About Dr. C

Dr. Carlos Castañeda (he/him) is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at St. Edward’s University. He holds a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Palo Alto University and a doctoral degree in Counselor Education and Supervision from Texas Tech University. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, Carlos specializes in providing counseling services to the neurodivergent community across the lifespan, including individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). He has worked in various settings, including community organizations, government facilities, schools, and private practice.

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Carlos’s research and advocacy focus on raising awareness of treatment options for neurodivergent individuals, advocating for earlier and more accurate autism diagnoses—especially for women and people of color—challenging stereotypes, and reducing mistreatment of the neurodivergent population. He also explores the promises of technology in counseling, such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality, to deliver tailored treatments for neurodivergent individuals.

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Carlos has a passion for serving the autism community. He has partnered with local non profits and organizations that are autism and neurodivergent affirming. He volunteers his time educating healthcare practitioners on autism treatment and competence, provides free anxiety support groups with the Green Leaf Neurodiversity Community Center, and conducts research in the field of autism to empower individuals' voices. 

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Carlos offers a range of services to individuals of diverse backgrounds, including children, adolescents, and adults with autism, as well as individuals who have experienced trauma, body dysmorphia, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). He also provides mental health and autism consultation to healthcare providers, educators, and government agencies.

In terms of therapeutic approaches, Carlos has been trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and is a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist Intensive Training (ASDCS).

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When he is not helping others on their path to healing, Carlos enjoys outdoor activities such as kayaking, bouldering, and hiking with his two pups.

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