Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Almy.
Chris, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I got into healthcare working as a CNA at my university’s hospital to help cover tuition and got my first taste of mental health care there. My unit took on patients from the mental health hospital when they were full and it was interesting to work with and help those people.
After getting my BA in psychology I enrolled in a master of social work program so I could continue working with people in mental and social health and used my education to become a therapist full-time.
I spent time in internships working with kids, teens, families, adults, pretty much everyone and with pretty much every group of diagnosis and disorder. I learned that kids and teens weren’t really my calling, but that it did love working with relationships, trauma, and sexuality.
My practice now focuses on those three things: overcoming trauma, cultivating healthy relationships, and developing attuned and meaningful sexuality in my clients.
I also feel drawn towards the LGBTQIA+, non-monogamous, and kink/bdsm/alternative communities and especially enjoy working with those types of individuals and relationships.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s been hard because there’s really not a how-to guide (unless you’re willing to fork out the cash, which is was neither willing nor able). It’s taken a lot of searching things out, poking around on the internet, calling insurance companies and the chamber of commerce, etc., just to figure out next steps.
I will say that the communities of therapists that I’ve been involved in have been incredibly helpful. They know how hard it is to get rolling and were gracious enough to offer up the help I needed to progress.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My specialties are in trauma therapy, sex therapy, and relationship counseling. Specifically, I enjoy working with people who are ethically nonmonogamous (ENM), people who are LGBTQIA+, and people who are involved with kink/bdsm/alternative communities and lifestyles.
One thing that sets me apart is that my specialties are all interlinked; trauma may involve sex and ruptured relationships, decaying relationships may exhibit sexual dysfunction and trauma, and sexuality may be inhibited by trauma or relational difficulties. I find that it is impossible to heal one without engaging all three.
Another thing that makes my practice unique is that I make house calls. Most therapists don’t and that’s fine for them. I believe in meeting my clients where they’re at mentally, emotionally, and also physically.
I’d like readers to know about my openness and dedication to finding individualized solutions for all of my clients. Each person and relationship is unique and deserves to be seen as such.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Racing bicycles or playing in the creek by the house I grew up in. Something special about playing in the water and catching tadpoles as a kid.
Pricing:
- Initial appointment: $160
- Standard session: $150
- 3-Day intensive relationship counseling: $3000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mountaintopmh.com
- Instagram: @mountaintopmentalhealth
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/mountaintopmentalhealth
