Mental health support for neurodivergent kids, teens, and adults

Neurodivergent is a term used to describe people whose neurological development and functioning diverge from the neurological majority — including people with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurological profiles. The term reflects an understanding of neurological variation as a natural part of human diversity.

Neurotypical refers to people whose neurological development falls within what is considered the typical range. Neurodivergent refers to those whose development diverges from that range. The terms are descriptive, not value judgments — neither implies that one way of thinking or experiencing the world is better than the other.

No. Neurodivergence refers to neurological variation, not a mental health condition. However, neurodivergent people experience elevated rates of co-occurring conditions — including anxiety, depression, and trauma — often as a result of navigating environments that weren't designed with their needs in mind.

Masking is the practice of suppressing or camouflaging neurodivergent traits — such as stimming, social differences, or sensory sensitivities — in order to appear neurotypical. It is extremely common among autistic people and those with ADHD, particularly women and girls, and is associated with significant mental health costs including burnout, anxiety, and depression.

Yes — particularly therapy that addresses co-occurring mental health conditions and is adapted for neurodivergent needs. The most effective approaches are affirming rather than corrective, skills-based, and flexible in structure and pacing. At Charlie Health, all care is delivered with a neurodivergent-affirming lens.

Several evidence-based therapies are effective for supporting neurodivergent clients.

• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) offers concrete, actionable skills for managing emotional dysregulation and distress — delivered at Charlie Health with a neurodivergent-affirming lens.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps address negative thought patterns rooted in masking, rejection sensitivity, and internalized shame.
• Art and music therapy provide non-verbal pathways for expression and regulation, especially valuable for those who find verbal processing difficult.

Charlie Health's Clinical Team works with each client to determine the right combination of treatment options for their specific needs.

An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a level of behavioral healthcare for people who need more support than traditional weekly therapy but don't require inpatient care. The goal is to help people manage mental health and substance use challenges while maintaining their daily routines and responsibilities. Our IOP is delivered to clients directly at home through a virtual platform. Each program runs 9–12 weeks and includes 10+ hours of care per week. That time is split across individual therapy and group sessions, with family therapy and psychiatry available when clinically indicated. Scheduling is flexible, with morning, afternoon, and evening options to fit around school, work, and other commitments.

Charlie Health is in-network with more than 600 insurance plans nationwide, including most major commercial plans, TRICARE, and Medicaid in select states. Most clients (60%) pay $0 out-of-pocket. To verify coverage, contact the Admissions Team directly or fill out the online intake form.