LaDortha Mitchell-Young
LaDortha Mitchell-Young
(she/her)
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Indianapolis, Indiana, with over ten years of experience working with children, teens, and adults. My goal is to support you in navigating difficult emotions by teaching healthy coping skills that foster self-love and self-worth. Together, we can work toward building a positive self-image that enhances your ability to form fulfilling and meaningful relationships.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
During the first session, we will focus on getting to know one another and building the foundation for our therapeutic relationship. If you are unfamiliar with the therapeutic process, this will be discussed along with your expectations for services. I will assist you with completing a biopsychosocial assessment, which will help me understand your background and current challenges. We will discuss your goals for therapy, and I’ll explain my approach and how we collaborate to meet your needs. You will be encouraged to ask questions you may have, and we will develop a plan for moving forward. You can expect an environment where you feel heard and supported.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
Your journey is unique, and so is my approach. I provide a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space where you are truly heard and valued. What sets my therapy apart is a personalized blend of evidence-based techniques tailored specifically to your needs—helping you build insight, resilience, and practical skills for lasting change. Together, we focus on empowering you to reclaim your sense of self, overcome challenges, and create a fulfilling life grounded in self-worth and hope.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
Many people face life stressors, major changes, or trauma that can contribute to feelings of self-doubt and worthlessness. Hearing messages like “You can’t” or “You will never amount to anything,” or feeling trapped by your circumstances, can be overwhelming and discouraging. I’m here to assure you that those beliefs are not true — change is possible, and you are not alone. My approach is designed to gently peel back the layers of trauma so you can gain insight into unhelpful patterns and begin the journey of rediscovering your authentic self. I specialize in working with individuals coping with grief, depression, anxiety, and trauma. Additionally, I am certified to support victims of sexual abuse and youth exhibiting sexually maladaptive behaviors. If you are ready to explore healing, develop healthier coping skills, and create meaningful, lasting change, I am here to walk alongside you.
About LaDortha Mitchell-Young
LaDortha Mitchell-Young offers therapy covered by UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicaid in Indiana.
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Trauma Informed Care
I use a trauma-informed approach to create a safe, respectful, and supportive therapeutic environment. Trauma-Informed Care is not a specific technique, but a framework that recognizes the impact of trauma on a person’s overall well-being, relationships, and ability to engage in treatment. I have experience working with adults and children who have faced a wide range of traumatic experiences.I understand that trauma can shape how a person views the world, relates to others, and copes with stress. Because of this, I prioritize safety, trust-building, and empowerment in all of my sessions. In practice, this means I move at the client’s pace, offer choices whenever possible, and remain mindful of how past trauma might influence present behavior.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I integrate evidence-based treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), by always being sensitive to triggers, emotional regulation needs, and being mindful of the importance of control and autonomy in the healing process. Through CBT, we work together to identify unhelpful thought patterns that may be contributing to emotional distress or unhealthy behaviors. CBT is an active and collaborative form of therapy. Sessions often include structured exercises and practical tools designed to help you challenge negative thinking, build healthier coping strategies, and respond more effectively to life’s stressors. This approach supports lasting change by promoting greater self-awareness, emotional balance, and personal resilience.
Eclectic
I use an eclectic therapy approach, which means I draw from a range of therapeutic methods to create a treatment plan that is tailored to each client’s unique needs. Rather than relying on just one model, I integrate techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Informed Care, and other evidence-based practices to support clients in reaching their goals. This approach gives me the flexibility to meet clients where they are. For some, that might mean using structured tools from CBT to address negative thinking patterns; for others, it could involve mindfulness techniques, narrative exploration, or strengths-based strategies to promote healing and growth. My experience has taught me that therapy is not one-size-fits-all. An eclectic approach allows me to be adaptive, responsive, and collaborative—ensuring that clients feel seen, supported, and empowered throughout the therapeutic process.
Grief Therapy
I provide grief therapy to individuals coping with various forms of loss—whether it’s the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, a significant life transition, or unresolved, cumulative grief. I understand that grief is deeply personal and does not follow a set timeline. Everyone experiences it differently, and there is no “right” way to grieve.In my work, I create a supportive and non-judgmental space where clients can safely express their emotions, reflect on their loss, and begin to adjust to a new sense of normal. I also help clients explore how their loss impacts their identity, relationships, and daily life, while guiding them in finding ways to honor their loved one and reconnect with a sense of purpose. Grief therapy isn’t about forgetting—it’s about finding a way to carry the loss with you while still moving forward. I walk alongside my clients as they navigate that path, offering tools, perspective, and ongoing support throughout the healing process.
Motivational Interviewing
I use Motivational Interviewing (MI) to help clients who feel uncertain about making changes in their lives. MI is a collaborative, non-judgmental approach that supports clients in exploring their own motivations and building confidence to take positive steps forward. In my practice, I guide clients through open conversations that clarify their values and goals, empowering them to make meaningful, lasting changes at their own pace.