Counseling Services

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways:

  • Aspen View Mental Health offers in-person counseling in Greeley, Colorado for individuals, couples, and families, providing support for anxiety, depression, ADHD, substance use, and life transitions.
  • Services include short-term counseling and long-term psychotherapy, delivered by licensed LPCs, LCSWs, social workers, trauma-informed clinicians, and EMDR-trained providers.
  • What is the difference between counseling and psychotherapy? Counseling focuses on short-term, goal-based support, while psychotherapy provides deeper, long-term treatment for trauma, mood disorders, and behavioral health conditions.
  • The center offers evidence-based modalities—including CBT, DBT, ACT, EMDR, MI, and psychodynamic therapy—and accepts major insurance plans such as Aetna, Cigna, Optum, and UnitedHealthcare.
  • Aspen View serves Northern Colorado with accessible, face-to-face therapy that strengthens emotional regulation, relationships, coping skills, and resilience through life’s challenges.

Counseling in Greeley, Colorado

Access to quality mental health services in Greeley, Colorado plays a vital role in supporting emotional well-being, personal growth, and resilience through life’s challenges. At Aspen View Mental Health, we offer in-person counseling and psychotherapy services for individuals, couples, and families across Northern Colorado. Whether someone is facing anxiety, depression, ADHD, substance use concerns, relationship issues, or major life transitions, counseling can provide the structure and support needed to move forward with confidence.

Many people use the terms counseling and psychotherapy interchangeably. While they share similarities, there are important differences in focus, depth, and treatment approach. Understanding these differences can help individuals choose the most appropriate form of care based on their needs, goals, and life circumstances.

What Is Counseling?

Counseling is a short- to medium-term, goal-oriented form of mental health support that focuses on present-day challenges and practical problem-solving. It is often used during periods of life changes, stress, relationship struggles, academic pressure, grief, or transitions such as moving, career shifts, divorce, or parenting struggles.

Counseling can help individuals:

  • Develop healthy coping skills
  • Improve self-esteem
  • Navigate life transitions
  • Strengthen interpersonal communication
  • Manage stress and emotional regulation
  • Address mild to moderate anxiety and depression
  • Navigate family conflict or relationship issues

Counseling at Aspen View is offered by licensed mental health professionals including LPCs, LCSWs, social workers, and mental health clinicians. Sessions typically focus on solutions, insight, and practical strategies to improve daily functioning and emotional well-being.

What Is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy, sometimes referred to as “therapy,” is a deeper, longer-term treatment approach that focuses on understanding the underlying emotional, behavioral, and relational patterns influencing mental health. Psychotherapy is often recommended for those experiencing trauma, PTSD, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, substance use disorders, or chronic emotional distress.

Psychotherapy addresses:

  • Long-standing emotional wounds
  • Trauma and adverse childhood experiences
  • Behavioral health conditions
  • Repetitive thought patterns
  • Unresolved grief
  • Identity development
  • Emotional regulation challenges

What Is Counseling vs. Psychotherapy: Key Differences ?

While both counseling and psychotherapy are conducted by trained mental health professionals, the core distinctions include:

Counseling focuses on:

  • Present-day challenges
  • Short-term goals
  • Life transitions
  • Skill-building
  • Stress management
  • Relationship issues

Psychotherapy focuses on:

  • Deep emotional processing
  • Mental health diagnoses
  • Trauma recovery
  • Behavioral patterns
  • Long-term personality and emotional development

Many individuals begin in counseling and transition into psychotherapy when deeper issues surface. Others begin directly with psychotherapy based on clinical need.

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Individual Counseling Services in Greeley

Aspen View Mental Health provides individual counseling in Greeley, Colorado for young adults, adults, and seniors as an integral part of our program. Individual therapy is tailored to support:

  • Anxiety disorders
  • Depression
  • ADHD
  • Self-esteem challenges
  • Life changes
  • Substance use behaviors
  • Career stress
  • Academic pressure
  • Identity development

Each therapy session follows a personalized treatment approach built around the client’s goals, comfort level, mental health history, and preferred therapy style.

