Behavior analysts in Worcester, MA, are vital professionals specializing in the assessment and treatment of individuals facing behavioral challenges, particularly those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related conditions.
Utilizing the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA), these experts focus on understanding the motivations behind behaviors to develop effective intervention strategies.
Their work encompasses a range of services, including individualized treatment plans, skill development, and parent training, all designed to promote positive behavioral changes and enhance overall quality of life.
With a commitment to evidence-based practices, behavior analysts collaborate closely with families, educators, and other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive support for their clients.
As the demand for behavioral health services continues to grow, these professionals play an increasingly important role in the Worcester community, empowering individuals and families to navigate challenges and achieve meaningful progress in their daily lives.
Top 11 Best Behavior Analysts in Worcester, MA
Behavior analysts play a crucial role in the mental health and developmental support landscape, especially for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), behavioral challenges, and various mental health issues.
Here’s an overview of the top 11 best behavior analysts in Worcester, MA, highlighting their specialties, educational backgrounds, and approaches to therapy:
1. Ryan T Paskins
- Location: 34 Cedar Street, Worcester, MA 01609
- Contact: (508) 501-9330
- Specialties:
- Autism
- Anxiety Disorders
- Depression
- Substance Abuse Disorders
- Grief and Loss
- Education:
- PhD in Disability Studies, Utah State University (Graduated 2018)
- Master’s in Social Work (focus on Mental Health)
- Board Certification: Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Massachusetts
- Affiliations: Faculty member at Assumption University
- Research: Focus on blending mental health supports with diverse populations
- Languages: Fluent in English
- Care Approach: Solution-focused therapy with a collaborative, strength-based lens; patient-centered treatment at the client’s pace
- Community Impact: Committed to best practices and has over 15 years of clinical experience supporting adolescents and adults in achieving their mental health goals
2. Stepfan Jones
- Location:
- Integrated Behavioral Care, Andover, MA 01810
- The Well Behavioral Health, Westford, MA 01886
- Contact: (339) 201-3459
- Specialties:
- Mood Disorders
- Life Coaching
- ADHD
- Education: Degree/Diploma from Simmons University
- Board Certification: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
- Affiliations: Available for life coaching in GA and FL (private pay only)
- Research: CITI program (Research certified), Mandated Reporter certification, TF-CBT Certified (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
- Languages: Fluent in English
- Care Approach: Focus on supporting individuals to improve daily; emphasizes coping with life’s challenges and building a better self
- Community Impact: Experienced in school systems, spiritual counseling, and working with diverse populations, including adolescents and college students
3. Lauren Giuliano
- Location: Worcester, MA 01606 (Available online only)
- Contact: (508) 719-7437
- Specialties:
- Behavioral Issues
- Autism
- Education:
- MS, BCBA, LABA (Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst)
- Board Certification: Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
- Affiliations: Licensed by the State of Massachusetts (License #2334)
- Research: Focus on creating individualized behavior support plans using evidence-based practices
- Languages: Fluent in English
- Care Approach: Collaborates with parents to build skills and strategies to manage challenging behaviors; emphasizes actionable strategies for lasting behavior change
- Community Impact: Aims to make parenting enjoyable by addressing behavioral challenges and improving family dynamics
4. Christina Costa
- Location: 108 Grove Street, Suite 307-310, Worcester, MA 01605 (Available both in-person and online)
- Contact: (508) 501-1957
- Specialties:
- Depression
- Stress
- Behavioral Issues
- Education:
- LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker)
- Affiliations: Licensed by the State of Massachusetts (License #LCSW227784)
- Therapeutic Approach:
- Trauma-informed and strengths-based perspective
- Utilizes therapeutic modalities such as motivational interviewing, CBT, and solution-focused therapy
- Client Focus:
- Ages 8 to 25 years old
- LGBTQIA2S+ individuals
- Challenges with mental health, interpersonal relationships, emotional/behavioral regulation, or executive functioning
- Interests: Animal lover, enjoys reading, spending time with friends and family, and outdoor activities like paddle-boarding in the summer.
