Raquel Tobian
Raquel Tobian, LISW, LICDC is an independently licensed clinical social worker and chemical dependency counselor. She focuses on outpatient counseling for individuals with a specialty in substance use disorders, anxiety, depression, and other disorders leading to emotion dysregulation. She has expertise with the following specialized populations: LGBTQIA+ identity, women, First Responders & military background, those at increased risk for suicide, and individuals with legal involvement in treatment.
Raquel is a USA nationally certified trainer for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for substance use disorders and utilizes numerous evidence-based approaches when formulating a unique plan of care for everyone she serves. She believes therapy is a partnership and strives to create a welcoming environment, free from judgment, where individuals can explore their inner selves and learn the skills necessary to create meaningful, lasting change. Raquel knows that change is always possible with the right resources and support; thus, she strives to empower individuals to build a life they love. She describes her therapeutic style as warm and down-to-earth, with a strong focus on the therapeutic relationship and just a touch of humor and irreverence.
Raquel has training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders, Relapse Prevention Therapy, Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicide, and Community Reinforcement Approach. As a passionate, life-long learner she is always learning new approaches to meet the needs of each unique individual.
Raquel’s experience includes working in long-term, dual diagnosis residential care and providing outpatient substance use and mental health services. She also developed and coordinated Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOT) programming for dually diagnosed individuals. Under her leadership, the IOT program team received the “One VA Team Collaboration” Award recognizing them for strong collaboration and excellence in care. Raquel also received the “Mission Impossible Award” and the “Jane Addams Award” in recognition of her hard work and dedication to serving others in the face of significant challenges and her commitment to compassionate care.
Raquel also has an extensive background in research, most recently leading a grant-funded study exploring the relationship between how creating art can enhance well-being for those at elevated risk of suicide. Her strong background in research translates to clinical practice by ensuring those she serves are receiving care that is both personalized to their needs and effective. In addition to her commitment to research, Raquel enjoys sharing her knowledge and experience through professional speaking engagements and has presented at several national conferences and events.
