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).
Adult Mental Health Counseling Group
The adult mental health counseling group is available to individuals with ASD who are 18+ years of age. The group meets weekly and is facilitated by a Licensed Mental Health Counselor.
Time: Mondays 5-6pm EST.
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
Sibling Support Group – Sam’s Sibs Stick Together
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 Els for Autism Clinical Team Member Amanda Lopez, 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)
Visit Sam's Sibs Stick Together
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
