Andy Checo, MSW, LLMSW
Therapist
Pronouns: he/him/él Language(s): English & Spanish
Location(s): Ypsilanti, Telehealth
Insurances Accepted: Aetna (commercial), Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Cross Complete Medicaid, McLaren Medicaid, Molina (Commercial & Medicaid), Priority Health (Commercial & Medicaid), & Washtenaw Health Plan.
As a limited licensed mental health provider, I am unable to see clients with Blue Care Network.
My clinical work is under the supervision of Priscilla Cortez, MSW, LMSW.
Counseling specialties:
Narrative Therapy
Psychodynamic Therapy
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Professional Specialties:
Relational Concerns
Identity Development
Intergenerational Trauma
Immigrants and/or child of immigrants
Multicultural Counseling & Social Justice
What it’s like in a session with me: My approach to therapy provides a radically safe, non-judgmental space for you to show up authentically. Whether it’s your very first time in therapy or your continued treatment, we will use this dedicated time to collaborate on meaningful, actionable goals for your healing journey, sitting with all parts of your experience.
As an anti-oppressive therapist, our work will critically examine how the complex intersections of your identity (race, class, gender, sexuality, ability, etc.) and systemic forces impact your mental and emotional well-being. This lens will help us understand external pressures contributing to internal distress.
I am deeply committed to a practice rooted in respect. I recognize the immense trust required to share your story and consider it an honor to walk alongside you toward greater self-awareness, resilience, and liberation.
Approach to Therapy: Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and I strive to create a space where you feel welcomed, respected, and genuinely understood. I am a pre-licensed clinical social worker who takes a strengths-based and trauma-informed approach, honoring the personal, cultural, and social experiences clients bring into the room. I integrate evidence-based modalities based on your unique struggles with a strong emphasis on centering you as the expert of your own story.
Grounded in a social justice framework, I recognise the impact of systemic stressors while focusing on what is within your control. I view therapy as a collaborative process and welcome feedback throughout our work, believing it strengthens the therapeutic relationship and supports meaningful, sustainable change. My goal is to offer consistent reassurance, empathy, and a warm therapeutic presence as clients navigate healing, identity exploration, and growth.
Professional Experience: In my previous role at a university counseling center, I delivered solution-focused brief psychotherapy to a diverse college student population. I used culturally responsive empowerment-based approaches mainly navigating college and early career, with individuals and groups.
I also carry experience as a Mental Health Coach for people aged 13-60, in which I used skills derived from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Positive Psychology, and more. Through empathy and consistent care, I supported people struggling through adjustment, grief/loss, domestic violence, addiction, and more.
In alignment with my work as a former community social work intern at a nonprofit, I have experience co-facilitating parenting and educational groups in Spanish for immigrant parents addressing acculturation stress, child development, family dynamics, and perinatal mental health.
Currently, as part of my work in university accessibility services, I provide academic and executive functioning coaching for disabled and neurodivergent students, where we develop short/long-term goals towards academic success and self-determination.
Education & Training:
MSW, University of Michigan School of Social Work