Autism Psychologists and Therapists in East Melbourne

Thomas Manthos
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
East Melbourne, VIC 3002
Some of these include Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Anxiety and Depression based presentations, ADHD, Autism, and stressors within family systems.
I have worked in the private and public sector for over 5 years. I have extensive experience in working with Child and Youth Mental Health Services in the public sector, working in both treatment and assessment teams to support young people and their families with managing acute stressors.
Some of these include Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Anxiety and Depression based presentations, ADHD, Autism, and stressors within family systems.
I have worked in the private and public sector for over 5 years. I have extensive experience in working with Child and Youth Mental Health Services in the public sector, working in both treatment and assessment teams to support young people and their families with managing acute stressors.
0415 536 050 View 0415 536 050
Charles Maddison
Social Worker, AMHSW
Serves Area
In addition, I counsel adults with symptoms of autism such as rigid thinking, communication challenges and excess emotional distress.
I initially look at emotional patterns in relationships, at family, substance use, sleep and productivity. Ultimately, I focus on managing the amygdala - the "fight / flight / freeze / fawn" centre, or "dinosaur" brain that alerts us to risk. Client psychoeducation & developing a trusting clinical rapport between us are also critical to successful therapy.
In addition, I counsel adults with symptoms of autism such as rigid thinking, communication challenges and excess emotional distress.
I initially look at emotional patterns in relationships, at family, substance use, sleep and productivity. Ultimately, I focus on managing the amygdala - the "fight / flight / freeze / fawn" centre, or "dinosaur" brain that alerts us to risk. Client psychoeducation & developing a trusting clinical rapport between us are also critical to successful therapy.
(03) 7003 2045 View (03) 7003 2045
Anke Bezuidenhout
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Serves Area
I work with clients seeking support for life transitions and adjustments; anxiety, stress and low mood; neurodivergence ( ASD and ADHD), attachment and relationship patterns; values, identity exploration, and self-understanding.
I use an integrative approach tailored to each client, drawing on a range of therapeutic approaches, including CBT, ACT, Attachment Theory, Narrative Therapy, IPT, and Solution-Focused Therapy.
I work with clients seeking support for life transitions and adjustments; anxiety, stress and low mood; neurodivergence ( ASD and ADHD), attachment and relationship patterns; values, identity exploration, and self-understanding.
I use an integrative approach tailored to each client, drawing on a range of therapeutic approaches, including CBT, ACT, Attachment Theory, Narrative Therapy, IPT, and Solution-Focused Therapy.
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Susanna Tiver
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA Prov
Serves Area
I’m passionate about all things affirming care, and am committed to being a culturally-responsive and gender-affirming practitioner, with a strong focus on supporting neurodivergent individuals and their families.
I like to create a space that is both compassionate and playful, where individuals can explore their identity and develop a deep appreciation for their unique selves. I value helping young people and adults better understand themselves, challenge harmful norms, and build practical tools needed to thrive.
I’m passionate about all things affirming care, and am committed to being a culturally-responsive and gender-affirming practitioner, with a strong focus on supporting neurodivergent individuals and their families.
I like to create a space that is both compassionate and playful, where individuals can explore their identity and develop a deep appreciation for their unique selves. I value helping young people and adults better understand themselves, challenge harmful norms, and build practical tools needed to thrive.
(03) 4231 9404 View (03) 4231 9404
Rebecca Hirst
Psychotherapist, PACFA
East Melbourne, VIC 3002
Life can feel overwhelming, confusing, or like you're surviving rather than living. You may feel caught in patterns of stress, despair, self-doubt, relationship struggles, overwhelming emotions, or the effects of trauma. Perhaps you've always felt different, struggled to understand yourself, or tried therapy before without finding the change you hoped for. I offer psychotherapy for adults seeking a deeper understanding of themselves. Together, we'll make sense of your current struggles and the experiences and patterns that have shaped them, within a warm and collaborative therapeutic relationship where lasting change can emerge.
Life can feel overwhelming, confusing, or like you're surviving rather than living. You may feel caught in patterns of stress, despair, self-doubt, relationship struggles, overwhelming emotions, or the effects of trauma. Perhaps you've always felt different, struggled to understand yourself, or tried therapy before without finding the change you hoped for. I offer psychotherapy for adults seeking a deeper understanding of themselves. Together, we'll make sense of your current struggles and the experiences and patterns that have shaped them, within a warm and collaborative therapeutic relationship where lasting change can emerge.
0466 585 424 View 0466 585 424
Kaye Suringa
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Online Only
Kaye is a sex worker allied BPD and Bipolar psychologist. Her therapy is anti-oppressive, treating symptoms that are the result of societal pressure, traditional roles and external expectations. Kaye is sex worker friendly, neuro and gender affirming, with expertise at organising the experience people of colour have, living within modern Australian culture
Kaye is a sex worker allied BPD and Bipolar psychologist. Her therapy is anti-oppressive, treating symptoms that are the result of societal pressure, traditional roles and external expectations. Kaye is sex worker friendly, neuro and gender affirming, with expertise at organising the experience people of colour have, living within modern Australian culture
(03) 7076 3400 View (03) 7076 3400
Harry Morris
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
East Melbourne, VIC 3002
Harry supports individuals with BPD, ADHD and Autism, who have concurrent Complex PTSD or depression/anxiety.
Emotion dysregulation is an overlapping trait in BPD, Autism and ADHD. Harry provides DBT and ACT coping strategies to handle uncertainty and overthinking, associated with having these diagnoses. He is socio-politically informed and engaged in hearing about how your unique life experiences interact with the current situation you are going through.
Harry supports individuals with BPD, ADHD and Autism, who have concurrent Complex PTSD or depression/anxiety.
Emotion dysregulation is an overlapping trait in BPD, Autism and ADHD. Harry provides DBT and ACT coping strategies to handle uncertainty and overthinking, associated with having these diagnoses. He is socio-politically informed and engaged in hearing about how your unique life experiences interact with the current situation you are going through.
(03) 7076 3400 View (03) 7076 3400
Anthony Smith
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
East Melbourne, VIC 3002
As a registered clinical psychologist, I have worked across both public and private mental health settings. I work with adults and believe deeply in people’s capacity to grow, adapt, and move toward a more fulfilling life. My work is centred on the therapeutic relationship, and I strive to create a space where clients feel safe, understood, and supported. I provide evidence-based therapy for concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, self-esteem, and grief and loss. I also work with clients around sexual functioning, sexual health, and problematic sexual behaviours.
As a registered clinical psychologist, I have worked across both public and private mental health settings. I work with adults and believe deeply in people’s capacity to grow, adapt, and move toward a more fulfilling life. My work is centred on the therapeutic relationship, and I strive to create a space where clients feel safe, understood, and supported. I provide evidence-based therapy for concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, self-esteem, and grief and loss. I also work with clients around sexual functioning, sexual health, and problematic sexual behaviours.
(03) 7003 2993 View (03) 7003 2993
Dave Mussoff
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
3 Endorsed
East Melbourne, VIC 3002
I work with adults who often feel stuck in recurring patterns—like anxiety, low mood, or unhelpful relationship habits—and seek deeper understanding and lasting change. They want to break free from these cycles, feel more confident, and build healthier connections. Their goal is often to heal past wounds, gain resilience, and live with greater self-awareness and purpose.
I work with adults who often feel stuck in recurring patterns—like anxiety, low mood, or unhelpful relationship habits—and seek deeper understanding and lasting change. They want to break free from these cycles, feel more confident, and build healthier connections. Their goal is often to heal past wounds, gain resilience, and live with greater self-awareness and purpose.
(03) 9419 7172 View (03) 9419 7172
Johannes Hanekom
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Couns. Psych.
East Melbourne, VIC 3002
Johannes has extensive experience assessing and supporting ADHD and autism across the lifespan.
Johannes is a registered counselling psychologist providing personalised psychological assessment and therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. He takes a non-pathologising, strengths-based approach, recognising each person’s unique experiences, strengths, and capacity for growth. His style is warm, collaborative, and client-centred. Johannes believes lasting change requires more than insight: understanding ourselves is important, but meaningful change also requires finding practical ways to change unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaviour.
Johannes has extensive experience assessing and supporting ADHD and autism across the lifespan.
Johannes is a registered counselling psychologist providing personalised psychological assessment and therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. He takes a non-pathologising, strengths-based approach, recognising each person’s unique experiences, strengths, and capacity for growth. His style is warm, collaborative, and client-centred. Johannes believes lasting change requires more than insight: understanding ourselves is important, but meaningful change also requires finding practical ways to change unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaviour.
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Emma Gordon Williams Counselling & Psychotherapy
Counsellor, MA, ACA-L2
4 Endorsed
East Melbourne, VIC 3002
I provide inclusive therapy for: - Anxiety and depression - Grief, loss and trauma - Conflict - Broken trust and betrayal - Sex and intimacy issues - Navigating big life decisions - Parenting difficulties - Navigating ADHD (VAST) and Autism.
I have a Master of Counselling, with a specialisation in couples/relationships therapy, training in family therapy, and years of experience working with clients of all ages, backgrounds and with a diverse range of life experiences.
I provide inclusive therapy for: - Anxiety and depression - Grief, loss and trauma - Conflict - Broken trust and betrayal - Sex and intimacy issues - Navigating big life decisions - Parenting difficulties - Navigating ADHD (VAST) and Autism.
I have a Master of Counselling, with a specialisation in couples/relationships therapy, training in family therapy, and years of experience working with clients of all ages, backgrounds and with a diverse range of life experiences.
0498 530 280 View 0498 530 280
Sayaka Sayeed
Counsellor, MC, ACA-L2
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I can support clients navigating ADHD, Autism and executive functioning challenges, late diagnosis, anxiety and emotional regulation, burnout and overwhelm, cultural identity and belonging, relationships and communication (including couples), attachment and relational trauma, shame and perfectionism, queer identity, and life transitions.
I work with adults who may appear to be coping externally but feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected internally. Many are navigating ADHD or neurodivergence, identity, queerness, cultural experiences, relationship patterns, burnout, or life transitions. My approach is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and neuro-affirming, integrating CBT, ACT, IFS parts work, attachment-based therapy, and practical ADHD coaching. Using collaborative intersectional frameworks while maintaining authenticity, empathy and curiosity, we make sense of patterns, reduce shame, and build realistic, sustainable ways of moving forward.
I can support clients navigating ADHD, Autism and executive functioning challenges, late diagnosis, anxiety and emotional regulation, burnout and overwhelm, cultural identity and belonging, relationships and communication (including couples), attachment and relational trauma, shame and perfectionism, queer identity, and life transitions.
I work with adults who may appear to be coping externally but feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected internally. Many are navigating ADHD or neurodivergence, identity, queerness, cultural experiences, relationship patterns, burnout, or life transitions. My approach is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and neuro-affirming, integrating CBT, ACT, IFS parts work, attachment-based therapy, and practical ADHD coaching. Using collaborative intersectional frameworks while maintaining authenticity, empathy and curiosity, we make sense of patterns, reduce shame, and build realistic, sustainable ways of moving forward.
(03) 7003 2356 View (03) 7003 2356
Petra Gillian
Psychotherapist, PACFA
East Melbourne, VIC 3002
My specialities include: LGBTQIA+ community mental health, women's mental health, PMDD, ADHD, ASD, anxiety, depression, stress, loneliness, and more.
Perhaps you just need someone to really hear you; maybe you're exhausted from showing up every day for work, families, friends, & partners and find little space left for your own emotions to be held. You might need a space that is entirely for you, where you can know that every part of you will be held gently, and without judgment.
My specialities include: LGBTQIA+ community mental health, women's mental health, PMDD, ADHD, ASD, anxiety, depression, stress, loneliness, and more.
Perhaps you just need someone to really hear you; maybe you're exhausted from showing up every day for work, families, friends, & partners and find little space left for your own emotions to be held. You might need a space that is entirely for you, where you can know that every part of you will be held gently, and without judgment.
(03) 8771 5379 View (03) 8771 5379
Ana Romero
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Hi, I'm Ana, a psychologist who is dedicated to helping you become the best version of yourself and reach your full potential. My areas of focus are trauma, ADHD, anxiety, eating disorders and Borderline personality disorder. I draw on 17 years of experience in psychology to provide bespoke and engaging therapeutic experience underpinned by Schema Therapy, Eye Movement Sensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), DBT, mindfulness and self compassion based approaches. Initially, my goal is to bring symptom relief from stress, anxiety, or traumatic symptoms before we embark on deeper work to create long-term change.
Hi, I'm Ana, a psychologist who is dedicated to helping you become the best version of yourself and reach your full potential. My areas of focus are trauma, ADHD, anxiety, eating disorders and Borderline personality disorder. I draw on 17 years of experience in psychology to provide bespoke and engaging therapeutic experience underpinned by Schema Therapy, Eye Movement Sensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), DBT, mindfulness and self compassion based approaches. Initially, my goal is to bring symptom relief from stress, anxiety, or traumatic symptoms before we embark on deeper work to create long-term change.
(03) 7003 2727 View (03) 7003 2727
Karla Harris
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Serves Area
I also like to work with neurodivergent people and with those who might be needing some support to manage difficult life transitions.
Hello! I am a warm, curious and personable psychologist. I always try to hold on to the human side of being a psychologist and to be as transparent as I can with you; one that feels things with you, wants to build a genuine connection with you, doesn’t always have to have an answer for everything and can appreciate good humour!  I find that this approach can help (or at least make it more bearable) to open up about  the parts of ourselves that feel heavy, uncertain or vulnerable.
I also like to work with neurodivergent people and with those who might be needing some support to manage difficult life transitions.
Hello! I am a warm, curious and personable psychologist. I always try to hold on to the human side of being a psychologist and to be as transparent as I can with you; one that feels things with you, wants to build a genuine connection with you, doesn’t always have to have an answer for everything and can appreciate good humour!  I find that this approach can help (or at least make it more bearable) to open up about  the parts of ourselves that feel heavy, uncertain or vulnerable.
(03) 9429 0050 View (03) 9429 0050
Nathan Smith
Counsellor, MC, ACA-L2
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I have a passion for working with young people to empower and support them with their challenges. I also work with people of all ages and gender identities. Whether you are looking for support with anxiety, depression, AOD, relationship issues, or any thing else I'd be happy to help. I also facilitate Dungeons and Dragons Group Therapy sessions for clients wanting to use play and roleplay therapy toward their healing. This is a great way to boost self-esteem and confidence, work through anxiety and depression, and process trauma.
I have a passion for working with young people to empower and support them with their challenges. I also work with people of all ages and gender identities. Whether you are looking for support with anxiety, depression, AOD, relationship issues, or any thing else I'd be happy to help. I also facilitate Dungeons and Dragons Group Therapy sessions for clients wanting to use play and roleplay therapy toward their healing. This is a great way to boost self-esteem and confidence, work through anxiety and depression, and process trauma.
(03) 8594 4097 View (03) 8594 4097
Jennifer Sankaran
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Clarity Health Care (CHC) provides comprehensive mental health care through a unified team of psychologists, clinical psychologists, and psychiatrists, all working towards your emotional well-being and mental clarity. At our Fitzroy and Hobart clinics, we offer a serene, supportive environment for individuals, couples, and families. Whether you’re managing anxiety, depression, stress, or relationship challenges, our experienced therapists are here to guide you. Our team includes some of the most skilled professionals in Melbourne and Hobart.
Clarity Health Care (CHC) provides comprehensive mental health care through a unified team of psychologists, clinical psychologists, and psychiatrists, all working towards your emotional well-being and mental clarity. At our Fitzroy and Hobart clinics, we offer a serene, supportive environment for individuals, couples, and families. Whether you’re managing anxiety, depression, stress, or relationship challenges, our experienced therapists are here to guide you. Our team includes some of the most skilled professionals in Melbourne and Hobart.
(03) 9448 8028 View (03) 9448 8028
Tegwen King
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Tegwen has particular experience supporting neurodivergent children, adolescents, and adults, including those who are late-diagnosed or exploring identity and self-understanding later in life.
Tegwen (Tee-gan) is an Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) registered psychologist who works with children, adolescents, adults, and families across the lifespan. She brings a warm, thoughtful, and collaborative approach to therapy, grounded in the belief that people are experts in their own lives and deserve care that is respectful, affirming, and responsive to their individual needs. Her clinical experience spans educational, forensic, disability, private practice, and Out of Home Care (OoHC) settings, supporting individuals and families within complex personal and systemic contexts.
Tegwen has particular experience supporting neurodivergent children, adolescents, and adults, including those who are late-diagnosed or exploring identity and self-understanding later in life.
Tegwen (Tee-gan) is an Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) registered psychologist who works with children, adolescents, adults, and families across the lifespan. She brings a warm, thoughtful, and collaborative approach to therapy, grounded in the belief that people are experts in their own lives and deserve care that is respectful, affirming, and responsive to their individual needs. Her clinical experience spans educational, forensic, disability, private practice, and Out of Home Care (OoHC) settings, supporting individuals and families within complex personal and systemic contexts.
0423 445 477 View 0423 445 477

More Therapists Nearby

Lisa Suarez
Psychotherapist, MA, ACA-L2
Melbourne, VIC 3000
I specialise in supporting individual adults over 25, both online and in person in Melbourne, with Complex PTSD/Relational Trauma, ADHD, Autism but am not limited to these issues.
I work in collaboration with you to tailor therapy based on your goals. With the security of our therapeutic relationship at the foundation, I use an integrative, trauma-informed body-based approach. This includes the Internal Family Systems model, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Somatic Experiencing, Polyvagal Theory, Focusing, AEDP and Memory Re-consolidation.
I specialise in supporting individual adults over 25, both online and in person in Melbourne, with Complex PTSD/Relational Trauma, ADHD, Autism but am not limited to these issues.
I work in collaboration with you to tailor therapy based on your goals. With the security of our therapeutic relationship at the foundation, I use an integrative, trauma-informed body-based approach. This includes the Internal Family Systems model, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Somatic Experiencing, Polyvagal Theory, Focusing, AEDP and Memory Re-consolidation.
(03) 7003 2975 View (03) 7003 2975
Amy Russell
Social Worker, AASW
1 Endorsed
Carlton, VIC 3053
Whether you are navigating 'what’s next' after an adult ADHD/ Autism diagnosis, or you're simply exhausted from masking and feeling out of step, you are welcome here.
In counselling I help adults explore neurodivergence, recover from burnout, navigate masking, strengthen boundaries, and understand identity and relationships. I offer practical strategies, psychoeducation, and a flexible, sensory‑aware approach. Whether you’re pre‑ or post‑diagnosis, we work at your pace to build clarity, confidence and self‑compassion.
Whether you are navigating 'what’s next' after an adult ADHD/ Autism diagnosis, or you're simply exhausted from masking and feeling out of step, you are welcome here.
In counselling I help adults explore neurodivergence, recover from burnout, navigate masking, strengthen boundaries, and understand identity and relationships. I offer practical strategies, psychoeducation, and a flexible, sensory‑aware approach. Whether you’re pre‑ or post‑diagnosis, we work at your pace to build clarity, confidence and self‑compassion.
0437 437 432 View 0437 437 432
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.