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Actualize Psylutions
***NOTICE: We are out of the office 6/27-7/14; upon our return, we will reply to messages in the order received***
Who We Are - Meet the team
Nick Paulakis, LMHCA, NCC
(He/him/his)
Nick is a mental health counselor with a passion for supporting children, adolescents, and veterans. After over ten years serving in the U.S. Air Force, working with and training young airmen, he brings over a decade of experience working in public schools as a teacher and an Elementary School Counselor. Nick understands the unique challenges young people face and strives to create a safe, nurturing space where they can grow emotionally and socially.
Nick specializes in working with kids, incorporating child-centered therapy and art therapy techniques to help children express themselves in creative and meaningful ways. He enjoys guiding clients through challenges such as anxiety, ADHD, and emotional regulation by focusing on their strengths and fostering self-confidence. His approach is compassionate, play-based, and tailored to each child’s needs, helping them develop the tools they need to thrive.
Believing in the importance of inclusivity and respect, Nick is supportive of all lifestyles and works to ensure that every child and family feels seen, heard, and valued. His goal is to build trusting relationships that empower young clients to navigate their emotions and experiences with resilience.
Darla Carpenter, LICSWA, SUDP
(She/her/hers)
In addition to earning a master's degree in social work and being a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker Associate (LICSWA), Darla is certified by Washington State's Dept. of Health as a Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP). She currently works with adults (only) concerning substance abuse issues and provides couples and marriage counseling. She utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy (PCT), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) as well as Strength-Based Interventions SBI). In Darla's own words:
'Do you feel lost, uncertain, unmotivated like your life has stalled? In our counseling partnership, your needs and aspirations take center stage. Collaboratively, we will identify your unique strengths and concerns, crafting a personalized plan to support you in achieving your objectives. Throughout our sessions, you can expect unwavering support, empathy, and understanding as we navigate towards a more meaningful and purposeful life. Your well-being and progress are paramount, and I am wholeheartedly committed to being your ally throughout this transformative journey. Together, we can explore ways for our growth, self-discovery to facilitate lasting positive changes. I am enthusiastic about working with you and witnessing the incredible transformation that lies ahead. Your empowerment and success are the cornerstones of our collaboration, and I am eager to support you on this path of self-improvement and fulfillment.'
Madison Jennings, LMHCA
(She/her/hers)
Madison Jennings, LMHCA, is a dedicated mental health professional with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. Over the past year and a half, Madison led an intensive outpatient program for teens struggling with depression and anxiety. In this role, she worked closely with individuals to help them navigate the complex impact of mental health challenges, process trauma, and explore gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation—issues which are increasingly relevant for today’s youth.
Madison is passionate about supporting teens and young adults as they face life’s complexities, helping them build resilience and confidence in their choices. As an LGBTQ+ therapist, she prioritizes creating a safe and affirming environment where clients feel comfortable exploring their unique identities. Madison’s commitment to the LGBTQ+ community extends beyond her clinical work; she volunteers by running PFLAG Safe Socials for queer adults, fostering connection and support within the community.
Madison is accepting of all lifestyles and beliefs, and her work centers on empowering individuals to embrace their authentic selves while promoting self-confidence and personal growth.
Jennifer Kapelos, MS-Psy, LMHCA
(Her/she/hers)
In her own words: "I find working with those who experience trauma rewarding in that recovery is possible and it is rewarding to not be haunted by the past. Most mental health issues stem from some kind of trauma."
Jennifer began working in the mental health field in 1990. She has worked with children as young as 3 years old and adults up to age 90. She possesses a master's degree in psychology as well as one in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Jennifer loves utilizing animals in therapy because they are extremely resourceful. She sees individuals who are experiencing anxiety, panic, depression, OCD, and self-esteem pain. Jennifer uses a trauma processing technique that involves learning about the brain through grounding-techniques and mindfulness skills.
