Autism Therapists in Oakland, CA
I have worked in education for over 20 years. I obtained a Ph.D. in Counseling and Human Development. I am also a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP#3002), Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D#1-11-9745), and a Diplomat from the American Board of School Neuropsychology (ABSNP#10246). In addition, I hold a Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential in the areas of: Counseling, Child Welfare and Attendance, and School Psychology. My areas of special training and expertise include school neuropsychological evaluations, functional behavioral assessments, and treatment planning for a range of neurodevelopmental disorders that affect learning and behavior.
I have worked in education for over 20 years. I obtained a Ph.D. in Counseling and Human Development. I am also a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP#3002), Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D#1-11-9745), and a Diplomat from the American Board of School Neuropsychology (ABSNP#10246). In addition, I hold a Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential in the areas of: Counseling, Child Welfare and Attendance, and School Psychology. My areas of special training and expertise include school neuropsychological evaluations, functional behavioral assessments, and treatment planning for a range of neurodevelopmental disorders that affect learning and behavior.
This can mean learning how to safely unmask your Autism or ADHD, healing traumas old & new, setting healthy boundaries, strengthening communication with partners, learning new ways to approach challenges without shame, or bringing compassion to chronically ill bodyminds.
As a nurodivergant, disabled, queer, and chronically ill person myself, I work from a stance of lived as well as professional experience. I know how hard it can be to find a therapist who is interested in the full experience of living in your bodymind as opposed to trying to diagnose and fit you into interventions that 'should' work.
This can mean learning how to safely unmask your Autism or ADHD, healing traumas old & new, setting healthy boundaries, strengthening communication with partners, learning new ways to approach challenges without shame, or bringing compassion to chronically ill bodyminds.
As a nurodivergant, disabled, queer, and chronically ill person myself, I work from a stance of lived as well as professional experience. I know how hard it can be to find a therapist who is interested in the full experience of living in your bodymind as opposed to trying to diagnose and fit you into interventions that 'should' work.
My focus is on helping people to break free from painful, unwanted patterns in their lives, and to find greater confidence, connection, and joy. Couples work is a primary focus of my practice, and I work with couples at all stages of relationship. I help partners interrupt destructive fights, build effective communication skills, and create greater intimacy.
My focus is on helping people to break free from painful, unwanted patterns in their lives, and to find greater confidence, connection, and joy. Couples work is a primary focus of my practice, and I work with couples at all stages of relationship. I help partners interrupt destructive fights, build effective communication skills, and create greater intimacy.
I have extensive experience of Autism.
I work with individuals, couples, and families to guide them to achieve more satisfying, meaningful relationships and social adjustment. I believe therapy is a collaborative, creative process to unveil hidden strengths and courage to motivate change and create new experiences in your life. Creating a therapeutic relationship that feels safe and trusting enough to take personal and emotional risks is important. Through an eclectic approach best suited for my client, I have had success treating a wide range of issues including: anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, past trauma, and grief/loss.
I have extensive experience of Autism.
I work with individuals, couples, and families to guide them to achieve more satisfying, meaningful relationships and social adjustment. I believe therapy is a collaborative, creative process to unveil hidden strengths and courage to motivate change and create new experiences in your life. Creating a therapeutic relationship that feels safe and trusting enough to take personal and emotional risks is important. Through an eclectic approach best suited for my client, I have had success treating a wide range of issues including: anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, past trauma, and grief/loss.
In addition to traditional psychotherapy, I offer private pay ADHD and Autism evaluations for both children and adults.
My specialties include: Trauma, CPTSD, ADHD, Autism spectrum disorder, Gender exploration, Sensory Processing Disorder, Learning Disorders, Psychological Assessments
In addition to traditional psychotherapy, I offer private pay ADHD and Autism evaluations for both children and adults.
My specialties include: Trauma, CPTSD, ADHD, Autism spectrum disorder, Gender exploration, Sensory Processing Disorder, Learning Disorders, Psychological Assessments
Do you reside in California and require assistance navigating the IEP process for your child? Are you a parent, guardian, conservator or residential home administrator for a child or adult with special needs who requires an effective behavior plan or would benefit from an analytic approach to teaching life skills? Do you want a behavior assessment conducted for your child that is thorough and easy to understand? Please call us for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Do you reside in California and require assistance navigating the IEP process for your child? Are you a parent, guardian, conservator or residential home administrator for a child or adult with special needs who requires an effective behavior plan or would benefit from an analytic approach to teaching life skills? Do you want a behavior assessment conducted for your child that is thorough and easy to understand? Please call us for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Are you (potentially) neurodivergent and feeling exhausted by daily life?
