
Hi, I’m Dr. Casey Sumner.
With over a decade of experience across the mental health and substance abuse fields, my work has spanned everything from supporting children and families to walking alongside Veterans and first responders.
Psychology has been my life’s passion from the start. I earned my Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees in psychology to build a deep, comprehensive understanding of how people heal and grow. My doctoral dissertation focused on the concept of thriving among combat Veterans of the Vietnam War—a piece of research and service that remains deeply meaningful to me.
Whether you’re navigating past trauma, seeking balance, or facing life’s challenges, I’m dedicated to helping you move beyond surviving and truly thrive.
I earned my Ph.D. in Psychology with a specialization in General Psychology from Capella University in 2021. With over a decade of experience, I specialize in trauma-informed care, substance abuse recovery, and supporting individuals navigating PTSD and combat-related trauma.
My clinical approach is rooted in behavioral therapy, and I am trained at the Advanced/Enhanced (Level 3) level in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). I am passionate about utilizing evidence-based modalities to help clients process trauma, build resilience, and achieve meaningful healing.
At the core of my therapeutic approach is a simple truth: coping mechanisms are often our best attempts to survive pain. Whether through alcohol, substances, gambling, or other process behaviors, these patterns frequently stem from unresolved trauma and emotional distress.
My primary goal as a clinician is to create a safe, non-judgmental space where we can gently explore the root causes beneath these behaviors. Together, we’ll move beyond simply managing symptoms—uncovering the underlying experiences that drive addiction, replacing temporary relief with authentic healing, and empowering you to build a resilient, fulfilling life.
I strive to keep therapy simple, human, and deeply respectful. My approach is relaxed and authentic—I treat every client with the dignity they deserve while creating an environment where you can drop your guard and just be yourself.
Navigating trauma and mental health challenges is hard enough; the therapy process shouldn't feel intimidating. By speaking to you person-to-person rather than strictly clinician-to-patient, I focus on building a genuine partnership. We’ll keep our work organic, collaborative, and focused on helping you feel comfortable every step of the way.
ART, Trauma, & PTSD.
*ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy)
*Art Therapy
*Christian Counseling
*Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
*Compassion Focused
*Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
*Emotionally Focused
*Expressive Arts
*Family / Marital
*Family Systems
*Music Therapy
*Person-Centered
*Positive Psychology
*Strength-Based
*Trauma Focused
At my core, I am guided by faith, family, and unwavering integrity. These values shape not only who I am as a person, but how I show up as a clinician every single day.
I deeply respect the courage it takes to raise your hand, reach out, and begin this process. Admitting you need support and stepping into tough conversations is rarely easy, and I never take that bravery for granted. Because your trust matters, I honor and respect your time—ensuring that every session is meaningful, focused, and dedicated entirely to supporting your growth and healing.
Casey Sumner, PHD, ART Level III Trained, Registered Intern