Specialized Outpatient Counseling is intentionally designed for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder or other developmental challenges, and their family members.
Services for Individuals:
Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental challenges often struggle to learn or utilize the necessary skills to address challenges of their day to day, such as navigating social communication and interaction, regulating emotions, and demonstrating flexible thinking.
Outpatient counseling is a valuable resource to support this learning and foster healthy change and independence. Many traditional talk therapy models, may not be most effective for those with ASD due to foundational differences in communication and process. Given the unique social and communication needs of neuroatypical individuals, certain evidence-based therapy approaches have proven to be more effective for these individuals.
At Compass, we recognize the need and have the training to utilize familiar evidenced-based models in an adaptive way. Our work with individuals with ASD is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), and is trauma-informed. To support the unique needs of those with ASD, we often increase structure in session, use concrete examples and visual models, engage in direct teaching of skills, and encourage a higher level of parent involvement in the therapeutic process. Comorbid diagnoses can be treated as well, such as those related to depression, anxiety, trauma, and attention-deficits.
Based on your needs, outpatient services can be integrated with our Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program or accessed independently.
Services for Family Members:
When an individual has ASD or other developmental challenges, family members may also experience personal or relational challenges, such as managing stress related to delays and difficult behavior, coping with changes in family life, the stress in sibling relationships, and strain between partners or personal life stressors related to depression, anxiety, trauma, or other emotional challenges.
To support the whole family, we provide a therapeutic space where the unique experiences of family members are understood through individual, couples, or family counseling for family members of individuals with ASD or other developmental challenges.
This program will most benefit:
- Individuals with ASD that struggle to learn or utilize the necessary skills to address the challenges of their day-to-day lives.
- Family members of individuals with ASD who struggle to navigate life stressors or who are experiencing their own mental health challenges
We Accept:
- Commercial Health Plans:
- Aetna
- Anthem BCBS
- Optima Health
- Virginia Medicaid Plans:
- Aetna Better Health of VA
- Anthem HealthKeepers Plus
- Molina Complete Care
- Optima Health
- UHC Community Plan
- Virginia Premier
- VA Medicaid (no MCO)
- Self-Pay
- CSA funding