Counselors

Jonathan Statt, MC, LMFT - Co-founder & Therapist

For over 13 years, I have successfully worked with people to gain insight and create positive patterns of behavior to repair broken relationships, heal from past abuse/trauma, improve self-control, break free from anxiety and depression, and achieve greater life satisfaction. I strive to create a safe, comfortable, non-judgmental environment for clients to feel understood and accepted. I often use stories from my life experiences as a youth pastor, Jr. High teacher, and married father of three to relate to clients and teach lessons that I am still learning. The most common positive comment I receive from clients is that they always leave having learned something new.

I have a passion for working with teens, adults, and couples on a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, impulse control, life transitions, personal growth, relationship conflict and communication, men's health, sexuality, grief, overcoming trauma/abuse, and spiritual conflicts.

When not working in the community or counseling, I love spending time with my wife, two daughters, and son. I am available on M-Th and Saturdays for appointments and can be contacted at jstatt@affinitycounseling.org or (520) 257-1168 x1.

Accepts: BCBS, AmBetter, Tricare, Aetna, GEHA, Meritain, UMR/United Healthcare, HMC Healthworks

Works With: Teenagers, Adults, Individuals, Couples

Daniel Orozco, LPC, DAAETS, CT - Co-founder & Therapist

I am passionate about bringing healing, hope, and wholeness in the wake of the most difficult situations life throws at us. Many of my clients come to therapy seeking to decrease anxiety or depression, heal from significant losses and hurts, solve difficult problems, or just feel better about themselves. I have a broad range of experience with adults with a wide variety of concerns including: overcoming trauma/abuse, medical concerns, grief and loss, spiritual conflicts, life transitions, HIV/AIDS, anxiety, depression, and stress management.

I actively seek to build an atmosphere of acceptance and understanding that allows my clients to feel comfortable and safe. Utilizing a person-centered approach, I work collaboratively with each client to identify and reach their personal therapy goals. My focus is finding the most effective combination of therapeutic approaches to help my clients be successful in creating their fullest possible life. I primarily use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. When appropriate, I incorporate my experience in behavioral health and integrated medical mental health together with over a decade of experience as a pastor.

When not counseling, I love spending time with my wife and two dogs, hiking, traveling, and volunteering in the community. I am available Monday through Thursday for appointments and can be contacted at dorozco@affinitycounseling.org or (520) 257-1168 x2.

Accepts: United Healthcare, Healthnet/AmBetter, Aetna, GEHA, Meritain, UMR, HMC Healthworks

Works With: Adults, Individuals

Jo-Ann Marks, MA, LMFT - Therapist

I have experience working within mental health agencies which afforded me the chance to work with both adults and families. I am experienced in treating all general mental health disorders (anxiety, depression, anger management, grief & loss, family issues, conflict resolution, divorce and co-parenting issues, aging issues, PTSD and personal trauma, gender issues) as well as more ingrained disorders such as DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder), Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder and Personality Disorders.

My style is straight forward helping you to uncover the source of your discomfort and then developing strategies for stress relief. Family restructuring is one of my strengths whereby I unite and strengthen the parents' roles and clarify expectations for the kids. I have extensive experience with teenagers. I thoroughly enjoy couples counseling utilizing Imago Communication techniques. I have been married for 50 years and can provide new structures for communication, acceptance and many funny anecdotes.

I look forward to working with you. I am available Thursdays 1- 6 PM and Saturdays 10AM -4PM for appointments which you can schedule directly on this website. You can contact me at jmarks@affinitycounseling.org or (520) 257-1168 x702.

Accepts: BCBS, Aetna, Tricare, Meritain, HealthNet, AM Better, HMC Healthworks, UMR, GEHA, I no longer accept United Healthcare. I also accept Private Pay at $125 per hour session.

Works With: Individuals, Couples, Families, Children 10 years and older & Teenagers.

Skylar Cook, MA, LAC - Associate Therapist

The fact that you are reading this says a great deal about you. Despite the circumstances you are facing and the pain you are trying to deal with there is something inside of you that’s helping you to keep going, and to try to find a way through the mess and the pain. My hope is to join you in your journey through this mess and pain. I am not the expert on your life, you are. However, I will work to meet you where you are at, hear your story, and together we can go from there.