My therapy style offers humor, collaboration, and structure tailored to your needs. We'll develop practical skills and get to know your authentic self so that you can feel more balanced, capable, and energized. I also specialize in areas such as LGBTQ+ and gender identity and co-occurring conditions like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
Are you (potentially) neurodivergent and feeling exhausted by daily life?
My therapy style offers humor, collaboration, and structure tailored to your needs. We'll develop practical skills and get to know your authentic self so that you can feel more balanced, capable, and energized. I also specialize in areas such as LGBTQ+ and gender identity and co-occurring conditions like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
Culturally affirming, Neurodivergent-affirming, and social justice-aligned offerings of healing and therapy for youth and adults who identify as multi-cultural/ethnic/racial/mixed race, BIPOC, neurodivergent, Autistic, ADHD, disabled, quirky, creative, LGBTQIA2S, and/or from traditionally marginalized communities or global majority.
My work with every client is personalized, trauma-informed, rooted in strengths, collaborative, neurodiversity-affirming, and culturally tailored to your needs and experiences. I believe that each client possesses the intergenerational heirlooms of innate resilience, spirituality, and introspection that serve as tools to assist in your healing journey. You are the expert of your experience and I am here to offer hope and support you as you share your narrative and author a new chapter of healing, continuing to grow into your best self, discovering balance, serenity, joy, and connecting with yourself and surroundings.
Culturally affirming, Neurodivergent-affirming, and social justice-aligned offerings of healing and therapy for youth and adults who identify as multi-cultural/ethnic/racial/mixed race, BIPOC, neurodivergent, Autistic, ADHD, disabled, quirky, creative, LGBTQIA2S, and/or from traditionally marginalized communities or global majority.
My work with every client is personalized, trauma-informed, rooted in strengths, collaborative, neurodiversity-affirming, and culturally tailored to your needs and experiences. I believe that each client possesses the intergenerational heirlooms of innate resilience, spirituality, and introspection that serve as tools to assist in your healing journey. You are the expert of your experience and I am here to offer hope and support you as you share your narrative and author a new chapter of healing, continuing to grow into your best self, discovering balance, serenity, joy, and connecting with yourself and surroundings.
My other main areas of focus include addiction, autism, ADHD, AuDHD, and chronic/progressive illnesses (including long COVID, HIV/AIDS, TBI, experiences of medical gaslighting, and supporting partners of people living with terminal illnesses).
I'm authentic and direct. I value science equally with the domain of intuition and art. My style is anchored in cognitive science, EMDR, attachment theory, mindfulness, social justice, parts work, somatic psychology, psychodynamic theory, and depth psychotherapy. I'm queer and LGBTQIA+ aligned, and I consider myself an especially huge nerd with evolutionary psychology.
My other main areas of focus include addiction, autism, ADHD, AuDHD, and chronic/progressive illnesses (including long COVID, HIV/AIDS, TBI, experiences of medical gaslighting, and supporting partners of people living with terminal illnesses).
I'm authentic and direct. I value science equally with the domain of intuition and art. My style is anchored in cognitive science, EMDR, attachment theory, mindfulness, social justice, parts work, somatic psychology, psychodynamic theory, and depth psychotherapy. I'm queer and LGBTQIA+ aligned, and I consider myself an especially huge nerd with evolutionary psychology.
I appreciate the opportunity to work with BIPOC, LGBTQIA folks, adult children of immigrants, those living with a chronic illness (cancer, HIV, lupus, MS, fibromyalgia), and neurodivergent people.
Therapy is a time that's about YOU! It's a non-judgmental space where you can explore issues that you may have identified or you're not quite sure why you feel stuck. You might be dealing with anxiety, depression, childhood trauma, ancestral trauma, or other things you just can't seem to resolve. You might have difficulty with personal boundaries or be experiencing repeated relationship conflicts. If you could have a regular place to address the things that burden you, imagine how different life could be?
