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Trusted Mental Health Counseling Services in Helena
Counseling Associates is a private practice dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health services to individuals, couples, and families in Helena, Montana, and surrounding communities. With over 30 years of combined experience, our clinicians specialize in treating a wide range of issues including trauma, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. We offer individual, family, couples, and group therapy sessions tailored to clients of all ages.

Our practice incorporates evidence-based approaches such as CBT, DBT, and EMDR therapy to address emotional distress and promote mental wellness. We maintain a strong commitment to accessibility through telehealth services across Montana for clients facing geographical or mobility barriers. Our mission emphasizes compassionate, confidential care that empowers clients to achieve their mental health goals while maintaining the highest professional standards.
Services
Individual Counseling Couples Therapy Family Counseling EMDR Therapy Substance Abuse Counseling
Highlights and features
  • We offer over 30 years of combined clinical experience in mental health therapy
  • Our clinicians provide specialized trauma-informed care and EMDR therapy
  • We maintain strict confidentiality and ethical standards in all sessions
  • Our practice offers both in-person and telehealth appointment options
  • We utilize evidence-based treatment approaches tailored to individual needs
Services
Individual Counseling
Personalized mental health therapy addressing depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions. Our clinicians work one-on-one with clients to develop coping strategies and improve emotional well-being. Sessions focus on empowering individuals to overcome personal challenges and achieve mental wellness through evidence-based treatment approaches.
Couples Therapy
Specialized therapy for relationship challenges including communication issues and conflict resolution. We help couples rebuild trust and strengthen emotional connections through structured counseling sessions. Our approach addresses both immediate concerns and long-term relationship patterns to improve partnership satisfaction.
EMDR Therapy
Specialized treatment for trauma and PTSD using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. This evidence-based approach helps clients process distressing memories and reduce emotional distress. Our certified therapists use EMDR to treat trauma from abuse, accidents, and other life-altering events to promote psychological healing.
Substance Abuse Counseling
Comprehensive treatment for chemical dependency and behavioral addictions. Our counselors work with clients to address underlying causes of substance abuse while developing recovery strategies. The program includes individual and group therapy sessions focused on achieving and maintaining sobriety through evidence-based interventions.
Family Counseling
Therapeutic sessions addressing family dynamics and communication patterns. We help families navigate life transitions, resolve conflicts, and improve relational bonds through structured counseling. Our approach considers each family member's perspective to create healthier interaction patterns and strengthen family systems.
People
Tracy Vaughn
LCPC/LMHC
With over 20 years of clinical experience, Tracy Vaughn specializes in trauma therapy, substance abuse treatment, and sex offender counseling. She provides individual and family therapy services in Helena and Missoula, Montana, utilizing evidence-based approaches to address complex mental health issues.
Elaine Mele
DPT, SWLC
A licensed physical therapist turned mental health counselor, Elaine Mele brings 27+ years of healthcare experience to her practice. She specializes in women's health, neurodiversity, and trauma-informed care using integrative approaches that combine yoga therapy with evidence-based counseling techniques.
Questions
What types of counseling services do you offer?
We provide individual, couples, family, and group therapy sessions. Our specialties include trauma recovery, substance abuse counseling, and relationship therapy using evidence-based approaches.
Do you offer telehealth appointments?
Yes, we provide telehealth services across Montana for clients who cannot attend in-person sessions due to geographical or mobility limitations.
What should I do in a mental health emergency?
For mental health emergencies, please call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room. You can also contact the Montana Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 for immediate assistance.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Contact us at (406) 996-1034 or through our website contact form to schedule an initial consultation with one of our licensed therapists.
What insurance plans do you accept?
We recommend checking with your health plan provider about coverage details. Our office can provide documentation for potential out-of-network reimbursement.
What therapeutic approaches do you use?
Our clinicians utilize evidence-based methods including CBT, DBT, EMDR therapy, and trauma-informed care tailored to each client's specific needs and treatment goals.