What I Do

I work with kids, teens and young adults within a range of issues, from those who are new to experiencing less severe mental health symptoms like anxiety or depression, to those experiencing a crisis that requires intensive care. Crises can include, but are not limited to: self-harm, suicidal ideation, running away, physical aggression, juvenile justice involvement, or a burgeoning diagnosis that does not have a course of treatment yet. I can provide step-down support from higher levels of treatment, including a 5150 hold, residential treatment, or PHP/IOP programs to provide a safe transition. I also work with families who have a new diagnosis to navigate and need support around next steps.

Experiencing a mental health diagnosis and/or trauma can feel overwhelming, scary and helpless to everyone involved; these feelings can cause ruptures in family relationships, and further complicate treatment decisions. Common goals of family therapy are to strengthen healthy communication skills, solidify expectations around support dynamics, establish individual coping skills during difficult periods, and facilitate safe and healthy conflict resolution.

Family consulting is not therapy; rather it is using my expertise on mental health systems of care to support you in determining what the appropriate level of care is for your child or family member. This service can include, but is not limited to: recommending treatment programs and/or school programs, supporting with the IEP process, reading records to determine level of care needed, collaborating with current treatment providers, navigating paperwork or admission expectations, providing diagnostic input, setting up short-term and long-term resources, and predicting how to navigate potential barriers.

I provide short-term and long-term support to agencies in areas of mental health and in building sustainable infrastructure systems. My areas of expertise for trainings and system implementation include, but are not limited to: crisis de-escalation, mental health in a medical or school setting, engaging "hard to reach" clients, minimizing the use of law enforcement in mental health crises, building a new program from the ground up, and saving a program in a "culture crisis." I individualize trainings or consulting support based on agency need.

I provide in-depth peer consultations to other therapists in need of support or clarity on cases that involve child mental health and family distress. I collaborate with you on safety planning, resource gathering, brainstorming through any stuck areas, or addressing clinical questions and concerns. I also provide supervision towards licensure hours for ASWs and AMFTs.