Autism Therapists in Vista, CA
I specialize in working with adults on the autism spectrum who struggle with anxiety or depression, or who need support with navigating the academic, occupational, or social world.
I can help with stress management, emotion regulation, social skills, habit change, and executive functioning. My methods include CBT, ACT, IFS, and general talk therapy. I am also certified to provide Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), and intend to integrate other forms of psychedelic assisted therapy when legalized.
I specialize in working with adults on the autism spectrum who struggle with anxiety or depression, or who need support with navigating the academic, occupational, or social world.
I can help with stress management, emotion regulation, social skills, habit change, and executive functioning. My methods include CBT, ACT, IFS, and general talk therapy. I am also certified to provide Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), and intend to integrate other forms of psychedelic assisted therapy when legalized.
Understanding our emotions can sometimes feel like navigating a maze without a map. From the earliest moments of our lives, our relationships shape who we are and how we relate to the world. I'm Dr. Lisette Montañez, a licensed psychologist at Coastal Therapy Group in Carlsbad and Vista. I help teens, adults, and couples untangle the emotional threads that weave through their past and present. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, navigating relationship dynamics, processing trauma, or exploring your identity, I offer a safe and supportive space to explore your feelings at your own pace. I am actively taking new patients 4/1/2026.
Understanding our emotions can sometimes feel like navigating a maze without a map. From the earliest moments of our lives, our relationships shape who we are and how we relate to the world. I'm Dr. Lisette Montañez, a licensed psychologist at Coastal Therapy Group in Carlsbad and Vista. I help teens, adults, and couples untangle the emotional threads that weave through their past and present. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, navigating relationship dynamics, processing trauma, or exploring your identity, I offer a safe and supportive space to explore your feelings at your own pace. I am actively taking new patients 4/1/2026.
Now accepting multiples insurance programs!
When trouble arises in life, the emotions that come with it tend to be overwhelming, and it can be hard to find the words to describe the problem. This can block the decision making process and halt forward movement. Seeking outside helps solve this. Some people are skeptical about the role that therapy could play in their life, and I can sympathize. Whether you’re a skeptic, or looking for counsel, please keep reading.
My job will be to show you just how capable you are. I will teach you how to cope with negative thoughts when they inevitably happen, and help you retrain your brain.
Now accepting multiples insurance programs!
When trouble arises in life, the emotions that come with it tend to be overwhelming, and it can be hard to find the words to describe the problem. This can block the decision making process and halt forward movement. Seeking outside helps solve this. Some people are skeptical about the role that therapy could play in their life, and I can sympathize. Whether you’re a skeptic, or looking for counsel, please keep reading.
My job will be to show you just how capable you are. I will teach you how to cope with negative thoughts when they inevitably happen, and help you retrain your brain.
My clients are individuals who often carry with them unresolved feelings from either their past or present challenges. Viewing those issues from an objective and trusted practitioner is vital to the change process. Always viewing my clients with unconditional positive regard is essential to us being successful. Therapy can often be the first time someone gets to step out of the day to day of their lives. My hope is during this introspection, I can coach you in the direction you need to go, not where my training thinks you should go. While I may illuminate potential paths, you're taking the steps with me right behind you!
My clients are individuals who often carry with them unresolved feelings from either their past or present challenges. Viewing those issues from an objective and trusted practitioner is vital to the change process. Always viewing my clients with unconditional positive regard is essential to us being successful. Therapy can often be the first time someone gets to step out of the day to day of their lives. My hope is during this introspection, I can coach you in the direction you need to go, not where my training thinks you should go. While I may illuminate potential paths, you're taking the steps with me right behind you!
I can assess for learning differences (i.e. dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia), ADHD, autism, etc.
As a licensed educational psychologist, I am here to support individuals of all ages and their families. I enjoy helping adults (e.g., those seeking diagnostic clarity after years of misdiagnosis, masking, etc.) in addition to families with children. I have assessed children of various ages but have the most experience working with adolescents. I can help parents identify their child's unique strengths and challenges in addition to offering recommendations on how best to support them.
I can assess for learning differences (i.e. dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia), ADHD, autism, etc.
As a licensed educational psychologist, I am here to support individuals of all ages and their families. I enjoy helping adults (e.g., those seeking diagnostic clarity after years of misdiagnosis, masking, etc.) in addition to families with children. I have assessed children of various ages but have the most experience working with adolescents. I can help parents identify their child's unique strengths and challenges in addition to offering recommendations on how best to support them.
