Denise Takakjy

Denise Takakjy PhD, LPC-PA, NJ, CT, LPCMH-DE, NCC, C-DBT, BSL



PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

I am an Assistant Professor of Counseling at Neumann University, where I teach graduate level trauma informed counseling curriculum following CACREP standards. My academic work centers on preparing emerging counselors to think critically, practice ethically, and engage in justice oriented, trauma responsive care. In addition to my full time faculty role, I teach at the University of Phoenix and Grand Canyon University, expanding access to high quality counselor education for diverse adult learners across the country.

Alongside my academic career, I operate a private counseling practice specializing in trauma informed care for adolescents and young adults. My clinical work keeps me grounded in the lived realities of the communities we serve and ensures that my leadership remains connected to the needs of practitioners, clients, and families. Across settings, I integrate cultural responsiveness, strengths based practice, and systems thinking to support both individual healing and broader community well being.

My professional identity is shaped by a commitment to ethical scholarship, academic integrity, and the translation of complex concepts into accessible, actionable knowledge. I mentor students and early career professionals in developing research literacy, reflective practice, and advocacy skills that strengthen the counseling profession. Whether in the classroom, in supervision, or in clinical practice, I work to model the values of transparency, collaboration, and justice aligned care.

ASSOCIATION EXPERIENCE

My involvement with AMHCA has been grounded in service, advocacy, and a deep belief in the power of professional community. I have served on the Public Policy and Legislation Committee since 2023, serving as Vice Chair and Co-Chair. I also served on the Compact Committee in 2023. I have participated in initiatives that support counselor identity, elevate clinical standards, and strengthen the visibility of mental health counselors within national policy conversations. My work has included contributing to discussions on ethical practice, trauma informed care, and the evolving landscape of counselor education.

I have collaborated with colleagues on efforts to promote academic integrity, strengthen training pathways, and support the next generation of clinical mental health counselors. Through my teaching, supervision, and public facing work, I consistently uplift AMHCA’s mission and encourage students and practitioners to engage with the association as a source of professional grounding, community, and advocacy.

My leadership style within association spaces is relational, transparent, and strengths based. I value listening deeply, building consensus, and creating structures that allow members to feel seen, supported, and empowered. I bring experience in curriculum design, organizational communication, and systems level thinking—skills that translate directly into effective board service.

GOALS

As President Elect, my vision is to strengthen AMHCA’s role as a national leader in trauma informed, justice oriented mental health practice while ensuring that our members feel connected, supported, and equipped to meet the needs of their communities. My goals are grounded in the responsibilities of the role and aligned with the evolving needs of our profession.

  1. Strengthen the professional identity and visibility of clinical mental health counselors. I aim to support initiatives that clarify and elevate our professional identity, expand public understanding of our scope, and advocate for equitable recognition across states and systems including equitable insurance reimbursement. This includes supporting licensure portability efforts, promoting high quality training standards, and amplifying the expertise of mental health counselors in national conversations about behavioral health.
  2. Expand trauma informed, culturally responsive leadership across the association. Given the increasing complexity of the mental health landscape, AMHCA must continue to lead with compassion, evidence, and equity. I will work to integrate trauma informed principles into board processes, member engagement, and organizational decision making. This includes fostering inclusive leadership pathways, uplifting diverse voices, and ensuring that our policies and practices reflect the communities we serve.
  3. Strengthen member engagement, communication, and professional development. I envision AMHCA as a vibrant professional home where members feel connected to one another and to the mission of the organization. I will support efforts to expand accessible continuing education, mentorship opportunities, and collaborative spaces for practitioners, educators, and students. Clear, consistent communication will be a priority, ensuring that members understand the work of the board and feel invited into the life of the association.
  4. Support research, scholarship, and ethical practice. As a researcher and educator, I am committed to advancing evidence based practice and ethical decision making. I will advocate for initiatives that strengthen research literacy, promote academic integrity, and support members in integrating scholarship into clinical work. This includes uplifting practitioner scholars and creating pathways for members to contribute to AMHCA’s knowledge base. 

CANDIDATE VIDEO

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PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

Takakjy, D. (2025). Advocacy and Social Justice, AMHCA Leadership Institute.

Takakjy, D. (2024) Rethinking Teen Mental Health Services: Increasing Parental/Caregiver Engagement. AMHCA Annual Conference, Charlotte, NC

Takakjy, D. (2022). Working to Breakdown Mental Health Barriers for Marginalized Youth. NARACES Conference, Pittsburgh, PA

Takakjy, D. (2019). Early Childhood Trauma for Educators. In-service presentation at the Indian Valley Day Care and Kindergarten, Harleysville, PA

Takakjy, D. (2021). Providing Virtual Mental Health Therapy to Children and Teens During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Beyond 4th Annual Virtual Conference, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Takakjy, D. (2019). Trauma and Supervision. Poster Presentation at Pennsylvania Counseling Association Annual Conference, State College, PA

Takakjy, D., Wasserman, A., & Breier, L. (2019). Implications of Childhood Trauma on Mental Health. Mental Health America Annual Conference, Washington, DC

Takakjy, D. (2025). The Impact of Level of Trauma Training on Counselors' Intent to Leave Community Mental Health Organizations. PhD Dissertation, Walden University

Takakjy, Denise (2020). The counselor's role in community outreach and resiliency building. Counseling Today, April 2020

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Participation in church activities including volunteering in children’s ministries for LCBC church.

Participation in local organizations such as Pottstown NAACP, Pottstown Democrats, and supporting Pottstown Cluster of Religious Organizations Food Pantry