5. Erica L Whyte
- Location: Cornerstone Behavioral Health, Worcester, MA 01610 (Available both in-person and online)
- Contact: (508) 501-3807
- Specialties:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Education:
- LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor)
- Affiliations: Licensed by the State of Massachusetts (License #7894)
- Experience: 17 years in residential schools and outreach mental health clinics
- Treatment Approach:
- Utilizes a mix of therapeutic modalities, including CBT, ABA, Humanistic, Rogerian, Psychodynamic, Interpersonal, Family Systems, and Motivational Interviewing
- Expertise:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depressive disorders
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- PTSD
- OCD
- ODD
- Reactive attachment
- Languages: Fluent in English
- Care Approach: Supportive, compassionate, and client-centered to assist clients on their journey toward better mental health
- Community Impact: Known for providing a supportive and understanding environment, helping clients feel heard and understood.
6. Carly Brownell
- Location: Carly Brownell LMHC, Worcester, MA 01605 (Available in-person)
- Contact: (508) 474-7965
- Specialties:
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Autism
- Behavioral Issues
- Bipolar Disorder
- Depression
- Developmental Disorders
- Family Conflict
- Trauma and PTSD
- Education:
- CAGS from Anna Maria College (Graduated 2017)
- Affiliations: Licensed by the State of Massachusetts (License #12634)
- Experience: Over 20 years of experience working with children and families with complex medical conditions and developmental disabilities, including 10 years in family counseling and divorce.
- Treatment Approach:
- Utilizes various therapeutic modalities, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused Therapy, and more.
- Fees:
- Individual Sessions: $100
- Sliding scale available based on eligibility
- Insurance Accepted:
- Aetna
- Anthem
- BlueCross and BlueShield
- Carelon Behavioral Health
- Harvard Pilgrim
- Optum
- Tufts
- UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH
- Languages: Fluent in English
- Care Approach: Compassionate and client-centered, focusing on supporting individuals and families through their mental health journeys.
- Community Impact: Known for providing accessible mental health support and fostering positive family dynamics.
7. Ashley Harmon
- Location: Online therapy available, Worcester, MA 01604
- Contact: (508) 593-7156
- Specialties:
- Relationship Issues
- Parenting
- Sex Therapy
- Education:
- Master’s in Counseling Psychology (2015)
- Master’s in Behavior Analysis (2017)
- Currently working towards certification as a Sex Therapist
- Affiliations: Licensed by the State of Massachusetts (License #13331, LMHC; #2343, BCBA)
- Experience: Extensive training in person-centered and evidence-based approaches; completed Gottman’s Level 1 certification training.
- Treatment Approach: Focuses on building collaborative, authentic, and empathic relationships, using humor to create a judgment-free therapeutic space.
- Fees:
- Individual Sessions: $120
- Couple Sessions: $200
- Sliding scale available based on eligibility
- Insurance Accepted:
- Aetna
- Optum
- Out of Network
- Languages: Fluent in English
- Client Focus: Supports individuals, couples, and families, with a focus on teens and adults.
- Community Impact: Known for her non-judgmental approach and commitment to professional growth, continuously seeking education to enhance her therapeutic practice.
8. Melina Freeman
- Location: Online therapy available at Revidas Counseling, Worcester, MA 01605
- Contact: Email for inquiries and scheduling
- Specialties:
- Trauma and PTSD
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Education:
- Master’s in Social Work (MSW), Rhode Island College (Graduated 2019)
- Experience: Over 5 years in practice, focusing on trauma-informed care and domestic crisis.
- Affiliations: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), supervised by Geoff Cushner (License #119155). Prelicense by the State of Massachusetts (#230097).
- Treatment Approach: Utilizes CBT, mindfulness, and DBT interventions, emphasizing the mind-body connection and the power of choice in therapy.
- Insurance Accepted:
- Aetna
- Blue Cross
- Blue Shield
- Cigna and Evernorth
- Commonwealth Care Alliance
- Harvard Pilgrim
- MassHealth
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- Optum
- PsychCare
- Tufts
- Wellpoint
- Languages: Fluent in English
- Client Focus: Works with individuals, couples, and families, including preteens, teens, adults, and elders (65+).
- Community Impact: Known for her trauma-informed approach and dedication to making therapy accessible and affordable, especially for diverse populations.
9. Deborah Madison Muench
- Location: Online therapy available in Cambridge, MA 02138, and Worcester, MA 01601
- Contact: (508) 812-7114 | Email for inquiries and scheduling
- Specialties:
- Autism
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Education and Credentials:
- PhD in Psychology
- Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
- Licensed Clinical and School Psychologist (Massachusetts License #9481)
- Licensed in Florida (#PY10878)
- Experience: Over 30 years in mental health, specializing in anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and high-functioning individuals with autism. Licensed in 39 states through Psypact.
