Common Threads Clinic is a state-licensed outpatient clinic comprised of a multidisciplinary group of psychotherapists, occupational therapists and behaviorists who provide a continuum of outpatient services. We specialize in therapeutic services for persons of all ages with autism, trauma, mental health, sensory, behavioral, and cognitive needs, both in individual and small group settings.
Our therapeutic services are often hands-on, and are organized in structured, supportive settings. We use evidence-based practices incorporating strengths-based, fun, and interactive experiences while targeting the client’s individualized treatment goals. We are committed to our clients, referring them when appropriate to individuals with additional expertise, and collaborating with them to provide the most thorough client evaluation and treatment possible.
We serve all ages and use a variety of therapy techniques appropriate to the individual. We do work with individuals, families, small groups, and in a consultative manner.
Psychosocial Services
Psychosocial Services include different types of psychotherapy, and social and vocational training; and aim to provide support, education and guidance to people with a mental health diagnosis. These services can also be useful for allies, family, and community members who support, love, or engage with individuals with mental health diagnoses. Our psychosocial services include: Psychotherapy, Family Therapy, Psychoeducation, Diagnostics, Parent Coaching, Groups, and Individual Skill Development. Psychosocial treatments are an effective way to improve the quality of life for individuals with mental illness and the individuals that walk alongside them.
At Common Threads we have found that autistics who also have a co-occuring mental health diagnosis can also benefit from psychosocial services. These services are most impactful when an autistic's neurology is understood and factored into the treatment provided. Our team works closely with their autistic clients to best understand how their ASD presents and how their neurology is best supported in order to provide effective treatment for the mental health challenges separate from Autism for which these clients are engaging in treatment.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists focus on increasing independence and success in the activities which you (the client) find meaningful! This can include:
- Personal hygiene
- Independent living skills
- Sleep
- Play
- Leisure engagement
- Community engagement
- Education
- Work
- Social participation
Occupational Therapists increase independence and success by addressing underlying skill deficits which impact engagement, such as motor skills, cognition and executive functioning, sensory processing, and interoception. Occupational Therapists specifically tailor services to the individual client by considering all contexts and environments, while identifying underlying supports and barriers which may enhance or inhibit progress in meaningful areas of life.
At Common Threads, you will find Occupational Therapists with a variety of background interests and specialties including but not limited to sensory integration, interoceptive awareness, co-regulation, trauma-informed practice, and physical health and wellness.
Services for children, adolescents, and teens
We encourage parents/guardians to be active participants in their child’s therapy. A child’s relationship with a parent/guardian comes first. Especially for children under age 12, parent participation in therapy is essential to creating the change you want to see in your child - whether in treatment with your child or with check-ins at every session. Your input in your child’s services is vital because you’re the most important element that supports change.
More information on Mental Health in Young Adults
Services for Adults
Our adult services at Common Threads focus mostly on working with:
- Autistic adults - by addressing their mental health needs while embracing their neurology and developing goals around meaningful outcomes. The autistic adults we work with may or may not have official ASD diagnosis and they may or may not have additional mental health diagnoses.
- We work with the mental health needs of allies and family members of autistics with a strong focus on the psycho-educational aspects of embracing neurodiversity.
Service Facilitation
Common Threads is a proud partner/contracted provider with the Dane County Comprehensive Community Services Program (CCS) as a Service Facilitator site. Our service facilitators work to support individuals enrolled in the Dane County CCS program by ensuring the clients receive appropriate assessment services, service planning, service delivery, and supportive activities in an appropriate and timely manner. The service facilitators work with their clients to develop a service/recovery plan that is in alignment with their client's goals and needs. In doing so, they help their clients build a recovery team - a group of individuals who are identified by the client to help them work towards their goals by engaging in psychosocial services. Our Service Facilitators maintain every effort to allow the clients their own voice in regards to how they want their treatment to unfold, no matter what age or challenge.