Equine-Assisted Mental Health and learning

What is Equine-Assisted Counseling?

Equine-Assisted Counseling begins with a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment to support therapist placement, treatment planning, and the application of evidence-based therapeutic interventions by a licensed mental health clinician.

Our licensed therapists integrate evidence-based mental health treatment while clients observe, interact with, and connect with horses. Horses provide immediate, nonjudgmental feedback that can help both the client and therapist identify authentic emotions, behaviors, and relational patterns as they emerge during sessions.

This unique therapeutic partnership fosters greater self-awareness, mindfulness, grounding, and emotional congruence. Through the counseling process, clients gain insight into how past experiences have shaped their lives, develop healthier coping strategies, and learn to adaptively process distressing events. These skills support lasting emotional stability and resilience, empowering clients to move forward with greater freedom from the weight of the past while remaining present and engaged in their lives.

Treatment modalities that incorporate horses include, but are not limited to:

Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT)

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy skills (DBT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

Relational and Narrative Therapy

Somatic Experiences

Family Systems

What happens in an Equine-Assisted Session?

During Equine-Assisted Counseling sessions, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and PATH Certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health & Learning (ESMHL) facilitate experiential activities with horses that are intentionally designed around each client's treatment goals.

These activities create opportunities for clients to engage in present-moment experiences while receiving immediate feedback from the horse. As clients navigate these interactions, they practice nervous system regulation, emotional awareness, communication, boundaries, problem-solving, and other therapeutic skills within a safe and supportive environment.

The therapist and client then process the experience through the lens of evidence-based mental health treatment, connecting insights gained from the horse-human interaction to the client's goals, relationships, and daily life. This process promotes self-reflection, emotional expression, increased self-awareness, cognitive shifts, and meaningful personal growth.

Equine-Assisted Counseling provides a unique and engaging therapeutic environment where clients can learn, heal, and strengthen their mental health through the powerful partnership between horse, client, and therapist.

Who Can Benefit?

Each of our therapists brings unique strengths, specialties, and experiences to the counseling process. We serve children ages 4 and older, adolescents, and adults, helping clients find the therapist and approach that best supports their individual goals and overall wellness.

By combining evidence-based mental health treatment with meaningful interactions with horses, clients have the opportunity to develop practical skills, gain valuable insight, strengthen resilience, and experience lasting growth that extends beyond the therapy setting.

You do not need a mental health diagnosis to participate in Equine-Assisted Counseling. Whether you are seeking support for a specific challenge, personal growth, life transitions, stress management, relationship concerns, or overall wellness, Equine-Assisted Counseling can provide a unique and meaningful path toward greater self-awareness and well-being.

INVESTMENT:

Individual Sessions: $175-$200 per 60-minute session

Family/Couples Sessions: $250 per 60-minute session

Private Group Sessions: $300 per hour for up to 10 participants, additional participants are welcome to join for an additional $75 per person, per hour.

Open Enrollment Groups: Group themes, schedules, and pricing vary throughout the year. Please follow our social media pages for information about current and upcoming groups, workshops, and special events.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloomempowerKC

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/htrequineassistedcounseling/

Insurance & Payments:

We are an out-of-network provider and do not bill insurance companies.

Clients with a documented mental health diagnosis may be eligible to receive a Superbill, an itemized receipt that includes diagnostic information and can be submitted to their insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Reimbursement is not guaranteed and varies based on individual insurance benefits and coverage.

We do accept Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) cards as forms of payment.

Dustin "Dusty" Grier, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Kansas
PATH Intl. Equine-Assisted Mental Health & Learning (ESMHL) Candidate

*Dusty is currently working towards Clinical Licensure and is practicing under the clinical supervision of Dr. Lee Harris, DBH, MS, LCPC, RPT-S, NCC & Andrea Metcalf, LSCSW, PMH-C, ESMHL

$175 per 55-minute session

Currently Available for:

Individual Equine-Assisted Counseling Sessions (Ages 4+)
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills
Sports Psychology
ADHD
Anxiety
Depression
Emotional Regulation
Respectful Communication

Dusty utilizes evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), while maintaining a person-centered and strengths-based approach to counseling.

