Autism Therapists in Virginia, MN
My specializations include working with neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with ADHD and autism, as well as addressing family trauma and navigating complex family systems.
I believe that therapy should be a partnership between therapist and client, fostering open communication and trust. Whether you're seeking support for yourself, your child, or your family, my approach emphasizes collaboration and empowerment, helping you take ownership of your journey.
My specializations include working with neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with ADHD and autism, as well as addressing family trauma and navigating complex family systems.
I believe that therapy should be a partnership between therapist and client, fostering open communication and trust. Whether you're seeking support for yourself, your child, or your family, my approach emphasizes collaboration and empowerment, helping you take ownership of your journey.
I am comfortable working with anyone, but especially people who have experienced trauma, are in crisis, are struggling with substance use, are LGBTQ+, are Indigenous, are Autistic, have ADHD, or have Borderline Personality Disorder to name a few.
I provide client-centered and solution-focused approaches; utilizing Harm Reduction, DBT skills, or CBT; where appropriate. I specialize in serving adults and elders, and I have 4-5 years experience serving children and adolescents. I offer telehealth services for Minnesota residents.
I am comfortable working with anyone, but especially people who have experienced trauma, are in crisis, are struggling with substance use, are LGBTQ+, are Indigenous, are Autistic, have ADHD, or have Borderline Personality Disorder to name a few.
I provide client-centered and solution-focused approaches; utilizing Harm Reduction, DBT skills, or CBT; where appropriate. I specialize in serving adults and elders, and I have 4-5 years experience serving children and adolescents. I offer telehealth services for Minnesota residents.
I am deeply committed to supporting individuals and families on their journey toward healing and self-discovery. Therapy is a way to identify positive and negative patterns in your life, discover your strengths, learn new coping skills, and feel empowered to overcome hardships. Setting goals is important for achieving new milestones, helping identify what is important in your life, and creating an overall sense of direction for your future. I strive to provide a warm, safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment for self-discovery to reach your goals.
I am deeply committed to supporting individuals and families on their journey toward healing and self-discovery. Therapy is a way to identify positive and negative patterns in your life, discover your strengths, learn new coping skills, and feel empowered to overcome hardships. Setting goals is important for achieving new milestones, helping identify what is important in your life, and creating an overall sense of direction for your future. I strive to provide a warm, safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment for self-discovery to reach your goals.
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As a Master of Social Work from Aurora University, I completed a clinical and forensic concentration, which equipped me to provide a range of therapeutic services to individuals, families, and communities. I am committed to advancing social justice and advocacy on behalf of and beside my clients and community as a dedicated and compassionate professional.
As a Master of Social Work from Aurora University, I completed a clinical and forensic concentration, which equipped me to provide a range of therapeutic services to individuals, families, and communities. I am committed to advancing social justice and advocacy on behalf of and beside my clients and community as a dedicated and compassionate professional.
There are many transitions in life. Sometimes we need help navigating those transitions. My favorite quote is , "Where there is a Will there is a Way." Taking the first step with attending therapy just takes Will to find your Way. I profoundly believe in forming a strong therapeutic relationship and hope to utilize various theoretical skills to meet the unique needs of each client and their family. I enjoy working with children, adults, couples and families from all stages in life.
There are many transitions in life. Sometimes we need help navigating those transitions. My favorite quote is , "Where there is a Will there is a Way." Taking the first step with attending therapy just takes Will to find your Way. I profoundly believe in forming a strong therapeutic relationship and hope to utilize various theoretical skills to meet the unique needs of each client and their family. I enjoy working with children, adults, couples and families from all stages in life.
Online Therapists
I'm a Certified Autism Informed Professional.
Practicing since 2009. Khalea specializes in somatic work connecting the body with thoughts and emotions in order to learn, grow and overcome trauma. With her kind yet straightforward way of communicating she often pairs yogic mindfulness with DBT skills, is solution focused and also believes in honoring what is coming up. She has experience in acute mental health and enjoys thinking out of the box with couples wanting to be in the same team and individuals who struggle with PTSD, panic, sleep issues and substance use disorders.
