Research-informed care for neurodiverse conditions such as Autism, ADHD, and Somatic Sensory Disorders has always been an integral part of the mission at the Mental Health Collective. And so Mental Health Collective is thrilled to now have integrated the most cutting-edge interventions for neuro-informed treatment of neurodiverse brains including psychological testing, somatic therapy interventions, group therapy, and executive functioning coaching.

“The field of neurodiversity is continuing to highlight the positive strengths these conditions can bring to the world. The staff at the Mental Health Collective always strives to stay on the front lines of neuro-informed interventions and understands the harms that therapy has done in the past with the attempts to fit everyone into a neuro-typical paradigm” states Dr. Kristen Zaleski, Clinical Director of the Mental Health Collective.

The Mental Health Collective is now a trained center in Steven Porges’ Polyvagal Theory-driven Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) intervention that directly stimulates the acoustic vagus nerve to downregulate auditory sensitivities which often affect clients with neurodiverse conditions. Additionally, the Mental Health Collective has two neurofeedback protocols, one using alpha theta waves and the other using amygdala fingerprint technology, where client’s ADHD and excitatory responses, often paired with anxious conditions, can be regulated to more comfortable states.

In addition to the SSP protocol and neurofeedback program, Mental Health Collective’s Dr. Nicole Lightman, testing psychologist, is an expert in the diagnosis of neurodiverse conditions and comes via the public school system of California where she continues the work today. Dr. Lightman uses evidence-based psychological assessment measures that identify neurodiverse conditions, and incorporates families into the assessment process to capture early childhood and pre-birth conditions to ensure an accurate and thorough assessment process.  Lastly, the Mental Health Collective uses executive functioning coaches, and step down programs that include vocational training and educational assistance, as well as clinical staff who work as part of the neurodivergent community and are highly trained in cultural appropriate interventions.

The Mental Health Collective:

The Collective is a mental health program staffed with seasoned clinicians utilizing diverse therapeutic modalities to diagnose and treat adults 18+ facing mental health challenges. The Collective provides neurobiology-informed, outcome-driven clinical care in a community-based setting where clients are supported, connected, and can safely navigate life’s challenges. To learn more, visit us at https://themhcollective.com or follow us on Instagram @themhcollective.