Kayla Wilson, LMSW, is another recent clinician to Rivia Mind, though she’s been working as a licensed master social worker (LMSW) in the field of mental health since 2016. She focuses on perinatal mental health and substance abuse disorders with both empathy and a wealth of skill and knowledge. We’re proud to have Kayla on our team.
We spoke with Kayla recently about her mental health career and her time with Rivia Mind. Here’s what she had to say.
Education & Background
Kayla grew up in a small town outside of Binghamton, New York, and received her master’s degree in social work from Binghamton University in 2015 — right before moving to Tennessee. “I graduated on a Saturday and moved to Tennessee on the following Monday,” she described. She obtained her LMSW in Tennessee in 2016 and worked there for four years before moving back to New York. She obtained licensure in New York in 2020 and has remained in New York since then.
But why social work, and particularly mental wellness? Much of it had to do with the time in which she graduated high school and what she saw from her friends and community during college, in which she initially pursued a career in public relations.
“A lot of my friends were joining the military after we graduated high school and being deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. They were coming home while I was in my undergrad program…with serious mental health conditions and weren’t getting the necessary health. I wanted to make a difference in the community and decided to make the transition from public relations to social work.”
Specialty & Approach To Therapy
Kayla sought and earned a certification through Postpartum Support International in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C) after her own experience with postpartum depression after the birth of her first child.
“It’s a lonely, scary experience,” she said. “I wanted to be able to better provide services to birthing parent’s who were experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.” Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMAD) refer to a group of mental health disorders that can be experienced from the time of conception to one year postpartum. They go beyond postpartum depression and anxiety and can also include:
- OCD
- Psychosis
- Peripartum onset bipolar disorder
- PTSD
This is where Kayla’s work begins. “Therapy can improve these disorders by providing support and treatment to identify cognitive distortions, worries, or obsessions that need to be corrected. Therapy will teach the birthing parent new ways of thinking and behaving to lessen the symptoms they are experiencing.”
She also chose her specialization in substance use disorders due to the number of military veterans who returned from war and developed substance misuse as a way of self-medicating their trauma.
She described her approach to therapy as “rooted in empathy, respect, and collaboration.” “I believe in creating a safe and non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences freely.” She utilizes a number of therapy modalities to achieve this goal, including: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), internal family systems therapy (IFS), interpersonal therapy (IPT), and solution-focused therapy.
Working With Rivia Mind
Kayla offers telehealth therapy services to New York and Florida with Rivia Mind. We asked what she enjoyed most since joining Rivia Mind. She answered, “I enjoy the support from coworkers and how easy it is to contact one another for support.”
We appreciate all of Kayla’s support, too!
Advice To Those New To Therapy
Everyone is new to therapy at one point, and many patients want a bit of advice before they find their mental health provider or begin therapy. Here’s what Kayla had to say:
“Selecting a mental health provider is an important decision. The first step is to identify what specifically you are wanting treatment for: anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, etc. Knowing this will help you identify a therapist that can meet your needs. Research providers, their specialties, approaches and experience. Check in with your provider after the first few sessions; tell them what you are enjoying about the therapy they are providing and what isn’t matching what you feel you need.”
She also says of therapy: “Set realistic expectations! Know that therapy isn’t a quick healing process and to see, feel and experience change can take some time. It is also a lot of work on the part of the client. It entails being vulnerable, open and honest with yourself and your provider.”
Self-Care For the Clinician
At the end of the day, after Kayla finishes supporting her clients, she has to decompress and practice self-care like everyone else. What does that look like for Kayla? “I love to spend time with my family. I am obsessed with reality TV, specifically anything on Bravo! During the summer I enjoy going to the lake and spending time on the boat.”
Looking for a skilled and compassionate clinician like Kayla Wilson to help begin your mental health journey? Rivia Mind is here for you. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.
