Autism Therapists in Phoenix, AZ
I truly enjoy supporting adults as they explore and understand their neurodivergent identities.
I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which I have found to be an invaluable tool for treating trauma and PTSD. I am a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS).
I truly enjoy supporting adults as they explore and understand their neurodivergent identities.
I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which I have found to be an invaluable tool for treating trauma and PTSD. I am a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS).
I specialize in gender identity, dissociative disorders, and especially love working with genderqueer and neurodivergent individuals.
My approach is deeply person-centered, focusing on building resilience and empowering individuals on their ever evolving journey of self discovery to navigate life’s challenges and to seek connection. It is my goal to create a safe, engaging, and collaborative environment where clients can explore and develop the skills necessary to live unapologetically.
I specialize in gender identity, dissociative disorders, and especially love working with genderqueer and neurodivergent individuals.
My approach is deeply person-centered, focusing on building resilience and empowering individuals on their ever evolving journey of self discovery to navigate life’s challenges and to seek connection. It is my goal to create a safe, engaging, and collaborative environment where clients can explore and develop the skills necessary to live unapologetically.
We help individuals diagnosed with giftedness, 2e, dyslexia, dysgraphia, AD/HD, ODD, dyscalculia, anxiety, high functioning Autism, memory problems, and minor traumatic brain injury (m TBI) improve their executive function skills.
We work primarily with middle school, high school and college students struggling with school. We help them navigate the many challenges of being a student.
We help individuals diagnosed with giftedness, 2e, dyslexia, dysgraphia, AD/HD, ODD, dyscalculia, anxiety, high functioning Autism, memory problems, and minor traumatic brain injury (m TBI) improve their executive function skills.
We work primarily with middle school, high school and college students struggling with school. We help them navigate the many challenges of being a student.
Mind-Body Based Trauma/Relational Healing
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, JD, MSW, LCSW, CCTP
2 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85020
I specialize in complex and attachment related trauma, ADHD, C-PTSD as well as autism, from a relational and somatic perspective using EMDR, Brainspotting and EFT.
Managing interactions while honoring our core self, and without scripting, is a huge part of attachment work. I use conventional and emerging methods through a relational lens to strengthen identity beyond surface behaviors. My work is neurodivergent-centered and strength- based with particular attention to chronic anxiety, depression and dysregulation.
I specialize in complex and attachment related trauma, ADHD, C-PTSD as well as autism, from a relational and somatic perspective using EMDR, Brainspotting and EFT.
Managing interactions while honoring our core self, and without scripting, is a huge part of attachment work. I use conventional and emerging methods through a relational lens to strengthen identity beyond surface behaviors. My work is neurodivergent-centered and strength- based with particular attention to chronic anxiety, depression and dysregulation.
My specialties include working with neurodivergent and socially anxious individuals.
Accepting new clients - complete intake form on my website to schedule. Do you struggle with wanting to change but don't know where to start or what to do? Life throws many challenges at us and it can be hard to cope with them. You may be holding on to old wounds that have traumatized you. Your family might argue a lot and wish they could just talk to each other. You may be a parent of a neurodiverse child in need of guidance. Or maybe you see the world differently than other people and don't really fit in. Whatever it is that brought you here, you deserve to be happy and in control of your life.
My specialties include working with neurodivergent and socially anxious individuals.
Accepting new clients - complete intake form on my website to schedule. Do you struggle with wanting to change but don't know where to start or what to do? Life throws many challenges at us and it can be hard to cope with them. You may be holding on to old wounds that have traumatized you. Your family might argue a lot and wish they could just talk to each other. You may be a parent of a neurodiverse child in need of guidance. Or maybe you see the world differently than other people and don't really fit in. Whatever it is that brought you here, you deserve to be happy and in control of your life.
In a time of rising harmful policies aimed toward LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent communities, the stress, fear, and grief you may be carrying make sense.
My approach is grounded in warmth, authenticity, and creating a nurturing space that can hold all parts of you: the quiet, quirky, bold, and uncertain. I believe hope itself can be a radical act. Together we’ll reconnect you with your power and move toward a life that feels authentic, even in hard times.
In a time of rising harmful policies aimed toward LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent communities, the stress, fear, and grief you may be carrying make sense.