As a child, Dusty dreamed of having horses of his own and would often “pick out” his favorite horse while watching western movies. His admiration and respect for horses has remained throughout his life, grounded in the unique value they bring to human growth and healing. After moving to the Kansas City area six years ago, Dusty discovered a passion for working with children, adolescents, and young adults. The opportunity to combine his clinical work with his lifelong appreciation for horses has been a dream come true.

Dusty earned his Master of Science in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling from Southern Arkansas University and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Psychology from the University of Central Arkansas. He brings experience from acute care settings, residential treatment programs, and outpatient therapy, providing individual, group, and family counseling to a diverse range of clients.

“For one to fly, one needs only to take the reins.”
— Melissa James

Cassidy Haag, LMSW

Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Kansas & Missouri
Intensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Trained
Certified Animal-Assisted Intervention Specialist (C-AAIS)
PATH Intl. Equine-Assisted Mental Health & Learning (ESMHL) Candidate

*Cassidy is currently working toward clinical licensure and practices under the clinical supervision of Sarah Kelloway-Hughes, LSCSW & Andrea Metcalf, LSCSW, PMH-C, ESMHL

$175 per 55-minute session

Currently Available for:

Individual Equine-Assisted Counseling Sessions (Ages 8+)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills
Confidence Building
Emotional Regulation
Mindfulness and Present-Moment Awareness

Cassidy has always been passionate about the healing connection between humans and animals. Growing up with a beloved dog who provided comfort during difficult times, she experienced firsthand the positive impact animals can have on mental health and emotional well-being. Her lifelong love of horses began through English and Western riding lessons, participation in a local 4-H horse club, and horse show competition. Through these experiences, Cassidy witnessed both the physical and emotional benefits of working alongside animals.

Cassidy believes that every individual's journey is unique and deserves empathy, compassion, and understanding. She views mental health as a dynamic spectrum influenced by biology, environment, relationships, and life experiences. For Cassidy, healing is more than the absence of symptoms—it involves cultivating well-being, recognizing personal strengths, managing life's stressors, and creating a meaningful and fulfilling life.

Her therapeutic approach is holistic and person-centered, addressing both current symptoms and the underlying factors that contribute to emotional distress. By considering the connection between mind, body, and spirit, Cassidy helps clients build resilience, practice self-compassion, and discover opportunities for growth through life's challenges. She is particularly passionate about helping clients slow down, connect with the present moment, and develop skills that foster lasting well-being.

Cassidy earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree from Washburn University and her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Kansas. Her professional experience includes serving as an Attendant Care Provider at The Family Service & Guidance Center, where she provided respite services for adolescents. At the Lilac Center, she co-facilitated Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Programming (IOP) and provided individual therapy services. Cassidy also practices at Clarity Counseling, where she provides individual therapy and conducts Emotional Support Animal (ESA) evaluations and letters.

"I believe in resilience, self-compassion, and growth. Challenges are not only obstacles to overcome, but opportunities for learning, healing, and personal development." — Cassidy

Andrea L Metcalf, LSCSW, PMH-C, ESMHL

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LSCSW), Kansas & Missouri
Perinatal Mental Health Certified (PMH-C)
EMDRIA Certified EMDR Therapist & Approved Consultant, The Touchstone Institute
PATH Intl. Equine Specialist in Mental Health & Learning (ESMHL)
EAGALA Trained Mental Health & Equine Specialist

$200 per 55-minute session

Currently Available for:

Individual Equine-Assisted EMDR Sessions (Ages 13+, with a special emphasis on young adulthood and women's mental health throughout the lifespan)
Group Facilitation and Private Group Processing Experiences
Clinical Practicum Instruction and Training in Equine-Assisted Mental Health Services

Andrea specializes in women's mental health and trauma recovery. Her areas of expertise include complex trauma, PTSD, single-incident trauma, and the integration of EMDR therapy within equine-assisted mental health treatment, EquiLateral: The Equine-Assisted EMDR Protocol ®. She is passionate about helping individuals navigate life's transitions and challenges while fostering resilience, healing, and personal growth.

