Autism Therapists in Pikesville, MD
My expertise specializes in supporting children, teens, and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD.
My client-centered approach uses evidence-based interventions like CBT, DBT, MI, and TF-CBT. I prioritize meeting clients where they are, collaboratively building on unique strengths. I also emphasize a robust system of care by collaborating with families, schools, and providers ensuring comprehensive, cohesive support for clients' progress.
My expertise specializes in supporting children, teens, and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD.
My client-centered approach uses evidence-based interventions like CBT, DBT, MI, and TF-CBT. I prioritize meeting clients where they are, collaboratively building on unique strengths. I also emphasize a robust system of care by collaborating with families, schools, and providers ensuring comprehensive, cohesive support for clients' progress.
Not all therapists are able to support you fully when medical or other conditions have caused cognitive decline. This is my specialty. Having worked closely with neurologists, radiologists and many other medical specialties, I can offer you neuropsyc or psych evaluations and brain maps that shed light on problems, and create a treatment plan that really makes a difference. We've helped folks with brain injury or general concerns for cognition, restore memory and attention skills, get to better thinking and reasoning, and enhanced joy in life. I go beyond the limits where others stopped, because rehabilitating brains is my passion.
Not all therapists are able to support you fully when medical or other conditions have caused cognitive decline. This is my specialty. Having worked closely with neurologists, radiologists and many other medical specialties, I can offer you neuropsyc or psych evaluations and brain maps that shed light on problems, and create a treatment plan that really makes a difference. We've helped folks with brain injury or general concerns for cognition, restore memory and attention skills, get to better thinking and reasoning, and enhanced joy in life. I go beyond the limits where others stopped, because rehabilitating brains is my passion.
My ideal client is someone who has the motivation to grow but feels stuck because their mind doesn’t always cooperate with their intentions. They may struggle with ADHD—diagnosed or undiagnosed—and often feel overwhelmed by tasks, forgetful of essential details, or frustrated by procrastination. They want to excel at work, in school, or at home, but they struggle to stay organized, manage their time effectively, or follow through on their goals.
What they need most is support that’s both nonjudgmental and practical. They’re looking for someone who understands how ADHD and executive functioning challenges impact daily life.
My ideal client is someone who has the motivation to grow but feels stuck because their mind doesn’t always cooperate with their intentions. They may struggle with ADHD—diagnosed or undiagnosed—and often feel overwhelmed by tasks, forgetful of essential details, or frustrated by procrastination. They want to excel at work, in school, or at home, but they struggle to stay organized, manage their time effectively, or follow through on their goals.
What they need most is support that’s both nonjudgmental and practical. They’re looking for someone who understands how ADHD and executive functioning challenges impact daily life.
Effective 8/5/26 I have immediate openings and I am in-network with several insurance companies. Life doesn’t always go as planned. Sometimes it’s a bump in the road, sometimes it feels like you’re completely stuck, and other times it can be something truly overwhelming. Whether you’re coming in as an individual, a couple, or a family, my role is to meet you right where you are and walk alongside you as you discover new ways forward. Together, we’ll work on finding possibilities, building on your strengths, and creating the changes you want in your life.
Effective 8/5/26 I have immediate openings and I am in-network with several insurance companies. Life doesn’t always go as planned. Sometimes it’s a bump in the road, sometimes it feels like you’re completely stuck, and other times it can be something truly overwhelming. Whether you’re coming in as an individual, a couple, or a family, my role is to meet you right where you are and walk alongside you as you discover new ways forward. Together, we’ll work on finding possibilities, building on your strengths, and creating the changes you want in your life.
LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and Neurodivergent ally.
Life isn't always what we expect it to be. While family and friends can be great supports, sometimes we need an objective person to talk to who isn't personally connected to us. That's where seeing a therapist can help; you don't have to figure it all out by yourself. I provide a comfortable, caring atmosphere where you can speak freely without fear of judgment. We'll focus on the things that are important to you.
LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and Neurodivergent ally.
Life isn't always what we expect it to be. While family and friends can be great supports, sometimes we need an objective person to talk to who isn't personally connected to us. That's where seeing a therapist can help; you don't have to figure it all out by yourself. I provide a comfortable, caring atmosphere where you can speak freely without fear of judgment. We'll focus on the things that are important to you.
