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Until further notice, all appointments are conducted via video. Contact your location's admin team for more information.

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ACACIA REACH

Acacia Telehealth

California | Minnesota
323.284.6801
reach@acaciacw.com
Monday-Friday | 8AM-7PM
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Acacia Telehealth (formerly ‘Acacia Reach’) offers weekly individual, couples, and psychiatry services to college students and  their communities. Build your happy place at Acacia, on a platform that’s HIPAA-compliant right on your computer or mobile device!

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Effective

Acacia is offering the same specialized, individual, and effective care we always have but now with the luxury of being available wherever you are.

Flexible

You want to do therapy but can’t find the time? Don’t have a provider within driving distance? We provide you with access wherever you may be.

Affordable

Why pay extra money to a software company, when you can use your insurance (that you already pay for) to get counseling from a mental health company?

College can be tough, you can be tougher.

Whether you are in college now, thinking about college later, or a recent graduate, maybe Acacia is right for you. We strive to provide engaging and relatable providers, easy access to our services, and a community to connect and share your journey with.

Acacia Telehealth Team

Acacia providers have experience working with diverse clients in a variety of areas including anxiety, depression, stress management, relationship issues, attention difficulties, eating/body image concerns, identity exploration, trauma, and substance use issues.

Click on a provider to learn more about who they are and their individual specialties.

* Please note: CA = California Provider, MN = Minnesota Provider

hannahreach

Hannah Thomson

Director | LCSW
Coming Soon!

Office Manager

Coming Soon
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Joe Navarro

California Therapist | LMFT
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Dr. Tracy Ballardo

California Psychologist | PsyD
Tim Veal

Dr. Timothy Veal

California Psychiatrist | MD
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Nick Koontz

California Therapist | LMFT
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James Green

California Therapist | LMFT
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Dr. Penelope Russell

California Psychologist | PhD
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Stacy Elliot

California Therapist | LMFT
amythomson

Amy Thomson

CA Nurse Practitioner | NP
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Lindsey Robin-Chen

California Therapist | LCSW
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Lisa Ocker

MN Nurse Practitioner | NP
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Jodi Tescher

Minnesota Therapist | LICSW
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Dr. Rachelle Lisogurski

Minnesota Psychologist | PhD
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Pa Tou Vue

Minnesota Therapist | LPCC

New Providers Scheduling

These are providers that in our physical offices but are accepting new clients. Click a provider below to be directed to their page where you can sign up and start your virtual sessions!

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Jeff Burdick

Therapist | LCSW
Susan borden

Susan Borden

MN Nurse Practitioner

Video therapy & psychiatry, on your time.

Some have concerns that it might be weird and impersonal but are often surprised how connected they feel to their therapist and how enjoyable it is to do therapy in a place where you feel comfortable and safe.​

Telehealth Rates

At the time of session, you can pay with credit card or paypal although a credit/debit card is required to be on file.

Covered Costs

Out of Pocket Costs

*We accept California insurances: Anthem Blue Cross (includes UCSHIP), Aetna, Cigna, MHN (includes Health Net), and Optum. We accept Minnesota insurances: Blue Cross Blue Shield of MN, Medica/United Health Care/Optum, Health Partners, Preferred One, Aetna, and UCare. 

Pricing of services will vary by plan and will be discussed prior to your first session after our eligibility check. Not all insurance plans allow for telehealth billing. If this is the case, you will be required to pay for the session in full.

Please note, you are required to provide us with notice of cancellation at least 24 hours in advance. Failure to do so will result in late cancellation or missed appointment fee charge. Coordinate additional billing inquires with your Office Manager prior to your sessions.

Payments using our online service are for completed or ongoing sessions.
Contact your office front desk if you have additional payments you would like to make.

Appointment Request

Fill our the quick request below and we will follow up with an email within 24 hours!
If you want to fill out the Appointment Request right away, click here.

Hannah Thomson
she/her/hers| MSW, #LCSW28842

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Adjustment Issues, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, Trauma / PTSD / Childhood Abuse, Relationship Concerns, Life Transitions, Faith Transitions, Perinatal and Postpartum Adjustment, Parenting / Parenting Special Needs Children, Grief & Loss, Housing Insecurity, Substance Use

therapeutic orientation

Motivational Interviewing, Problem-Solving Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, trauma-focused therapies, mindfulness, & person-centered approaches

about me

Welcome! It's an honor to introduce myself as director of Acacia Reach. I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in California with over a decade of university and direct practice experience. I have been in leadership roles in telehealth training and services since 2011 and am happy to address any concerns you might have about how mental health services work when they are online.

