Therapists for college students near 80204

Hi, we're Better Life Therapy! We're currently accepting new clients for both in-person and virtual therapy, and can typically schedule your first session same-week. We're a diverse group of over 40 professional therapists treating a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, trauma, substance use, eating disorders, and others. Many of our therapists are deeply familiar with issues commonly faced by college students. We practice a warm, compassionate style of therapy with a deep respect for patient concerns and values. We see patients both online and in-person at our offices in Lakewood, Westminster, and Denver Cap Hill. We accept all major insurances, including Medicaid (with the exception of BC/BS), and have a low-to-no cost sliding scale program for those that need it.

Aryanna Klemme is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado who has been practicing since 2021. She has an M. A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Palo Alto University and a B.S. from University of Wisconsin-Madison. Aryanna is interested in supporting her clients to identify and understand their emotions, to improve their connection to themselves and others. She has background experience working with addictions, chronic emotion dysregulation, and management of self-harm and suicidality. Her preferred therapy modalities she uses include Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), attachment-focused therapy, and mindfulness-based therapies. Aryanna seeks to balance acceptance and change in therapy, working to establish mutual trust and collaboration in sessions where clients experience non-judgment and support to make long-lasting changes to their lives.

Ross Anderson is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Colorado who has been practicing since 2023. He has a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from The College of William & Mary and a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from University of Colorado Denver. Ross can help his clients by creating a radical safe space for them to take a good look at their lives, pinpoint the changes they want to make, and then safely move towards those changes. Ross uses humor as a way to poke fun at problems, make them more manageable, or to connect with his clients. Outside of work, Ross loves reading, the ocean, spending time with friends, playing video games, Lana Del Rey and Tinashe, and finding the best tiramisu in Denver.

Alex Kisor is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who has been practicing since 2018. He graduated from University of Denver with a Masters in Social Work. Alex believes that integrity and autonomy of his clients are important. He'll treat you with respect and will tailor treatment to meet your needs. His main areas of focus include depression, anxiety, and trauma. In his spare time, Alex enjoys hiking, rock climbing, exercising, music, and spending time with his wife and their two dogs.

You'll experience a safe and relaxed environment when meeting with Leyah. You'll be met with empathy, compassion, and respect. With Leyah as your guide, you'll work toward healing at a pace that feels right to you. Leyah can help her clients to overcome a variety of issues, including those stemming from relationships, low self-esteem, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and more. She uses motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy, plus other techniques and modalities to help clients discover and meet their emotional and mental health goals. Using skills such as reflection and summarizing, interactive listening, affirmations, clients will feel heard and validated. Leyah has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's degrees Social Work. She's experienced working with individuals experiencing crisis and trauma.

Ginger sees therapy as a pathway to living your best life. As you work collaboratively with Ginger, you'll increase your awareness of unconscious behavior patterns, often developed early on as a way to cope. You'll then be free to transform the life you're living into the life you've always hoped for. Ginger's goals are to help clients resolve past generational issues, emotional turmoil, and life stressors in a compassionate and nonjudgmental way. Ginger has been working as a psychotherapist for 27 years. She got her Master's degree in counseling psychology from Lesley University then went on to attend the Denver Psychoanalytic Institute. Her therapeutic style includes Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing, mindfulness, psychoanalytic-oriented therapy, and some cognitive therapy. Her approach is eclectic and based on the individual's needs.

Savannah grew up in small town Arkansas where she developed a deep love for family, community, creativity, and learning. She loves reading epic fantasy novels, going to new restaurants, traveling the world, and being quick to laugh. Savannah went on to get her B.A. in Psychology and Leadership, and continued in her pursuit of helping others into getting her Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. While Savannah does work with individuals, as well as couples and families, the training and education she received in Marriage and Family Therapy informs her perspective that context and history are hugely influential in the process of knowing oneself and creating change. Savannah works to be someone who clients can easily talk to about their problems and feelings, creating a confidential and dependable environment, and actively seeking out opportunities for change.

Launa LaPorta, LPC, is an individual psychotherapist, who has been practicing since 2016. She graduated from The University of Denver, Denver CO, with a MA in Clinical Counseling Psychology. Launa believes in providing client centered, trauma informed, and psychodynamic therapy with a strong utilization of clinical interventions based on client's desired areas of growth and needs. She is focused on deep work that starts from the very foundations of the human condition; uncovering and processing experiences and patterns of thinking and behavior to develop a more meaningful and substantial therapeutic processing of acceptance, change and the importance of valuing client's own experience. Her main areas of focus include an array of mental health diagnoses and co-occurring disorders/issues, especially; depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance use, eating disorders, personality disorders and etc. In her spare time, Launa enjoys painting, (or anything artistic/creative), spending time with family, friends, and her beloved and spoiled two cats.

