Cashmere High School

I am Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Mental Health Professional (MHP) in Washington and graduated from Cashmere in 2005.  An LMHC is usually otherwise known as a therapist or counselor.   I get to help others meet their needs by building therapeutic relationships, establishing clear-cut and measurable goals, and help people seek relevant resources within communities. I also get to aid people in establishing and maintaining personal safety.  This requires that I continually use evidence-based, ethically sound, clinical interventions that assess a person’s level of risk.  More specifically, I often evaluate and support individuals who are at risk of harming themselves or others.   Working with victims of trauma is very common for therapists and it requires a great deal of clinical skills that is obtained through education and experience.  In order to be a mental health therapist in Washington, I obtained my Master's (MS) degree in Mental Health Counseling from Walden University.   I did this directly after obtaining my Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Social Science with my Minor in Psychology.   As an LMHC I have worked in inpatient psychiatric hospitals, public schools, private residences, outpatient mental health clinics, private practice settings, as well as non-profit organizations aimed at community and individual wellness. Currently, I am a Mobile Crisis Team member for the Downtown Emergency Service Center in Seattle.  This position is a change of pace (and an exacerbation of pace!) from past mental health work that I have done, and my involvement in crisis work goes to show that an LMHC has a robust set of options to pursue in the field of mental health.  Prior to crisis intervention, I worked with youth and families from 2011 to 2016.   This career is so very gratifying and I get the pleasure of reflecting on being a crucial support to many other people in western Washington.  I do not believe I could have found a more fitting or rewarding career. If you are a natural helper, an empathic listener, a creative type, a scientific type, and have a propensity for helping people and environments stay safe, then I recommend becoming a therapist or working in the field of mental health.