Autism Therapists in Clare County, MI
I spent over 25 years educating people with special needs, specifically children/young adults with autism, cognitive deficits, and other learning difficulties.
I believe that given the time and space to walk through their story, the client holds the solution to the issue at hand. I will listen, encourage, support, and walk with you through your story.
I spent over 25 years educating people with special needs, specifically children/young adults with autism, cognitive deficits, and other learning difficulties.
I believe that given the time and space to walk through their story, the client holds the solution to the issue at hand. I will listen, encourage, support, and walk with you through your story.
Hello, my name is Andrea, and I love listening to everyone's life stories, no matter where they are on their journey—from the innocence of early childhood at just three years old to the rich experiences of old age. Every moment in life, whether it brings happiness or presents complex challenges, plays a vital role in shaping who you are and reflects the resilience that resides within you. My role is to walk alongside you, offering guidance and encouragement as you pursue your goals.
Hello, my name is Andrea, and I love listening to everyone's life stories, no matter where they are on their journey—from the innocence of early childhood at just three years old to the rich experiences of old age. Every moment in life, whether it brings happiness or presents complex challenges, plays a vital role in shaping who you are and reflects the resilience that resides within you. My role is to walk alongside you, offering guidance and encouragement as you pursue your goals.
Online Therapists
I’m passionate about supporting children, adolescents, and adults as they navigate the impact of trauma and life’s challenges. My approach is grounded in the belief that healing happens in connection and that you are the expert in your own story.
Together, we’ll work at a pace that feels right for you to gently explore and process distressing thoughts, feelings, memories, and behaviors. Whether you're struggling with PTSD, anxiety, depression, addiction, or ADHD, I offer a supportive, strength-based space to help you move toward clarity and balance.
I’m passionate about supporting children, adolescents, and adults as they navigate the impact of trauma and life’s challenges. My approach is grounded in the belief that healing happens in connection and that you are the expert in your own story.
Together, we’ll work at a pace that feels right for you to gently explore and process distressing thoughts, feelings, memories, and behaviors. Whether you're struggling with PTSD, anxiety, depression, addiction, or ADHD, I offer a supportive, strength-based space to help you move toward clarity and balance.
Elevate Counseling is an Outpatient Private Practice located in Lansing, MI. We offer telehealth to individuals, families, and couples in Michigan and in-person sessions in South Lansing. We have a client-centered and strength-based theoretical orientation, meaning when you work with a therapist at Elevate Counseling, we seek to help you identify appropriate treatment goals and reach them based on the strengths you possess. Elevate Counseling values creating an environment of compassion and acceptance for individuals from all walks of life.
Elevate Counseling is an Outpatient Private Practice located in Lansing, MI. We offer telehealth to individuals, families, and couples in Michigan and in-person sessions in South Lansing. We have a client-centered and strength-based theoretical orientation, meaning when you work with a therapist at Elevate Counseling, we seek to help you identify appropriate treatment goals and reach them based on the strengths you possess. Elevate Counseling values creating an environment of compassion and acceptance for individuals from all walks of life.
She has experience supporting clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, substance and alcohol use, OCD, ADHD/ Autism, relationship and family challenges.
Life can feel heavy, confusing, or overwhelming—and sometimes we need a safe place to pause, be seen, and be heard. Giselle provides a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where individuals, couples, and families can explore their experiences, process emotions, and uncover their inner strength. She believes healing is a collaborative journey, guiding clients to navigate challenges, release what no longer serves them, and step into a fuller, more authentic version of themselves.
She has experience supporting clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, substance and alcohol use, OCD, ADHD/ Autism, relationship and family challenges.
Life can feel heavy, confusing, or overwhelming—and sometimes we need a safe place to pause, be seen, and be heard. Giselle provides a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where individuals, couples, and families can explore their experiences, process emotions, and uncover their inner strength. She believes healing is a collaborative journey, guiding clients to navigate challenges, release what no longer serves them, and step into a fuller, more authentic version of themselves.
