Who We Are
Philosophy
Autism Advantage is an innovative telehealth practice devoted to working with adults with autism spectrum conditions to understand their unique personality advantages and use their gifts to overcome challenges. We believe autism spectrum conditions are neurological differences to be understood and appreciated. Services are offered through telehealth in participating States.
Provider
Christopher L. Smith, Ph.D. or "Dr. Chris" as he is known to his clients is a Colorado and Texas licensed clinical psychologist specializing in therapy and skills training for adults with autism spectrum conditions. A graduate of the University of South Dakota's clinical psychology training program, he has been working with adolescents and adults since 1998. He utilizes extensive skill building strategies along with cognitive and behavioral interventions in practice.
Fees and Payment
Fees for 45 minute sessions are currently $90, and 60 minute sessions are currently $130. Insurances accepted include United Healthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield (Anthem), Medicare, and Colorado Medicaid. Private payment is preferred through Paypal.
Services
Telehealth
In recognition of the technical strengths of clients and lack of qualified providers in many communities, Autism Advantage offers services using Sessions, a HIPAA compliant telehealth platform through Psychology Today needing only a web browser for access. If clients have used Zoom, Facetime, or Skype, this will feel very similar and natural. Alternatively, services can be provided by phone while licensure bodies and health insurers allow.
Dr. Chris is licensed to practice telepsychology with his E.Passport by the Association of the State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) under the authority of PSYPACT. This license allows him to practice in 40 States currently. For more information and to see participating States, visit the PSYPACT website: https://psypact.org/page/psypactmap. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have approved and recognized the authority of PSYPACT, which allows Dr. Chris to bill insurances in these States. Dr. Chris is certified in Telemental Health and Digital Ethics by the Zur Institute.
Coaching
Autism Advantage has researched and developed a unique and original coaching package to help clients identify and understand their personal autism related advantages and overcome their challenges. Coaching is an intervention where the focus is developing and implementing strategies to reach client-identified goals to enhance performance and personal satisfaction. It may address specific communication skills, social skills, relationship skills, life balance, job performance and satisfaction, or general conditions in the client's life, business or profession.
Therapy
Therapy is a service that involves the identification, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health challenges that often arise alongside common autism spectrum challenges. Autism Advantage therapy sessions utilize cognitive and behavioral treatments for issues such as anxiety disorders and mood disorders including depression.