Frequently Asked Questions

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General Policies

Does ASPIRE Center provide treatment for individuals who are not diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?
  • Yes - treatment is individualized to meet the needs of each client and his/her family, regardless of pre-existing diagnosis. 
  • Understanding, educating, and providing therapy for individuals with ASD is our specialty. However, each clinician on the ASPIRE team offers additional expertise across a number of developmental and mental health concerns.
  • Many clients who seek services at ASPIRE Center have never received a diagnosis, do not believe that their diagnosis is accurate, or have been given multiple, conflicting diagnoses. We are committed to serving as the "last stop" for such individuals by providing clarification, education, and support within treatment.

Does ASPIRE Center accept insurance?
  • We do not participate on any commercial healthcare plans at this time. However, detailed invoices with relevant service and diagnostic codes are provided for session. Many of our clients who have out-of-network coverage are successful in obtaining full or partial reimbursement.

What are the fees for services?
  • All of our fees are determined by common practice based on time, professional qualifications, and cost of materials. Since the needs of each client vary, we work with families to determine a plan for services that is both beneficial and affordable. Sliding scale fees are available on a case-by-case basis.

What type of training background do the clinicians at ASPIRE Center typically have?
  • Each member of the ASPIRE team joins our center after rigorous review of experience and qualifications. Professional development and training is an integral component of our programs, so clinicians range from graduate-level trainees to leading experts in their respective fields. All clinical staff receive ongoing supervision, and providing outstanding quality of care is our highest priority.
  • As a multidisciplinary practice, we strongly believe in assigning each incoming client to the ideally-matched therapist based on the combination of preferences and presenting concerns. Ongoing dialogue is maintained, both initially and throughout treatment, as part of collaboratively structuring services that are most beneficial for clients and their families.

Therapy Services

What is unique about the therapy provided at ASPIRE Center?
  • Our clinicians specialize in the modification of evidence-based treatment, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), to address the unique concerns of individuals with autism spectrum and other social learning disorders. Our diverse team of experienced clinicians maintains ongoing professional development within their respective specialty areas. We recognize the unique needs of each client and his or her family, and treatment planning is conducted through an extensive but comfortable assessment process. ASPIRE Center is dedicated to providing treating individuals - not just disorders.

What is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)?
  • CBT involves therapeutic techniques that have been developed to help people with depression, anxiety, and stress—.
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy is based on the idea that our thoughts cause our feelings and behaviors, not external things, like people, situations, and events. The benefit of this is that we can change the way we think to feel/act better even if the situation does not change.

Why is CBT useful in treating ASD, ADHD, and other social learning difficulties?
  • Structured, symptom-focused, skill-driven
  • Therapists are active and directive
  • Logical and hierarchical
  • Focused on the present – connected to ongoing real-world situations
  • An open collaboration between therapist and client/client’s family
 
Is CBT effective for individuals with autism spectrum disorder?
  • Several case studies and anecdotal evidence support the efficacy of CBT in ASD (Chalfant, Rapee & Carroll, 2006;Gaus, 2007; Reaven & Hepburn, 2003;Sofronoff et al., 2005; Sze & Wood, 2007).
 
Evaluations

How will a diagnostic evaluation be beneficial for me or my child?
  • Evaluations are sought for a variety of reasons, primarily involving differential diagnosis, treatment planning, and/or to obtain recommendations for school, home, or community-based services. Aside from providing you with information and guidance, we will collaborate with you throughout the evaluation process to ensure that you needs are being addressed and the questions that you have are being answered.

If I receive a diagnosis from an evaluation, does that mean that a permanent "label" will follow me or my child?
  • The results of an evaluation, including any diagnoses that are identified, are subject to the same type of confidentiality as other medical and health-related records. What you choose to do with the evaluation report, as well as all of the information that it contains, is completely up to you. We will be happy to provide guidance regarding appropriate disclosure, but you maintain the right to decide whether and with whom any information is shared.

Can I participate in other services at ASPIRE Center before or after seeking an evaluation? Do I have to attend therapy at ASPIRE Center after my evaluation is completed?
  • Many of the individuals and families who receive evaluations at our center find that the programming at ASPIRE Center is a strong match for their treatment needs. A number of clients who initially undergo evaluation decide to pursue individual, family, or group therapy at the center. Others return regularly for consultation or assessment updates. However, we certainly do not expect or require that an evaluation will automatically result in continued services. All clients are welcome to initiate services at any time, and we are also happy to provide outside resources and referrals based on needs and fit.


If you have a question that was not addressed above, please feel free to contact us.