Navigating life’s ups and downs can feel overwhelming, whether you’re coping with trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, or the everyday stress that slowly wears you down. I’m committed to creating a safe, supportive space where you can feel heard, valued, and empowered. I enjoy working with children, adolescents and teens who feel overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, depressed or are dealing with the unique challenges. Many of the clients I work with have been impacted by trauma. Having a safe place to process challenges is important. I offer in-person and remote sessions at Best Life Therapy in Davison, Lapeer and Flint Township.
Navigating life’s ups and downs can feel overwhelming, whether you’re coping with trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, or the everyday stress that slowly wears you down. I’m committed to creating a safe, supportive space where you can feel heard, valued, and empowered. I enjoy working with children, adolescents and teens who feel overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, depressed or are dealing with the unique challenges. Many of the clients I work with have been impacted by trauma. Having a safe place to process challenges is important. I offer in-person and remote sessions at Best Life Therapy in Davison, Lapeer and Flint Township.
Deborah Mears is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Michigan who has been practicing since 2007. She has a Master’s of Social Worker from Michigan State University. Deborah wants to help her clients become the best version of themselves and sees herself as a supportive resource along their journey. Outside of work, Deborah enjoys being outside as much as possible, running (especially in the winter), and spending time with her family of 5.
Deborah Mears is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Michigan who has been practicing since 2007. She has a Master’s of Social Worker from Michigan State University. Deborah wants to help her clients become the best version of themselves and sees herself as a supportive resource along their journey. Outside of work, Deborah enjoys being outside as much as possible, running (especially in the winter), and spending time with her family of 5.
My experience includes work with neurodiversity (ADHD and/or Autistic), depression, anxiety, codependency, life adjustment stressors, and other mild to moderate mental health struggles.
In addition, I am also certified in Veterinary Social Work (I love the companion animal community and those who work with them!) with tailored training to serve those in the Vet Med and animal services field. I have unique experience with military families, single mothers, and college students as well.
My experience includes work with neurodiversity (ADHD and/or Autistic), depression, anxiety, codependency, life adjustment stressors, and other mild to moderate mental health struggles.
In addition, I am also certified in Veterinary Social Work (I love the companion animal community and those who work with them!) with tailored training to serve those in the Vet Med and animal services field. I have unique experience with military families, single mothers, and college students as well.
I have experience working with a variety of clients including but not limited to those struggling with infertility, autism, stress management, OCD, disordered eating, ADHD, anxiety, depression, grief, anger management, parenting, body image, and social anxiety.
As the counselor, I will use my knowledge to assist clients in finding their own solutions. I believe that as the counselor I am not there to provide advice and answers to the clients' dilemmas, but to encourage them in finding their own answers and getting to know their own needs.
I have experience working with a variety of clients including but not limited to those struggling with infertility, autism, stress management, OCD, disordered eating, ADHD, anxiety, depression, grief, anger management, parenting, body image, and social anxiety.
As the counselor, I will use my knowledge to assist clients in finding their own solutions. I believe that as the counselor I am not there to provide advice and answers to the clients' dilemmas, but to encourage them in finding their own answers and getting to know their own needs.
My favorite part about working with my clients is helping them discover or affirm what is important to them. There is something so special about guiding someone to understand what their heart desires and creating a plan to help them achieve it. Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, I help clients to use their heart as a compass to navigate all life's challenges while enjoying life along the way.
My favorite part about working with my clients is helping them discover or affirm what is important to them. There is something so special about guiding someone to understand what their heart desires and creating a plan to help them achieve it. Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, I help clients to use their heart as a compass to navigate all life's challenges while enjoying life along the way.
Carolyn Sutherby
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LMSW, BCD
1 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Waitlist for new clients
She has been working with children and families for nearly 30 years and specializes in providing parenting support for caregivers with children/adolescents who are neurodivergent and/or have behavioral health concerns.
HSP/HSC often feel like "something is wrong" with them. However with education, support and understanding this population can thrive.
She has been working with children and families for nearly 30 years and specializes in providing parenting support for caregivers with children/adolescents who are neurodivergent and/or have behavioral health concerns.
