Our Staff

Dr. Jamia Jacobsen, PhD, PsyD, LCSW, LMFT, LCAC is the Chief Executive of American Behavioral Counseling LLC and oversees the company’s four central Indiana locations. She received her Ph.D., Masters, and B.S. degrees from Indiana University, and her Doctor of Psychology from Newport University. She was an Indiana University professor for 15 years, teaching in the psychology and education departments. Dr. Jacobsen was an early proponent of counseling for people with addictions and has worked tirelessly in this area to help others. She is a past recipient of the prestigious “Keystone Award” from Indiana University and was selected by President Ronald Reagan for the Child Abuse and Neglect National Board.

Dr. Jacobsen holds membership in Indiana Association of Addiction Professionals (IAAP), the National Association of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselors (NAADAC), the Indiana Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (IAMFT), the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), and the National Association of Social Workers. She also is licensed in Clinical Addictions (LCAC), Clinical Social Work (LCSW), and Marriage and Family Therapy (LMFT) in Indiana. Dr. Jacobsen is an Approved Supervisor for AAMFT and an Approved Supervisor for Alcohol and Addictions. She has written seven books and has been published in hundreds of journal articles, papers, and book chapters.

Dr. Jacobsen and her husband have five children, fifteen grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren. She enjoys a variety of sporting events, gardening, needle point, and playing with her rescue dog, a Pug named Ling Ling. Ling Ling also serves as a therapy dog for American Behavioral Counseling patients.

Dr. Paul Smith, PhD, HSPP. Dr. Smith is a life-long Hoosier, who grew up in Indianapolis, attended parochial elementary school and graduated from Brebeuf Preparatory School in 1970. He graduated from Wabash College, in 1974, majoring in Psychology and Political Science, and then obtained a Master of Science degree in Education Psychology from Purdue University. His first professional position was as a Behavioral Clinician with the Indiana Department of Correction. In 1980, he began the PhD program in School Psychology at Indiana University, obtaining the degree in 1988. In 1994, he was licensed as a Health Provider in Psychology (HSPP).

During his professional career, he served as the Marion County Superior Court Juvenile Division Court Psychologist and also worked at several community mental health facilities including Gallahue Mental Health Center, Methodist Behavioral Health and Ascension St. Vincent Stress Center. Dr. Smith provided psychological evaluation and treatment services for all ages of clients, with all types of mental health diagnosis.

He served as a psychologist at the Indiana Girls School and the Marion County Jail II, as well as a psychologist with Vericare, where he evaluated and treated clients in assisted living and skilled nursing facilities throughout central Indiana.

A former school psychologist with the Indianapolis Public Schools, Dr. Smith maintains a solo private practice. He has been affiliated with Miller Care Group since 2012, providing services in-home and in- office. Most recently, his practice has expanded to include clients undergoing treatment for opioid and substance abuse and those in pain management treatment.

Married to wife, Terri, since 1977, he has three wonderful sons. The family's activities include daily spiritual devotions, involvement in school activities, sports, outings and vacations. He and his wife enjoy movies, dinner theater and the arts.

Mohammed Al-hamed, BS, MS, NCE, TempLMHCa, in Nov 2022. Known as “Momo” to many people, he earned a BS degree in Psychology and MHC in Mental Health Counseling. He graduated from Walden University, in their Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. Momo is a certified in MOCA testing.

He received his undergraduate degree from Indiana University Purdue University in Indianapolis (IUPUI) In 2018, where he began his college journey as a chemistry student. He soon realized that his passion was helping people, thus changing his major to psychology.

His first post college job involved working as a registered behavior technician (RBT), conducting applied behavior analysis(ABA) therapy with children on the autism spectrum.

“Momo” enjoys seeing friends, playing soccer, watching TV, playing video games and cooking.

Penny Burt, BS, MS, CMHC awaiting licensure, has a background working with children and has her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education and Bachelor's in Early Childhood Administration. She taught in that field for 20 years and has been trained in Conscious Discipline.

Penny currently has a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is also working on becoming certified as a Parent Child Interaction Therapist, to help parents learn how to positively engage with their children. Penny works with clients of all backgrounds, ages, ethnicities and cultures and helps clients with grief, anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health issues. Therapy focus includes Person centered approach (with individuals), Solution Focused therapy, Brief solutions focused therapy, CBT, DBT, ACT and mindfulness . Penny also uses some Gottman techniques in Couples therapy.

She is an author, actress and enjoys traveling (especially to the beach), spending time with her grandsons, sons, and husband. Penny also loves to cook and teaches cooking classes in her free time.

