big life transition, burnt out from work or study, or questioning who you are and what matters to you now. Even if you're someone who usually copes well, it might feel like things just aren’t working anymore. You might be craving a space that feels calm and affirming, where you can take a breath, feel understood, and begin to figure things out at your own pace, with someone who really gets it.
It’s not always easy to ask for support, especially when you’ve been holding it all together for so long. You might be feeling anxious, exhausted, or emotionally drained. Maybe you’re managing a chronic illness, feeling lost in a big life transition, burnt out from work or study, or questioning who you are and what matters to you now. Even if you're someone who usually copes well, it might feel like things just aren’t working anymore. You might be craving a space that feels calm and affirming, where you can take a breath, feel understood, and begin to figure things out at your own pace, with someone who really gets it.
0466 050 552 View 0466 050 552
Photo of Melanie Strang, Psychologist, MBBS, PsyBA General
Melanie Strang
Psychologist, MBBS, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Hi there ! Thanks for clicking on my profile. I have over 20 years of practitioner experience, initially as a doctor working in mental health, then as a counsellor and presently, a psychologist. I will see Private, Medicare, NDIS, Workcover and Victims of Crime clients.
Hi there ! Thanks for clicking on my profile. I have over 20 years of practitioner experience, initially as a doctor working in mental health, then as a counsellor and presently, a psychologist. I will see Private, Medicare, NDIS, Workcover and Victims of Crime clients.
(03) 7003 2841 View (03) 7003 2841

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Michelle Mennie, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Michelle Mennie
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
1 Endorsed
Fitzroy North, VIC 3068
Michelle (she/her/hers) is a Clinical Psychologist, who has experience in both public and private settings, including working in public hospitals. She is passionate about providing affirming care to individuals in areas, such as anxiety, OCD, trauma, eating disorders and working with neuro-divergent individuals.
Michelle (she/her/hers) is a Clinical Psychologist, who has experience in both public and private settings, including working in public hospitals. She is passionate about providing affirming care to individuals in areas, such as anxiety, OCD, trauma, eating disorders and working with neuro-divergent individuals.
(03) 7003 2950 View (03) 7003 2950
Photo of Katherine Victoria Gayton - Alloy Health, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Alloy Health
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Niddrie, VIC 3042
I provide psychological assessments for children aged 6+, focusing on ADHD, autism, learning and behavioural concerns.
My ideal client is a parent worried about their child’s learning, behaviour, or development. They may have noticed struggles with attention, reading, or social skills and feel unsure about what to do next. Their goal is to understand their child better and get clear, practical guidance to support them at school and home. They want answers, not just labels—and I help provide that through compassionate, thorough, and easy-to-understand psychological assessments.
I provide psychological assessments for children aged 6+, focusing on ADHD, autism, learning and behavioural concerns.
My ideal client is a parent worried about their child’s learning, behaviour, or development. They may have noticed struggles with attention, reading, or social skills and feel unsure about what to do next. Their goal is to understand their child better and get clear, practical guidance to support them at school and home. They want answers, not just labels—and I help provide that through compassionate, thorough, and easy-to-understand psychological assessments.
(03) 7303 3382 View (03) 7303 3382
Photo of Ruth Minkov, Psychologist, MA, PsyBA General
Ruth Minkov
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA General
Brunswick, VIC 3056
I offer neuroaffirming, trauma-informed neuropsychological, academic, autism and ADHD assessment, as well as psychological therapy, and ADHD coaching.
As an AuDHD Neuropsychologist, I provide deep-dive assessments and therapy. My reports focus on practical tools and advocacy, delivered within 2-4 weeks. In therapy, I use an integrative toolkit: EMDR, IFS, ACT, DBT, Schema, and Somatic work, to move past talk-therapy and towards real change. I also support complex presentations including C-PTSD and EDs.
I offer neuroaffirming, trauma-informed neuropsychological, academic, autism and ADHD assessment, as well as psychological therapy, and ADHD coaching.
As an AuDHD Neuropsychologist, I provide deep-dive assessments and therapy. My reports focus on practical tools and advocacy, delivered within 2-4 weeks. In therapy, I use an integrative toolkit: EMDR, IFS, ACT, DBT, Schema, and Somatic work, to move past talk-therapy and towards real change. I also support complex presentations including C-PTSD and EDs.
(03) 7003 2743 View (03) 7003 2743

See more therapy options for Bentleigh East

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.