Shelby Upton

Certified Social Worker

Shelby earned her bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Morehead State University in 2018, followed by a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Kentucky in 2024. Shelby is originally from Louisville, KY and as a Certified Social Worker, she is dedicated to supporting her local community.

Shelby believes that mental health and well-being are deeply interconnected with various aspects of our daily lives. She approaches therapy with the understanding that clients are the experts of their own experiences, and she values collaboration in building a positive therapeutic relationship. By addressing mental health concerns holistically, Shelby is committed to empowering her clients to achieve their goals and improve their overall well-being.

Shelby’s professional journey began with the Public Child Welfare Program at the Department of Community-Based Services in Louisville, followed by work in community mental health and addiction recovery in Eastern Kentucky. Most recently, she served as a supervisor at a residential treatment facility in Louisville, where she worked closely with youth.

Shelby brings both experience and compassion to her work with clients navigating grief and loss, PTSD, depression, and substance use. These are areas where she has not only clinical expertise but also a heartfelt commitment to creating a safe, supportive space for healing. Shelby often draws from evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and person-centered therapy.

Shelby is excited to begin her clinical career at Mandala House, where she is dedicated to providing compassionate, empowering, and effective services in a safe and supportive environment.

As a self-proclaimed ‘cat mom’ and ‘cheese connoisseur,’ Shelby enjoys exploring new recipes, attending music festivals, and traveling. In her downtime, you can find her with a good book, always seeking to learn and grow.

* Shelby Upton is licensed with the KY State Board of Social Work as a CSW under the supervision of Ariel Brooks, LCSW.