Will Giddings, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist at LifeStance Health, dedicated to serving individuals, couples, and families throughout Colorado. He employs a compassion-focused, behavior analytic approach to help clients discover what makes their lives truly meaningful. By guiding clients to identify their core values, Will empowers them to live authentically and purposefully, creating a sense of freedom and fulfillment. Will is particularly passionate about working with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD/trauma, and ADHD. He also has a strong focus on helping individuals navigate later life transitions, addressing men's issues, and supporting those dealing with psychosis or schizophrenia. With a deep commitment to growth and healing, Will uses evidence-based therapies such as Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Exposure Therapy to help his clients overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

Dr. Nicholas Sahagian is a Psychiatrist in Illinois who has been practicing since 2023. He completed his MD and Adult Psychiatry Residency at the Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University and earned his BA in Neuroscience at Skidmore College. Dr. Sahagian has experience managing a broad array of complex psychiatric diagnoses in patients of diverse socioeconomic, cultural, and clinical backgrounds. He offers psychiatric medication management but also routinely incorporates elements of cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, lifestyle interventions, and family psychoeducation into his practice. Dr. Sahagian is trained in the biopsychosocial model and employs a collaborative and patient-centered approach to care. He strives to play the role of a supportive guide in the path to wellness of his patients. Outside of work, Dr. Sahagian feels happiest when surrounded by nature and loves hiking, biking and skiing.

Emily Neilsen is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Colorado who has been practicing since 2021. She received her master's degree in 2021 and has been working in mental health since. Emily helps clients work through past traumas in a way that will decrease trauma responses and fully enjoy the present day. She enjoys working with adults who are looking to take an active role in their own mental health and healing. Her specialties include working with trauma, anxiety, depression, identity, and life changes. Emily chooses to be in this field to be with people through the hard moments and to help clients gain healing and clarity through processing the past and making intentional steps towards reaching their goals. Emily's main passion is working with clients to heal from past trauma through the use of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Outside of work, Emily enjoys country swing dancing, camping, and playing with her 2 German shepherds.

When you're in session with Marlee, you'll feel welcomed, heard, and valued in a safe space where you can explore vulnerable parts of yourself. You can show up however you are and will be met without judgement. Whether you are coming to counseling for the first time, need some extra support, or have clear goals in mind, Marlee will partner with you to support your vulnerable process of healing and growth. Marlee supports clients in a variety of life challenges, including but not limited to trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, self-esteem, family conflict, parenting issues, women's issues, and grief. She uses art materials, reflective listening, and humor to help clients feel engaged in session. Depending on client preferences, she can offer more structured tools, such as journaling prompts or guided worksheets. Marlee understands that each individual will have different needs and preferences and adjusts her approach accordingly. Marlee approaches healing from a strengths-based, client-centered orientation and uses art therapy to help individuals reach their goals. She also works from a social justice-oriented perspective and supports individuals consciously aware of how systems the individual operates in may impact their mental health.

Stephanie Marsella is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Colorado who has been practicing since 2020. She obtained her Master's in Social Work from the University of Denver. Stephanie believes in taking time to build the therapeutic relationship to establish trust and rapport in the therapy setting. She utilizes a strength-based approach to support individuals in building their self-efficacy and confidence to improve their well-being outside of the therapy office. Stephanie takes a person-centered, holistic, and integrative approach in her work to tailor treatment planning and interventions to meet the needs of each individual she is working with. Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her beloved dog, being outside in nature, reading and cooking new recipes she comes across.

Caroline Wagner is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Colorado who has been practicing since 2021. Caroline?s goal as a therapist is to be helpful and supportive of you in a non-judgmental way. She cares about creating and maintaining a healthy earth, body, and mind, and believes therapy is a great way of working towards that balance. Life has a way of keeping us on our toes, whether it?s through school, work, relationships, or a combination of them all. Caroline is here to help you adjust and accept new and changing circumstances that come with each new season of life. She works with people from all ages and stages of life, but specializes in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, or a life transition. Caroline looks forward to connecting with you. In her free time, Caroline enjoys moving her body and being outside. She likes to hike, dance, swim, play sports, and run. She also enjoys camping, live music, and watching movies.

