Autism Therapists in Middlesex, NJ
Whether you are a parent wondering if your child has autism or ADHD, a teen who has always felt different, or an adult who has spent years feeling misunderstood, you deserve clarity.
My evaluations are strengths-based and designed to celebrate how your brain works, not pathologize it. As a Certified Neurodiversity Affirming Assessment Practitioner, Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist, and Certified Clinical ADHD Professional, I provide reports with accommodations for home, school, and work.
Whether you are a parent wondering if your child has autism or ADHD, a teen who has always felt different, or an adult who has spent years feeling misunderstood, you deserve clarity.
My evaluations are strengths-based and designed to celebrate how your brain works, not pathologize it. As a Certified Neurodiversity Affirming Assessment Practitioner, Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist, and Certified Clinical ADHD Professional, I provide reports with accommodations for home, school, and work.
My specific areas of clinical focus are currently interpersonal, social, and education-related issues, including high-functioning autism, depression, anxiety, adjustment disorder, adoption issues, depression post-partum, divorce, bereavement, bullying, and social skills deficits.
Are you or someone you love experiencing social or emotional difficulties preventing you from accomplishing your goals and responsibilities? Are you ready to talk about your needs and take control of your life? Self-understanding and self-reflection are key elements to emotional well-being and healthy relationships. Most human beings have an innate need to feel connected and validated in their experiences and emotions. In my professional practice with teens, families, and couples, I offer a therapeutic relationship that my clients can use for their own personal growth and development.
My specific areas of clinical focus are currently interpersonal, social, and education-related issues, including high-functioning autism, depression, anxiety, adjustment disorder, adoption issues, depression post-partum, divorce, bereavement, bullying, and social skills deficits.
Are you or someone you love experiencing social or emotional difficulties preventing you from accomplishing your goals and responsibilities? Are you ready to talk about your needs and take control of your life? Self-understanding and self-reflection are key elements to emotional well-being and healthy relationships. Most human beings have an innate need to feel connected and validated in their experiences and emotions. In my professional practice with teens, families, and couples, I offer a therapeutic relationship that my clients can use for their own personal growth and development.
My goal is to meet clients exactly where they are and partner with them on their personal journey of exploring their gender, sexual orientation, and expanding the bounds of their relationships in the context of consensual non monogamy.
My goal is to meet clients exactly where they are and partner with them on their personal journey of exploring their gender, sexual orientation, and expanding the bounds of their relationships in the context of consensual non monogamy.
Tina M. Collins is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in New Jersey who has been practicing since 2001. She has an MSW from Rutgers University. Outside of work, Tina likes to read and do arts and crafts.
Tina M. Collins is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in New Jersey who has been practicing since 2001. She has an MSW from Rutgers University. Outside of work, Tina likes to read and do arts and crafts.
Patients in New Jersey seeking thoughtful, evidence-based mental health care can find supportive guidance with Brianna Velardi at LifeStance Health. She provides individual and group therapy for children, adolescents, teens, and adults across NJ, creating a respectful and collaborative space where clients can build insight, strengthen coping skills, and work toward meaningful change. As a provisionally licensed social worker, Brianna combines clinical knowledge with genuine compassion to help clients navigate life’s challenges. Brianna is particularly passionate about treating personality disorders, anxiety, and depression.Patients
Patients in New Jersey seeking thoughtful, evidence-based mental health care can find supportive guidance with Brianna Velardi at LifeStance Health. She provides individual and group therapy for children, adolescents, teens, and adults across NJ, creating a respectful and collaborative space where clients can build insight, strengthen coping skills, and work toward meaningful change. As a provisionally licensed social worker, Brianna combines clinical knowledge with genuine compassion to help clients navigate life’s challenges. Brianna is particularly passionate about treating personality disorders, anxiety, and depression.Patients
Megan Farner, LAC, is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive space for clients in New Jersey as they work through life’s challenges. Specializing in individual therapy for children, teens, and young adults, Megan helps individuals navigate issues such as anxiety, depression, and gender identity. By providing a compassionate and non-judgmental environment, Megan fosters emotional growth and resilience in her clients, empowering them to take meaningful steps toward their mental health goals.
