​Create a Path to Healing
Christian counseling in Glendale, AZ
BOARDWALK COUNSELING LLC
Stephanie Larsen Mickelsen, LCSW
A client that would be a good fit for this practice is an older child (8+), teen, young adult, or parent. Steph specializes in helping children and teens/young adults navigate mental illness, trauma, relationship issues, life transitions, and self-esteem concerns. For adults, she specializes in navigating parenting, trauma, relationship issues, women's issues, and life transitions. She has training in attachment-based therapy to help both parent and/or child. She has experience working with clients who are twice exceptional (2E). She has a special place in her heart for her clients who have experienced trauma and feels honored to be a part of their healing process.
Steph admires the commitment and determination she sees in her clients. She enjoys watching clients become empowered and will often encourage her clients to meet their treatment goals. She understands that healing can be difficult and tries to balance a blend of compassion and motivation in sessions. She is devoted to the healing process and expects that commitment from her clients. If she is treating a minor, parents are expected to be engaged in the therapy process. Steph does NOT offer co-parenting counseling or engage in any custody issues.
Steph has training in various techniques. She blends training from ACT, CBT, DBT, Trauma-Focused CBT, CPT, MI, sand tray therapy, play therapy, parent coaching, women's issues, supportive family therapy/attachment-based therapy, and others to create a tailored approach to each of her clients. She specializes in LDS/Christian counseling and incorporating faith systems into the healing process when appropriate.
Steph graduated with a BS in psychology from BYU. She received her MSW from ASU and was awarded scholarships for her academic excellence and community service. She has diverse experience with children and adolescents as a mom and through church, volunteer, and professional positions. Steph has received recognitions from her community and local nonprofits for her volunteer work and commitment to helping others. She has been a guest speaker at churches, colleges, and conferences advocating for children/teens and improved mental health. She was formerly employed by the state of Arizona as a disability advisor, advocate, and policymaker.
In her spare time, Steph enjoys reading, writing, traveling, music, cooking/baking, escape rooms, going to shows or performances, and on walks with her husband. However, her biggest hobby is her job. She loves what she does and is a lifelong learner. She loves to learn new modalities, theories, and best practices to apply in her work.
Philosophy: Research has shown over and over that it is vital to have rapport with your therapist. The best successes in therapy outcomes come from the therapist being a good fit with the client. This is more important than the type of therapy used or any other factors. It is ethically responsible that therapists practice "within their scope and competency" with clients. It is only appropriate for clients to be seen that are a good fit to my training and expertise. Therapy should be a positive experience, so if I am not a good fit, I'm going to tell you and recommend someone else who is.
Attendance Policy: ALL assessments are in person. Rarely will telehealth be allowed and only at the discretion of the therapist. Age, maturity, progress, and safety are taken into account for telehealth appointments. I only work during school hours. If you are in school everyday, you will miss some school to see me, especially in the beginning. I do try to get clients, who are in school to every other week ASAP. However, healing cannot be rushed and this will only happen once some progress and stability has been maintained. Often clients will come during specials/electives or lunch to not disrupt their schooling as much as possible. Please keep in mind that therapy is a short-term sacrifice and commitment with lifelong lasting results. Schools and teachers are often very understanding of therapy appointments and know that clients will do better as a student and a peer by participating in therapy. Proof of therapy documents can be provided for schools. Allowing your child to miss school will communicate to them how important they are and how committed you are to their mental health. Your cooperation is admirable and appreciated.
Fees: The first session is a 60 min. intake and is charged at $160. Future sessions are about 45-55 mins. and are charged at $130. Bishop or clergy pay is offered at the cash rates. Headway is the company I use to manage my billing for insurance. They will email you about benefits once I set up your first appointment. Currently, I accept Aetna, Quest Behavioral Health, Cigna, Carelon, UHC/Optum/Oscar/Oxford, and BCBS. If I do not take your insurance, I can provide a superbill that you can submit to your insurance for an out of network benefit. You will have to contact your insurance directly to arrange out of network benefits. No shows or late cancellations are charged at $130. A cancellation must be submitted through the patient portal by 9 AM on the business day BEFORE your appointment.