Whether a family needs help managing difficult situations with their child’s school in the IEP process, assessments for autism, ADHD, Learning disabilities, or in adaptive domains, I am able to write and explain the comprehensive reports.
Assessments
1:1 individual therapy
Small group play
Family collaboration
IEP or 504 plan consults
Whether a family needs help managing difficult situations with their child’s school in the IEP process, assessments for autism, ADHD, Learning disabilities, or in adaptive domains, I am able to write and explain the comprehensive reports.
Assessments
1:1 individual therapy
Small group play
Family collaboration
IEP or 504 plan consults
I believe you already have strengths within you—sometimes you just need support in uncovering them. If you're feeling overwhelmed or stuck, I offer a safe space where we can work together to build on what's working and develop practical strategies tailored to you. You don't have to navigate this alone. Let's move forward together.
I believe you already have strengths within you—sometimes you just need support in uncovering them. If you're feeling overwhelmed or stuck, I offer a safe space where we can work together to build on what's working and develop practical strategies tailored to you. You don't have to navigate this alone. Let's move forward together.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed out or sad to the point that you can't live the life you want? Do you want to feel better & have a life worth living? Personal Evolution Psychotherapy (PEP) is a team of therapists that use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to overcome social anxiety, depression, communication & relationship issues, family conflict, panic, excessive worry & depression. We provide much more than traditional talk therapy & help you get results to help control your emotions & your life. By doing this we can help more quickly.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed out or sad to the point that you can't live the life you want? Do you want to feel better & have a life worth living? Personal Evolution Psychotherapy (PEP) is a team of therapists that use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to overcome social anxiety, depression, communication & relationship issues, family conflict, panic, excessive worry & depression. We provide much more than traditional talk therapy & help you get results to help control your emotions & your life. By doing this we can help more quickly.
Is excessive worry or sadness limiting your life? Do you want to feel better and live a life worth living? Helping our clients overcome social anxiety, depression, communication & relationship issues, panic, excessive worry & depression is our primary focus. By using proven therapy methods (We are Dialectical Behavior Therapy - DBT specialists) we will focus on specific problems, solutions, skills & reachable goals. We provide much more than traditional talk therapy & help you get results to help control your emotions & your life. By doing this we can help more quickly.
Is excessive worry or sadness limiting your life? Do you want to feel better and live a life worth living? Helping our clients overcome social anxiety, depression, communication & relationship issues, panic, excessive worry & depression is our primary focus. By using proven therapy methods (We are Dialectical Behavior Therapy - DBT specialists) we will focus on specific problems, solutions, skills & reachable goals. We provide much more than traditional talk therapy & help you get results to help control your emotions & your life. By doing this we can help more quickly.
Anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, and the weight of past experiences don't just cause pain - they shape how you see yourself and how you show up with the people you love. If you've found yourself caught in the same patterns, wondering why things feel harder than they should, or simply wanting to understand yourself more deeply, psychodynamic therapy offers something most approaches don't: the chance to get at what's actually driving the difficulty, not just manage it. I work with adults, teens, and children in Encinitas and Vista, and I'm currently accepting new patients.
Anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, and the weight of past experiences don't just cause pain - they shape how you see yourself and how you show up with the people you love. If you've found yourself caught in the same patterns, wondering why things feel harder than they should, or simply wanting to understand yourself more deeply, psychodynamic therapy offers something most approaches don't: the chance to get at what's actually driving the difficulty, not just manage it. I work with adults, teens, and children in Encinitas and Vista, and I'm currently accepting new patients.
There are times when we act in ways that don’t align with what we truly want or need, and we may not even understand why. You might feel overwhelmed, stressed, or unsure how to express your needs to the people who matter most. Or, perhaps you feel disconnected from yourself, which can make it difficult to have meaningful and close relationships with others. It’s not uncommon for this to bring up feelings like guilt, anger, or not feeling good enough, and other emotions that can be hard to talk about or manage. I work with both children and adults, supporting them gaining deeper self-awareness, and positive connections with others.