I am influenced by certain ideas and theories (EFT, REBT, MI), but I am not going to try and make your story fit into a certain mold. We are going to work together to make sure what happens in our sessions reflects your needs and your goals. I specialize in working with teens struggling with a range of issues as well as couples (both married and pre-marital). I also have experience working with individuals struggling with anxiety and depression.

I am passionate about therapy because at its core it is a relational process. Therapy isn’t just about someone giving you advice or pointing out chinks in your emotional armor. It’s about connecting with someone, being seen and heard, and in that process discovering something about yourself which helps you move forward. You can expect me to be genuine, empathetic, and nonjudgmental. This means I am going to truly be me, I’m going to plant myself in your world, and I’m going to accept you as you are. You can also expect me to do my very best to be up to date on tools and techniques which give us the best chance to accomplish your goals. Finally, you can expect me to pray for you both in and out of session. While I commit every day to doing my best for my clients I recognize where true healing comes from.

My personal life is filled with my wife and our 3 wonderful little girls. Together, we like to travel, hike, camp, play outdoors, and dance around to Disney music (a natural consequence of living with all girls). When I’m not with my family I’m reading, listening to podcasts (my tastes range from sports to slice of life) and exploring the outdoors. I’m a HUGE fan of anything involving chocolate and peanut butter, and avoid country music like the plague. I am practicing under the supervision of Jonathan Statt, LMFT and do not accept insurance. I charge $90 per session and am available on Fridays for appointments. You can contact me at scook@affinitycounseling.org or 257-1168 x5.

Works with: Adolescents (12+), Couples, Individuals, Families

Tiffani Wade, MC, LPC - Therapist

I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to provide mental health services for the community for over 15 years. I have experience with a wide variety of needs and ages. I have had experience working with individuals, couples, families and groups. I believe in the potential for all people to grow, heal, and learn how to manage life stressors in a healthy, and effective way.

I have experience and expertise with mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, impulse control, relationship problems, grief/loss, dealing with change, and more. I enjoy working with any age group and effortlessly help others feel at ease, welcomed, and not judged. I am passionate about helping others lead more fulfilling lives by achieving their emotional, spiritual, relational, and career goals.

I am available Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays for appointments and can be reached at twade@affinitycounseling.org or (520) 257-1168 x703.

Accepts: Aetna, GEHA, Meritain, BCBS, HealthNet, AM Better, United, UMR, Tricare, HMC Healthworks

Works With: Children, Teenagers, Adults, Individuals, Couples, Families

Jake Hawbaker, LAMFT - Associate Therapist

I believe we were created for relationships. Relationships can bring healing, wholeness and happiness. However, despite their powerful role in our life, they can be extremely difficult to manage and can cause us a lot of pain and stress. This is where I hope to be able to help you. I love working with individuals, couples and families to help them on the their road to finding peace and joy in their relationships. At Affinity Counseling Center you will find an accepting and understanding atmosphere where you can be open about the real struggles of life.

I have worked with adolescents for over a decade through Young Life, a youth outreach organization, and love helping teens and parents not only survive the challenging adolescent years but also to thrive in their relationships. I am also passionate about families and marriages and want to help you strengthen yours. Family dynamics can be difficult and so can marriages. I look forward to helping you navigate those difficulties to find the marriage and family life you hope for. I use a variety of therapy techniques including Gottman, Emotion Focused Therapy, Structural Therapy and more.

I also have experience working with individuals dealing with grief, anxiety, depression, and many other life circumstances. I am a trained EMDR therapist, providing therapy for clients with trauma and negative cognitions. I completed my Marriage and Family Therapy degree at Fuller Theological Seminary and am a Licensed Associate MFT practicing under the supervision of Jonathan Statt, LMFT. I do not accept insurance and only offer video sessions. I charge $90 per 55-minute session. I am available Wednesday afternoons and Friday mornings and can be reached at jhawbaker@affinitycounseling.org or 257-1168 x4.

Works With: Teenagers (12+), Adults, Individuals, Couples, Families

Barb DiMarco, M.Ed., LPC - Therapist

Hello and welcome! I am a recent transplant from the Philadelphia area who has worked for over thirty years with families and individuals experiencing difficult situations at work, school, and home. I have expertise in helping with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, OCD, ADHD, PTSD, marital struggles, children’s issues and parenting skills.

