Find a therapist in Colorado — covered by insurance

Katrina is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and over a decade of experience in healthcare, beginning in 2010. Katrina’s professional background includes working in both inpatient and outpatient mental health settings, as well as serving as a nursing professor, which has strengthened her commitment to evidence-based, patient-centered care and lifelong learning.

I work collaboratively with my clients as a team, moving at a pace that feels right for you. While respecting past experiences and coping strategies, I gently guide clients toward a growth-oriented mindset and utilize evidence-based psychotherapy practices that help you break free from limiting patterns and promote lasting change. Through compassion, collaboration, and clinical expertise, I support clients in progressing toward improved mental health, resilience, and overall well-being.

Hello! I'm Kayla, and I’m excited to be part of your journey. After spending over 13 years in education, I transitioned into the mental health field, earning my Master’s degree in Counseling and Human Services from UCCS here in Colorado Springs. I deeply believe that each person’s path to growth is unique, and I’m committed to supporting my clients with the therapeutic approach that best fits their needs. I’ve seen incredible healing unfold through the strong, authentic connections and relationships we build together. I’m here to walk with you every step of the way.

I am a warm, empathetic therapist who values collaboration and authenticity. I take a practical, solution-oriented approach while honoring your unique experiences and perspective. I believe that meaningful change happens when you feel seen, understood, and supported, and I aim to provide tools and strategies that help you express yourself, communicate confidently, and engage fully in life. I meet clients where they are and work alongside them to build confidence, self-awareness, and balance.

I want you to know that when you work with me, you’re getting more than just a therapist—you’re getting someone who’s fully in your corner.

Over the years, I’ve worked in hospitals, community programs, and private practice, helping kids, teens, young adults, and adults navigate anxiety, stress, life transitions, and those “I feel totally stuck” moments.

I blend CBT, DBT, and mindfulness into a style that’s practical, warm, and tailored to you. That means we’re not just talking—we’re finding strategies you can actually use in your day-to-day life. Whether you’re a college student drowning in deadlines, a parent watching your child struggle with big feelings, or an adult feeling overwhelmed by change, I’m here to help you find your footing, build confidence, and start feeling more like yourself again.

Growing up with 4 brothers and 2 sisters lead me to develop a strong and outgoing personality that carries into sessions; I am gently candid to help push people to their potential. My goal is to explore people’s values and encourage them to develop their strengths. I believe laughter is healing so I implement that frequently into sessions.

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.

Many of the people I work with are going through some kind of transition.

Sometimes that looks like anxiety that’s getting harder to manage, feeling stuck in the same patterns, or navigating changes in relationships, identity, or life direction. Other times it’s grief, stress, or a sense that something just isn’t working the way it used to.

You might find yourself overthinking, shutting down, or reacting in ways that don’t quite make sense, even to you. You may understand things logically, but still feel stuck emotionally.

My background is in clinical mental health counseling, and my work is grounded in approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). I also have advanced training in working with relationship dynamics, which often show up even in individual therapy.

Before becoming a therapist, I worked as a journalist. That still shapes how I work today. I pay close attention, listen for patterns, and help you make sense of your story in a way that feels clear, grounded, and meaningful.

With a background in Psychology (Washburn University) and a Master’s in Social Work (University of Denver), I bring both education and empathy to my practice. I specialize in supporting adults and teens navigating anxiety, trauma, and the challenges of living as neurodivergent individuals in a world that doesn’t always fit. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in evidence-based practices that honor each client’s unique story. I also hold a certificate in Human–Animal–Environment Interactions, which deepens my understanding of connection, healing, and growth.

We want to show the world that we have everything put together. Many times, we are struggling to stay afloat. Our quality of life is affected, and we find struggle in our relationships. Communication within ourselves and with others is compounded. Finding a non-judgmental and unbiased environment to process individually and/or together with partners and families can help to note the specific problem(s). By better understanding the problem, we are more successful in finding solutions. If we are informed, we are better in our decision-making. Therapy is a unique process, just like your life is unique.

If we have not contacted a professional for help, we are still doing some level of work. The work in the search for the next step. It is when we are lost in asking ourselves “How can I do better? How can I do better for myself and others?”. That’s when the next step of reaching out for help is needed. I am a therapist. I am human. I understand.

I am the Founder of EQ Therapy (eqtherapy.co), a private practice designed for high-performing clients. I also teach at NYU in their graduate mental health counseling program. My dissertation at Johns Hopkins focused on the mental health experience of intercollegiate student-athletes. I supervise therapists at EQ Therapy who are accepting new clients for individual and couples therapy. If you're a couple, college student, industry leader, entrepreneur, or athlete, schedule a session with with me today!

My educational background includes a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from The University of Texas of the Permian Basin and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Texas Woman’s University. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in TX, CO, and PA, and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in ME, as well as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in OH.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who values creating a space where you feel seen, safe, and supported. I bring both professional training and lived experience into the room, which helps me connect with clients on a genuine level. My background includes working with individuals, couples, and families navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and life transitions. I’m especially passionate about supporting clients who have felt misunderstood or silenced, and I aim to meet you with compassion, curiosity, and respect as we work together.