There are times when we act in ways that don’t align with what we truly want or need, and we may not even understand why. You might feel overwhelmed, stressed, or unsure how to express your needs to the people who matter most. Or, perhaps you feel disconnected from yourself, which can make it difficult to have meaningful and close relationships with others. It’s not uncommon for this to bring up feelings like guilt, anger, or not feeling good enough, and other emotions that can be hard to talk about or manage. I work with both children and adults, supporting them gaining deeper self-awareness, and positive connections with others.
Personal Evolution Psychotherapy Private DBT IOP
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DBT IOP
Vista, CA 92084
When your child or young adult is self-harming, suicidal, explosive, or spiraling despite therapy or medication, weekly counseling is not enough. If you are worried about safety, repeated crises, or hospitalization, intensive treatment may be needed now.
Personal Evolution Psychotherapy provides full, comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) — one of the most effective treatments for chronic suicidality, self-harm, and severe emotional dysregulation. Our private DBT Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) delivers structured, high-support care for teens and young adults whose lives feel chaotic, unsafe, or out of control.
When your child or young adult is self-harming, suicidal, explosive, or spiraling despite therapy or medication, weekly counseling is not enough. If you are worried about safety, repeated crises, or hospitalization, intensive treatment may be needed now.
Personal Evolution Psychotherapy provides full, comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) — one of the most effective treatments for chronic suicidality, self-harm, and severe emotional dysregulation. Our private DBT Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) delivers structured, high-support care for teens and young adults whose lives feel chaotic, unsafe, or out of control.
Need a therapist who accepts Aetna, Optum, Cigna/Evernorth, or Blue Shield and can see you soon? As Clinical Director of Therapy For You Counseling Center, I help children, teens, young adults, and adults get connected to effective, compassionate therapy quickly — either with me or with one of our highly trained therapists. Many people contact us when they feel overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, burned out, or unsure how to cope with everything they’re carrying. You may be struggling with constant worry, panic, low motivation, or major life changes. Therapy can help you regain stability, clarity, and a sense of control.
Need a therapist who accepts Aetna, Optum, Cigna/Evernorth, or Blue Shield and can see you soon? As Clinical Director of Therapy For You Counseling Center, I help children, teens, young adults, and adults get connected to effective, compassionate therapy quickly — either with me or with one of our highly trained therapists. Many people contact us when they feel overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, burned out, or unsure how to cope with everything they’re carrying. You may be struggling with constant worry, panic, low motivation, or major life changes. Therapy can help you regain stability, clarity, and a sense of control.
DBT for Children -Personal Evolution Psychotherapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Vista, CA 92084
Does your child exhibit out of control behaviors? Are you afraid or anxious to take your child out in public? Do you feel like you’re being held hostage by your child? Does your child yell or scream at you? Does your child try to hit or bite you? Does your child get in trouble/suspended/expelled from school?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you and your child would likely benefit from DBT-C - Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Children. PEP offers this exclusive program in both our traditional outpatient setting as well as our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP).
Does your child exhibit out of control behaviors? Are you afraid or anxious to take your child out in public? Do you feel like you’re being held hostage by your child? Does your child yell or scream at you? Does your child try to hit or bite you? Does your child get in trouble/suspended/expelled from school?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you and your child would likely benefit from DBT-C - Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Children. PEP offers this exclusive program in both our traditional outpatient setting as well as our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP).
Lubna B. Waraich is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California who has been practicing since 2019. Lubna takes a client-centered approach, emphasizing warmth, honesty, respect, and empowerment. She proudly adopts a bio/psycho/social/spiritual perspective, seeing all the parts that make a person whole. Lubna utilizes a wide range of modalities, stemming from Attachment Theory, CBT, Solution Focus, and Strength Base Therapy. She has worked with individuals who are struggling to understand their own Neurodiversity, anxiety, ADHD, depression, life changes/transitions, and trauma.
Lubna B. Waraich is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California who has been practicing since 2019. Lubna takes a client-centered approach, emphasizing warmth, honesty, respect, and empowerment. She proudly adopts a bio/psycho/social/spiritual perspective, seeing all the parts that make a person whole. Lubna utilizes a wide range of modalities, stemming from Attachment Theory, CBT, Solution Focus, and Strength Base Therapy. She has worked with individuals who are struggling to understand their own Neurodiversity, anxiety, ADHD, depression, life changes/transitions, and trauma.
