Irvington Counseling Collective

WHO WE ARE

Making access to affirming mental health support more equitable for Hoosiers. Irvington Counseling Collective is a (501c3) nonprofit, income-based sliding-scale therapy practice located in Indianapolis, IN. We acknowledge our location on the traditional and ancestral land of the Miami, Potawatomi and Shawnee people.

We are a collective of therapists representative of those we serve. We are dedicated to making mental health support available to those who seek it through low barrier counseling services and mutual aids funds management.

WHAT WE DO

We are dedicated to supporting members of our community in living rich, full, and meaningful lives, guided by what they value most and regardless of socioeconomic background. We strive to practice cultural humility in our work, and to create a safe space that warmly supports those who are LGBTQIA+, BIPOC and gender-diverse individuals. We work as a collective of therapists dedicated to the mission of our organization and support of one another, our clients and our community.

Our practice is located within a historic train depot located in the heart of Irvington, Indianapolis. We are paneled with a number of insurance companies, including Medicaid HHW & HIP. To learn more, please check out “Sliding Scale and Insurance” to answer any questions you might have.

OUR THERAPISTS

MEL HERNANDEZ (they/he), MSW: Postgraduate Resident Therapist

As a bilingual therapist, I am dedicated to providing compassionate support with a particular focus on serving the queer, gender diverse, and Latinx communities. I value the importance of my clients’ intersectional identities and how these impact their worldview and experiences. 

With a passion for fostering resilience and empowerment, I integrate a blend of modalities including Motivational Interviewing (MI), Acceptance and Commitment (ACT), strengths-based, and resiliency-based approaches into my practice. However, I believe in the importance of maintaining flexibility within the therapeutic relationship, understanding that each individual's journey is unique and will require tailored interventions. As a lifelong leaner, I remain open to exploring new modalities and approaches to best support my clients on their path to healing and growth.

My lived experience as a queer and gender diverse immigrant with family members who could not access mental health services due to cultural and linguistic barriers is what primarily drives my need and passion to bridge the gaps in mental health care that have long existed for Spanish Speaking individuals, the Latine community as a whole and for folks in the LGBTQIA+ community. With this as my motivation, I completed my masters in social work at Indiana University Indianapolis in 2024. 

I am committed to creating a safe and affirming space that allows clients to explore their identities, navigate life transitions, and develop coping strategies to overcome challenges. Together, we embark on a collaborative journey towards healing, self-discovery, and personal empowerment.

Como terapeuta bilingüe, me dedico a brindar apoyo compasivo con un enfoque particular en servir a las comunidades queer, de genero diverso y latine. Valoro la importancia de las identidades interseccionales de mis clientes y cómo estas impactan su visión del mundo y sus experiencias.

Con pasión por fomentar la resiliencia y el empoderamiento, integro una combinación de modalidades que incluyen Entrevista Motivacional (MI), Aceptación y Compromiso (ACT), enfoques basados en fortalezas y resiliencia en mi práctica. Sin embargo, creo en la importancia de mantener flexibilidad dentro de la relación terapéutica, entendiendo que el viaje de cada individuo es único y requiere intervenciones personalizadas. Es por eso que permanezco abierto a explorar nuevas modalidades y enfoques para apoyar mejor an mis clientes en su camino hacia la sanación y el crecimiento.

Mi experiencia vivida como inmigrante queer y de genero diverso, con familiares que no podían acceder a servicios de salud mental debido a barreras culturales y lingüísticas, es lo que principalmente impulsa mi necesidad y pasión por cerrar las brechas en la atención de salud mental que han existido durante mucho tiempo para personas que hablan español, la comunidad Latine en general y para personas en la comunidad LGBTQIA+. Con esto como mi motivación, completé mi maestría en trabajo social en la Universidad de Indiana en Indianápolis en 2024.

Estoy comprometido a crear un espacio seguro y afirmativo que permita a los clientes explorar sus identidades, navegar transiciones de vida y desarrollar estrategias de afrontamiento para superar desafíos. Juntos, emprendemos un camino colaborativo hacia la sanación, el autodescubrimiento y el empoderamiento personal.

