Memor Health

I, Yvette Kaunismaki, MD, believe in treating the person as a whole; and all the complexities that make up a person’s life. All aspects of our life have an impact on our mood. Some of these factors include environment, support system, diet, other health issues, stressors and coping skills. I will take all of these into consideration when coming up with your individual treatment. You and I will work as a team to support your path to a balanced life. I also work with a highly qualified team of therapists that are experienced in a multitude of different therapy modalities. Medications are one therapeutic modality, but therapy allows a person to reflect on and work towards change in their thoughts, emotions and behavior patterns. All of this can lead to healing.

I am a licensed and board-certified Physician Assistant. I completed my Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience at University of Nevada Reno, and my Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at the University of the Pacific. I work with adult patients who have a variety of conditions including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use disorder. I believe our mental health is just as important as our physical health, as it impacts every aspect of our lives. My goal is to help each of my patients find a treatment plan that works well for them and creates balance to improve their quality of life. I was born and raised in Reno, and I love giving back to my community. During my free time I enjoy exploring the world with my little family, being creative, and working on as many DIY projects as my husband can handle.

I am a Nevada licensed clinical social worker as well as a Nevada licensed clinical drug and alcohol counselor with 30 years of experience. Therapy can involve harm reduction or strictly abstinent-based approaches. Clinical interventions are offered in individual sessions. Emphasis for all treatment interventions is on the importance of creating a plan of care, based on close collaboration with the client. I assist my client in articulating what life area is needing change and to be clear on what the goal would be for that desired change. Clients are encouraged to explore alternative approaches to their chosen interventions and thereby become their own ‘’experts’’ on the power of choice. Motivational interviewing is the communication style utilized in my service with clients. . A mind-body connection can be a life changer. At the end of the day we are all so much more than we appear. I hold the belief that many clients intuitively know the solution to any given life dilemma and simply are in need of the right professional environment. It is important to explore all aspects of the problem as well as any cost or benefit from the resolution. Mindfulness meditation instruction is offered with any modality of therapy.

“If we always choose comfort we never learn the full capabilities of our mind and body” – Wim Hof. Life can be very challenging and uncomfortable. However, the positive is that growth often happens during times of discomfort. I believe that sometimes people find themselves at a place in their life that is not where they thought they would be. Through therapy, there is the opportunity to develop genuine support and experience deeper levels of understanding. It is never too late to reinvent ourselves and our way of being. I believe in therapy because I have seen it work. Whether it be through finding meaning in the many difficult things we go through or working to reframe or recreate our core beliefs, I appreciate being with people through their journey. I have worked in the mental health field since 2006 and am currently a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I enjoy working with children, adolescents, and adults as well as families and couples.

I have been a social worker for 18 years with a focus on wellness and developing coping skills and strategies that are sustainable for long term use not only during times of crisis. We will talk about strategies that support ourselves with compassion as well as support our relationships with other people. I focus on strategies that are rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, values-based therapy, and Positive Psychology. With 18 years as a social worker in a hospital setting, including over ten years at the VA, my passion is supporting healthcare providers and caregivers to recover from or prevent Compassion Fatigue and Burnout. Symptoms may include anger, depression, anxiety, secondary trauma, interpersonal stress, and substance abuse I am available for individual therapy as well as group education regarding Compassion Fatigue and Burnout. I have been actively providing education on Compassion Fatigue and Burnout in our community for the last few years.

Life isn’t easy, but it’s easier if someone believes in you along the way. That’s my philosophy, to partner with you, so you’re not alone with your grief, pain, anxiety, trauma, or shame. I have nearly 25 years of clinical experience working with children, adolescents, and adults facing situations of hopelessness and helplessness such as divorce, rape, child abuse and neglect, poverty, racism, sexism, bullying, anxiety, depression, and surviving family members with mental illness. I have the greatest respect for my clients, and I view us as equal collaborators on your journey towards balance, health and peace. I am accepting of all people, utilizing all of my training, experience, and knowledge about the development and treatment of children, teens, and adults to help them successfully navigate very complex systems, such as their families, schools, colleges, courts, hospitals, and the ultimate challenge called life. Although I take client’s problems very seriously, I use a lot of humor as an aspect of my treatment approach, as I see it as a strong component of your healing. I shall be your advocate, and together you shall learn the skills to successfully revive and advocate for yourself. Never give up hope.

Therapy is a collaborative process and it is my privilege to walk alongside you on your journey of self-discovery and meeting your goals. I have experience in many different settings to include inpatient and outpatient settings with both youth and adults. I enjoy working with children (8 and up), adolescents, and adults. I have a passion for play therapy in addition to providing support to those impacted by trauma. Because each individual has their unique process it is important that treatment is also unique in order to have the most benefit for my clients.

Tifannie Sahlman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a passion for helping individuals transform their lives through holistic and innovative therapeutic approaches. With extensive training and specialization in several areas, Tifannie is dedicated to promoting mental health and well-being in her clients. As a trained Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapist (KAP), Tifannie recognizes the potential of ketamine as an adjunct to traditional therapy for treating depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. She believes in a client-centered approach and tailoring the KAP sessions to the unique needs and goals of each individual. With her guidance and support, clients have the opportunity to experience increased awareness and breakthroughs during their therapeutic journey. In addition to her training in KAP, Tifannie holds a certificate in Maternal Mental Health. She understands the unique challenges that mothers face during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Tifannie provides a safe and non-judgmental space for mothers to express their feelings and concerns, helping them navigate the emotional complexities of motherhood and build a strong support system. Furthermore, Tifannie is a Certified Daring Way Facilitator (CDWF) based on Brené Brown’s research. Grounded in vulnerability, courage and shame resilience, this transformative method allows Tifannie to help her clients cultivate authenticity and embrace their imperfections, fostering a deeper sense of self-acceptance and empowerment. Tifannie’s goal when working with clients is to create a trusting therapeutic relationship where clients feel seen, heard, and understood. With this, she encourages clients to explore the root causes of their challenges, develop healthier coping strategies, and experience transformative healing and personal growth. In her free time, Tifannie enjoys spending quality time with her husband and children, friends, being in nature, and traveling.

Shannon is an experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) specializing in working with adults of all ages. With a compassionate and holistic approach, Shannon is dedicated to supporting her clients in their journey towards emotional healing, personal growth, and overall well-being. With over 20 years of clinical experience, Shannon has cultivated a deep understanding of the complex challenges faced by adults in today’s fast-paced world. She recognizes that each individual has a unique story and tailors her therapeutic approach to meet their specific needs and goals. Through a warm and non-judgmental environment, she creates a safe space for clients to explore their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Shannon is working toward certification in Somatic Experiencing, an integrative approach that recognizes the profound connection between the mind and body. By incorporating somatic techniques into her therapy sessions, she helps clients access and process stored trauma or stress in their bodies, leading to profound healing and increased resilience. Recognizing the potential of ketamine as a powerful adjunct to traditional psychotherapy, Shannon has undergone specialized training and certification in Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy. She utilizes ketamine assisted psychotherapy in a controlled and therapeutic setting to facilitate breakthroughs in emotional processing, deepening self-awareness, and promoting profound shifts in perspective and personal growth. Shannon grew up in Reno and loves living near the mountains. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time in the outdoors hiking with her husband and dog and traveling. Whether you are seeking support for trauma, anxiety, depression, or personal growth, Shannon is here to guide you on your path towards healing and transformation. Through her skillfulness in Somatic and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, she empowers clients to navigate their inner landscape, reclaim their vitality, and discover a renewed sense of purpose and fulfillment.