I'm a Certified Autism Informed Professional.
Practicing since 2009. Khalea specializes in somatic work connecting the body with thoughts and emotions in order to learn, grow and overcome trauma. With her kind yet straightforward way of communicating she often pairs yogic mindfulness with DBT skills, is solution focused and also believes in honoring what is coming up. She has experience in acute mental health and enjoys thinking out of the box with couples wanting to be in the same team and individuals who struggle with PTSD, panic, sleep issues and substance use disorders.
Committing to time for your mental health or that of your family is a big step that shows strength and the beginning of a wonderful journey to change. I understand that it can be vulnerable and scary, which is why we will work at your pace and find solutions that make sense to you. This is YOUR journey, and I am along for the ride as a supportive guide, whether it is for you, your child, or your family. I chose to seek a career in mental health after 10 years of experience in the education field. Children and families need therapists who understand them and can help manage the ups and downs of changes in their lives.
Committing to time for your mental health or that of your family is a big step that shows strength and the beginning of a wonderful journey to change. I understand that it can be vulnerable and scary, which is why we will work at your pace and find solutions that make sense to you. This is YOUR journey, and I am along for the ride as a supportive guide, whether it is for you, your child, or your family. I chose to seek a career in mental health after 10 years of experience in the education field. Children and families need therapists who understand them and can help manage the ups and downs of changes in their lives.
We are living in very challenging times of instability and change. I assist with the enhancement of coping mechanisms through the art of therapy. We will identify the stressors related to the trauma of life experiences that have created discord with your spirit/soul. We will work together to help promote healthy living with your Self, family, and community, while addressing psychosexuality issues. Our goal is to thrive with new and curious ways of living. Virtual and in-person therapeutic sessions options available for both Minnesota and Wisconsin residents. Most insurances accepted.
We are living in very challenging times of instability and change. I assist with the enhancement of coping mechanisms through the art of therapy. We will identify the stressors related to the trauma of life experiences that have created discord with your spirit/soul. We will work together to help promote healthy living with your Self, family, and community, while addressing psychosexuality issues. Our goal is to thrive with new and curious ways of living. Virtual and in-person therapeutic sessions options available for both Minnesota and Wisconsin residents. Most insurances accepted.
Melissa Anderson Psychological Services has been serving the Moose Lake and surrounding areas for over 17 years. Our team of therapists and psychologists are compassionate about what we do and are here to help. We recognize the struggles people face in receiving support due to the lack of rural services available. We understand the importance of small-town values and culture. Furthermore, we live and work in this community and are dedicated to the people and families we serve.
Melissa Anderson Psychological Services has been serving the Moose Lake and surrounding areas for over 17 years. Our team of therapists and psychologists are compassionate about what we do and are here to help. We recognize the struggles people face in receiving support due to the lack of rural services available. We understand the importance of small-town values and culture. Furthermore, we live and work in this community and are dedicated to the people and families we serve.
I support individuals through healing, growth and self-discovery. I enjoy working with a diverse group of people. I view each client as a gift. Each individual has individual needs. I have a special interest in neurodiversity. How our brains function fascinates and intrigues me.
We all need a little bit of help sometimes. It takes courage to take that next step.
My therapeutic style is collaborative and person-centered, drawing from evidence-based practices while honoring your lived experience. I believe that healing happens when we feel safe. I am here to walk alongside you in this process.
I support individuals through healing, growth and self-discovery. I enjoy working with a diverse group of people. I view each client as a gift. Each individual has individual needs. I have a special interest in neurodiversity. How our brains function fascinates and intrigues me.
We all need a little bit of help sometimes. It takes courage to take that next step.
