Claire McCulley

LCSW

  • Specializes in Autistic individuals, ADHD individuals, OCD, learning disabilities, and other neurotypes.

  • Emphasizing a neurodiversity-affirming approach.

  • Personal experience as a neurodivergent person.

About Claire

I provide neurodiversity-affirming, client-centered therapy with a focus on autism, ADHD, and other forms of neurodivergence. As a late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD clinician, I understand firsthand how challenging it can be to navigate a world that often isn’t designed for neurodivergent minds. My approach is rooted in the Neurodiversity Paradigm, which recognizes autism, ADHD, OCD, learning disabilities, and other neurotypes as natural variations of humandiversity—valuable ways of being in the world, rather than deficits. In therapy, my goal is to provide a space where you can explore your identity, strengths, and challenges without being pathologized.

My approach is also shaped by my experience working within the mental health and developmental disability systems, where I saw firsthand the systemic gap in affirming, accessible mental health care for autistic and neurodivergent individuals. If you’re seeking support through therapy, I recognize that the mental health system hasn’t always been designed for us. Many interventions weren’t created with neurodivergent people in mind, and the system itself hasn’t always felt safe or accessible. My goal is to help change that by contributing to the growing ecosystem of safe, affirming therapy spaces for our community. You deserve support where you can fully be yourself, and I’m here to provide that in a way that is validating, respectful, and tailored to your needs.

Education

Master of Social Work, Clinical Concentration (summa cum laude)
— University at Albany, State University of New York

Bachelor of Arts, Public Policy and Management, Law and Civil Rights Concentration
— University at Albany, State University of New York

Certifications

  • AutPlay Therapy Training Certificate (full certification currently in-process)

  • COFCCA Growing Together Leadership Cohort

  • LGBTQ-Specific Family Therapy (LIFT) Certification Program

Licensure

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker