Our Services
Friendship Matchmaking
There’s a loneliness epidemic in America that’s exacerbating the mental health crisis amongst youth. Teens and young adults are craving genuine connection but lack of transportation and social anxiety frequently present barriers to finding and cultivating it.
As a school counselor during the COVID-19 Pandemic, fostering new friendships online was a significant part of my role, and it led to the first version of my Friendship Matchmaking program.
Today, I have updated the program and will be running it multiple times throughout the year, matching potential new friends based on:
-Age
-Identity (when desired, including LGBTQIA+, neurodivergence, religion, etc.)
-Interests
-Social tendencies (assertive/passive, in-person/virtual communication style, etc.)
-Views on friendship as a whole
-Need for/willingness to offer patience and emotional support as a friend
Included in the program:
Two potential friendship options curated by me, a licensed therapist.
Folder of icebreaker/getting-to-know-you prompts and activities
Facilitated introduction by me, including up to 30 minutes of conversational support in a group chat/call
Price: $50, with limited sliding scale options.
For an additional $10, I will provide follow up with friendship matches once a week for the next two weeks to support continued communication and follow-through.
Age ranges served:
10-13
14-18
19-29
30-40
Case Management
Our understanding of mental health and the mind-body connection is developing at a rapid rate, and social media has increased the general public’s awareness of these developments. On the whole, this is a very positive thing! However, for the layperson attempting to find mental health support, there is more information and misinformation to sift through now than ever before.
This is where the case management services offered by Karen Ackiss Counseling and Wellness are invaluable. I, Karen Ackiss Klepzig, am a licensed clinical mental health counselor with expertise in researching and facilitating appropriate primary and supplementary services for various mental health conditions experienced by teens and young adults. There are many services that work well in addition to- or instead of- individual talk therapy, and my experience and networking makes me uniquely qualified to offer recommendations of such services.
Due to my experience in both school counseling and school-based therapy, I have skill in creating and advocating for school mental health/behavioral plans, consulting with psychiatrists and psychologists, and fostering communication between various providers and parties involved in clients’ care. As a therapist specializing in neurodivergent clients, case management also includes addressing sensory needs by assisting the client in finding good-fit tools and supports from a variety of curated options.
Every case management client will begin work with me through an initial interview wherein client context, preferences, reported symptoms, and mental health history are assessed. I will also work with the client to explore their sensory needs. Following this interview, a list of recommended supports will be provided to the client or client’s guardian for their consideration. Their feedback will enable me to put in referrals to desired providers/services.
Cost of service: $300, payment plans available
The following are services that are available for an additional cost:
-Facilitated communication between providers and client/client’s guardian for a set period of time.
-School or work accommodation advocacy, including school meeting attendance or written recommendations.
Please note:
This is not a therapy service, or psychological testing. This is a consultation, advocacy, and facilitation service informed by clinical counseling experience.