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Mental Health Providers Specializing in Autism

As You Are – Virtual Autism Diagnostic Evaluations

Program: Offers a virtual clinic with a team of pediatricians who specialize in helping families navigate autism. Families can visit the website to schedule an online/telehealth diagnostic evaluation to see if their child’s behaviors are best explained by autism or another diagnosis.
Eligibility: Children ages 16 months to 10 years old.
Cost: Accepts Medicaid, AmeriHealth Caritas, Anthem BCBS, Buckeye Health Plan, UHC Community Plan, Aetna, Tricare, Humana, CareSource, private pay, or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds. Families can call their office for help advocating for coverage.
Referral: No referral is required, families may visit the website to schedule an appointment.
(866) 219-8595
asyouare.com/asyouare-insurance

Avenues for Autism – Behavioral Health Services

Program: Counseling services from clinicians specializing in neuroaffirming care, with a comprehensive and individual approach to therapy. Services include individual therapy and skill-building, family counseling, parent training and education, group therapy, and educational advocacy and support. Services are provided via telehealth.
The Suzanne Tyner Autism Fund helps families pay for autism services not covered by traditional insurance or grants. Eligible services include early intervention programs, assessments, recreational activities, and more. Funds are awarded once per year.
Eligibility: Neurodivergent Children, Teens, Adults, and Families regardless of formal diagnosis; Residents of Ohio and Michigan.
Cost: Accepts most major Commercial/Private insurance, Medicaid, and Private/Self-pay.
Referral: Visit the website to request services.
2105 Lawrence Avenue, Toledo, Ohio 43606
(419) 210-5095
avenuesforautism.org

Boundless

Serves: Children, teens, individuals, and families with ID/DD and/or behavioral health challenges.
Provides person-centered care to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and behavioral health challenges. They offer center and community-based behavioral health services, case management, long-term and temporary residential support, in-home and out-of-home respite services, and day programs. With Out Walls (WOW) is an adult day program that includes group activities and outings for individuals to explore interests and their community while making new friends. Healthcare services are available at Boundless Health in Worthington, Ohio. Boundless Health provides inclusive care for every age and family member, all in the same carefully designed facility to support the unique needs of the I/DD community. Health services include behavioral health, primary care, and dentistry.

  • Boundless Health Worthington:
    445 East Dublin-Granville Road, Worthington, Ohio 43085
    (614) 844-3800
  • Newark:
    22 North First Street, Newark, Ohio 43055
    (740) 334-4056
  • West Carrollton:
    700 Liberty Lane, West Carrollton, Ohio 45449
    (937) 247-2400
    Center-Based ABA: (937) 672-1587
  • Medina:
    1065 Medina Road, Medina, Ohio 44256
    (330) 596-1042
  • Perrysburg:
    28555 Starbright Boulevard, Perrysburg, Ohio 43551
    (567) 312-4722
  • Independence:
    6100 West Creek Road, Independence, Ohio 44131
    (216) 978-8115

(800) 409-2729
iamboundless.org

Brick Based Therapy Ohio

Program: A peer-based social skills program that teaches children with autism communication and social skills. LEGO Therapy empowers children to take on roles in tasks where they must communicate, problem solve, and collaborate with others through the use of LEGO-based activities. Services are tailored to each participant’s needs and include a parent involvement component. Parents are given a summary of each lesson covered in group sessions, as well as specific ways they can help their child practice and strengthen skills covered during group sessions. Sessions are held at local libraries in Columbus and surrounding suburbs.
Eligibility: Ages 7-13 with autism or social anxiety.
Cost: Offers a sliding fee scale and financial assistance on a case-by-case basis. Families may also consult with their HSA to be reimbursed for services.
Referral: Families may refer themselves.
(614) 706-1390
brickbasedtherapy.com

Bridgeway Academy and Therapy Center

Serves: Children birth to age 21, parents, families, and adults with autism and developmental disabilities.
Bridgeway Academy utilizes Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to provide private school-day education from preschool through high school, life skills training, vocational training, and transition to adulthood support. Bridgeway Therapy Center serves Bridgeway Academy students and outpatient clients for music therapy, speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy, mental health, and family partnership services. Clinical staff work with families and professionals to assess, diagnose and develop individualized treatment plans in client-centered therapy sessions. They are a provider of Ohio’s Autism Scholarship Program, Jon Peterson Scholarship, Title XX (20), Medicaid, Level One, I. O. and Self Waiver and some insurances.
1350 Alum Creek Drive, Columbus, OH 43209
(614) 262-7520
bridgewayohio.org