Family Counseling and Relationship Support

Family counseling and relationship therapy are designed to improve communication, resolve conflict, and rebuild emotional safety among loved ones. These services are highly beneficial for:

  • Parent-child relationship struggles
  • Blended family transitions
  • Conflict related to substance use
  • Caregiver stress
  • Couples experiencing disconnection
  • Communication breakdowns

Family counseling is supported by social workers, LCSWs, and behavioral health clinicians trained in collaborative problem-solving and emotional systems work.

Counseling for Life Transitions and Life’s Challenges

Life transitions often occur unexpectedly and may trigger emotional distress even when the change is positive. Counseling is well-suited for:

  • Career changes
  • College adjustment
  • Divorce or separation
  • Parenthood
  • Grief and loss
  • Relocation
  • Health changes

Counseling during these transitions helps individuals process emotions, reduce distress, and build stability.

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Counseling for Life Transitions and Life’s Challenges

Aspen View integrates evidence-based counseling and psychotherapy approaches into every treatment plan. These include:

Each approach is selected based on diagnosis, treatment goals, and personal comfort level.

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Counseling for ADHD and Behavioral Health

Counseling plays a critical role in supporting individuals with ADHD and behavioral health challenges. Through structured interventions, individuals learn:

  • Organizational strategies
  • Emotional regulation skills
  • Focus and impulse control
  • Academic and occupational coping strategies
  • Relationship skills

For clients needing additional care, Aspen View also offers referrals for medication management in coordination with medical professionals.

Why In-Person Counseling?

Aspen View provides in-person counseling in Greeley, Colorado for individuals who prefer direct, face-to-face connection with their therapist. Please note, our in-person counseling services are only offered as part of our larger IOP program. While telehealth offers flexibility, many clients find that being physically present in the same space as their provider creates a deeper sense of trust, safety, and engagement. In-person therapy can be especially helpful for those working through trauma, emotional regulation challenges, relationship issues, or moments of crisis where real-time, grounded support feels essential.

In-person counseling provides:

  • Stronger therapeutic connection through face-to-face interaction
  • A structured, distraction-free therapy setting
  • Greater emotional attunement and nonverbal communication
  • Increased accountability and consistency in attendance
  • Immediate support during intense emotional moments
  • A sense of routine and separation between daily stress and healing work

For many people, physically showing up for therapy becomes a powerful part of the healing process itself—reinforcing commitment, self-care, and personal growth.

Admissions Process

We know that asking for help takes courage. Getting in touch is the first step. We’re here for you, no matter what. Once submitted, our admissions team will be in touch within 24 hours.

Or call us directly to get started: 970-717-1830

First Name(Required)
Last Name(Required)
SMS Consent

Initial assessment and medication evaluation

Making sure that you or your loved one are assessed for optimal care.

Individualized treatment plan

We craft a treatment plan tailored to suite your individual needs.

Medication management

Our clinicians make sure that you access the medication you need.

Follow up psychiatry visits

We make sure you or your loved one are taken care of after your stay.

Getting Started

We know that asking for help takes courage. Getting in touch is the first step. We’re here for you, no matter what. Once submitted, our admissions team will be in touch within 24 hours.

Or call us directly to get started: 970-717-1830

First Name(Required)
Last Name(Required)
SMS Consent

How It Works

At Sierra Meadows, we provide personalized treatment designed just for you, ensuring a safe and supportive environment every step of the way.

1. Initial Assessment and Medication Evaluation

Making sure that you or your loved one are assessed for optimal care.

2. Individualized Treatment Plan

We craft a treatment plan tailored to suit your individual needs.

3. Medication Management

Our clinicians make sure that you access the medication you need.

4. Follow up Psychiatry Visits

We make sure you or your loved one are taken care of after your stay.

Counseling for Substance Use & Co-Occurring Disorders

Counseling supports individuals navigating:

Counseling may function independently or as part of an outpatient treatment model in coordination with medical providers and recovery services.

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Insurance, Medicaid, Medicare & Payment Options

Aspen View Mental Health accepts many insurance plans, including but not limited to:

  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Optum
  • UnitedHealthcare

Our intake team assists with insurance verification and benefits coordination to reduce financial stress.

Who Provides Counseling at Aspen View?

