Meet Franka Arcangeli

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Franka Arcangeli.

Hi Franka, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Franka Arcangeli, a leader in the mental health field who grew up as a first-generation American in a traditional Albanian home, established International Therapy Solutions (ITS) in February 2017. Franka experienced firsthand as a child how her community neglected mental health concerns and how the importance of mental health was frequently disregarded.

She followed her passion for psychology and earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor because she was determined to alter this narrative. She possesses the expertise needed to make a significant impact, courtesy of her clinical training at the University of Michigan Health System’s Department of Psychiatry and her further research in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

Franka’s goal for ITS emerged from her desire to offer everyone, regardless of their background, easily accessible, individualized mental health treatment. She understood that everyone’s story is different and that it’s critical to provide a secure, accepting environment for expression and healing. To ensure that every patient receives individualized care, ITS provides a broad spectrum of therapies, such as Cognitive and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing, Psychodynamic Therapy, and interpersonal work.

From its primary location in Warren, Michigan, where ITS has expanded to become a close-knit family of 38 mental health professionals, all of whom contribute unique histories and viewpoints that improve connections with patients. Franka’s dedication to community outreach and education has been instrumental in breaking down mental health stigmas. ITS continues to raise awareness of mental health issues and offer essential services by taking part in events such as Ferndale/Macomb/Grosse Pointe Pride and Out of the Darkness – American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Sanctum House: Wings of Courage, and many more.

Franka’s achievements have not gone unnoticed; to further cement her impact in the industry, she was honored to be appointed as a field instructor at the University of Michigan. ITS has prospered under her direction, continuously breaking barriers and attending to patients’ needs. The efforts of ITS are an indication of the strength of perseverance, inclusiveness, and unwavering dedication to enhancing mental health services.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Under Franka Arcangeli, International Therapy Solutions’ (ITS) path was not particularly easy. Franka’s first major obstacle was getting beyond the stigma around mental health, especially in her traditional Albanian background and community, where mental health conditions were generally written off.

Community outreach and consistent effort became necessary to break down these cultural obstacles and encourage people to seek care. Furthermore, because it is a women-led and women-owned company, it has to overcome preexisting prejudices and barriers that frequently face women in the business field, which makes it challenging to secure resources and establish credibility. Continuous operational issues included limited funding, managing complicated healthcare regulations, and upholding high standards of care among a varied and expanding workforce of mental health professionals.

Throughout her journey, Franka has encountered obstacles. However, her unwavering dedication to providing inclusive and personalized mental health care, coupled with her proactive approach to professional growth and community involvement, has been instrumental in surmounting these challenges. Her commitment to mentoring recent graduates and her unwavering support for raising awareness about mental health has played a vital role in overcoming these obstacles, propelling ITS to emerge as a leading source of inspiration and assistance within the mental health world.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Franka Arcangeli, the esteemed founder and Clinical Director of International Therapy Solutions (ITS), has devoted her professional journey to revolutionizing mental health care through her exceptional leadership and dedication to inclusivity.

Since the establishment of ITS in February 2017, Franka has specialized in delivering a broad spectrum of therapeutic services, ranging from Family Crisis Sessions to Individual Psychotherapy, Substance Abuse Treatment Therapy, Child and Teen Psychotherapy, Play Therapy, and a variety of evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Interpersonal Therapy. This diverse range of services enables ITS to customize treatments according to each individual’s specific requirements, highlighting the organization’s unwavering commitment to comprehensive mental health care.

Franka’s impact extends beyond clinical practice to include community service and mental health advocacy. Her participation in a range of community projects, such as Ferndale Pride, Macomb Fall into Pride, the Grosse Pointe Annual Suicide Prevention Walk and Mental Health Fair, the Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk, and the NAMI Conference, showcases ITS’s dedication to reducing the stigma associated with mental health and promoting awareness. Furthermore, these involvements offer students valuable insights into the field of mental health, helping them make informed decisions about their future careers.

Throughout her professional journey, Franka has embraced various roles that highlight her extensive experience and dedication. At St. John Providence Health System, she played a vital part in the neonatal and pediatric intensive care units, providing essential services and supporting families with crisis intervention and discharge planning.

During her time at the University of Michigan’s Department of Psychiatry, her focus was on treating individuals with PTSD, trauma, depression, anxiety, and chronic medical conditions, showcasing her expertise in addressing a wide range of psychological issues. Furthermore, as a social worker for Warren Consolidated Schools, she conducted targeted assessments and evaluations to improve the social and psychological well-being of children, contributing to their academic success.

Franka Arcangeli’s achievements showcase her steadfast commitment to mental health care, community service, and professional growth. She has established a secure space for those in need of mental health assistance and has been instrumental in mentoring upcoming mental health practitioners. Her contributions serve as a source of inspiration and distinguish ITS as a frontrunner in the industry.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
In the next 5-10 years, the mental health industry is set to undergo a significant transformation due to technological advancements, a growing awareness of mental health issues, and a rising demand for personalized and accessible care. International Therapy Solutions (ITS) is well-prepared to embrace and lead these changes by innovating and expanding its services to meet the evolving needs of its patients.

A key trend will be the integration of digital health technologies, with telehealth playing a vital role. ITS aims to enhance its telehealth services to make mental health support more reachable for individuals facing obstacles like distance or mobility issues. Furthermore, the inclusion of mental health apps and virtual reality therapies could provide new avenues for patients to engage in therapeutic practices from their homes.

Another significant shift will be the focus on holistic and personalized care. Patients now seek comprehensive approaches that address their physical, emotional, and social well-being beyond traditional talk therapy. ITS will broaden its array of therapeutic methods, encompassing mindfulness-based therapies, integrative health practices, and customized treatment plans to cater to individual requirements. This holistic strategy will ensure that it maintains its position as a provider of top-quality, patient-centered care.

The increasing acknowledgment of mental health’s significance in overall well-being is expected to result in a more substantial integration of mental health services into primary care settings. To prepare for this transition, ITS is enhancing collaborations with healthcare professionals and expanding its multidisciplinary team. By merging mental health services with primary care, ITS aims to deliver more cohesive and inclusive care to its patients.

Moreover, there will be a heightened focus on diversity and inclusivity in the mental health sector. ITS, known for its dedication to serving individuals from diverse backgrounds, is already at the forefront in this aspect. In the coming years, ITS intends to augment cultural competency training for its clinicians and extend outreach initiatives to underserved communities. This strategy will ensure that it continues to provide culturally sensitive care and cater to the unique requirements of all patients.

Additionally, the mental health domain is likely to prioritize preventive care and early intervention. ITS plans to create and execute more community-based programs and workshops concentrating on mental health education, resilience-building, and early identification of mental health issues. By raising awareness about mental health and offering resources proactively, ITS can assist individuals in maintaining better mental health and preventing the development of more severe conditions.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.internationaltherapysolutions.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/internationaltherapysolutions/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/internationaltherapysolutions/

Image Credits
Out of the Darkness – American Foundation for Suicide, NAMI Detroit Walk, and Ferndale Pride