Katelynn Joan Kissling, MSW, LSW

I have completed both my Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Social Work at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. As an undergraduate student, I completed an internship through the Child Welfare Education for Baccalaureates (CWEB Scholarship) gaining experiencing in observing the child welfare system within foster homes.  After graduating in 2016, I continued my career in child welfare system.  I have worked in many different roles within that system, however, spent most of my time and career in the Adoption and Independent Living Unit.  Most of experience was spent finding, assisting and supporting adoptive families and children through the adoptive process.  Other time was spent helping adolescents and young adults navigate the foster care system, and then transitioning to an independent adult.

In 2019, I returned to Kutztown University to complete my graduate degree through the Child Welfare Education Leadership Program (CWEL Scholarship). My experience then came from an internship through Lehigh County’s Safe Start Program (Children Service Center). This Program is specifically designed for children and parents involved in the child welfare system that have been impacted by substance abuse.  My role in this program was parent education, parent coaching, supervising parent visits, and assisting in reunification efforts. In 2020, I then interned as a school Social Worker helping adolescents achieve graduation and meet their specific Education, Emotional, and Physical needs. 

I have been in the field for 8 years as a Social Worker.  I feel honored to have served in the child welfare field but I have been pulled for some time to make a career change. this capacity. There is a significant need for more Mental Health Professionals to support our community. I have been able to support a variety of client needs over the years including: Mental Health, Substance Abuse Disorders, Foster Care, Intellectual disabilities, Human Trafficking, Child Abuse, Case Management, and significant Trauma. I have supported many families, children, foster parents, adoptive families, adolescents, and adults through their unique needs and struggles. 

I have supported clients utilizing a Trauma Informed Approach and most recently trained in EMDR therapy. I have worked with clients on a variety of unique needs such as: Autism, Learning Disabilities, ADHD, Mood Disorders, Depression, Anxiety, Intellectual disabilities, out of home placements, Residential Treatment Facilities, Acute Hospitalizations, physical abuse, sexual abuse, general neglect, medical neglect, substance abuse, grief/ loss, and trauma. 

My style is a strength-based and Solution-Focused approach in order to meet the many different and complex needs of any patient.  It is my belief that each counseling experience is unique and needs to be tailored to the individual patient. Together, we will utilize the holistic approach that focuses on your physical, spiritual, mental, and social needs.  I will assist the client in addressing, building self-esteem, and utilizing coping skills.  It is important to know that the tools needed to improve your life are already inside you.  It is time to capitalize on your strengths. I am honored to walk alongside you to help you discover these tools and utilize them to optimize your physical, mental, social, and spiritual health.