Mental Health Counseling for Autistic Individuals

Feeling misunderstood can be one of the most frustrating things someone can experience. While we’ve come a long way as a society, there is still a lack of understanding and acceptance when it comes to autism and neurodivergence.

At WTCSB, we know that autistic individuals have specific needs, especially when it comes to their mental health. Like everyone else, they want to be accepted for who they are.

Our counselors are specially trained to understand and help neurodivergent clients. We do everything we can to make sure that neurodivergent clients feel comfortable and can get the most out of their sessions.

If you or someone you love is experiencing a psychological emergency, please contact our crisis line 24/7 at (757) 925-2484

Reducing Anxiety and Depression with Autistic Clients

Our counselors pay attention to sensory or emotional overwhelm, unpredictability or change, social situations, and masking. We also understand the common causes of depression in individuals with autism including difficulties with relationships and social situations, feeling misunderstood and feeling like you have to hide who you are.

Communication is Key for Autistic Adults

Often communication differences cause those on the autism spectrum to feel excluded and misunderstood. Our counselors pay attention to their communication style to help autistic individuals feel safe and heard.

• Being clear and literal, avoiding idioms and potentially confusing phrases
• Utilizing more effective ways when clients have limited verbal skills
• Giving specific direction and avoiding passive assumptions
• Giving clients the time they need to think things over and answer questions
• Using routine/consistent schedules in regards to sessions to reduce anxiety
• Being specific about what’s going to happen next in a session, or in counseling in general

Improving Quality of Life for Autistic Individuals

Mental health counseling for an autistic adult increases their chances to live a happier, more fulfilled life as they gain skills around:

• Socializing, making friends
• Improving relationships with family
• Getting and keeping a job
• Improving school or work performance
• Overcoming substance misuse or abuse
• Improving school or work performance
• Strengthening healthy coping mechanisms
• Getting and keeping a job

How is Counseling for Someone with Autism Different?

When someone with autism is seeking mental health counseling, it’s important to work with a counselor who understands neurodiversity. Neurodiverse brains are not bad – just different – and require a different approach when it comes to counseling.

A counselor trained in neurodiversity will understand the specific issues many autistic people face, how these issues affect their lives, and how to best address them. Neurodiversity-aware counseling will help you to recognize and manage feelings and to practically manage life’s challenges.

Ready to Get Started?

Providing mental health care for populations that are often overlooked is important to us, so our counselors are trained in neurodiversity and how to effectively help those diagnosed on the autism spectrum.

Through counseling, you can learn to manage emotions and any mental health conditions, improve your relationships, and achieve your personal goals.

You can get started today by making an appointment online for same-day access, or you can call us at 757-758-5106.