Meet our Team
Montrice Billingsley, LPC-S | Owner
Montrice holds a Bachelors of Science Degree in Psychology from Longwood University, Farmville, VA (2004), and a Masters of Arts Degree in Community Counseling from Argosy University, Washington D.C. (2014). Montrice has worked in the field of behavioral health since 2005 and has many years of diverse experience in practice. Over the past several years that she has been in mental health, she has gained extensive experience in a little bit of everything, working exclusively with neurodivergent populations for 10 years to moving more clinically to working with clients with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and substance use. Her passion is being able to work with individuals to help them identify and meet their goals with an understanding that change takes time. When working with clients, she utilizes a variety of techniques, including Cognitive-Behavioral, Mindfulness, Solution Focused techniques, and weaves them into a supportive, strengths- based counseling approach. Treatment is always focused on elevating change to achieve a greater sense of self, both physically and emotionally.
Currently her focus is on working with mandated clients needing to have a substance evaluation completed. So, if you’re in need of a DUI, Substance eval or GAIN assessment for either court mandated treatment (Level 1.0 or lower) or needing to get into a higher level of treatment ( inpatient) give us a call and let’s have a conversation.
Idaho Licensed LPC-5878
Utah Licensed ACMHC 14176629-6009
Arizona Licensed LPC-23432
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Andrea Pikes, LPC | SUD Facilitator
Andrea received her Bachelors degree from the University of Idaho with a double major in Psychology and Sociology-Criminology and her Masters Degree in Counseling from Boise University. She has been in the field of Mental Health since 2018. She has past experience working in Juvenile Corrections and a Psychiatric Hospital. Andrea believes if we take what the game of life gives us, and we can cope and adapt at whatever is thrown our way, we will have made it to our highest and truest potential. Her goal is to help foster a no-judgement, therapeutic relationship with you to help you gain connection with your identity, source of power, and inner strength and resiliency that she knows you have and help guide you into a position that is freeing, validating and empowering. Andrea incorporates art therapy and a person centered approach into her work and believes that you can overcome any obstacle, any trauma and any life event (big or small) that comes our way. Counseling is her passion, and she says she will bring the resources if you bring the will power!
Idaho Licensed LPC-9373
Andrea has limited availability for new clients.
Joseph Farnes , LPC | Clinician
Joseph (he/him) received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion from Whitman College (Walla Walla, WA) and a Master of Divinity degree from Seminary of the Southwest (Austin, TX), and his Master of Counseling in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Idaho State University – Meridian. Joseph is passionate about “big questions” in life and helping people with creating healing, authenticity, and meaning in their lives. He works primarily from an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy lens, and he incorporates tools from DBT in working with individuals and Systems Theory in working with couples/families. Joseph looks forward to working with individuals (teenagers and adults) and couples/families. He has special interests in: LGBTQIA+ concerns, spiritual/religious trauma, depression, anxiety, shame, and grief.
Idaho Licensed 6261879
Joseph is currently in network with Magellan Medicaid, Blue Cross of Idaho, and Anthem BC (we are still pending Regence). He will begin seeing clients beginning September 23, 2024. Call now to reserve you slot!
Crystal Arteaga-Juarez, MSW Intern | Front Office Administrator/ SUD Facilitator & DUI Educator
When you join one of our SUDS groups, you will be greeted by our wonderful staff Crystal. Crystal has three Bachelor's degrees in Political Science, Spanish, and International Studies from Utah State University, where she graduated with honors. Crystal has been able to work with the individuals’ labor rights in the Dominican Republic and serve individuals experiencing homelessness in our Treasure Valley. These experiences led her to pursue a Master of Social Work at Northwest Nazarene University. She has a passion for working with clients by providing them with educational, emotional, and physical resources to assist them with their journey. Crystal is very passionate about working with this population and teaching skills with compassion and understanding.
Brittany Allin-Goss | Master of Counseling in Rehabilitation Counseling Intern
Brittany (she/her) received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Northern Arizona University (Flagstaff, AZ) and is currently completing her Master of Counseling in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling at Idaho State University – Meridian. Brittany focuses on working with individuals with disabilities, both psychiatric and physical. She has a unique understanding of the nuance and layers that visible and invisible disabilities can have on individuals’ lives. Brittany works from an existential perspective to help clients explore and identify their personal values, choices, and responsibility. Brittany hopes to work with children and adolescents as they navigate transitionary periods such as changing schools, moving into college, or going into the workplace. She focuses on building client’s independence and self-advocacy skills by helping them understand themselves better, as well as their rights in their various life domains
Call and check for current availability!
Ashley Hocken | M. in Clinical Counseling Intern
Ashley is currently pursuing a Master of Counseling in Clinical Mental Health at Idaho State University and is influenced by Person-Centered Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Theory, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Feminist Theory. She received her bachelor's degree in Sociology from the University of Maryland which influences her perspective on the social systems that play into our development and belief as humans.
Ashley supports her clients while on their journey toward healing and personal growth with sensitivity, empathy, and compassion. She continues to develop her skills in the counseling field and is committed to creating a safe and nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, understood, and accepted. Ashley encourages her clients to embrace their thoughts and feelings while committing to actions that align with their values. Additionally, she is an advocate of equality for all, striving to empower clients to challenge societal norms and embrace their agency.
Call and check for current availability!
Luke Frantz | M. in Clinical Counseling Intern
Luke received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Services with focus in Education from the University Massachusetts Amherst and is currently pursuing a Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grand Canyon University. Luke is particularly interested in working with individuals facing depression, anxiety, personality disorders, complex trauma, PTSD, ADHD, dissociative disorders, and addiction. Additionally, he has an extensive background working with neurodiverse children and adolescents, and feels comfortable working with both kids and adults, including those who are neurotypical and neurodiverse.
Luke will have availability Wednesdays starting 10/9/2024
Melissa Ramirez | Bilingual Translator
Melissa comes to Ascensions as our on call translator specific for translating DUI/SUD Evaluations and GAINS in Spanish for clients.