Mental health counseling services promote optimum mental, emotional, and social health and well-being of individuals with autism and their families. Counseling services are offered in person and via telehealth in 1:1 and group formats.
Services include:
Group Counseling
Counseling services are available to individuals and families in need of mental health support. Group counseling sessions, offered via telehealth, are designed to address challenges related to being a person with ASD and other co-occurring diagnoses (e.g., depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder).
Counseling services are available to individuals and families in need of mental health support. Group counseling sessions, offered via Zoom, are designed to address challenges related to being a person with a autism spectrum disorder and other co-morbid diagnoses (e.g., depression, anxiety, social isolation, obsessive-compulsive disorder/behaviors).
The counseling group is available to autistic adults who are 18+ years old and have exited the school system. It will be facilitated by Doreen Cammarata, our Licensed Mental Health Counselor.
Participants new to the Els for Autism Foundation will need to schedule a 30-minute intake. A maximum of 8 participants will be in the group, and registration will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Private pay and insurance options are available for payment.
Time: Mondays 5-6 p.m.
Virtual Meeting via Telehealth (Zoom)
Contact:
Doreen Cammarata
561-320-9487
doreen.cammarata@elsforautism.org
Parent Counseling Groups
Identifying Self-Care Techniques for Parents of Individuals with ASD (Virtual)
This is a bi-weekly counseling group for parents to come together to share stories and experiences about their lives and identify strategies for their own self-care.
During the group, parents will:
- Discuss topics in an open group format.
- Learn strategies to assist with your child’s challenges.
- Explore coping techniques and strategies to help you and your child Connect with other parents.
- Gain insight from trained practitioners.
Coffee & Counseling (Virtual)
Coffee & Counseling is a monthly virtual counseling group for parents of children with autism and related disabilities who have completed the Identifying Self-Care Techniques Group.
This group provides parents a safe space to engage in open and honest conversations about the challenges and joys of parenting a child with autism, learn effective coping strategies, and connect with other parents who have similar experiences. Our trained practitioner will offer guidance and support every step of the way.
Benefits include:
- Discuss important topics in an open format
- Learn strategies to assist with daily challenges
- Learn about effective coping techniques and strategies.
- Connect with other parents
- Gain valuable insights from an experienced professional
Group Facilitator: Doreen Cammarata, M.S., LMHC
Support Groups
Sam’s Sibs Stick Together Room is a sibling support group addressing the needs of siblings of individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.
The group is overseen by a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and led by Amanda Lopez, one of our Speech Language Pathologists who also has a brother with autism. Sam’s Sibs Stick Together Room provides a safe space for siblings to connect, gain support, access mentorship, express their thoughts and feelings, and discuss critical issues related to each participant’s experiences as a sibling to someone with special needs.
The Sam’s Sibs Stick Together Room meets the 2nd Tuesday of the Month from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. EST on Zoom and has a rolling entry, allowing new members to join at any time. Please note that the group is specifically for individuals 18 years of age and older and has a one-time $50 registration fee. Register Here.
Watch a special video with Sam (Samantha Els) and Amanda sharing how the Sam’s Sibs Stick Together Support Group has supported them with their relationships with their brothers. (Right)
A collaboration between Els for Autism and the Autism Science Foundation.
Sam’s Sibs Stick Together Sibling Workshop
Sam’s Sibs Stick Together Sibling Workshop is addressing the needs of siblings of individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. The group is overseen by a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and led by Els for Autism Clinical Team Member Amanda Lopez, who also has a brother with autism.
Sam’s Sibs Stick Together Sibling Workshop provides a safe space for siblings to connect, gain support, access mentorship, express their thoughts and feelings, and discuss critical issues related to each participant’s experiences as a sibling to someone with special needs.
Registration is first come, first served. A minimum of 4 participants is required to run the group, with a maximum of 10 spots available. Sign up today to secure your place! $50 one-time registration fee.
Grant support provided by our collaborative partner:
Sibling Workshop Leader
Amanda Lopez
Speech Language Pathologist
Els for Autism Foundation
Identifying Self-Care Techniques for Parents of Individuals with ASD
Identifying Self-Care Techniques for Parents of
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a virtual counseling group for parents to come
together to share stories and experiences about their lives and identify strategies for their own self-care.
- Discuss topics in an open group format.
- Learn strategies to assist with your child’s challenges.
- Explore coping techniques to help you and your child Connect with other parents.
- Gain insight from a trained practitioner.
Contact:
Doreen Cammarata
561-320-9487
doreen.cammarata@elsforautism.org
View Flyer
Program Schedule
Location: Virtual Sessions via Zoom
Time/Day: Select Tuesdays from 12:15 – 1:00pm
Dates: 10/7/25, 10/14/25, 11/4/25, 11/11/25, 12/2/25, & 12/9/25
Who Can Attend
Parents of individuals with autism who are Florida residents
Registration Details
Interested participants will need to schedule a 30- minute intake and complete all required documentation before beginning the program. Participation in the group will be available on a first- come, first-served basis.
Cost: $300 for the series. To inquire about insurance coverage or financial assistance, please contact accounting@elsforautism.org