I appreciate the opportunity to work with BIPOC, LGBTQIA folks, adult children of immigrants, those living with a chronic illness (cancer, HIV, lupus, MS, fibromyalgia), and neurodivergent people.
Therapy is a time that's about YOU! It's a non-judgmental space where you can explore issues that you may have identified or you're not quite sure why you feel stuck. You might be dealing with anxiety, depression, childhood trauma, ancestral trauma, or other things you just can't seem to resolve. You might have difficulty with personal boundaries or be experiencing repeated relationship conflicts. If you could have a regular place to address the things that burden you, imagine how different life could be?
APS specializes in providing psychological evaluations to assess for disorders like Autism, Intellectual Disability and severe psychiatric conditions.
At Ability Psychological Services, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and professional psychological evaluation services. With expertise in neurodevelopmental and psychological evaluations, our team is committed to helping individuals and families achieve optimal well-being. Our approach is rooted in evidence-based and culturally comprehensive practices, ensuring our clients' highest quality of care.
APS specializes in providing psychological evaluations to assess for disorders like Autism, Intellectual Disability and severe psychiatric conditions.
At Ability Psychological Services, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and professional psychological evaluation services. With expertise in neurodevelopmental and psychological evaluations, our team is committed to helping individuals and families achieve optimal well-being. Our approach is rooted in evidence-based and culturally comprehensive practices, ensuring our clients' highest quality of care.
I specialize in trauma (EMDR certified), grief and loss, career, disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, depression, and anxiety.
I will listen, build rapport and trust, and collaborate on overcoming issues and achieving goals.
I specialize in trauma (EMDR certified), grief and loss, career, disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, depression, and anxiety.
I will listen, build rapport and trust, and collaborate on overcoming issues and achieving goals.
My clients are adults, adolescents, couples, or families navigating grief, trauma, addiction, relational struggles, questions of identity, and issues relating to neurodivergence, and autism in particular.
I provide trauma-informed psychodynamic and relational therapy, integrating EMDR, somatic practices, parts work (IFS), and substance use counseling. I support clients navigating grief, trauma, identity, neurodivergence, and relational challenges, helping them uncover meaning, and develop ways of being that foster insight, healing, and lasting change.
My clients are adults, adolescents, couples, or families navigating grief, trauma, addiction, relational struggles, questions of identity, and issues relating to neurodivergence, and autism in particular.
I provide trauma-informed psychodynamic and relational therapy, integrating EMDR, somatic practices, parts work (IFS), and substance use counseling. I support clients navigating grief, trauma, identity, neurodivergence, and relational challenges, helping them uncover meaning, and develop ways of being that foster insight, healing, and lasting change.
People come to therapy with unique needs, concerns, and life circumstances. Through the process of self-inquiry, I help clients gain insight and develop effective coping skills to move through a challenge with greater ease and understanding. My therapeutic style is warm, compassionate and curious about one's experience. I use an attachment based, person-centered approach that offers individuals and couples clarity around repetitive patterns that cause pain, conflict, and limit growth.
People come to therapy with unique needs, concerns, and life circumstances. Through the process of self-inquiry, I help clients gain insight and develop effective coping skills to move through a challenge with greater ease and understanding. My therapeutic style is warm, compassionate and curious about one's experience. I use an attachment based, person-centered approach that offers individuals and couples clarity around repetitive patterns that cause pain, conflict, and limit growth.
Many identify as neurodivergent, autistic, or ADHD, with or without a diagnosis.
The "problem" isn't you, it's a world that wasn't built for you. The most important way to help a client is by being a person who speaks their language. As a neurodivergent therapist, I work with my clients to improve their quality of life in a way that works with their unique qualities and diverse neurotypes rather than changing who they are.
Many identify as neurodivergent, autistic, or ADHD, with or without a diagnosis.
The "problem" isn't you, it's a world that wasn't built for you. The most important way to help a client is by being a person who speaks their language. As a neurodivergent therapist, I work with my clients to improve their quality of life in a way that works with their unique qualities and diverse neurotypes rather than changing who they are.
Is one or more of your kids on the Spectrum or have the ASD/ADD/OCD triad?
