Autism therapists in Johnstown, New York NY
Find experienced Autism therapists in Johnstown 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
Peter Linden
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, Certified Gestalt Therapist
Autism has long been understood through a medical model that frames difference as deficit and seeks to explain autistic ways of being through impairments, dysfunction, and pathology. In doing so, it often overlooks the richness, complexity, and humanity of autistic experience, while minimizing the profound impact that families, schools, workplaces, communities, and broader societal expectations have on autistic people's lives.
For many autistic adults, the deepest suffering does not arise from autism itself, but from years of being misunderstood, excluded, bullied, corrected, pathologized, or pressured to become someone they are not. Repeated experiences of rejection, sensory overwhelm, social confusion, loneliness, shame, and unmet support needs can leave lasting emotional, relational, and existential wounds. Over time, many autistic people learn to question their instincts, suppress authentic forms of expression, mask their differences, and disconnect from themselves in pursuit of acceptance and belonging.
Terms such as "Autism" and "Asperger's" have never been the focus of my work. While diagnostic labels may serve administrative, educational, or medical purposes, they tell us very little about what it is actually like to live as an autistic person. They cannot capture the experience of feeling different, longing to belong, navigating overwhelming environments, searching for meaningful connection, enduring rejection, protecting oneself through masking, or struggling to find a place in a world that often feels confusing and inhospitable. Nor can they adequately describe the creativity, depth, passion, sensitivity, wonder, and unique ways of making contact that many autistic people bring to their lives and relationships. My interest is not in the label itself, but in understanding your lived experience and supporting the conditions necessary for you to emerge more fully into the world as yourself.
As a Gestalt psychotherapist, I do not view autism as something broken that needs to be fixed, cured, or normalized. Rather, I understand autism as a distinct way of experiencing, organizing, and making contact with the world. Together, we explore your thoughts, emotions, bodily sensations, sensory experiences, relational patterns, strengths, struggles, needs, and aspirations as they emerge in the present moment. We remain curious about how your life has been shaped by both support and suffering, acceptance and rejection, belonging and isolation.
Through deepening awareness, many autistic adults develop a more compassionate relationship with themselves, greater trust in their experience, and increased freedom to live authentically rather than perform for others. The goal is not to become less autistic. It is to cultivate the awareness, self-support, and relational ground necessary to live more fully as yourself in a world that has too often asked otherwise.
3 Years Experience
Online in Johnstown, NY New York
Autism
Jillian Luz
Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT, ATR
I have experience working with autistic children, teens, and adults. I conceptualize autism under the neurodiversity umbrella and do not view autism itself as something that needs to be "fixed", but rather understood. I strive to support my autistic clients in feeling empowered in how to best support any sensory or social-related issues they may experience. I also support clients in identifying and supporting any anxious and/or depressive symptoms that may be the result of unidentified autism in a neurotypical dominant world.
11 Years Experience
Online in Johnstown, NY New York (Online Only)
Autism
Steven Merino
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC
I offer a respectful, compassionate space tailored to support individuals with Autism and Asperger’s. Understanding that each person’s experience is unique, I work collaboratively to honor your strengths and challenges. Together, we’ll explore strategies that fit your needs, promote self-awareness, and enhance your well-being—all at a pace that feels right for you. My goal is to empower you in navigating life’s demands with confidence and authenticity.
2 Years Experience
Online in Johnstown, NY New York (Online Only)
Autism
Christina Duncan
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW
Growing up with a brother with autism, I bring both professional training and lived experience to my work, with a deep understanding of the individuality, strengths, and challenges that can come with being neurodivergent. I support clients with emotional regulation, social navigation, identity development, and managing stress or overwhelm, while honoring each person’s unique communication style and needs. I also work with families and siblings, helping build understanding, connection, and supportive dynamics at home. My approach is flexible, respectful, and tailored to help each person feel seen, valued, and empowered.
5 Years Experience
Online in Johnstown, NY New York (Online Only)
Autism
Therapy With You
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, MSW, LCSW
We provide treatment for a wide range of mental health concerns, tailoring care to each individual’s unique needs and experiences.
6 Years Experience
Online in Johnstown, NY New York
Autism therapists in Johnstown, New York Statistics
Autism therapists in Johnstown, New York average 14 years of experience and charge around $215 per session. 100% offer online sessions. The top treatment approaches are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) (63%), Behavioral Therapy (50%), and Family Systems Therapy (50%).
Average years in practice
14 Years Experience
Average cost per session
$215
Accept insurance
40%
Offer sliding scale
50%
Gender ID
| 51% |
Female |
|
| 26% |
Male |
|
| 14% |
Non-Binary |
|
| 9% |
Gender Fluid |
|
Session Type
| 63% |
In Person and Online |
|
| 37% |
Online Only |
|
Top Treatment Approaches
| 63% | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) |
| 50% | Behavioral Therapy |
| 50% | Family Systems Therapy |
| 47% | Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) |
| 43% | Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) |
| 37% | Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) |
| 30% | Psychodynamic Therapy |
Ages Served
| 93% | Adult |
| 83% | Young Adult |
| 60% | Teen |
| 40% | Senior |
| 37% | Children |
Client Focus
| 67% | LGBTQ+ |
| 60% | Persons with Disabilities |
| 53% | Women |
| 47% | Men |
| 43% | Black / African American |