Karissa Foster, A.A.

My name is Karissa Foster and I am an intake coordinator at ActivHealing! I have my AA degree in social and behavioral sciences. I specialize in connecting on an authentic level with patients/clients struggling with mental health/substance use disorder. My focus is using my education as well as my work experience and lived experience to cultivate treatment methods that are the most effective. My philosophy is that healing happens when connection comes first. My approach is rooted in the belief that lasting change is possible when empathy and evidence-based practices intersect. I think that laughter is natures medicine, that it cleanses the soul, and it’s completely free haha! I explore avenues that have worked for me in my own recovery while understanding that every persons path is unique. Over the past 11 years, I’ve worked across many levels of care in both mental health and substance use treatment, including roles as a youth partner for foster youth, detox and residential technician, intake coordinator, and substance use disorder counselor in programs ranging from detox to intensive outpatient. I’ve also served as a patient advocate in an inpatient eating disorder treatment center, a peer support specialist in both hospital and MAT settings, a mental health technician in psychiatric and crisis stabilization units, and most recently, a case manager at a residential substance use treatment facility. These diverse experiences have shaped my ability to connect deeply with clients and tailor the most effective methods of support for their individual journeys