Our Team

Jamie Arnold, D.O.

Jamie Arnold, D.O. is a Board-Certified Adult Psychiatrist for the State of Michigan. In addition to seeing patients at Lansing Psychological Associates, Dr. Arnold has been treating severe, persistent mental illness at Community Mental Health in Lansing since her graduation from psychiatry residency in 2015. Dr. Arnold completed an undergraduate degree through the Lyman Briggs residential college at Michigan State University, then attended medical school at MSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. She received her psychiatric training during residency at Michigan State as well, and was fortunate to train with and under highly respected and renowned psychiatrists. Dr. Arnold is particularly interested in employing the osteopathic principles of the mind-body connection and treating patients from a holistic approach, using medication in addition to psychotherapy, mindfulness, physical exercise, and behavioral activation to ease mood symptoms. Dr. Arnold also serves as the Medical Director for LPA.

Mary Bechtel, LMSW

Mary is a Licensed Master’s Social Worker and Certified School Social Worker with more than 23 years of experience working with clients across the lifespan in mental health, medical and school settings.  Mary focuses on integrating evidence-based treatments including TF-CBT, ERPT, and CPS with genuine collaboration, warmth and humor to help clients learn skills and strategies to effectively communicate, regulate intense emotions, connect with others and navigate life’s challenges.  Mary offers experience helping adults, teenagers, children and families effectively manage generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, Tic disorders, depression, oppositional behaviors, PNES, family conflict, substance use/abuse, sibling/peer conflict, bullying, school refusal, and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

James R. Engelkes, Ph.D.

James R. Engelkes, Ph.D., is a Christian oriented Licensed Psychologist in the State of Michigan. He provides individual and couple psychotherapy for adults and older adolescents. He uses an eclectic approach including cognitive/behavioral and some psychodynamic influence. Additionally, he provides forensic, psychological, and vocational assessments. He works with a general mental health and rehabilitation caseload. Many of his clients present with depression, anxiety and stress related problems. Former Full Professor at Michigan State University (1969 – 1985); he has worked over 40 years in this area. He is past President of the Michigan Vocational Guidance Association. He is listed in Who’s Who in the Midwest; Who’s Who is America, International Biographies.  James also serves as President of the LPA board.

G. David Harris, Ph.D.

G. David Harris, Ph.D., is a Licensed Psychologist in the State of Michigan. Dr. Harris works with a range of clients. He provides individual therapy for adults and adolescents. Dr. Harris also conducts couples and family therapy. His approach is eclectic in nature utilizing cognitive/behavioral, behavioral, psychodynamic, and solution-focused techniques as appropriate. Dr. Harris has special areas of interest, which include depression, anxiety, communication, parenting skill building, grief and loss, dysfunctional family dynamics, and LGBTQ+ issues.

Sandra P. Kazor, MS, LLP

Sandra P. Kazor, MS, LLP, has been working as a Master’s level Psychologist with individuals of all ages since 1996. She is experienced in working with children, adolescents and adults with different diagnoses. Areas of specialty include anxiety, anger, stress management, conflict resolution in relationships, self esteem, adjustments to life changes and traumatic brain injuries. Ms. Kazor is able to provide individual, couples, and family therapy and utilizes a primarily cognitive behavioral approach. However, as needed, she utilizes other perspectives, as this allows for the most individualized treatment of each client. Ms. Kazor provides her clients an unconditional environment to establish the rapport necessary for open communication. Ms. Kazor has had experience working with different ethnic communities. Additionally, she is bilingual and is able to provide Spanish speaking treatment to those individuals most comfortable communicating in this language.

Chris Kobesko, LPC

Chris Kobesko, LPC, is an LPC with 22 years of experience, honorably serving clients who present a myriad of concerns and questions.  Chris believes all people have the ability to create exchanges they have been hoping for in their lives.  The first step can be stressful and filled with anxieties and doubts.  Chris has had the opportunity and pleasure of working with clientele in both mental health and AODA settings.  “I enjoy working with people who join me in curiosity to understand their lives, worlds, and brains and use a non-judgmental and strength-based approach to create self-compassion and change.  I believe that the answer to our mental health lies in holistic health and using an adaptive approach and open mind to address each concern. “

Chris also specializes in couple counseling, processing trauma, ADHD, and anger issues.  Chris also uses an integrative approach with a psychodynamic foundation.  This means he will tailor therapy to fit your specific needs, we’ll likely explore how the lessons you’ve learned from past experiences are impacting you today (consciously and unconsciously), thereby empowering you with the ability to break unhealthy through patterns and behaviors.

Kathryn Loy, LMSW

Kathryn has a master’s degree in social work, and has provided services to youth and families for over ten years through medical/mental health services. Kathryn has experience in school systems, Community Mental Health, and Hospital settings.

Kathryn provides services to individuals five years and older with a primary focus on youth/family and young adults experiencing; college stressors, anxiety, depression, PTSD, self-esteem struggles, anger management, conflict resolution, adjustment disorders, communication needs, and trauma-focused treatment. 

Kathryn’s approach is eclectic as she believes through integrating multiple approaches, open communication, and psychodynamic research, individuals can find their way back to a healthy way of thinking and lifestyle. Kathryn’s Primary therapeutic approaches are; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Solution Focus, Active Listening, and psychodynamic Therapy. 

“My goal for each session is to ensure that people feel heard. I provide a warm calming environment that is safe for all words and emotions.”

Wendy MacFarland Nicholson, MS, LLP

Wendy MacFarland Nicholson, MS, LLP, has been serving children, adolescents, college students, adults, families and couples since 1996. She has worked both in residential and outpatient settings. Her approach to treatment is eclectic and collaborative. Wendy provides a compassionate therapeutic environment, where it is safe to explore new ways to lead a more meaningful and well-adjusted life. Wendy uses a variety of interventions to help people positively impact their emotional, physical, cognitive and spiritual states. She has extensive experience in working with adolescents who have behavioral disorders, abuse/neglect issues, grief/loss issues, depression, anxiety and conflict with family members. Wendy is also effective in working with adults and couples who are struggling with adjustment issues, mood and anxiety disorders or relationship problems. Wendy is very intentional in helping clients implement definable and concrete strategies to obtain progress towards their individualized treatment goals. In addition to clinical services, Wendy also provides training to graduate students, child welfare staff and foster parents.

Teresa Townsend, LMSW

Teresa Townsend has been working as a social worker since 1997.  She is trained in working with children ages 5-18, adults, seniors, and veterans.  She has a school social work license and is trained in family and play therapy.  She has worked in schools, outpatient settings, and hospitals.  Teresa is experienced in providing treatment for anger management, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, codependence issues, stress, healing techniques, and supportive therapy.  She is trained in CBT, solutions focused therapy, psychodynamic, and family systems.  She provides a comprehensive total approach to wellbeing with Christian values connecting healing and faith with mind, body, and soul.

Julie Yesmunt, LMSW

Julie Yesmunt, LMSW, is a Christian oriented Licensed Master Social Worker in the State of Michigan. She provides service with adults and adolescents and conducts couples and family therapy. She specializes in teaching assertiveness, building healthy relationships, increasing organization, improving self-esteem, developing new parenting skills, and adjusting to life changes. she uses an integrative approach frequently incorporating acceptance and commitment therapy while integrating cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic, and a family systems approach while providing a compassionate therapeutic environment. Julie also serves as CEO of the LPA board.