Kelly Drake (LMSW)

I am a Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years experience with assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. My educational foundation include such theories as, family systems, psychodynamic, free association, and strength based concepts. The first ten years of my career focused on suicide assessment, and trauma treatment of children ages 4-17. Many of these children had severe mental illness and came from abusive homes, and from a diverse population all over the Detroit, MI area. I worked for many different community mental health agencies as well as school systems throughout this time. I wanted to join the Army after college, but was told by an Army recruiter that I would not pass the physical test due to a bad knee. After some time and investigation, I decided to join the Army as an Officer and Social Worker. The next ten years of my Active Duty career would focus on suicide risk assessment, and trauma treatment of Soldiers and their families. The military wanted a solution focused approach to treatment of Soldiers, and I would eventually adapt to this support using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy concepts to treat nightmares and sleep. I was also trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy as evidence based approach for PTSD treatment. My style is calm, collected, and perceptive. I have accurate empathy to offer, and practice with respect and dignity and privacy. I will go at your pace, but will not bullshit you about what needs to happen for change. Change comes through the relationship, and this is not the same as advice you can get from a friend. Social Work is a purpose for me, not just a job or means to some other end. I want to thank you all ahead of time for giving me the chance to know you, letting me into the most vulnerable places of your life!