Autism Treatment Centers in Brooklyn, NY
We are a a self-pay clinic providing intensive outpatient day treatment and a full range of on-site psychiatric, medical, substance abuse, psycho-social, and rehabilitation services. Our services are available to people 18 years and older. As an integral part of the Columbia Psychiatry network of care, our clients have access to a full spectrum of care, with seamless delivery of services from inpatient to outpatient and from psychiatric to substance abuse and medical services. In an atmosphere of caring support, clients receive personalized, comprehensive outpatient treatment, life skills training, and psychiatric rehabilitation services, with an emphasis on getting back to work, school, and independent living. Treatment is largely provided in a group format, with some clients receiving additional support from a staff Recovery Coach or individual therapist. All clients participating in treatment in the Lieber Clinic continue to be under the care of a primary psychiatrist. Clients may continue treatment with their referring physician or we can arrange for one of our faculty members to provide treatment. For more information visit www.lieberclinic.com
We are a a self-pay clinic providing intensive outpatient day treatment and a full range of on-site psychiatric, medical, substance abuse, psycho-social, and rehabilitation services. Our services are available to people 18 years and older. As an integral part of the Columbia Psychiatry network of care, our clients have access to a full spectrum of care, with seamless delivery of services from inpatient to outpatient and from psychiatric to substance abuse and medical services. In an atmosphere of caring support, clients receive personalized, comprehensive outpatient treatment, life skills training, and psychiatric rehabilitation services, with an emphasis on getting back to work, school, and independent living. Treatment is largely provided in a group format, with some clients receiving additional support from a staff Recovery Coach or individual therapist. All clients participating in treatment in the Lieber Clinic continue to be under the care of a primary psychiatrist. Clients may continue treatment with their referring physician or we can arrange for one of our faculty members to provide treatment. For more information visit www.lieberclinic.com
WWS is a wellness center dedicated to helping you through individual and family concerns with empathy and expertise. Bringing you back to your "best self" is our priority. We provide individual, family, and couples sessions treating clients struggling with life transitions, family, and children's issues, career changes, existential crises, anxiety, depression, addictions (including food addiction and weight issues,) ADHD, Autism, and more. Clients that we serve are looking for an easy and fast process to enter therapy and a holistic approach to treatment. Our team experts are ready to help you meet your goals. Call or text us or visit our website at wholewellnessservices.com for more information. We operate 7 days per week both AM & PM.
WWS is a wellness center dedicated to helping you through individual and family concerns with empathy and expertise. Bringing you back to your "best self" is our priority. We provide individual, family, and couples sessions treating clients struggling with life transitions, family, and children's issues, career changes, existential crises, anxiety, depression, addictions (including food addiction and weight issues,) ADHD, Autism, and more. Clients that we serve are looking for an easy and fast process to enter therapy and a holistic approach to treatment. Our team experts are ready to help you meet your goals. Call or text us or visit our website at wholewellnessservices.com for more information. We operate 7 days per week both AM & PM.
We're here because we've been there, so we can't help but to be wholeheartedly invested in your journey. We want to provide you the warmth, validation, and affirmation that can feel so rare in adulthood. Working with us will challenge you, but it will also feel like coming home.
We're here because we've been there, so we can't help but to be wholeheartedly invested in your journey. We want to provide you the warmth, validation, and affirmation that can feel so rare in adulthood. Working with us will challenge you, but it will also feel like coming home.
Our group specializes in working with children, adolescents, and adults. We provide a holistic approach to mental health, combining traditional psychotherapeutic modalities with a wider range of care. Our clinicians are trained in a variety of therapeutic techniques, including CBT, DBT, play therapy, attachment-focused therapy, art therapy, and parent training. In order for therapy to be most effective, it is essential for you to feel comfortable with and connected to your therapist. We take great care and pride in building a therapeutic alliance so you and/or your child feel comfortable tackling difficult issues. At Interactive Discovery, we place a special emphasis on responding to our community's needs. We have developed and run groups for children, adolescents, and adults, and continue to adapt our groups to the evolving needs of our neighbors. For more information on our groups, visit www.interactive-discovery.com/workshops-and-groups.
