The selflessness an animal shows us can brighten our day, heal our spirits, and reaffirm that we are worthy of love.

Animal Assisted Therapy

Animal-Assisted Therapy is a therapeutic approach that incorporates trained animals into the treatment process to support emotional, mental, and sometimes physical healing. Under the guidance of a licensed therapist, animals help create a calming environment, encourage connection, and reduce stress.

Benefits include:

  • Reduced anxiety and depression

  • Improved mood and emotional regulation

  • Enhanced social skills and trust-building

  • Increased motivation for therapy participation

Animal-Assisted Therapy can be especially helpful for individuals dealing with trauma, anxiety, autism, or social isolation, offering comfort and nonjudgmental companionship throughout the session.

Dog sitting on a teal armchair next to a small white side table with decorative objects, including a wooden tree sculpture, stacked stones, and a small pot with white flowers, in a minimalistic room.

Meet Lucas

We’re excited to introduce Lucas, the newest member of the team at M.J.A. Behavioral Health and Wellness! Lucas is a three-year-old Cavapoo (a mix of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle) and a therapy dog in training. He’ll soon be continuing his journey toward becoming a certified therapy dog, ready to provide animal-assisted therapy at our practice.

Lucas is known for his affectionate nature—he loves snuggling, playing with his toys, and, most of all, being around people. As a Cavapoo, he’s considered hypoallergenic, making him a great companion for many of our clients. We’re thrilled to have him as part of our therapeutic community!

A small, curly-haired dog sitting on a gray floor with red lines, looking up at the camera.
A fluffy gray puppy with brown paws lying on a black floor, wearing a Marvel leash, in an indoor space with white stacked chairs, a black bag, and a bag of pet treats in the background.
A person sitting on the floor with a leash attached to a small, curly-haired, gray puppy sitting on a striped blue and white mat.
A cute black and gray spotted dog with floppy ears and a red collar, sitting on a gray and beige floor mat in an indoor setting.
A small, curly-haired dog lying on a gray couch with cushions, next to a white pillow. A wooden coffee table in front holds a tray with various items, including a black container, books, and decor.
A gray and black dog lying on a beige floor with a red collar, resting its head on the ground and looking at the camera.