My therapeutic style is collaborative and person-centered, drawing from evidence-based practices while honoring your lived experience. I believe that healing happens when we feel safe. I am here to walk alongside you in this process.
Therapy is always individualized, but I specialize in anxiety and neurodivergent conditions (e.g., ADHD, ASD).
Hello, I am Gretchen Kafer, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Most of my clients state they start therapy because they are feeling inadequate, having relationship problems, and/or feeling exhausted from hiding how much they’re struggling inside with the complexities of anxiety, depression, parenting challenges, multiple stressors, or feeling dissatisfied with themselves or life circumstances. My job as a therapist is to help you identify and access your internal strength and power to accomplish your goals. I provide a supportive, non-judgmental, and encouraging space to work through emotions, overcome challenges, and move forward.
Therapy is always individualized, but I specialize in anxiety and neurodivergent conditions (e.g., ADHD, ASD).
Hello, I am Gretchen Kafer, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Most of my clients state they start therapy because they are feeling inadequate, having relationship problems, and/or feeling exhausted from hiding how much they’re struggling inside with the complexities of anxiety, depression, parenting challenges, multiple stressors, or feeling dissatisfied with themselves or life circumstances. My job as a therapist is to help you identify and access your internal strength and power to accomplish your goals. I provide a supportive, non-judgmental, and encouraging space to work through emotions, overcome challenges, and move forward.
I believe therapy can benefit everyone, no matter their background or circumstances. My passion lies in supporting individuals as they work through the parts of life that no longer serve them and move toward a more authentic, fulfilling way of living. I hold a deep belief that every person is worthy of the life they desire—and it’s my privilege to help clients uncover what that looks like and take steps toward achieving it. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to each person’s needs.
I believe therapy can benefit everyone, no matter their background or circumstances. My passion lies in supporting individuals as they work through the parts of life that no longer serve them and move toward a more authentic, fulfilling way of living. I hold a deep belief that every person is worthy of the life they desire—and it’s my privilege to help clients uncover what that looks like and take steps toward achieving it. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to each person’s needs.
I am licensed in Minnesota with almost 11 years of professional work experience. I have always believed in the potential of each person as an individual and my goal as a therapist is to help each person find new ways to approach the obstacles that keep them from achieving their full potential and being secure and content in who they are.
I am licensed in Minnesota with almost 11 years of professional work experience. I have always believed in the potential of each person as an individual and my goal as a therapist is to help each person find new ways to approach the obstacles that keep them from achieving their full potential and being secure and content in who they are.
I’m passionate about helping people who are struggling with eating disorders or feeling lost in their relationship with food and their bodies. I also work with children, teens, and adults navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, or overwhelming life stress. I aim to create a calm, supportive space where people feel understood and not alone in what they’re facing, and where healing can unfold at a pace that feels safe, manageable, and genuinely their own.
I’m passionate about helping people who are struggling with eating disorders or feeling lost in their relationship with food and their bodies. I also work with children, teens, and adults navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, or overwhelming life stress. I aim to create a calm, supportive space where people feel understood and not alone in what they’re facing, and where healing can unfold at a pace that feels safe, manageable, and genuinely their own.
MAP Behavioral Health Center
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC, PsyD, LP, LADC, APRN
Duluth, MN 55802
Immediate Openings Available! Welcome to MAP, a comprehensive mental health center dedicated to providing individual and family counseling and medication management/psychiatric-mental health care in a warm, welcoming environment.
Immediate Openings Available! Welcome to MAP, a comprehensive mental health center dedicated to providing individual and family counseling and medication management/psychiatric-mental health care in a warm, welcoming environment.
Accepting new clients! You’re doing your best to keep it all together — working hard, keeping up with life’s demands, and showing up for everyone who depends on you. From the outside, it looks like you are doing just fine. But inside, you feel anxious, overwhelmed, and exhausted. You keep pushing through, but deep down, there is a sense of disconnection and unfulfillment you can’t quite explain.
