More About April!

Where will you see April?

  • Doing outpatient therapy at the office

  • At the JCC of Greater Pittsburgh Early Childhood Development Center providing consultation

  • At the JCC of Greater Pittsburgh’s day camps (J & R and South Hills) overseeing our innovative inclusion initiative between CCC (this practice) and the JCC

  • At Hillel Academy supporting Anna with embedded inclusion

  • Running social groups on Sundays (Dungeons & Dragons for teens & Art Group)

  • Providing oversight to the CCC team who is embedded at the JCC of Greater Pittsburgh’s Clubhouse program

In 2019 the Pittsburgh Center for Autistic Advocacy released a needs survey with input from the autistic community in Pittsburgh. Results indicated that the largest barrier to services was “Provider Autism Competence.” I am proud, happy, and adamant about filling that service gap. For over 18 years I have been working with individuals on the autism spectrum in one form or another.

I began my career as a Therapeutic Support Staff (TSS) at Pressley Ridge when Rebecca Klaw was the supervisor, and the program incorporated Stanley Greenspan’s Floortime approach. Floortime meets children where they are and builds upon their strengths and abilities by creating a warm relationship and positive interaction. 

It was during my role as a TSS that I learned that I loved spending time helping individuals in real time by being a part of their real-life experiences. I also feel fortunate that I was able to learn from individuals who weren’t focused on “extinguishing behavior” or “curing autism,” but instead were literally willing to crawl around on the floor with clients and engage in activities that made them feel safe and secure in order to build a relationship and help to foster social, emotional, and communication connections.

After working as a TSS for several years it was then that I decided to pursue a Master’s degree so that I could continue to work as a helper. I went to Carlow and obtained a Master’s in Professional Counseling. I then completed my two years of supervised work experience (under Stephanie Helsel, Ph.D.)  in order to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).

My goal is to support individuals by meeting them where they are at and making sure to adjust my approach in a way that (I hope) fits each person uniquely. I do believe in neurodiversity and as a result, I am a firm supporter that it is okay to be uniquely wired. I believe that the therapeutic relationship and rapport are tremendously important, and so at the beginning of my work with folks that is my primary focus.

I have many clients who came to me as adolescents and continued on with therapy into adulthood per their desire to continue to have someone involved in their lives who understands autism.

I have years of experience recognizing and supporting autism in the female population. Ask anyone who used to work with me at Merck and they will tell you that during our case consultations one of my catchphrases was “Girls are different” whenever we were discussing autism diagnostic criteria. Perhaps that’s an unscientific way of communicating that I have a long and extensive history of recognizing and supporting females who are autistic.

I am able to work with individuals who are not on the autism spectrum (I do have some clients who do not have that diagnosis), but autism has been my focus and specialty for the majority of my career.

MS, LPC, NCC | No pronouns
Takes UPMC, Cigna, Aetna, and Highmark insurances

    • I dress casually as part of my therapy work. Please don’t mistake my t-shirts, jeans, and sneakers to imply that I don’t take my job seriously. I dress in a way that allows me to feel comfortable while working.

    • While I do have past Applied Behavior Analysis experience, I am not—and never have been—interested in changing or curing autistic individuals. If you are concerned, ask me about this and we can discuss it.

    • I do my best to make the therapy I do accessible and comfortable for uniquely wired folks. I will send you a visual guide before our first appointment. If you wish to change the lighting etc. during our sessions, I am very open to such accommodations. I try not to wear strong-smelling perfumes or lotions at work. While I personally like scents, I do not utilize essential oil diffusers or incense in my office.

    • Your first visit with me will likely be different than any past experiences you may have had in the mental health field. We will not need to complete intake paperwork at our first session (you can do it electronically prior to our meeting). Setting goals and/or treatment plan creation will take place when you feel comfortable to begin that process. We are a small office. So, there is no receptionist. You are welcome to help yourself to water or seltzer from the fridge in the waiting room.

    • If you are a parent who is bringing your child to see me, you will likely hear laughing and playing during our sessions. Therapy can (and I believe should) be fun! It doesn’t have to be the cliches often presented in movies and television.

    • Run social skills groups at Pressley Ridge that were naturalistic, play-based, and fun

    • Worked at Pressley Ridge’s Extended School Year (ESY) program as a counselor

    • Worked as a Behavior Specialist Consultant/Mobile Therapist at Pressley Ridge

    • Interned as part of my Master’s degree at The Watson Institute where I worked at their ESY camp, co-facilitated social skills groups, and was a part of their WISCA program (a cyber/in-person school for autistic individuals) when the program was still in its early development

    • Facilitated the Autism Connection of PA Adult Autism Discussion Group for many years

    • Worked as an outpatient therapist and evaluator (trained in the ADOS) at the Merck & Bellefield Towers outpatient clinics which are connected to Western Psychiatric Institute Clinic (WPIC)

    • Created and directed the EmployAble program at Jewish Family & Community Services

    • Provided school consultation services for local Pittsburgh Jewish schools with a focus on Positive Behavior Support approaches and techniques

    • Worked for 10 years as the Director of the Pittsburgh Quest Therapeutic Summer Camp & After School Program (and loved every minute of it)

    • Provide inclusion consultation to the JCC’s Summer Camps (J & R and South Hills), Early Childhood, and Clubhouse After School Program

    • Run some social/support groups for youth and teens that utilize a naturalistic/strengths based approach

    • See clients for outpatient therapy through my private practice Connection Counseling & Consultation Inc.

    • Provide training to local schools, agencies, etc. on topics such as Positive Behavior Support, Neurodiversity, and various aspects of autism

    • Conduct assessments for adults who wish to know if they meet criteria for the diagnosis of Autism

Testimonials about my work:

  • ‘Awareness means you know I am here, acceptance means you are happy to see me’. When I read this anonymous quote, it made me think of what April Artz inspired in our son. She understood how to relate and work with him in a way that allowed space and dignity while encouraging self discovery. He is gaining an understanding about himself and the tools he needs to grow into a version of his best self while becoming his own best advocate.

    Parent

  • I have worked with April in many situations over many years. I have seen her working with children, working with teachers, organizing events, and consulting with other practitioners on cases. In all of these instances, April is knowledgeable, she communicates extremely well, she is effective as both a consultant and a clinician, and (last but not least), she is uniquely creative.

    Rebecca Klaw

  • April Artz was a fantastic resource to our family & specifically my son who has ADHD & is on the Autism Spectrum. She was helpful in facilitating communication for him & between my son and our family. April provides meaningful suggestions, insight & guidance. She is a true advocate for her patients.

    Parent of a long-time client

  • April is simply outstanding in her field! She maintains a consistent and strong presence with the young people with whom she works. She has the ability to show respect for each child's unique qualities while gently guiding them towards further potential. She seems to have attained the ability to maintain the utmost professionalism while being a passionate and dedicated caregiver!

    Parent