Clinical Team
Stephany J. Item, MHC-LP
Training: M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University; B.A. in Psychology from San Diego State University.
Stephany Item is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (Limited Permit) who serves as a School-Based Behavior Interventionist with MindWell Psychology, embedded within the Ithaca City School District. Rooted in a deep commitment to community, equity, and culturally responsive care, Stephany brings a rare combination of clinical training, international experience, and whole-child expertise to her work with students, families, and educators.
Stephany's clinical approach is trauma-informed and client-centered, drawing on a rich blend of modalities including DBT, CBT, IFS, EFT, mindfulness-based interventions, and expressive arts. She believes that healing happens in relationship and community, and that every individual deserves a therapeutic space where they feel fully seen, safe, and supported.
Before joining MindWell, Stephany built an expansive career spanning clinical practice, educator training, and community programming across the United States, Switzerland, Italy, and Denmark. She has worked with children, adolescents, and families across a wide range of settings — from school classrooms and community centers to private practice and international training programs — with a consistent focus on inclusion, social-emotional development, and empowering marginalized populations.
Stephany is certified in trauma-informed yoga for children and adolescents, youth mindfulness, and social-emotional inclusion support for the public school system. She is fluent in English, Italian, and Spanish, and brings intermediate proficiency in Portuguese — a reflection of both her international roots and her commitment to meeting every client exactly where they are.