Most of my clients deal with stressful lives incurring anxiety, esteem issues and depression. When my clients are finished with their sessions, they are more comfortable and confident. I work with families using behavior modification techniques, helping navigate difficult teen years, and working out marital communications. I will listen to your concerns and goals while offering practical tried and true “tools” to help. My training includes: Behavior modification, Mindfulness training, Cognitive behavioral therapy, Dialectical behavioral therapy, Spiritual counseling, Communications development, and Art therapy (for children and teens).

I believe we all have the ability to heal and grow and to make changes to live meaningful and enjoyable lives. Empowering individuals and watching them grow stronger and wiser is a delightful and familiar experience for this therapist!

When not working at Affinity, I perform jazz and bossa nova originals in various local venues. I spend a lot of time swimming with my two grandchildren, volunteering for humanitarian concerns, and practicing my Spanish!

I am available on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays for appointments and can be reached at bdimarco@affinitycounseling.org or (520) 257-1168 x6.

Accepts: United, UMR, Tricare, BCBS, Aetna, Meritain, GEHA, HealthNet, AM Better, HMC Healthworks

Works With: Children, Teenagers, Adults, Individuals, Couples, Families

Phyllis Siebern, LPC - Therapist

I have had the privilege of working in many areas of the mental health field over the last 15 years, and this has shown me that people have the ability to heal given the right tools.

I have experience with anxiety, depression, anger management and PTSD. I have training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. I am empathetic and genuine in my approach, as I believe it’s important to feel both accepted and heard by your therapist. I employ a straightforward style but like to incorporate humor as well. I am able to work with older children, teens, and adults.

I am available on Fridays, Sundays, and Mondays for appointments. I can be reached at psiebern@affinitycounseling.org or at (520) 257-1168, x. 701.

Accepts: United Healthcare, UMR, BCBS, Tricare, Aetna, GEHA, Meritain, HealthNet, AmBetter, HMC Healthworks

Works With: Individual Adults, Teenagers, Children (10+ years old)

Samantha Contreras, LCSW - Therapist

Facing difficult emotional and interpersonal challenges in our lives can be frightening, but can also be a time for growth and healing. Talking with someone who listens without judgement, understands your concerns and helps you clarify issues can be invaluable. I am a culturally competent therapist working with various population having experience with serving adolescents, adults, couples, veterans, those suffering from chronic illness, and those struggling with concerns around sexuality.

My therapeutic approach is solution focused and I utilize multiple modalities to best fit the needs of both individuals and couples. Evidence based therapy techniques are utilized such as mindfulness-based interventions, IBCT, CBT, ACT and DBT to aid in behavior modification. In addition, as part of the therapeutic process the implementation of strength-based techniques are used to aid in addressing life’s challenges, as well as, utilizing a faith-based approach when appropriate. I employ a variety of widely researched and effective therapeutic approaches to address symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, relational problems and/or other life stressors or concerns.

My personal and professional life has been dedicated to helping others and I am truly passionate about my work. My role as a therapist is to support you and to challenge you on your path to self-improvement and self-empowerment. Through a collaborative process, we can explore and address the underlying causes of problematic behaviors, beliefs, feelings and relationship issues. I have experience working with the full spectrum of emotional and behavioral issues and together we can begin the process of healing.

When I am not working with clients, I enjoy reading, spending time with my partner of 20 years, my adolescent daughter and two dogs. I am a book editor and a published research author on the effects of cohabitation. I am available Sunday through Wednesday for appointments and I can be reached at scontreras@affinitycounseling.org or at (520) 257-1168, x. 3.

Accepts: Aetna, BCBS, GEHA, Meritain, HealthNet, AmBetter, HMC Healthworks, United Healthcare, UMR, Medicare

In Process to Accept: Tricare

Works With: Individual Adults, Teenagers (14+), Couples

Allison Hanzel, MA, LAC, NCC, CCMHC - Associate Therapist

Picking a counselor can be an intimidating process! I completely get it. One of the most important aspects of finding the right fit includes "clicking" with your counselor. So, how do you know it’s the right fit?

I believe I can help you! I provide a safe and honoring space for clients. I have provided care for clients in a variety of areas. I am willing to assist you no matter what it going on in your life. My goal is to collaborate with you so that you feel empowered to overcome your obstacles, find peace and achieve your goals. My therapeutic approach includes CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, strength-based and solution focused.