Denise Campbell, BS, MS Psychology/Addiction Counseling, has completed her master’s degree in Addiction Counseling from Purdue Global University. She received her undergraduate in Behavioral Science from Indiana University in 2003. After her bachelor’s degree, she worked in the medical field before becoming a stay-at-home to her two boys. During the twelve years Denise spent focusing on raising her two children, she also officiated IHSAA volleyball, coached track and field, and volunteered. She feels like her whole life has been leading up to a career in helping others that struggle with drug and alcohol problems, eating disorders, anxiety, and other behavioral issues. She believes everyone has the capacity to lead the lives they dream of, and Denise is passionate about helping others in their journey.

In her spare time Denise enjoys yoga, boating, playing pickleball with her husband, dog sitting her favorite furry friends, and traveling.

Denise is certified in CCAR Recovery Coach, Prime for Life, SASSI, and MoCa.

Courtney Chandler received her BS in Brain and Behavioral Science from Purdue University. Courtney graduated from Purdue University Global to obtain her master’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Addictions. Once she has completed her degree, Courtney will work on obtaining her Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor license. Courtney has several years experience working in the recovery community and has a passion for providing the adolescent population with the extra support they often need.

Courtney has two kitties that she loves to spoil. When she isn't working, she often has her nose in a book and a coffee in her hand!

Diana Clarke, BS, MS, NCC, Temp LMHC, is currently a Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with more than 6,000 hours of experience within the mental health field. She has worked for multiple mental health organizations ranging from case management to promoting patient recovery and well-being at psychiatric treatment facilities. Her areas of focus include anxiety, depression, suicide prevention, trauma, grief, addiction recovery, life transitions, self-esteem, stress management, and individual empowerment.

She incorporates strength-based approaches within each counseling session; utilizing a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and other evidence-based modalities to help clients get unstuck from negative patterns. Her goal is to provide a therapeutic environment where clients feel welcome, safe, valued, understood, and supported while working toward their desired goals.

Diana has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Phoenix and holds a master’s degree from Walden University. She is a member of the American Mental Health Counselor Association (AMHCA) and is certified as a military casualty response and family crisis team member. She has passed the DCC test for therapists.

As a relatively new resident of Indiana, she enjoys learning about the community and volunteering for the local American Red Cross Disaster Team and Alzheimer’s Association.

Working from a multicultural and social justice framework, Diana advocates for systems-level change and strives to increase resilience within diverse communities. Her areas of focus include anxiety, depression, suicide prevention, trauma, grief, addiction recovery, life transitions, self-esteem, stress management, and individual empowerment. Outside of the office she enjoys practicing mindfulness, paddle boarding, and attending live music events. Incorporating music into therapy can play a powerful role in helping clients navigate feelings that are beyond words and enhance their emotional state.

Diandra Coffee, BS, MS, LMHCA, is a graduate of Indiana Tech, Fort Wayne in October 2018. She is currently a master's student in the Martin University's Community Psychology Program, while interning at American Behavioral Counseling, LLC. She enjoys working with clients to facilitate healthy life changes, by utilizing a combination of Cognitive Behavioral, Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-focused Therapy, and other evidence-based modalities. The goal is to evoke a sense of hope and expectation and to help the client to realize their potential and find the courage to move forward.

She has experience working with a diverse population, from children to adults with behavioral challenges, trauma, depression, anxiety, substance and alcohol recovery, grief, and loss.

She is an advocate for self-care and self-awareness. She enjoys mediation, reading, baking, crafting live entertainment, traveling, smiling, spending time with her dog "Milo", and exploring the world around her.

Matthew Cyra, BS, MS, is a PsyD doctoral student intern from the University of Indianapolis. He grew up in Wisconsin and obtained his BS in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and MS from Miami University (OH). He has experience for two years working in residential care in Wisconsin with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Matthew has interest in a variety of conditions and has worked primarily with anxiety disorders including eating disorders, OCD, trauma, and depression in the past. He also has an interest in sport psychology. In his free time Matthew likes to run, play golf, watch sports and play board games.

