WHAT TYPES OF PROVIDERS ARE THERE?
There are different types of providers in the mental health field who perform different services. Their licenses depend on their level of education and training. Many people find this confusing.
MD (Doctor of Medicine):
Someone who has completed medical school. Psychiatrists hold MD degrees, have specialized training in psychiatric conditions and medications, and can prescribe medication, perform assessments and evaluations, and diagnose.
PNP (Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner):
Someone who has completed a Master’s Degree in nursing and can prescribe medication. A PNPhas specialized training in psychiatric conditions and medication. They often do not perform assessments or evaluations, but can diagnose and sometimes also offer counseling.
PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) and PsyD (Doctor of Psychology):
Someone who has completed a Doctoral program. These providers are often addressed as “Dr.” but cannot prescribe medication. They often are trained in assessments and evaluations, can diagnose and often offer counseling.
LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker):
Someone who has completed a Master’s degree in social work (MSW). An MSW program focuses on a broad spectrum of issues and includes extensive training in advocacy, social justice, diagnostics, and person-in-environment. LCSWs cannot prescribe medication. They can diagnose, counsel, advocate, work in public policy positions or management and work in hospital settings.
LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist):
Someone who has completed a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT). MFT’s are trained from a systemic perspective which means they work with individuals, couples, and families from the perspective of understanding how the client, or clients, are interacting with their environment and the relationships in their life. MFT’s approach treatment from the mindset of “context is key,” the more we can build an understanding of the relationships in your life, the easier it will become to identify ways to create and maintain lasting change. LMFTs cannot prescribe medication. They can counsel, as well as work in a variety of settings.
LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor):
Someone who has completed a Master’s degree in counseling (MC). LPCs cannot prescribe medication. They can counsel, as well as work in a variety of settings.
LCSW, LMFT and an LPC have undergone national testing, had years of clinical supervision, and have been required to log over 3,200 hours of client contact before being able to practice independently.
State Licensure:
All the levels of licensure listed above are governed by their respective Boards in the state of Arizona. You can easily look up any person who holds a license on their respective website (specific to their Board) and search for any disciplinary action against that provider, or to verify that their license is recent and in good standing. All providers are required to attend continuing education to maintain their licenses. To verify licensure and search for Board actions or complaints for LMFT, LCSW, and LPC, visit www.AZBBHE.us and search by license number, or name.
SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT
Born 6-19-19, 'Keko (Kay-ko) is a 3 pound therapy dog in training who accompanies me to the office several days a week and is always happy to lie in someone's lap
Lauren Jones Goldbach, LCSW, CCTP, Emergency Responder and Public Safety Certified Clinician. Owner of East Valley Trauma Counseling.
(with Kira) & Takeko
Cost and Insurances:
$170 per hour in blocks of 1-3
- CURRENTLY ONLY TAKING FIRST RESPONDERS
I am in network only with Aetna. A Superbill can be provided for you if you choose to self-pay, to submit to your insurance company and request reimbursement if you have an "out of network" benefit. Your insurance company will then reimburse you for part or all of the cost of your sessions.
Cost of sessions can be covered at 100% for first responders through HB2502 (Craig Tiger Act). This is a benefit covered by your department that can cover up to 36 sessions (per qualifying event) and you have a year to use them. To learn more about this, please visit the first responder page on this site.
Bio
I am married with five wonderful children, a daughter-and son-in-law, and four grandchildren. My family also includes English Mastiffs, Yorkies, cats, fish, and multiple desert tortoises. I am not a faith-based counselor, although I am a Christian.
I work with people from all walks of life and am an advocate for equality, including LGBTQ, although this is not an area of specialty for me.
The majority of therapists are over 20 years behind on neuroscience and rely heavily on 'talk therapy' and archaic modalities of treatment. I'm attend numerous trainings every year to stay informed and current on the latest research and most effective interventions for trauma healing. I absolutely believe that the brain has the capacity to heal itself.
I am a volunteer Board member (advisory) for P.I.S.T.L.E. and have had the amazing experience of volunteering with West Coast Post-trauma Retreat twice, helping first responders heal from trauma.
I love to use humor as much as I can - and when appropriate - in my sessions. When you come in to my office, I want you to feel as welcome and comfortable as possible. I have water bottles on hand, snacks, and a Keurig machine for hot tea and coffee. There is a large massage chair in the back of our suite, reserved exclusively for first responders.
I believe coming to counseling should never feel like visiting a doctor's office: clinical and cold. I strive for comfort, warmth, and safety. Come in uniform (we are 2A friendly - you will never be asked to leave your weapon in your car) or plain clothes and feel free to kick your feet up and play with any of the dozens of items I have in my office for nervous energy. I do have an antique electric shock machine for "nervous system disorder" on my shelf and don't recommend that particular object...
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-16034) (NPI 148 7091948) a Clinical Supervisor, a Certified Emergency Responder and Public Safety Clinician, and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional through IATP: IATP.
My training includes (click on highlighted for more information)
- Certificate Course for Clinical Practice: Applying Neuroscience for the Treatment of Trauma, Anxiety and Stress Disorders
- Neurofeedback (Trauma Research Foundation)
- Level I, II and advanced / special populations EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) ( See listing in EMDRIA )
- Emergency Responder and Public Safety Certified Clinician, NERPSC (see listing)
- Levels 1 and 2 Internal Family Systems
- Internal Family Systems Trauma and Neuroscience
- Certified Brainspotting (Phases 1, 2, 4) (Directory listing)
- Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Therapy for OCD (Cognitive Behavior Institute) (What is ERP?)
- Treating Trauma in First Responders (Tapia)
- Mental Health Needs of Law Enforcement (Arizona Trauma Institute)
- Certified First Responder Counselor Training (Academy Hour)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- CBT-I (Insomnia)
- Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)
- Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT)
- Trauma-Focused CBT for providers working with firefighters
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Teens (MBSR-T)
- Certified Darkness to Light Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Trainer
- Art and Play therapy
- Couple's therapy (Gottman and Emotionally Focused Therapy)
- LGBTQ issues
My experience includes
- Psychiatric inpatient hospital setting
- City of Phoenix and City of Chandler Fire Departments' Crisis Response units
- Maricopa County Juvenile Probation Department working with at-risk youth at both Durango and Southeast Facility (parenting case manager, diversion programs, Program Coordinator)
- Intensive outpatient programs for adults and adolescents
- SMI (Serious Mental Illness) Clinics
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Human Services from University of Phoenix, where I graduated cum laude. I earned a Master of Social Work degree from Arizona State University, where I was a member of Phi Alpha Honor Society.
I am the Owner and Founder of East Valley Trauma Counseling, LLC (EIN 82-2087659).
SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT
Kayleigh Sampanes, Life Coach
Kayleigh is not in network with any insurances
Bio
I was born and raised in Arizona and although I’ve traveled all over the world and lived in the rainy Washington State, I am proud to call the desert my home.
I am married to an awesome guy. We spend most of our time chasing our two cats and brilliant baby daughter around.
I attended the University of Arizona where I double majored in psychology and creative writing. Later, I went back and earned my Masters of Education. During the day, I teach in a local public high school where I spend my time teaching kids to think critically and communicate clearly. I love watching my students grow and showing them their voices have the power to change the world.
My truest passion is helping others succeed in whatever their goals may be. I am a certified Master Life Coach through Transformation Academy and am happiest helping my clients become their best selves.
When I am not teaching or coaching, you can catch me trying to recreate my favorite restaurant meals, running in a themed 5k, or watching movies with my family. If you are looking to make a change, either big or small, and want to work toward living your best life, I would be honored to be the one to help you get there.