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.

Dr. Troyer-Buck has a PhD in general clinical psychology with a specialization with children and adolescents and adults with Borderline Personality Disorder. Dr. Troyer-Buck works with all ages and has experience in all levels of care. Dr. Troyer-Buck received her undergraduate degree from Indiana University – Bloomington and her advanced degrees at Arizona State University. Dr. Troyer-Buck received her Master’s degree in 1988 and her PhD in 1993.

Dr. Troyer-Buck works with each client on evidence-based methods including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. The client will work with Dr. Troyer-Buck on developing an individual treatment plan focusing on areas of concern. Dr.Troyer-Buck advocates for each individual with a caring approach to treatment. Dr. Troyer-Buck focuses on treating the whole individual by identifying the emotional, behavioral and spiritual areas of concern.

Dr. Troyer-Buck enjoys crafting, boating, travel, reading and exercise. Spending time with friends and family are important to her.

Stephen Bolger is a graduate of Walden University with a Master's Degree in Social Work. Stephen's education encompasses all areas of Mental Health with a primary focus in Substance Abuse disorders. Stephen's purpose is to help you achieve the goal of living your best life.

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 completed her master’s degree in Addiction Counseling from Purdue Global University and 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 at Fairbanks Rehabilitation Center. She feels like her whole life has been leading up to a career in helping others that struggle with addiction. She thinks everyone should be able to experience the joy of living a serene and content life. Denise’s passion for recovery came to fruition when she decided that she wanted to make the most of this one life she has been given. Helping others overcome trauma, anxiety, depression and addiction are crucial to people leading 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, and traveling.

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.

Nick Denney, BA, MA, LSW completed studies at Butler University, University of Indianapolis, and IUPUI. He has worked in multiple areas, including residential, inpatient and outpatient therapies while serving individuals with trauma and mood disorders. In his free time Nick enjoys being active, traveling, and going to concerts.

Brandy Doss, AAS, BS, MS, CMHC, awaiting licensure. I graduated with a master's degree in community psychology and sociology in December 2022. I am on the licensing track to becoming a licensed mental health counselor LMHCa. I am an ordained Elder in ministry meaning I teach, preach, and counsel. I am also a holistic health coach. I am MOCA certified. I have certificates in Biblical Studies, NAACP Civil Rights & Advocacy Training Institute, and Nonsuicidal Self Injury: Defining & Treating a Complex Behavior. I have additional training in Trauma and Addictions. I have been in the medical field for over 18 years. I provided patient care in OBGYN, Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, and lab for over 14 years as a medical assistant. I have an associate degree in applied science. I have a bachelor's degree in health care management. I have worked with the youth ministry, women's ministry and volunteered at the Julian Center for Battered Women. I am interested in counseling because of the personal tormenting traumatic events Ihave experienced. I have overcome the death of a spouse, a child being shot, and child molestation. I understand challenges and how to overcome them with a higher power, counseling, prayer, and exercise. I believe in humanistic therapy" which adopts a holistic approach that focuses on free will, human potential, and self-discovery." I also believe in cognitive therapy which "challenges a person's negative patterns of self." I enjoy singing, dancing, exercising, and traveling.

Dawn Ingram, LMHCA, is a master level graduate of community psychology from Martin University. Dawn attended the University of Phoenix where she obtained her bachelor's degree in Healthcare Administration and Management. She has worked with several populations such as: behavioral adults and children, substance dependent individuals, couples and families. She specializes with the substance dependent population. She enjoys traveling, music, relaxing and dining out.

My name is Melanie King, and I am a LSW. I have worked in the Social Work field for over 6 years. I have experience working as psychotherapist, Family Preservation Coordinator, Foster Care Social Worker, Registered Behavior Technician, and a Life Skills Specialist. Since attaining my MSW, I have attained the LMSW licensure. I am in the process of obtaining the LCSW. I am currently working as a therapist specifically with the adult population. Anger management, depression, anxiety, and trauma-focused care are my areas of concentration. I have experience in working with a wide range of diagnoses including (but not limited to) Bipolar I & II, Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Intermittent Explosive Disorder, etc. I have over 2 years of experience working in domestic violence and victims. I am a certified BIP (Batterers Intervention Program) facilitator. I also have a certificate from IUPUI in Child Abuse and Neglect.

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.

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.

Randy Patee graduated from Butler University in 1979. Randy has continued to study in this field since graduated with his Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology. Randy enjoys working with adults, but is multi-specialized in working with couples. Randy is certified as a reality therapist. Randy has enjoyed working in the field for the last 30+ years. Randy's ulimate goal is demostrate the understanding of your needs and with the belief of completing those needs. Randy's hobbies are enjoying a good game of golf and Randy also enjoys watching the sports channel.

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.

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.