My leadership style is collaborative and strengths-based. I strive to create a supportive environment for professional growth and development for staff, as well as provide the highest quality care to the people we serve. I’m looking forward to continuing to build partnerships with college communities to make services even more accessible through telehealth video-conferencing platforms.

My therapy practice is grounded in evidence-based treatment. When you first come see me, we will do an assessment together to help me understand who you are in a holistic way, which includes your intersecting identities, values, strengths, and what is important to you. I will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan that matches what you want from the therapy process. Most importantly, my goal is to listen to your story and what wellness means to you. We work together to create space to heal and grow. There is a saying that, “the longest journey is from the head to the heart.” I would be honored to partner with you on that journey.

Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, listening to music, reading good books, and spending time with family and friends.

JOE NAVARRO|#LMFT38651

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Trauma, Grief and Loss, Mood Disorders, Divorce, Parenting, Co-Parenting, Intimate Partner Violence, Child Maltreatment

therapeutic orientation

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems Therapy

about me

Throughout my many years as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I have been committed to providing the highest level of professional and compassionate care when serving individuals, couples, and families during their most difficult life challenges. I tailor my approach to therapy based on the unique needs of each person or family I get the privilege to help. My therapeutic style is Integrative or Eclectic, drawing from approaches of Humanistic Psychology, Positive Psychology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Family Systems Therapy.

My mission is to help you gain healthy balance so you may enjoy positive relationships, fulfill your life’s purpose and achieve your highest potential. I work with clients from a strength based focus while providing a safe, non-judgmental environment to learn and grow.

Dr. Tracy Ballardo
SHE/HER/HERS|#PSY31448

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Eating Disorders for adolescents & young adults, Social anxiety, Academic Stress, Identity exploration, Career/academic ambivalence, Grief/loss, Depression, & Anxiety

therapeutic orientation

Psychodynamic, Play Therapy, Creative Arts Interventions, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

about me

My doctorate is in Clinical-Community Psychology and I possess two master degrees in Psychology. I am certified in suicide prevention counseling. I am a member of International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP), National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA), Association for Play Therapy (APT), and teach several college Psychology courses.

My theoretical orientation is Psychodynamic. I enjoy helping others explore their identity and to accept all parts of themselves by acknowledging how past experiences may influence the way they think, feel, and behave. I have a direct and compassionate style of working with individuals and believe honoring one's intuition is the key to healing- whether that be through play therapy, creative art interventions, or talk therapy. I also incorporate Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to assist individuals with building coping skills to increase emotion regulation and decrease symptoms of depression and/or anxiety that may be contributing to academic stress, social anxiety, poor self-esteem and/or relationship conflict.​

On my down time, I really enjoy creative activities like painting, creative writing, or crafting projects involving photographs, collages, stickers, and washi tape. I love seeing how different objects lying around the house come together to create a beautiful art piece. For example, I save the bright colored foil of the vanilla covered fortune cookies from Panda Inn for crafting.

I also love traveling and want to visit all the different Disney theme parks around the world. I have been to the six various Disney parks in Florida and California. Being native to California, I must say that the original Disneyland remains my favorite park thus far. I can’t wait to travel to the others!

DR. TIMOTHY VEAL | #124269

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Anxiety, Depression, relationship issues, life transitions/career difficulties, mood & panic disorders, psychotic disorders i.e. bipolar, schizophrenia, personality disorders, substance abuse, PTSD, trauma related disorders, grief & loss

therapeutic orientation

Integrative approach involving components of object relational, cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic/psychoanalytic & motivational interviewing

about me

My name is Dr. Timothy Veal or Dr. Tim for short. As your psychiatrist, my goal is to work with you to achieve a sense of mastery or control over your psychiatric symptoms enabling you to find more joy, meaning and reduce unnecessary suffering. Apart from prescribing medications, I also do therapy and am currently in advanced training in psychoanalysis at the San Diego Psychoanalytic Center. My therapeutic approach is based on a psychodynamic framework which simply put means I seek to understand your psychological motivations and how they are manifesting as your symptoms. I see the use of medications as a small component to treating psychiatric conditions and feel that psychotherapy along with self-introspection in a nonjudgmental setting can produce the most change. As we work together, if medications are needed, I will discuss the risks, benefits, side effects and possible alternatives and whether or not long/short term use of medications would be beneficial.

