Autism Treatment Centers in San Diego, CA
ROWI is a comprehensive mental health facility for teens ages 12-17. We are clinician-owned and operated, with 16 locations across Southern California. Our program includes individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and psychiatric care. In addition, we provide art, fitness, mindfulness, music, UCLA's "PEERS" social skills program, and other therapies to provide a holistic approach to care. We offer full-day (Partial Hospitalization) and after-school (Intensive Outpatient) services for teens experiencing depression, anxiety, mood disorders, suicidal ideation, school avoidance, ADHD, trauma, gender identity issues, and more. We also offer an inclusive program for teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Our Director of Education and the Educational Liaisons at each center coordinate with your child's school to help ensure students don't fall further behind. ROWI offers a free Alumni program for graduates.
ROWI is a comprehensive mental health facility for teens ages 12-17. We are clinician-owned and operated, with 16 locations across Southern California. Our program includes individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and psychiatric care. In addition, we provide art, fitness, mindfulness, music, UCLA's "PEERS" social skills program, and other therapies to provide a holistic approach to care. We offer full-day (Partial Hospitalization) and after-school (Intensive Outpatient) services for teens experiencing depression, anxiety, mood disorders, suicidal ideation, school avoidance, ADHD, trauma, gender identity issues, and more. We also offer an inclusive program for teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Our Director of Education and the Educational Liaisons at each center coordinate with your child's school to help ensure students don't fall further behind. ROWI offers a free Alumni program for graduates.
At Sharp Mesa Vista, empowering you in your care is the cornerstone of our healing philosophy. Here, you can expect to receive excellent care across the spectrum — from inpatient to outpatient treatment. Our advanced clinical treatments and successful programs are individualized to your needs, and our expert medical teams involve care from affiliated physicians and psychiatrists, experienced nurses, licensed therapists and certified counselors.
At Sharp Mesa Vista, empowering you in your care is the cornerstone of our healing philosophy. Here, you can expect to receive excellent care across the spectrum — from inpatient to outpatient treatment. Our advanced clinical treatments and successful programs are individualized to your needs, and our expert medical teams involve care from affiliated physicians and psychiatrists, experienced nurses, licensed therapists and certified counselors.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience providing services to children, adolescents, adults, and families. My team of expert clinicians provide evidence-based and compassionate therapies from a range of approaches, state-of-the art testing, in-school/in-home services, medical services, and neurofeedback. We offer an integrative approach with multiple treatment options to alleviate symptoms, cope with stressors, resolve conflicts, and restore your daily life to health and wellness. We strive to provide exceptional and wholistic collaborative care to educate, support, and empower individuals and families. I provide a free 15 minute consultation to see if we are a good match for you and your family, and to answer your questions.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience providing services to children, adolescents, adults, and families. My team of expert clinicians provide evidence-based and compassionate therapies from a range of approaches, state-of-the art testing, in-school/in-home services, medical services, and neurofeedback. We offer an integrative approach with multiple treatment options to alleviate symptoms, cope with stressors, resolve conflicts, and restore your daily life to health and wellness. We strive to provide exceptional and wholistic collaborative care to educate, support, and empower individuals and families. I provide a free 15 minute consultation to see if we are a good match for you and your family, and to answer your questions.
Polaris Teen Center, LLC - Adolescent Residential
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92101
Our mission at Polaris Teen Center is to assist adolescents ages 13 to 17 in the initial phase of addressing and treating a mental disorder that has significantly impaired everyday functioning and has resulted in destructive consequences. During this transitional period, we empower clients and their families to transform their lives by replacing hopelessness, despair and self-destructive behaviors with renewed optimism, confidence and a plan for the future.
Our mission at Polaris Teen Center is to assist adolescents ages 13 to 17 in the initial phase of addressing and treating a mental disorder that has significantly impaired everyday functioning and has resulted in destructive consequences. During this transitional period, we empower clients and their families to transform their lives by replacing hopelessness, despair and self-destructive behaviors with renewed optimism, confidence and a plan for the future.
