Ava DeGroot, APSW, is an Advanced Practice Social Worker. She received her Bachelor’s of Science in Mental Health Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and her Master’s of Clinical Social Work from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. As part of her MSW, she provided therapy to adolescents aged 14-18 at a high school in Saint Michael, Minnesota. Ava additionally completed a community-based internship placement, providing rehabilitative service support to adults experiencing severe and persistent mental illness across the Twin Cities. Her experiences span mental health, trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and advocacy.
As a therapist, Ava values connection and belonging in her space. She utilizes strengths-based, emotion-focused, and relational approaches to therapy. This includes exploring client experiences through the way they interact with themselves, their environments, and their relationships. Ava integrates art, music, play, and mindfulness activities into her practice while focusing on enhancing the overall well-being of her clients. She believes that humor, authenticity, and trust are essential in the healing process.
Ava enjoys working with the teenage population and is committed to creating an inclusive and empathetic environment for youth to feel seen, heard, and supported. Some of this work is done by removing the stigma surrounding mental health, empowering self-advocacy, and building a strong therapeutic relationship.
Clients Ava Works With
- Adolescents and Young Adults (12-25)
- Adults
- LGBTQIA+
Therapeutic Specialties
- Anxiety disorders
- Depressive disorders
- Trauma and stress related disorders
- Self-esteem
- Social functioning
- School concerns