My approach is grounded in warmth, authenticity, and creating a nurturing space that can hold all parts of you: the quiet, quirky, bold, and uncertain. I believe hope itself can be a radical act. Together we’ll reconnect you with your power and move toward a life that feels authentic, even in hard times.
I'm a queer, neurodivergent therapist that brings a queer, neurodiverse perspective to therapy.
If you're LGBT+ or neurodiverse, you know how murky and chaotic this road can be. It's a difficult journey, figuring yourself out and untangling yourself from your trauma. I'm here to help. I take a comfortable, compassionate, slightly humorous approach to therapy where I focus on self-empowerment in the face of complicated systems of oppression, collaboration with my clients where we go wherever you want to go in your journey, and discovering the joy of living authentically.
I'm a queer, neurodivergent therapist that brings a queer, neurodiverse perspective to therapy.
If you're LGBT+ or neurodiverse, you know how murky and chaotic this road can be. It's a difficult journey, figuring yourself out and untangling yourself from your trauma. I'm here to help. I take a comfortable, compassionate, slightly humorous approach to therapy where I focus on self-empowerment in the face of complicated systems of oppression, collaboration with my clients where we go wherever you want to go in your journey, and discovering the joy of living authentically.
Ryan Barclay
Licensed Professional Counselor, MC, LPC
3 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I am a neurodivergent-affirming trauma therapist specializing in queer identity.
My specialties include Neurodivergence, Queerness, Chronic Health Issues, Religious Trauma and Creativity. I view neurodivergence as an identity to be celebrated. I support people in breaking free from societal scripts. I help people lead rich and meaningful lives with disability. And I assist artists in removing blocks so they can create on their own terms.
I am a neurodivergent-affirming trauma therapist specializing in queer identity.
My specialties include Neurodivergence, Queerness, Chronic Health Issues, Religious Trauma and Creativity. I view neurodivergence as an identity to be celebrated. I support people in breaking free from societal scripts. I help people lead rich and meaningful lives with disability. And I assist artists in removing blocks so they can create on their own terms.
I specialize in working with neurodivergent individuals, including those with ADHD, autism, and sensory sensitivities, and also support clients facing a wide range of life challenges.
My style is collaborative, integrative, and mind-body focused, blending talk therapy, somatic tools, and EMDR to support healing on every level. I offer a warm, affirming space where you don’t have to mask or explain yourself. We’ll build on your strengths and find strategies that feel natural, grounding, and empowering.
I specialize in working with neurodivergent individuals, including those with ADHD, autism, and sensory sensitivities, and also support clients facing a wide range of life challenges.
My style is collaborative, integrative, and mind-body focused, blending talk therapy, somatic tools, and EMDR to support healing on every level. I offer a warm, affirming space where you don’t have to mask or explain yourself. We’ll build on your strengths and find strategies that feel natural, grounding, and empowering.
As an autistic person herself, Melissa is passionate about working with neurodivergent individuals and operates from a neuroaffirmative lens.
Melissa specializes in working with autistic and/or ADHD individuals and has experience providing support for a variety of concerns, including chronic illness, dissociative disorders, personality disorders, mood disorders, traumatic history, grief, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, OCD, relationship concerns, family conflict, and discrimination.
As an autistic person herself, Melissa is passionate about working with neurodivergent individuals and operates from a neuroaffirmative lens.
Melissa specializes in working with autistic and/or ADHD individuals and has experience providing support for a variety of concerns, including chronic illness, dissociative disorders, personality disorders, mood disorders, traumatic history, grief, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, OCD, relationship concerns, family conflict, and discrimination.
My years in counseling psychology and behavior have given me unique strengths in working with neurodivergent clients.
I work with individuals and families to help put them back in the driver's seat of their lives. I love to promote healthy growth, and counter the message of self-doubt. I try to point out how you deserve to treat yourself well, and deserve the life-altering fruits of the work you do on yourself. Life can be extremely difficult, it can be tough, it can be draining, it can be disheartening. That being said, there is a deep beauty in the struggle as it it's the first step to overcoming. We all have our share of the human spirit that provides a longing for growth, resilience, and drive to be the best versions of ourselves, Let me help.
My years in counseling psychology and behavior have given me unique strengths in working with neurodivergent clients.
I work with individuals and families to help put them back in the driver's seat of their lives. I love to promote healthy growth, and counter the message of self-doubt. I try to point out how you deserve to treat yourself well, and deserve the life-altering fruits of the work you do on yourself. Life can be extremely difficult, it can be tough, it can be draining, it can be disheartening. That being said, there is a deep beauty in the struggle as it it's the first step to overcoming. We all have our share of the human spirit that provides a longing for growth, resilience, and drive to be the best versions of ourselves, Let me help.
Our Licensed Behavior Analysts cen help with the assessment, planning and training of staff to work with young kids diagnosed with Autism.
Dr. Joseph Gentry obtained his doctoral degree from Illinois State University, with a specialization in consultation, assessment, and developmental disabilities. Dr. Gentry and his wife, Sarah, opened Gentry PBS in 2008 to provide a wide range of services to children in the Phoenix Metro area. Gentry Pediatric Behavioral Services is a multi-disciplinary private practice that brings psychologists, behavior analysts, and speech and language pathologists together. We are devoted to conducting *gold standard* diagnostic evaluations and providing comprehensive treatment options for children and families dealing with childhood struggles.
Our Licensed Behavior Analysts cen help with the assessment, planning and training of staff to work with young kids diagnosed with Autism.
Dr. Joseph Gentry obtained his doctoral degree from Illinois State University, with a specialization in consultation, assessment, and developmental disabilities. Dr. Gentry and his wife, Sarah, opened Gentry PBS in 2008 to provide a wide range of services to children in the Phoenix Metro area. Gentry Pediatric Behavioral Services is a multi-disciplinary private practice that brings psychologists, behavior analysts, and speech and language pathologists together. We are devoted to conducting *gold standard* diagnostic evaluations and providing comprehensive treatment options for children and families dealing with childhood struggles.
My evidence based practice includes competencies with Autism : L-1,(Formerly known as Asberger's) & all Anxiety/Depressive Disorders,Eating Disorders especially in children, teens, young adults.
Counseling is about "connecting the dots" not FOR people, but WITH them-Equipping people to become more effective in life! and..I believe that Faith and Science can co-exist in counseling effectively! Providing Evidence-based counseling for Autism, Depression & Anxiety Disorders, Trauma, OCD,ADHD, Eating Disorders,Parenting, marriage & relationships.
My evidence based practice includes competencies with Autism : L-1,(Formerly known as Asberger's) & all Anxiety/Depressive Disorders,Eating Disorders especially in children, teens, young adults.
Counseling is about "connecting the dots" not FOR people, but WITH them-Equipping people to become more effective in life! and..I believe that Faith and Science can co-exist in counseling effectively! Providing Evidence-based counseling for Autism, Depression & Anxiety Disorders, Trauma, OCD,ADHD, Eating Disorders,Parenting, marriage & relationships.
I am experienced in helping individuals with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, trauma, behavioral issues, and neurodivergent disabilities.
Accepting New Clients. Hi! I am a passionate therapist, focused on creating a relaxed comfortable environment where you feel empowered to share your story, recognize your own strengths, set goals and make impactful changes in your life. I strive to deeply understand my patients and help them develop understanding and compassion toward themselves. My style is straightforward, I believe that you are the expert of your own life. Our work will involve self-exploration and integrating new behaviors to foster growth and resilience.
I am experienced in helping individuals with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, trauma, behavioral issues, and neurodivergent disabilities.
Accepting New Clients. Hi! I am a passionate therapist, focused on creating a relaxed comfortable environment where you feel empowered to share your story, recognize your own strengths, set goals and make impactful changes in your life. I strive to deeply understand my patients and help them develop understanding and compassion toward themselves. My style is straightforward, I believe that you are the expert of your own life. Our work will involve self-exploration and integrating new behaviors to foster growth and resilience.
You are strong, you are resilient, and it is okay to need help! Life can often become extremely difficult. We are here to help. We will come alongside you in your journey as a trusted partner, teammate, and therapeutic provider. Someone to always be in your corner. We will help you be accountable for your life and we will be privileged to assist you in your time of need for your mental health related needs including substance abuse.
You are strong, you are resilient, and it is okay to need help! Life can often become extremely difficult. We are here to help. We will come alongside you in your journey as a trusted partner, teammate, and therapeutic provider. Someone to always be in your corner. We will help you be accountable for your life and we will be privileged to assist you in your time of need for your mental health related needs including substance abuse.
