About Response Health

The Story Behind Response Health

Partner with a behavioral health thought leader—shaping the future of care since 2010.

I’m Lara Effland, LICSW, CEDS-C. For the past 18 years, I’ve worked across the country designing and leading programs, training providers, and supporting thousands of clients and families through complex emotional and behavioral challenges.

  1. Dec. 2022- Oct. 2025 Program Development Director of Adult Programs at Equip, a nationwide virtual eating disorder treatment center. 
  2. 2017-2022  Regional Clinical Director at Eating Recovery Center and Pathlight Mood and Anxiety Center.
  3. 2010-2022 Co-developed Pathlight BHC mood and anxiety program and supported the launch of multiple treatment centers around the U.S.

Not only have I followed best practices, I’ve established them. My work in mood, anxiety, trauma, OCD, and eating disorder treatment has informed clinical models, trained national teams, and shaped care systems across multiple levels of service.

I’ve spent the last 18 years in nearly every type of behavioral health setting. I’ve seen what works—and what doesn’t. The best care is always evidence-based, tailored to the individual, and sustainable for both client and clinician.

That’s why I started Response Health.

This practice is built for adolescents and adults who want to understand themselves more deeply—and learn how to respond to life in ways that align with their values and goals. The process is clear, transparent, and grounded in gold-standard clinical practices and ethics.

None of us are handed a manual for being human. But I want to get you as close to that as possible. With the right tools, insight, and support, I believe people can build a life that works for them—and feel empowered doing it.

Therapy Built For You

Clarity Comes First

Every client starts with a detailed, functional assessment. We map your patterns, values, and goals so we know exactly where to focus.

Tailored to Your Temperament

We don’t do one-size-fits-all. Your therapy plan is based on how you think, feel, and respond—not just a diagnosis.

Rooted in Science, Guided by Insight

We combine gold-standard methods (CBT, DBT, ACT, ERP) with deep clinical experience—so you get tools that are both effective and meaningful.