Drew Edmund Psychiatric Center provide a unique residential mental health program designed to care for the whole individual through a customized blend of traditional and alternative therapies. From the beginning, Drew Edmund Psychiatric has sought to provide an exceptional therapeutic experience that helps patients achieve stability and develop healthy new patterns for living happily and successfully. Each and every member of our staff has extensive experience in providing integrated care for adults challenged by mental and emotional issues. Drew Edmund Psychiatric Center is dedicated to improving patient's quality of life and increasing personal independence in both short and long term residential settings. Our dynamic team of professionals provides state of the art treatment in an upscale environment that offers the finest amenities for the comfort of our residents. As a therapeutic team, we take pride in the balanced, streamlined care we deliver and the positive, life enriching changes we facilitate in our residents.
Drew Edmund Psychiatric Center provide a unique residential mental health program designed to care for the whole individual through a customized blend of traditional and alternative therapies. From the beginning, Drew Edmund Psychiatric has sought to provide an exceptional therapeutic experience that helps patients achieve stability and develop healthy new patterns for living happily and successfully. Each and every member of our staff has extensive experience in providing integrated care for adults challenged by mental and emotional issues. Drew Edmund Psychiatric Center is dedicated to improving patient's quality of life and increasing personal independence in both short and long term residential settings. Our dynamic team of professionals provides state of the art treatment in an upscale environment that offers the finest amenities for the comfort of our residents. As a therapeutic team, we take pride in the balanced, streamlined care we deliver and the positive, life enriching changes we facilitate in our residents.
Thrive Treatment℠ is the premier Los Angeles Treatment Center offering the full continuum of care. We offer detox, residential, and outpatient services for addiction and mental health. We employ a multi-modal approach to recovery from substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. Our program philosophy is rooted in developing a strong therapeutic relationship with our clients while helping them to understand the underlying social and emotional issues that drive their substance abuse. In that sense, we view all addictions as dual diagnoses. While many of these underlying issues are visible to clients and their loved ones, there are often other challenging aspects of their inner lives that cannot be seen. Our goal is to help clients identify these problems, believing that insight in these areas is the best way to initiate positive and lasting change. This approach also helps clients minimize the shame that often comes with addiction, developing a sense of self-compassion for their circumstances while learning how to face life’s discomfort with strength and resilience.
Thrive Treatment℠ is the premier Los Angeles Treatment Center offering the full continuum of care. We offer detox, residential, and outpatient services for addiction and mental health. We employ a multi-modal approach to recovery from substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. Our program philosophy is rooted in developing a strong therapeutic relationship with our clients while helping them to understand the underlying social and emotional issues that drive their substance abuse. In that sense, we view all addictions as dual diagnoses. While many of these underlying issues are visible to clients and their loved ones, there are often other challenging aspects of their inner lives that cannot be seen. Our goal is to help clients identify these problems, believing that insight in these areas is the best way to initiate positive and lasting change. This approach also helps clients minimize the shame that often comes with addiction, developing a sense of self-compassion for their circumstances while learning how to face life’s discomfort with strength and resilience.
At Newport Academy, we know that treatment financing can make all the difference in receiving quality treatment. To that end, we promote collaborative relationships with all healthcare payers to optimize the benefit coverage for families in need. We accept all major insurance, and up to 100 percent of our services are covered. Our goal is to partner with insurers to address the adolescent and young adult mental health crisis, by reaching more families and helping them achieve sustainable recovery. If you’re interested in exploring the possibility of treatment at Newport Academy for your loved one’s mental health, behavioral health, or substance abuse issues, we can begin the insurance verification process immediately. Furthermore, we are happy to obtain your insurance policy information and seek verification on your behalf. You can also expedite this process by completing the insurance verification form on our website. There is no obligation to either Newport Academy or to your insurance provider.
At Newport Academy, we know that treatment financing can make all the difference in receiving quality treatment. To that end, we promote collaborative relationships with all healthcare payers to optimize the benefit coverage for families in need. We accept all major insurance, and up to 100 percent of our services are covered. Our goal is to partner with insurers to address the adolescent and young adult mental health crisis, by reaching more families and helping them achieve sustainable recovery. If you’re interested in exploring the possibility of treatment at Newport Academy for your loved one’s mental health, behavioral health, or substance abuse issues, we can begin the insurance verification process immediately. Furthermore, we are happy to obtain your insurance policy information and seek verification on your behalf. You can also expedite this process by completing the insurance verification form on our website. There is no obligation to either Newport Academy or to your insurance provider.
