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:
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Narrative Therapy
Populations Best Served:
Immigrants and/or child of immigrants
First generation students
Emerging Adults
Survivors of Trauma/Abuse
Parents
What it’s like in a session with me: My therapeutic approach provides a radically safe, non-judgmental space for you to show up authentically. 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, trauma-informed therapist, our work will critically examine how the complex intersections of your identity (race, class, gender, sexuality, ability) 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. My role is to offer support, insight, and clinical expertise, empowering you as the expert of your own life
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 systemic experiences clients bring into the room. I integrate multiple modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Narrative Therapy, with a strong emphasis on centering you as the expert of your own story.
My work is grounded in a social justice framework that recognizes the impact of systemic stressors while focusing on what is within your control. I view therapy as a collaborative process and welcome feedback, believing it strengthens our work together 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 provided individual psychotherapy to a diverse college student population. My work integrated culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and empowerment-based approaches, and included practice and training in Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Psychodynamic Therapy skills.
I also carry experience as a Mental Health Coach for people aged 13-56, in which I used skills from different modalities such as TF-CBT, ACT, and CBT. Through empathy and consistent care, I created therapeutic relationships with people struggling through adjustment, parenting struggles, domestic violence, addiction, and more.
As a former community social work intern at a nonprofit, I carry experience co-facilitating parenting and educational groups in Spanish for immigrant mothers and fathers, addressing acculturation stress, child development, family dynamics, and perinatal mental health.
Beyond clinical settings, my current work in university accessibility services includes 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