Our group specializes in working with children, adolescents, and adults. We provide a holistic approach to mental health, combining traditional psychotherapeutic modalities with a wider range of care. Our clinicians are trained in a variety of therapeutic techniques, including CBT, DBT, play therapy, attachment-focused therapy, art therapy, and parent training. In order for therapy to be most effective, it is essential for you to feel comfortable with and connected to your therapist. We take great care and pride in building a therapeutic alliance so you and/or your child feel comfortable tackling difficult issues. At Interactive Discovery, we place a special emphasis on responding to our community's needs. We have developed and run groups for children, adolescents, and adults, and continue to adapt our groups to the evolving needs of our neighbors. For more information on our groups, visit www.interactive-discovery.com/workshops-and-groups.
Early Childhood Treatment Center, Tikvah at OHEL
Treatment Center
Not Verified Not Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11230
Early Childhood Treatment Center is a new service from Tikvah @ Ohel. Tikvah @ Ohel is a comprehensive, integrative mental health clinic proudly serving Brooklyn since 2001. Our new Early Childhood Treatment Center specializes in evidence based treatment of infants and children ages 0-5 in a family centered approach. Our highly trained, culturally diverse therapists work together with parents, infants, young children and their siblings, to help build strong healthy bonds, teach social-emotional skills, manage emotions, deal with challenging behaviors, treat early trauma and build resilience. We are here to help you parent with confidence through guidance, resources and support.
Early Childhood Treatment Center is a new service from Tikvah @ Ohel. Tikvah @ Ohel is a comprehensive, integrative mental health clinic proudly serving Brooklyn since 2001. Our new Early Childhood Treatment Center specializes in evidence based treatment of infants and children ages 0-5 in a family centered approach. Our highly trained, culturally diverse therapists work together with parents, infants, young children and their siblings, to help build strong healthy bonds, teach social-emotional skills, manage emotions, deal with challenging behaviors, treat early trauma and build resilience. We are here to help you parent with confidence through guidance, resources and support.
Clarity Advanced Mental Health Inpatient Program
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11207
Clarity is one of a select few advanced residential mental health treatment programs in NY with expertise in treating complex psychiatric issues. We are physician operated program that is also licensed to provide highly advanced psychiatric treatment options such as ketamine and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Our philosophy is to minimize medications and provide one on one intensive treatment in an intimate small group environment. We service all adult ages and also offer specialty treatment tracts that address the unique needs of seniors, chronic pain sufferers. Treatment is provided to only 6 clients at a time to provide highly individualized attention. Unlike most programs that advertise for mental health but are really substance abuse treatment programs, we are proud to be one of the very few double certified true mental health programs in existence. We are licensed and certified for advanced mental health and crisis stabilization which means our clinical program, staffing and services must be the most intensive and highest caliber.
Clarity is one of a select few advanced residential mental health treatment programs in NY with expertise in treating complex psychiatric issues. We are physician operated program that is also licensed to provide highly advanced psychiatric treatment options such as ketamine and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Our philosophy is to minimize medications and provide one on one intensive treatment in an intimate small group environment. We service all adult ages and also offer specialty treatment tracts that address the unique needs of seniors, chronic pain sufferers. Treatment is provided to only 6 clients at a time to provide highly individualized attention. Unlike most programs that advertise for mental health but are really substance abuse treatment programs, we are proud to be one of the very few double certified true mental health programs in existence. We are licensed and certified for advanced mental health and crisis stabilization which means our clinical program, staffing and services must be the most intensive and highest caliber.
More Treatment Centers Nearby
Mental health and learning disorders are real, common and treatable. When a child is struggling, the whole family is affected. Care that is truly evidence-based, compassionate and personalized makes all the difference. At the Child Mind Institute, we’re here to help you wherever you are by providing educational resources and clinical care for children, teens, young adults, and parents.