Brandy Doss, AAS, BS, HCM, MS, MOCA, CMHC, awaiting licensure with Biblical Studies certificate, Graduated with a master’s degree in community psychology in December, 2022. She on the licensing track to become a licensed mental health counselor LMHCa. She is an inspiring Elder in ministry meaning she teaches, preaches, and counsels. She is also a holistic health coach. She has been in the medical field for over 18 years. She provided patient care in OBGYN, Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, and lab for over 14 years as a medical assistant. She has an associate degree in applied science. She also has a bachelor’s degree in health care management. She has completed the certificate of Biblical Studies in ministry. She has worked with the youth ministry, women’s ministry and volunteered at the Julian Center for Battered Women. She is interested in counseling because of her own heartaches and tormenting traumatic events she has experienced in her personal life. She has overcome the death of a spouse, a child being shot, and child molestation. She understands challenges and how to overcome them with higher power, counseling, prayer, and exercise. She believes in humanistic therapy" which adopts a holistic approach that focuses on free will, human potential, and self -discovery." She also believes in cognitive therapy which "challenges a person’s negative patterns of self." She enjoys singing, dancing, exercising, traveling, sightseeing, painting, word searches, listening to music and reading.

Michael Kura, BS, MS (Clinical Psychology), PhD Intern at St. John’s University, has spent 36 years as a clinician providing Substance Abuse & Mental Health services to adults, children, and youth. He earned his Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. He is a former field instructor for Social Work students at Ind/Purdue University, School of Social Work. Mr. Kura is certified by the SASSI Institute for Intervention and Administration for Substance Abuse Testing. Prime for Life and MOCA among other certifications.

Tammy (T.J.) Lesher, PsyD, HSPP earned her doctorate in clinical psychology with a concentration in adult psychopathology and psychotherapy from the University of Indianapolis. She specializes in assessments related to diagnostic clarification and treatment recommendations, including educational assessments and emotional, behavioral, and personality functioning assessments. She also conducts substance abuse assessments. In terms of therapy, Dr. Lesher has expertise and specializes in working with adults struggling with addiction. She also enjoys working with adults presenting with anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, and personality disorders. She takes an integrative approach to therapy that draws on strategies from client centered approaches, motivational interviewing, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Her aim is to create a safe and supportive space for clients to work through struggles and to make lasting changes.

Desarae LeShore, BS, TESOL certification, MS Intern graduated from Purdue University- West Lafayette with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services. She is currently a master's student in the Addiction Psychology program at Purdue University Global and interning at American Behavioral Counseling, LLC. Once she is complete with her degree, Desarae will work on obtaining her Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor license and licensed Professional Counselor License.

Desarae has experience working with individuals from different backgrounds. After graduating undergrad, Desarae worked as a Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT) working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). She worked with this population for a 2 years Desarae went to South Korea to work as an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher for three years. After returning to the US, Desarae began working as a Birth Doula and Childbirth Educator, something she's extremely passionate about. Desarae hopes to continue to work with children and birthing individuals within her future practice. Desarae is coordinator of the East Office IOP.

In her spare time, Desarae enjoys yoga, traveling, cooking, spending time with family and friends, playing tennis, binge watching shows (especially Game of Thrones which she has seen over 6 times).

Mr. Ling Ling Jacobsen serves as Therapy Dog at American Behavioral Counseling. He has successfully completed obedience training and passed his Canine Good Citizen test with flying colors. He loves to be of service and studies show that petting him could lower blood pressure and elevate one's overall mood. He enjoys naps, treats, belly rubs, traveling with Dr. Jacobsen and visiting with all the clients and staff at American Behavioral Counseling.

Beverli Mason, BS, MS Psychology, LMHC, CSAYA has worked in the social services and counseling fields for nearly 20 years. She is licensed in mental health and clinical addictions and is a credentialed sexually abusive youth clinician. She has worked specifically with victims of human trafficking, domestic violence, severe mental health populations, and sexually maladaptive behaviors populations. She also works with the LGBT population, serious illness population including HIV clients, addicted individuals, and polysubstance users.

In 2019, Eddieana graduated Magna Cum Laude from Purdue University Global with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Forensic Psychology. Eddieana is currently in the Clinical Mental health of counseling program at Walden University. Eddieana has a certificate of Completion in Course for Violence-Domestic Violence, Psychological First Aide for disaster and Crisis emergencies, and multiculturalism.

For over 10 years, Eddieana has had the opportunity of working in groups with individuals diagnosed with depression, Anxiety, Bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia, Autism, survivors of domestic violence, recovering addicts of substance and drug abuse. Eddieana's passion for change has kept her involved and volunteering with churches and domestic violence centers throughout Indy over the last 8 years. Through volunteer opportunities she has had the pleasure of being hands on with the community and seeing first hand needs that still need to be met.

Overall, Eddieana loves to service her community and plans to utilize several different treatment approaches from Solution Focused Therapy, Person Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Exposure Therapy due to the knowledge that everyone needs are different but a meaningful life is the end result.

