Staff

Allan Ritchie holds an M.S. degree in counseling from S.U.N.Y. Plattsburgh and a Ph.D. from Purdue University. Dr. Ritchie is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California and Nevada and he has been doing counseling/therapy for over forty (40) years. His experience includes private practice as well as holding administrative and clinical positions in a variety of counseling agencies. Additionally, Dr. Ritchie was a school counselor in Washoe County School District at the elementary, middle and high school levels for twenty-six (26) years Dr. Ritchie also sits on the Nevada Association of Marriage and Family Therapy as the Washoe County delegate and he is an American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy Approved Supervisor. Mostly, Dr. Ritchie just likes working with people

EDUCATION: After graduating from Green Valley High school, Chris attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas; here, he decided that he would pursue a career in the field of Human Services Counseling. After five years of completing the program in 2007, he obtained his Bachelor's in Science Degree, minoring in Marriage and Family Therapy. Chris later attended University of Phoenix's Masters in Counseling Program, completing it and graduating in 2015. ABOUT: In therapy, Chris utilizes solution-focused theory with his clientele, focusing on the client's goals and positive change. By exploring the clients' history and current dilemma, Chris builds empathetic rapport with them and an accurate understanding of their concerns, thus allowing the clients to consider what they want out of their future.
Chris also helps the clients in identifying their own values, skills, and knowledge if confronting the challenges that they face every day by use of narrative therapy. He allows the clients to develop their own story about themselves and asserting and determining their identity in the process.

Education: Associates in Liberal Arts at CSN; Bachelors of Science in Human Services at UNLV with Minor in Prevention of Addictions and Minor in Family Studies; Master's of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at UNLV.Work History: From 2006 I have worked in residential and outpatient settings facilitating individual sessions, group therapy, and psychoeducational classes specializing in Substance Use Disorders, Mental Health, and Problem Gambling.Approach: Integrative Counseling in Humanistic Theories. I like to draw on the strengths of my clients and be a partner in their ability to transcend through obstacles that are keeping them from embracing life.Associations: American Counseling Association (present) and Association of Small Group Work (2010-2013)Interests: Family, friends, backpacking, kayaking, art, and music.

NCC, NCSC, NCMHC,Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Abilene Christian University. Masters of Public Health Degree for the University of Nevada, Reno. Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology from Alaska Pacific University

Anger Management, Depression, Academic Underachievement

I help individuals reclaim their direction in life, identify the issues that are holding them back, and help them become their best. I specialize in working with clients in the areas of Depression, Anxiety, Stress Management, Anger Management, OCD, and Career Counseling. I help people to set goals for their life and find more happiness. I work well with At-Risk Youth that are underachieving in school. I also work well with students of all ages dealing with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome.

Frankie Massa is a Reno Native and has a Master’s in Marital, Couple, and Family Counseling/Therapy from the University of Nevada Reno. She is client-centered and strengths-based in her treatment style, focusing on helping people change and improve their lives. Integrating her foundation in systems theory with other orientations and techniques, Frankie customizes each client's treatment to be most effective. In addition to her career in counseling, Frankie works in the construction industry and enjoys spending time with her husband and children.

Gayna’s home town is Altadena, California. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a Masters of Art in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Her interests include reading, photography, cycling and traveling.

Education: Masters of Arts in Clinical Professional Counseling; Masters of Science in Kinesiology and Applied Nutrition with an emphasis in Motor Learning.Work History:I have served eight years in the Unites States Army as a scout and computer networker and six years in Clark County School District as a special education teacher. I also have experience in working in different clinical settings related to physical and occupational therapy, along with experience in substance abuse therapy.Associations: American Counseling Association (present)Interests: Family, friends, fitness, and outdoors recreation.

Ed. D. in Systems Development and Adaptations from Boston University in 1980

JoAnn was superintendent of three school districts in Maine. She launched her MFT career in 1996 undertaking advanced graduate MFT training at the University of New England. In 1999 she interrupted that training to move to California. In 2007 JoAnn and her husband moved to Reno, NV where she completed her advanced training at the University of Nevada. She did her MFT internship at Quest Counseling in Reno, and received her Nevada Marriage and Family Therapy license in 2014.

Reno, NV.

Northcentral University, Arizona, MA Marriage and Family Therapy, University of Nevada Reno, BA Psychology and Sociology, Minor in Addiction Treatment Services. International Marriage and Family Therapy Honor Society Delta Kappa.