Dr. Emilia Ramirez is both from Texas and California, loves what she does and considers it her calling. She has worked in the field of social services for approximately 25 years and began her training as a therapist in 2015. Dr. Ramirez completed her Clinical Psychology doctorate in 2011 in Dallas, Texas. Prior to this, she obtained a Masters in Clinical Psychology in 2009 in Dallas Texas and graduated as a fourth-generation Longhorn from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2001, After completing graduate school, she moved back to California and is here to stay.
Dr. Emilia Ramirez is both from Texas and California, loves what she does and considers it her calling. She has worked in the field of social services for approximately 25 years and began her training as a therapist in 2015. Dr. Ramirez completed her Clinical Psychology doctorate in 2011 in Dallas, Texas. Prior to this, she obtained a Masters in Clinical Psychology in 2009 in Dallas Texas and graduated as a fourth-generation Longhorn from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2001, After completing graduate school, she moved back to California and is here to stay.
I conduct ADHD / autism / learning disability evaluations, legal / forensic evaluations for court, risk assessment (violence / sexual), cognitive / neuropsychological evaluations, diagnostic psychological evaluations, immigration evaluations, adoption evaluations, parenting / bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, fitness for duty evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME) evaluations, and other types of psychological evaluations / assessments.
Psychological evaluations / assessments can be utilized to determine eligibility for specific services or accommodations in school or the workplace. They may also be required by a court order or in legal/forensic cases. Also, a psychological evaluation may be needed in cases involving professional licensing boards, child custody matters, and immigration.
I conduct ADHD / autism / learning disability evaluations, legal / forensic evaluations for court, risk assessment (violence / sexual), cognitive / neuropsychological evaluations, diagnostic psychological evaluations, immigration evaluations, adoption evaluations, parenting / bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, fitness for duty evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME) evaluations, and other types of psychological evaluations / assessments.
Psychological evaluations / assessments can be utilized to determine eligibility for specific services or accommodations in school or the workplace. They may also be required by a court order or in legal/forensic cases. Also, a psychological evaluation may be needed in cases involving professional licensing boards, child custody matters, and immigration.
Jennifer has extensive experience working with clients from a diverse range of cultural, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Her approach to therapy is centered around empathic, non-judgmental connection and draws upon a variety of theoretical perspectives, including cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and mindfulness-based strategies. Her main areas of focus include depression, anxiety, grief/loss, adjustment problems, and parenting.
In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys the outdoors, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.
Jennifer has extensive experience working with clients from a diverse range of cultural, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Her approach to therapy is centered around empathic, non-judgmental connection and draws upon a variety of theoretical perspectives, including cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and mindfulness-based strategies. Her main areas of focus include depression, anxiety, grief/loss, adjustment problems, and parenting.
In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys the outdoors, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.
Nathan (he/him) is a compassionate and experienced psychotherapist with a bachelor’s degree in sociology, a master’s degree in counseling psychology, and is licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. Nathan specializes in complex sexual identities, orientation to gender, and diverse relationship/life-styles. Nathan serves a wide variety of clients of all ages and treatment needs, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues and stress, sexual health, and LGBTQIA+ issues.
Nathan (he/him) is a compassionate and experienced psychotherapist with a bachelor’s degree in sociology, a master’s degree in counseling psychology, and is licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. Nathan specializes in complex sexual identities, orientation to gender, and diverse relationship/life-styles. Nathan serves a wide variety of clients of all ages and treatment needs, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues and stress, sexual health, and LGBTQIA+ issues.
She speaks both English and Spanish. Her goals in therapy are to help individuals find harmony and stability in their lives and move forward in their life paths, finding happiness and success. She primarily uses Insight Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to find connections between people's childhood experiences and their current situations, decisions, behaviors, thoughts, and/or feelings.
She speaks both English and Spanish. Her goals in therapy are to help individuals find harmony and stability in their lives and move forward in their life paths, finding happiness and success. She primarily uses Insight Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to find connections between people's childhood experiences and their current situations, decisions, behaviors, thoughts, and/or feelings.
See more therapy options for Vista
Nearby Autism Therapists Searches for Vista
- Cardiff By The Sea
- Carlsbad
- Del Mar
- Encinitas
- Escondido
- Fallbrook
- Oceanside
- Poway
- Rancho Santa Fe
- San Marcos
- Solana Beach
- Temecula
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.