Accepting New Clients! At Charm City Counseling, we offer a custom approach for each of our clients. We are a group of experienced trauma informed therapists, specializing in therapy for adults, teens and families with varying issues including: difficulty in relationships, anxiety, neurodivergence, trauma, grief/loss, Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Infertility, Maternal Mental Health, depression, and self-esteem.
Accepting New Clients! At Charm City Counseling, we offer a custom approach for each of our clients. We are a group of experienced trauma informed therapists, specializing in therapy for adults, teens and families with varying issues including: difficulty in relationships, anxiety, neurodivergence, trauma, grief/loss, Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Infertility, Maternal Mental Health, depression, and self-esteem.
Dr. Eric Drinks works with children, adolescents, adults, and families with a wide range of psychological conditions including anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and trauma. Dr. Drinks believes that the key to therapy is the therapeutic relationship and through the relationship he hopes to help the client find his or her path to achieve his or her goals. Dr. Drinks uses a variety of techniques to tailor the therapy on a client-by-client basis. Dr.Dr. Eric Drinks works with children, adolescents, adults, and families with a wide range of psychological conditions including anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, a
Dr. Eric Drinks works with children, adolescents, adults, and families with a wide range of psychological conditions including anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and trauma. Dr. Drinks believes that the key to therapy is the therapeutic relationship and through the relationship he hopes to help the client find his or her path to achieve his or her goals. Dr. Drinks uses a variety of techniques to tailor the therapy on a client-by-client basis. Dr.Dr. Eric Drinks works with children, adolescents, adults, and families with a wide range of psychological conditions including anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, a
She has extensive experience supporting diverse populations, including those navigating adoption or foster care, individuals on the autism spectrum, and members of the LGBTQ+ community, while also offering additional services for military and veteran populations.
Nikki Marie Runkles practices at LifeStance Health, where she provides compassionate and effective therapy to children, teens, and adults across Maryland. She offers a safe and supportive space where clients can explore challenges, build resilience, and discover healthier ways to navigate life. Nikki works with individuals facing a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, and trauma, tailoring her approach to meet the unique needs of each client. Nikki specializes in helping clients manage ADHD, PTSD/trauma, and childhood behavior issues.
She has extensive experience supporting diverse populations, including those navigating adoption or foster care, individuals on the autism spectrum, and members of the LGBTQ+ community, while also offering additional services for military and veteran populations.
Nikki Marie Runkles practices at LifeStance Health, where she provides compassionate and effective therapy to children, teens, and adults across Maryland. She offers a safe and supportive space where clients can explore challenges, build resilience, and discover healthier ways to navigate life. Nikki works with individuals facing a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, and trauma, tailoring her approach to meet the unique needs of each client. Nikki specializes in helping clients manage ADHD, PTSD/trauma, and childhood behavior issues.
Not currently taking new clients, waitlist available for regular therapy and ketamine-assisted therapy (learn more in my photos). Check your spam folder for my reply in 3-5 days. If you're struggling to manage anxiety, depression, or overwhelm right now, you are not alone! Feeling better requires us to step in to a deeper state of compassion with ourselves, and that's my specialty. Even as the world feel increasingly chaotic, we can learn to ride the waves of emotion and respond from a place of love and clarity. You absolutely have the power to create a calmer, more purposeful life, even if you're not sure how.
Not currently taking new clients, waitlist available for regular therapy and ketamine-assisted therapy (learn more in my photos). Check your spam folder for my reply in 3-5 days. If you're struggling to manage anxiety, depression, or overwhelm right now, you are not alone! Feeling better requires us to step in to a deeper state of compassion with ourselves, and that's my specialty. Even as the world feel increasingly chaotic, we can learn to ride the waves of emotion and respond from a place of love and clarity. You absolutely have the power to create a calmer, more purposeful life, even if you're not sure how.
I provide psychoeducational evaluations that give families a clear picture of their child’s learning profile. These assessments often help when a student is falling behind in reading or math, has trouble focusing, or when parents and schools are unsure whether challenges stem from ADHD, dyslexia, or another learning difference. The goal is to replace uncertainty with practical answers that can guide IEPs, 504 plans, or academic supports—so children feel more confident and better understood at school.
I provide psychoeducational evaluations that give families a clear picture of their child’s learning profile. These assessments often help when a student is falling behind in reading or math, has trouble focusing, or when parents and schools are unsure whether challenges stem from ADHD, dyslexia, or another learning difference. The goal is to replace uncertainty with practical answers that can guide IEPs, 504 plans, or academic supports—so children feel more confident and better understood at school.
