Matthew Darnold, MA, ATR

Professional Experience

I am a dedicated mental health professional with extensive experience working in children, adolescent, and adult mental health settings, including day treatment and partial hospitalization programs. I worked in adult Intensive Residential Treatment Services (IRTS) for almost five years, where I applied a person-centered approach to create individualized care plans that addressed each client’s unique needs and challenges. In my practice, I integrate a variety of therapeutic modalities, including both verbal therapy and art therapy, to create a holistic healing environment. My use of art therapy encourages self-expression, emotional processing, and creative problem-solving, providing clients with alternative pathways to healing that go beyond traditional talk therapy. I am also skilled in facilitating group therapy sessions that create a safe, collaborative space for clients to explore their emotions and develop social-emotional skills.

In my work as a school-based therapist, I lead with a strong foundation in Social Emotional Learning (SEL), I emphasize the development of self-awareness, emotional regulation, empathy, and healthy communication in my work. I am passionate about fostering a therapeutic environment where clients can build resilience, enhance their emotional intelligence, and cultivate the skills necessary for long-term mental and emotional well-being.