I have more than a decade of professional and personal experience (my two sons are on the spectrum) working with problems associated with having a neurodiverse family. I work with individuals and couples affected by ASD, ADD and OCD. I have been working for more than 2 decades with members of the LGBTQ community.
Is one or more of your kids on the Spectrum or have the ASD/ADD/OCD triad?
I have more than a decade of professional and personal experience (my two sons are on the spectrum) working with problems associated with having a neurodiverse family. I work with individuals and couples affected by ASD, ADD and OCD. I have been working for more than 2 decades with members of the LGBTQ community.
I offer recommendations for accommodations and interventions to address learning disabilities, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, mental health challenges, substance abuse, and other issues.
I offer psychotherapy for ages 14 and up and neuropsychological assessment for ages 6 and up. My therapy approach is relational and solution focused and begins with building a mutual understanding of your goals and how those goals will make a positive difference in your life. If aligned with your goals, I may introduce CBT and DBT informed interventions to address specific concerns. My assessments provide comprehensive written reports of clients' learning and mental health profiles, which may be used to document diagnoses so clients receive appropriate accommodations in school and/or on standardized admissions/licensing exams.
I offer recommendations for accommodations and interventions to address learning disabilities, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, mental health challenges, substance abuse, and other issues.
I offer psychotherapy for ages 14 and up and neuropsychological assessment for ages 6 and up. My therapy approach is relational and solution focused and begins with building a mutual understanding of your goals and how those goals will make a positive difference in your life. If aligned with your goals, I may introduce CBT and DBT informed interventions to address specific concerns. My assessments provide comprehensive written reports of clients' learning and mental health profiles, which may be used to document diagnoses so clients receive appropriate accommodations in school and/or on standardized admissions/licensing exams.
I offer non-medication-based options such as neurofeedback to address issues of anxiety, depression, ADHD, and autism.
ADHD has become the catch-all diagnosis for everything that is wrong with a person, no matter what is causing the symptoms. Our experienced clinicians at Brain Wellness Center use responsible and scientific evaluation along with non-medication based treatment alternatives.
I offer non-medication-based options such as neurofeedback to address issues of anxiety, depression, ADHD, and autism.
ADHD has become the catch-all diagnosis for everything that is wrong with a person, no matter what is causing the symptoms. Our experienced clinicians at Brain Wellness Center use responsible and scientific evaluation along with non-medication based treatment alternatives.
I’m passionate about supporting clients struggling with anxiety, OCD, or compulsive behaviors, as well as neurodivergent individuals (ADHD, Autism) seeking greater self-understanding and self-compassion.
I utilize elements of dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness based approaches with all clients to assist them with implementing skills. Clients who are neurodiverse are given psychoeducation to better understand themselves. Individuals who have OCD receive ERP treatment to reduce compulsions and change anxiety cognitions.
I’m passionate about supporting clients struggling with anxiety, OCD, or compulsive behaviors, as well as neurodivergent individuals (ADHD, Autism) seeking greater self-understanding and self-compassion.
I utilize elements of dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness based approaches with all clients to assist them with implementing skills. Clients who are neurodiverse are given psychoeducation to better understand themselves. Individuals who have OCD receive ERP treatment to reduce compulsions and change anxiety cognitions.
I specialize in supporting Black, POC, Queer, and neurodivergent individuals, recognizing how intersecting identities shape mental health.
As a relational, trauma-informed therapist, I believe in your capacity to heal and grow. My approach is eclectic and strengths-based, centered on your innate abilities and resources to build resilience. I’m trained in EMDR and incorporate techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, and Narrative Therapy to support your unique journey.
I specialize in supporting Black, POC, Queer, and neurodivergent individuals, recognizing how intersecting identities shape mental health.
As a relational, trauma-informed therapist, I believe in your capacity to heal and grow. My approach is eclectic and strengths-based, centered on your innate abilities and resources to build resilience. I’m trained in EMDR and incorporate techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, and Narrative Therapy to support your unique journey.
See more therapy options for Oakland
Nearby Autism Therapists Searches for Oakland
- Alameda
- Albany
- Berkeley
- Castro Valley
- El Cerrito
- Emeryville
- Lafayette
- Moraga
- Orinda
- Piedmont
- San Francisco
- San Leandro
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.