You’ve considered therapy, but a part of you feels guilty reaching out for support. You compare your struggles to what others are facing and tell yourself you “should be fine,” that you have plenty to be grateful for.
Accepting new clients! You’re doing your best to keep it all together — working hard, keeping up with life’s demands, and showing up for everyone who depends on you. From the outside, it looks like you are doing just fine. But inside, you feel anxious, overwhelmed, and exhausted. You keep pushing through, but deep down, there is a sense of disconnection and unfulfillment you can’t quite explain.
You’ve considered therapy, but a part of you feels guilty reaching out for support. You compare your struggles to what others are facing and tell yourself you “should be fine,” that you have plenty to be grateful for.
Immediate Openings: Providing a safe and therapeutic environment for people to explore options for a happy and healthier life for themselves and the people they love is the cornerstone of my approach to therapy. I strive to provide quality therapy that embraces a solution-focused model. With an extensive professional background working with children and families as a therapist and manager of the Adult, Children, Family, and Respite services, my experience has equipped many different approaches to your therapeutic process. Experiential and innovative forms of therapy including Equine Assisted Therapy with a "herd" of therapists.
Immediate Openings: Providing a safe and therapeutic environment for people to explore options for a happy and healthier life for themselves and the people they love is the cornerstone of my approach to therapy. I strive to provide quality therapy that embraces a solution-focused model. With an extensive professional background working with children and families as a therapist and manager of the Adult, Children, Family, and Respite services, my experience has equipped many different approaches to your therapeutic process. Experiential and innovative forms of therapy including Equine Assisted Therapy with a "herd" of therapists.
I am a queer friendly and neurodivergent friendly therapist.
With individuals, I offer EMDR, and encourage walking in nature when possible during our remote sessions. With couples, I often start by helping them understand their attachment history and unresolved hurts. We map out recurring patterns of communication that are painful, and we find new and more vulnerable ways to share and respond to concerns.
I am a queer friendly and neurodivergent friendly therapist.
With individuals, I offer EMDR, and encourage walking in nature when possible during our remote sessions. With couples, I often start by helping them understand their attachment history and unresolved hurts. We map out recurring patterns of communication that are painful, and we find new and more vulnerable ways to share and respond to concerns.
Life can feel overwhelming when you or your family are navigating emotional stress, identity changes, behavioral challenges, trauma, autism, relationship difficulties, or major life transitions.
I believe therapy works best when people feel comfortable being themselves. My approach is relational, collaborative, and tailored to each client’s needs. I strive to create an affirming and supportive environment while helping clients build emotional regulation, communication, coping, and self-understanding skills in ways that feel realistic and meaningful.
Life can feel overwhelming when you or your family are navigating emotional stress, identity changes, behavioral challenges, trauma, autism, relationship difficulties, or major life transitions.
I believe therapy works best when people feel comfortable being themselves. My approach is relational, collaborative, and tailored to each client’s needs. I strive to create an affirming and supportive environment while helping clients build emotional regulation, communication, coping, and self-understanding skills in ways that feel realistic and meaningful.
You might be afraid to begin with. You may be afraid I will tell you that you are going crazy. When I reassure you that your depression, anxiety, or trauma has taken a toll, but you are not crazy, and I can help you, you will relax.
These are difficult times and you are not alone. Even though it may feel that way. Anxiety, depression, and trauma can do that.
You want help so you can move forward with your life again. You want to be a part of the world again - to laugh, and experience joy and success. That is the "stuff" of life.
You might be afraid to begin with. You may be afraid I will tell you that you are going crazy. When I reassure you that your depression, anxiety, or trauma has taken a toll, but you are not crazy, and I can help you, you will relax.
These are difficult times and you are not alone. Even though it may feel that way. Anxiety, depression, and trauma can do that.
You want help so you can move forward with your life again. You want to be a part of the world again - to laugh, and experience joy and success. That is the "stuff" of life.
See more therapy options for Virginia
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.