MARLEY MCCLEAN (she/they), MFT: Outreach Coordinator & Postgraduate Resident Therapist

We each have an innate drive towards harmony, creativity, and wholeness. Sometimes the challenges of life get in the way of our ability to access our individual and collective power to heal. Counseling offers a space to encounter parts of us that have become burdened and lovingly invite them to reconnect with our truest selves. 

As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I have experience working with individuals, couples, and families across the lifespan and in all different configurations. I love working with LQBTQIA+ folks, particularly in the process of self exploration, identity formation, gender fluidity and transition, and spiritual recovery. I don’t believe in a one-size fits all approach, so our work together will be tailored to your specific goals, gifts, and experiences. I enjoy incorporating playfulness, laughter, meditation, and movement alongside traditional talk therapy. 

I obtained my Masters of Marriage and Family Therapy from Christian Theological Seminary in 2023. My approach to therapy is informed by my background in social work and experience navigating the many systems in which we live, work, and play. My practice incorporates influences from family systems theory, narrative therapy, emotionally focused therapy, internal family systems, and somatic practices. 

COMPLETED TRAININGS

• Gottman Couples Therapy (L1)

• Attachment Based Family Therapy (ABFT)

• 500 Hour MFT Internship

• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) 

HANNAH BISHOP (she/they), LSW: Programs Manager & Postgraduate Resident Therapist

Being a human is hard work! In therapy, we can learn, grow, and play with our experiences as a team. Together, we can learn to accept and value both the really cool things and really hard things that come with a rich, meaningful life.

My therapeutic style draws from mutual aid principles, mindfulness-based approaches, and Queer theory. I have a deeply rooted passion for working with and affirming folks in the Queer community as well as young adults, adolescents, and children ages 6+. I can be helpful to individuals experiencing anxiety, ADHD, grief, and trauma, as well as those who want to explore their relationships with others, themselves, their bodies, and substances.

In my practice, I use Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Solutions Focused Therapy, Child-Centered Play Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Play Therapy. I offer in-person counseling as well as HIPAA compliant virtual sessions.

I completed my Master’s at the Indiana University School of Social Work in 2023 with a concentration in mental health and addictions. I received my undergraduate degree in 2017 from Ball State, and have previous experience supporting gender-diverse individuals at Indianapolis-based nonprofit GenderNexus.

LAUREN HALL BUSHMAN (she/they), LCSW: Organizational Founder, Clinical Supervisor & Psychotherapist

Through counseling, we can discover the emergence of our most fulfilled selves: relinquishing old patterns, healing from suffering, developing meaningful insight, and opening to growth. By utilizing mindfulness-based therapeutic approaches, we can become equipped to better understand the relationships between our thinking, feelings, and actions.

I specialize in the areas of anxiety; issues pertaining to female-identifying and gender-fluid experiences; complex trauma; chronic pain; cancer diagnosis and treatment; perinatal mental health; and death and grief. I aim to work with you in discovering greater meaning in your daily experience, guided by what matters to you most.

I am highly trained in mindfulness-based psychotherapeutic processes and trauma-informed care modalities, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), the Hakomi Method, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Additionally, I am trained by Postpartum Support International in Perinatal Mental Health and provide neuro-affirming and differential diagnostic assessments to ICC clients referred under the supervision of a medical doctor. I primarily work with women, gender-fluid non-binary individuals, and teenagers and offer both in-person and HIPAA-compliant video sessions.

I earned my Master’s in Clinical Social Work from The University of Chicago and completed yoga teacher training at Nature Yoga Sanctuary in Chicago, IL, in 2014. Following this, I completed a post-graduate residency as a therapist at CTS Counseling Center. In addition to private practice work, I have served as a clinical interventionist with Indiana University’s Department of Psychology, working with survivors of cancer and their family members. I also hold a certificate as an End of Life Doula from the Lerner School of Medicine at the University of Vermont, which informs my grief processing work with clients. Furthermore, I completed a Postgraduate Fellowship Certification in Advanced Contextual Behavioral Therapy through The University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration and serve as a Clinical Supervisor consultant for Goodwill of Central Indiana’s Nurse Family Partnership.