Bright Path Evaluation Services

Program: Provides comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations in an inclusive environment to help people understand the connection between their brain and daily functioning. They offer various tests of cognitive, behavioral, social and emotional functioning, including autism evaluations. Their team of school psychologists and assessment practitioners can also help with diagnostic clarification and classification.
Eligibility: Ages 2-25 with Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and Dyscalculia in Ohio.
Cost: Does not accept insurance. They can provide a Superbill for families to submit a claim to insurance for reimbursement.
Referral: Families can self-refer by contacting the organization.
2516 Township Road 444, Sugarcreek, Ohio 44681
(330) 663-3424
brightpathevals.com

Directions Counseling and Coaching

Program: In-person and telehealth counseling and coaching services for children, adults, couples, and families. Counseling can address mental health concerns such as ADHD, depression, anxiety, or behavior management. Specializations include Christian counseling, autism, teen counseling, marriage and family counseling, divorce and separation, anger management, play therapy, substance abuse, video game addiction, grief and loss, and sexual abuse recovery. They do not offer Psychiatry.
Eligibility: Ages 3 and older.
Cost: Self-pay only, No government insurance, No private insurance (although patients may choose to bill their insurance company themselves). Some therapists offer sliding scale fees.
Referral: Individuals may refer themselves or be referred by someone else. Call or go online to request an appointment.
1480 Manning Parkway, Powell, Ohio 43065
(614) 888-9200
directionscounseling.com

Empower Behavioral Health & Intervention (formerly Haugland Therapy Services)

Services: Provides autism diagnostic assessment, center-based autism therapies, and community-based autism therapies. Services include ABA therapy, Occupation therapy (OT), Speech therapy, IEP services/school consultation, transition services, parent and teacher training, mental health services.
Eligibility: Diagnostic testing for children up to age 4. Autism intervention services for individuals Ages 2-21 with autism or developmental disabilities. The Behavioral Health Clinic serves children up to age 17. Provides services throughout Ohio.
Cost: Accepts private insurance, Medicaid, and Waiver, Autism Scholarship funds.
empowercenters.com

  • Autism Intervention Centers:
    3400 Snouffer Road, Columbus, Ohio 43235
    325 Cramer Creek Court, Dublin, Ohio 43017
    (614) 407-7508
  • Behavioral Health Clinic & Main Office:
    2540 Billingsley Road, Columbus, Ohio 43235
    (614) 470-2018

Equine / Horse-Assisted Therapy Programs

Equine therapy utilizes horses and various approaches to promote emotional and physical well-being. Types of equine therapy include:

  • Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), which focuses on mental health with a licensed mental health professional and equine specialist
  • Therapeutic Riding, which involves horseback riding activities with certified riding instructors to benefit individuals with physical or mental challenges
  • Equine-Facilitated Learning (EFL), which focuses on social and emotional learning through interacting with horses

Equine therapy programs may benefit those with physical, cognitive, or social-emotional disabilities, including autism, cerebral palsy, trauma, and military personnel. Click here to view the CAP4Kids list of Equine therapy programs and resources. 

Growing Harmonies Music Therapy Services

Program: Provides client-centered music therapy to address cognitive, emotional, communication, and social skills. Offers individual music therapy, school-based services, and child/caregiver social groups.
Eligibility: Ages 3-25 with neurodevelopmental diagnoses including autism, developmental delays, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, speech and language delays, ADHD, and behavioral disorders.
Cost: Fee-for-service. Accepts self/private pay, Medicaid Waiver, private insurance, and HSA may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
Referral: Contact to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation.
123 West Longview Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43202
growingharmoniesmusictherapyservices.com

