Dr. Ava Mitchell Ph.D., LCSW

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  • Total publications 23
  • Number of subscribers 100+
  • Last publication: May 8, 2026
Dr. Ava Mitchell, Ph.D., LCSW

"Service dogs offer individuals not just assistance but a renewed sense of independence, strength, and emotional stability, making them true partners in health and daily life."

Dr. Ava Mitchell Ph.D., LCSW

Blog Author

Dr. Ava Mitchell, Ph.D., LCSW, is a clinical psychologist and licensed social worker with 10+ years of experience. Known for her warm approach, she supports clients with issues from anxiety to life transitions. A lecturer at the University of Michigan and trauma care expert, Dr. Mitchell fosters resilience through personalized, mindful support.

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Dr. Ava Mitchell, Ph.D., LCSW, is an actively practicing clinical psychologist and Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP) with over a decade of hands-on experience in clinical settings and private practice. Unlike general mental health advocates, Dr. Mitchell is a practicing clinician who conducts daily diagnostic assessments and evidence-based treatments for a wide range of psychological conditions, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

A significant part of her daily clinical practice involves conducting comprehensive psychological evaluations for Emotional Support Animals (ESAs). She strictly adheres to federal clinical guidelines to determine patients’ eligibility, ensuring that every ESA letter she issues or reviews is backed by a rigorous, legitimate medical assessment. Dr. Mitchell combines a warm, client-centered approach with strict clinical protocols, actively working with patients to integrate animal-assisted interventions into their overall treatment plans.

Education:

  • Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, University of Michigan
  • Master of Social Work (MSW), University of Chicago
  • Bachelor’s in Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Clinical Experience:

  • Practicing Clinical Psychologist & ESA Evaluator, New Horizons Therapy Center (2015-Present)
    • Provides direct patient care, psychological diagnostics, and specialized clinical assessments for Emotional Support Animals.
  • Therapist, Community Mental Health Clinic (2012-2015)
  • Clinical Social Work Intern, Central City Health Services (2010-2012)

Recent Academic & Consulting Roles:

  • Lecturer, University of Michigan (2021-Present)
  • Consultant, Wellness and Mental Health Programs, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (2018-Present)

Awards:

  • Emerging Professional Award, National Association of Social Workers (NASW) (2020)
  • Excellence in Clinical Practice Award, Michigan Psychological Association (2018)

Active Credentials & Licenses:

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
  • Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT)
  • Certificate in Trauma-Informed Care (TIC)

Media Mentions & Clinical Authority:

  • Featured in Mental Health Today for her work in innovative therapy practices and animal-assisted interventions (2023)
  • Quoted in The Detroit News on evidence-based stress management (2022)
  • Interviewed on NPR’s “Weekend Edition” about treating clinical anxiety (2021)

Areas of Clinical Practice:

  • Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Evaluations
  • Anxiety & Panic Disorders
  • Depression
  • Trauma and PTSD
  • Stress Management & Life Transitions
  • Clinical Diagnostics & Assessment
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May 16, 2026

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