COMPLETED TRAINING

• Internal Family Systems Intensive with David Burkhard, M.A., LMFT, LCSW, LMHC (Current: Fall ‘24-Winter ‘25)

• Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule II (ADOS II) Modules 1-4 at Drexel University

• Advanced Autistic-Informed Autism Assessment with Rachel Boggan, LCSW, ADHD-CCSP, CCTP

• Polyvagal-Informed Psychotherapy with Deb Dana, LCSW

• Perinatal Mood Disorders: Components of Care & Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Psychotherapy with Postpartum Support International

• Advanced Contextual Behavioral Therapy Fellowship with Dr. Paul Holmes, The University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration (2020-2021)

• ACT for the Treatment of Trauma with Dr. Robyn Walser

• Advanced ACT Training with Dr. Russ Harris

• Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) Level II with Dr. Dennis Tirch & Dr. Laura Silberstein-Tirch

• Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT) - National Childhood Traumatic Stress Network

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Training I & II - EMDR Consulting

• Professional End of Life Doula Certification - University of Vermont Lerner School of Medicine

• Introduction to the Hakomi Process for Somatic Processing

• 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Certification - Nature Yoga Sanctuary

• Yoga for 12-Step Recovery (Y12SR) Training - Nikki Myers, RYT

MJ HEINZ (she/they), LCSW: Therapist

In a world that can feel so overwhelming, therapy allows us to make intentional connection that centers our humanity.

I am passionate about providing care that is trauma-informed, anti-racist, client-centered, and strengths-based. I work with youth, adults, and couples, and specialize in working with LGBTQ+ individuals, clients struggling with depression, anxiety, questions of identity, and navigating impacts of trauma and stress. My training includes Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and trainings in therapeutic harm reduction from the Wildflower Alliance. These practices focus on compassionate approaches to holistically supporting individuals struggling with suicidality and significant trauma within a framework grounded in mindfulness, harm-reduction, and mutual aid.

My philosophy when supporting clients is to maintain an approach centered around gentle curiosity, validation, an understanding of vulnerability, and meaningful connection to community. I am passionate about supporting individuals of all ages thrive as their most authentic selves through building a collaborative therapeutic relationship. I offer in-person therapy as well as HIPAA compliant virtual sessions.

I completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Smith College and a Master’s in Social Work with a concentration in children, youth, and families from the Indiana University School of Social Work. My background includes supporting queer and gender diverse youth and their families at GenderNexus, Riley’s Gender Health Clinic, and Indiana Youth Group (IYG).

IGGY MATTHEWS (they/them), LSW: Postgraduate Resident Therapist

Life has a way of throwing challenges at us, and when you’re juggling everything else, finding time for your own health and growth can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Therapy is a space where you can take a breath, reconnect with yourself, and start exploring what it means to live in alignment with who you truly are.

I work with adults and teens, and have a deep passion for supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals. Throughout my nine years in the mental health field, I’ve helped people navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, and other major life transitions. My approach is relational, warm, and affirming—I believe healing happens in safe, authentic connections, and I’m honored to walk alongside you in this process. Therapy with me isn’t just about working through struggles; it’s also about discovering your strengths, using humor when it fits, and creating a life that aligns with your values.

I recently graduated in 2024 with my Master of Social Work from Indiana University, specializing in mental health & addictions. In my work, I integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), somatic and mindfulness practices, motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, and harm reduction approaches. Currently, I am accepting new clients for virtual visits.

JO GHORMLEY (she/her), LCSW: Supervising Clinician and Therapist

We live in a world where its often difficult to make space to explore the experience of simply being ourselves. And it can feel overwhelming at times. I believe counseling should be a safe and nonjudgmental environment to explore, break down, build up, or work to better any of the complex parts of you to better align with your truth, your values, and the life you want to lead.

I graduated from Wayne State University in 2007 with my Masters degree in Social Work. Most of my 15 years of experience have come from working with a wide range of folks struggling with anything from substance use disorders, significant and complex trauma, and severe anxiety and depression. Always using a trauma-informed lens, I have extensive training in solution-focused therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy; but most of the tools I utilize come from the practice of Dialectical Behavior Therapy.

