Shana Nichols, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist who has worked in the field of autism spectrum disorder for over 20 years. She offers a range of services to individuals, families, schools, and organizations including direct services, consultation, workshops and training. She currently specializes in the experiences of females with ASD, growing up and adolescence, sexuality and relationships, and dual diagnosis and mental health interventions, including group work. Dr. Nichols has extensive expertise in psycho-educational and diagnostic assessment, treatment, and consultation. She is the lead author of Girls Growing Up on the Autism Spectrum, A Girl’s Guide to Growing Up on the Autism Spectrum, and is a co-author of the set of therapeutic manuals Fighting Worries and Facing Fears: A Coping Manual for Children with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Families.

Dr. Nichols also works with neurotypical youth and young adults experiencing difficulties with emotion regulation and navigating life transitions such as beginning high school, starting college and getting a job.

As part of her "Riding Forward" program, youth and adult equestrian riders and competitors receive mental skills coaching with Dr. Nichols to improve their ride, increase resilience and confidence, and develop more effective communication and connections with their horses. Equine-assisted therapy for anxiety, emotion regulation, and social skills will be available soon.

Dr. Nichols uses a highly individualized approach to therapy and helping her clients work towards living meaningful and fulfilling lives. Her foundational orientations to practice are Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and she incorporates effective elements of behavioral, coaching, mindfulness based stress reduction and DBT as warranted.

Dr. Nichols is licensed in NY, Colorado, Missouri, and Iowa, and provides consultation, therapy, and assessment in person and via telehealth.