Megan Farner, LAC, is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive space for clients in New Jersey as they work through life’s challenges. Specializing in individual therapy for children, teens, and young adults, Megan helps individuals navigate issues such as anxiety, depression, and gender identity. By providing a compassionate and non-judgmental environment, Megan fosters emotional growth and resilience in her clients, empowering them to take meaningful steps toward their mental health goals.
Joseph Daniel is a Licensed Professional Counselor in New Jersey who has been practicing since 2006. He holds a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology. Joseph believes in a treatment philosophy that includes cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and strength based. In his spare time, Joseph enjoys skiing, riding motorcycles, hiking, and being with family.
Joseph Daniel is a Licensed Professional Counselor in New Jersey who has been practicing since 2006. He holds a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology. Joseph believes in a treatment philosophy that includes cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and strength based. In his spare time, Joseph enjoys skiing, riding motorcycles, hiking, and being with family.
Cheyanne Curtin, LAC, is dedicated to helping individuals and families across New Jersey find greater emotional balance, connection, and resilience through evidence-based, compassionate therapy. Practicing at LifeStance Health, she supports children, adolescents, and adults through life’s challenges, including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and behavioral concerns. Cheyanne creates a warm and collaborative space where clients can explore emotions, improve communication, and build coping skills to move forward with confidence and clarity.
Cheyanne Curtin, LAC, is dedicated to helping individuals and families across New Jersey find greater emotional balance, connection, and resilience through evidence-based, compassionate therapy. Practicing at LifeStance Health, she supports children, adolescents, and adults through life’s challenges, including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and behavioral concerns. Cheyanne creates a warm and collaborative space where clients can explore emotions, improve communication, and build coping skills to move forward with confidence and clarity.
Rita Mensah is a Licensed Professional Counselor in New Jersey who has been practicing since 2013. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology. Rita also has additional training in play therapy, trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy, school avoidance, and traditional cognitive behavioral therapy. Rita has a significant amount of experience in various settings in the behavioral health field. She works with children, adolescents, and adults. Her approach is compassionate, warm, caring, and supportive.
Rita Mensah is a Licensed Professional Counselor in New Jersey who has been practicing since 2013. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology. Rita also has additional training in play therapy, trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy, school avoidance, and traditional cognitive behavioral therapy. Rita has a significant amount of experience in various settings in the behavioral health field. She works with children, adolescents, and adults. Her approach is compassionate, warm, caring, and supportive.
She is particularly passionate about working with individuals navigating adoption and foster care, supporting those on the autism spectrum, and providing affirming care for LGBTQ+ clients
Kaitlynn Grogan, Counselor Associate at LifeStance Health, provides compassionate and individualized mental health care to clients across New Jersey. She supports adolescents, teens, adults, and seniors, creating a safe and welcoming environment where clients can explore their experiences, build coping skills, and move toward lasting growth and healing. Kaitlynn specializes in treating anxiety, depression, and trauma-related concerns, offering therapy that is both evidence-based and tailored to each client’s needs.Kaitlynn Grogan, Counselor Associate at LifeStance Health, provides compassionate and individualized mental health care
She is particularly passionate about working with individuals navigating adoption and foster care, supporting those on the autism spectrum, and providing affirming care for LGBTQ+ clients
Kaitlynn Grogan, Counselor Associate at LifeStance Health, provides compassionate and individualized mental health care to clients across New Jersey. She supports adolescents, teens, adults, and seniors, creating a safe and welcoming environment where clients can explore their experiences, build coping skills, and move toward lasting growth and healing. Kaitlynn specializes in treating anxiety, depression, and trauma-related concerns, offering therapy that is both evidence-based and tailored to each client’s needs.Kaitlynn Grogan, Counselor Associate at LifeStance Health, provides compassionate and individualized mental health care
Kevin Gallagher is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor in New Jersey. He has a Masters in Social Work from Rutgers University. Kevin has worked in a range of settings including residential, PHP/IOP mental health services, and IOP substance use services. Kevin’s particular diagnostic experience includes (alphabetically) ADHD, anxiety, bipolar, depression, personality disorders, psychosis, substance use, and trauma.
