Commonwealth Autism Services

Behavior Analysis

Commonwealth Autism Services is a Behavior Analysis practice in Richmond, VA with healthcare providers who have special training and skill in improving patients' quality of life by helping to adjust their behaviors. Behavior Analysts at Commonwealth Autism Services perform behavioral assessments, patient parent education, and liaisons with other mental health professionals. Behavior Analysis is a medical specialty centered on improving patients' mental or physical behavioral health by applying the principles of behavioral psychology to structured treatment plans. Significant diseases and conditions treated at Behavior Analysis practices include autism, drug addiction, eating disorders, traumatic brain injuries, and congenital birth defects. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Behavior Analysis practices include conducting research and behavior assessments, participating in one-on-one therapy sessions with patients, and formulating and overseeing treatment plans to adjust patient behavior for positive goal achievement.

A behavior analyst is qualified by at least a master's degree and Behavior Analyst Certification Board certification and/or a state-issued credential (such as a license) to practice behavior analysis independently. Behavior analysts provide the required supervision to assistant behavior analysts and behavior technicians. A behavior analyst delivers services consistent with the dimensions of applied behavior analysis. Common services may include, but are not limited to, conducting behavioral assessments, analyzing data, writing and revising behavior-analytic treatment plans, training others to implement components of treatment plans, and overseeing implementation of treatment plans.

Clinical Social Work

A social worker who holds a master's or doctoral degree in social work from an accredited school of social work in addition to at least two years of post-master's supervised experience in a clinical setting. The social worker must be licensed, certified, or registered at the clinical level in the jurisdiction of practice. A clinical social worker provides direct services, including interventions focused on interpersonal interactions, intrapsychic dynamics, and life management issues. Clinical social work services are based on bio-psychosocial perspectives. Services consist of assessment, diagnosis, treatment (including psychotherapy and counseling), client-centered advocacy, consultation, evaluation, and prevention of mental illness, emotional, or behavioral disturbances.