Autism Therapists in San Francisco, CA
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Andrew Vogl
MA, BCBA
1 Endorsed
1 Endorsed
I provide coaching and therapy for
autism
and Asperger's and have been doing so for 30 years. Most of my clients consider themselves autistic or on the
autism
spectrum. My clients learn to understand
autism
on a deeper level. I work with my clients on black-and-white thinking, expressing emotions, the need for masking, and understanding the needs of others. My clients learn to prioritize flexibility from a heartfelt standpoint to achieve a better career, relationship, or social life. I also train parents to teach this process to their children. Parents learn to address difficult behaviors and limitations in communication.

Interconnect Therapy
MS, BCBA, she/her
I work closely with parents and children with complex behavioral and social challenges using evidence-based practices to improve the quality of life of the entire family system. This includes parent training, school consultation, early intervention support and 1:1 child therapy for children with developmental delays, anxiety and the neurodiverse community (
Autism
, ADHD, etc.) and those without a diagnosis. With over 13 years of experience working closely with children of all ages in the field of psychology, child development and applied behavior analysis, I welcome everyone to my practice.

Riley Jana Morgan | Autism Focused | Neurodiversity Affirming
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified
Verified
If you are an Autistic adult or teen seeking
autism
-focused and neurodivergent affirming therapy, I will help you feel safe, supported, and heard with compassion and, as an Autistic therapist myself, I truly get it!
Autism
-focused therapy is informed by the neurodiversity affirming model to address your unique concerns by reducing anxiety, depression, masking, autistic burnout, emotional distress of meltdowns & shutdowns, low self-esteem, family conflict, and difficulties with work or school performance, among many other concerns. I also welcome your authentic self and support my LGBTQIA+, transgender, nonbinary, and BIPOC clients.

Lori Mothersell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
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.
Mina Park
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
I have over 15 years of specialty training and experience in providing evidence-based care to children, teens, and adults with
autism
spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodivergent profiles. I also work with family members (parents, siblings, and spouses) to provide education, training, and support. I primarily use a cognitive behavioral therapy framework and draw upon other strategies as needed. Our sessions will be practical, skills-based, and goals-oriented. We will focus on learning more helpful ways of thinking about and responding to different situations.
Waitlist for new clients

Ari Daphne Vinion
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MFTA, PCCA
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I want to support my clients in feeling whole. 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. I specialize in working with neurodivergant people and couples. My young clients enjoy my playful interventions that help them feel confident and proud of being uniquely themselves. My adult clients are relived to tackle challenges without shame and ableism.

Dr. Irada Wattanavitukul
Psychological Associate, PhD
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I am an Asian therapist who specialize in working with kids, individuals, and families experiencing and navigating learning disabilities, developmental disabilities including
Autism
and ADHD. I provide family therapy, individual counseling guidance and coaching (for children and teens), and evaluation / assessment for ADHD and
Autism
. Evaluation and Assessments are provided for age 6 and up. I also provide adult ADHD and
Autism
assessments.

Spectrum Psych | Los Angeles
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
Psychologists in our practice have trained at top programs specializing in the assessment and intervention of neurodiverse individuals, with primary focus on
autism
spectrum disorder, ADHD, learning disorders, behavioral challenges, anxiety, and mood concerns.
We help children, adolescents, and adults improve their ability to regulate their emotions, target anxiety and depression, increase flexibility, bolster executive functioning, improve friendships and social relationships, and build independent living skills. Treatment is always individualized to target specific goals based on unique needs. We also offer individualized parent management training to teach parents strategies to improve their child's ability to follow directions and decrease challenging behaviors using positive behavioral supports and appropriate consequences. Additionally, we offer comprehensive diagnostic evaluations!

Doc Wilson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
Autism
Spectrum Disorder, Bipolar, and Schizophrenia.
Aloha! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with many years’ experience who provides help with psychotherapy to various populations in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I live on the Big Island of Hawaii and am licensed in both Hawaii and California and love developing trusting rapport with my patients from all different cultures and backgrounds. While I offer a patient-centered approach to each individual, I really enjoy helping families and groups who might be struggling with issues including Addiction,
Waitlist for new clients

Allyson Gayle Moore
Marriage & Family Therapist, BCBA, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT) with comprehensive knowledge and extensive experience serving individuals with
Autism
Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental, intellectual, and mental health disabilities, as well as supporting, collaborating, and coordinating care with their families and other service providers.

Illume Psychology Incorporated
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
Verified
I provide developmental assessments (identifying the presence of
autism
and other developmental differences), ADHD diagnosis, and personality/mood evaluations.
You may be here because you have unanswered questions or concerns about your child. You may be wondering if your child's development is on track. You may have concerns about their ability to focus and be successful in school. Your child may be struggling in their social relationships or you may be struggling to manage their challenging behaviors. As parents, it is heart-wrenching when we realize our children are struggling and we don't know how best to support them.