Hi, my name is Amy and I am a dedicated licensed social worker hoping to empower children, teens, adults, couples and families who are on a mission to better themselves and look for mental health healing. I look forward to starting a therapeutic relationship that benefits an improves your self awareness and self care processes.
I look forward to connecting with you to see how my methods and therapies may work for your needs. I understand reaching out and starting the process can be a little scary. My hope is after a short consultation you will feel like it is the right self-care choice for you.
Hi, my name is Amy and I am a dedicated licensed social worker hoping to empower children, teens, adults, couples and families who are on a mission to better themselves and look for mental health healing. I look forward to starting a therapeutic relationship that benefits an improves your self awareness and self care processes.
I look forward to connecting with you to see how my methods and therapies may work for your needs. I understand reaching out and starting the process can be a little scary. My hope is after a short consultation you will feel like it is the right self-care choice for you.
Lawrynn Brooks
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
Embarking on your therapy journey can feel daunting. You may not know where to begin, what to look for, or how to identify your specific needs. It's common to experience emotions that are hard to understand or to face situations that seem unmanageable. This is where I come in. Whether you're feeling anxious or sad, or you're unsure about your next steps in life, I can provide the support you need. If you have a child who might benefit from additional help, I am here to assist.
Embarking on your therapy journey can feel daunting. You may not know where to begin, what to look for, or how to identify your specific needs. It's common to experience emotions that are hard to understand or to face situations that seem unmanageable. This is where I come in. Whether you're feeling anxious or sad, or you're unsure about your next steps in life, I can provide the support you need. If you have a child who might benefit from additional help, I am here to assist.
You or your child might be feeling overwhelmed—whether it’s anxiety, big emotions, or challenges at home or school. Maybe your family is struggling to communicate, or your child is facing social pressures that feel too heavy to carry alone. You want things to feel easier, to have tools that actually help, and to feel more connected and understood. Most of all, you want to know that things can get better—and they can.
You or your child might be feeling overwhelmed—whether it’s anxiety, big emotions, or challenges at home or school. Maybe your family is struggling to communicate, or your child is facing social pressures that feel too heavy to carry alone. You want things to feel easier, to have tools that actually help, and to feel more connected and understood. Most of all, you want to know that things can get better—and they can.
Hayden is especially experienced in working with diverse populations, including individuals within the LGBTQ+ community, as well as those with autism spectrum disorders and developmental disabilities.
Hayden Zemanski, LMSW, helps individuals build clarity, resilience, and meaningful change through evidence-based, compassionate therapy for clients across Maryland. As a provisionally licensed social worker at LifeStance Health, he provides individual therapy for children, adolescents, teens, and adults, supporting a wide range of mental health needs including ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Hayden creates a welcoming, affirming environment where clients feel understood and empowered to navigate life transitions, emotional challenges, and personal growth.
Hayden is especially experienced in working with diverse populations, including individuals within the LGBTQ+ community, as well as those with autism spectrum disorders and developmental disabilities.
Hayden Zemanski, LMSW, helps individuals build clarity, resilience, and meaningful change through evidence-based, compassionate therapy for clients across Maryland. As a provisionally licensed social worker at LifeStance Health, he provides individual therapy for children, adolescents, teens, and adults, supporting a wide range of mental health needs including ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Hayden creates a welcoming, affirming environment where clients feel understood and empowered to navigate life transitions, emotional challenges, and personal growth.
Elisza Fisher, LCPC Elisza Fisher is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maryland who started practicing in 2006. She has a Master’s Degree in Counseling from McDaniel College. Elisza believes in treating everyone with respect and dignity and employs person-centered and trauma-informed approach to her treatment to better the lives of her clients. In her spare time, Elisza enjoys animals, music, cars and time with family and friends.
Elisza Fisher, LCPC Elisza Fisher is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maryland who started practicing in 2006. She has a Master’s Degree in Counseling from McDaniel College. Elisza believes in treating everyone with respect and dignity and employs person-centered and trauma-informed approach to her treatment to better the lives of her clients. In her spare time, Elisza enjoys animals, music, cars and time with family and friends.
She has experience supporting populations including individuals on the autism spectrum, first responders, and members of the LGBTQ+ community, and offers care in Spanish.
