Meet Franka Arcangeli | LMSW, Founder, Supervisor, Field Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Franka Arcangeli and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Franka, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I grew up in a traditional Albanian household as a first-generation American, where mental health was often overlooked and even stigmatized. Witnessing firsthand how my community’s views on mental health could lead to dark and isolating times, I felt a deep calling to be part of the solution. Despite the cultural resistance, I was driven to shed light on the importance of mental wellness, not only for those in my community but for anyone facing similar obstacles.

My background gave me a unique perspective and passion for empowering others to seek support without shame. This calling led me to earn my Master’s in Social Work and complete specialized training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Michigan. My experiences growing up in an immigrant household and navigating cultural expectations have deeply influenced my dedication to creating a safe, inclusive space at International Therapy Solutions (ITS). Through ITS, I hope to dismantle the stigma around mental health, showing that everyone deserves care and understanding. This mission drives me daily as we work to empower individuals to prioritize their well-being, no matter the cultural or societal obstacles they may face.

What should our readers know about your business?
International Therapy Solutions (ITS) is a women-owned and women-led outpatient mental health office dedicated to making quality mental health care accessible and welcoming to everyone. We offer both in-person support across two locations, in Warren and Ann Arbor, and telehealth options, believing that financial hardship should never be a barrier to receiving care. To uphold this commitment, we accept a range of major insurance plans, ensuring that those who seek help can access it affordably. My previous roles—including work in the neonatal and pediatric intensive care units at St. John Providence Health System and the University of Michigan’s Department of Psychiatry, where I treated PTSD, trauma, depression, and anxiety—taught me the depth and range of psychological needs within the community. My time with Warren Consolidated Schools, where I focused on assessments to support children’s social and academic development, further instilled in me the importance of early intervention and comprehensive care. Building ITS wasn’t easy, and we’ve encountered many challenges along the way. One aspect that sets ITS apart is the resilience that underlies our foundation. As a women-owned and women-led company, we’ve had to overcome the prejudices and barriers often faced by women in the business field, where securing resources and establishing credibility remains a unique challenge. Yet, these experiences have only deepened our commitment to mental health advocacy and community involvement. Overcoming these challenges has required an unwavering dedication to providing personalized care and a proactive approach to growth and mentorship, ensuring ITS stands out as a source of inspiration and assistance within the mental health world. I am most proud of how far ITS has come—from a small, stigma-challenging idea to a leading organization recognized for its impact and inclusivity. Through my work, I want the world to know that mental health is not just a necessity—it’s a right. My story and ITS’s story are about transforming adversity into a pathway for change, leading with empathy, and promoting the idea that everyone deserves accessible, compassionate care.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to visit, I’d take them on a weeklong journey through the heart of Michigan—focusing on Warren, Detroit, and Ann Arbor. This trip would not only show my friend the best of our area but also help us both reconnect with our mental health in inspiring and restorative ways.

Day 1: Warren
Kick off the trip in Warren with a day that’s all about grounding ourselves before diving into the city’s energy.
* Morning: Start with a calming coffee at Mia’s Bakery & Coffee House, a local spot with a welcoming vibe. Over lattes and fresh pastries, we’d catch up and talk about what we both hope to get out of the week.
* Afternoon: Wander through Halmich Park to enjoy the walking trails and reflect on our shared experiences. We could even bring journals to note our intentions for the week, letting nature and the quiet space ground us.
* Evening: Dinner at Andiamo for some classic Italian comfort food. Over pasta, we’d toast to the week ahead.

Day 2: Detroit

Today is about immersing in Detroit’s more healing, introspective spaces.
* Morning: Yoga and mindfulness at Detroit Yoga Lab, a great way to ground ourselves mentally and physically. Taking time for these activities is essential for our mental health, and the supportive community at the Lab is always a boost.
* Afternoon: A visit to The Heidelberg Project to witness the beauty of transforming pain into art, a powerful statement about turning struggle into strength. The installations spark conversations about expression and resilience, ideal for reflecting on how art can play a role in mental health.
* Dinner: Selden Standard, where sharing small plates is a casual way to feel close and relaxed. We’d talk about our favorite parts of the day and how we’ve both used creativity as a form of self-care over the years.

Day 3: Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, known for its intellectual and progressive spirit, is the perfect place to explore and reflect on mental health in a community-focused setting.
* Morning: Breakfast at Zingerman’s Deli—no Ann Arbor trip is complete without their famous sandwiches. Zingerman’s is a hub for locals and students alike, so it’s the perfect place to absorb Ann Arbor’s welcoming vibe.
* Afternoon: Visit the University of Michigan’s Depression Center for a workshop or mental health seminar. This pioneering institution provides resources and has insightful programs aimed at mental health awareness and support.
* Evening: Dinner at Frita Batidos, a Cuban-inspired eatery that’s vibrant and friendly, perfect for ending the day on an uplifting note.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First, I want to dedicate my shoutout to my family, whose resilience and sacrifices have been the foundation of everything I’ve accomplished. Growing up in a traditional Albanian immigrant household, I saw the impact of cultural resistance toward mental health. This experience gave me an undeniable purpose to break down stigmas and provide a safe space for people to seek help without judgment.

I also owe so much to the University of Michigan community. Through their training programs in Social Work and Psychiatry, I gained not only the technical skills needed to succeed in the mental health field but also found mentors who encouraged me to push boundaries and challenge the norms. Being selected as a field instructor there has allowed me to pay forward this support, mentoring students as they begin their journeys into mental health care.

Lastly, my team at International Therapy Solutions deserves so much credit. Every therapist and intern brings their passion and dedication, creating a culture where we all learn from each other. My role isn’t just as a founder, but as part of a collaborative, committed group working to make mental health care accessible, personalized, and stigma-free. Our partnerships with community organizations, from the NAMI Detroit to local pride events, allow us to extend our impact beyond our office, driving conversations and awareness that truly make a difference.

Without these incredible sources of support and inspiration, ITS wouldn’t be what it is today. It’s a privilege to contribute to a growing community that values mental health and resilience, and I’m grateful every day for those who’ve helped make this vision a reality.

Website: https://www.internationaltherapysolutions.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/internationaltherapysolutions/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/internationaltherapysolutions/

Image Credits
Out of the Darkness – American Foundation for Suicide, NAMI Detroit Walk, and Ferndale Pride