Kelly Bugarin is an Associate Clinical Social Worker (ACSW) and Mental Health Counselor with four years of clinical experience providing therapeutic services to children, families, and adults in both individual and group settings. Throughout her career, she has worked with diverse populations, including unhoused individuals, survivors of domestic violence, older adults, individuals struggling with substance use disorders, children and families, and those living with severe and persistent mental illness.
Kelly’s therapeutic approach is integrative and client-centered, drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Somatic Therapy, Trauma-Informed Therapy, Strength-Based Therapy, and Psychodynamic Therapy. She has extensive experience working in psychiatric hospitals, residential group homes, and community-based mental health settings, helping clients navigate depression, anxiety, PTSD, complex trauma, grief, co-occurring substance use disorders, and significant life transitions.
Kelly believes that healing begins when individuals feel seen, heard, and understood. Her passion for therapy is reflected in the story of the “cracked pot”, a reminder that every person possesses both strengths and imperfections, and that neither is wasted in the journey toward growth and healing. She believes that even life’s struggles can become sources of wisdom, resilience, and purpose.
Through a compassionate, strengths-based approach, Kelly helps clients recognize their inherent worth, embrace their unique experiences, and discover the possibilities for healing and transformation. Her goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where clients can develop greater self-awareness, build resilience, and move toward living a more meaningful and fulfilling life.