Lifeworks Autism Services & Milestones Autism Resource Center

Offers a range of services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)across the lifespan. Programs include prevocational training, life skills training, and adult supported living. Behavioral health services include Therapeutic Behavioral Services (TBS), psychiatry, psychotherapy, group day treatment, and community or clinic-based ABA. Behavioral Health Respite is available for OhioRISE Aetna members for clients age 5 and older. Medicaid waiver and Autism scholarship is accepted for most services. The Milestones Autism Resource Center offers professional trainings for clinicians, a Provider Directory for autism services, and additional learning materials on the website. The Milestones Help Desk offers personalized guidance for help finding therapies, support groups, funding help, and more.
3205 Fairmount Boulevard, Shaker Heights, Ohio 44118
2525 East Twenty-second Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44115
22001 Fairmount Boulevard, Shaker Heights, Ohio 44118
ABA: (216) 356-4993
Intake: (216) 320-8623
Main Office: (216) 320-8710
lifeworksautism.org

Mettle Services

Program: Specialized education and comprehensive support services for students with autism spectrum disorder, emotional and behavioral disorders, and other academic challenges. Services include school day education, case management, speech therapy, occupational therapy, individual and group counseling, anger management, life skills, and transition to adult support.
Eligibility: Ages 6-22 with Autism diagnosis.
Cost: Accepts and assists with applications for Autism and Jon Peterson Scholarship funds. Accepts all commercial insurance and Medicaid for therapeutic services.
Referral: Families may contact the organization directly.
4661 Sawmill Road, Columbus, Ohio 43220
(614) 270-3110
mettleservices.com

Monarch Center for Autism

Serves: Ages 3+with Autism in Cleveland, Ohio.
Provides an array of residential, early childhood, educational, transition, pre-vocational, adult, and community programs for individuals with Autism. Education programs include preschool, day school, and high school for ages 5-21 years. They also offer transition education for ages 14-21 to make the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Therapeutic services include speech therapy, occupational therapy, ABA/behavior intervention, and art, music, and recreational therapy. The Monarch Boarding Academy is a residential treatment program providing 24-hour structured care and treatment to enhance social, behavioral and academic growth for residents ages 8-20. The Wuliger Wellness Center offers well child visits, dental care, and patient navigation services in a setting designed to accommodate sensory needs. The Monarch website also has helpful resources such as printable visual schedules and social stories, educational webinars, and helpful articles.
22001 Fairmount Boulevard, Cleveland, Ohio 44118
(216) 320-8945 or (216) 320-8502
monarchcenterforautism.org

Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) Big Lots Behavioral Health Services & Community Resource Directory

Offers inpatient, outpatient, and community-based psychiatry, psychology, and counseling services for youth up to age 21. Treatment areas include mental health crisis, anxiety, ADHD, depression, eating disorders, OCD, ODD, conduct disorders, autism, and psychosis. Call to request an appointment. Use the online Community Behavioral Health Resource Directory to find treatment providers and community resources across Ohio by diagnosis, type of service, organization name, or county.
700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 355-8080
nationwidechildrens.org/behavioral-health

Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders (CASD)

Serves: Children 16-30 months for diagnostic screening, Children ages 2-22, Parents, and Families. 
Provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary care focusing on evidence-based treatment, education, research and advocacy for children with the diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Services include diagnostic assessment, behavioral intervention, outpatient psychotherapy, and ABA team services. Find details about services and eligibility online. They also host the following programs:

  • Project SEARCH: 9-month workplace internship for Central Ohio students in their last year of high school who have Autism and/or Intellectual Disability with Complex Social and Communication Needs.
  • Triple P Stepping Stones: Individual or group classes for parents with children under 12 years old struggling with emotional and behavioral challenges of ASD.
  • Sibshops: Siblings of children with autism and other developmental delays (ages 6 to 12) participate in fun activities to explore feelings and better understand their sibling.
  • Adolescent Transition Programs: Includes Camp RISE summer program, CARE coping and relaxation group, iWork summer job skills program, and Social Skills Group.
  • Complex Behavior Program: Teaches effective strategies for parents to help reduce dangerous or problematic behavior patterns and build coping skills.

