Mountain   Vista

Counseling Services
Mountain Vista Counseling Services   248-391-2606
                      Phone: (248) 391-2606            karen@mountainvistacounseling.com
    3256 University Dr. Auburn Hills, MI 48326
Karen Shackelford MA, LPC, NCC

                 Therapist
Mountain Vista Counseling 

                             Consultations are free.  Finding the right therapist isn't easy, so I provide a short 30 minute meeting to help determine if this is the best place for you. This is a time where we can talk about what you are looking for and I can tell you what you can expect from me and from therapy.  It is important for you to have the chance to find out if I am someone you think you could confide in before you actually commit to therapy. In addition, I can determine if it is a good fit from my perspective as well. It is important that my education, experience and knowledge are appropriate for the situation or problem that you have. I will want to make sure that you will benefit from coming to therapy with me. You are not committing to further counseling by making a consultation appointment; it is simply the best way to get some very important things accomplished. 

The first session is actually not a session; It is the evaluative Intake and it is longer and the cost is higher than the rest of the sessions. It is used to get a complete history and fully discuss your situation or problem. We will also go over all the paperwork.  It is necessary that the paperwork be completed before the evaluative intake. If you came in for a free consultation you can take the paperwork with you, but if not, please come in 30 min. early to fill it out prior to the evaluative Intake. Please call the office for more details or if you have any questions. Couples can either have a joint evaluative intake or individual ones. 

Payment for professional services is expected at the time of each session. We take checks, cash, HSA's, and all major credit cards. If you have insurance and would like to use it, you will need to submit the claim yourself. However, I will give you invoices that have all the codes and information you will need to submit a claim to your insurance provider. There are many good reasons that I stay removed from the process and one is your privacy. I will also give you some questions to ask your provider to be sure they will cover your claims. But, the contract for insurance is between you and your insurance company. It is your responsibility to make sure they will cover you for your sessions. 
Basic Information
248-391-2606
 Contact Information   /   Therapist    /    Basic Information
 
Credentials: My master’s degree (MA) is in Counseling from Oakland University where I graduated with a Psi Chi Honors designation. I have additional post masters education in Testing & Assessments. My Counseling License (#6401010512) is issued from the State of Michigan (LPC: Licensed Professional Counselor) and I am a National Certified Counselor (NCC) as well as a member of the American Psychological Association (APA). I have a BA in Psychology from Oakland University with an emphasis in Developmental and Systems Psychology. In addition, I have education in the Grief, Loss and Trauma area (From the National Institute for Trauma and Loss) and along with that, I volunteered for 5 years as a group facilitator at SandCastles: a Children’s grief and loss program based out of the Henry Ford Hospice Program. I have additional experience working with "at risk" court appointed adolescences and have also attended many suicide survivor and prevention conferences and lectures. The focus of my undergraduate research was in relationships and intimacy. I have extensively studied and use the John Gottman research information with couples. 
“I am a warm, easy to talk to, therapist who is understanding, compassionate and truly has a nonjudgmental nature. Most people say they are comfortable with me right away and that they wish they had come to therapy years ago. 

My orientation is eclectic in nature, using an integrated approach with a variety of therapeutic modalities and techniques based on your individual issues, unique experiences, needs, goals and belief system. I use a vast array of therapies; such as Cognitive-Behavioral, Interpersonal, Narrative, DBT, Solution Focused, Motivational Interviewing, Existential, Mindfulness, etc… and I feel that by pulling from these different philosophies it enables me to creatively work better in order to find whatever will work for you and your situation.  

I work with Individual adults, adolescents and children over 10. As well as couples & families. I offer both daytime and evening appointments and session lengths from 30 to 90 minutes. Take the first step and see that therapy really can work!

            Free  Consultation
(See below for further detailed information)
Mountain Vista Counseling is an private outpatient mental health provider of services to adults, couples, older children, adolescents and families within the Lake Orion and surrounding areas. Here you will receive compassionate and creative counseling. If you are in need of change, improvement in your life, or need help getting through a difficult time, counseling may be right for you. To find out, call us to schedule a free Consultation.