About Dr. Ava Schumacher
Hello! I’m Dr. Ava Schumacher, a licensed clinical psychologist in Colorado and owner of Seasons Health Psychology. I specialize in helping people with chronic illness, chronic pain, and insomnia. I also focus on stress, anxiety, and supporting people in navigating challenging life transitions.
I'm glad you're here. Finding a therapist that you truly connect with is one of the most important parts of starting therapy. To start, here’s a bit about me - I hope to meet you soon and learn more about how I can support you on your journey.
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How I Help
As a health psychologist, my work focuses on the mind-body connection. Physical health and symptoms, stress, mood, cognitive patterns, and sleep all interact in complex and dynamic ways. Because the mind and body are so interconnected, there are often more opportunities for change, healing, and improvement than people realize. I specialize in using evidence-based, practical approaches so you feel better, function better, and regain a greater sense of control and quality of life.
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When you’re living with chronic pain or illness, it can begin to affect every part of your life. Pain and other physical symptoms increase stress and disrupt sleep, which can then contribute to symptom flare-ups and even more stress. Over time, these patterns reinforce one another and leave you feeling stuck. ​I integrate science-backed behavioral medicine approaches into treatment to help people shift these patterns, alleviate symptoms, and improve overall wellbeing.
If you've been struggling to sleep, I specialize in CBT-I (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia), a first-line, evidence-based treatment for chronic insomnia. This short-term, structured approach tends to work as well as sleep medication in the short term and is more effective over time, with benefits that continue well after treatment ends.
Stress and anxiety take a heavy toll and can wear you down mentally, emotionally, and physically. I integrate practical, evidence-based approaches including CBT and mindfulness into therapy to help you feel more balanced in both mind and body, building resilience and an inner wisdom that you can draw upon as you navigate all of life's seasons.
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Philosophy & Approach
I approach wellbeing with the understanding that mind, body and spirit are deeply interconnected, and I’m passionate about helping people improve their overall quality of life from this holistic perspective. My approach to therapy is collaborative, curious, and nonjudgmental. I integrate evidence-based interventions including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based approaches into tailored treatment to help you develop practical strategies to support you during therapy and beyond. Clients haved shared that they appreciate my ability to balance empathetic listening with honest insight and challenges that inspire meaningful change.
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The majority of people that I work with are navigating at least one, if not several, challenging medical conditions. As someone who deeply values a holistic approach to care, I believe in working as a team with your medical and complementary/alternative providers. Having worked in primary care clinics, hospital systems, and a University Hospital-based integrative medicine center, I'm experienced in collaborating with other providers to help provide coordinated, comprehensive care.
Seasons Health Psychology reflects the idea that life unfolds in seasons: times of transition, challenge, growth, and renewal. While change is a constant in all our lives and some seasons bring uncertainty and upheaval, I believe these periods also bring opportunities for healing, adaptation, and growth.
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Commitment to Diversity
I value and celebrate diversity in all its forms and am committed to creating a safe and inviting space where clients from all backgrounds feel respected as they explore personal and challenging topics.
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Outside the Office
When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband and daughter, working out, adventuring in nature (in all seasons!), and new experiences such as traveling and learning languages. I believe that personal growth often comes from stepping into the unfamiliar, especially when it feels challenging—a belief central to both my personal life and work.
Education & Qualifications
Licensed Psychologist in the state of Colorado (PSY.0004480)
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PhD in Clinical Health Psychology
University of Colorado Denver (2015)
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MA in Clinical Psychology
University of Colorado Denver (2012)
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BS in Psychology
Colorado State University (2009)
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BA in Languages, Literatures, and Cultures with a Concentration in Spanish
Colorado State University (2009)
Experience
UCHealth Integrative Medicine Center
Licensed Psychologist
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Health Psychology Associates
Licensed Psychologist
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Salud Family Health Centers
Psychology Post-Doctoral Fellow
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Denver Health Medical Center,
Health Psychology & Adult Outpatient Track
Psychology Doctoral Intern
Disclaimer: This website provides general information about Seasons Health Psychology and is not intended as professional advice. Contacting Dr. Schumacher through this website, via email, phone/text, or participating in a consultation call does not establish a therapist–client relationship. See full disclaimer.
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If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, please seek immediate support. I do not provide crisis services.
Call or text 988, or chat at 988Colorado.com. | Find a 24/7 in-person crisis center here. | Go to your nearest emergency room or call 911.