My primary areas of interest are working with adults who have decided to start to look at how historical trauma and/or messaging have impacted their lives, those looking to move away from reactionary shame, and those wanting to develop skills for better emotion regulation and healthier boundaries within their current interpersonal systems.

JENNIFER REEDER (she/her), LCSW: Therapist

Counseling is a special opportunity to nurture the seeds of change where we cultivate a compassionate environment to explore your inner self and work towards healing and well-being. Using a humanistic approach, I will offer guidance in your journey of self-exploration while maintaining space for you and your autonomy. It is my hope to walk alongside you during your time of growth and transformation.

I have special interests in areas of gender and sexuality, LGBTQIA+, couples, and sex therapy. I enjoy counseling teens and adults, and offer experience working with individuals who have grappled with anxiety, depression, attachment, interpersonal relationships, and complex trauma. I offer both in person and HIPAA Compliant videoconferencing sessions.

I completed my Masters in Social Work at the University of Indianapolis in 2020. I am trained in Trauma Focused – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Gottman’s 10 Core Principles for Effective Couples Therapy, and Suicide Bereavement. I have formal experience with Dialectic Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, as well as Motivational Interviewing.

MEGHAN TAYLOR (she/they), LCSW: Therapist

Being a human can be difficult and at times overwhelming. We are all beholden to systems of oppression that impact our ability to survive and thrive. I believe that no one should face these challenges alone, and I am honored to walk beside people as they care for themselves and their mental health. I especially value providing care for those who may have had difficulty accessing traditional therapy in the past.

I love working with LGBTQIAP+ individuals, and people in non-traditional relationships. I am Autistic and love creating neuroaffirming spaces in session through our work together.

My practice areas of specialization are trauma and PTSD, grief work, end-of-life issues, living with chronic illness, codependency, and other addictions including substance use disorders. I am trained in EMDR, and also use a variety of evidence-based practices including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I currently work with adults in individual therapy, and provide virtual visits only.

I obtained my Masters in Social Work from Indiana University Bloomington in 2018. Prior to becoming a therapist, I worked for a decade in local social service agencies addressing issues related to food insecurity, homelessness, and providing end-of-life care.

MICHAEL BUSHMAN (he/him), LCSW: Clinical Supervisor & Therapist

Through counseling, we can be curious alongside one another about the questions your life is asking you. I specialize in therapeutic work with people experiencing depression, anxiety and fear, grief and loss, death and dying, blocks to creativity, dilemmas of spirituality, and complex trauma. I am trained in mindfulness-based therapies which support us in learning more easeful ways of being with the difficult parts of our inner life, alongside helping us show up for what matters most. I have worked with clients of all ages, from diverse backgrounds and warmly invite the opportunity to work with you.

My background includes advanced training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, along with Gestalt, and mindfulness based approaches. My graduate training focused on that of psychodynamic theory which continues to inform my work today. I offer both in person and HIPPA Compliant videoconferencing session.

I completed my masters in Clinical Social Work at Loyola University of Chicago in 2014. Following graduate training, I completed a post-graduate psychotherapy residency at Christian Theological Seminary Counseling Center. In addition to private practice, I have served as a counselor with the IU Health Employee Assistance Program, a clinical interventionist with Indiana University Department of Psychology, working with survivors of cancer and their family members. I am a current Fellow with the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration’s Advanced Contextual Behavioral Therapy 2020-2021 cohort.

COMPLETED TRAINING

• The University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration Advanced Contextual Behavioral Therapy Fellowship, 2020-2021

• Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) with D.J. Moran, PhD

• Advanced Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Training with Robyn Walser, PhD

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)-Graduate Level Course

• Gestalt Psychotherapy (Year One) with Indianapolis Gestalt Institute

• Neurobiologically-Informed Play Therapy with Rick Gaskill, PhD

• Structured Psychotherapy for Adolescents Responding to Chronic Stress (SPARCS) with Mandy Habib, PhD and Victor Labruna, PhD

• Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT)-National Childhood Traumatic Stress Network

OUR MEDICATION MANAGEMENT PROVIDER

OUR ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM