Brooke Buys, LMSW, PhD Candidate

The University of Michigan, MSW | Kalamazoo College, BA

Candidate for PhD in Social Work & Psychology

Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), State of Michigan

Current Research: Gender Responsive Approaches to Dual Diagnosis Mental Health & Substance Use Treatment; The Role of Outpatient Psychotherapy in Ketamine Assisted Therapy

Professor of Social Work | The University of Michigan | Western Michigan University

Current 2021 Courses:

Social Work 509 Essentials of Community & Organizational Practice

Social Work 605 Evidence Based Interpersonal Group Theory

Interpersonal Practice with Groups, Families & Individuals, Secondary Traumatic Stress, Medical Social Work, Advanced Interpersonal Practice,

BLND

• Addiction Treatment & BLND Health State Licensed Intensive Outpatient Program

• Family Systems & Case Consultations

• Psychiatric Care Management

• Community Partnerships, Education Collaboratives & Non-Profit Alliances

“After working in the field traditional field of mental health as a clinical therapist, I realized there was so much untapped potential in the relationships between mental health professionals and clients. No journey is the same; that’s why it’s our goal that you come with a challenge and grow with a solution — one that feels fully authentic to you.”

BLND’s founder, Brooke Buys, has over 20 years in the field with experience in clinical outpatient therapy, residential treatment, and school counseling. She created BLND as an alternative to traditional, one-size-fits-all wellness models, with the vision of offering personalized, authentic support that works in real life and drives real change.

Brooke studied English at Kalamazoo College and received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from The University of Michigan. Currently Brooke is completing a Ph.D. in Social Work and Psychology with her research focused on gender responsive approaches to addiction. She also serves as a part-time graduate instructor for The University of Michigan Graduate School of Social Work teaching course work in interpersonal practice, group theory, and trauma informed care.

Many early experiences directly shaped her journey, from piloting reproductive health care services in Guatemala to guiding her social work career as a home-based interventionist, serving the community as a medical social worker, school-based counselor, and clinical therapist at a dual-diagnosis residential treatment program. Each experience offered reflective opportunities that eventually contributed to the BLND model, values, and mission to deliver accessible, yet personalized mental health care services.