Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Lone Tree, CO

If the phrase "things are hard right now, but they are shifting" sits with you in any way, I'm glad you found it here. Life is hard, there is no question about that. Wherever you are at in your healing journey, I'm happy and honored to work alongside you to navigate shifts and healing. You're not failing, and I hope to help you grow into a version of you that can hold care and compassion towards yourself in those shifts.

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.

I have worked in the mental health field since 2001 and am currently a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC). While I have extensive training and experience with adolescents and young adults, I also enjoy working with adults, families, and couples. I am trained in EMDR, an evidence-based trauma therapy, along with other trauma related techniques which I incorporate in my counseling work when indicated. I am also a skilled trainer in Motivational Interviewing, adolescent development, developmental trauma, and suicide prevention. In addition, I regularly utilize CBT and DBT skills and interventions as necessary in counseling sessions.

Regarding my philosophy of counseling, Glennon Melton, an author I admire, sums it up best: she describes life as “brutiful.” Brutiful blends the two words, “Beautiful” & “Brutal”, which sums up how we often experience our journeys in life. Life has its beautiful moments, it also has some difficult, hard times. When life feels painful and you need someone to talk to, I am someone who can provide a safe place to feel supported & heard. My goal is to provide a place for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and values in order to better understand yourself. Additionally, I work with you to learn and strengthen healthy coping strategies so the unhealthy ones are less appealing.

My clinical experience and training involves helping those with depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, mood instability, anger, conflict, behavior/legal struggles, grief and loss, life transitions such as divorce, and adjustment issues.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the State of CO. I have received my Bachelor of Science in human services from Metropolitan State University, and my Master of Arts in school counseling and clinical counseling from the University of Northern Colorado. I have spent 16 years in the mental health field working with diverse populations.

Welcome to the next chapter in your life. I am honored to walk alongside you on this journey. I am experienced in working with both adolescents and adults in residential and community settings. I enjoy helping individuals faced with addiction, family conflict, complex trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and relationship concerns. I believe everyone has the strength to find their true self and form the connections and relationships that they have always desired.

Stimulants, Suboxone and Benzodiazepines are prescribed in this practice with DEA guidelines. Dr. Padilla is a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the New York tri-state area and has over 30 years of experience in healthcare. He treats children from 6 years old through adulthood, focusing on psychiatric medication management. He specializes in mental health and has extensive experience in the field of psychiatry. Dr. Padilla takes a “start low and go slow” approach to prescribing, paying special attention to medication potency and potential interactions with other medications prescribed by other providers. Dr. Padilla earned his Doctorate in Clinical Practice Nursing from Rutgers University–New Brunswick. He also holds bachelor’s degrees from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and the University of Miami, as well as an associate’s degree from Bergen Community College.

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) providing telehealth therapy to adults throughout Colorado. I believe healing begins when we become curious about the stories we've been carrying and the experiences that shaped them. My role is to provide a compassionate, collaborative space where you can safely explore those patterns, reconnect with your authentic self, and create lasting change.

I specialize in working with adults experiencing PTSD and complex trauma, developmental and attachment trauma, dissociation, anxiety, depression, substance use and harm reduction, identity exploration, life transitions, grief, chronic health conditions, and LGBTQIA+ concerns. I also support clients interested in integrating insights from plant medicine experiences into their healing.

My practice is trauma-informed, culturally humble, and affirming of people from all identities and backgrounds. I know that beginning therapy takes courage, and I strive to create a space where you feel genuinely seen, respected, and supported.