Leona Vann, MSW, LICSW

leona@affinitypsych.com

Welcome! I’m Leona. I’m a licensed independent clinical social worker, and I’m so glad you’re here.

I earned my Masters of Social Work from the University of Minnesota, specializing in clinical mental health and families and children. I am also certified in permanency and adoption competency and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy. I have experience with play therapy, group therapy, and skills training.

Currently, I work with children ages 0-18, adults, and families. I work with clients who are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, ADHD, parent coaching, trauma, life transitions, foster care, and adoption. I also specialize in working with street-related youth.

How I Work

There’s no one right way to do therapy. Therapy is a powerful and individual process that can help reduce symptoms, build tools to deal with stressors, and establish a mutual relationship that encourages growth. I’m here to help support, listen, and problem solve through the use of assessments, games (if appropriate), and different exercises through outpatient therapy.

For minors, I do encourage parent involvement, including check-ins and one-on-one parent coaching sessions.

What Sets Me Apart As a Therapist?

I believe therapy is personal and should be tailored to the client. I’m authentic as a human and bring creativity, humor, and a love for animals and plants into my work.

Issues I Treat:

  • ADHD
  • Anxiety
  • Autism spectrum disorder
  • Depression
  • Trauma
  • OCD tendencies
  • Parent-child relationships
  • Life changes and transitions
  • Self-esteem
  • School issues
  • Teen counseling
  • Stress management

Populations I Serve:

  • Children 0-18
  • Adults
  • Adopted youth
  • Foster/adoptive parents/guardians
  • Youth in foster care
  • LGBTQ youth

Professional background:

Education

  • Southwest Minnesota State University, Marshall, MN
  • University of Minnesota Twin Cities, MN

Trainings

  • Permanency and Adoption Competency Training (Based on youth and families involved in CPS, foster care, and adoption)
  • TF-CBT-Evidence-based, short-term treatment designed to help children and adolescents (ages 3–18) overcome trauma-related difficulties
  • Skills Focused Treatment for ADHD
  • Substance Use Workshop
  • DC 0-5 Training (Working with kiddos ages 0-5)

Previous Employment

  • Outpatient Therapist, NYFS & Natalis
  • School Social Worker, Saint Paul City School & Venture Academy
  • Guardian Ad Litem, State of Minnesota

Licensure

  • MN, LICSW, 30264