My expertise falls in IDD, Autism, visual supports, coaching, SMI, and group teachings.
Empowering your mental health journey with an evidenced based approach. Are you seeking services for yourself, child, your relationship, or maybe a family member? Want to focus on increasing motivation, creativity, self esteem, confidence, or organizational skills? Then I’m your gal. With a diverse range of expertise, I specialize in Play therapy, behavioral therapy, art expression, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution focused therapy, Positive Psychology, and mindfulness techniques.
My expertise falls in IDD, Autism, visual supports, coaching, SMI, and group teachings.
Empowering your mental health journey with an evidenced based approach. Are you seeking services for yourself, child, your relationship, or maybe a family member? Want to focus on increasing motivation, creativity, self esteem, confidence, or organizational skills? Then I’m your gal. With a diverse range of expertise, I specialize in Play therapy, behavioral therapy, art expression, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution focused therapy, Positive Psychology, and mindfulness techniques.
Now Taking Aetna and Cigna Insurance! Accepting New Clients. Now offering Supervision to AMFT's. I believe the relationship between therapist and client is essential to the overall success of therapy. By creating a safe and collaborative environment, we can navigate and explore some of the obstacles that are getting in the way of reaching your goals. I believe in fostering a supportive environment in which you will feel empowered to achieve personal growth and satisfying relationships with others.
Now Taking Aetna and Cigna Insurance! Accepting New Clients. Now offering Supervision to AMFT's. I believe the relationship between therapist and client is essential to the overall success of therapy. By creating a safe and collaborative environment, we can navigate and explore some of the obstacles that are getting in the way of reaching your goals. I believe in fostering a supportive environment in which you will feel empowered to achieve personal growth and satisfying relationships with others.
My ideal client is a neurodivergent adolescent or adult—someone who may have a diagnosis such as Autism Spectrum Disorder ( ASD), ADHD, or another neurodevelopmental condition—and is navigating a world not always designed for how they think, process, or engage.
Through specialized training in Play Therapy, AutPlay Therapy, and as an Advanced Certified Autism Specialist, I am equipped to support both children and adults across the neurodivergent spectrum. For children and teens, I use play-based and creative interventions that help process emotions, improve regulation, and build social confidence.
My ideal client is a neurodivergent adolescent or adult—someone who may have a diagnosis such as Autism Spectrum Disorder ( ASD), ADHD, or another neurodevelopmental condition—and is navigating a world not always designed for how they think, process, or engage.
Through specialized training in Play Therapy, AutPlay Therapy, and as an Advanced Certified Autism Specialist, I am equipped to support both children and adults across the neurodivergent spectrum. For children and teens, I use play-based and creative interventions that help process emotions, improve regulation, and build social confidence.
I provide psychological assessment and treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorders (children and adults), parent/child relationship issues, abuse/trauma/neglect, and attachment/foster-care/adoption issues.
I treat children in the context of the most important relationships - those with their caregivers. I believe that it is within the parent/child relationship that healing is truly possible, and involve parents or caregivers in all aspects of treatment. I provide individualized treatment based upon the needs of each patient.
I provide psychological assessment and treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorders (children and adults), parent/child relationship issues, abuse/trauma/neglect, and attachment/foster-care/adoption issues.
I treat children in the context of the most important relationships - those with their caregivers. I believe that it is within the parent/child relationship that healing is truly possible, and involve parents or caregivers in all aspects of treatment. I provide individualized treatment based upon the needs of each patient.
I am a firm believer that autism is a distinct neurotype and that neurodivergence is not a condition to be cured or an autistic person radically changed.
I am a doctoral-level BCBA, practicing applied behavior analysis with autistic children, adolescents, and adults.
I am a firm believer that autism is a distinct neurotype and that neurodivergence is not a condition to be cured or an autistic person radically changed.
I am a doctoral-level BCBA, practicing applied behavior analysis with autistic children, adolescents, and adults.
See more therapy options for Phoenix
Nearby Autism Therapists Searches for Phoenix
- Avondale
- Chandler
- Fountain Hills
- Glendale
- Goodyear
- Litchfield Park
- Mesa
- Paradise Valley
- Peoria
- Scottsdale
- Sun City
- Tempe
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.