Change your password

Set a password

Optional. You can always sign in with an emailed code instead.

Account

Codes from an authenticator app on your device. The only way to raise your account's security above its inbox.

Two-factor authentication

You're already logged in. If you've forgotten your password and would like to reset it, <a href="/logout/?redirect=/forgot-password/" alt="Logout page link" title="Logout page link">log out</a> first.

Forgot Password

Login

You're logged out

Logout

This reset link is invalid or has expired. You can request a fresh one from the <a href="/forgot-password/">forgot password page</a>.

Reset Password

All done. You can now <a href="/my-account/login/" alt="Login page link" title="Login page link">log in</a> with your new password.

We're not quite ready to welcome new members yet.Join <a href='/waitlist/' alt='Waitlist Page' title='Waitlist Page'>the waitlist</a> and we'll email you as soon as your spot is ready.

Fill in the details below and you'll be part of the community in no time.

Sign Up

The link you followed looks incomplete. Double-check it and try again.

Just a few details left. Your payment information is encrypted and secure.

Checkout

Confirm your listing claim

Review a listing claim

We sent a link to {email}. Click it to sign in and finish your claim.

Check your email

We sent a link to {email}. Click it to sign in and finish your claim. We'll follow up in your messages on SpecialNeeds.com.

Find and claim your business listing on SpecialNeeds.com to manage your profile, reach more families, and grow your practice.

Claim Your Listing - SpecialNeeds.com

Claim {title} - SpecialNeeds.com

Claim Your Listing

Email to an address at the listing's website

Claiming is free. You can correct your contact info, hours, and description so families see accurate details.

Someone from this business manages this listing.

Reject claim

Verify this claim

Title

Contact Listing Owner

You'll need a free account to contact the listing owner. Sign up and you can send your message right away.

Sign up to get in touch

Introduce yourself to the listing owner. Add a short topic (50 characters or less) and your message.

Send a message

Title is required.

Find local special needs events near you.

Events

Frequently Asked Questions

Discover the inspiring stories and experiences of our users who have found invaluable resources, support, and connections through SpecialNeeds.com.

Feedback

John Luthor

SpecialNeeds.com has been instrumental in helping me find the right resources for my child. The wealth of information and supportive community is invaluable.

Sarah Taylor

As a teacher, SpecialNeeds.com is my go-to website for understanding my students' diverse needs. The strategies and tips shared have been very helpful.

Alex Hales

The user interface of SpecialNeeds.com is very friendly and easy to navigate. It's a great platform with a lot of useful features for individuals with special needs.

David Warner

SpecialNeeds.com is a beacon of hope for parents like us. The online resources are fantastic and the supportive community is heartwarming.

Jessica Brown

The speech therapy resources on SpecialNeeds.com are top-notch. They've been incredibly helpful in my practice.

Michael Johnson

I've found so much support and understanding in the SpecialNeeds.com community. It has made all the difference for my family.

Emily Davis

SpecialNeeds.com is an invaluable tool in my classroom. The educational resources and community support are amazing.

Oliver Smith

SpecialNeeds.com offers practical and actionable occupational therapy strategies. It's a resource I use daily in my practice.

Sophia Miller

Navigating the world of special needs parenting can be challenging, but SpecialNeeds.com provides resources and a community that truly help.

User’s Feedback About SpecialNeeds.com

Guide your special needs-related business to reach its full potential. Here's the straightforward path to success

Begin by signing up for an account to join our community and initiate your journey.

Join Our Community

With your account set up, it's time to create your business listing. A well-crafted and engaging listing can attract more visitors.

Create Your Listing

Choose from our range of packages for your listing, including various features to suit your needs. We offer multiple options, including a free package.

Select Your Package

Once you submit your listing, our team will review it. Upon approval, your listing will be published on the site for public viewing.

Await Approval

Congratulations! Your listing is now live. You can view it on our site and begin attracting new visitors.

Your Listing is Live

How It Works

Discover our extensive directory featuring a wide range of special needs-related listings. Add your listing to join our growing community.

Explore Our Directory

Engage directly with users through our messaging feature. Manage all your conversations efficiently from your dashboard.

Connect and Communicate

Draw more visitors and grow your business. You have full control over your listing and can update or modify it as needed from your dashboard.

Enhance Your Listing

Supporting Your Business Growth

Two-factor authentication is now on for your account.

Save your backup codes

Here's the status of your listing claim.

You're signed in

We emailed a 6-digit code to {email}. Enter it below, or click the link in the email.

Sign in or sign up

For accounts with an optional password set.

Sign in with your password

By continuing you agree to the SpecialNeeds.com <link>Terms and Conditions</link>.

Please review and accept our terms to finish setting up your account.

One last step

Your role requires a second sign-in factor. Scan the code with an authenticator app, then confirm with a code from it.

Set up two-factor authentication

Enter a code from your authenticator app, or one of your backup codes.