I am originally from Boston, Massachusetts. I completed my undergraduate training in psychology at Clark University. Before deciding to go to medical school, I spent some time in biomedical research, completing my medical degree in June 2011. After medical school, I relocated to San Diego where I completed my general psychiatry residency with the US Navy. During my Navy service, I was fortunate to work in both the public/private/military sectors where I treated a wide range of patients with a wide range of mental health conditions.

As your doctor, my goal is to be a resource for you on your journey and give you the tools to become who you are and live your best life.

“Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are.”- Chinese Proverb

Nick Koontz
he/him/his|#LMFT103076

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Student-Athletes, Substance Abuse, Interpersonal Violence & Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, Child Abuse, Relationships, PTSD, Performance Stress

therapeutic orientation

Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Rational-Emotive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness

about me

Nick Koontz, LMFT has been a bilingual Marriage and Family Therapist for 10 years and specializes in working with families, adolescents, young adults, and individuals battling substance abuse and other mental health struggles. Nick is also the Director of Advocacy and a Psychotherapist in the Family Preservation Program with the Boys & Girls Clubs (BGC) in Los Angeles. Prior to joining BGC in 2018, Nick spent almost 3 years working in the Children's Hospital (CHLA) Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program in the Division of Adolescent Medicine.

Nick also has a background in teaching, coaching high school and college baseball, and playing college baseball. Nick received his undergraduate degree at Azusa Pacific University with a degree in Sports Psychology, and received his Counseling Psychology master's degree at Mount St. Mary's University with a specialization in counseling the Spanish-speaking client.

Nick still plays baseball, enjoys exercising, goes on frequent road trips, and has traveled to over 20 countries and is always seeking a new adventure.

JAMES GREEN
They/Them/Theirs | #LMFT120671

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Queer, Trans, Non-Binary Mental Health; Black Mental Health; Latinx Mental Health; Poly Relationships; Racism and Trauma; Interpersonal Violence and Trauma; Child Abuse; Sexual Abuse; Anxiety; Depression; Family Conflict; School Issues; Stress; Relationships Issues; Teen Violence; Suicidal Ideation

therapeutic orientation

Person-Centered; Multicultural; Trauma-Focused/Informed; Attachment-Based; Psychodynamic; Cognitive-Behavioral (CBT); Family Systems

about me

Hello! My name is James, and I'm happy to be able to share space with you. I am a Black, Mexican, Queer (they/them) therapist born and raised in the Long Beach area of Los Angeles County, California. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and I earned a B.A. in Sociology; Law and Society and a M.S. in School-Based Family Counseling from Cal State Los Angeles.

My work as a therapist is tied to my identity, as I've wanted to be a person who helped create safe spaces for people, especially queer and trans people of color, to find support. As your therapist, co-creating safety is key to beginning our relationship. From there, you and I will explore the reasons you came in to therapy, and the ways that I can be a support in reaching your goals- whether your goals are to overcome school stress, or to simply have a therapeutic space where your hurt and pain are valid. I use a trauma-informed approach, and the work in the session is tied to our counseling relationship.

Most of my work has been in schools, so I definitely know the ways mental health can impact your academics. With some guidance, you and I can figure out ways to manage what's in your life. I don't have "the answers" or the "perfect advice," but I'm confident that I can co-create space so that we can find those answers together. In my free-time, I'm curling up with a blanket and reading about fictional monsters (think, Ghosts, and Werewolves, and Zombies) and non-fictional monsters (think, racist politicians who defund schools in communities of color), watching WAY too much tv, or going for some jogs by the water.

Penny RUSSELL
SHE/HER/HERS | #PSY23737

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Anxiety, Child/Adolescent, Coping Skills, Depression, Domestic Violence, Emotional Disturbance, Family Conflict, Grief, Life Transitions, Stress, Suicidal Ideation, Teen Violence, Trauma and PTSD

therapeutic orientation

Attachment-based, Forensic Psychology, Humanistic, Mindfulness-based, Motivational Interviewing, Play Therapy, Psychodynamic, Trauma Focused

about me

Hello! I am very excited to be joining Acacia as they are providing a much-needed service and are doing so in a way that truly values the individuality of both the clients and the therapists. I initially discovered Acacia when I was looking for new career opportunities and again when searching for counseling services for a specialized student population at UC Berkeley.

