Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in Alexandria, VA (Franconia)

Krista Hale is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has worked in a variety of settings in the mental health field for 45 years. At the age of 54, she went back to school to earn her master's degree and became a licensed clinician. She is currently offering counseling to individuals, families, and couples via telehealth. Krista enjoys working with clients with a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and major life transitions.

Krista Hale obtained her BSW in 1978, her MS in Mental Health Counseling in 2013, and became a licensed counselor in Virginia in 2016. She uses a person-centered approach, which involves being accepting, non-judgmental, and respectful of other worldviews.

A warm, intuitive, and empathetic counselor with a sense of humor, Krista helps her clients flourish despite life’s setbacks. Book your appointment today and start your journey to a better life.

Elena Papathanassiou is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia who is practiced in providing therapeutic care to teens and adults seeking help with depression, anxiety, trauma, suicidality, and the LGBTQIA+ community. She strives to maintain a high level of cultural competency while working with diverse groups of people and sensitivity to the unique struggles of those with intersecting identities. She completed her Bachelor of Arts at the University of Pittsburgh and her Master of Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Elena utilizes strengths-based and person-in-environment theories while collaborating with the client to ensure their unique needs are met. These inform her usage of solution-focused, cognitive-behavioral, and dialectical-behavioral techniques to provide evidence-based therapy that is flexible, responsive, and tailored to the individual.

Elena seeks to provide a warm, supportive therapeutic relationship with her clients that invites openness and insight to achieve your goals. Through collaboration and building on your strengths, she will assist you in developing a meaningful life in accordance with your values.

"As a woman who has treated patients in multiple specialties from all walks of life, I understand the unique yet common goal of every person to achieve a life of peace, happiness, and success; and I am excited, humbled, and privileged to help clients on their journey."

Shirley Hudson is a dual board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) who is passionate about providing evidence-based and personalized care to adult clients. She began her health career treating patients in various settings including spinal cord injury, intensive care, hematology, oncology, and medical-surgical units. As a Christian, Shirley understands there is still a stigma attached to mental illness in many churches. She also has a mission to reduce the stigma of psychiatric disorders by educating clients, families, and the community about mental health disorders.

After years as a registered nurse, she completed her Master of Science in Nursing at Old Dominion University. Through her years at the hospital bedside and clinic, Shirley saw a need for more psychiatric care providers. To help increase access to mental health services, she earned her Post-Masters Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification.

Shirley believes that the best patient outcomes are built on the foundation of a strong and authentic patient/provider partnership. She values the client as an integral part of the treatment team and works diligently to provide education about all aspects of the mutually agreed-upon treatment plan.

Life's journey can rough. Not every path is smooth or easy and many are difficult and even dangerous. There are times we need someone to walk with us; perhaps help us find a new direction. Having someone that understands because they've been there, makes all the difference in the world. Brian Ede is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the Commonwealth of Virginia, who has 30 years of experience working alongside individuals, couples and families seeking help with depression, anxiety, addiction, life transitions, relationship issues, men's issues, trauma and PTSD. He has completed his Bachelor of Social Work from Dordt College and received his Masters of Social Work from the University of Iowa.

Brian utilizes an eclectic approach including cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, mindfulness, solution focused approaches to therapy. He likes to incorporate unique and creative approaches in his practice that best meets the needs of every unique individual, couple and family.

Brian seeks to help you though those difficult paths, by offering a warm, caring and nonjudgmental relationship with you. He will build upon your strengths and help with tools that have you work toward your goals and working toward those things in life that you value.

"I am curious to listen to assess factors that contribute to the diagnosis, to establish priorities, discuss treatments, and provide education and options in a holistic manner."

Lydia Sharp is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practioner (PMHNP-BC) from Virginia, with 5 years of experience assisting children, adolescents, and adults with such issues as anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, anger problems, and other complex psychiatric conditions.

Lydia earned her Master's degree in Nursing Education. She previously served over 26 years in the military in a variety of patient settings such as Medical-Surgical Nursing and Perioperative Nursing (Walter Reed Army Hospital), and as a Nurse Administrator serving in Army Combat Support Hospitals located in California and Fort Bragg, and much more. She also gained direct psychiatric experience and knowledge by working in a Behavioral Health Service Community Health Clinic, which was also part of a behavioral school for troubled youths.

Lydia will prescribe and manage medications, diagnose and assess psychiatric problems, identify health goals, record symptoms and problems, provide therapeutic treatment, and educate clients and their families about mental health. Partner with Lydia to find the treatment methods that work best for you.

"As a parent myself, I know how much you care about your child doing well and getting along in school."