Kevin Gallagher is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor in New Jersey. He has a Masters in Social Work from Rutgers University. Kevin has worked in a range of settings including residential, PHP/IOP mental health services, and IOP substance use services. Kevin’s particular diagnostic experience includes (alphabetically) ADHD, anxiety, bipolar, depression, personality disorders, psychosis, substance use, and trauma.
Krista Merola is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New Jersey who has been practicing since 2020. She has a Master's Degree in Clinical Social Work from Rutgers University. Krista provides a safe environment for the clients that she serves. She strives to build rapport and create a healthy, helping relationship. Krista is very empathetic, understanding, and warm with her clients which helps foster a safe environment conducive to healing. In her spare time, Krista enjoys reading, going to the gym, spending time with friends and family, and watching Netflix.Krista Merola is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New Jersey who has be
Krista Merola is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New Jersey who has been practicing since 2020. She has a Master's Degree in Clinical Social Work from Rutgers University. Krista provides a safe environment for the clients that she serves. She strives to build rapport and create a healthy, helping relationship. Krista is very empathetic, understanding, and warm with her clients which helps foster a safe environment conducive to healing. In her spare time, Krista enjoys reading, going to the gym, spending time with friends and family, and watching Netflix.Krista Merola is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New Jersey who has be
I support deep feelers and thinkers explore anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, sex & more with neurodivergent & queer affirming care.
Do you wish life would slow down so you could take a breath? Stuff has been piling up and now your relationships are strained, your social life isn't what you want, and you don’t even really know who you are. However things got to this point, you know you want life to be different and don't want to wait anymore. Many of my clients are hesitant to start therapy or have had trouble connecting with other therapists. And I get it! Let's be real, vulnerability is scary as hell. Together we’ll discover or reconnect with your truest self, cultivate healthy habits, identify unhelpful patterns & gain tools to go through the changes of life.
I support deep feelers and thinkers explore anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, sex & more with neurodivergent & queer affirming care.
Do you wish life would slow down so you could take a breath? Stuff has been piling up and now your relationships are strained, your social life isn't what you want, and you don’t even really know who you are. However things got to this point, you know you want life to be different and don't want to wait anymore. Many of my clients are hesitant to start therapy or have had trouble connecting with other therapists. And I get it! Let's be real, vulnerability is scary as hell. Together we’ll discover or reconnect with your truest self, cultivate healthy habits, identify unhelpful patterns & gain tools to go through the changes of life.
More Therapists Nearby
Will specializes in supporting individuals living with ADHD, Anxiety and other related disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as Eating Disorders and disordered eating.
Our providers at Will Inspire You Counseling take an eclectic approach, using aspects of: DBT, Mindfulness, ACT, & Trauma-informed care, centering on a holistic approach (see: "treatment preferences" below). Our strategies help turn your mental health into mental wealth. We currently conduct all sessions virtually utilizing a HIPAA compliant platform.
Will specializes in supporting individuals living with ADHD, Anxiety and other related disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as Eating Disorders and disordered eating.
Our providers at Will Inspire You Counseling take an eclectic approach, using aspects of: DBT, Mindfulness, ACT, & Trauma-informed care, centering on a holistic approach (see: "treatment preferences" below). Our strategies help turn your mental health into mental wealth. We currently conduct all sessions virtually utilizing a HIPAA compliant platform.
COR Behavioral Group Specializes in treating Autism and other disorders that affect behavior.
ABA is not a technique. ABA is a guiding series of principles that allow us to individually design the best treatment for your child. Your child's program may look very different from another child's program, or what they do in school.
COR Behavioral Group Specializes in treating Autism and other disorders that affect behavior.
ABA is not a technique. ABA is a guiding series of principles that allow us to individually design the best treatment for your child. Your child's program may look very different from another child's program, or what they do in school.
I support LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, AAPI, Latinx & Neurodivergent individuals navigating Identity, Trauma, Chronic Illness, and Systemic Barriers.
