Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Salida, CO covered by Cigna

“How we relate to whatever we're experiencing is even more important than the experience itself " -Bruce Tift

I believe we all have a natural impulse towards evolution and health. Through training and discipline we can greatly accelerate this process.

Survival strategies needed in childhood, arising from our intelligence, are no longer appropriate and can cause unnecessary suffering. These outdated approaches are primarily unconscious. I provide a safe non judgmental space to get to know your patterns with an attitude of kindness. This awareness can give you the freedom to choose the direction you want instead of being driven by historical conditioning.

Welcome! I know reaching out for therapy can feel like a big step, and my hope is that from our first session you'll feel comfortable showing up exactly as you are. I'm warm, down-to-earth, and bring a sense of curiosity, humor, and authenticity into my work. I believe therapy doesn't have to feel overly clinical, it's a collaborative space where we can talk honestly about what's going on, celebrate your strengths, and work through the messy parts of being human together. I have experience supporting adults, couples, and teens through anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship challenges, stress, and substance use concerns, and I tailor our work to what feels most helpful and meaningful to you. Whether you're looking for practical tools, deeper self-understanding, or simply a place to exhale and be heard, I'd be honored to be part of your journey.

As a dual-career professional, I blend deep clinical counseling expertise with decades of corporate and entrepreneurial experience - giving you a unique, practical perspective on personal and professional growth. My approach integrates the rigor of evidence-based Western science with the grounded wisdom of Eastern humanistic philosophy.

I am a double board-certified Psychiatric–Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of experience across the continuum of psychiatric care, including acute psychiatric emergencies, inpatient and outpatient psychiatry, geriatric mental health, intellectual and developmental disability services, and healthcare management. I hold a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and am currently completing my Doctorate, reflecting my ongoing commitment to clinical excellence, evidence-based practice, and lifelong learning.

Throughout my career, I have worked with individuals and families navigating a wide range of psychiatric conditions, from situational anxiety and depression to severe and persistent mental illness. My clinical experience includes extensive work with schizophrenia and psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), trauma-related conditions, and mood instability across the lifespan. I am particularly experienced in caring for geriatric patients, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and patients with complex medication regimens requiring careful evaluation, simplification, and long-term stabilization.

I also work closely with college-aged patients and adults who are navigating academic pressure, career transitions, family dynamics, identity development, and the cumulative stressors that can emerge during periods of high responsibility or change. Many of my patients are high-functioning individuals who appear “put together” on the outside but struggle internally with anxiety, rumination, intrusive thoughts, emotional dysregulation, or burnout. Others are managing chronic psychiatric illness while striving to maintain independence, relationships, and quality of life.

Hello, and welcome. I'm Christine Laster, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 21 years of experience helping individuals and families navigate life's challenges. Throughout my career, I have worked in a variety of settings, including child welfare, school social work, and domestic violence services. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of trauma, resilience, and the unique challenges people face at different stages of life. I earned both my Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) from Metropolitan State University of Denver. In addition to my clinical work, I am an adjunct professor at the University of Denver, where I have the privilege of teaching and mentoring graduate-level social work students.

I bring warmth, humor, and clear guidance to therapy. Cognitive techniques help uncover how thoughts shape emotions and actions, while mindfulness fosters calm and focus. We’ll also explore your values to guide our work. Humor keeps things light, and directness ensures we stay on track. Together, we’ll work toward lasting growth and confidence.I earned my Master’s in Counseling from Wake Forest University.

My name is Lori Stalcar, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 17 years of experience working with individuals and families in various treatment settings, including online, inpatient, outpatient, residential, and institutional environments. To learn more about my background, education, and counseling approach.Thank you! I look forward to hearing from you.

As a licensed professional counselor, I am here to explore what you are struggling with and explore ways to overcome life's difficulties, whatever they may be. I have acquired over 10 years of experience supporting children, teens, adolescents, and families through life's challenges. I have helped professionals and caregivers, through life's challenges, burn out, and the discovery of self-care. I have worked in education, research, correctional system, hospitals, and private practice.