Holly Stevens, LMSW

Hi, I’m Holly, and I want to start by saying this: you don’t have to have it all figured out to ask for help. In fact, sometimes the bravest thing we can do is simply admit that something isn’t working, and take the first step toward change. My path into this work is personal. I know what it’s like to live with anxiety, and to go through life feeling like your voice doesn’t quite fit. Over time, and with support, therapy, and reflection, I found my way back to myself. That journey has made me fiercely committed to helping others do the same. I believe therapy should be a place where you’re allowed to be messy, unsure, hopeful, and human, all at once. I’m a clinical social worker at Mala Child & Family Institute's Farmington Hills location. My clinical work focuses on children, teens, adults navigating a range of challenges including:

• ADHD, autism, and AuDHD

• Anxiety, panic disorder, and OCD

• Depression and executive functioning struggles

• Self-harm and suicidal ideation

• Identity exploration, life transitions, and self-esteem

• Trauma and PTSD

• Support for LGBTQIA2S+ and TNB youth and adults

My approach to therapy is flexible and evidence-based. I use a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain; Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) for emotional regulation and crisis support; play therapy for younger clients, and parent coaching for families looking to reconnect and better support their child’s needs. No matter what modality I’m using, I show up with curiosity, warmth, and zero judgment.

I am a proud member of our Medication Management Team, where I support psychiatric evaluations for clients who aren’t receiving therapy at Mala but are exploring medication as part of their care. In that role, I help ensure each person’s experience is seen through a trauma-informed and relational lens, offering insight that helps bridge therapy and psychiatry.

I recently took on the role of field instructor and clinical training coordinator. Being a support for trainees in the mental health field is something I take seriously and approach with a sense of responsibility and care. I remember how overwhelming it can feel to navigate complex clinical situations while still finding your footing, so I strive to create a space where trainees feel safe, seen, and encouraged. I make it a priority to listen without judgment, offer constructive feedback, and celebrate their growth, even in small steps.

I also believe deeply in therapists doing their own work. I’m constantly reflecting, reading, and learning, not just to grow professionally, but to stay grounded and present for my clients. Healing is a lifelong journey, and I don’t ask anyone to go where I haven’t been willing to go myself.

Whether you're here because you’re feeling anxious, stuck, overwhelmed, or you’re just hoping to feel a little more like yourself again, my job is to meet you where you are, and help you move forward, one step at a time. I’m not here to fix you. I’m here to walk beside you while you find your way.

Kid-Friendly Bio

Hi! I’m Miss Holly. I help kids and teens talk about their feelings, especially the hard ones like sadness, anger, or worry. Sometimes big feelings can make our bodies or brains feel a little out of control, and that’s okay. I’ll help you learn new ways to feel better, one step at a time. You don’t have to do it alone, I’ll be right here with you.