Andrea supports clients through transitions to adulthood, fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, grief & loss, identity development, and later-life transitions. She also has specialized knowledge in working with medical professionals, physicians, helping professionals, and first responders who serve within high-stress and high-acuity environments.

Andrea earned both her Bachelor's in Psychology and Master of Social Work degrees from the University of Kansas. She is clinically licensed in both Kansas and Missouri and brings extensive clinical experience across a variety of treatment settings. Her professional background includes emergency department crisis intervention, inpatient psychiatry, intensive outpatient psychotherapy (IOP), medical and special-needs social work, individual counseling, equine-assisted counseling, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.

In addition to her clinical work, Andrea is an EMDRIA Approved Consultant through The Touchstone Institute, providing consultation and mentorship to therapists pursuing EMDR certification or seeking advanced EMDR training and case consultation.

Clinical Education & Supervision

Andrea is an approved clinical and field supervisor for:

Clinical MSW Practicum/Field Supervisor – Colorado State University Master of Social Work Program
Clinical Training Affiliate – University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC) School of Nursing and Health Sciences
Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB) Approved Clinical Supervisor for LMSW Clinical Licensure Candidates

Andrea believes that healing happens through connection, insight, and meaningful experiences. By integrating evidence-based treatment with the unique partnership between humans and horses, she creates opportunities for clients to build self-awareness, process difficult experiences, and move toward lasting well-being.

April Hatch, RN, MSN, RYT 200, UMKC Graduate Intern

Graduate Student, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program (UMKC)

Registered Yoga Teacher, RYT 200

April brings a deep passion for helping each client heal their mind, body, and spirit. A registered nurse for over 20 years, April has never stopped learning or evolving in her commitment to patient-centered care. From earning her Master’s in Public Health Nursing in 2010 to completing the Psychedelic Therapy and Research program at the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) in 2022, and a soon to be graduate of a PMHNP program, she feels it has come full circle. 

Having witnessed firsthand the limitations and failures of today’s healthcare system, she became increasingly motivated to seek approaches that truly support healing. With a longstanding belief in the importance of lifestyle, nutrition, and movement, April has always remained open to what genuinely helps patients thrive. Throughout her work, April has consistently provided care through a heart-centered, holistic lens.

Additionally, April is a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT), integrating yogic principles of breath and movement into therapeutic care when appropriate. April bridges traditional psychiatry with emerging approaches to wellness and remains deeply dedicated to helping people feel whole again – utilizing her compassionate presence, clinical insight, and lived experience. 

She has been interested in equine-assisted therapy for years and she is grateful for the opportunity to complete her clinical therapy hours at Heartland. 

Ellen Clevenger, RYT 200, Equine Specialist

200-Hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200)

Candidate working towards PATH, intl. Equine-Assisted Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL)

Ellen is passionate about helping individuals cultivate calm, confidence, and connection through mindfulness, movement, and the healing presence of horses. Since 2023, she has taught yoga to both adults and children, creating welcoming and supportive spaces where students can slow down, connect with themselves, and feel grounded in the present moment.

Her teaching philosophy emphasizes self-compassion, mindful movement, and building confidence both on and off the mat. Ellen believes that when individuals feel safe and supported, they are better able to access their inner strengths, navigate challenges, and foster overall well-being.

Ellen's love of horses began in middle school and has remained an important part of her life ever since. In 2020, she began volunteering with Heartland Therapeutic Riding, where she witnessed firsthand the remarkable ability horses have to co-regulate emotions, build trust, encourage self-awareness, and inspire confidence. These experiences deepened her appreciation for the unique connection between humans and horses and the role that relationship can play in personal growth and healing.

Whether guiding a yoga practice or facilitating experiences alongside horses, Ellen is dedicated to helping others feel calm, connected, empowered, and fully present in their lives.