She has a deep passion for assisting people experiencing suicidal ideation and those who engage in self-harm (i.e. cutting or burning). For the past five years Jennifer has worked in WA at several locations in order to include horses and other animals as adjuncts to solution-focused and talk therapies. She has a unique barn/pasture "offices" for in-person services plus sees clients online.
Nicholas Navarro, MS, LMHCA
Nicholas Navarro has a passion for serving and helping individuals become the person they want to be through evidence-based practices. He has experience working as a School Based Mental Health Counselor and completed his School Counseling internship at a Yakima-area middle school.
He possesses advanced experience in the fields of marketing and communication which enhances his application of therapeutic modalities.
Nicholas primarily utilizes a person-centered approach coupled with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Additionally, he is trained in CBT-Plus by psychocultural experts with the University of Washington.
Nicholas works out of Yakima/Moxee, WA. He offers telehealth services to anyone residing in WA. He accepts most insurances as well as private pay.
Please email YesActualize.com to inquire about scheduling with Nicholas.
Kelsi-Lyn Smith Milligan, MSW
(She/Her/Hers)
A self-defined "sparkly social worker," Kelsi-Lyn has been in social work for over 12 years. She graduated with her Master's in Social Work (MSW) from Eastern Washington University (2013). She has experience in direct case management, personal coaching, low-income housing advocacy, crisis counseling/intervention. She has facilitated various groups: young expectant mothers, young parents/families, and those experiencing addiction and/or co-occurring disorders. Kelsi-Lyn led groups as well as practiced independently regarding gender affirmation, gender/sexual identities, LGBTQIA+ empowerment, emergency domestic violence (DV) counseling, teen body image, and anxiety. As an MSW, Kelsi-Lyn earned certificates in disability studies and school social work. She has advanced experience with teens, motherhood/pregnancy, and pregnancy-loss. She is certified and trained by Attachment Parenting International & Circle of Security, has experience with elderly and memory care, and resource management. Kelsi-Lyn also served as a lactation peer-counselor & an art-therapy teacher. This talented social worker helped develop a telehealth case management program! For years, she has worked in mindfulness, art/self-expression, and person-centered approaches. Kelsi-Lyn embodies the Empowerment model of social work, supporting individuals & families. Kelsi-Lyn is located in Spokane, WA w/roots in Benton Co. She offers telehealth services to clients located in Washington or Idaho. She joyfully empowers clients to self-advocate and take ownership of therapeutic processes. She continues learning innovative approaches to happiness and goals-realization.
Dr. Ted Carroll, PhD, NCC, LMHC-S, RHT
(He/him/his)
Dr. Ted Carroll leads the team. He serves as agency owner, lead counselor, and clinical supervisor. His experience enables us to offer effective outpatient, individualized, psychological and para-therapeutic care.
Upon availability, Dr. Carroll offers in-person care in Richland, WA (the greater Tri-Cities area) as well as telehealth services to anyone in WA.
Dr. Carroll and the Actualize team assist with most life-issues, stressors, and mental health conditions. They provide specialized services to individuals, couples, families, and professionals.
Find him on Wa State Dept. of Health's Official APPROVED SUPERVISOR List: Supervisor Directory - Mental Health Counselor | Washington State Department of Health
Dr. Carroll's credentials include:
PhD - Counselor Education & Supervision (CES)
Professional Researcher & Clinical Supervisor (DOH- WA approved supervisor for licensure hours)
Licensed MH Counselor-Sup. (LMHC-S) WA - LH61050462
Registered Hypnotherapist (RHT) WA - HP61066617
Nat'l Certified Counselor (NCC/NBCC) USA - 1231775
Our Treatment Focus
Our focus is to help individuals heal, energize, and become aware of their inner strengths. We achieve this by providing a neutral safe space, listening to your concerns, and taking action.
Our Promise
We are determined to help you achieve the change(s) that you want and discover your truest self. Our goal is to help you grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, and move forward to where you want to be in your life.