Mental health and learning disorders are real, common and treatable. When a child is struggling, the whole family is affected. Care that is truly evidence-based, compassionate and personalized makes all the difference. At the Child Mind Institute, we’re here to help you wherever you are by providing educational resources and clinical care for children, teens, young adults, and parents.
ADHD New York City
Treatment Center, MD, PhD, RD, OTR/L, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10023
ADHD has become a widely recognized challenge that can be treated medically as well as non-medically. Depending on the child or adult and their specific circumstances and needs, we can help. To assess and diagnose, we have experienced psychiatrists and psychologists on staff. Once diagnosed, if medication is warranted as a part of the treatment plan, the psychiatrist would continue in his/her role as the prescribing physician. He/she would communicate with the other clinicians in the center who, as part of the treatment team, would have non-medical roles in the effective treatment of ADHD and its associated conditions.
ADHD has become a widely recognized challenge that can be treated medically as well as non-medically. Depending on the child or adult and their specific circumstances and needs, we can help. To assess and diagnose, we have experienced psychiatrists and psychologists on staff. Once diagnosed, if medication is warranted as a part of the treatment plan, the psychiatrist would continue in his/her role as the prescribing physician. He/she would communicate with the other clinicians in the center who, as part of the treatment team, would have non-medical roles in the effective treatment of ADHD and its associated conditions.
Northwest College Support Residential Transition
Treatment Center, DO, LPC, LMSW, EdS, MEd
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10001
Northwest College Support exists to help young adults ages 18 60 26 transitioning from treatment programs, wilderness programs, and leaving their home environment. We are a caring and supportive team of dedicated professionals helping young adults find their path to success in college, vocation, high school completion and living independence. Based out of beautiful Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Northwest College Support provides a wide range of supportive services to help students meet their potential as they attend college. The range of services provided is widely variable based on each student's needs and goals. Our services include Individual Psychotherapy,Testing and Evaluations, Psychiatric Services Educational Coaching, Life Skills Training, Nutritional Education, Fitness Coaching, and Life Coaching Services. Other services may include Family Therapy and Parent Education. Our approach is based on a growth model that provides uniquely provides the appropriate amount of support. The amount of support provided decreases as each individual grows towards his or her potential.
Northwest College Support exists to help young adults ages 18 60 26 transitioning from treatment programs, wilderness programs, and leaving their home environment. We are a caring and supportive team of dedicated professionals helping young adults find their path to success in college, vocation, high school completion and living independence. Based out of beautiful Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Northwest College Support provides a wide range of supportive services to help students meet their potential as they attend college. The range of services provided is widely variable based on each student's needs and goals. Our services include Individual Psychotherapy,Testing and Evaluations, Psychiatric Services Educational Coaching, Life Skills Training, Nutritional Education, Fitness Coaching, and Life Coaching Services. Other services may include Family Therapy and Parent Education. Our approach is based on a growth model that provides uniquely provides the appropriate amount of support. The amount of support provided decreases as each individual grows towards his or her potential.
Elevate Family Wellness Programs
Treatment Center, LCMHC, BCC, NCC
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10024
Our team is based out of North Carolina, Oregon and Massachusetts. We are licensed across these states and several others including Washington, South Carolina, Connecticut, Tennessee and Kentucky. Our services range from 3-5 day in person family intensives in Asheville, NC to virtual coaching and psychotherapy services. Our specialty area is supporting individuals & families that need a more robust level of mental health support than can be found in their local community. Our clients have access to us up to 7-days per week and can schedule multiple sessions per week.
Our team is based out of North Carolina, Oregon and Massachusetts. We are licensed across these states and several others including Washington, South Carolina, Connecticut, Tennessee and Kentucky. Our services range from 3-5 day in person family intensives in Asheville, NC to virtual coaching and psychotherapy services. Our specialty area is supporting individuals & families that need a more robust level of mental health support than can be found in their local community. Our clients have access to us up to 7-days per week and can schedule multiple sessions per week.