Eddieana enjoys spending time and educating her three children on life and living, she also likes hanging out with family and friends, working out including Zumba, Kangoo jumps, taking long walks with fiancé, traveling, shopping, and maintaining self-care.

Elisha J. Murphy, MSW, LSW has a medical background and has obtained her Associate of Science in Medical Assisting in 2003 from Ivy Tech in Richmond, Indiana. She has expanded her education by obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in English and Humanities with a Minor in Creative Writing in 2012 from Indiana University East. Ms. Murphy became interested in Social Work in 2013 and began working towards a substance Abuse Counseling Certificate while applying for the next Masters of Social Work cohort at Indiana University East, was accepted to the program and graduated in May 2017 with her MSW and Substance Abuse Counseling Certificate. In October 2017 Ms. Murphy obtained her LSW License to practice Social Work and is currently eligible to take the exam for the LCSW Licensure. Ms. Murphy plans to sit for that exam by May 31, 2023 and is investigating what it will take to obtain LCAC Licensure in the near future.

Ms. Murphy has worked with children in acute care, residential care, and outpatient care; adults in outpatient and addiction programs and the elderly in nursing homes. In addition, Ms. Murphy has worked with critcal care patients of all ages admitted to the emergency department of the hospital that are homicidal, suicidal, have overdosed on substances or are intoxicated or otherwise deemed a danger to themselves or the public population. In addition to these services, Ms. Murphy has experience with Intensive Outpatient Therapy (IOT/ IOP Groups) for the addiction population, Addiction assessments, and conducting therapy with the addiction population as well as maintaining a Severe Mental Illness patient caseload for multiple diagnoses.

Ms. Murphy spends her spare time relaxing with her boyfriend and her PitBull Angel, who is her Emotional Support Animal. Ms. Murphy enjoys music of all kinds, shopping, live music events, outdoor activities, 75 degree weather, cookouts and get togethers with family and friends. Ms. Murphy also enjoys reading fiction, nonfiction, memoirs and biographies, continuing her education education through scholarly articles, readings, podcasts and Ted Talks, writing, cooking, jewelry making and styling hair and makeup.

Cassidy Padal, BS, MS Intern, graduated in 2018 with a BS in Psychology from Northern Illinois University. Graduated April 2022 with an MS in Mental Health Counseling from Walden University, she is interning with ABC. She coordinates with the Weekend Front Desk East.

Her passions in the mental health field include trauma and crisis, chronic mental illness, and advocating for vulnerable persons such as children or elders. She wants to get to know each client personally and tailor an individualized approach for their needs.

When not at work, she enjoys spending all the time she can with her chosen family. She likes to unwind by playing video games or eating delicious food. Her secret obsession is couponing and min-maxing her dollar.

Reuben Darius Spearman, BS MFT (in Apr. 2023), is a Marriage and Family Therapist. He is currently serving as an MFT Intern at American Behavioral Counseling, prioritizing EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy)/ Gottman Couple’s Therapy and specializing in Christian counseling. He is focused on working with teenagers, adults, couples, and families dealing with life’s stressors, especially in relationships and marital or family conflicts. He will work with clients to address issues that contribute to stress, depressive and emotional symptoms, and problems that hinder wellbeing. He is also an avid documentary lover, “foodie”, and professional singer/songwriter.

"I am authentic, compassionate, and endeavor to meet clients where they are at any given moment. I am passionate about helping and supporting families and individuals to find healing through approaches in my clinical training to help toward wholeness." -Reuben Darius.

"Your emotions are the slaves to your thoughts, and you are the slave to your emotions." ― Elizabeth Gilbert

Brittany Stewart, BS Psychology, has been with ABC since January 2021. She now is in pursuit of earning her master's degree in Mental Health Counseling (MHC) from Capella University. She has experience working with child and adult populations. She uses an assortment of therapies and techniques to meet the client where they are and guide them to where they want to be. Brittany is committed to helping clients reach their goals and make changes to live their desired life. Brittany Stewart is currently working as Comprehensive Coordinator with American Behavioral Counseling.

In her spare time, she likes to journal, go on hiking trips, and spend time with family and friends. She is looking forward to a bright future where she can actively break the stigma of mental health and have a stable career in the enrichment of the lives of others.

Kyle Wehmann, MS, MSW, LSW, LCSW in April, 2023, Kyle earned a degree in Sociology and a Master’s in Applied Sociology from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. For over three years, she put her training to use helping government and nonprofit organizations accelerate their impact across Indiana communities. The work was satisfying, but not as satisfying as the experience she had counseling individuals with addiction issues. She decided to make a change and enrolled in IU’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the IUPUI campus.

