Are you soaking up the gorgeous sun on a sandy beach in the beautiful town of Sandpoint?
Then you're a lucky person. Not everyone gets to live in such ideal circumstances. If you're not taking full advantage of the beauty and luxury Sandpoint has to offer, maybe you should ask yourself why.
If the answer has anything to do with mental wellness, then perhaps it's time to reach out for a little help. Please don't hesitate to contact a Standpoint-Area mental health professional to get the support you need to battle issues such as anxiety, depression, complicated relationships, trauma, loss, or anything in between.

Shelly Sanders
I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Idaho, with eight years of experience as a therapist and a total of approximately thirteen years in mental health settings, working with children, adolescents, and adults. Throughout my practice, I have addressed a diverse range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, communication challenges, parenting issues, anger management, oppositional defiant disorder, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder in children. My counseling approach is warm, interactive, and client-centered, tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. I believe in treating all clients with respect, compassion, and understanding. My therapeutic modalities include play therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, choice theory, solution-focused strategies, and, when appropriate, bilateral stimulation and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Together, we will develop a treatment plan that is attainable, specific to your needs, and time-sensitive. My primary goal is to provide the best possible support for my clients. I understand that seeking help is a courageous step, and I am here to provide the support and encouragement you need as you navigate the challenges in your life. If you are ready to take this step, please know that I am here to assist you.

Erica Balch
Greetings! I am a social worker by heart, which means I come bearing a wholistic approach. There are many facets that make each of us individual, which also means struggles can be complex. I am a learner, so I like to hear what has been helpful to you and see if I can meet you in that place and multiply your progress. I believe in the quote from Ross Greene "people do well if they can, and if they aren't, we should figure out why so we can help them." I also subscribe to the notion that our brain is always able to change because of its plasticity, which means we all have hope that we can keep growing! As for my background, I attended Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, Texas for my undergrad in Social Work and Boise State for my Master's of Social Work. I live in North Idaho and love the outdoors and what nature has to offer. I also learned this from scuba diving; sometimes I forget to breathe when I'm nervous and I only learned that because I had a fantastic scuba buddy who was watching me closely and challenged me. We all need a great scuba buddy, I would like to walk alongside you in your learning to breathe again and help you find your ongoing natural scuba buddy outside of the professional environment who can continue to support and dive alongside you in all life's adventures!

Jean Vargo
As a counselor I believe in another especially when they cannot believe in themselves. Each person is unique with differing situations that life has presented: depression, relationship issues, anxiety, eating too much, eating too little, low self-esteem, forgiveness, spiritual quandries, and no self-identity. It is these things and more that together we explore because they take from us our meaning and purpose in life. I like to explore what gives meaning and balance, and peace to ones life. We will work together to determine what your goals are and determine what we can done to achieve those goals. My goal is to walk with you so that I understand how you make sense out of it . If you are struggling to find your authentic voice , if you are struggling with finding your path in life due to depression, anxiety, relationship issues, grief or transitions and you are ready to accept responsibility for your life, work with me. My counseling style is warm and interactive. Respect, sensitivity and compassion I am a pastoral psychotherapist and a family and marriage counselor since 1989 .

Benjamin Lara
I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 10 years of experience helping people work through anxiety, depression, physical trauma, end of life, addictions, and many other issues. I take a person centered approach and will tailor your counseling sessions to be about you and your goals. In my work with people I use a non-judgmental style of therapy through leading modalities of treatment including cognitive behavior therapy and motivational interviewing. I believe that all people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect and you will always get that from me. I know it can be difficult to reach out for help and it takes a lot of strength. Your action of seeking help has already shown you do indeed have a lot of strength within you! I look forward to meeting you and working with you!

Elizabeth Miles
I am licensed in Idaho, Washington and Oregon with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Ellen Savage
I am licensed in the state of Montana to do mental health counseling and therapy, as well as a Certified Coach. I’ve been self-employed for over 30 years and have a wide range of experience. I particularly work with persons who experience anxiety, stress and depression - often as a result of family problems and frequently work issues! I’ve also worked with all branches of the military working with troops and family both in the USA and abroad. My style of counseling tends to be more direct than passive. I believe in warmth, compassion and listening along with guidance and direction offered. I do not give advise; I am your mirror and help you see what you most want and need. Therapy is an individual journey, so the path we carve together is unique in it’s terrain, speed and outcome. I look forward to meeting each client with an open mind and heart. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Rodney "Rod" Smith
I am licensed in Missouri and Idaho, with several years of professional counseling experience. I have experience in helping clients with recovering from addictions, relationship, trauma and abuse, anxiety, & depression issues. I have been through my own spiritual/therapeutic journey of change for the past 30 years that has enabled me to overcome my past addictions, feelings of depression, and sexual abuse. I tell you this because it is not only important that we have the clinical and professional experience (25 years experience in the behavioral health field), but that we have personal experience as well. I believe my authentic approach to counseling creates an atmosphere of honesty, trust, and acceptance that helps us to motivate ourselves towards making positive and tremendous changes in our lives. Professional Experience I have recently worked in a prison as a mental health professional for the past 7 years conducting individual and group therapy. I have worked over 25 years in the fields of mental health, addiction, and co-occurring disorders performing evaluations, therapeutic interventions, and individual and group therapy.

Shelby Friery
Hello, I’m so glad you’re here! I am Dr. Shelby Friery, a counselor and counselor educator with a background and expertise in individuals aged pre-k to 18, but I’ve worked all across the lifespan as a counselor. My primary background is in school counseling but I am currently a professor who conducts research and trains future counselors how to work with clients. I approach counseling with the idea that we will work together to accomplish your goals. I do this with patience, support, understanding, compassion, and humor to find ways for you to find the success YOU want. I look forward to working with you!

Carla Brown
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Arkansas with over 10 years of experience providing therapy to adults. I began my career working in a community mental health center and currently I have my own practice. I spend most of my time working with client's who are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues. I most enjoy working with couples. I take a straight forward, practical approach in order to do the most work in the least amount of time so you can get back to enjoying your life as soon as possible. I use a mix of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I meet you where you are and help you to get where you want to be. I know beginning therapy can be anxiety provoking and I strive to make the therapeutic process as comfortable as possible. So try to relax and let's get started! I look forward to talking to you.

Amy McManus
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with several years of professional work experience. I received my Masters Degree in Social Work from Tulane University and my Bachelors Degree in Psychology and Spanish from Vanderbilt University. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!