HSP/HSC often feel like "something is wrong" with them. However with education, support and understanding this population can thrive.
My passion is working with those who are looking for ways to alleviate anxiety, stress and seek a deeper connection with self. I utilize music therapy, sound therapy, breathwork, meditation, mindfulness, and creativity to support the journey of self-discovery, understanding, and self-worth. I specialize in working with kids, teens, and women who need some additional guidance in finding meaning and self-worth.
I am currently pursuing a Master's in Counseling at the University of the Cumberlands.
My passion is working with those who are looking for ways to alleviate anxiety, stress and seek a deeper connection with self. I utilize music therapy, sound therapy, breathwork, meditation, mindfulness, and creativity to support the journey of self-discovery, understanding, and self-worth. I specialize in working with kids, teens, and women who need some additional guidance in finding meaning and self-worth.
I am currently pursuing a Master's in Counseling at the University of the Cumberlands.
I have worked with many ADHD, Autistic, and LGBTQ+ children, teens, and adults and this continues to be my passion.
As a therapist, my main goal is to create a safe space for you to be authentically yourself and feel seen and heard. With younger folks, I incorporate play therapy techniques in addition to talk therapy and skills-based approaches. with adolescents and adults, I’m very adaptive to your needs whether it is play, art, body-based, skills, or verbal processing.
I have worked with many ADHD, Autistic, and LGBTQ+ children, teens, and adults and this continues to be my passion.
As a therapist, my main goal is to create a safe space for you to be authentically yourself and feel seen and heard. With younger folks, I incorporate play therapy techniques in addition to talk therapy and skills-based approaches. with adolescents and adults, I’m very adaptive to your needs whether it is play, art, body-based, skills, or verbal processing.
Chanler Kay Burns
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Waitlist for new clients
I also trained in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and have years of experience providing ABA to children with autism.
I specialize in working with young children, adolescents, and teens and helping them navigate through trauma, tough transitions, depression, anxiety, and pretty much everything that comes along with being a kid! I use play therapy to help children express their emotions and help solve problems that may be hindering their ability to flourish. I am passionate about building relationships and connecting with every client!
I also trained in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and have years of experience providing ABA to children with autism.
I specialize in working with young children, adolescents, and teens and helping them navigate through trauma, tough transitions, depression, anxiety, and pretty much everything that comes along with being a kid! I use play therapy to help children express their emotions and help solve problems that may be hindering their ability to flourish. I am passionate about building relationships and connecting with every client!
We all have a story. Sometimes life can be hard, and we may need to tweak our stories to enhance our relationships, promote healing, and inspire growth. My story includes many diverse life experiences while raising a large family. This knowledge has provided me with an intuitive understanding, compassion for others, and strength to give back to those who need a helping hand, extra support, and a clearer perspective. I welcome adults, teens, adolescents, couples, and families to take a positive step toward improving their overall mental health and wellbeing.
We all have a story. Sometimes life can be hard, and we may need to tweak our stories to enhance our relationships, promote healing, and inspire growth. My story includes many diverse life experiences while raising a large family. This knowledge has provided me with an intuitive understanding, compassion for others, and strength to give back to those who need a helping hand, extra support, and a clearer perspective. I welcome adults, teens, adolescents, couples, and families to take a positive step toward improving their overall mental health and wellbeing.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, struggling with depression, or burdened by past trauma, you deserve a safe space where your emotions and experiences are genuinely understood. Whether you’re a teenager navigating complex emotions, an adolescent facing relationship challenges, or an adult seeking balance amidst stress and emotional fluctuations, you deserve to be heard and supported. You seek clarity, healing, and practical strategies to move forward with confidence and peace. I’m here to guide you through these challenges in a personalized and compassionate manner.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, struggling with depression, or burdened by past trauma, you deserve a safe space where your emotions and experiences are genuinely understood. Whether you’re a teenager navigating complex emotions, an adolescent facing relationship challenges, or an adult seeking balance amidst stress and emotional fluctuations, you deserve to be heard and supported. You seek clarity, healing, and practical strategies to move forward with confidence and peace. I’m here to guide you through these challenges in a personalized and compassionate manner.
