Lara Slimmer MA, LPC, NCC
Licensing & Certifications:
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
- National Board Certified Counselor
- Certified Trauma Professional
- Certified Dialectical Behavior Therapy Trainer
Professional Background
In 2004, Lara established the first mental health program at Lehigh County Prison in Lebanon, PA, leading a multidisciplinary team of nurses, clinicians, social workers, psychiatrists, and administrators. For several years, Lara was the Mental Health Coordinator for PrimeCare Medical Inc in Harrisburg, PA, where she streamlined communication between departments and facilitated support groups for clients, as well as providing one-on-one intervention and follow-up care.
Lara provided individual, group, and family therapy for adult and adolescent sex offenders in collaboration with treatment team staff, probation/parole officers, juvenile probation officers, and children and youth case managers for Pennsylvania Forensic Associates in Reading, PA.
In 2019, Lara became the Clinical Supervisor for New Beginnings neuro-behavioral services in Pottsville, PA, orchestrating coordinated care with a 20-person team.
Lara specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy in providing her clients to allow them to work on their goals and increase their emotional regulation and distress tolerance.
Education:
Doctor of Behavioral Health: Behavioral Health, In Progress
Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
Bachelor of Arts, English Literature / Journalism
University Of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
Graduated cum laude
Master of Arts, Counseling Psychology
Immaculata University, Immaculata, PA
Graduated magna cum laude
Professional Affiliations:
- International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies Aging, Trauma, and the Life Course Special Interest Group
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
- Office of Minority Health
- Interprofessional Education Collaboration
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
- National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education
- Pennsylvania Counseling Association
- Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers
- American Psychology Association
- Beta Mu Chapter of the Sigma Iota Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society International
- American Counseling Association Special Interests
Area of Focus:
In 2004, Lara pioneered the first mental health program at Lehigh County Prison in Lebanon, PA, leading a diverse team. She later served as Mental Health Coordinator for PrimeCare Medical Inc in Harrisburg, PA, facilitating support groups and providing individual care.
At Pennsylvania Forensic Associates in Reading, PA, Lara conducted therapy for adult and adolescent sex offenders in collaboration with various agencies. She then became Clinical Supervisor at New Beginnings neuro-behavioral services in Pottsville, PA, overseeing a 20-person team.
Lara specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy, empowering clients to achieve their goals and enhance emotional regulation and distress tolerance.
Lara uses various therapeutic methods, including:
- Adolescent Mental Health, Anxiety, Anger Management, Antisocial
- Personality Disorders, Behavioral Issues, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline
- Personality Disorder, Communication Issues, Coping Skills,
- Issues, Mood Disorders, Neurological Testing, Oppositional and Defiant Behavior, Panic Attacks and Panic Disorders, Personality Disorders, Psychological Evaluations
- Depression, Domestic Violence, Drug Addiction and Abuse, Family
