What makes Dr. Rashawnda Walker & Dr. Amber Dorsey with D & W Psychological Services good neighbors?  

Mental health care accessibility has long been a challenge in many communities across America. Long waiting lists, exorbitant costs, and the lingering stigma surrounding therapy often prevent individuals from seeking the help they need. However, in Colorado Springs, two passionate psychologists are working to change that narrative through their practice, D & W Psychological Services.

Dr. Rashawnda Walker and Dr. Amber Dorsey, both military spouses who found themselves stationed in Colorado Springs, have created a mental health practice built on a foundation of genuine care and community service. Their journey began when they graduated together with their doctorate degrees and promised that if they were ever stationed in the same location, they would establish a practice together. That opportunity arose in Colorado Springs, and in October, they launched D & W Psychological Services.

The range of services offered by D & W Psychological Services is comprehensive and meets various community needs. They provide different types of therapy, including individual, family, and couples counseling. Dr. Walker brings specialized expertise through her certification in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a therapeutic approach particularly effective for trauma. Additionally, they conduct psychological evaluations and neuropsychological assessments for conditions including ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, and bipolar disorder.

One of the most significant barriers the doctors are working to overcome is the stigma surrounding mental health care. Dr. Walker and Dr. Dorsey highlighted several common misconceptions they encounter in their practice. Many people believe that seeking therapy means you're "crazy" or that something is fundamentally wrong with you. They emphasize that therapy is often simply a tool to help individuals adjust to new life situations or navigate temporary challenges. Another misconception is that therapy is a lifelong commitment, when in reality, it can be a short-term intervention spanning just a few months.

Parents often feel particularly hesitant about seeking mental health services for their children. There's a prevalent fear that if a child needs therapy, it reflects poorly on their parenting abilities. This stigma can prevent families from engaging in the therapeutic process, potentially delaying necessary interventions and support for children who could benefit from professional guidance.

What truly sets D & W Psychological Services apart is their commitment to accessibility. The doctors acknowledge that many people in need of mental health services simply cannot afford the typical rates of $150-$170 per hour for therapy. To address this barrier, they accept Medicaid and work with various insurance providers, ensuring that quality mental health care is available to a broader segment of the community. This commitment to accessibility reflects their genuine desire to serve and give back to the community—a motivation that both doctors emphasized transcends financial gain.

The personal journeys of Dr. Walker and Dr. Dorsey have significantly informed their approach to psychological services. Both shared personal hardships they've overcome, which have enhanced their empathy and understanding as practitioners. Dr. Dorsey spoke candidly about the challenges of balancing motherhood with her career aspirations, describing how therapy helped her navigate that significant life adjustment. Dr. Walker reflected on her journey through childhood and adolescence, and her commitment to "showing up differently" than how she was raised or taught.

For those interested in learning more about D & W Psychological Services, the practice maintains a social media presence on Facebook where they share more personal details about the business and themselves. Their website, dwpsychservices.com, features professional biographies and information about their services. As their reputation grows in Colorado Springs, particularly through community networks like the Divine Nine groups, they hope word-of-mouth referrals will continue to connect them with individuals in need of their services.

To learn more about D & W Psychological Services go to: 

https://www.dwpsychservices.com/

D & W Psychological Services

719-653-0242