The Dorm - Young Adult IOP Treatment Community
Treatment Center, LICSW
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10023
The Dorm is an affirming, CARF-Accredited young adult intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) community in Washington, D.C. on a mission to help young people build a life of independence. We serve young adults between the ages of 18 and 30 with immersive day and evening services that include clinical therapies, practical skill-building and community support. We specialize in treating substance use, trauma, anxiety and depressive disorders, eating disorders, psychotic disorders, personality disorders and supporting with executive function deficits. Personalized treatment plans scale from 3-30+ hours a week following expert assessment. Comprehensive care encompasses 1:1 therapy (licensed clinicians trained in over 11 clinical modalities including DBT, CBT, EMDR and Cognitive Remediation), individualized life skills coaching, group therapy, family therapy, nutritional support with registered dietitians, academic and vocational services, a unique community clubhouse experience with social activities and events as well as holistic health and wellness services (yoga, mindfulness, physical fitness). Supportive housing opportunities and partial residential support available.
The Dorm is an affirming, CARF-Accredited young adult intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) community in Washington, D.C. on a mission to help young people build a life of independence. We serve young adults between the ages of 18 and 30 with immersive day and evening services that include clinical therapies, practical skill-building and community support. We specialize in treating substance use, trauma, anxiety and depressive disorders, eating disorders, psychotic disorders, personality disorders and supporting with executive function deficits. Personalized treatment plans scale from 3-30+ hours a week following expert assessment. Comprehensive care encompasses 1:1 therapy (licensed clinicians trained in over 11 clinical modalities including DBT, CBT, EMDR and Cognitive Remediation), individualized life skills coaching, group therapy, family therapy, nutritional support with registered dietitians, academic and vocational services, a unique community clubhouse experience with social activities and events as well as holistic health and wellness services (yoga, mindfulness, physical fitness). Supportive housing opportunities and partial residential support available.
PSYCHē is a private network of expert therapists specializing in hand-selecting top psychologists and counselors across multiple states. Our job is to match you with YOUR perfect therapist, whether you're seeking individual, couples, family, or another specialty. Let us handle the personalized matchmaking that sets us apart from traditional directories. Schedule a consultation today.
PSYCHē is a private network of expert therapists specializing in hand-selecting top psychologists and counselors across multiple states. Our job is to match you with YOUR perfect therapist, whether you're seeking individual, couples, family, or another specialty. Let us handle the personalized matchmaking that sets us apart from traditional directories. Schedule a consultation today.
Reset Summer Camp is a fully immersive, residential 4-week, clinical program, hosted on a college campus, with a fun-filled, summer camp atmosphere. Teens detox from their screen addictions and learn how to self-regulate while participating in individual/group therapy. The Life Skills program creates understanding and builds self-confidence so our campers will be able to handle their real-world responsibilities. Our staff include experienced youth-development professionals, clinical interns, registered nurses and private-practice mental health PhDs who work daily with teens on gaming addiction and other unhealthy screen-time overuse habits. We also now offer an online version of our program. Visit www.resetsummercamp.com and click "New Online Course".
Reset Summer Camp is a fully immersive, residential 4-week, clinical program, hosted on a college campus, with a fun-filled, summer camp atmosphere. Teens detox from their screen addictions and learn how to self-regulate while participating in individual/group therapy. The Life Skills program creates understanding and builds self-confidence so our campers will be able to handle their real-world responsibilities. Our staff include experienced youth-development professionals, clinical interns, registered nurses and private-practice mental health PhDs who work daily with teens on gaming addiction and other unhealthy screen-time overuse habits. We also now offer an online version of our program. Visit www.resetsummercamp.com and click "New Online Course".
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.
