Find a therapist in Durango, CO — covered by insurance

My primary focus is working with adolescents, families, and adults, though I have a range of experience working with people of all ages and many different demographics. In particular, I have a strong background in working with at-risk youth, kinship caregivers, and foster/adoptive families. I also have a background of working with young adults transitioning to independent living, as well as adults of all ages.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Colorado, and have been practicing as a therapist since 2022. Prior to this, I worked with youth, adults, and families in a variety of case management roles, including in schools, domestic violence shelters, shelters for those without housing, and families experiencing various systems involvement. This has given me an understanding of the many challenges life can bring, and equipped me with the tools to support you in navigating various barriers and difficulties.

Therapy with me helps you to feel different, not just to think different. I work with people looking to shift at the core. I am your collaborator in accessing more resilient states and to discover more ease in your daily life.

People who seek me out tend to be: teachers, queer folks, quarterlifers (ages 20-40), first responders, therapists, snow & avalanche workers, guides, outdoor educators, nonprofit employees, athletes ... and may be looking for help with trauma (childhood & event specific), outdoor accidents, grief & loss, chronic pain, relationship challenges, life transitions, identity exploration, & ongoing resilience support

Welcome, and thanks for reaching out. I hope you, your family and friends are safe and healthy.

I have a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Naropa University. I've completed trainings in Traumatic Stress Studies, Psychedelic Assisted Therapy and I am a Level II Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy counselor. I have additional trainings in Nonviolent Communication, suicide awareness, body-centered psychotherapy and more.

My journey towards therapy started in the forests on the Pacific Crest Trail and in the San Juan Mountains as a Wilderness Therapy Guide. I was entranced by people's stories that landed them on the trail, as well as by their takes on life. I decided to get my Master's in Counseling at Adam's State University so that I could professionally hear people's stories. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Colorado. I have experience working with families, couples and individuals ages 12+. I am passionate about helping people manage chronic stress that seems inevitable in the current world we live in.

“I help people build lives—and careers—worth living.” I specialize in guiding clients through emotional intensity, identity disruption, and vocational misalignment. My approach blends DBT and Career Construction Theory with Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, and evidence-based modalities rooted in meaning-making and personal agency.

Whether you're a teen navigating emotional intensity, an LGBTQ+ individual reclaiming identity amidst cultural stress, or a professional seeking to realign purpose, I offer a structured and symbolic space for change. Together, we illuminate archetypal patterns, deconstruct inherited narratives, and build lives anchored in values, clarity, and psychological flexibility.

I am grateful to have over 10 years of experience in the mental health field, specializing in addictions, trauma, systems/care coordination, disabilities, and serious mental illnesses. I have my master's in forensic psychology where I learned more about assessment, the intersections of sociolegal issues and mental health, and clinical psychology. I obtained my doctorate in counselor education and supervision where I specialized in multicultural issues, shame resilience, and advocacy.

Welcome! I am a Latina, bilingual therapist based in Denver, CO passionate about trauma-informed care. I was born and raised on the border in El Paso, Texas. I received my Master of Social Work from the University of Denver following an academic career at Johns Hopkins where I majored in psychology and public health and received a Master of Health Science in Public Health.

I have worked at various levels of care (outpatient, IOP, and PHP) and have experience with several populations including: Latinx, unhoused youth, and youth experiencing first episode psychosis.

I have worked with clients who experience anxiety and depression for over 15 years, 8 years of that as an LPC. I have experience in multiple settings including outpatient and inpatient.

I have worked my entire career within a hospital setting and specialize in working with first responders, healthcare providers and doctors.

With more than 30 years of experience, I've helped individuals navigate anxiety, ADHD, trauma, and life's many transitions with compassion, understanding, and practical support.

I know reaching out for help isn't always easy. My goal is to create a safe, welcoming space where you feel heard, supported, and empowered to move toward greater confidence, healing, and peace of mind.

Feeling burnt out, unfulfilled, uninspired, and/or just not good? Looking for a holistic approach to therapy that will allow you to get back on your feet again and live a life you can be fully present for? Are you struggling with chronic stress, anxiety, and depression? Are past traumas and unhelpful patterns showing up in your jobs, relationships and other areas of your life? Let's work together to create a plan for you to be able to navigate your unique circumstances. Now offering business coaching to navigate hurdles that show up as a business owner.

I provide trauma-informed person-centered therapy. Additionally the modalities I like to work with are EMDR, IFS, existential, the use of mindfulness & somatic therapy. Whatever your therapeutic goal is, let's work together to determine what will be most helpful to you.

I will listen to your story and provide a space for you to process heavy emotions, trauma, grief, and other challenges that may come up. I understand that traditional talk therapy can feel scary, intimidating, and/or unknown if you haven't experienced it which is why I offer other options. Reach out and let's discuss your goals and what works best for you!

I’m Makala Smith, a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I am committed to providing holistic mental health care through a balanced and patient-centered approach.

My background includes neurology, trauma, and public health nursing. I earned my Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree from University of Colorado after I realized the need for psychiatric providers in my rural community of Meeker, Colorado and surrounding areas. By furthering my education, I am able to provide specialized, thoughtful, empathetic psychiatric care.

Please feel free to call me Ian or Dr. Ian! I’m a clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience, of Scottish and Sri Lankan descent, and a proud Fellow of the American Psychological Association. I especially love helping people move through anxiety, chronic pain, and depression. For over 40 years I’ve personally used mind body practices like meditation to transcend my own chronic pain and anxiety, and it would be my joy to help you find that same freedom and peace, even in the hardest moments.