Dr. Amanda Dutton, PhD, LPC

Dr. Amanda Dutton has been providing counseling since 2011 in a variety of settings, including community mental health, hospitals, and private practice. She works primarily with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, chronic pain, chronic illness, bariatric surgery and major life
transitions. Having undergone successful bariatric surgery herself in 2005 and receiving her first chronic illness diagnosis in 2012, Amanda brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work with these communities. She understands the physical, emotional, and relational shifts that can occur before and after surgery, and post chronic illness diagnosis.

She offers thoughtful, nonjudgmental support around body image, identity changes, long-term adjustment, and sustainable wellbeing. Amanda also has had personal experience with chronic illnesses since 2012. Amanda uses a blend of therapeutic approaches tailored to each individual, including solution- focused therapy, person-centered therapy, and narrative approaches. Her style is warm, collaborative, and grounded in compassion — while also gently challenging clients to grow, clarify their goals, and move forward in meaningful ways.

On a personal level, Amanda has experience with neurodivergent and gender non-conforming family members, an experience that deepens her appreciation for identity development, advocacy, and inclusive care. While therapy is always centered on the client, she brings both professional knowledge and real-world understanding to her work.

Outside of her practice, Amanda enjoys spending time with her husband, children, and their dogs. She has a passion for reading and music, loves the beach, and enjoys creative projects and connecting online. She believes that balance, curiosity, and humor are essential parts of a fulfilling life both in and out of the therapy room.

Therapy information:

I provide individual therapy for adults navigating chronic illness, bariatric surgery (before and after surgery), identity exploration, and relationship complexity. Living with medical conditions or preparing for weight-loss surgery can impact far more than physical health — it can affect your sense of control, body image, relationships, and emotional wellbeing.

Therapy offers a space to process these changes, reduce overwhelm, and build practical tools for long-term stability and self-trust. I offer secular therapy for individuals who are non-religious or prefer counseling that is not faith- based. I also provide affirming therapy for members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as individuals in polyamorous, kink, and sex worker communities. You won’t need to educate me about your identity or defend your lifestyle choices in our work together. My approach is inclusive, respectful, and grounded in an understanding that diversity in identity, relationships, and neurodivergence deserves competent, nonjudgmental care.

My therapeutic style is supportive but not passive. I integrate multiple evidence-informed approaches tailored to your needs, offering validation where it’s needed and thoughtful challenge when growth requires it. Together, we focus on increasing clarity, emotional resilience, and practical strategies so you can move forward with greater confidence and self- understanding.

ADHD information:
I offer comprehensive adult ADHD assessments in addition to my therapy services. These are thoughtful, individualized clinical evaluations designed to help you make sense of lifelong patterns of attention, focus, organization, and executive functioning to support you in moving forward with clarity. I provide telehealth assessments in Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho and South Carolina I accept BCBS and Cigna in Colorado and Georgia and self-pay in Florida, Idaho and South Carolina. If your insurance isn’t accepted, we can talk about options and benefits during a free consultation.

Who Adult ADHD Assessments Are For

Adult ADHD assessments are a good fit for you if you have:
 Persistent challenges with focus, organization, or follow-through
 Inconsistency despite strong effort and motivation
 A sense of working harder than others just to keep up
 A long history of executive functioning challenges

 Uncertainty about whether ADHD, anxiety, or burnout best explains your experience
Assessment isn’t about labeling — it’s about understanding what’s driving your struggles so that
treatment or supports can be more effective.

What My ADHD Assessments Include

A comprehensive adult ADHD assessment typically includes:
 Detailed clinical interview and history
 Standardized rating scales and questionnaires
 Review of collateral information provided by people in your life who have witnessed your
symptoms and struggles (family, colleagues, partners, providers and/or friends)
 Exploration of academic, work, and daily functioning
 Consideration of overlapping explanations (e.g., anxiety, mood, trauma, burnout)
 A clear written report with findings and recommendations
These evaluations are not quick screenings — they are thorough and individualized.

Insurance Coverage
I now accept BCBS and Cigna in Colorado and Georgia for eligible adult ADHD assessments.
Coverage can vary by plan. If you’re unsure whether your benefits cover an assessment, I’m
happy to help you review this before scheduling.

*In Florida, Idaho and South Carolina, assessments are charged a rate of $500.