You have a new chat

Enter your name

Pricing

Privacy Policy

Hi there! At SpecialNeeds.com, we care a lot about keeping your information private. We promise to do our best to keep your information safe and sound. This means we collect only the necessary information to provide you with the best possible experience on our site, and we take all the necessary steps to protect your information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.

1. Our Promise

When you join our site, we collect your email, display name, and password. We don't ever collect your location unless you tell us it's okay. Additionally, we use various analytics tools, which may collect other information like which pages you visit on our site, your IP address, and other data related to your use of our site. These tools help us understand how our site is used and enable us to improve your experience.

2. What We Collect

We collect information from you when you fill out forms on our site, like when you sign up. We also use cookies and Google Analytics to learn more about how you use our site. If you choose to enable the distance search feature, we'll collect your location information after getting your consent by clicking a button.

3. How We Collect It

We use your information to help you use our site and to make our site better for you. We also use it to see how people use our site, so we can make it better for everyone. Your location information, if you choose to share it, is used to help you find resources and services near you.

4. How We Use It

The majority of your information is kept confidential and is not shared with any third parties outside of SpecialNeeds.com. However, for users interacting with our directory listings (such as camps, schools, etc.), we may share aggregated and anonymized analytics data with the owners of these listings. This data may include metrics like the number of page views, time spent on the site, and other related usage statistics. It's important to note that this shared data will not include any personally identifiable information and is solely used to provide insights to our paid listing owners.

5. Who We Share It With

We use some fancy tech stuff to keep your information safe, like HTTPS for secure browsing, bcrypt to keep your password safe, and encryption to keep your location safe if you choose to share it with us. We also store your encrypted location information (if provided) in your browser's local storage and not on our servers, to add an extra layer of security.

6. How We Keep It Safe

You can change your email and password whenever you want. You can't change your display name once it's set, though. If you want to delete your account, you can do that, too. And remember, you can always tell us to stop using your location info by revoking your consent.

7. Changing or Deleting Your Info

Our site isn't made for kids under 13. We don't collect information from anyone under 13, and if we become aware of any such information, we will take steps to delete it.

8. Kids Under 13

Our site is made for people in the U.S. Even though we collect some information from people outside the U.S. through Google Analytics, our website is not targeted at them, and we do not use their information for anything other than Google Analytics.

9. People Outside the U.S.

Sometimes we might need to change this policy. If we do, we'll send you an email, and we'll put a notice on our site and on our social media accounts, if we have any. Please keep checking so you always know our latest policy.

10. Changes to This Policy

Remember, we're here to help. If you have any questions about this privacy policy, just ask!

Privacy Policy for SpecialNeeds.com

Terms and Conditions

Terms and Conditions for SpecialNeeds.com

Hi there! Welcome to SpecialNeeds.com. We're a website that helps people learn about special needs resources, like camps, schools, and therapists. We also share articles and news about special needs topics. But before you start exploring, we need you to understand and agree to our rules.

1. Welcome to Our Site!

Our site is primarily made for people who are 13 years or older. However, individuals under the age of 13 may access the content on our site under the supervision of a parent or legal guardian. While they cannot register for an account, they are welcome to read and learn from the information available with appropriate guidance.

2. Who Can Use Our Site

We want everyone to have a good time here, so we have some rules. You can't use our site to do anything illegal, to bother other people, to share spam, or to post mean or offensive things. And please, don't share anything that belongs to someone else without their permission.

3. Our Rules

Users can add items to our directory, but we'll need to say okay first. We use a smart computer program to check if anything mean or offensive gets posted. And we'll take down anything that's not okay right away.

4. Adding to Our Directory

If you break any of our rules, we might have to stop your account. This means you won't be able to use our site anymore. We don't want to do this, but sometimes we have to.

5. Accounts and What Can Happen

We do our best to share good, helpful information. But we can't promise that everything is perfect or right for you. We're not doctors, and we don't give medical advice. Always check with your own doctor or do your own research.

6. What We Can Promise

If we have a disagreement, we'd like to work it out with you. But if we can't, then we'll have to ask a neutral person or group (this is called an arbitrator) to help us solve it.

7. What Happens If We Disagree

Sometimes we might need to change these rules. If we do, we'll send you an email, and post on our social media accounts, if we have any. Please keep checking so you always know our latest rules.

8. Changes to These Rules

You may cancel a paid plan at any time from your account page. If you cancel within 30 days of your original signup, we will refund everything you have paid for your listing to date. After 30 days, when you cancel or move to a lower plan, we will refund the unused portion of what you have paid, prorated by the time remaining in your current billing period. All refunds are issued to your original payment method; we do not issue account credit. If you switch from annual to monthly billing at the same tier, your annual access continues through the period you have already paid for and monthly billing begins when it ends; nothing is charged or refunded at the time of the switch. Refunds outside the stated policy are at our sole discretion.

9. Refunds and Cancellation

Remember, we're here to help. If you have any questions about these terms and conditions, just ask!

