My Background
I’ve loved being around kids since I was a kid myself. Children provide such a fresh perspective on the world. They often boil complex topics down to their most basic roots. I appreciate their simple insights that are often humorous and lighthearted. I sometimes wonder if children see the world more clearly than adults.
I always knew I was destined to work with kids, but I took a unique path to get there. I grew up outside of Chicago and headed to St. Louis Missouri to study pre-med. However, I realized that I needed sleep more than I needed med school, so switched to a major that allowed me to have a healthier work-life balance: psychology.
In college, I took a part-time job as a paraprofessional with a local school district, which introduced me to the many challenges and rewards of working with autistic children. Working with this population is dear to my heart and remains one of my main focuses.
In 2005, I moved to Colorado to pursue my doctorate in school psychology at the University of Denver. Today in my private practice, I specialize in working with children and teens with autism, anxiety and grief and loss. And, I provide parenting support services to parents who are struggling, have questions or need extra support due to a variety of concerns and circumstances.
I understand, on a deep level, the stresses that many children, parents and families face.
I grew up with an older sister with special needs, so I know what it’s like to navigate the medical system and the resources available. I personally encountered anxiety and grief and loss throughout my adolescence. In all my experience, both personal and professional, I know that it’s not only possible for kids, teens and parents to heal, but to come out on the other side stronger than ever before.
Whether I’m at work or enjoying free time, I value self-care and personal growth, as my own journey has taken me from grief and loss to balance and peace. I find retreating to nature the best form of rejuvenation, especially hiking and camping with my daughter. Daily meditation, restorative yoga, reading and cooking keep me feeling centered. I love listening to music and enjoying summer concerts at Red Rocks.
I tend to give my all to everything I do. Sometimes I take myself too seriously, and that’s another reason I enjoy working with kids. They make me laugh and bring me back down to Earth.
Although I value hard work, I am extremely personable, grounded and optimistic. I have an empathic nature that children are naturally attracted to. No matter your age, it’s important to find humor and possibility in less-than-desirable situations. It’s important to take stock of your true values and move forward empowered as your authentic self.
What To Expect…
You will receive a free 30-minute phone consultation with my scheduler to start. Our first therapy session can be with or without your child, whichever you prefer. This first session(s) consists of building rapport, collecting relevant developmental history information as well as discussing next steps. Within the first few sessions we will determine treatment goals and a treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions…
Do you offer TeleHealth?
I do, for those clients that are able to participate in a video session.
Do you accept insurance?
While I do accept Medicaid, I am not taking new Medicaid clients at this time.
What form of payments do you accept?
I accept cash, check, debit and credit cards, and HSA cards.
Where is your office located and where can I park?
The Littleton Medical Arts Building is a two-story light-colored building with ample parking in the parking lot. Enter through the north entrance door. Proceed straight ahead to either the elevator or stairs which you will take to the second floor. I am down the hall, last door on the left. Feel free to come in and make yourself comfortable in my waiting room.
Is your office handicap accessible?
Yes, my office and the building are handicap accessible via the north building entrance which has an elevator.
What is your cancellation policy?
I have a 24-hour cancellation policy. Cancellations within less than 24 hours of a session will result in a charge for the full session.
Feel free to reach out by phone or email with any further questions you may have!
Learn More
If you’re interested in learning more about child, teen or parent counseling, please call (720) 316-3909 or email scheduling@tyravickers.com for a FREE 30-minute phone consultation.
Tyra Vickers is a licensed psychologist in the State of Colorado, License #5163. She holds a Ph.D. in child, family and school psychology, and an education specialist (Ed.S.) degree from the University of Denver. She served as a school psychologist with Cherry Creek Schools for twelve years. In her private practice she specializes in working with children and adolescents with autism, as well as those struggling with anxiety, grief and loss. She also provides parenting support, providing individualized advice to parents at every stage.