Ridge RTC - Teen Treatment Center in New Hampshire
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10007
Uniquely situated within the natural beauty of New England, both Ridge residential teen treatment centers in New Hampshire and Maine are specialized mental health treatment programs designed for teens, ages 12-18, requiring therapeutic assessment and enhanced support for mental, emotional, and behavioral health issues. The Ridge RTC provides a supportive and caring environment for teens who need more intense care than they can receive at home, at school, or in a traditional outpatient setting. Our programming focuses on stabilizing, evaluating, and preparing teenagers for a happier and more productive life beyond the program. We are proud to offer one of the most intensive treatment programs in the country. Our teen residential program offers 4 individual therapy sessions per week, group therapy multiple times a day, and a comprehensive family therapy component. Our holistic program includes psychiatric care, medication management, physical exercise, nutrition and other recreational activities. At The Ridge RTC, accessibility matters. With a commitment to extending high-quality treatment to as many families as possible, we are in-network with most major insurance carriers.
Uniquely situated within the natural beauty of New England, both Ridge residential teen treatment centers in New Hampshire and Maine are specialized mental health treatment programs designed for teens, ages 12-18, requiring therapeutic assessment and enhanced support for mental, emotional, and behavioral health issues. The Ridge RTC provides a supportive and caring environment for teens who need more intense care than they can receive at home, at school, or in a traditional outpatient setting. Our programming focuses on stabilizing, evaluating, and preparing teenagers for a happier and more productive life beyond the program. We are proud to offer one of the most intensive treatment programs in the country. Our teen residential program offers 4 individual therapy sessions per week, group therapy multiple times a day, and a comprehensive family therapy component. Our holistic program includes psychiatric care, medication management, physical exercise, nutrition and other recreational activities. At The Ridge RTC, accessibility matters. With a commitment to extending high-quality treatment to as many families as possible, we are in-network with most major insurance carriers.
Whether you are searching for an experienced therapist for yourself or your loved ones, a highly regarded psychiatrist who can guide you in managing your pharmacological needs, a dynamic group environment where you can find support and empathy for life's many challenges, we have it all! Our center has been serving the mental health needs of our patients for almost two decades, and our staff includes psychologists, psychotherapists, psychiatrists as well as a number of group and treatment programs, including in mental health and substance abuse.
Whether you are searching for an experienced therapist for yourself or your loved ones, a highly regarded psychiatrist who can guide you in managing your pharmacological needs, a dynamic group environment where you can find support and empathy for life's many challenges, we have it all! Our center has been serving the mental health needs of our patients for almost two decades, and our staff includes psychologists, psychotherapists, psychiatrists as well as a number of group and treatment programs, including in mental health and substance abuse.
Aguirre Center for Inclusive Psychotherapy
Treatment Center, PhD, CGP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
New York, NY 10002
The Aguirre Center for Inclusive Psychotherapy is an Atlanta-based group practice comprised of talented and experienced psychologists and therapists who are passionate about providing culturally-responsive, anti-oppressive psychological services to our communities. Our highly dedicated team of psychologists and therapists provides psychotherapy (individual, relationship, and group therapy) and psychological assessments to adolescents and adults. We believe that you deserve to work with a therapist who understands and affirms the complexities of your unique intersectional identities. We are committed to providing excellent therapy for all, with a special focus on those who hold marginalized identities, including Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), Latinx/Hispanic, Neurodivergent and the LGBTQ communities. Our practice is anti-racist/anti-oppressive, sex-positive, trauma-informed, weight-inclusive, Feminist-informed, and affirming of folks from LGBTQ+, Kink, and Polyamory/Consensual non-monogamy communities.
