Autism Therapists in Nashville, TN
Katy Hurst Counseling & Associates
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, MHSP
7 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37203
Waitlist for new clients
Whether you work with Katy or another member of the team, you’ll be thoughtfully matched with a skilled therapist who understands how to treat C-PTSD, Autism, ADHD, chronic illness–related stress, eating disorders, and the ways these experiences intersect.
We offer play therapy (ages 3+), IFS/parts work, EMDR, and Brainspotting (adult clients), and Emotion-Focused Therapy (couples/families). Therapists on this team have additional training in complex trauma and dissociation, the intersection of neurodivergence and trauma, chronic illness, and trauma-informed eating disorder care.
Whether you work with Katy or another member of the team, you’ll be thoughtfully matched with a skilled therapist who understands how to treat C-PTSD, Autism, ADHD, chronic illness–related stress, eating disorders, and the ways these experiences intersect.
We offer play therapy (ages 3+), IFS/parts work, EMDR, and Brainspotting (adult clients), and Emotion-Focused Therapy (couples/families). Therapists on this team have additional training in complex trauma and dissociation, the intersection of neurodivergence and trauma, chronic illness, and trauma-informed eating disorder care.
I'm Rachel - I'm a neurodivergent therapist specializing in supporting adults with ADHD and/or autism ( ASD), particularly women who have received late diagnoses or who identify with high-masking.
I’m passionate about offering services grounded in a neurodivergent model of health.
My goal is to help clients build confidence, develop healthier relationships, and foster emotional well-being through personalized strategies that honor their unique identities.
I'm Rachel - I'm a neurodivergent therapist specializing in supporting adults with ADHD and/or autism ( ASD), particularly women who have received late diagnoses or who identify with high-masking.
I’m passionate about offering services grounded in a neurodivergent model of health.
My goal is to help clients build confidence, develop healthier relationships, and foster emotional well-being through personalized strategies that honor their unique identities.
Hi, I'm Leah Walker, a postdoctoral fellow and licensed professional counselor in TN, KY, and VA. I work with adults navigating trauma and a life of chronic invalidation. My approach is authentic, collaborative, and trauma-informed, creating a safe space to explore life's most difficult challenges. In our first sessions, you can expect transparency, trust-building, and support tailored to your unique needs. I am fully invested in your healing journey and believe everyone deserves to feel heard, validated, and empowered to create meaningful change. If you're ready to begin that journey, I would be honored to walk alongside you.
Hi, I'm Leah Walker, a postdoctoral fellow and licensed professional counselor in TN, KY, and VA. I work with adults navigating trauma and a life of chronic invalidation. My approach is authentic, collaborative, and trauma-informed, creating a safe space to explore life's most difficult challenges. In our first sessions, you can expect transparency, trust-building, and support tailored to your unique needs. I am fully invested in your healing journey and believe everyone deserves to feel heard, validated, and empowered to create meaningful change. If you're ready to begin that journey, I would be honored to walk alongside you.
We offer individual and family therapy, trauma-focused treatment, in-home services for youth, parent support, autism assessments, and special education advocacy.
Beautiful Minds serves children, teens, adults, and families seeking support with anxiety, depression, trauma, behavioral concerns, relationships, or life changes. You may be worried about your child, feeling overwhelmed yourself, or trying to understand patterns that keep getting in the way. Our team takes time to understand what is happening, what matters to you, and what you want to change. We build care around your strengths and needs, helping you develop practical skills, strengthen connections, and make daily life feel more manageable.
We offer individual and family therapy, trauma-focused treatment, in-home services for youth, parent support, autism assessments, and special education advocacy.
Beautiful Minds serves children, teens, adults, and families seeking support with anxiety, depression, trauma, behavioral concerns, relationships, or life changes. You may be worried about your child, feeling overwhelmed yourself, or trying to understand patterns that keep getting in the way. Our team takes time to understand what is happening, what matters to you, and what you want to change. We build care around your strengths and needs, helping you develop practical skills, strengthen connections, and make daily life feel more manageable.
Your goals might include healing from past wounds, understanding your unique neurodivergent traits, or finding empowerment in your intersecting identities.
With training in neurodiversity-affirming couples therapy, Trauma-focused CBT, and relational-cultural methods, I tailor my work to your specific needs. My academic background in gender, race, and sexuality- along with my experience as a mixed-race Asian American and neurodivergent person- allows me to bring both professional and personal expertise.
Your goals might include healing from past wounds, understanding your unique neurodivergent traits, or finding empowerment in your intersecting identities.