Finding the right therapist is truly about finding the right connection. I believe therapy should be a space where you never have to mask or explain away your identity. You are a whole person, and your path to healing should honor your full lived lived experience. My approach is flexible and collaborative, moving away from "one-size-fits-all" solutions to tailor our work to your specific needs. I’m here to walk alongside you, honoring your unique story and helping you build a life that feels authentic and empowering.
I support LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, AAPI, Latinx & Neurodivergent individuals navigating Identity, Trauma, Chronic Illness, and Systemic Barriers.
Finding the right therapist is truly about finding the right connection. I believe therapy should be a space where you never have to mask or explain away your identity. You are a whole person, and your path to healing should honor your full lived lived experience. My approach is flexible and collaborative, moving away from "one-size-fits-all" solutions to tailor our work to your specific needs. I’m here to walk alongside you, honoring your unique story and helping you build a life that feels authentic and empowering.
Many neurodivergent adults (ADHD, Autism, AuDHD, gifted/2e, OCD or self-identified ND) move through the world carrying chronic pressure, masking, emotional intensity, and a fear of getting it “wrong
I help clients with emotional regulation, relationship patterns, burnout, parenting while ND, perfectionism, identity exploration, and the exhaustion of trying to keep up with expectations that were never made for your nervous system. Together, we build skills that honor your wiring rather than fight it.
Many neurodivergent adults (ADHD, Autism, AuDHD, gifted/2e, OCD or self-identified ND) move through the world carrying chronic pressure, masking, emotional intensity, and a fear of getting it “wrong
I help clients with emotional regulation, relationship patterns, burnout, parenting while ND, perfectionism, identity exploration, and the exhaustion of trying to keep up with expectations that were never made for your nervous system. Together, we build skills that honor your wiring rather than fight it.
Therapy offers supportive guidance and practical tools to help individuals on the autism spectrum and those facing social or emotional challenges build confidence, connection, and greater independence.
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy along with art and music-based interventions to help clients improve emotional regulation, social skills, and confidence. Creative expression offers a safe way to communicate feelings while developing practical tools that support growth and daily functioning.
Therapy offers supportive guidance and practical tools to help individuals on the autism spectrum and those facing social or emotional challenges build confidence, connection, and greater independence.
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy along with art and music-based interventions to help clients improve emotional regulation, social skills, and confidence. Creative expression offers a safe way to communicate feelings while developing practical tools that support growth and daily functioning.
I treat people from a variety of ages and backgrounds. Much of the work we do involves decreasing anxiety, increasing happiness, overcoming parenting stress or relational conflict, and dealing with life transitions more effectively. I have expertise and experience in supporting individuals with developing and improving behavioral strategies and emotion regulation as well as building and maintaining more meaningful relationships. This may include overcoming patterns of perfectionism, building more confidence, and learning how to appreciate where you are in life. The goals we set will enable you to live a more satisfying life.
I treat people from a variety of ages and backgrounds. Much of the work we do involves decreasing anxiety, increasing happiness, overcoming parenting stress or relational conflict, and dealing with life transitions more effectively. I have expertise and experience in supporting individuals with developing and improving behavioral strategies and emotion regulation as well as building and maintaining more meaningful relationships. This may include overcoming patterns of perfectionism, building more confidence, and learning how to appreciate where you are in life. The goals we set will enable you to live a more satisfying life.
Current openings are for autism assessments only.
Assessments are strengths-focused, neuroaffirmative, collaborative, trauma-informed, and PDA-informed. I utilize a range of tools including the MIGDAS-2, and incorporate training in Therapeutic Assessment. The process involves two sessions and a feedback discussion, as well as the option for a written report.
Current openings are for autism assessments only.
Assessments are strengths-focused, neuroaffirmative, collaborative, trauma-informed, and PDA-informed. I utilize a range of tools including the MIGDAS-2, and incorporate training in Therapeutic Assessment. The process involves two sessions and a feedback discussion, as well as the option for a written report.
See more therapy options for Middlesex
Nearby Autism Therapists Searches for Middlesex
- Berkeley Heights
- Bridgewater
- Edison
- Highland Park
- New Brunswick
- Piscataway
- Plainfield
- Raritan
- Scotch Plains
- Somerset
- South Plainfield
- Warren
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.