PhD level Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Maria Bastos is a PhD level Clinical Psychologist with a master’s degree in education and substantial practice in the implementation of evidence-based mental health interventions to children, adolescents, and young adults. Her clinical expertise lies in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and the science of neuroplasticity, which she integrates to help clients reshape patterns of thought, behavior, and emotions. With more than 25 years of clinical experience, Dr. Bastos has developed a comprehensive solution-focused approach using cognitive restructuring and functional communication training that empowers individuals to recognize and build on their unique strengths while effectively addressing social, emotional, behavioral, and executive functioning challenges.

Dr. Bastos’s work is grounded in a neurodiversity-affirming philosophy, adapting therapy and interventions to meet the specific needs of each individual. She specializes in supporting clients with autism, ADHD, executive dysfunction, behavior disorders, lack of motivation, and the overlapping impact of anxiety and depression. A significant focus of her work involves strengthening social cognition, social communication, and interpersonal skills. Dr. Bastos helps children and adolescents develop self-awareness, perspective-taking, conversational skills, and confidence in social interactions, enabling them to build and maintain more meaningful peer relationships, and navigate social interactions with greater ease and independence. Her practice is guided by empathy, scientific rigor, and a deep commitment to help kids and families achieve practical and lasting improvements in daily functioning, confidence, relationships, and overall well-being.

Our Licensed Professional Counselors and Certified Special Education Teachers are Highly Qualified and ready to use individualized “research-based practices” and “scientifically-based” approaches to Train/Coach your young adult child, live-online and in person.