We are happy to announce we are adding an option to evidence-based practices that is called "Walk and Talk" therapy.  As practitioners, one this is always clear and that there is no cookie-cutter answer in psychotherapy for our patients.  Each and every patient is different and therefor the application and use of a variety of evidence-based practices is different for every client.

In "Walk and Talk" therapy, the psychotherapy is essentially taken out-doors.  The therapist will give options of different paths/hikes to take - typically finding areas and resources that still provide privacy protection while being outdoors and in nature.  For some, movement (whether it is a leisurely stroll or brisk hike) can make talking freely easier.  Additionally, there is academic research on both excercise and nature that indicates this can increase endorphins and decrease cortisol.

Walk and Talk therapy is not for everyone.  It does not provide the control of environment that an office space or virtual screen can provide.  If this type of therapy is of interest to a patient, it must be under agreement by both therapist and patient, ensure the patient's insurance accepts this type of therapy, and additional agreements/liability releases must be obtained to ensure all precautions are taken to protect both the safety and privacy of patients.

I am excited to post that we will be adding an additional office and location starting August 2020.  We will update with address soon, but will have office hours in Helena, MT, on Wednesdays starting August 1, 2020.

As a mental health professional, I am seeing an upsurge in overall family stress and the impacts of prolonged isolation.  Human beings are for the most part social and the reduction of connection to others, along with the stress of financial uncertainty, is driving what I am seeing a much larger need for mental health care for children and families.  Our practice recently has added tele-health ability, and this has been working well.  Our tele-health platform can be used with either a smart phone, tablet, or computer - as long as the patient has camera and microphone either built into their devise, or have added to their devise.  Our platform is a secure and encrypted site 
For younger children or adults who attune more to play therapy and expressive arts, we are creating packages we mail so that a patient can have hands-on therapy even through social distancing.  These packages are sent with no cost; we simply believe that many children and adults do better with physical worksheets and therapeutic projects.