With training in neurodiversity-affirming couples therapy, Trauma-focused CBT, and relational-cultural methods, I tailor my work to your specific needs. My academic background in gender, race, and sexuality- along with my experience as a mixed-race Asian American and neurodivergent person- allows me to bring both professional and personal expertise.
Our understanding of autism & ADHD has changed; millions of people remain undiagnosed.
Professional help is often necessary for an accurate diagnosis, especially with multiple co-occurring conditions. Standardized assessments are informative, but what is most important is a thoughtful, nuanced clinical interview with a psychologist who knows what to ask and when to follow up to get below superficial appearances and masked presentations.
Our understanding of autism & ADHD has changed; millions of people remain undiagnosed.
Professional help is often necessary for an accurate diagnosis, especially with multiple co-occurring conditions. Standardized assessments are informative, but what is most important is a thoughtful, nuanced clinical interview with a psychologist who knows what to ask and when to follow up to get below superficial appearances and masked presentations.
This includes clients adjusting to late diagnosis of or suspected neurodivergence (ADHD/ Autism) or those facing life/identity transitions (life roles, career, gender, spirituality/religion, etc).
Being a human is hard, and sometimes overwhelmingly hard. Things going on within, around, or to us can challenge how we experience and engage with life and ourselves. Sometimes we need helping in sorting out our thoughts, feelings, and actions in order to find a way to live both comfortably and authentically. Sometimes we need help finding new perspectives and understandings of ourselves, others, or the world. Sometimes we are comfortable within ourselves, but are facing difficulty in interacting with others and need assistance in uncovering friction points. No matter what it is, you’re welcome to explore it with me.
This includes clients adjusting to late diagnosis of or suspected neurodivergence (ADHD/ Autism) or those facing life/identity transitions (life roles, career, gender, spirituality/religion, etc).
Being a human is hard, and sometimes overwhelmingly hard. Things going on within, around, or to us can challenge how we experience and engage with life and ourselves. Sometimes we need helping in sorting out our thoughts, feelings, and actions in order to find a way to live both comfortably and authentically. Sometimes we need help finding new perspectives and understandings of ourselves, others, or the world. Sometimes we are comfortable within ourselves, but are facing difficulty in interacting with others and need assistance in uncovering friction points. No matter what it is, you’re welcome to explore it with me.
I specialize in OCD, anxiety, depression, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and gender dysphoria/identity exploration.
It’s taken me a long time to write this because I desperately wanted my bio to communicate my heart for counseling, people, and the work that I do, but I also feel that words fall short when you’re trying to communicate something so intimate. First of all, you are brave for taking a step toward deeper healing, and I am honored that you might consider me as a support alongside you in your journey. Whether this is your first time seeking counseling or your 10th time, I hope to encourage and help empower you in your fight to become who you want to be. Whatever next step you decide to take, I hope the best for you.
I specialize in OCD, anxiety, depression, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and gender dysphoria/identity exploration.
It’s taken me a long time to write this because I desperately wanted my bio to communicate my heart for counseling, people, and the work that I do, but I also feel that words fall short when you’re trying to communicate something so intimate. First of all, you are brave for taking a step toward deeper healing, and I am honored that you might consider me as a support alongside you in your journey. Whether this is your first time seeking counseling or your 10th time, I hope to encourage and help empower you in your fight to become who you want to be. Whatever next step you decide to take, I hope the best for you.
Neurodiversity-affirming and trauma informed care at Rising Winds Counseling goes beyond the therapeutic relationship to encompass our advocacy efforts, treatment planning, telehealth option, and even our office space (soft lighting and other sensory considerations). We acknowledge that there has been a history of ableism within the mental health treatment that has created some fears related to seeking therapy which is why we rely on strength based approaches, research that is specific to neurodiverse individuals, and a therapeutic approach that empowers you to both achieve your goals and honor the unique aspects of yourself.
Neurodiversity-affirming and trauma informed care at Rising Winds Counseling goes beyond the therapeutic relationship to encompass our advocacy efforts, treatment planning, telehealth option, and even our office space (soft lighting and other sensory considerations). We acknowledge that there has been a history of ableism within the mental health treatment that has created some fears related to seeking therapy which is why we rely on strength based approaches, research that is specific to neurodiverse individuals, and a therapeutic approach that empowers you to both achieve your goals and honor the unique aspects of yourself.
I specialize in working with folks with anxiety, depression, bi-polar disorders, ADHD, ASD, OCD, self-esteem issues, relationship issues, women's and body-image issues, and LGBTQ+.
I believe the outcome of therapy is mostly predicated on the relationship between the therapist and the client. I offer supportive, non-judgmental therapy based in evidence. I use empathy, connection, mindfulness, somatic awareness, laughter and supportive listening to guide the process of therapy. I use ACT, SE, I-CBT, Brainspotting, IFS & ERP.
I specialize in working with folks with anxiety, depression, bi-polar disorders, ADHD, ASD, OCD, self-esteem issues, relationship issues, women's and body-image issues, and LGBTQ+.
I believe the outcome of therapy is mostly predicated on the relationship between the therapist and the client. I offer supportive, non-judgmental therapy based in evidence. I use empathy, connection, mindfulness, somatic awareness, laughter and supportive listening to guide the process of therapy. I use ACT, SE, I-CBT, Brainspotting, IFS & ERP.
My practice is neurodiversity-affirming and I work often with clients who have been diagnosed with ADHD and/or Autism.
My goal is to create a supportive environment where young people can build resilience, self-awareness, and confidence, while feeling empowered to tackle life’s challenges.
I utilize a variety of techniques in my work, including play therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and expressive arts.
My practice is neurodiversity-affirming and I work often with clients who have been diagnosed with ADHD and/or Autism.
My goal is to create a supportive environment where young people can build resilience, self-awareness, and confidence, while feeling empowered to tackle life’s challenges.
I utilize a variety of techniques in my work, including play therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and expressive arts.
I have years of personal and professional experience with neurodivergence and work to educate other professionals about the harm of treating being autistic as a disorder that needs to be “cured”.
I have decades of experience and extensive training in trauma, substance abuse, neurodivergence, depression, & anxiety. I have a wealth of knowledge about the legal, school, and healthcare systems. I am comfortable working with people from every walk of life, including those who are people of color, disabled, and/or who identify as LGBTQ+. I specialize in working with adolescents and have worked with numerous trauma survivors. Mental health issues are often the direct result, not of individual responses to stress, but a reaction to a variety of societal ills - racism, homophobia and transphobia, ableism, economic inequality, etc.
I have years of personal and professional experience with neurodivergence and work to educate other professionals about the harm of treating being autistic as a disorder that needs to be “cured”.
I have decades of experience and extensive training in trauma, substance abuse, neurodivergence, depression, & anxiety. I have a wealth of knowledge about the legal, school, and healthcare systems. I am comfortable working with people from every walk of life, including those who are people of color, disabled, and/or who identify as LGBTQ+. I specialize in working with adolescents and have worked with numerous trauma survivors. Mental health issues are often the direct result, not of individual responses to stress, but a reaction to a variety of societal ills - racism, homophobia and transphobia, ableism, economic inequality, etc.
Zephyr Care specializes in neurodiversity-affirming testing for autism, ADHD, and mental health for adults and kids.
We are one of the few practices in TN that offers neurodiversity-affirming testing for adults and children across the lifespan for autism, ADHD, and mental health. We offer in-person and virtual appointments. We can make recommendations and referrals for continued treatment after your evaluation.
Zephyr Care specializes in neurodiversity-affirming testing for autism, ADHD, and mental health for adults and kids.
We are one of the few practices in TN that offers neurodiversity-affirming testing for adults and children across the lifespan for autism, ADHD, and mental health. We offer in-person and virtual appointments. We can make recommendations and referrals for continued treatment after your evaluation.
I enjoy helping support people with trauma, ADHD and Autism, mood disorders, life transitions, and family-of-origin issues.
I am so pumped that you're here! I know what it feels like to seek out a new therapist, and I don’t take for granted the courage and vulnerability it takes for you to share these parts of yourself. My goal is to create a pathway to help you reveal your authentic self. We do this by examining what’s been conditioned and impressed upon you while also identifying what feels true and authentic to who you are. I approach this work first and foremost with compassion, curiosity, open-mindedness, and authenticity. I believe there is room for pain and humor in therapy. I promise to keep it real with you and to share some laughs, too!
I enjoy helping support people with trauma, ADHD and Autism, mood disorders, life transitions, and family-of-origin issues.
I am so pumped that you're here! I know what it feels like to seek out a new therapist, and I don’t take for granted the courage and vulnerability it takes for you to share these parts of yourself. My goal is to create a pathway to help you reveal your authentic self. We do this by examining what’s been conditioned and impressed upon you while also identifying what feels true and authentic to who you are. I approach this work first and foremost with compassion, curiosity, open-mindedness, and authenticity. I believe there is room for pain and humor in therapy. I promise to keep it real with you and to share some laughs, too!
Therapy for neurodivergent folks without a neurodivergent therapist can often be more harmful than no therapy at all.
For kids and teens, I use child-led, creative methods like play therapy, sand tray, and expressive arts, which allow them to process in their own way & at their own pace. For adults, our work might look like exploring identity, building emotional regulation skills, unlearning harmful internalized messages, or just having a space to breathe and be yourself.
