About Us

Our Mission

We believe in the transformative power of the human-animal bond. As one of the first counseling centers in the nation to integrate professional therapists with therapy animals, we provide innovative, accessible mental health care to the Denver-metro community.

Our Vision

Healing for All: We provide individual and group therapy for all ages and income levels. Through community events and sliding-scale sessions, we ensure mental wellness is never out of reach.
A Sanctuary for Rescue: We offer a permanent, loving home to rescued farm and domestic animals. These animals aren't just residents; they are active partners in the healing process, finding new purpose alongside our clients.
Advancing the Field: We set the standard for the future of mental health by training clinicians in the ethical practice of Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy (AAP).

A Legacy of Expertise

Founded in 2010 by Dr. Linda Chassman and Ellen Winston, our center was born from a simple observation: animals have a profound ability to facilitate healing.

Our founders aren't just practitioners; they are pioneers. They are the authors of the definitive clinical textbook, Animal-Assisted Counseling & Psychotherapy: A Clinician’s Guide (2024, Purdue Press), which serves as a blueprint for the industry.

Why We Are a Non-Profit

In 2013, we transitioned to a 501(c)(3) non-profit for one primary reason: Accessibility. We recognized that over half of our community—including veterans and individuals on Medicaid, Medicare, or CHP+— faced significant barriers to quality mental health care. By operating as a non-profit, we can provide professional, animal-assisted therapy at little to no cost to those who need it most.

Our Dual-Impact Model

We don’t just treat clients; we grow the profession. Our unique program structure creates a "circle of care":

For Clients: Strategic therapy sessions with trained animals that help break through emotional barriers and accelerate healing.
For Future Clinicians: We serve as a premier clinical training site. Graduate-level interns develop expert skills under professional supervision, ensuring the future of mental health care is both compassionate and skilled.

"Healing happens when we bridge the gap between clinical expertise and the unconditional support of a therapy animal."