We are open for anyone and everyone, via tele-health, throughout California. We are a non-profit community mental health organization providing professional counseling and psychotherapy to adults, youth, children, couples, families, and groups from all walks of life. In addition, we offer an array of innovative therapeutic programs and workshops, such as weekly support groups. All are welcome, and all services are provided on a true sliding scale basis ($20 - $120).
We are open for anyone and everyone, via tele-health, throughout California. We are a non-profit community mental health organization providing professional counseling and psychotherapy to adults, youth, children, couples, families, and groups from all walks of life. In addition, we offer an array of innovative therapeutic programs and workshops, such as weekly support groups. All are welcome, and all services are provided on a true sliding scale basis ($20 - $120).
BOLD Health is a medical home for mental health run by physicians, rooted in research and science and dedicated to personalized attention and care. We provide full spectrum psychiatric care including medication management and psychotherapy for adults and adolescents, intensive depression and anxiety treatment, intensive addiction treatment and group therapy. We are here to meet you where you are to help you reach your goals for mental health. Our focus is you.
BOLD Health is a medical home for mental health run by physicians, rooted in research and science and dedicated to personalized attention and care. We provide full spectrum psychiatric care including medication management and psychotherapy for adults and adolescents, intensive depression and anxiety treatment, intensive addiction treatment and group therapy. We are here to meet you where you are to help you reach your goals for mental health. Our focus is you.
Optimum Performance Institute (OPI), named best in treatment by Psychology Today, is a therapeutic transitional living program and residential treatment center for young adults ages 17-28. OPI participants live in homey, fully-staffed apartments. There are no more than two participants per bedroom; men and women live separately. The apartment complexes are complete with swimming pools and workout rooms for participant use. Young adults come to OPI to overcome mental health challenges and move forward in life. These struggles may include depression, anxiety, "failure to launch", substance abuse, Asperger's syndrome, bipolar disorder, learning disabilities, and co-occurring disorders. Our participants are high achievers with the ability to succeed. Some have been unable to build a positive sense of self, while others need support with social skills, life skills, and overcoming mental health challenges. Whatever the reason for seeking help, OPI participants will leave with a greater understanding of self and more confidence in their ability to be successful on their own.
Optimum Performance Institute (OPI), named best in treatment by Psychology Today, is a therapeutic transitional living program and residential treatment center for young adults ages 17-28. OPI participants live in homey, fully-staffed apartments. There are no more than two participants per bedroom; men and women live separately. The apartment complexes are complete with swimming pools and workout rooms for participant use. Young adults come to OPI to overcome mental health challenges and move forward in life. These struggles may include depression, anxiety, "failure to launch", substance abuse, Asperger's syndrome, bipolar disorder, learning disabilities, and co-occurring disorders. Our participants are high achievers with the ability to succeed. Some have been unable to build a positive sense of self, while others need support with social skills, life skills, and overcoming mental health challenges. Whatever the reason for seeking help, OPI participants will leave with a greater understanding of self and more confidence in their ability to be successful on their own.
At PCH Treatment Center West Los Angeles, we offer a comprehensive day program, available Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5:30 pm. This program is ideal for clients seeking an intensive psychological treatment experience while living in their own homes or supportive living environments. Designed for individuals with psychological issues, our West Los Angeles program is for those who are struggling to navigate daily life and would benefit from a comprehensive program including daily individual psychotherapy and multiple psychotherapy groups, including the support of other clients experiencing similar challenges. It caters to those who need more comprehensive psychological support than traditional therapy can provide. We also help clients who self-medicate and are experiencing issues of dependency and substance use concerns.