Unsubscribe

At SpecialNeeds.com, we strive to foster a community of trust and reliability. One significant way we ensure this trust is through our Verified Badge. You may have spotted this little checkmark symbol on our platform. But do you know what it signifies? Allow us to pull back the curtain on this important aspect of our platform. The Verified Badge isn't merely decorative - it's a symbol of authenticity, accuracy, and connection. When you see this badge associated with a company, you can rest assured that the company has been thoroughly vetted and is confirmed to be genuine. But how do we ascertain this genuineness? The process is both rigorous and meticulous. To earn the Verified Badge, a company representative or a SpecialNeeds.com staff member must first register with us and provide evidence of their affiliation with the company. This is typically in the form of a business email address. However, the badge doesn't just signify affiliation. It's also a testament to accuracy. The representative or our staff member is responsible for verifying all information associated with the company - from contact details to rates and features. Only when every piece of information has been scrutinized and confirmed do we award the coveted Verified Badge. Maintaining the Verified Badge isn't a one-time effort - it requires an annual renewal. Each year, company representatives are required to reaffirm their details and reverify their information. This ensures that the data associated with Verified Badge holders remains up-to-date and accurate. If the information isn't refreshed yearly, the Verified Badge status lapses. This renewal requirement serves as an ongoing commitment to accuracy, reinforcing our dedication to providing reliable, current information for our community. But why is this badge important? Why should you, as a user of our platform, trust it? The answer is simple. The Verified Badge is your compass on SpecialNeeds.com, guiding you with the assurance of truth and reliability. This badge is our commitment to you. It's our guarantee that the information you're viewing has been checked for accuracy and confirmed for authenticity. Whenever you see this badge, you know you're looking at a company that has been meticulously verified. That's our promise to you. So, as you explore the vibrant world of special needs-related businesses on SpecialNeeds.com, remember to look out for our Verified Badge. It's more than a symbol - it's the mark of trust you can rely on.

Verified Badge

Verified Listing: Last verified <lastVerified>. Click to learn more.

Waitlist

Details about availability and payment methods offered by the social worker.

Details about the social worker's session fees.

Insurance plans the social worker accepts.

Indicates if the social worker provides online sessions.

Various payment methods accepted by the social worker.

Information about the social worker's waitlist status.

Essential details about the social worker to help understand their professional background.

The specific age groups the social worker primarily works with.

Languages in which the social worker can conduct sessions.

State licenses held by the social worker.

Affiliations with professional organizations or bodies.

Detailed information about the social worker's educational qualifications and credentials.

The institutions where the social worker acquired their formal education.

Certifications the social worker holds in their respective field.

Acronyms or abbreviations representing the social worker's qualifications.

Educational degrees or diplomas acquired by the social worker.

The institution or organization that provided the social worker's prelicensing.

The name of the individual who supervised the social worker during their training or licensing phase.

License number of the social worker's supervisory entity.

The year the social worker graduated from their educational institution.

The social worker's areas of expertise and methods of treatment.

The types of participants the social worker typically works with.

Specific mental health or life issues the social worker is trained to handle.

Therapeutic methods or techniques used by the social worker.

Areas where the social worker has advanced expertise or focus.

Various methods through which sessions are provided.

Marissa Tabares is a licensed social worker (LCSW) with a Master of Social Work from UMass Global and ACSW credentials, specializing in adolescents, young adults, and adults facing emotional overwhelm, behavioral challenges, and trauma or traumatic brain injury (TBI). She offers a steady, down-to-earth space for clients navigating school pressures, identity development, family stress, or substance use, focusing on building trust through consistency and genuine curiosity.
Marissa utilizes evidence-based modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and trauma-informed strategies to address anxiety, depression, self-harm, and relationship difficulties. Working with individuals, couples, and families, she helps uncover patterns shaping thoughts and behaviors to strengthen coping skills. Her patient, relatable style is particularly beneficial for teens and young adults seeking a trusted therapist.
Available for both in-person and online sessions, Marissa accepts most major insurance plans including Aetna, Blue Shield, CenCal, and Medicare, with individual sessions typically costing $120. She currently accepts new clients on a rolling basis, offering flexible payment options including health savings accounts and various credit cards. Families can contact her directly at (805) 549-4262 to discuss specialized support for their child or loved one.

Licensed LCSW in Arroyo Grande, CA specializing in trauma, TBI, and behavioral challenges for teens and adults with CBT and mindfulness

Additional Qualifications	ACSW
Age Group	Children (6 to 10) · Preteen · Teen · Adults

Attended School	Umass Global
Degree/Diploma	Masters of Social Work
Year Graduated	2025
Credentials	ACSW
Prelicense by	California
Supervisor License	LCSW83075
Supervisor	Claudette Mestayer

Payment Methods	American Express · Cash · Check · Discover · Health Savings Account · Mastercard · Visa
Accepted Insurance Plans	Aetna · Blue Shield · CenCal · Medicare
Offers Online Sessions	Yes
Waitlist Status	Currently accepting new clients
Fees	Individual sessions: $120

Modalities and Specialties

Contact the social worker

Marissa Tabares

Basic Information

Education and Training

Modalities and Specialties

Availability and Payment Options

Contact the social worker