Danielle Brandys
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I provide evidence-based, compassionate, and supportive therapy treatment to individuals struggling with anxiety, dating, peer relationships, life transitions, and personal/career/school related development. My approaches include a mix of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), attachment-based therapy, coaching, and exposure therapy. I have a vast interest and experience in treating different areas and types of anxiety, assertiveness, panic, self-advocacy, dating, self esteem, and
autism
spectrum disorder.

Christine Lee
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
My name is Christine Lee, and I am a licensed clinical social worker in San Francisco with a virtual private therapy practice. I am the mother of two sons who have faced significant medical challenges. My younger son has non-verbal
autism
. Because of my own parenting experiences, I understand the extreme stress that special needs parents can face. I am passionate about helping parents and families thrive by developing coping strategies and a personalized road map to move forward in a positive direction.

Graham (Woo) Holoch
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I specialize in working with teenagers, young adults, adult couples, and families with a member or members on the ASD, and/or diagnosed with ADHD. I am dedicated to supporting neurodiverse folx in identifying and engaging with their goals. My areas of experience include transitioning life stages, "failure to launch" syndrome, social skills, finding community, anxiety, depression, supporting people diagnosed and undiagnosed with ADHD, and the nuanced experience of being on the
Autism
Spectrum.
Not accepting new clients
Stephanie Golinveaux
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I specialize in the treatment and assessment of people struggling with Anxiety, Addiction and recovery, Childhood trauma, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, ADHD,
Autism
Spectrum Disorder, Depression and Bipolar Disorders, Psychotic Spectrum Disorders and Personality Disorders.
Hello! I'm Dr. G - I believe therapy is transformative. That being said, therapy is not “one size fits all,” and finding what works for you is a critical part of the process. My personal style combines empathy and trust, with understanding and some humor. Please reach out if you have any questions about therapy, mental health, or my practice.

Scott D. Altamirano
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified
Verified
I also work with people with people on the
autism
spectrum.
Accepting new clients as of Mar 2023. Dealing with something you can't just overcome? I work with clients using a mixture of humor and challenge to deal with the heavy, immovable problems in life. I work with clients dealing with alcoholism, substance use, domestic violence, infidelity, codependency, attachment issues, and issues with sexual attraction. I assist clients in approaching the problem through education and attachment theory, which focuses on how we form relationships and the relationship we have to ourselves.

Menlo Psychological
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
At Menlo Psych we offer expert evaluations via Tele-Health for patients in California and New York. We provide clinical evaluations for
autism
, ADHD, personality and mood disorders, and more!
San Francisco, CA 94103
& Online

Lisa Sporri
Psychologist, PhD, MEd
Verified
Verified
Services: Neuropsychological Evaluations, Cogmed Working Memory Training, Treatment Planning, and School Consultations for children with a learning disability,
autism
spectrum disorders, ADHD, acquired brain injury, sports concussion, test accommodations (i.
Are you concerned about your child's development? Is your child experiencing learning difficulties? I conduct pediatric neuropsychological evaluations to help understand how your child learns best and then provide recommendations based on that learning profile. My goal is to bridge the gap between neuropsychological assessment and educational/treatment programming. I am not only a pediatric neuropsychologist, but have a master's degree in special education. This enables me to better integrate the neuropsychological assessment and educational programming. Integral to my approach is translating the neurocognitive profile to parents, educators and physicians in a meaningful, practical and collaborative manner.

Barbara Ochsner-Walsh
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
Verified
Problems for individuals can include, eating disorders, organizational/relationship problems, ADD,
Autism
, and reaching life goals.
With more than 20 yrs as a life coach and now a clinical psychologist as well, I work with the elderly and their family members who are experiencing gerontological issues. This can be either within the family or in a residential setting. I work with couples in primary relationships with external issues that can include unemployment, substance abuse, parenting, as well as those specific to the relationship such as communication difficulties and maintaining a healthy sexual/intimate life. For individuals who are stuck in any area, together we'll identify the issues and how to resolve them.
Not accepting new clients

Ilana Cohen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
My areas of Interest & Expertise: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Relationship Issues, Breakups, Anxiety, Depression, Life Transitions & Changes, Grief , Repeating Negative Life Patterns, Body Image, Self Esteem & Self Worth, Bullying, Learning Disabilities, Achieving Goals, Resilience, Mindfulness,
Autism
Spectrum Disorder (mild to moderate), School Consult.
Hello! I am a psychotherapist in the Bay Area, California, who specializes in working with children, adolescents, and adults. My style of therapy is relational, strength based, evidence based, and integrative. I am warm, authentic, humorous (we have to have humor in the hard times!) and direct. The therapeutic relationship between my clients and me is of the utmost importance. I see it as a collaborative, personal, and ever evolving one.
See more therapy options for
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.