George Wanke is a Licensed Clinical Social worker with 49 years of experience working with a wide variety of clients, from pre-teens to adults. George specializes in treating individuals who are struggling with mood management, thought distress, and behavioral mental health conditions such as ADHD, conduct disorder, or substance abuse issues.

George received his Master’s in Social Work from the University of Kansas and was a Family Therapy Training Supervisor for the Karl Menninger School of Psychiatry. George has a strong familiarity with cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as DBT, and has taught DBT classes to groups in the past.

George believes that validation is a key component of the therapy process and setting mutually accepted goals is one of his favorite parts of working with clients. By partnering with George, he can help you to process major life transitions, mental health conditions, or interpersonal issues with a growth mindset, sharing his own experience and wisdom to guide your progress within each session.

"As a Latinx therapist, I'm passionate about helping individuals achieve their goals and live their best lives, and I'm committed to providing a safe and non-judgmental space for my clients to explore their thoughts and feelings."

Rolando Liyim is a Supervisee in Social Work and a Certified Financial Social Worker with 9 years of experience in the mental health field. He works with teens and adults who are facing a wide range of mental health challenges. Rolando specializes in depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, relationship issues, financial challenges, and major life transitions.

Rolando completed his Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) at the University of Pennsylvania and certification at the Center for Financial Social Work. In former roles, he has worked with individuals experiencing chronic homelessness and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. Rolando uses evidence-based techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), internal family systems (IFS), and person-centered therapy (PCT).

Life presents us with various challenges that we must navigate. With unwavering assurance, Rolando stands ready to accompany you on your quest for fresh insights and effective strategies, empowering you to overcome any obstacles you might be facing. If you're prepared to embark on this transformative journey, seize the moment and arrange an appointment with him today.

"As a queer-identified woman of color, I understand the importance of mental health in underserved and minority communities. "

Camille Brenke is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who has experience working with children and adults seeking help with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, psychosis, and dementia. Camille has a special interest in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders as well as alternative and complementary medicines. 

Camille completed both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) at Virginia Commonwealth University. She also holds a minor in Spanish and certificate in Community Engagement. Camille is a culturally sensitive and queer-affirming provider. 

Camille seeks to establish a genuine relationship with you and collaborate on creating a treatment plan that is both evidence-based and centered on you. It will focus on meeting your goals and improving quality of life. 

Chinyere is a board-certified Licensed Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with 12 years of experience as a psychiatric nurse and 10 years of experience as a nurse practitioner providing psychiatric evaluation, treatment, and medication management to patients with varying degrees of mental illness. She has expertise in treating adult patients, and lately adolescent patients. She treats patients with disorders such as anxiety, depression, personality disorder, ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. She is professional, caring, and respectful and strives to offer personalized mental health services.

Chinyere’s approach to care is straightforward and clear. She always lends a listening ear and is empathetic to her patients. She has a BSN degree from Shenandoah University, an MSN degree from the University of Cincinnati, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from Chatham University.

Chinyere’s mission is to provide every patient with the highest quality care while empowering them to live a successful, fulfilled life while staying in control of their mental health.

"As a woman of color who is part of the LBGTQIA+ community, I am no stranger to complications and emotional trauma. "

Wykemia Swan is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of nursing experience. She has spent most of that time working in behavioral health care, collaborating with patients to improve their mental health by providing education on disease process, medication use, effectiveness, and support with their overall well-being.

Wykemia’s personal experience with mental illness makes her especially passionate about providing effective treatment. She desires to put you on the path to living a happier, more meaningful life. Her goal is for you to find mental stability. Allow Wykemia to help you live up to your full potential through restorative communication and medication management.

Take your life back. Don’t let your lack of mental or emotional stability continue to control you. Allow Wykemia to assist you along that journey. She believes that, with proper treatment and support, accomplishing that goal is well within your reach.

"As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, my priority is to help break down the stigma around mental health and create a comfortable-safe environment for you to share."

Juanita Burtt is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who specializes in depression, anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, insomnia, and many other mental health conditions. She has over 14 years of experience in various medical settings as a registered nurse working in mental health in both an inpatient and outpatient setting. Juanita has also been privileged to service both Military and Civilian individuals.

Juanita is confident that her previous roles providing mental healthcare have shaped her into the compassionate, empathetic, patient-centered psychiatric provider that she is today. She would love to assist you with accomplishing your mental health goals and addressing your needs.

Juanita's priority is to help break down the stigma around mental health and create a comfortable, safe environment for you. Whatever your culture, ethnicity, or social-economic status, life happens to us all. Juanita plans on working as a team with you to build a therapeutic relationship that has been proven to improve individuals' quality of life. She looks forward to collectively partnering with you to work towards positive mental wellness.