At PCH Treatment Center West Los Angeles, we offer a comprehensive day program, available Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5:30 pm. This program is ideal for clients seeking an intensive psychological treatment experience while living in their own homes or supportive living environments. Designed for individuals with psychological issues, our West Los Angeles program is for those who are struggling to navigate daily life and would benefit from a comprehensive program including daily individual psychotherapy and multiple psychotherapy groups, including the support of other clients experiencing similar challenges. It caters to those who need more comprehensive psychological support than traditional therapy can provide. We also help clients who self-medicate and are experiencing issues of dependency and substance use concerns.
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ROWI Teen & Parent Wellness Centers
Newport Academy
Newport Academy
D'Amore Healthcare is one of Southern California's leading subacute mental health treatment programs specializing in crisis stabilization. We rely on a thorough diagnosis and treatment process for the following disorders: Schizophrenia, depression and anxiety disorders, PTSD, Bi-polar disorders, mood disorders, ADD, OCD, Borderline personality disorder, self harm and vocational adjustment issues. With an impressive 2:1 staff to patient ratio, we offer 24/7 individualized care provided by a team of qualified healthcare professionals treating mood, personality, and anxiety disorders along with depression and emotional or behavioral issues.
D'Amore Healthcare is one of Southern California's leading subacute mental health treatment programs specializing in crisis stabilization. We rely on a thorough diagnosis and treatment process for the following disorders: Schizophrenia, depression and anxiety disorders, PTSD, Bi-polar disorders, mood disorders, ADD, OCD, Borderline personality disorder, self harm and vocational adjustment issues. With an impressive 2:1 staff to patient ratio, we offer 24/7 individualized care provided by a team of qualified healthcare professionals treating mood, personality, and anxiety disorders along with depression and emotional or behavioral issues.
Newport Academy offers treatment for teens between the ages of 12-17. Our integrated approach treats the trauma and attachment wounds underlying teen mental health and behavioral issues, such as anxiety, depression, & eating disorders. We address these root causes through comprehensive, solution-focused treatment that involves the entire family in the healing process. To support our teens and their families in achieving long-term, sustainable healing, our clinical model takes into account every aspect of a teen’s well-being—physical, psychological, relational, educational, and spiritual—so they can thrive when they return home to their families, schools, and communities. Moreover, we are committed to ongoing research on the efficacy of our treatment. To ensure that our care is truly evidence-based, we track a variety of treatment goals and commission rigorous third-party evaluations of our programming. Data gathered on our outcomes using industry-approved measurement tools shows consistent positive results in measures of well-being, depression, and anxiety, with patients’ improvements, on average, exceeding levels of clinical significance.
Newport Academy offers treatment for teens between the ages of 12-17. Our integrated approach treats the trauma and attachment wounds underlying teen mental health and behavioral issues, such as anxiety, depression, & eating disorders. We address these root causes through comprehensive, solution-focused treatment that involves the entire family in the healing process. To support our teens and their families in achieving long-term, sustainable healing, our clinical model takes into account every aspect of a teen’s well-being—physical, psychological, relational, educational, and spiritual—so they can thrive when they return home to their families, schools, and communities. Moreover, we are committed to ongoing research on the efficacy of our treatment. To ensure that our care is truly evidence-based, we track a variety of treatment goals and commission rigorous third-party evaluations of our programming. Data gathered on our outcomes using industry-approved measurement tools shows consistent positive results in measures of well-being, depression, and anxiety, with patients’ improvements, on average, exceeding levels of clinical significance.
We provide an exceptional psychotherapy experience which allows our clients to reach their limitless potential, while recognizing that the strength that lies within is our most priceless attribute. We empower our clients with unconditional positive regard and foster the process by providing a mental health retreat! Becoming one's most optimal self is a luxury that every human deserves.
We provide an exceptional psychotherapy experience which allows our clients to reach their limitless potential, while recognizing that the strength that lies within is our most priceless attribute. We empower our clients with unconditional positive regard and foster the process by providing a mental health retreat! Becoming one's most optimal self is a luxury that every human deserves.
Online Treatment Centers
ROWI Kids + ROWI Teen & Parent Wellness Center
Treatment Center, PhDs, LMFTs, LCSWs, AMFTs, ACSWs
Verified Verified
Tustin, CA 92780
ROWI Tustin is a comprehensive mental health facility which houses both the ROWI Kids (ages 8-11) and ROWI Teens (ages 12-17) programs. We are clinician-owned and operated, with 16 locations across Southern California. Our program includes individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and psychiatric care. In addition, we provide art, fitness, mindfulness, music, UCLA's "PEERS" social skills program, and other therapies to provide a holistic approach to care. We offer full-day (Partial Hospitalization) and after-school (Intensive Outpatient) services for kids and teens experiencing depression, anxiety, mood disorders, suicidal ideation, school avoidance, ADHD, trauma, gender identity issues, and more. We also offer an inclusive program for teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Our Director of Education and the Educational Liaisons at each center coordinate with your child's school to help ensure students don't fall further behind. ROWI offers a free Alumni program for graduates.
ROWI Tustin is a comprehensive mental health facility which houses both the ROWI Kids (ages 8-11) and ROWI Teens (ages 12-17) programs. We are clinician-owned and operated, with 16 locations across Southern California. Our program includes individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and psychiatric care. In addition, we provide art, fitness, mindfulness, music, UCLA's "PEERS" social skills program, and other therapies to provide a holistic approach to care. We offer full-day (Partial Hospitalization) and after-school (Intensive Outpatient) services for kids and teens experiencing depression, anxiety, mood disorders, suicidal ideation, school avoidance, ADHD, trauma, gender identity issues, and more. We also offer an inclusive program for teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Our Director of Education and the Educational Liaisons at each center coordinate with your child's school to help ensure students don't fall further behind. ROWI offers a free Alumni program for graduates.
ROWI Teen & Parent Wellness Centers
Treatment Center, PhDs, LMFTs, LCSWs, AMFTs, ACSWs
Verified Verified
Lake Forest, CA 92630
ROWI is a comprehensive mental health facility for teens ages 12-17. We are clinician-owned and operated, with 16 locations across Southern California. Our program includes individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and psychiatric care. In addition, we provide art, fitness, mindfulness, music, UCLA's "PEERS" social skills program, and other therapies to provide a holistic approach to care. We offer full-day (Partial Hospitalization) and after-school (Intensive Outpatient) services for teens experiencing depression, anxiety, mood disorders, suicidal ideation, school avoidance, ADHD, trauma, gender identity issues, and more. We also offer an inclusive program for teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Our Director of Education and the Educational Liaisons at each center coordinate with your child's school to help ensure students don't fall further behind. ROWI offers a free Alumni program for graduates.
ROWI is a comprehensive mental health facility for teens ages 12-17. We are clinician-owned and operated, with 16 locations across Southern California. Our program includes individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and psychiatric care. In addition, we provide art, fitness, mindfulness, music, UCLA's "PEERS" social skills program, and other therapies to provide a holistic approach to care. We offer full-day (Partial Hospitalization) and after-school (Intensive Outpatient) services for teens experiencing depression, anxiety, mood disorders, suicidal ideation, school avoidance, ADHD, trauma, gender identity issues, and more. We also offer an inclusive program for teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Our Director of Education and the Educational Liaisons at each center coordinate with your child's school to help ensure students don't fall further behind. ROWI offers a free Alumni program for graduates.
ROWI Teen & Parent Wellness Centers
Treatment Center, PhDs, LMFTs, LCSWs, AMFTs, ACSWs
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90807
ROWI is a comprehensive mental health facility for teens ages 12-17. We are clinician-owned and operated, with 16 locations across Southern California. Our program includes individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and psychiatric care. In addition, we provide art, fitness, mindfulness, music, UCLA's "PEERS" social skills program, and other therapies to provide a holistic approach to care. We offer full-day (Partial Hospitalization) and after-school (Intensive Outpatient) services for teens experiencing depression, anxiety, mood disorders, suicidal ideation, school avoidance, ADHD, trauma, gender identity issues, and more. We also offer an inclusive program for teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Our Director of Education and the Educational Liaisons at each center coordinate with your child's school to help ensure students don't fall further behind. ROWI offers a free Alumni program for graduates.
ROWI is a comprehensive mental health facility for teens ages 12-17. We are clinician-owned and operated, with 16 locations across Southern California. Our program includes individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and psychiatric care. In addition, we provide art, fitness, mindfulness, music, UCLA's "PEERS" social skills program, and other therapies to provide a holistic approach to care. We offer full-day (Partial Hospitalization) and after-school (Intensive Outpatient) services for teens experiencing depression, anxiety, mood disorders, suicidal ideation, school avoidance, ADHD, trauma, gender identity issues, and more. We also offer an inclusive program for teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Our Director of Education and the Educational Liaisons at each center coordinate with your child's school to help ensure students don't fall further behind. ROWI offers a free Alumni program for graduates.
ROWI Teen & Parent Wellness Centers
Treatment Center, PhDs, LMFTs, LCSWs, AMFTs, ACSWs
Verified Verified
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
ROWI is a comprehensive mental health facility for teens ages 12-17. We are clinician-owned and operated, with 16 locations across Southern California. Our program includes individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and psychiatric care. In addition, we provide art, fitness, mindfulness, music, UCLA's "PEERS" social skills program, and other therapies to provide a holistic approach to care. We offer full-day (Partial Hospitalization) and after-school (Intensive Outpatient) services for teens experiencing depression, anxiety, mood disorders, suicidal ideation, school avoidance, ADHD, trauma, gender identity issues, and more. We also offer an inclusive program for teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Our Director of Education and the Educational Liaisons at each center coordinate with your child's school to help ensure students don't fall further behind. ROWI offers a free Alumni program for graduates.
ROWI is a comprehensive mental health facility for teens ages 12-17. We are clinician-owned and operated, with 16 locations across Southern California. Our program includes individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and psychiatric care. In addition, we provide art, fitness, mindfulness, music, UCLA's "PEERS" social skills program, and other therapies to provide a holistic approach to care. We offer full-day (Partial Hospitalization) and after-school (Intensive Outpatient) services for teens experiencing depression, anxiety, mood disorders, suicidal ideation, school avoidance, ADHD, trauma, gender identity issues, and more. We also offer an inclusive program for teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Our Director of Education and the Educational Liaisons at each center coordinate with your child's school to help ensure students don't fall further behind. ROWI offers a free Alumni program for graduates.
Gunn Psychological Services, Inc.
Treatment Center, PsyD
Not Verified Not Verified
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
We offer therapy and counseling for a variety of conditions, diagnoses and concerns. Our therapists provide treatment for depression, anxiety, PTSD, childhood trauma, premarital/marital counseling, adjustment disorders and many other difficulties and basic problems of living. Please call us to consult with us. If we cannot help you directly, then we will provide you with a referral to a provider who can.
We offer therapy and counseling for a variety of conditions, diagnoses and concerns. Our therapists provide treatment for depression, anxiety, PTSD, childhood trauma, premarital/marital counseling, adjustment disorders and many other difficulties and basic problems of living. Please call us to consult with us. If we cannot help you directly, then we will provide you with a referral to a provider who can.
Are you feeling stressed, anxious, fearful, or lonely? Our therapists understand how you are feeling and can help you feel better as well as help you begin to manage your symptoms. At Forward Wellness our goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life worth celebrating. While no one can change the difficulties of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. We offer treatment services for individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, isolation, substance use, co-occurring disorders, pain management, adjustment issues, life transitions, relationship and family difficulties, and grief. Holistic approaches are known to help you reduce anxiety and improve your mood. We look forward to teaching you the tools needed to get your life back.
Are you feeling stressed, anxious, fearful, or lonely? Our therapists understand how you are feeling and can help you feel better as well as help you begin to manage your symptoms. At Forward Wellness our goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life worth celebrating. While no one can change the difficulties of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. We offer treatment services for individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, isolation, substance use, co-occurring disorders, pain management, adjustment issues, life transitions, relationship and family difficulties, and grief. Holistic approaches are known to help you reduce anxiety and improve your mood. We look forward to teaching you the tools needed to get your life back.
See more therapy options for San Diego
Autism Treatment Centers
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.