Teresa Lewis , LCSW

Teresa Lewis earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Montana in 1996 and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in 2003, a credential that denotes advanced training and clinical licensure in social work.

She brings 20 years of experience working with people of all ages across outpatient, intensive outpatient, and psychological inpatient settings. Her background as a medical social worker informs her understanding of co-occurring medical and mental health conditions and strengthens her ability to support clients facing complex health and behavioral concerns. Teresa has substantial experience treating addictions and the co-occurring disorders that often accompany them.

Teresa practices with respect for each person’s autonomy and centers therapy around the client’s goals. She employs evidence-informed methods including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and offers Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for individuals coping with anxiety, panic, PTSD, or trauma. She also uses motivational interviewing and rational emotive behavioral techniques to support motivation and change. Teresa emphasizes collaborative goal-setting and acknowledges the courage it takes to ask for help, working alongside clients to address the struggles they bring to therapy.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Teresa Lewis offers several evidence-informed approaches that translate well to online work. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people learn to accept difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to actions aligned with their values - it is often useful for stress, anxiety, and coping with life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns to reduce symptoms and build practical coping skills for depression, anxiety, sleep difficulties, and other concerns. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a trauma-focused method that supports processing distressing memories and reducing their emotional intensity and is commonly used for PTSD, panic, and trauma-related symptoms.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic journey. Teresa works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods or combination of methods best fit their needs, goals, and preferences, drawing on her training and experience as a licensed professional to adapt care as progress unfolds.

Online therapy through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or in-app messaging can make it easier to integrate therapy into busy lives, maintain continuity during transitions, and reach people who live far from traditional office settings. These options offer flexibility in scheduling and format while allowing therapists and clients to focus on practical, goal-driven work together.