About Us

I have worked in the field of Mental Health Counseling for over twenty years and have extensive experience working with adults, families, adolescents, and children.  I received much of my clinical training and experience working in inpatient hospital, residential treatment and outpatient treatment settings.

During that time, I held a variety of professional positions, received quality supervision. I earned my Master’s Degree in Community Counseling The Educational Psychology program at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee in 2005.

I founded Forward Choices in order to create opportunities to better serve the mental health needs of local families, children, and adolescents.  As a small community clinic, we are better able to focus our attention to our clients according to their best interests and individual needs.

I have found it to be rewarding to witness the progress of the clientele that we serve through Forward Choices. During my own free time, I take time to immerse myself in individual hobbies of automobile restoration, basketball, tennis, biking, culinary arts, personal study, and engagement in personal wellness activities.

Over the past decade, I have worked to support adults, children, and adolescents in a wide variety of mental health settings working including intensive behavioral therapy, residential care, crisis management, and both inpatient and outpatient mental health care. I have experience supporting clients with a wide range of concerns, including developing coping skills for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder and other neurodiversities, LGBT issues, psychotherapy for anxiety disorders, depression and other mood disorders, trauma, family and relationship difficulties, behavioral concerns, and personal growth and empowerment.

I feel that the first responsibility of a therapist is to provide compassionate and non-judgmental guidance and to provide a structure for each client to explore to develop new coping skills, gain insight into the patterns of their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and move toward their own goals of growth, health, and fulfillment.

As a therapist at Forward Choices, I strive to balance evidence-based treatment practices with the unique needs and experiences of each client, and to make therapy a collaborative, empowering experience. My practices commonly include elements of cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, trauma informed approaches, play therapy, and narrative therapy as part of an individualized, person-centered approach.

I believe that all people have the necessary tools within themselves to be successful and that therapy can provide a helping hand in revealing these qualities. I approach clients from both a compassionate and empathic standpoint, actively listening and validating their concerns while allowing them to assist in guiding our sessions together. I enjoy taking a very person-centered approach with my clients and working side by side to achieve goals. I have a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling that I obtained from Mount Mary University and currently hold an LPC-IT license in the state of Wisconsin.  

While I work with clients of all ages and needs, I spend a lot of time working with teenagers and young adults with depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorders. I enjoy providing a safe space for clients of this age range to develop coping skills, discuss identity and self-esteem challenges, and address life changes and transitions. 

Prior to my current position at Forward Choices, I also got the opportunity to intern here while completing my degree. I also spent time working in the community with adults with various disabilities as a job coach, assisting them with responsibilities, time management, and feeling confident in their positions. This is an experience I have enjoyed carrying through into my work with mental health.  

When I am not at Forward Choices, I enjoy spending my free time with friends and family and have recently begun to play rugby again. I enjoy a good book but am a big Harry Potter fan, something I enjoy bringing into sessions if a client is interested. I try to travel when I am able and enjoy getting to experience the sights, sounds, and foods of other places of the world. I also have a big love of all animals and enjoy spending time with my dog.  

I received my Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. I am skilled in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-informed care, poverty-related trauma, relationships, and parenting skills.  From previous employment and internship opportunities, I have been able to work closely with families, adults, teens, and children from various backgrounds. I am motivated and passionate about continuing to learn about different values and beliefs which will not only make me a better provider, but a better person moving forward.

Previously, I was a Lead Crisis Stabilizer in the Milwaukee Wrapround network for nine years working with families and children on achieving their goals and family vision. In this role, I worked intimately with families in their homes and communities learning about community resources, coping skills, and trauma-informed care. I also have experience interning as a school social worker in which I assisted youth in learning about restorative justice, managing aggressive behaviors, and the importance of developing rapport and relationships. In another internship role, I worked as a Supportive Housing Case Manager Assistant at Pathfinders where we advocated to end homelessness for all, especially those whom identify in the LGBTQ community.

Here at Forward Choices, I am open to working with all individuals and learning more about different perspectives. I am passionate about improving the conditions of the community and empowering people to find their voices and be heard. In my role, I plan to continue to remove stigma and negative narratives about men and minorities not getting treated for mental health. I am an advocate for those born from vulnerable backgrounds to address the issues they have while also being an example that we too can be providers and supports for each other in the community.

My interests include working out which gives me the strength, endurance, and calmness to put forth my best effort into everything that I do. I enjoy reading about many different subjects and remain very curious on learning about not only the world but also what also lies beyond what we can currently comprehend. I also very much enjoy Anime/ Manga which has some strong themes and messaging and can be powerful motivators to those who have yet to learn the power of friendships and chasing after your dreams. I absolutely love music and utilize it often to put a spark in my step when I need it. Lastly, I’ll add that I’m interested in creating positivity and providing meaningful services to the world for as long as I’m blessed to do so.

Cara Mastin MS, LPC-IT
Cara, she/they pronouns, graduated from Mount Mary University’s Professional Counseling Graduate Program with an emphasis in Clinical Mental Health and Clinical Rehabilitation, she brings a more solution focused and person-centered perspective to the field.

Cara has a background in the Arts and often utilizes creativity to tailor treatments to her client’s needs. Her therapy style is nonjudgmental, warm and grounded in mindfulness and holistic healing.

Additionally, she practices trauma-informed care and multiculturalism and while she specializes in the care of LGBTQIA+ she enjoys working with teens, adults, couples and families. If you feel like she could be a good fit for what you need, please email her at [email protected] or call her at (414)553-6710.