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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
LCSW-16034
NPI 148 7091948
$160 per hour in blocks of 1-3
Lauren is in network with: Aetna. She is in network with Compsych *only* for police and firefighters with City of Phoenix, as well as Public Safety Crisis Solutions and 100 Club. A Superbill can be provided for you to submit self-pay 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.
I am married with five wonderful children, a daughter-and son-in-law, and three granddaughters. 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.
Helping people has been a lifelong passion for me and I am honored and excited to be a part of my patients' healing process. I enjoy success stories and hearing from former clients as they progress and grow. I work with people from all walks of life and am an advocate for equality. I work with LGBTQ clients, although this is not an area of specialty for me. I have years of experience both raising and working with adolescents and love this age group! When selecting a counselor, ask if they are current with the latest research in trauma treatment. The majority of therapists are over 20 years behind 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'm certified in Brainspotting and am currently pursuing certification in Internal Family Systems.
I am a volunteer Board member (advisory) for P.I.S.T.L.E. and have had the honor of volunteering with West Coast Post-trauma Retreat two years in a row helping first responders with trauma heal. After internships with Phoenix and Chandler Crisis Response, I gained a strong sense of respect, witnessing first hand the terrible dangers and pressures that these brave men and women of our community face daily to protect and serve us. When people are running out, they are running in. This is what fueled my passion for serving this population. I was also raised by a proud US Marine officer and come from an extensive family of law enforcement and military persons. I am immensely grateful for those who serve and protect, and feel honored to help this population.
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. 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 or sweats 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), a Clinical Supervisor, a Certified Emergency Responder and Public Safety Clinician, and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional through IATP.
My training includes (click on highlighted for more information)
My experience includes
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.
Lauren is Owner and Founder of East Valley Trauma Counseling, LLC (EIN 82-2087659).