I received my B.A. from UCSB and my M.A. and PhD in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology. I did my internship at Mills College in Oakland and worked for the County of Alameda for over 25 years. I have worked with all age groups and people of various cultural backgrounds in several different settings.

I feel grateful to be in this profession and it is always an honor to have people share their experiences and challenges with me. I meet each client where they are and work collaboratively to discover what kinds of supports and interventions work best for them.

Outside of work, I love reading, music, walking/hiking, and yoga. In non-Covid times, I enjoy hanging out with friends and family and traveling.

Stacy V. Elliot
SHE/HER/HERS | #LMFT51666

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

ADHD, Anxiety, Child and Adolescent Therapy, Substance Use, Trauma and PTSD, Women's Issues, Depression, Grief, Life Transitions, Relationship Issues, School Issues, LGBTQIA+

therapeutic orientation

Attachment-based, Clinical Supervision, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Mindfulness-based (MBCT), Somatic, Relational, Play Therapy, Strength-Based, Trauma Focused

about me

I offer a safe, warm and clear environment where sensitive issues can be explored and tangible tools implemented for making positive changes. Maybe you are experiencing challenges in relationships at home, work or school. Maybe you suffer from depression, anxiety, stress or you have yet to tap into what your heart truly desires with a sense of purpose and passion. I will help you discover new resources within yourself so you are empowered to live with more vitality and satisfaction in life.

I believe change happens in the present moment. My approach incorporates the whole person, not just your thinking but how you experience your challenges and issues and organize your body-mind in relationship to them. I offer many body-centered tools as well as art interventions, play therapy, CBT, mindfulness, and coping skill-building. My approach is strengths-based and client-centered from a psychodynamic background. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and have been practicing therapy with adolescents, teens, and young adults for 13+ years.

Outside of work, I enjoy camping, hiking, travel, dance, knitting, and watching movies.

AMY C THOMSON
SHE/HER/HERS | #PMHNP17011

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Depression, Trauma, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, Medication Management

therapeutic orientation

Cognitive Behavioral, Mindfulness, Compassion Focused

about me

Hello and welcome to Acacia.

I am a board-certified nurse practitioner in adult medicine and psychiatry, trained at the University of California, San Francisco. As an advanced practiced nurse, I provide mental health care services, including biopsychosocial assessment, diagnosis, and prescribe medication. I began working in community mental health in 1997 in San Francisco with a diverse population, moving on in 2007 to practicing community psychiatry in the Bay Area.

Utilizing a holistic approach we will develop a plan that integrates medication & supports from non pharmaceutical interventions such as mindfulness, sleep hygiene, exercise, spiritual practice, social support and psychotherapy.

My goal is more than the abatement of symptoms with evidence-based treatment but to promote healing, growth, and recovery. I listen with a sincere interest in understanding your experience and concerns. For me this way of providing care is an honor.

LINDSEY ROBIN-CHEN
SHE/HER/HERS| #LCS27370

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

LGBTQIA+, Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, Mindfulness, Adjustment Disorders, Identity/Role, Stress Management, and Life Transitions.

therapeutic orientation

My orientation combines several modalities. I have found that this is the best way to support clients and their individual and cultural needs. I believe in using a trauma-informed/culturally sensitive approach, building trust, and joining my clients in the work. I employ several modalities including but not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Seeking Safety, and several Psychodynamic practices.

about me

I'm a third generation native Angeleno who attended and obtained my Master in Social Work at NYU. I returned to LA and began facilitating psycho-educational groups that focused on Safer Sex, before transitioning to individual therapeutic work. I worked with high-risk and homeless foster youth for around 10 years, before becoming a crisis counselor and clinical supervisor for USC's School of Social Work. After that I shifter to community based mental health practice, working with families and children. I have spent over the last 15 years doing group, individual and family work; and enjoy the opportunity to help individuals grow through their challenges and witness that evolution. When I'm not at work, I'm about the Lakers.

