Kelsey Decker

As a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in Colorado, I bring over a decade of experience advocating for equity, fostering resilience, and advancing inclusive mental health care. My practice is rooted in a strengths-based, person-centered approach, guided by the belief that clients are the experts of their own lives, with the innate capacity to heal and thrive.

Specializing in trauma-informed care, I empower clients to reclaim their narratives and build resilience by providing care tailored to their unique needs and identities. My therapeutic approach integrates evidence-based modalities such as CBT, DBT, SFBT, and Motivational Interviewing, alongside experiential practices using art, music, and nature to promote healing and connection.

I have supported marginalized populations, including refugee and immigrant communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, neurodivergent clients, and those impacted by systemic oppression. My work spans nonprofits, community organizations, and clinical environments, where I have:
✔ Developed trauma-informed policies
✔ Provided cross-cultural training
✔ Addressed burnout & compassion fatigue among staff and clients alike

Recently relocated to Durango, CO, I am actively seeking clinical supervision and opportunities in group practice or integrated behavioral health settings as I work toward my LCSW licensure. My current focus is on refining my expertise in diagnostic work, treatment planning, and innovative therapeutic programs in collaborative clinical settings.

If you share my passion for empowering individuals, families, and communities—or if you know of supervision or employment opportunities—let’s connect! I’m eager to collaborate, learn, and grow in Durango’s mental health community.

As a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in Colorado, I bring over a decade of experience advocating for equity, fostering resilience, and advancing inclusive mental health care. My practice is rooted in a strengths-based, person-centered approach, guided by the belief that clients are the experts of their own lives, with the innate capacity to heal and thrive.

Specializing in trauma-informed care, I empower clients to reclaim their narratives and build resilience by providing care tailored to their unique needs and identities. My therapeutic approach integrates evidence-based modalities such as CBT, DBT, SFBT, and Motivational Interviewing, alongside experiential practices using art, music, and nature to promote healing and connection.

I have supported marginalized populations, including refugee and immigrant communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, neurodivergent clients, and those impacted by systemic oppression. My work spans nonprofits, community organizations, and clinical environments, where I have:
✔ Developed trauma-informed policies
✔ Provided cross-cultural training
✔ Addressed burnout & compassion fatigue among staff and clients alike

Recently relocated to Durango, CO, I am actively seeking clinical supervision and opportunities in group practice or integrated behavioral health settings as I work toward my LCSW licensure. My current focus is on refining my expertise in diagnostic work, treatment planning, and innovative therapeutic programs in collaborative clinical settings.

If you share my passion for empowering individuals, families, and communities—or if you know of supervision or employment opportunities—let’s connect! I’m eager to collaborate, learn, and grow in Durango’s mental health community.

I earned a Master of Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited university with a 3.80 GPA, successfully completing a rigorous graduate program that integrated clinical (micro), macro-level, and community-based social work practice. My educational experience foregrounded trauma-informed care, culturally responsive interventions, systemic advocacy, and ethical decision-making, aligning with the NASW Code of Ethics and preparing me for diverse professional roles supporting individuals, families, and communities.

Core Competencies & Advanced Skill Areas

1. Trauma-Informed Care & Clinical Practice

• Developed in-depth expertise in trauma-informed interventions, understanding the neurobiological, psychological, and social impacts of trauma on diverse client populations.

• Applied DSM-5 diagnostic criteria to conduct clinical assessments, incorporating evidence-based therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), experiential approaches, and strengths-based techniques.

• Gained proficiency in crisis intervention and suicide risk assessment, addressing acute mental health needs in high-pressure or high-stress environments.

• Specialized in couples and family therapy, including systemic approaches to resolving relational dynamics and supporting family units through change, conflict, and stress.

2. Culturally Responsive & Anti-Oppressive Practice

• Employed intersectional, anti-oppressive frameworks to promote equitable and inclusive service delivery for clients from diverse cultural, racial, socioeconomic, and faith backgrounds.

• Addressed power, oppression, and privilege issues through reflective practice and ongoing critical self-assessment, ensuring ethical, culturally appropriate interventions.

• Demonstrated competence in group facilitation and community organizing, focusing on client empowerment, participatory decision-making, and leadership development within marginalized groups.

3. Macro Social Work, Advocacy & Policy Analysis

• Completed advanced coursework emphasizing social policy analysis, systemic advocacy, and community-level change strategies, enabling me to address root causes of social problems.

• Integrated program development and community engagement principles to create, implement, and evaluate effective social services and mental health programs.

• Enhanced leadership skills through collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders, reinforcing the social work value of social justice on an institutional and policy level.

4. Research Methods & Evidence-Based Practice

• Acquired strong foundations in quantitative and qualitative research methods, program evaluation, and evidence-based social work principles to inform ethical, data-driven decision-making.

• Investigated innovative care models and trauma-informed housing solutions in graduate research, examining how to best support vulnerable populations such as refugees and individuals experiencing housing instability.

• Committed to continuous learning and professional development, staying informed on emerging research, best practices, and policy developments that impact service delivery and social work outcomes.

5. Ethical Conduct & Professional Identity

• Grounded in the NASW Code of Ethics, utilizing ethical decision-making models to navigate complex practice dilemmas in both clinical and macro contexts.

• Demonstrated a commitment to client self-determination, confidentiality, and culturally humble approaches, fostering trust and mutual respect in therapeutic and community settings.

• Exemplified high standards of professional integrity, collegial collaboration, and accountability, upheld by consistent adherence to evidence-based practice and reflective supervision.