Autism therapists in Saint Louis, Missouri MO
Find experienced Autism therapists in Saint Louis who provide Autism testing, evaluations, and therapy. Our directory features detailed therapist profiles so you can compare qualifications, specialties, and treatment approaches to find the provider that’s right for you.
Autism
Debra Zand
Psychologist, Ph.D.
I provide a neuro-affirming space for teens and adults to explore their identity, unpack the effects of masking, manage burnout, and develop sustainable routines. Whether you are seeking a late-in-life diagnosis, support for neuro-divergent relationships, or coping strategies for sensory overload, I am here to help you live a more authentic and fulfilling life.
26 Years Experience
In-Person in Saint Louis, MO 63127
Online in Saint Louis, MO Missouri
Autism
Maria Jose Rendon
Psychologist, Ph.D.
I work with autistic adults, including many who were diagnosed later in life after years of masking traits well enough to go unnoticed, often at real cost to their energy and sense of self. My approach is neurodiversity-affirming: autism is a difference to understand and work with, not a deficit to correct. I'm a neurotypical clinician, which I mention deliberately, since I bring structured clinical training rather than shared lived experience, an approach some clients specifically prefer. Many of my autistic clients are also professionals or scientists managing workplace demands, or first-generation Latinx adults navigating autism alongside cultural identity. Sessions are goal-oriented so you always know what we're working on together.
9 Years Experience
Online in Saint Louis, MO Missouri (Online Only)
Autism
Dr. Elizabeth Coldren
Psychologist, PSYD, PSYPACT
Many of the adults I work with are thoughtful, capable professionals and students, often in detail‑oriented or technical roles, who have spent years feeling “different” without having language for why. You may be wondering if you are autistic, have a recent diagnosis, or have known for a long time but never had support in making sense of it. From the outside, you may meet or exceed expectations and keep up with work or school. Inside, it can feel like constant effort: managing sensory overload, masking to fit in, replaying conversations, or needing significant time alone to recover from social or emotional strain.
Many adults I see describe a lifelong sense of being out of step with others, feeling misunderstood, or being told they are “too sensitive,” “too intense,” or “too much.” You may have built a life that works on paper but still feels exhausting to maintain. Masking, perfectionism, and trying to meet unspoken social rules can take a real toll on your nervous system and sense of self.
In our work, we approach autism and other forms of neurodivergence through a neurodiversity‑affirming, trauma‑informed lens. We look at how your brain and body naturally process the world, how past experiences have shaped your coping strategies, and what helps you feel more regulated and authentic. The focus is not on changing who you are, but on understanding your wiring, reducing the internal cost of masking, and creating a life that supports your nervous system rather than straining it. This is core to my practice, and it’s work I care about deeply.
26 Years Experience
Online in Saint Louis, MO Missouri
Autism
Tracy Hadel
Counselor/Therapist, LSCSW
Understanding how the person with ASD interprets social information AND helping the ASD person understand how OTHERS interpret social information is part of the key to long term success.
36 Years Experience
Online in Saint Louis, MO Missouri (Online Only)
Autism
Dr. Amanda Malak
Psychologist, Clinical Psychologist
I offer psychological assessment to clarify diagnoses for autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and I specialize in providing support to adolescents and adults. Part of this work is done through a contract at Axis for Autism who accepts Medicaid in Arizona. I can complete completely virtual assessments to people around the country, however. Therapeutically, my approach involves helping people unmask as much as possible when it is safe to reduce long-term negative health impacts of masking. Otherwise, life skills training can support people in learning the unspoken rule of social communication in the neurotypical world to develop and maintain relationships personally and professionally when masking is less safe. I work closely with individuals, families, and other professionals to create strategies that foster independence, social skills, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. Through evidence-based therapies and a compassionate, individualized approach, I help people with autism navigate their unique experiences and reach their full potential.
12 Years Experience
Online in Saint Louis, MO Missouri
St. Louis sits at a crossroads of the Midwest and the South, and its deeply segregated geography shapes a mental health landscape where therapists frequently address racial trauma, economic stress, and community-level grief rooted in the city's long history of systemic inequality. The 2014 Ferguson uprising brought national attention to St. Louis and left a lasting psychological mark on many residents, and therapists specializing in racial trauma, activism fatigue, and community healing remain in strong demand. Washington University School of Medicine and Barnes-Jewish Hospital provide world-class institutional mental health resources, with a strong private practice community concentrated in Clayton, the Central West End, and South City. St. Louis's lower cost of living relative to coastal cities makes quality private therapy more financially accessible for many residents.
Autism therapists in Saint Louis, Missouri Statistics
Autism therapists in Saint Louis, Missouri average 16 years of experience and charge around $210 per session. 100% offer online sessions. The top treatment approaches are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) (68%), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) (45%), and Behavioral Therapy (34%).
Average years in practice
16 Years Experience
Average cost per session
$210
Accept insurance
25%
Offer sliding scale
27%
Gender ID
| 54% |
Female |
|
| 35% |
Male |
|
| 7% |
Non-Binary |
|
| 4% |
Gender Fluid |
|
Session Type
| 61% |
In Person and Online |
|
| 39% |
Online Only |
|
Top Treatment Approaches
| 68% | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) |
| 45% | Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) |
| 34% | Behavioral Therapy |
| 30% | Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) |
| 30% | Multicultural Therapy |
| 27% | Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) |
| 27% | Family Systems Therapy |
Ages Served
| 98% | Adult |
| 75% | Young Adult |
| 59% | Teen |
| 48% | Senior |
| 41% | Children |
Client Focus
| 59% | Women |
| 50% | LGBTQ+ |
| 45% | Men |
| 41% | Persons with Disabilities |
| 36% | Black / African American |