Areas I am well-versed in include anxiety and depression, panic, relationship issues, self-esteem and self-worth, trauma, sexual abuse, domestic violence, pregnancy/birth trauma and several other areas. I have experience working with individuals, families and couples while also having experience with group counseling.

What you can expect working with me as your therapist: a warm and empathetic environment focusing on empowering you to achieve your goals.

I received my Bachelors in Psychology from George Mason University and a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Regent University. I am a Nationally Certified Counselor as well as a Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor. In my free time I enjoy running outdoors, coffee and spending time with my family.

I am a Licensed Associate Counselor practicing under the supervision of Daniel Orozco, LPC. I do not accept insurance, so I charge a discounted rate of $90 per session and am available Monday through Thursday for appointments. I am seeing clients through teletherapy only at this time. To reach me, you can email ahanzel@affinitycounseling.org or call (520) 257-1168, x. 704.

Works With: Adolescents (12+), Adults, Individuals, Couples, Families

Garret Bolthouse, Intern Therapist

Everyone has their own unique story to tell and needs someone they feel is safe, confidential, and ready to listen. I am passionate about people and the stories they are willing to share -- their hurts and their joys, their losses and their successes. Absolutely everyone, at some point in their life, experiences a sense of feeling stuck or feeling unable to move forward, and that’s OK! The fact that you are seeking counseling tells me that you have incredible courage, and are ready to push forward, but may not know where to begin. I will work to walk with you, listen to your story, help you uncover your strengths, collaborate with you to develop goals, and explore solutions that may help you to thrive again.

People describe me as highly relational, kind, warm, funny, grounded, and smart. I have spent the last thirteen years as a lay-minister working with teenagers, college students, couples,

and their families, and have also worked professionally with mental and behavioral health programs for young people across the country. I have a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy with a minor in Business from the University of Arizona, and am presently studying to attain a Master’s degree in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling at Regent University. I am currently practicing as an intern under the supervision of Jonathan Statt, LMFT (AZ) and participating in weekly direction under Dr. Ashleigh Bruns, Ph.D., LPC (WI), NCC at Regent University.

In my free time, I spend time with my wife of fourteen years and our one-year old foster child. I love reading, playing guitar, bass and piano, hiking, backpacking, biking, games with friends, and spending time with people I love. And I am looking forward to meeting you! I do not accept insurance, but charge a reduced rate of $40 per session. I have availability for appointments on Fridays and Sundays. You can contact me at gbolthouse@affinitycounseling.org or (520) 257-1168 x705.

Works With: Children & Adolescents (5+), Adults, Individuals, Couples, Families

Michelle Merbeth, MFT, LPC

Welcome! I am excited about the opportunity to walk with you on your healing journey.

If you are experiencing a stressful situation, significant loss, overwhelming emotions and/or a life crisis we can work together to overcome your struggles in a relaxed, safe, nonjudgmental, and supportive space. I would be honored to be a part of your recovery journey, where you are not just surviving but thriving in your life!

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with the Arizona Board of Behavioral health and have a Master’s degree in Marriage Family and Child Therapy. I have been providing therapy in the Tucson community for over 14 years and have extensive training and experience working with depression, anxiety, and anger management, trauma, grief/loss, and relationship/family dynamics. I integrate a variety of therapeutic approaches including include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), Narrative Therapy, and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) in order to develop a plan that will best meet your individual needs. My approach includes a neuroscience perspective to the therapeutic process (therapy can actually change our brains), and I practice trauma informed treatment with a body focused, Somatic Experiencing® approach.

In addition to my commitment to restoring mental health and empowering my clients, my personal interests/hobbies include cooking, exercising, hiking, reading, meditating/mindfulness, spending time with family, playing with my many pets, and relaxing and enjoying the desert animals. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions.

I am in-process to accept a number of insurances. If you have an insurance that I have not yet been approved for, I am offering a reduced rate of $90 per session until I am able to accept your insurance. I am available Mondays and Wednesdays for appointments which you can schedule directly on the website. I can be reached at mmerbeth@affinitycounseling.org or at (520) 257-1168 x706.

ACCEPTS: Aetna, Meritain, GEHA

IN-PROCESS: United Health, UMR, Blue Cross Blue Shield, TRICARE, AmBetter, HMC Healthworks

WORKS WITH: Individuals, Couples, Families, Children (10 years and older), adolescents, and adults.