I am a Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience providing therapy to adults and older teenagers using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Motivational Interviewing modalities to support my clients. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and I find great satisfaction in assisting my clients as they process and heal from past traumas.
I have experience working with a variety of mental health diagnoses; Major Depression, Generalized Anxiety, PTSD, Schizophrenia and others. I have worked closely with teens through the juvenile court system and Idaho Youth Ranch. I also have experience working with veterans, substance use recovery, homeless, refugees and trauma survivors.
I am easily able to build rapport and trust with my clients. I am curious and enjoy learning my clients just as much as I am hopeful to offer them. Respect of others, their lives, their history, their hopes and their beliefs is my top priority.
I earned my Bachelors of Arts in Sociology and Criminal Justice through Gonzaga University in 1996 and my Masters of Social Work through Boise State University in 2008.
I am a native Idahoan. I love the great outdoors, gardening, anything on the water, yoga, reading and music. Learning about other cultures and travel is a passion of mine.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing counseling to all ages, but specializing in child and adolescent family counseling. I have spent my professional career working with children and their families with the intent of building strong and supportive family relationships. My passion is helping parents create a nurturing and consistent environment that allows their child to thrive and reduces childhood behavioral and emotional difficulties.
With children, I take both a strengths and a systems approach, focusing on increasing the positive in a child’s life, not just in self, but in each setting that the child is part of. In order to accomplish this, I enjoy spending time with the parents, learning from them about their child and helping them to understand their child’s unique needs.
Working with children and their families has given me a unique perspective on the ways that a person’s childhood can have a profound effect on their selves as adults. I have very much enjoyed and had great success when working with adults who struggle with unresolved childhood emotions that have affected their confidence or sense of self into adulthood. I approach therapy with adults from a humanistic approach, helping individuals explore their own emotions and intentions and encouraging a greater self-awareness. I enjoy building a strong and open therapeutic relationship with each person I work with and strive to create an atmosphere where each individual feels safe and comfortable.
I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Walla Walla College and my Masters in Social Work from California State University, San Bernardino. On my free time, I spend time with my wife and two young children, and enjoy activities such as mountain biking, camping, and playing volleyball.
Sarah Ballard, MSW, LCSW
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and mental health therapist with a background in reproductive health care and human behavior. I earned both my BSW and MSW from Boise State University and now have the honor of serving as an instructor for master’s-level interns training as therapists.
We know that the therapeutic relationship is the number one indicator of success in therapy, so my approach is rooted in trust, connection, and collaboration. I use a strengths-based perspective to help clients identify their inner resources, build on what’s already working, and celebrate small and large wins alike. I practice from a trauma-informed, generational lens, utilizing curiosity, critical analysis, and thoughtful questions to guide conversations. The intention is to create a space that honors each person’s lived experience and self-determination. Mindful language is a cornerstone of my work, with the goal of creating a space that feels welcoming and where folks can feel brave enough to learn and grow. In therapy, I am committed to helping folks expand their understanding of how a variety of factors impact their mental health.
I work with children, teens, and adults, and have experience supporting clients who are navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, AuDHD, trauma, relationships, parenting, and more. My background in reproductive health includes care related to perinatal and postpartum mood disorders, pregnancy loss (including termination, miscarriage, and stillbirth), whole-person care, informed choice and declination, non-traditional relationships, and sexual health. I provide therapy in clinical settings, via telehealth, and in-home. You can expect me to show up as a whole, authentic human, not just a professional with letters behind my name.
Outside the therapy room, I enjoy being outdoors, diving into creative projects, and spending time with loved ones. Listening to people share about their special interests and passions brings me such joy, and I will jump at the opportunity to geek out about biology and human behavior.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with many years of experience providing mental health services and support to youth, teens, and adults within community agency settings and health care and hospital settings. I work with individuals from a systems framework and holistic framework. I bring focus to what is in an individual’s control today. I focus on strengths, building empathy, realigning goals, and establishing systems that improve functioning. I work to create a warm and welcoming space for individuals to bring their full selves without judgement.
I have worked with diverse client populations which include. seniors, veterans, and medically fragile persons, developmentally disabled, and autistic adults. I also have personal experience as a cancer survivor and coping with multiple medical conditions. I received my Bachelors in Social Work in University of California, Chico and my Masters a from California State University, San Bernardino in 1997. I enjoy nature, hiking, travel, and hanging out with my son.
I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with individuals on their journey of greater self-discovery, growth, and healing.
I am a licensed Masters Social Worker. I received my Undergraduate and Masters degree from Boise State University. I am on a path toward obtaining my Clinical Social Work license. As far back as I can remember, I’ve always had a strong desire to help others. As your therapist, I will guide you to where you want to be. There will be no judgment when working together.
I have worked with a variety of individuals ranging from children to seniors. I have worked with Veterans, LGBTQ+, teens and people with ADHD and/or Autism. I have helped clients with trauma, depression, anxiety, finding their identity, and developing coping skills. I have also assisted clients in managing and overcoming substance use challenges. I embrace individuals from all backgrounds and value each of my clients. Anyone who steps into my
office will be treated with dignity and respect. I use a strength based and person-centered approach. In working together, we will shed light on your strengths while also identifying and working on your needs and/or goals.
I am an Idaho native. I love the outdoors, camping, walking my dog, playing with my cats, playing video games, reading, spending time with my partner and drinking coffee.
I am a Licensed Master Social Worker and mental health therapist. My goal is to create a compassionate, safe space for all humans. I utilize a person-centered, trauma-focused, collaborative, strengths-based approach. I have worked in an inpatient psychiatric unit and outpatient community mental health. I have experience working with adults, teenagers, and children with a variety of mental health diagnoses and treatment goals. I enjoy working with diverse client populations. I am honored to support and empower clients in realigning their goals, exploring their innate strengths, healing, and discovering meaning in their lives.
I received my Master of Social Work and Bachelor of Science in political science with an emphasis in public law and political philosophy from Boise State University. In my free time, I love spending time with my dog, family, and friends, and enjoy activities such as puzzles, creating art, watching the sunset, and connecting with others.
Hello! I am a current student in the Master’s of Social Work Online program at Boise State University. I graduated from the University of Idaho with a Bachelor’s in Psychology. In the past, I have worked as a case manager and worked with adolescents, adults, and families with substance use and mental health challenges. In this position, I strive to create a space where each individual feels heard and validated without fear of judgement. I was born and raised in Idaho. During my free time, I like to watch TV shows, read, crochet and spend time with my cat Frijol.