Most of Kyle’s postgraduate training involved providing evidenced-based and trauma-informed therapy to clients of the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS). This experience confirmed working directly with individuals and families as a mental health therapist and advocate is her true calling. Kyle is now a licensed social worker (LSW) and a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). She has supported individuals across the lifespan as they learn to better manage anxiety/stress, depression, behavioral issues, substance use/abuse, trauma, personality disorders and other mental health conditions. She believes improving quality of life starts with allowing space for new ways of thinking and learning to communicate effectively.

Kyle was born in Connecticut, grew up in North Carolina, lived in Colorado, and now lives in Indiana. She loves trying new foods, reading, binging TV shows, music, art/craft fairs, and exploring different cultures. With funds earned working in the restaurant industry while attending school, she’s traveled around Peru, Central Europe, Croatia, the British Virgin Islands, and Central Mexico. She hopes to speak Spanish fluently one day soon!

"One person can make a difference, and everyone should try." - John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Laura West, BS, MS, MSW, LSW, obtaining LCAC, was raised in Brownsburg, Indiana and graduated from Brownsburg High School in 2001. Laura is close with her family and friends, and is a very proud aunt. She has two small dogs and loves being a dog mom. Laura loves music with her favorite band being Matchbox 20, and will listen to all genres of music from country to rock ‘n roll to pop. If you were to ask her family and friends how they would describe Laura, they would say “loyal, honest, smart, and goofy.”

Laura attended Ball State University and graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Sociology, Women’s Studies, and Family and Consumer Sciences. After graduation, Laura began working in the Social Work field as a case manager at a treatment facility and a group home. During this time Laura went back to school at Capella University and graduated in 2012 with a Master’s degree in Human Services. Laura continued in her career and worked with children and families as well as provided supportive clinical supervision to staff members to help build their skills when working with high risk families. In 2021, she graduated from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis with a Master’s of Social Work degree and obtained her Social Work Licensure in 2022.

Using many different evidence based approaches, Laura is certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and ASAM. Laura has experience in childhood trauma, anxiety and depression, severe mental illness, addiction and recovery, and veterans. In true social work fashion, she enjoys helping her clients connect to community resources.

In her spare time, Laura enjoys spending time with family and friends, hanging out with her dogs, watching TV, singing karaoke, and laughing to the Impractical Jokers.

Tina Bartenbach, Weekend Administrative Assistant, East Office, joined American Behavioral Counseling in 2021. She holds a Medical Assistant diploma and has worked in the medical field for 26 years. Tina also is certified by the American Board of Optometry and BLC, and is skilled in Phlebotomy.

Family oriented, she enjoys two daughters and four grandchildren, as well as her two dogs -- beloved "furry children".

Paulette Gardiner, Weekday Administrative Assistant, West Office, was born in Indianapolis and attended Crispus Attucks High School. Paulette later went on to attend Indiana University at Bloomington but married and relocated to Fort Campbell KY prior to graduation. Paulette is the proud mother of three daughters, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Forty-seven years of Paulette’s professional life was spent in Human Resources starting as a clerk and retiring as a VP of Human Resources. Since retiring she has held positions in community service, employment services and The Mayor of Indianapolis office.

Paulette loves football, basketball and soccer. She has recently developed an in interest in volleyball. Paulette’s greatest interest and fun come from watching crime television shows, never missing Survivor and spending time with her family especially her great granddaughter and youngest grandson.

Kelsey Shockley, is a graduate of Brightwood College in 2018 with a degree as a Medical Office Specialist. She is the ABC Director of Offices, Senior Administrative Assistant, MOS, and keeps ABC’s offices running. She oversees scheduling client appointments, verifies insurance information and she manages payroll, finances, and the office bills for all four of ABC’s locations. She works closely with ABC’s billing department, directs the West and both Weekend Administrative Assistants, and she makes sure everything runs smoothly. Her hobbies include shoe design, candle making, and digital art.

Amber Winters, Administrative Assistant Week Day, East Office, Amber Winters, Administrative Assistant, joined American Behavioral Counseling in 2021. Born in Indianapolis, graduate of Lawrence Central High School and a proud parent. She has taken a great interest in helping others particularly with substance abuse. Amber has previously worked as a peer recovery couch and assisted with people in active recovery. In joining American Behavioral Counseling she hopes to broaden her skills in helping others along their journey.