I was drawn to CooperRiis for its unique, community-based approach to recovery, in which everyday life becomes part of the healing process. I value practical, realistic solutions and enjoy helping residents build confidence, develop skills, and take meaningful steps toward their personal recovery goals.
Thomas’s journey into behavioral health began with a desire to make a more personal difference in people’s lives. After several years working in state and local administration, he felt called to work more directly with people and transitioned into behavioral health and clinical care.
His diverse experiences in victim advocacy, state psychiatric hospitals, disability advocacy, forensic social work, and veteran-focused care have shaped the compassionate clinician he is today. Thomas has a particular passion for working with anxiety and OCD, while also supporting individuals navigating serious mental illness, substance use, and trauma.
Above all, Thomas believes in meeting people where they are—with compassion, curiosity, and respect. He values the opportunity to truly listen, understand each person’s story, and walk alongside them as they discover their own path toward healing and hope.
Thomas received his BA in Political Science from the University of Arizona and his Master of Social Work from Arizona State University. He completed a yearlong postgraduate fellowship as a PSR Social Work Fellow with the Durham VA Healthcare System (the VA Interprofessional Fellowship Program in Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery). He is a certified Evidence-Based Psychotherapy Provider in the Social Skills Training for Schizophrenia modality.
As a native Arizonan, I enjoy spending time sitting out in the sun with a good fiction book or exploring the mountains and natural environments of Western North Carolina.