BETSY ATKINS, LCSW, RPT-S

Betsy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist- Supervisor, who earned her MSW degree from the University of Alaska Anchorage in 2010. She was born in Anchorage and attended Chugiak High School. Betsy received her undergraduate degree in Psychology with a Coaching minor from the University of Wisconsin Stout. Betsy chose to complete her graduate schooling in Anchorage due to a strong desire to return to Alaska and provide care to the youth of her hometown community.

Prior to returning to Alaska, Betsy provided mental health care to children in a long-term residential treatment facility in California. It was there that she sought to further her education to provide care to young children and their families. Prior to becoming a play therapist, Betsy worked for Dr. Kristi Fuller and Dr. Richard Fuller administering neuropsychological testing and providing individual support to children. Betsy earned her Registered Play Therapist license in 2019 and continues to provide therapeutic work with young children and their families at Fuller Diagnostics, LLC.

Betsy has helped and continues to support families who are facing a range of issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, family conflict, divorce, blended family issues, conduct disorder, anger and aggression, and individuals with autism. Betsy classifies herself as a “prescriptive play therapist” providing her the flexibility to meet a child where they are at and guiding families to meet their emotional needs. Styles of play include but are not limited to: child-center play therapy, directive and non-directive play therapy, behavior management, sand tray therapy, bibliotherapy as well as Filial Therapy. Regardless of her approach, Betsy includes the entire family for a full systems approach towards achieving goals set.  Play for many children is their communication tool and Betsy helps families decode what the play is saying to help foster understanding and to meet the child’s needs.