Autism-affirming therapy for teens and adults in Thousand Oaks and online

Feel understood as you are, without having to translate yourself. In person in Thousand Oaks and by telehealth across California.

If you’ve already read every page of this site, including the FAQ twice, welcome. You’re in the right place.

Your experience, on your terms

Autism shapes how you experience things like noise, light, and touch, and how you communicate and connect with others. Many of the autistic teens and adults I work with have spent years studying other people to fit in, and have grown exhausted by the effort. Some were diagnosed young. Others are only now putting the pieces together.

Common experiences include:

• Masking and the exhaustion that follows
• Sensory overwhelm
• Social energy that runs out fast
• Anxiety around change and uncertainty
• Feeling misunderstood in relationships
• Autistic burnout

Affirming, not changing who you are

Therapy isn’t about making you seem less autistic. Together, we’ll explore how autism has shaped your identity and relationships, notice where masking costs you more than it gives, and build a life that honors your sensory, social, and emotional needs.

You’re welcome to tell me what works for you, whether that’s more structure, more direct questions, or time to think before answering. If you want to build social skills, I’m a certified PEERS® for Young Adults provider. We use it as a toolkit you choose from, not a script for fitting in.

When ADHD and autism overlap

Many people are both ADHD and autistic, and the overlap brings its own challenges.

You don’t need to have it all figured out

Reaching out to someone new takes energy, and phone calls are often the hardest part. You’re welcome to email me first. You don’t need to know exactly what to say. We’ll start with what matters most to you.

Your first step is a free 15-minute call. We’ll talk about what’s going on and whether we’re a good fit.

How we’ll start

After our free call, we’ll schedule a first full session. If you’d rather email than talk on the phone to set that up, that works. The first few sessions are about getting to know you at a pace that feels manageable. You won’t be asked to make eye contact, sit still, or perform being okay.

We’ll agree on what to focus on and keep it clear. If you like knowing what a session will cover, I can tell you ahead of time. If something I say lands wrong, you can tell me directly. I’d rather know.

Sessions are 50 minutes, in person in Thousand Oaks or by video anywhere in California. The office has warm lamp light, and you’re welcome to bring headphones, fidgets or anything else that helps.

Cost and insurance

Individual sessions are $180 for 50 minutes. Many PPO plans reimburse part of that through out-of-network benefits. I provide a monthly superbill you can submit to your plan for reimbursement.

I’m also in network with Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, and Blue Shield of California for individual therapy. See fees and insurance details →

Common questions