Counseling and psychotherapy services are delivered by licensed mental health professionals, including:

  • LPCs (Licensed Professional Counselors)
  • LCSWs (Licensed Clinical Social Workers)
  • Social workers
  • Behavioral health clinicians
  • Trauma-informed therapists
  • EMDR-trained providers

Every provider follows ethical, evidence-based guidelines for safe, compassionate treatment.

When Should You Seek Counseling?

You may benefit from counseling if you’re experiencing:

  • Ongoing stress or overwhelm
  • Difficulty managing emotions
  • Relationship conflict
  • Low self-worth
  • Behavior changes
  • Academic or work struggles
  • Grief or traumatic experiences
  • Substance use concerns
  • Family tension

Counseling is appropriate at any stage of emotional difficulty, not only during a crisis.

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Counseling in Greeley at Aspen View Mental Health

Aspen View Mental Health provides counseling services in Greeley, Colorado, supporting individuals and families through life’s challenges with compassion, clinical excellence, and flexible care options.

We proudly serve Northern Colorado with in-person therapy, accepting a wide range of insurance plans and offering inclusive, affirming care for all backgrounds.

If you or a loved one is struggling emotionally, help is available right here in your community. Call Aspen View Mental Health today to schedule a confidential counseling consultation and take the first step toward improved well-being.

Picture of Reviewed by: Matthew Tatum, PsyD

Reviewed by: Matthew Tatum, PsyD

Dr. Tatum received his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Rosemead School of Psychology. He has extensive experience developing and expanding behavioral health services, including residential, detoxification, and outpatient programs. As CEO of Sierra Meadows, his focus is on expanding access to care for the Central Valley.

Alyssa Green
Business Development Representative

Bio coming soon. 

Megan Oliveira
Director of Business Development

Megan comes to Aspen View with over a decade of experience working in strategic development and social impact in the non-profit, NGO, and foreign aid sector. She was a film producer at MSNBC and produced documentary and docu-series projects during her time there. Megan has a passion for helping underserved communities access the mental health and recovery resources they need.  She is a graduate of the University of San Diego with a bachelor’s degree in Rhetoric and a minor in Business Administration, she also lettered in Division 1 Soccer while at USD. She was born and raised in Central California and is returning to the area after working in the Bay Area and Los Angeles for the last 20 years. She values spending time with her family and weekend trips to Shaver Lake.

Jessica Varner, LPC, LAC - Lead Therapist at Aspen View Mental Health
Jessica Varner, LPC, LAC
Therapist

Jessica L. Varner is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Addictions Counselor (LAC) with over a decade of experience in the field of mental health. She received her master’s degree in clinical counseling in 2012 from the University of Northern Colorado and became a Licensed Addictions Counselor in 2018.

Dr. Nathan Swisher - Clinical Director at Aspen View Mental Health
Dr. Nathan Swisher
Clinical Director

Nathan Swisher, PsyD is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and Certified Addiction Specialist in Colorado. He earned his Doctorate of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (2011) from Rosemead School of Psychology, Biola University, an APA-accredited program in California. At Rosemead, he was trained in psychological assessment and multiple psychotherapy models in a variety of clinical settings. Dr. Swisher returned to his home state of Colorado to complete his full-time internship in a community mental health setting. More recently, he has worked in community mental health and private practice in Greeley. Dr. Swisher is motivated to improve easy access to quality mental health services in Greeley and the surrounding areas.

Dr Matthew Tatum, Psy.D - CEO at Aspen View Mental Health
Dr. Matthew Tatum
Chief Executive Officer
Matthew Tatum, PsyD received his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Rosemead School of Psychology. Early in his career, he played a key role in helping develop two integrated behavioral health departments for Federally Qualified Health Centers in Fresno County. In 2015 he assumed the Executive Director role at First Steps Recovery. There he grew a single, six bed residential drug and alcohol treatment center into a six bed detoxification facility, 16 bed residential treatment center, partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient program, and 30 bed sober living program. Expanding services such as this is a passion and life’s work for Dr. Tatum. His goal for Aspen View Mental Health is to expand services to the entire area and be able to provide care for all those in need.