Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Thornton, CO

I am a trauma-focused therapist and I work with adolescents, adults and couples navigating anxiety, depression, PTSD, childhood abuse, and other distressing life experiences.

I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I have been a nurse for over 20 years and the majority of my background comes from working in public health and child protective services. I am passionate about providing care that is both clinically effective and deeply human. My work is rooted in an evidence based approach, which means I rely on proven treatments, research and best practices to guide care.

I use Post-Induction Therapy to heal relational trauma. I have worked everywhere from juevnille correctional settings to affluent Residential Facilities with Professional adults. I honor all clients to be completely understood and how it impacts Love for ourselves, Family and Spiritual engagement. My earnest hope is that we develop courage (Animo) and no client feels like they are wasting time in therapy.

I am a veteran with a tech background, and I have over 12 years of experience as a counselor. I went back to school in my 40's, so I bring a lifetime of practical experience to my work. I focus on getting to the heart of the matter with clients, while looking for perspective into what may have caused the problem, and tools for the future. We will meet in person most or all of the time - I find this to be more effective.

I’m a psychiatric nurse practitioner who works from the belief that people are not broken—and that many of the struggles we call “mental illness” make sense when we look at trauma, context, and lived experience. I’m especially attuned to the ways mental health systems, stigma, and labels can unintentionally cause harm, and I aim to practice in a way that feels respectful, collaborative, and deeply human.

My approach is unconventional and trauma-informed, influenced by perspectives like those of Gabor Maté, which emphasize compassion, curiosity, and understanding symptoms as meaningful responses rather than defects. I do not believe in rushing to pathologize the human experience. As Joni Mitchell once reflected about depression, sometimes what we’re feeling is not an illness to be fixed, but a signal—an honest response to pain, loss, or a world that has not been kind.

Are you feeling stuck in patterns that no longer serve you? Maybe anxiety or OCD is keeping you from living your life in the way that you would most enjoy. Or perhaps you are challenged by losses or life transitions which are difficult to face alone. Having a safe place to express your thoughts and feelings can make a difference.

I became a therapist after seeing the benefits of counseling and art therapy on both personal and professional levels. I’m a licensed professional counselor since 2011 and a board certified art therapist since 2022. I hold a Master’s degree in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Art Therapy. In addition to my degree, also have significant training in a variety of evidence based treatments, including ERP, CPT, Motivational Interviewing, CAMS and ACT.

My experiences with hospice patients and caregivers, seniors, people in addiction recovery, people in crisis, people struggling with anxiety, trauma, life transitions, cultural and social justice concerns, have inspired me to offer therapy in private practice. In my spare time, I love to cook, sing, hike, and make art.

Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve tried therapy before and felt like it didn’t quite click. My approach is active, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that healing happens when we learn new ways of thinking, behaving, and relating to our emotions—not just talking about them.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a trauma-informed lens, specializing in addiction, women’s issues, adolescents, anxiety, and depression. I also have experience supporting parents and individuals impacted by a loved one’s substance use, including navigating boundaries, codependency, burnout, and complicated emotions such as guilt, fear, and grief.

I strive to create a safe, supportive space where clients feel accepted, understood, and gently challenged to grow. Many clients tell me they appreciate that our work goes beyond listening alone—we focus on learning practical skills and applying them to real-life situations.

I also have a background in Christianity and am comfortable integrating faith and spirituality into therapy when desired by the client. I respect each person’s beliefs and values and approach spiritual topics with openness, curiosity, and sensitivity.

I offer virtual or in-person therapy sessions in Castle Rock, Colorado. I know what it's like to struggle with depression, addiction, and narcissistic abuse. I became a therapist and an energy healer after going through my own "dark night of the soul." Many clients tell me that they relate to me because I have been though similar experiences and know what it's like to push through depression, and overcome addiction and trauma. My goal isn't to help you merely mask symptoms, but to help you navigate through them while healing the underlying roots, staying grounded, and discovering your most authentic self and a life of fulfillment and thriving.

I'm Nicole Shelton, a double board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner (APRN, PMHNP, FNP). My experience in ICU and the ER informs my holistic approach to care. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, substance use, and trauma across the lifespan. As a military wife and mother, I emphasize lifestyle balance, encouraging patients to integrate nutrition and exercise. I am dedicated to breaking mental health stigma and advocating for veterans and those impacted by trauma, ensuring you feel seen, supported, and empowered on your journey.

My work focuses on a variety of issues: addiction, anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, and gender identity, just to name a few. I create a space where you can explore these challenges and work toward meaningful change.