Jessica Lee is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 3 years of experience working with children, adults, and families who are seeking help in coping with depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem, and life transitions.

Jessica earned her Master's degree in Social Work from George Mason University. Her approach is collaborative and interactive, with a trauma-informed and person-centered approach. She utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and applies a multi-modality approach, drawing upon psychodynamic, reality therapy, and solution-focused therapy techniques. 

Opening yourself up to the unknown can feel very vulnerable and scary—but Jessica knows that therapy can be a great place to find more adaptive ways of living and enjoying life. She is committed to creating a therapeutic environment for all clients and customizes her sessions to meet the needs of every unique individual.  

Josephine Dakin- Davis is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHMP) in the of state Virginia. With over 15 years of clinical nursing experience, Josephine came to the realization that a sound mind is the precursor to the sound body and has an ardent passion for Mental Health. 

Josephine graduated from George Mason University in 2010 with a BSN, after ten years of nursing in diverse areas including mental health, and received her Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University. Her vast experience has helped her to understand the philosophy of mental health, and her nursing education has exposed her to a variety of health care settings. Goal driven and detailed oriented, patient satisfaction at the top of Josephine's professional agenda. She aims to create a cordial, warm and collaborative relationship with peers and patients.

Maclovia Butler is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the states of Virginia and Georgia, and a National Certified Counselor with the National Board of Certified Counselors. Maclovia has over 25 years of experience in the mental health field and more than 12 years as an LPC. She has worked with adults, children, and families in private to non-profit settings, specializing in clientele dealing with depression, anxiety, and trauma. 

Maclovia completed her Master's in Counseling at Regent University. Her therapeutic approach involves modalities such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), EMDR, and positive psychology. She has a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and for the uniqueness of the human race. 

Maclovia has traveled abroad extensively and has worked with patients from the Americas, Asia, and Africa. She believes that when one is frequently exposed to diversity, one develops a greater sensitivity towards another's life story. She is also proficient in Brazilian and Continental Portuguese.

"As a person who has suffered depression, i understand how debilitating and isolating mental health issue can be and i am here to work with you to ensure your needs are met. "

Adaku Anike is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She works with clients aged 14 and above with various mental issues including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and schizophrenia using evidence-based practices to create an individualized mental health care plan to meet their needs and achieve a positive outcome.

Adaku cares for her clients by actively listening to their needs, offering empathy, and creating an individualized care plan tailored to their needs because every client's need is different. Her specialty is psychiatry and she offers mental health care that is evidence-based.

As a person who has suffered from depression, Adaku understands how debilitating and isolating mental health issues can be. The stigma associated with mental illness can cause one to hesitate in asking for help. She wants you to know that you can reach out to her if you have any issues.

"I am an excellent nurse practitioner who not only evaluates, diagnoses and prescribes medication but I also have the patience to answer all of your questions, as well. "

Debra Robbins Morton is a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has 23 years of experience providing mental health therapy and medication management. As a nurse Debra has delivered babies, taught childbirth and parenting, and cared for various medical troubles. Since 2008, she has focused exclusively on providing mental health care by diagnosing and prescribing medications for depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD and insomnia.

Debra completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at the University of Virginia, her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Norfolk State University, her Master of Science in Nursing as Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) at Old Dominion University, and her PMHNP at Virginia Commonwealth University. 

Debra’s patients are grateful for her calm, supportive, and informed style of teaching them everything they will need to attain their best mental health.

"“Feeling better often takes more than medicine alone. My approach is holistic, collaborative, and down-to-earth while sharing my clinical experience and knowledge to guide you towards finally feeling your best.” "

Meghan Rise is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with almost a decade of experience. Clients working with Meghan can expect a warm, client-centered relationship developed through a foundation of acceptance, trust, and authenticity. She is LGBTQ+-affirming as well as neurodivergent-affirming and enjoys working with a variety of adult clients. She is highly experienced in medication management for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, perinatal/postpartum mental health, OCD, life transitions, trauma, and ADHD.

Meghan has focused on psychiatry since starting in healthcare, working as a psychiatric registered nurse while earning her Master’s in mental health nursing. She often uses evidence-based, complementary approaches (i.e. vitamins/supplements, nutrition, therapy, behavior recommendations) to support her client’s response to traditional medication management.

Meghan believes a trusting relationship with your provider is key to your long-term mental health, which is reflected in her strong client-retention rate. She will prioritize listening to and working collaboratively with you so that you feel empowered in your own healthcare. Schedule with Meghan today, she would be honored to be a part of your journey!