Michelle Abella, PsyD, LP, CIMHP
I am a Licensed Psychologist currently practicing in Olathe, KS. I grew up in Lenexa and am thrilled to be able to provide services to this wonderful and thriving community. I graduated from Texas Christian University (GO HORNED FROGS!) in 2000 and received my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2006. I have been licensed as a Psychologist since 2007 and have experience with both outpatient and inpatient mental health services. I am married and have two wonderful children. My hobbies include recreational activities, socializing with friends, and being with family. I enjoy cheering on my sports teams (GO CHIEFS!), and feel it is of paramount importance to keep a healthy balance between physical wellness and emotional well-being. If you are looking for a clinician who understands the work-life balancing act, I would be a great resource.
My passion is connecting with and helping others. I specialize in helping women in any stage of pregnancy or postpartum gain control over their mental health so that they can transition between roles with confidence!
I pride myself on being a genuine person and am typically able to build a quick rapport with clients. I feel humbled when being invited to participate in and be witness to others' life journeys. Every individual is unique and presents a different set of strengths and growth areas. I will provide a collaborative approach to tackling life's issues while increasing your ability to see your gifts, accept yourself, and build resilience. I am also well-versed in the emerging field of nutritional psychology and the gut-brain axis. I would be happy to discuss how nutrition plays a role in your overall wellness and mental health. I recently obtained my certification as a Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional (CIMHP). I accept BCBS of KC, Aetna, Tricare, United Healthcare, and self pay clients.
Daniel Garlock, PsyD, LP
I am a Licensed Psychologist with experience working with individuals of all ages. I am an in network provider with Aetna, BCBS of KS and of KC, United Healthcare, Tricare, and Medicare. I received my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) from Wright State University School of Professional Psychology in 2017. I have experience working in a variety of settings including outpatient mental health centers, corrections, and integrated healthcare. I have experience providing individual therapy, group therapy, family/couples therapy, and psychological testing. My current practice is primarily focused on working with adults. I specialize in working with individuals on a variety of health-related concerns including weight/body image, behavioral pain management, behavioral sleep, and adjusting to/coping with chronic illness. I also specialize in providing treatment for trauma/stress, mood disorders, anxiety, life transitions, and working with individuals to improve wellbeing.
I have a passion for working with individuals to help them identify life challenges and make changes to improve quality of life. I primarily use an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) approach in my treatment. This approach consists of helping individuals identify values, take action to move towards values-based living, change the relationship they have with their thoughts, and increase present moment awareness of emotional experiences. I integrate this approach with exploring how past experiences are impacting current functioning in order to live a more meaningful life in the present moment. I use other treatment approaches as necessary based on the needs and interests of my clients. I pride myself in working to understand my client’s individual perspective while taking a collaborative approach to cope with challenges.
In my personal time, I enjoy spending time with my wife. We have two horses and we enjoy spending time outdoors with them. My other hobbies include playing piano and cello. I encourage my clients to take care of themselves, so I try to follow my own advice through music.
The thing I love most about being a psychologist is having the privilege to join someone on their journey of growth. If you are willing to take the first step in that journey, I look forward to working with you.
With a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Colorado Christian University and a Master’s degree in Counseling from MidAmerica Nazarene University, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) through the state of Kansas. I also hold a license for School Counseling through the Kansas State Department of Education, however, currently I am not a practicing School Counselor. In addition, I am a Nationally Certified Counselor through the National Board for Certified Counselors.
I am very dedicated and passionate about my work as a counselor. I specialize in working with clients from school age to adult. I am eager to expand my knowledge and understanding of mental health, in fact, I can confidently say that I have dedicated my life to continuously learning as much as I possibly can about Psychology and mental health. The aspect of being a counselor that I love the most is the fact that I work within a field and environment conducive for making an impact through compassion and genuine care within the lives of others. I personally would not want to spend my one life that I have been given any other way.
As a counselor, it is my mission to empower every individual to become the healthiest version of themselves as we build an effective therapeutic alliance together. It is my aim to guide each individual by utilizing empathy, courage, compassion, confidentiality, and unconditional positive regard. Through a culturally sensitive lens, it is my desire to walk with each client through their personal struggles and hardship in a direction towards positive change, personal growth, autonomy, and awareness for self and others all while pursuing the establishment and maintenance of health and wellness. I am NOT accepting new clients at this time.