Welcome to taking the first step in your journey to leading a happier and healthier life. My name is Mandi Lynn, and I am an energetic and eclectic therapist who takes pride in helping clients rebuild their lives and find joy. I specialize in working with teens, families, and adults who have experienced trauma, concussion/TBI’s, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, behavioral issues, major life transitions, and women’s health issues. My goal is to help children, families, and adults identify and celebrate their strengths, while building and reinforcing healthy familial and interpersonal relationships.
Welcome to taking the first step in your journey to leading a happier and healthier life. My name is Mandi Lynn, and I am an energetic and eclectic therapist who takes pride in helping clients rebuild their lives and find joy. I specialize in working with teens, families, and adults who have experienced trauma, concussion/TBI’s, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, behavioral issues, major life transitions, and women’s health issues. My goal is to help children, families, and adults identify and celebrate their strengths, while building and reinforcing healthy familial and interpersonal relationships.
I work with women and couples. My clients are often starting to question long-held expectations about who they should be and how they should live, and are ready to make more intentional choices in their daily lives and relationships. They may be experiencing anxiety, grief or loss, self-doubt, overthinking, depression, or relationship concerns such as boundaries and communication. I also have a unique professional interest in working with individuals and couples who have been impacted by "purity culture" and have experienced religious and/or spiritual hurt.
I work with women and couples. My clients are often starting to question long-held expectations about who they should be and how they should live, and are ready to make more intentional choices in their daily lives and relationships. They may be experiencing anxiety, grief or loss, self-doubt, overthinking, depression, or relationship concerns such as boundaries and communication. I also have a unique professional interest in working with individuals and couples who have been impacted by "purity culture" and have experienced religious and/or spiritual hurt.
With training and skills from helpful programs such as a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Certification Program, ADHD and autism Certification Programs, and Brainspotting training, I am able to work alongside you in many different ways and find what works best for you.
Therapy doesn’t have to be intimidating, and my approach to it is catered specifically to you and your goals. One of my favorite quotes is by Brené Brown; “owning our story can be hard, but not nearly as difficult as running away from it.” I believe this holds true in all walks of life, no matter what your experience looks like.
With training and skills from helpful programs such as a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Certification Program, ADHD and autism Certification Programs, and Brainspotting training, I am able to work alongside you in many different ways and find what works best for you.
Therapy doesn’t have to be intimidating, and my approach to it is catered specifically to you and your goals. One of my favorite quotes is by Brené Brown; “owning our story can be hard, but not nearly as difficult as running away from it.” I believe this holds true in all walks of life, no matter what your experience looks like.
In adolescents and adults (ages 15 and up), I specialize in areas of anxiety, depression, trauma, and neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ identity development, as well as education on self-compassion and mindfulness-based coping.
As human beings, we are constantly striving toward becoming our most authentic selves. When we are living life authentically, we can envision a clear path toward what is truly important to us, and can build a life filled with purpose and joy. This journey toward authenticity can become complicated by challenges such as life stressors, past trauma, mental health issues, and more. When these challenges arise, I aim to provide guidance to my clients in helping them re-align with their goals and values and come back to what is most important in their lives, once again illuminating the path toward the authentic self.
In adolescents and adults (ages 15 and up), I specialize in areas of anxiety, depression, trauma, and neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ identity development, as well as education on self-compassion and mindfulness-based coping.
As human beings, we are constantly striving toward becoming our most authentic selves. When we are living life authentically, we can envision a clear path toward what is truly important to us, and can build a life filled with purpose and joy. This journey toward authenticity can become complicated by challenges such as life stressors, past trauma, mental health issues, and more. When these challenges arise, I aim to provide guidance to my clients in helping them re-align with their goals and values and come back to what is most important in their lives, once again illuminating the path toward the authentic self.
See more therapy options for Clare County
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.