Tatiana Ford, LCPC, helps teens and adults across Maryland build resilience, strengthen relationships, and move toward lasting emotional wellness through compassionate, evidence-based care. At LifeStance Health, she provides individual, couples, and family therapy tailored to each person’s goals, creating a supportive space where clients can feel understood while developing practical skills for change. Tatiana’s clinical work centers on anxiety, PTSD/trauma, and couples issues, while also addressing a range of concerns such as depression, grief, and life transitions.
She has experience supporting populations including individuals on the autism spectrum, first responders, and members of the LGBTQ+ community, and offers care in Spanish.
Tatiana Ford, LCPC, helps teens and adults across Maryland build resilience, strengthen relationships, and move toward lasting emotional wellness through compassionate, evidence-based care. At LifeStance Health, she provides individual, couples, and family therapy tailored to each person’s goals, creating a supportive space where clients can feel understood while developing practical skills for change. Tatiana’s clinical work centers on anxiety, PTSD/trauma, and couples issues, while also addressing a range of concerns such as depression, grief, and life transitions.
Hi there! I'm Katie (They/Them), a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been working in the field with adolescents and adults for over a decade. I work with folks coming in with a wide range of concerns and challenges, and have a special interest/passion for trauma work. I believe a consistently empathetic, validating, authentic relationship with a therapist you really click with can be incredibly supportive and empowering. I pull from various approaches and techniques to provide the therapeutic space to support you wherever you are in you process and journey of growth/healing.
Hi there! I'm Katie (They/Them), a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been working in the field with adolescents and adults for over a decade. I work with folks coming in with a wide range of concerns and challenges, and have a special interest/passion for trauma work. I believe a consistently empathetic, validating, authentic relationship with a therapist you really click with can be incredibly supportive and empowering. I pull from various approaches and techniques to provide the therapeutic space to support you wherever you are in you process and journey of growth/healing.
More Therapists Nearby
Through collaboration, I guide adults experiencing depression, generalized anxiety, PTSD, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, and neurodivergence, including ADHD and autism.
I tailor therapy to each person's unique needs, drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Person-Centered Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. We'll work to recognize and change unhelpful thought patterns, develop greater emotional flexibility, clarify personal values, and explore unhelpful or harmful beliefs.
Through collaboration, I guide adults experiencing depression, generalized anxiety, PTSD, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, and neurodivergence, including ADHD and autism.
I tailor therapy to each person's unique needs, drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Person-Centered Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. We'll work to recognize and change unhelpful thought patterns, develop greater emotional flexibility, clarify personal values, and explore unhelpful or harmful beliefs.
I specialize in offering counseling and educational services for individuals and families dealing with symptoms related to: Anxiety, ADHD, Autism, Sensory Processing Differences, and Trauma. After spending over twenty years in the competitive Equine industry I also offer a niche speciality of psychotherapeutic services to this unique group of athletes, check out my website for more details!
I specialize in offering counseling and educational services for individuals and families dealing with symptoms related to: Anxiety, ADHD, Autism, Sensory Processing Differences, and Trauma. After spending over twenty years in the competitive Equine industry I also offer a niche speciality of psychotherapeutic services to this unique group of athletes, check out my website for more details!
I have completed training in Child and Family Stress Intervention and attended training symposiums aimed at improving care for the LGBTQ+ community and those with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
My goal as a therapist is to work with you to understand, explore, and value your unique identity while utilizing trauma-informed, holistic and collaborative approaches to identify and meet your service goals. I approach therapy as a collaboration, working with you to identify your goals, needs, and wants and exploring how the events/environment of your life have impacted you and your current goals. I focus on helping you identify the challenge(s) you are facing, causes, and work to become the version of yourself that is able to overcome these challenges and move into the next stage of your life.
I have completed training in Child and Family Stress Intervention and attended training symposiums aimed at improving care for the LGBTQ+ community and those with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
My goal as a therapist is to work with you to understand, explore, and value your unique identity while utilizing trauma-informed, holistic and collaborative approaches to identify and meet your service goals. I approach therapy as a collaboration, working with you to identify your goals, needs, and wants and exploring how the events/environment of your life have impacted you and your current goals. I focus on helping you identify the challenge(s) you are facing, causes, and work to become the version of yourself that is able to overcome these challenges and move into the next stage of your life.
See more therapy options for Pikesville
Nearby Autism Therapists Searches for Pikesville
- Baltimore
- Catonsville
- Garrison
- Gwynn Oak
- Hunt Valley
- Lutherville
- Lutherville Timonium
- Owings Mills
- Reisterstown
- Roland Park
- Timonium
- Towson
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.