I believe relationships can be our greatest source of health and healing; they help us feel connected and fulfilled with ourselves and with others. However. when relationships are in conflict, it can also be a great source of anxiety or sadness. As a relationship specialist, I focus on strengthening communication skills and increasing your own insight, to help you achieve greater connection and intimacy. I have worked with a wide range of issues, including depression, family conflict, anxiety, loss, mental health diagnoses, and even adjustment difficulties related to new living or work challenges. Within the safe and neutral environment of my office, I work with individuals, couples and families in a warm and collaborative manner. I find it important to build trust and have a good rapport with my clients. My therapeutic style is active and engaged, with the intention of fostering insight, awareness and facilitating your desired change. I offer sessions in Spanish or English. Traducción: Creo que nuestras relaciones personales pueden ser la mayor fuente curativa de la salud que nos permiten sentir satisfechos con nosotros mismos. Asi también nos sentimos conectados con los demás seres humanos a nuestro entorno. Sin embargo, cuando existe un conflicto dentro de nuestras relaciones humanas, podemos sentir ansiedad o tristeza. Como especialista en las relaciones interpersonales, yo me concentro en fortalecer las habilidades comunicativas y en agrandar el conocimiento de su propia situación para que así logre una conexión e intimidad mayor. He tratado una amplia gama de temas personales incluyendo la depresión, el conflicto familiar, la ansiedad, la pérdida, los diagnósticos de la salud mental, inclusive con situaciones relacionadas a las dificultades de ajuste por causa múltiple, ya sean cambios en la vida cotidiana o desafíos en el trabajo. Dentro del ámbito seguro y neutral de mi oficina trabajo con individuos, parejas y familias de forma colaborativa y de manera receptiva y cordial. Me es importante crear un ambiente de confianza y mantener una buena relación con mis clientes. Mi estilo terapéutico es activo y comprometedor, con la intención de fomentar el conocimiento para facilitar el cambio deseado. Ofrezco sesiones en español o en inglés.

Being with friends and family, skiing, motorcycle riding, hiking/trekking, bicycling, rollerblading, movies, oil painting, and experimenting in the kitchen.

Northern California (Nevada City) In Reno Since: 2009

BA in Psychology from California State University, Sacramento

Mental Health has always been a passion of mine. I started working in the field five years before becoming a therapist. I enjoy working with, children, adolescents, and adults and have worked with clients from ages 2 to 68. I minored in child development and have spent much of my internship working with children with histories of trauma and abuse. I have a huge capacity for empathy and understanding and use a soft approach with cognitive behavioral intentions.

Laura Debenham, M.S.W. is an instructor for GBC Community Education and a past family counselor at Glass House Counseling in Las Vegas and family advocate at The Family Tree Center in Billings Montana. She is the owner/instructor for TBA Think Before Acting and is also working as a school social worker for Elko Institute of Academic Achievement. She is the author of three books; Changing the World One Diaper at a Time, Solid as a Rock and Painting Daisies.

Lisa has lived in Nevada since 1975 and has been Spring Creek resident since 2003, she is passionate about providing competent mental health care to the people of Elko County. Lisa received her bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas then spent several years working in the Nevada child welfare system before earning her master’s degree in social work in 2015. Lisa is trained and experienced in working with all ages, genders, races and ethnicities of people with a non-judgmental and comfortable style many find very welcoming. She also recognizes the manner in which differing cultures, including Elko’s mining culture, can affect an individual’s mental health, individual and family functioning in various ways. As a social worker, Lisa focuses on helping people through acute and chronic mental health issues with the use of evidenced based practices including trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy, strategic family therapy and solution-focused therapies. She is particularly interested in helping survivors of trauma including veterans, child victims and adult survivors of childhood abuse. Lisa enjoys spending time with family, friends, her dogs, “upcycling” old furniture and riding around the high desert on her 4-wheeler in her spare time. Ever the avid sports fan, she especially enjoys NASCAR and professional football whenever possible.

Coeur d’Alene, ID in Reno since 1989

The College of William and Mary in Virginia; M.Ed. and Ed. S. in Professional Counseling

Recently returned from over 12 years’ work with our military children and families overseas, Lori is, herself, a USMC Veteran. With over 25 years’ experience as a licensed therapist, Lori’s approach derives from her diverse background including work in schools, hospital based addictions treatment, Art therapy and Jungian Dream Analysis Past President, Nevada Branch of American Counseling Assn; Past President, Nevada Branch of American Mental Health Counsellors Assn.; supervised Masters-level Interns for UNR’s graduate program in Counseling..

Truckee, CA, in Reno Since: 2002

BA, Psychology, MA, Counseling and Educational Psychology, emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy, NCC Nationally Certified Counselor, MFT-Intern

I have worked with the Signs of suicide prevention program for 18 months. SOS Signs of Suicide is a school-based curriculum and screening program that has demonstrated decreased suicide attempts, among
other positive outcomes, in adolescents. I specialize in Structural Family Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Techniques, Personality Disorders, Anxiety, Panic Disorders, Grief, and Trauma focused Therapy . I use humor in my work and my therapy style is involved, irreverent and dynamic.

Reno, NV with 30 years counceling experience

She worked for Washoe County School District for 25 years as an Elementary School Counselor and pursued her Marriage and Family Therapist Career part time. Upon retiring from WCSD in 2014, she has been able to concentrate on private practice..

Trisha enjoys working with young children but is also finding her work with adults very rewarding. Trish's family is originally from Colombia, South America so she is bilingual in Spanish and is happy to serve Spanish-speaking clients.

From Fernley, Nevada living in Reno, Nevada since 2005

Bachelors of Arts in Psychology, Masters of Arts in Counseling and Educational Psychology from the University of Nevada Reno

Alliance Family services; Compass Behavioral Health