Struggling with depression or anxiety? Find yourself avoiding things rather than dealing with them? Find yourself beating yourself up on a regular basis? We can work on that. I have over 30 years of experience working with adults with depression and anxiety (mood disorders - major depression & bipolar and anxiety disorders - panic disorder, generalized anxiety, OCD, phobias, etc. ). I tend to take a Here & Now approach, focusing on not just talking, but taking action to make changes. I use cognitive behavior therapy and dialectical behavior therapy; I don't want to just talk about problems, I want to get people up and active and doing something to make changes in their lives. I use Cognitive Behavior Therapy as a primary method of treatment - it works quickly and tends to keep folks doing better in the long-run, as well.

Chrissy Louf is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado with two years of experience. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Colorado at CO Springs and a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adams State University. Chrissy believes we are all looking for the opportunity to connect and contribute. She offers Individual Therapy and has expertise in treating anxiety, depression, and PTSD/Trauma. In her spare time, Chrissy enjoys the violin, video games, reading, and traveling.

Amanda Edmiston is a Licensed Social Worker with 7 years of experience working with chronic illness, depression, anxiety, LGBTQ+ issues, grief, life changes, and crisis intervention. Amanda works closely with adults and older adults using person-centered, solution-focused, and cognitive behavioral therapies, serving patients ages 15 and up. Amanda's experience in the medical industry assists her in providing a holistic approach to care; she has thrived working with patients from a wide range of cultural backgrounds. In her free time, Amanda enjoys reading, games, movies, spending time with family and friends, and tending to her plants and garden. She stays active in walking, skating, and riding her unicycle. Amanda received her Master's of Social Work from University of Denver and her Bachelor's of Social Work at Metropolitan State University of Denver.

I work with people who want to understand what’s going on beneath the surface so they can move toward a more intentional, meaningful life. My approach draws from CBT and ACT with an existential lens, helping you explore questions of freedom, choice, and values and apply them in ways that change how you actually experience your life. Maybe you’ve been holding it together, but something still feels off. Your mind won’t slow down, your relationships feel repetitive or unsatisfying, or there’s a sense that you’re not quite living the life you want. Whatever brings you here, you don’t have to sort it out alone. In our work together you can expect a space that is curious and nonjudgmental. I’ll meet you where you are, and together we’ll start making sense of your experiences and develop ways of responding that feel more aligned with who you are. Change doesn’t usually happen all at once, but I believe it’s possible through small, meaningful shifts over time. If this feels like a good fit, reach out and we can find a time to connect.

I help people whose mood, trauma, anxiety, depression and intrusive thoughts are controlling their lives learn to cope and feel in control again. Seeking therapy can be a scary step, but I'm excited to say that you don’t have to manage life's difficulties alone. In therapy, I will support you in learning what your body is communicating through sadness, panic, insecurity, grief, and hopelessness. We can explore a variety of ways to process, as well as coping skills that match your life and who you are. I believe that we are experts of our own experiences, and my role is to guide you toward healing while honoring your personal values. I practice EMDR and have expertise in a variety of areas, including trauma, addiction, substance use, and the LGBTQIA community. Whether it's the big life altering traumas or the day-to-day difficulties and systems we navigate, there are ways to move forward and find hope. I hope to work with you soon!

When you feel overwhelmed with anxiety, grief, and pain, you need a safe, supportive space to begin your journey towards understanding and healing. Therapy is a space that allows you to gain deeper insight into your life experiences, patterns of thinking, and actions. It can help you create the opportunity to promote personal change and growth. It may feel daunting at first, but as a therapist, I am here to walk next to you and help you navigate your healing journey. Therapy is not “one size fits all”. We will collaborate in partnership to identify your strengths and needs and choose the best approach for you. In therapy, I choose to listen deeply, show up authentically, and give empathy freely. Choosing a therapist can be a stressful decision. I have experience working with people ages 20-65+ who are learning to navigate things like trauma, depression, anxiety, and substance use. I utilize a holistic approach that considers every aspect of who you are as an individual because your mental health is just one piece of the puzzle that makes up who you are. You are more than the worst thing that has ever happened to you. You deserve safety, peace, and kindness. I cannot wait to hear your story.