Therapy for neurodivergent folks without a neurodivergent therapist can often be more harmful than no therapy at all.
For kids and teens, I use child-led, creative methods like play therapy, sand tray, and expressive arts, which allow them to process in their own way & at their own pace. For adults, our work might look like exploring identity, building emotional regulation skills, unlearning harmful internalized messages, or just having a space to breathe and be yourself.
My specializations include trauma and complex trauma, gender and sexual identity exploration, managing a neurotypical world with a neurodivergent nervous system, and support with nontraditional relationship styles.
If you are looking to increase safety in your nervous system, address patterns that no longer serve you, or regain access to your fully embodied self, I'm here for you. I work with clients who may have felt misunderstood or marginalized in other spaces and are looking for care that honors their lived experience without judgment. In our sessions, it is my priority to provide safety for and acceptance for the whole self, including all parts of who you are and all aspects of your lived experience.
My specializations include trauma and complex trauma, gender and sexual identity exploration, managing a neurotypical world with a neurodivergent nervous system, and support with nontraditional relationship styles.
If you are looking to increase safety in your nervous system, address patterns that no longer serve you, or regain access to your fully embodied self, I'm here for you. I work with clients who may have felt misunderstood or marginalized in other spaces and are looking for care that honors their lived experience without judgment. In our sessions, it is my priority to provide safety for and acceptance for the whole self, including all parts of who you are and all aspects of your lived experience.
I specialize in Autism Spectrum Disorder, and work with this population in individual and group settings.
My counseling approach is Person-Centered. I use Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, Art Therapy, and Music Therapy. I include psycho education in my sessions to help individuals identify the root of their behavior. And I offer EMDR for those who need more support with trauma/grief/anxiety/loss.
I specialize in Autism Spectrum Disorder, and work with this population in individual and group settings.
My counseling approach is Person-Centered. I use Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, Art Therapy, and Music Therapy. I include psycho education in my sessions to help individuals identify the root of their behavior. And I offer EMDR for those who need more support with trauma/grief/anxiety/loss.
I work with people carrying complex trauma, often layered with autism, ADHD, LGBTQ+ identities, and cultural complexity.
I use trauma-focused approaches to process what’s stuck in your mind and body. I help you understand your reactions and how they shape your relationships, then build practical, personalized ways forward. I’m warm, curious, and direct, and I’ll challenge ingrained patterns when needed. Creativity and play help the work settle in and shift faster.
I work with people carrying complex trauma, often layered with autism, ADHD, LGBTQ+ identities, and cultural complexity.
I use trauma-focused approaches to process what’s stuck in your mind and body. I help you understand your reactions and how they shape your relationships, then build practical, personalized ways forward. I’m warm, curious, and direct, and I’ll challenge ingrained patterns when needed. Creativity and play help the work settle in and shift faster.
Hi, I'm Maxy (they/them), I am a non-binary and autistic therapist offering trauma therapy, EMDR, & expressive arts work in East Nashville.
It's not enough to just talk about or conceptualize healing. I offer healing experiences through EMDR, meditation, and the depth of our relationship. My clients have described me as calm, wise, and patient, while also challenging and holding them through sharp pains and hard truths.
Hi, I'm Maxy (they/them), I am a non-binary and autistic therapist offering trauma therapy, EMDR, & expressive arts work in East Nashville.
It's not enough to just talk about or conceptualize healing. I offer healing experiences through EMDR, meditation, and the depth of our relationship. My clients have described me as calm, wise, and patient, while also challenging and holding them through sharp pains and hard truths.
I specialize in neurodiversity-affirming testing for autism, ADHD and mental health for kids and adults.
I am a specialist in neurodiversity including testing for ADHD and autism. I provide neurodiversity-affirming evaluations and especially enjoy helping high masking autistic/ADHD women and girls with their diagnoses. I can also help with accommodations for standardized testing and work. I serve people in TN and PSYPACT states.
I specialize in neurodiversity-affirming testing for autism, ADHD and mental health for kids and adults.
I am a specialist in neurodiversity including testing for ADHD and autism. I provide neurodiversity-affirming evaluations and especially enjoy helping high masking autistic/ADHD women and girls with their diagnoses. I can also help with accommodations for standardized testing and work. I serve people in TN and PSYPACT states.
See more therapy options for Nashville
Nearby Autism Therapists Searches for Nashville
- Antioch
- Bellevue
- Berry Hill
- Brentwood
- Franklin
- Goodlettsville
- Hendersonville
- Hermitage
- La Vergne
- Madison
- Mount Juliet
- Old Hickory
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.