Lisa Ocker
she/her/hers|#PMHNP-bc161143

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, ADHD

therapeutic orientation

Medication management, Supportive Therapy

about me

Hello! My name is Lisa Ocker, I am a Certified Nurse Practitioner who is qualified to practice in both psychiatry and family medicine. I can diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication and other alternative treatments for children, adolescents, and adults. Some of my practice specialties include (but not limited to) ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD and Substance Use Disorders. I am flexible and integrative in my approach in order to meet the needs and desired outcomes of each individual. I am enthusiastic to apply my experience and compassion with my clients as they address issues that will help them to improve their quality of life and attain a sense of fulfillment. I place an emphasis on providing a holistic care approach which includes consultation and collaboration with other professionals to develop the best course of treatment.

I graduated from St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN in 2011 with a Family Nurse Practitioner Degree. I worked in a diverse family practice clinic treating multiple different physical and mental health conditions. With this experience I found that most physical health conditions came with an underlying mental health component. That led me to my decision to go back to college to obtain my Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate in 2018, from Kansas University. This provided me with a better understanding of the effects that mental illness has on our body. I have worked with clients in a private practice setting, correctional facilities, and the school system. I am very excited to use my education and work experience to help my clients improve their overall health.

JODI TESCHER
SHE/HER/HERS | #LICSW11336

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

ASD, Grief, Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Coping skills, School issues, and Chronic illness

therapeutic orientation

CBT, Strength-Based, Solution-Focused, Trauma-Focused and Play Therapy​

about me

Hello! I’m happy to introduce myself as a Therapist with Acacia Reach, Telehealth in MN. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in MN. I am originally from the Northern Plains, and have lived in the North Country most of my life.

I have over a decade of experience providing clinical services to diverse individuals with a wide range of concerns. I have had experience working in telehealth, and feel it is a research based, proven method of treatment. I have worked as an adjunct and supervised students which has given me an understanding of university systems. My approach is collaborative, working with clients to determine treatment goals, and ways to measure progress to those goals. Finding new ways to process, and cope with experiences when we feel stuck becomes vital to all throughout our life.

To help me cope, I enjoy mindfully doing many things. A perfect day would be hiking to a chocolate/book and record store through a beautiful garden, laughing with friends. Also drinking coffee of course. 😊

DR. Rachelle L. Lisogurski
SHE/HER/HERS | #LP2596

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Depression, anxiety, panic disorder and agoraphobia, trauma and PTSD, anger management, social phobia, school issues, family conflict, relationship issues, self-esteem, stress, women's issues.
Additional Languages: Spanish

therapeutic orientation

Adlerian, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), culturally sensitive, family/marital, multicultural.

about me

I am a licensed clinical psychologist in the State of Minnesota and hold a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Capella University. I have worked with patients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, couples therapy and relationship issues, family problems, grief and loss, panic disorder and agoraphobia, posttraumatic stress disorder, self-esteem issues, social phobia, women’s issues, work stress, and issues related to college students. When I am not working, I enjoy practicing Spring Forest Qigong, which is based on the simple yet profound understanding that everything in the universe is energy.

My approach combines cognitive-behavioral and humanistic approaches, especially Adlerian therapy, which is a brief, psychoeducational approach that is both humanistic and goal oriented. It emphasizes the individual’s strivings for success, connectedness with others, and contributions to society. It focuses on the patient’s feelings of anxiety and examines that person’s sense of belonging. I am bilingual (English/Spanish), and as a result of my rich multicultural background and experience working with diverse socioeconomic groups, I am able to quickly build rapport and trust with my patients. My passion is to work with college students and help them succeed.

Pa Tou Vue
SHE/HER/HERS |#LPCC2479

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Depression, Anxiety, Trauma/PTSD, Domestic Violence/Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Relationship Issues, Self-esteem, Racial Identity, Stress Management/Coping, Women's Issues, Parenting
Additional Languages: Hmong

therapeutic orientation

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Culturally Sensitive, Attachment Based, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Multicultural, Person-Centered, Solution Focused, Trauma Focused

about me

I feel passionate about supporting my clients in their efforts to affect change in their lives. I strive to create a safe space for my clients to process and work through their struggles, recognize and build on strengths.

As a first generation Hmong American woman, I am conscious of my privileges as well the challenges that are present for those who experience and live with different minority identities. The focus of my work is to accompany my clients in their journey towards healing and empowerment, recognizing that each individual's path is different.

Born and raised in Wisconsin, I completed my undergraduate and graduate degrees at UW-Madison. The focus of my studies included Asian Americans, Women, History and Psychology. I enjoy spending time with my 2 sons, taking walks, hiking, playing ultimate Frisbee and playing board games with friends.