Katherine Cassara, Psy.D.

I specialize in the treatment of children and adolescents with a variety of social/emotional and behavioral needs, with an emphasis on children and adolescents who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder or who experience related difficulties.  I earned my undergraduate degree in Psychology from Northwestern University with a minor in Spanish.  I then pursued my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Adler University in Chicago, with an emphasis in children and adolescents.  My training and work experience has encompassed a variety of settings, including private schools and pediatric developmental centers.  However, I have primarily focused my training and work experience in the therapeutic day school setting.

I believe in meeting patients where they are at and fostering a safe, nonjudgmental space to support patients in meeting their goals.  To that end, I practice from a primarily humanistic theoretical orientation.  However, I acknowledge that each person is an individual and requires a unique approach to facilitate growth and insight.  As such, other theoretical orientations may be utilized at times.  As a musician, I enjoy including the expressive arts into treatment, and I also bring humor and fun into individual therapy sessions through play therapy techniques.

Additionally, I strongly believe that incorporating families in the therapeutic process is essential to the overall treatment and care. I value connecting what is learned in the individual therapy space to the family and community setting. I look forward to joining you on your journey towards growth.