Bethany Raab, LCSW, ACS

I followed a unique path to attain my LCSW.

Initially, I delved into macro social work during my graduate studies and later secured a therapist role at a Denver-based non-profit. Yet, I found myself at a crossroads, grappling with burnout, and delaying the pursuit of my license.

But then, everything changed. I discovered my true passion within a specific client population and benefited from the guidance of a remarkable supervisor. I had unearthed my calling and motivation, eventually achieving my LCSW.

Since 2012, I've successfully established my private practice from the ground up, turning a profit in my very first year. I've cultivated a robust network of social workers and professionals who've provided unwavering support throughout my journey.

Fast-forward to today.

I specialize in offering therapy to youth within the legal system and adolescents contending with challenges related to relationships, anxiety, and depression. In addition, I have the privilege of supervising 30-35 social workers on their path to LCSW licensure in Colorado. I provide valuable consultations to fellow clinicians on matters concerning healthy sexuality and addressing sexually inappropriate behaviors. I also guide social workers aspiring to initiate their own private practices. Furthermore, I hold the esteemed position of President of the Colorado Society for Clinical Social Work.

Here's the most remarkable part: I've found balance. It is imperfect and always a work in progress. BUT. I don't overwork, and I'm not tethered to my emails 24/7. I complete my documentation promptly after sessions, ensuring a healthy work-life balance. I earn a respectable wage, prioritize adequate sleep, and take the necessary time off. I cherish moments spent with family and friends, creating a fulfilling life outside of work.

In essence, I'm a thriving social worker, not merely surviving. My aspiration is to empower you to do the same.

My approach to clinical supervision is firmly grounded in feminist and multicultural principles. I'm committed to adopting an ecological and systems perspective within the realm of clinical social work. Central to my supervisory philosophy is the vital work of deconstructing oppressive systems that directly impact our clients' well-being. I place a strong emphasis on self-awareness and the proactive pursuit of anti-racism, encouraging social workers to challenge their own supremacist perspectives.

In my role as a clinical supervisor, I bring a dedicated trauma-informed approach. Attention to detail is a hallmark of my supervisory style, where I underscore the significance of meticulous documentation as a form of self-supervision. I uphold the ethical standards of the social work profession and remain acutely aware of the legal and legislative factors shaping our field.

I firmly believe that social workers should not operate in isolation, and I'm passionate about assisting early career professionals in forging robust professional networks. Additionally, I advocate for the empowerment of social workers, encouraging them to utilize their paid time off, engage in organizational change initiatives, and confidently pursue opportunities for professional advancement.

Secure your spot today, and let's embark on this transformative journey together. In our initial phone call, we will discuss our meeting schedule, establish our working agreement, and identify the key focus areas for your supervision.

Don't delay any longer! Space for both group and individual supervision is limited, and it's essential to secure your place promptly.

I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to guide you on your supervision path.

Education
Bachelor of Social Work and Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, Honors Scholar, University of Sioux Falls, 2005
Master of Social Work, University of Denver, 2006
 
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, State of Colorado, 2010
 
Sex Offender Management Board, State of Colorado

• Full Operating Juvenile Treatment Provider and Evaluator, 2016
• Associate Level Juvenile Treatment Provider and Evaluator, 2008-2016

Approved Clinical Supervisor, Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE), 2019
 
Colorado Society for Clinical Social Work

• Member since 2014
• Co-Chair, Education Committee, 2018-2020
• Board President beginning in 2021

National Association of Social Workers

• Member since 2004
• Colorado Chapter Board Treasurer, 2013-2016
• Co-Chair, Private Practice Committee, 2018-2020

Awards

• Most Distinguished Clinician, Colorado Society for Clinical Social Work, 2018

Training

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Creating Your Beyond with Brenda Bomgardner

• Advanced Gang Identification, Denver Area Youth Services, Leo Alirez

• Anti-Oppression Informed Practice Foundations, NASW Ohio

• Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, Living Works

• Bystander Intervention to Stop Race-Based Harassment, Right to Be (formerly Hollaback)

•  Child & Adolescent Development, Various Providers

• Clinical Supervision Training Level 1, 2, and 3, Noeticus Counseling Center and Training Institute

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Various Providers

• Decolonizing Therapy for Black Folks, Kindred Wellness – Shawna Murray-Browne, LCSW

• Ethics in Supervision, Metropolitan State University of Denver

• Helping the Suicidal Person, Stacey Freedenthal PhD, LCSW, The Second Wind Fund

• Mental Health First Aid, All Health Network (formerly Arapahoe/Douglas Mental Health Network)

• Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Palouse Mindfulness

• Modern Sexual Issues in Clinical Practice: What Every Clinician Needs to Know, PESI

• Motivational Interviewing, Various Providers

• Offense Specific Therapy and Psychosexual Evaluations, Colorado Sex Offender Management Board

• Psychological First Aid, Arapahoe Douglas Mental Health Network (now All Health Network)

• Psychopharmacology for Social Workers, Colorado Society for Clinical Social Work

• Racial Justice Training for Therapists, Jasmine Crane, LPC

• Racial Trauma, New Culturally Sensitive Tools for Clinicians, Candice R Dickens, LCPC, LCADC, MAC

• Six Crucial Steps to Decolonize Your Therapy Practice, Kindred Wellness – Shawna Murray-Browne, LCSW

• Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Elliot Connie

• Telehealth for Mental Health Professionals, PESI

• Train the Trainer - Child & Adolescent Healthy Sexual Development (32 hours), The Kempe Center

• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Medical University of South Carolina

• Understanding and Supporting Grieving Youth, The Second Wind Fund & Judi's House

• Using the New DSM in Practice: Challenges and Changes, NASW Colorado

​​Presentations:

• Teens & Sex: What is Normal, Questionable and Illegal, Colorado Society for Clinical Social Work, April 2018
• Boundaries in Social Media for Therapists in Private Practice and Opening Remarks, University of Denver Private Practice Bootcamp, August 2018
• Ethical Use of Social Media in Private Practice, Colorado Society for Clinical Social Work, Private Practice Workshop, August 2019 and June 2020
• Marketing Your Private Practice: Identifying Your Niche and Ethical Social Media Use, Colorado Society for Clinical Social Work, Private Practice Workshop, June and October 2021, February 2023
• Collaborative Documentation Panelist, Time, Flexibility, & Freedom Virtual Summit, Organize & Thrive, December 2021
• My Journey to Private Practice, Opening Remarks, University of Denver Private Practice Bootcamp, May 2022
• Supporting Early Career Social Workers: A Discussion with Seasoned Social Workers, Early Career Social Workers & MSW Students, Colorado Society for Clinical Social Work, February 2023 
• The 7th Annual Social Work Policy Conference: A Call to Action: Ensuring Anti-Racist, Anti-Oppressive and Equitable Social Work Licensing Practices, Keynote Panelist, Metropolitan State University of Denver, September 2023