We now offer Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)

MEET THE TEAM

Dr. Caster & Associates

EMPATHETIC, CARING THERAPY & COUNSELING IN SOUTH DENVER

“Our Mission is to provide Positive Emotional Support and Practical Tools for Long-term Mental Health and Ongoing Happiness, in a Completely Safe and Respectful Therapeutic Environment.”

Dr. Jeff Caster

Meet Dr. Jeff

My father was a psychiatrist and was the key influence and inspiration behind me pursuing mental health as a profession. I have a Masters and PhD in Clinical Psychology, and have been in private practice since 2005. I completed my internship at Children’s Hospital in Denver, later taking on a staff position as a Psychologist and, during that time, I worked with chronically medically ill children and their families.

Shannon Niven, MA, LPC

Meet Shannon Niven, MA, LPC

Licensed Therapist | Specializing in Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Life Transitions & Family Dynamics.

Specializing in anxiety, depression, ADHD, and complex family dynamics, I offer compassionate, down-to-earth therapy for individuals and families navigating life’s unexpected twists and turns. My goal is to create a space where you can be honest, feel understood, and explore what truly works for you—because let’s face it, life doesn’t always go according to plan.

I believe that working at Children’s provided me with the clinical foundation needed to work with the clients I have today. The experience was transformational for me, both professionally and personally. Dealing with the mental health challenges of young people on a daily basis expanded my capacity for empathy and kindness beyond anything I could have imagined.

Not only did it make me a better therapist, it made me a better person, husband, and father.

I continue to grow and understand my role of supporting people through the most challenging times of their lives, and I take pride in, and respect the honor given me, to dive into an individual’s life experience. I feel honored to be a part of my client’s lives and value their relationships very much.

I live in South Denver with my wife, Kim, and together we have three children: Abigail, Caroline, and Peter. My children are exploring their education at Colorado State University, Montana State University, and St. Thomas Law School. We enjoy camping, traveling, and spending time together.

Professional Credentials

  • Bachelor of Science with an emphasis in Psychology – Colorado State University, 1995
  • Master’s in Psychology with an emphasis in Clinical Psychology – University of Nebraska, 1997
  • Doctorate in Psychology with an emphasis in Clinical Psychology- University of Nebraska, 2001
  • Internship in Clinical Psychology at the Children’s Hospital – Denver, CO, 2000
  • Staff Psychologist at the Children’s Hospital – Denver, CO, 2000-2007
  • Private Practice in South Denver, 2005 – Present

I specialize in working with:

  • Young adults & teens facing anxiety, depression, and life transitions, including navigating difficult relationships and discovering their passions.
  • Adults dealing with anxiety, depression, major life transitions, and recovery from unhealthy or abusive relationships.
  • Parents & families experiencing feelings of being “stuck” while adjusting to major changes, such as adding new family members, remarriage, stepchildren, loss of a loved one, or difficulties in family connection. I also support families navigating divorce and the complexities of blending families.
  • Children (ages 8+) struggling with ADHD, anxiety, sadness, shyness, or difficulty making friends or managing “big emotions” (as I like to call it) whether at home or school.

By integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) I help clients explore their emotions, identify underlying patterns, and build greater self-awareness and resilience. But let’s be honest- therapy is so much more than a textbook approach or a technique learned in school. The real magic happens when we build trust and honesty in the room. It’s about creating a space where you feel safe enough to be real, where we can have conversations that matter, and where we can cut through the noise to find what actually works for you. Therapy isn’t about me handing you a list of coping skills; it’s about working together to figure out what fits your life, your values, and your experiences.

After receiving my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Fort Lewis College in Durango in 2008, I earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling from the University of Northern Colorado in 2017. I spent seven years as a case manager at the Mental Health Center of Denver, where I gained extensive experience working with personality disorders, family dynamics, aging and navigating a complicated system. During my graduate studies, I completed my clinical internship at AllHealth Network in Littleton, where I worked with adults and families. After my internship, I was hired by AllHealth Network, where I continued working for three years. It is now my privilege to work alongside Dr. Caster at Dr. Jeff Caster & Associates.

I have lived in Colorado since 2001, and share my home with my husband, our four children—including two wonderful stepdaughters (so yes, I truly understand the complexities of family life)—and a small zoo of two dogs and a cat. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, reading, and spending time with my loved ones. I’m also learning to play the piano, which has been a humbling experience, but hey—it’s never too late to teach an old brain new tricks!

I believe therapy is a collaborative and evolving process. You are the expert on your own life (even if it doesn’t always feel that way). My role is to guide and support you by blending personal insight, education, humor, and clinical expertise to help you uncover what works best for you. If you’re looking for a therapist who balances warmth, honesty, and a down-to-earth approach, I’d be honored to walk alongside you on your journey.