Barb Krause, MA, LMSW

Portage Location & Telehealth

Barb received her Master’s degree in Social Work from Western Michigan University in 2007. Her career has always focused on working with kids, adolescents and young adults diagnosed with chronic mental illnesses. Barb has spent a significant amount of her career supporting individuals through local crisis programs for children and adolescents.  Barb found her true passion as a home-based therapist helping families who have a child or children diagnosed with chronic mental illness.

Barb believes that a strong therapeutic relationship is a necessity for therapy to be successful. She builds this relationship by following her client’s lead in session and providing compassion, honesty and a focus on strengths, while addressing the goals of her clients.  She celebrates successes and supports a client’s path to better mental health using CBT, DBT and behavioral therapy techniques and is certified in TF-CBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy). Barb has experience working with people struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, ODD, self-esteem issues, anger management, relationship struggles, parenting, suicidal ideation, self-harm, bipolar disorder and psychosis.

Becoming a therapist helped Barb combine her love of helping people with her passion for the science behind our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.  She enjoys providing support and guidance for those on their path to greater peace and life fulfillment and she feels honored to see the positive changes that her clients have been able to gain through learning new ways of thinking and handling stress.

Nia Bow, MA, LLPC

Troy Location & Telehealth

Nia completed her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling at Oakland University. She has also obtained her undergraduate degree in Sociology and Psychology from Oakland University. Nia began her career working with diverse populations in the non-profit sector including high-risk youth, providing resources and support for their various needs. She has facilitated and co-facilitated groups for young women and girls aged 6 and older. She has also worked with individuals who suffer from traumatic brain injuries, providing hands-on support with their careers.

Nia believes in meeting each client wherever they are in their journey and collaboratively working with them to identify and reach their goals towards positive change. She focuses on creating a safe space for clients to express themselves. Nia has experience working with clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, and trauma. Nia also works with children and families struggling with behavioral concerns and disrupted connection. Nia utilizes several approaches including Solution Focused Therapy, Person Centered Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. Nia aims to convey realness and support while embarking on a shared journey of focusing on solutions and healing instead of problems.

Courtney Adams

MA, TLLP

Troy Location & Telehealth

Courtney graduated from her master’s program through the Michigan School of Psychology (MSP) with a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology in 2023. She has her TLLP and is being supervised under Dr. Aja Temple. Courtney knew she wanted to be a therapist in high school and received her bachelor’s at James Madison University in Virginia. There, she received her Bachelor of Arts in psychology and a minor in family studies. She took her knowledge from undergrad and began working at a boarding school for boys with social and emotional difficulties for the next two years. She moved to South Carolina with her partner for another 2 years, where she was a Montessori preschool educator. When they decided to move to Michigan, Courtney began school at MSP and completed her practicum hours at the Michigan School Psychological Clinic.

Courtney has learned a variety of skills, not only through school but also during her time before her master’s degree. Courtney is CBT-trained, trauma-informed, and uses a humanistic approach towards her clients. She strives to create a judgment-free and inclusive environment where clients of all ages feel comfortable. Courtney is interested in furthering her areas of expertise in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and couples therapy through the Gottman School. 

Ryan Mast, MA, TLLP

Troy Location & Telehealth

Ryan graduated from the Michigan School of Psychology (MSP) with a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology. His approach to therapy is to find what works best for each individual. Underlying it all is his belief in our shared humanity. All of us deserve to be seen, heard and valued. At times we may become trapped in patterns and habits that we want to overcome, or perhaps depression and anxiety has us feeling isolated or lonely. As well, we may have been hurt by someone, intentionally or otherwise. These difficult feelings are unfortunately common, but the struggle against them doesn’t have to be permanent. Ryan will focus on helping you choose and attain the life that you want for yourself within a nonjudgmental environment. Your thoughts and concerns are the priority, and you will be listened to and respected.

Christy Warren, LBSW

Portage Location & Telehealth

Christy is currently completing her master’s degree in social work at Spring Arbor University where she obtained her undergraduate degree in family life education. Christy began her career over 20 years ago in the non-profit sector providing comprehensive community-based services and specializing in emergency mental health. Christy has over 20 years of experience working with youth and their families to address mental health issues by providing crisis intervention, clinical assessment, support, and community resources. Christy believes in providing genuine, individualized care and values the importance of a person-centered approach to identifying and creating treatment goals. She focuses on internal growth and healing by supporting the client in their journey to success by encouraging the client the freedom to explore thoughts, feelings, and life experiences in the therapy process. Christy has experience working with both adults and children who struggle with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma. Christy utilizes several therapeutic approaches including CBT, DBT informed and trauma informed modalities to help the client meet their goals.

Brianne Bendel, MA, LLPC

Troy Location & Telehealth

Brianne earned her master’s degree in counseling from Spring Arbor University. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in English with minors in psychology and creative writing from Oakland University. Brianne worked as a registered behavior technician for children with autism for four years. Once she obtained her master’s degree, she began her counseling career working with a diverse population of older adolescents and young adults on concerns such as anxiety disorders, depression, grief/loss, life transitions, PTSD, self-esteem, social/communication skills, and ADHD.

Brianne takes a strengths-based, client-centered approach to counseling individuals. She believes each client has within them the tremendous potential for growth with the support, skill set, and insight gained from the collaborative, therapeutic relationship. Although she is grounded in a client-centered approach, she will often incorporate various techniques and coping skills to best suit the client and their needs – including techniques in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, and mindfulness approaches. It is Brianne’s intent to provide a safe, non- judgmental environment where clients feel free to be themselves while working towards the therapeutic goals that we have set together.

Brianne loves spending time with family/friends, creating pieces of art and poetry, and anything Star Wars. She looks forward to working with you!

Raelynn Sanchez, MS, LLMFT

Troy Location & Telehealth

Raelynn is a Limited License Marriage and Family Therapist with a master's degree from Capella University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Rochester University. While working on her psychology degree, she began looking at different careers in therapy. She loved learning about the entire family system and how each family is different. Raelynn believes everyone should have a non-judgmental and safe space to work through their healing journey. She specializes in helping clients with Anxiety, Coping Skills, Self-esteem issues, Depression, Peer Relationships, Relationship Issues, School Issues, Communication skills, and Stress. Raelynn has experience working with children, preteen, teens, and adults.

Raelynn loves spending time with her family, traveling, and attending music concerts in her free time.

Alex Peterson

Counseling Intern

Troy Location & Telehealth

Alex is a Intern completing her Master's degree from Oakland University with a bachelor's degree in Human Biology from Michigan State University. Alex currently works as a Quality Specialist for a Healthcare Company while earning her Master's Degree. Previously Alex has previously worked with children and adolescents in a school setting and in summer camps. Throughout Alex's academic and professional experiences, she has cultivated strong interpersonal skills and a genuine empathy for those facing mental health challenges. 

Alex is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to navigate their unique concerns. Alex believes every individual has the answers and strength within themselves and is prepared to empower and guide every individual through their healing journey.  Alex is committed to enhancing her ability to facilitate positive outcomes for individuals seeking mental health support.