Ashley Irish, MSW
Behavioral & Mental Health Specialist
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
My name is Ashley. I am committed to positively impacting one individual at a time. I found myself as a therapist through my personal and associated experiences with mental health and substance misuse. Motivated by a deep passion for helping others, I thrive off guiding people toward achieving their fullest and truest potential. My approach is centered on service through advocacy, education, support, and empowerment. Through my work, I strive to improve the world and uplift each individual I serve.
Navigating life's challenges is not easy. I'm here to tell you that you are not alone. I will support you every step of the way as you overcome your obstacles. I welcome the opportunity to discuss how I can help you embark on your journey of positive transformation toward a more optimistic and empowered future.
Education
Specialties
Experience
Ashley originates from Pennsylvania, where she graduated cum laude with a bachelor's degree in Applied Human Services and a minor in Psychology from the Pennsylvania College of Technology. This program confined her counseling techniques, theoretical framework, and practical experience. As an undergraduate, Ashley completed internships in
Ashley originates from Pennsylvania, where she graduated cum laude with a bachelor's degree in Applied Human Services and a minor in Psychology from the Pennsylvania College of Technology. This program confined her counseling techniques, theoretical framework, and practical experience. As an undergraduate, Ashley completed internships in a transitional correctional center and a center for survivors of domestic violence and other crimes.
Ashley moved to the Sunshine State to seek new opportunities. She worked as a crisis counselor in multiple settings before continuing her education. Ashley enrolled at the University of South Florida and was invited to join the first cohort of Project iSed, offering advanced education for supporting students with severe emotional and behavioral disorders. Ashley participated in a school-based internship before graduating with her Master's in Social Work and a graduate certificate in Positive Behavior Support.
Ashley considers herself a life-long learner. She continues to study new and innovative ways of approaching therapy and social justice. Ashley is passionate about behavioral health and will continue her educational journey by studying behavior analysis.
Experience
Specialties
Experience
Ashley began her professional career as a school social worker in a social behavioral program. She immediately felt at home working with this population, as it directly aligned with her mission and purpose. During this time, Ashley also worked part-time as a therapist for a pediatric psychiatric unit. The ability to provide immediate inte
Ashley began her professional career as a school social worker in a social behavioral program. She immediately felt at home working with this population, as it directly aligned with her mission and purpose. During this time, Ashley also worked part-time as a therapist for a pediatric psychiatric unit. The ability to provide immediate intervention to at-risk youth fills Ashley with a sense of fulfillment.
Ashley now provides outpatient care as a community-based clinician and provider through Elevate PD & Therapy. She delivers outpatient services virtually, in-home, and within the community. Though her passion is supporting at-risk youth, Ashley now sees several adults with varying mental health and behavioral struggles on an outpatient basis.
Specialties
Specialties
Specialties
Ashley considers herself a specialist in pediatric behavioral and mental health. Through her experience supporting youth in school, outpatient, and inpatient settings, she is drawn to working with at-risk youth to empower them to reach their highest potential. Ashley is competent in serving adults with acute to severe mental health concer
Ashley considers herself a specialist in pediatric behavioral and mental health. Through her experience supporting youth in school, outpatient, and inpatient settings, she is drawn to working with at-risk youth to empower them to reach their highest potential. Ashley is competent in serving adults with acute to severe mental health concerns and has advanced skills in substance misuse intervention.
Ashley is a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern through the Florida Department of Health. Ashley is certified in school social work and exceptional student education by the Florida Department of Education.
Areas of expertise:
- Adjustment Disorders
- Anger Management
- Anxiety
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity (ADHD)
- Autism Spectrum (ASD)
- Conduct Disorders
- Depression
- Disruptive Mood Dysregulation (DMDD)
- Emotional/Behavioral (EBD)
- Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
- Oppositional Defiance (ODD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress (PTSD)
- Self Injurious Behaviors (SIB)
- Sexual Abuse
- Substance Misuse
- Suicidal Ideations
- Trauma & PTSD
Therapeutic Approach
Ashley incorporates a variety of evidence-based treatment modalities. She is guided by Dr. Glasser's teachings of choice theory. Ashley enjoys experiential techniques, emphasizing mindfulness. When appropriate, Ashley integrates play and art therapies. She is a novice in the pillars of Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT) and is trained in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for the treatment of OCD and phobias. The foundation of Ashley's practice is strength-based and trauma-informed.
No! Ashley offers free 15-minute consultations.
During this time, you and Ashley will discuss your needs and what you hope to get from therapy to see if it would be a good fit. Use this link to schedule your consultation.
Fees are intentionally structured to be competitive and cost-effective. Please view Ashley's Monarch page for a list of self-pay fees.
If financial barriers prevent you from receiving therapeutic services, contact Ashley directly to explore your options.
Ashley is in-network with:
- Aetna
- Cigna
- FL Blue
She is a contracted provider for Aetna, Ulliance, and Telus EAPs.
Additionally, Ashley is a provider for Florida Vocational Rehabilitation and accepts the Step Up for Students and Family Empowerment Scholarships.
As a client of Ashley's, all your information is protected under HIPAA. That means what you say in therapy will be kept between you and Ashley. However, there are exceptions to confidentiality. Those exceptions would be if you or someone else is in danger, being hurt, or being neglected. This could include suicidal thoughts, homicidal thoughts, or claims of abuse.
Ashley is a mandated reporter and is required to notify the appropriate agencies.
As a telehealth provider, Ashley takes every precaution to ensure conversations are not overheard and that all information is kept in a secure platform. Please utilize headphones and participate in your session in a private area.
Ashley's office space is protected with a privacy screen on the door as well as tinted windows. Although not fully sound proof, specifics of conversation cannot be heard from the outside. Ashley has a sound machine available to block the conversation from both in and outside the office.
Additionally, Ashley's clinical supervisor (CEO of Elevate PD) will review her session notes. Ashley's supervisor is a qualified, Licensed Clinical Social Worker bound by the same ethical guidelines. Therefore, her supervisor cannot share your information except for the abovementioned instances.
During your first session, your therapist will ask a series of questions to get to know you better and understand your needs in therapy. You will also be able to ask your therapist any questions.
The therapeutic relationship is meant to be open and honest, so feel free to ask questions or express your concerns.
A Registered Clinical Social Work Intern in Florida is an individual who has met specific educational and examination requirements and is in the process of obtaining the supervised experience needed for full licensure in the state.
The ultimate goal of this internship period is to prepare the individual for practice as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), ensuring they have the necessary practical experience and professional supervision to provide competent and ethical clinical services.
In summary, a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern in Florida is a professional in training. They work under supervision to meet the requirements for full licensure as an LCSW and provide clinical services while accumulating the required experience.
Ashley is registered as an intern until 2028 but anticipates being fully licensed by 2026.
Ashley's Florida Department of Health license number is ISW19158.
Please note that the Ashley does not monitor inquiries on a regular basis.
If this is a mental health crisis, please call or text 988.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.