- Treatment Approach: Utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, exposure techniques, behavior activation, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), social skills training, and emotional regulation training.
- Fees: $200 per session
- Insurance Accepted:
- Aetna
- BlueCross and BlueShield
- Mass General Brigham Health Plan
- Optum
- UnitedHealthcare (UHC | UBH)
- Out of Network options available; verification recommended
- Languages: Fluent in English
- Client Focus: Works with individuals, including children (ages 6-10), preteens, teens, and adults.
- Community Impact: Known for her commitment to helping clients find joy in life through balancing work and play and promoting lifelong self-care habits such as meditation and positive thinking.
10. Christina Marie Casavant-Towers
- Location: Available both in-person and online at Charasmatic Counseling Services, 945 Concord Street, Suite 114, Framingham, MA 01701, and in Kittery, ME 03904.
- Contact: (508) 257-7892 | Email for inquiries and to schedule a consultation.
- Specialties:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Substance Abuse
- ADHD
- Learning Differences
- Education and Credentials:
- MEd in Mental Health Counseling (Cambridge College, graduated 2019)
- Substance Abuse Counseling Certificate (University of Massachusetts Boston, 2016)
- Trauma Therapist Certification (Evergreen Certification, 2023)
- Licensed in Massachusetts (#13320-MH-CC) and Maine.
- Experience: Christina employs humor and a person-centered approach to assist clients with various challenges, emphasizing individualized treatment plans and goal management.
- Treatment Approach: Utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and integrates techniques from person-centered therapy, motivational interviewing, and trauma-focused approaches.
- Fees: Sliding scale available; eligible clients can apply.
- Insurance Accepted:
- Aetna
- Anthem
- Blue Cross
- Blue Shield
- Cigna and Evernorth
- Fallon Health
- Harvard Pilgrim
- Health New England (HNE)
- Optum
- Tufts
- UnitedHealthcare (UHC | UBH)
- Out-of-Network options available; verification recommended.
- Languages: Fluent in English
- Client Focus: Works with preteens, teens, adults, and elders (65+).
- Community Impact: Christina is known for building strong relationships with clients and advocating for their well-being, fostering a supportive therapeutic environment.
11. Erin Drakes
- Location: Available both in-person and online in Westfield, MA 01085.
- Contact: (508) 571-6368 | Email for inquiries and to schedule a consultation.
- Specialties:
- Anxiety
- Trauma and PTSD
- Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum
- Education and Credentials:
- Master of Social Work (Simmons University, graduated 2023)
- Perinatal Mood Disorders Certificate (Postpartum Support International, 2023)
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW229946, Massachusetts)
- Prelicense supervised by Douglas Foresta (LICSW116690)
- Licensed in Florida (ISW20283, 2024)
- Experience: Erin specializes in trauma-informed care and has worked with a diverse clientele, tailoring her approach to each individual’s unique experiences and goals.
- Treatment Approach: Employs a collaborative style and various therapeutic methods, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based approaches.
- Fees: Sliding scale available; eligible clients can apply.
- Insurance Accepted:
- Aetna
- Anthem
- Blue Cross
- Blue Shield
- UnitedHealthcare (UHC | UBH)
- Out-of-Network options available; verification recommended.
- Languages: Fluent in English
- Client Focus: Works with teens, adults, and elders (65+), offering individual, couple, and family therapy.
- Community Impact: Erin is dedicated to creating a supportive, non-judgmental therapeutic environment where clients can process their experiences and develop coping strategies.
Conclusion
Worcester, MA, is home to a diverse group of highly qualified behavior analysts and mental health professionals dedicated to addressing various psychological and behavioral challenges.
These experts specialize in a range of areas, including autism, anxiety, depression, trauma, and family dynamics.
Their educational backgrounds include advanced degrees in psychology, social work, and behavior analysis, coupled with significant clinical experience.
Many practitioners offer both in-person and online therapy, making mental health support accessible to a broader audience.
Their therapeutic approaches, often informed by evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and trauma-informed care, prioritize client-centered strategies tailored to individual needs.
The community impact of these professionals extends beyond therapy sessions, as they strive to foster resilience and promote well-being among their clients, contributing positively to the mental health landscape in Worcester.
Overall, this list represents some of the best options for individuals seeking support and guidance in their mental health journeys.
Laura Fletcher