187 West Schrock Road, Westerville, Ohio 43081
(614) 355-7570
nationwidechildrens.org/specialties/center-for-autism-spectrum-disorders

Nisonger Center at The Ohio State University (OSU)

Serves: Infants, school-aged children, teens, and adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. 
The Nisonger Center has a variety of programs for individuals with developmental disabilities, including Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorders. Services include developmental/diagnostic evaluations, clinical support services, specialized dental programs, inclusive childcare and early childhood education, social programs for teens, TOPS post-secondary education and transitional skills program for adult students at OSU, psychiatric services, and more. They accept all major insurances, Medicaid, Board of DD Waivers, and offer a sliding scale for payment. Scholarships and fee arrangements are available for some programs. Contact the center for program details and eligibility.
1581 Dodd Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43210
Administration: (614) 685-3192
nisonger.osu.edu

Ohio Guidestone

Program: Provides a variety of behavioral health services for youth, adults, and families throughout northern and central Ohio. Services vary by location and include outpatient counseling services, psychiatry/medication management, job training, foster parent training and support, substance abuse and addiction recovery, residential mental health treatment, and OhioRISE care coordination. Their ReadyCare walk-in clinics provide same day mental health and substance use treatment.
Eligibility: Varies based on service. Serves infants, children, teens, adults, and families.
Cost: Accepts Medicaid, Medicare, commercial/private insurance, and self-pay.
Referral: Individuals may be referred by a professional or refer themselves. Complete the Request Services form to get started.
Franklin County Location: 515 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(888) 522-9174
Services in Franklin County: ohioguidestone.org/locations/central-ohio/franklin
All Locations: ohioguidestone.org/locations

St. Vincent Family Services (SVFS)

Program: Provides behavioral health intervention and treatment services for youth with emotional and behavioral challenges. Services include outpatient family therapy, school and community-based care, telehealth, therapeutic preschool and after school programs, residential care, support for foster families, and specialized services for Hispanic/Latino families. Children with an autism diagnosis are eligible for outpatient mental health and play therapies.
Eligibility: Youth ages 3-18 years old, and their families.
Cost: Accepts Medicaid, Private/Commercial insurance, and OhioRISE.
Referral: Individuals may refer themselves or be referred by a physician or organization. They offer same-day access for immediate access to behavioral health services Tuesday-Thursday.
1490 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 252-0731 or (614) 824-5437
svfc.org

Susan Weltner-Brunton, Ph.D. and Associates – Psychological Services

Program: Provides mental health counseling and psychological evaluations for children, adolescents, adults, and families. Psychological and neuropsychological evaluations for ADHD, anxiety, depression, giftedness, autism, learning disabilities, and other neurological disorders. Evaluations for college and workplace accommodations also provided. Counseling services includes cognitive-behavioral therapy, parent counseling, and play therapy.
Eligibility: Ages 4 to 65
Cost: Cost varies depending on services rendered. Insurances accepted include Aetna, Cigna, First Health, Health Smart, Ohio Health Choice, Medical Mutual, Humana Medicare, Ohio Healthy, and OSU employee and student plans. They also accept self-pay.
Referral: Contact the organization to schedule an appointment.
921 Chatham Lane, Columbus, Ohio 43221
(614) 754-7648
swbphd.com

Warburton Family Practice

Program: Provides mental health counseling to help kids build skills and work through experienced difficulties. Provides comprehensive evaluations to assess diagnostic concerns related to Autism Spectrum Disorder, Giftedness, ADHD, Dyslexia, general learning concerns, Anxiety, Depression, and other Mood disorders.
Eligibility: Youth ages 2-21 in Franklin County and surrounding areas.
Cost: In-network with United Health, Optum, Aetna. Self-pay sliding scale options are available.
Referral: Contact the organization to get started.
132 Northwoods Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43235
(614) 664-3003
warburtonfamilypractice.com

Wildflower Pediatric Psychology

Program: Provides psychological evaluations with specialization in autism diagnostics, functional behavior assessments (FBA), behavior intervention support, parent coaching, and behavioral pediatrics. Psychotherapy with a specialization in autism is available for older children and teens. All services can be provided via telehealth, in-person, or through a hybrid model and are individualized to meet client’s unique needs. They also provide clinical consultation for professionals.
Eligibility: Children in Ohio ages 16 months through adolescence (up to age 24 for individuals with disabilities transitioning into adulthood).
Cost: Accepts self-pay with flexible payment plans available upon request. Accepts HSA/FSA funds, service-appropriate Waivers, and county funds. They do not accept insurance but provide intensive support with accessing out-of-network benefits for clients with insurance.
Referral: Families may contact the office directly to book services, including a free consultation.
5650 Blazer Parkway, Dublin, Ohio 43017
(614) 877-6129
wildflowerpedpsych.com

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