Owner, Lead Trainer, & Substance Use Disorder Professional Trainee (SUDPT)
Universal Alternatives was founded in 2023 by Signal Mitchell, who stepped up during the pandemic to bring compassionate, individualized behavioral health care to the Lakewood community. Signal truly wears her heart on her sleeve, meeting every client exactly where they are on their recovery journey.
With over 35 years of deep experience bridging mental health and substance use care, she brings an incredible amount of trusted expertise to the center. Her background is backed by a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice, and she holds specialized certifications as a state-approved ADIS Instructor and an approved Victim Impact Panel program coordinator.
Beyond her core counseling and educational work, Signal is a highly versatile professional—certified as a First Aid/CPR Instructor, a Phlebotomist, and a Notary Public. As a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., her dedication to community uplift and professional excellence shines through everything she does, making her a trusted guide for anyone looking to regain control of their life.
Universal Alternatives is a dedicated counseling center based in Lakewood, Washington, offering vital behavioral health support across Pierce County and all surrounding communities. Founded in 2023, our mission is to guide individuals on transformative paths toward recovery and personal growth. We provide essential legal compliance services, including professional DUI assessments, deferred prosecution guidance, and continuous monthly monitoring. Both in-person and virtual clients can access our state-certified educational classes, specifically our engaging Alcohol and Drug Information School and highly impactful Victim Impact Panels.
We blend these court-required programs with deep personal therapy, providing a full continuum of clinical care through intensive outpatient treatment, substance use testing, and tailored counseling. Whether you join us online or visit our Lakewood office, our services are designed to help you regain control of your life. Every individual receives highly customized attention from expert facilitators who truly meet you where you are. To learn more about our certified programs or to begin your individualized wellness journey today, please reach out to our team directly to connect by phone or email .
When we founded this agency in 2023, the world was navigating the immense challenges of a pandemic. Seeing the deep need for behavioral health support in our community, we decided to step forward and become certified substance use counselors. We realized that true healing cannot happen with a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach. That is why we choose to wear our compassion on our sleeves and meet every single individual exactly where they are at on their personal path.
Our focus is on changing lives one person at a time by tailoring our care to your unique situation. We understand that legal hurdles, educational requirements, and personal recovery can feel incredibly overwhelming to face alone. By blending professional, interactive classes with dedicated clinical counseling, we help you break down those barriers. We are entirely committed to providing the non-judgmental, compassionate support, understanding, and personal empowerment you need to successfully regain control of your life.