The Aguirre Center for Inclusive Psychotherapy is an Atlanta-based group practice comprised of talented and experienced psychologists and therapists who are passionate about providing culturally-responsive, anti-oppressive psychological services to our communities. Our highly dedicated team of psychologists and therapists provides psychotherapy (individual, relationship, and group therapy) and psychological assessments to adolescents and adults. We believe that you deserve to work with a therapist who understands and affirms the complexities of your unique intersectional identities. We are committed to providing excellent therapy for all, with a special focus on those who hold marginalized identities, including Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), Latinx/Hispanic, Neurodivergent and the LGBTQ communities. Our practice is anti-racist/anti-oppressive, sex-positive, trauma-informed, weight-inclusive, Feminist-informed, and affirming of folks from LGBTQ+, Kink, and Polyamory/Consensual non-monogamy communities.
At Amen Clinics, we offer the highest level of psychiatric care with targeted treatment plans customized to our patient’s specific situation, using the least toxic, most effective methods. We are unique from the way traditional psychiatry is practiced because we look at the organ we treat through the use of SPECT (single-photon emission computed tomography) imaging. All of the practitioners at the nationwide Amen Clinics locations are board certified and have been personally handpicked and trained by Dr. Amen in his method.
At Amen Clinics, we offer the highest level of psychiatric care with targeted treatment plans customized to our patient’s specific situation, using the least toxic, most effective methods. We are unique from the way traditional psychiatry is practiced because we look at the organ we treat through the use of SPECT (single-photon emission computed tomography) imaging. All of the practitioners at the nationwide Amen Clinics locations are board certified and have been personally handpicked and trained by Dr. Amen in his method.
Windhorse is a semi-residential program for adults experiencing life-disrupting mental states, with three locations in the US (Oregon, California, and Massachusetts). Inspired by the vision that psychiatric recovery is possible, Windhorse Integrative Mental Health has been a leader in personalized, compassionate care for over 30 years. The foundational principle of our treatment is healing through relationship and community. Windhorse addresses what is missing in most institutional settings. Our clients experience:
Windhorse is a semi-residential program for adults experiencing life-disrupting mental states, with three locations in the US (Oregon, California, and Massachusetts). Inspired by the vision that psychiatric recovery is possible, Windhorse Integrative Mental Health has been a leader in personalized, compassionate care for over 30 years. The foundational principle of our treatment is healing through relationship and community. Windhorse addresses what is missing in most institutional settings. Our clients experience:
Our healing mission is to improve the lives of individuals impeded by mental health challenges or mental illness to achieve their highest levels of functioning and fulfillment. CooperRiis’ progressive residential healing communities and transitional living program are located in the scenic mountains of Western North Carolina in Asheville and Mill Spring. We offer hope and healing to adults who struggle with mental health challenges. Our approach is not based on “quick fixes” but grounded in research and the proven healing power of community in a residential setting. Our philosophy: mind and heart working together. Simply put, we believe that whole person care, delivered in a community setting is the most powerful and effective way to address challenging mental health issues. With an integrated system of care, CooperRiis offers six levels of treatment, The CooperRiis at Asheville Program (residential treatment), The Farm at Mill Spring (residential treatment), Extended Care at the Farm (semi-transitional), The Asheville Community Program (transitional living with two levels of support), and a Partial Hospitalization Program or "PHP" (outpatient care).
Our healing mission is to improve the lives of individuals impeded by mental health challenges or mental illness to achieve their highest levels of functioning and fulfillment. CooperRiis’ progressive residential healing communities and transitional living program are located in the scenic mountains of Western North Carolina in Asheville and Mill Spring. We offer hope and healing to adults who struggle with mental health challenges. Our approach is not based on “quick fixes” but grounded in research and the proven healing power of community in a residential setting. Our philosophy: mind and heart working together. Simply put, we believe that whole person care, delivered in a community setting is the most powerful and effective way to address challenging mental health issues. With an integrated system of care, CooperRiis offers six levels of treatment, The CooperRiis at Asheville Program (residential treatment), The Farm at Mill Spring (residential treatment), Extended Care at the Farm (semi-transitional), The Asheville Community Program (transitional living with two levels of support), and a Partial Hospitalization Program or "PHP" (outpatient care).
See more therapy options for Brooklyn
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.