Amanda Bargallo, LSCSW
Welcome! Whether life is difficult for you right now or going fairly smoothly, therapy can offer you additional support, insight, and coping strategies. Perhaps you have previously sought out therapy or this is your first time, either way you are taking an important step in self-care. A little about me,…I am a LSCSW in Kansas and a LCSW in Missouri. I have a wide variety of experience from inpatient to outpatient psychiatric care to case management to child welfare to juvenile justice to private practice.
My clinical training includes play therapy, family therapy, CBT, and DBT. I work with adults, teens, children (5+), and families through a strengths-based and trauma-informed approach. In addition to my education, training, and clinical experience, perhaps the most important experience has been as a fellow human being who has also benefited from therapy.
Therefore, it is my hope to provide a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space for you to process relationship dynamics, address symptoms, and gain new tools to live a meaningful life. My patients have described me as a warm, engaging, and down-to-earth therapist who is committed to helping them reach their goals. Please feel free to reach out with any questions. I accept self-pay, BCBS of KC, United Healthcare, and Aetna clients. I look forward to speaking with you!
Beth Merz, LCPC, LPC
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Kansas and a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri who works with children and adolescents between the ages of 3 -17. I hold a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Avila University and a Master’s degree in Music Therapy from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. With over 20 years of experience working with children in various settings, I help those struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, attachment and relationship issues, and difficulties related to ADHD, Dyslexia, and other learning differences.
I integrate a variety of therapeutic modalities into my practice with children and adolescents and have received specialized training in Theraplay, Play Therapy, Music Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Attachment, Regulation, and Competency (ARC). I strive to create a safe space for children to heal and work through their most
difficult experiences, but also a space for them to create, learn about themselves, and grow new skills. I work collaboratively with parents and want them to feel supported and heard throughout their child’s therapeutic process too. I provide both individual and family therapy sessions, and currently accept self-pay, BCBS of KC, Aetna, and United Healthcare.
As a lifelong learner, I plan to return to school next year to pursue a doctoral degree in
educational school psychology. Outside the therapy office, you can often find me
presenting at local and national conferences as well as providing parent-child
workshops in the area.
Sarah Okun, LSCSW
I have a passion for learning, growing, and adapting through difficult times. I aim to challenge my clients and push you just enough outside your comfort zone to elicit growth and sustainable change. My client population ranges from teens into late adulthood and focuses on chronic stress, depression, grief and loss, acute and complex trauma, and life transitions. Most of my clients are experiencing relationship issues and transitions, career struggles, or just general overwhelm juggling all the things that life throws at us.
For the last 3 years, I have worked as an inpatient residential psychotherapist, specializing in those experiencing PTSD, trauma, sexual abuse, and relationship issues. I’ve learned that most of our unhelpful and problematic patterns stem from behaviors that helped us survive through our childhood and early adulthood.
Through a holistic, trauma-informed, and direct approach, we will work together so you can move through your unhelpful patterns to create a future that better serves you. I work with teens and adults and provide individual, family, and couples therapy. I accept self pay, Aetna, BCBS, and United Healthcare.
For Medication Services, we recommend:
Susan Hale, RN, MSN, FNP-BC, PMHNP
I specialize in both psychiatry for medication management and family practice, with an emphasis on neuroscience. My educational journey began with a Master of Science in Nursing and board certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner in 2008 from Rockhurst University and Research College of Nursing. I’m also a Certified Neuroscience RN through the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses. Most recently, I graduated from the University of Cincinnati as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
I work with children, adolescents, adults, and geriatrics, treating a wide range of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, panic disorder, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, disordered eating, bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder, schizophrenia, and personality disorders. One unique aspect of my practice is my dual specialization in mental health and family medicine, offering a well-rounded approach to diagnosis and treatment.
In my free time, I enjoy reading historical fiction, mysteries, and peer-reviewed journal articles, sewing, playing piano, and relaxing with my two dogs. I love spending time with my kids, cheering them on in their activities, trying new recipes, watching football, and playing card and board games together.
I’m passionate about researching innovative approaches to mental health care, and exploring both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical methods to improve patient outcomes. Born and raised in the Kansas City area, I believe that mental health is just as important as physical health, and seeking help is a sign of strength. With the right support, healing, and growth are always possible.
Call us at (913) 359-3880 or Click Here to Schedule with Susan