Samantha Leahy, BCBA
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Portrait Health Autism Centers
Portrait Health Centers are multi-specialty clinics that employ the most cutting-edge and proven assessment protocols and treatment options available, believing that an Effective Treatment Depends On An Accurate Diagnosis. Individuals should not have to “play doctor” by researching available treatments and then self-selecting which of these treatments has been scientifically validated and would be most appropriate for themselves or their family. At Portrait Health Centers, we provide a comprehensive and multi-specialty assessment to determine the underlying causes of your symptoms and incorporate an appropriate treatment plan.
Bio
Specialties: Include but not limited to Autism Spectrum Disorder, Applied Behavior Analysis, Verbal Behavior, Behavior Reduction, Skill Acquisition, Parent Training, IEPs, Functional Behavior Assessments, Toileting, Social Skills, PECS, Non Verbal Clients, Feeding Issues and Sleep Issues
Samantha became interested in working with children with disabilities and their families while volunteering in high school. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Special Education Teaching from Northern Illinois University. Samantha then worked in the public school system for 8 years. During those 8 years she became interested in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) while assisting in creating a program for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She completed her Master’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis in ABA from Kaplan University (now called Purdue University Global). She became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2014.
Throughout her career, Samantha has worked with children and adults of varying disabilities ages ranging from 3 months-21 years. Samantha has worked in a variety of settings including public schools, clinics, client’s homes, daycares, in the community and therapeutic day schools. Samantha has experience working with interdisciplinary teams creating educational programs for clients/students, writing IEPs, conducting behavioral and skill assessments, training staff members and parents in implementing skill based programs and behavior reduction programs.
Samantha is very passionate about creating a learning environment that allows each client to learn and grow. She believes each client and family is unique and deserves treatment tailored to their individual needs.
Helpful Links
Practice Areas/Issues Treated
 Therapy
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Hypnotherapy
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Addiction
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Learning Disabilities
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Adolescents
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Life and Wellness Coaching
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Adoption
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Life Transitions
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Anger Management
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Loneliness
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Anxiety and Panic
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Marriage & Family Therapy
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Arts Therapy (Expressive)
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Marriage Counseling
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Asperger's Syndrome
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Men's Issues
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Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
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Neuropsychological Evaluation / Testing
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Bicultural Difficulties
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
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Body Image Issues
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Online / Teletherapy
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Caregiver Issues
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Pet Therapy
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Children's Counseling
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Play Therapy
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Chronic Illness
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Pre and Postpartum Mental Health
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Couples
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Premarital Counseling
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Depression
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Problem Gambling
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Divorce
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Psychoanalysis
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Domestic Violence
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Psychological Evaluation / Testing
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Eating Disorders
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Psychopharmacology
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Educational Therapy
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Relationship Issues
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EMDR
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Religious Counseling
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Family Conflict
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Self-Esteem Issues
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Gay or Lesbian Issues
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Seniors and Elder Care Issues
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Gender Identity / Transgenderism
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Sexual Dysfunction
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Gifted / Talented Issues
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Stress Management
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Grief and Loss
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Trauma and PTSD
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Group Therapy
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Women's Issues
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Herpes and STD Counseling
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Work and Career Issues
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