Our Team

What is a "Teaching Clinic"?

Because there is a dire need in the therapeutic community for clinicians who are competent in the areas of adoption/foster care, family separation, trauma, sexual and domestic violence, and discrimination/oppression, this is a teaching clinic. This means that Licensed Social Workers who are also clinical interns provide the majority of services at the practice. Clinical interns at this practice are vetted carefully and are committed to principles of equity, inclusion, and social justice, and integrating these principles with therapeutic treatment.

CLINICAL INTERN EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

The Social Work profession requires practitioners to undergo extensive supervision and training prior to obtaining various levels of licensure. If you are treated by a Clinical Intern at this practice, then that Intern is currently undergoing supervision for clinical licensure, which requires 3000 hours of direct, in-person clinical post-graduate supervision. This means that the Intern reports to a clinical supervisor (similar to a mentor) advance professional growth.

LCSW's are Licensed Clinical Social Workers and have already completed the process above, as well as a lengthy exam, and have achieved fully independent clinical licensure status.

CLINICAL DIRECTOR

Katy Perkins, LCSW-S (She/her/hers)

Adults only.

Click here for additional information about my experience and style.

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR: Alisha Ross

Alisha (She/her/hers) is our Virtual Office Administrator and a victim advocate in Massachusetts.

As a trained referral specialist and rape crisis advocate, I have 9+ years of experience providing resources, support, and crisis intervention to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking. My experience includes working with populations such as youth in recovery, individuals with housing insecurities, and marginalized communities. Much of my service delivery has included short-term trauma-informed counseling; safety planning; trainings and community education; as well as police, court, and academic advocacy.

I am passionate about making mental health services accessible to all and take pride in providing culturally sensitive care. I look forward to connecting you to the services you need.

Taja Towne, LCSW

Taja ("Tay-yuh", she/hers) is an independently Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Texas

I obtained my Bachelors of Social Work from Arizona State University and my Masters of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania before deciding to make Texas my home, and obtaining my LCSW.

I have experience providing individual and group therapy in both inpatient and outpatient setting, supporting people in crisis in person, on hotlines, in homeless shelters and in medical settings. Having worked with adults, children, families, and groups struggling with addiction, trauma, medical diagnoses, and complex stress, I’ve seen a little bit of everything.

In my view, the challenges and stressors in our lives can be complex, and are interconnected. In other words, you can’t work on one thread without pulling in the rest of the quilt.

I am passionate about helping people identify their own strengths and become more aware of who they are and what they need to succeed. To me, therapy is a time to gain skills, clarify goals, and better understand oneself. Whether it’s your first time intherapy and you’re not sure where to start, or you’re a seasoned pro coming in for a ‘tune-up’, I’m here to support you every step of the way.

Lauren Butcher, LMSW, Senior Clinical Intern

Lauren (She/her/hers) is a Licensed Master Social Worker in the state of Texas. She receives clinical supervision from Katy Perkins, LCSW-S.

If you are looking for someone who is willing to listen and treat you as a whole person, integrating all aspects of your life and self in your care, you have come to the right place. I am committed to providing confidential and professional counseling services that are tailored for each person’s individual needs.

I offer a unique perspective when working with clients due to my experience in many areas of social work and crisis intervention. My experience includes 13 years of working with individuals and families in crisis and various life circumstances, including adoptive families, biological families, and children residing in out-of-home and in-home placements.

Additionally, I have experience with various social service organizations and community advocacy groups. This varied experience has led me to dedicate my career to helping people towards a path of healing and emotional well-being. I believe in using a comprehensive, holistic approach to your care. My specialties include adults, teens, young adults, adoptees, adoptive parents, victims of abuse and neglect, and individuals who have experienced substance addiction, domestic violence, trauma, PTSD, grief, anxiety, depression and relational and behavioral issues. I integrate various counseling models, including Family Systems, Motivational, Narrative, Client/Person-Centered, and Cognitive-Behavioral therapy, providing solution-focused and evidence-based treatment to reach your goals.It is my goal to provide every client with non-judgmental, but direct, therapy and goals. I am able to provide short-term and long-term therapy depending on your needs. I offer convenient evening and weekend appointments to better accommodate client schedules, which currently includes Telehealth. I look forward to working with you, and welcome you to the practice.

Hly Vang, LMSW, Clinical Intern

Hly (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Master Social Worker in the state of Texas. She receives clinical supervision from Katy Perkins, LCSW-S.

I graduated from the University of Texas Arlington with a Master’s Degree in Social Work and a focus on working with children and families. My personal and professional experiences have helped me gain valuable insights into many social and cultural experiences that make us all diverse and unique. Some of the populations I’ve worked with include adults with mental health needs, individuals with disabilities, families in crisis, and children in foster care.

My goal is to advocate for my client’s best interest and needs. I aim to be caring, compassionate, and committed. My approach in individual therapy is to provide an empathetic

ear and to assist my clients through the therapeutic process. I believe the collaborative process between therapist and client can be healing and helpful through whatever stage of life the client is in. My style is eclectic, which allows the flexibility to tailor sessions to the client’s unique needs. Going through this journey can sometimes appear intimidating and scary but it is a journey we can go through together. I support and honor all individuals, cultures, and identities. I’m dedicated to promoting an environment that is safe, respectful, and inclusive. I look forward to working with you.

Karyn Spetz, LMSW, Clinical Intern

Karyn (She/her/hers) is a Licensed Master Social Worker in the state of Texas. She receives clinical supervision from Megan Coit, LCSW-S.

I believe we are all doing the best we can and sometimes just need some help figuring out the missing links. My goal is to provide a safe space for you to explore challenges you are experiencing and provide the support you need while promoting self care.

Throughout my 18 year career I have helped people find their way through difficult, stressful situations. I specialize in working with individuals who are having difficulty coping with various life challenges or transitions. This includes personal challenges or trying to support to loved ones while maintaining personal health and well-being.

I specialize in supporting adults and older adults with issues associated with aging including dealing with caregiver stress and burnout, loss of a loved one, anticipatory grief as well as processing changes in relationships when a loved one has dementia or other illnesses. I help adult children, significant others and other caregivers as they navigate these challenges and offer a supportive, confidential setting to develop improved coping skills and self-care practices. I use an eclectic therapeutic approach to meet the unique needs of each individual.