Tess W. Walsh, MA, MSW, LCSW, CASAC
tesswalsh@skaneatelespsychiatry.com
Tess is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years counseling and clinical experience working with diverse populations of all ages in healthcare including psychiatric emergency services, mobile community-based crisis intervention services, corrections, inpatient mental health, hospital medical units and private practice settings.
Tess's educational background includes a B.A. in Psychology with a Minor in Psychology of the Exceptional Child from State University of New York College at Cortland. She received a M.S.W. Masters in Social Work from Syracuse University, graduating with high honors and being inducted into Zeta Gamma Chapter of the Phi Alpha National Honor Society. With increased interest in Neuroplasticity, or the brain's ability to “rewire” or change itself with repeated positive actions, Tess went on to pursue a second Masters degree, and obtained a M.A. in Addictions Studies from Syracuse University.
Tess's research interests continued in Amsterdam, Netherlands and Denmark where she researched Global Perspectives in Alcohol and Other Drug Policies and International Harm Reduction Strategies. She became credentialed as a CASAC (Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor) and an ICAADC (Internationally Certified Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor).
Much of Tess’s professional work has been dedicated to trauma response, crisis intervention and management of individuals who are experiencing an acute mental health crisis or trauma. Tess is an EMDR trained therapist and a member of EMDRIA (EMDR International Association). EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a form of therapy that helps people heal from trauma or other distressing life experiences. EMDR therapy has been extensively researched and has demonstrated effectiveness for anxiety, panic, trauma and PTSD.
At Skaneateles Psychiatry, Tess is committed to delivering exceptional care grounded in an integrative approach to wellness and the whole person. Tess uses a compassionate and person-centered therapeutic approach, often incorporating Mindfulness, EMDR, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and MBSR (Mindful Based Stress Reduction) modalities. She draws heavily from a strengths based perspective, emphasizing empowerment and resilience.
In addition to providing individual psychotherapy , Tess also leads a variety of groups at Skaneateles Psychiatry for children, adolescents, college students and adults. Her specific areas of professional interests include anxiety, depression, identity development, life stage transitions, interpersonal and relationship issues, body image concerns, sports performance, eating disorders, grief and loss issues, addictions and working with survivors of trauma.
Tess is passionate about mental health and educates and provides workshops and trainings for many community organizations to raise awareness on a variety mental health topics. Tess is an ASIST trainer (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) and a PMCS trainer (Preventing and Managing Crisis Situations) for health care professionals and first responders. Tess is currently a National Large Scale Disaster Mental Health Responder for the American Red Cross.
Tess is also a RRCA Certified National Running Coach through the Road Runners Club of America. She offers outdoor Walk and Talk Therapy and Dynamic Running Therapy sessions for those individuals wanting an alternative to the traditional psychotherapy office setting.
Associations
- NASW - National Association of Social Workers
- IC&RC - International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium
- EMDRIA - EMDR International Association
- National Large Scale Disaster Mental Health Responder for the American Red Cross
- RRCA (Road Runners Club of America)
- NYS Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services
