Photo of Darren Compas, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Arkansas
Darren Compas
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
Little Rock, AR 72211  (Online Only)
“I love the fusion of medicine and psychiatry and holistically treating patients – not just focusing on symptoms but finding and healing the cause.”
“I love the fusion of medicine and psychiatry and holistically treating patients – not just focusing on symptoms but finding and healing the cause.”
(501) 381-5443 View (501) 381-5443
Photo of Deena Garner, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Arkansas
Deena Garner
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, PNP
Verified Verified
Are you tired of feeling like every day is a struggle? Are you ready to change your life? Are you looking for more joy, motivation, focus, or just need some support? I specialize in the assessment, diagnosis, medication management and supportive therapy of individuals with a variety of mental health issues. Some of the most common are trauma-related disorders, ADHD, adjustment disorders, anxiety and mood disorders, as well as issues with grief, self-esteem and self-worth issues. I enjoy working with families and couples to improve their communication and interactions.
Are you tired of feeling like every day is a struggle? Are you ready to change your life? Are you looking for more joy, motivation, focus, or just need some support? I specialize in the assessment, diagnosis, medication management and supportive therapy of individuals with a variety of mental health issues. Some of the most common are trauma-related disorders, ADHD, adjustment disorders, anxiety and mood disorders, as well as issues with grief, self-esteem and self-worth issues. I enjoy working with families and couples to improve their communication and interactions.
(501) 860-2900 View (501) 860-2900
Photo of Alicia Baros, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Arkansas
Alicia Baros
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, PMHNPBC
Not Verified Not Verified
Little Rock, AR 72211  (Online Only)
Dr. Alicia Baros earned her doctorate in pharmacology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, Tennessee, and completed a post-doctoral fellowship in research addiction medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina where she was appointed Research Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.
Dr. Alicia Baros earned her doctorate in pharmacology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, Tennessee, and completed a post-doctoral fellowship in research addiction medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina where she was appointed Research Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.
(501) 261-6500 View (501) 261-6500
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Psychiatrists

Who is ABA therapy for?

ABA therapy is most widely applied to teach basic behavioral, communication, and social skills to children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disorders. It may also be used to help people undergoing rehabilitation following brain injury. It uses reward-based learning techniques to impart essential life skills. ABA is also used in the treatment of some other conditions. One is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) , to help children overcome difficulties with concentration and controlling impulsive behaviors. For people with Obsessive Compulsive Disorders, it is sometimes used to help them overcome compulsive behavior. ABA therapy is also sometimes used in cases of PTSD, to help people turn to positive behaviours when they have experiences that trigger distressing memories.

Why do people need ABA?

Children with autism and other developmental disorders need ABA therapy as a way to learn how to communicate and engage with others, improve their general ability to function and lead fulfilling lives, and diminish dangerous behaviors. The techniques used in ABA therapy are based on established principles of learning, and positive reinforcement—supplying earned rewards—is an important strategy for motivating positive behaviour change.

What happens in ABA therapy?

The first thing that happens in ABA therapy is an evaluation of the child in service of developing a treatment plan. The therapist meets with the child’s parent(s) in order to learn about the family and the child, assesses the child’s behavior and ability level, and then creates a plan tailored to the specific needs of that person. Once the treatment goals are established, the skills to be learned are broken down into small, component steps. Treatment sessions focus on learning and practicing each step, and furnishing meaningful rewards as steps are learned, behaviors are spontaneously implemented, and goals are accomplished. ABA therapists also train caregivers and families so that behavioral progress occurs beyond the clinical setting.

What problems does ABA therapy treat?

One of the primary goals of ABA therapy is to decrease the outbursts and other nonproductive behaviors of children with autism. At the same time, ABA aims to remedy language deficits and help such children learn how to communicate successfully. ABA therapy helps children learn age-appropriate social skills and gain skills, such as attention and focus, that are necessary for school.