Lesley Gustafson, LMHC

Lesley W. Gustafson, M.A., LMHC, brings many years of experience supporting people in inpatient psychiatric settings and through disaster mental health work with the Red Cross Disaster Mental Health Team. She provides both individual and group therapy, combining practical guidance with education to help clients navigate difficult moments and ongoing challenges.

Her clinical work addresses a range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and psychotic disorders. Lesley has a particular interest in working with women, older adults, and individuals coping with chronic illness, and she remains open to working with anyone who is willing to accept help.

As a clinician she emphasizes a straightforward philosophy of support, education, and guidance, helping clients build skills and insight to manage symptoms and life changes. She holds an M.A. degree and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), which denotes formal graduate training in counseling and a state license to practice mental health care. Lesley aims to create a respectful, collaborative space where people can explore their concerns and work toward meaningful change.

Evidence-Based Approaches and Online Care

Lesley uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on practical skills and emotional processing. One common approach is skills-based coping and stress management, which helps people build concrete tools to reduce anxiety, regulate mood, and handle daily pressures. Another emphasis is trauma-focused support, designed to help individuals safely process difficult experiences and reduce the ongoing impact of traumatic events. She also offers supportive psychotherapy tailored to grief, chronic illness, and life transitions, helping clients make sense of change and strengthen resilience.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Lesley works with each person to assess needs, goals, and preferences, then adapts interventions so therapy fits the individual rather than forcing a single method. This teamwork helps identify which techniques are most helpful and when to adjust course.

Online therapy offers practical benefits for accessing that collaborative care. Through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, clients can schedule sessions that fit busy lives, reduce travel time, and maintain continuity of care during life changes. Licensed professionals can deliver many effective interventions remotely, making treatment more flexible and easier to integrate into daily routines.