Meet our Clinicians

Ashley Collins, LPC

Philosophy of Care

Ashley Collins is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has a desire to be a part of her clients’ journey to achieving their goals and making the change(s) they want and need. While working on her Masters of Arts in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling, Ashely gained experience working with the military community at the Veterans Administration (VA) hospital; as well, she has worked in substance abuse treatment facilities for almost two years providing both group and individual sessions. 

Ashley believes that there is no one size fits all model and works to customize and tailor each client’s experience to best meet their need(s). Ashley approaches counseling with an open mind, person-centered, mindfulness, and strength based approach; with the foundation being that her clients have the ability to solve problems with guidance and challenge. 

Ashley works with individual adults (18+) and couples. Ashley has experience working with mood disorders, anxiety, substance abuse, life transitions, and is working to become a trauma certified counselor.

Education

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
Masters of Arts in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling

Specialties

• Couples/Marriage Counseling
• Anxiety/Stress
• Depression
• Mood Disorders/Bipolar Disorder
• Substance Related/Addictive Disorders
• Mindfulness

Brandy Messiah, PMHNP-BC, RN, APRN

Philosophy of Care

Brandy Messiah is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a mission to deliver quality mental health care to individuals and their families by providing a safe, nonjudgmental environment to foster a strong therapeutic alliance with the patient and/or family. Brandy began a nursing career in 2009 as a Registered Nurse (RN) and spent the next 10 years as a bedside nurse in emergency medicine, psychiatry (outpatient programs & inpatient hospitals), long-term intensive care units (ICU), step-down ICU/cardiac/telemetry, home-health, and hospice.

Throughout her nursing career Brandy witnessed the many disparities in the delivery and approach to mental health issues. This led her to develop an intense passion for the mental health population and the specialty of psychiatry. She decided to pursue an advanced degree as a PMHNP to effectively contribute and reach her personal goal to enhance the delivery of the mental health care to assist patients/families in better management and outcomes associated with mental health conditions.

Brandy thoroughly enjoys direct patient care and values the therapeutic relationship between patient/family and provider as the foundation to success in outpatient psychiatry. In this relationship, she will be able to provide you with the relevant education and resources, and better assist you in your own, unique journey in the recovery and healing process.

Education

Master of Science in Nursing
University of Texas Health Science Center-Houston

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Depression
• ADHD
• Adolescents
• Trauma & PTSD
• Women's Issues

Cynthia Garza, Resident in Counseling

Philosophy of Care

Cynthia (Cindy) Garza is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in the state of Texas. Cindy received a Master of Education degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lamar University in 2020. Previously, she received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Texas A&M University-Kingsville in 2016. Cindy is passionate about serving children and adolescents who struggle with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disabilities, anxiety, depression, and trauma. Cindy also greatly enjoys serving adults who wish to overcome anxiety, depression, trauma, Bipolar Disorder, and Schizophrenia.

Cindy develops an individualized Cognitive-Behavioral treatment plan for each person she serves. With a collaborative and empathetic approach, she uses evidence-based interventions to best serve her clients.

Cindy is a firm believer that within every individual is the capacity to overcome whatever they may be struggling with. Cindy welcomes you to unlock your strengths and take control of your life.

Education

Lamar University
Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Specialties

• Intellectual Disabilities
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar Disorder
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Trauma
• Stress management
• Self-Esteem
• Parenting Skills

Francis Segovia, PMHNP-BC

Philosophy of Care

Francis Segovia is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) in Texas and Wisconsin. She is qualified to diagnose, provide psychotherapy, and prescribe medications to children, adolescents, and adults with mental health disorders. Francis has experience working with individuals who experience symptoms of anxiety, impulsivity, depression, insomnia, trauma, abuse, obsessive compulsive, adjustment, behavioral, and psychosis. She has a passion for holistic patient care and has 14 years of experience working with individuals from ages 10 to 95.

Francis completed her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) at the University of South Alabama. She spent 9 years as a Registered Nurse (RN) and 4 years as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). Francis has worked at an in-patient psychiatric state facility in Texas, a 24-hour crisis phone line, and an outpatient crisis stabilization unit. She also has experience as a charge nurse on an adolescent and adult psychiatric forensic intensive care unit. Francis has great communication skills, is a good listener, and takes pride in providing positive patient care with no judgement.

Since Francis has 7 years of experience working with adolescents under the age of 17, she has a way to interact therapeutically and became a great advocate to children and adolescents. She is able to determine the needs of the patient and provide holistic care. She is understanding and provides patient education during each visit. There is no wrong question. It is better to ask than to not understand your symptoms.

Education

Master of Science in Nursing
University of South Alabama

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Bipolar
• Trauma & PTSD

ijeoma Ajayi, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care 

Ms. Ajayi is currently licensed as a PMHNP-BC/FNP-C in the states of Texas, California, and Colorado. Ms. Ajayi has dedicated over 20 years to the healthcare profession. She completed her Masters of Nursing at the University of Texas Rio-Grande Valley. Ijeoma’s experience with mental health spans over 20 years in inpatient, outpatient, emergency, and correctional settings across a broad range of client populations. Ijeoma has a passion for mental health and people’s wellbeing and works diligently to help restore personal health and wellness to the mind, body, and soul. She believes in utilizing a holistic approach to treatment whenever possible and believes in working closely with her clients to deliver an effective individualized treatment. With her passion for providing mental health care to clients of all ages. Ijeoma engages clients, by providing psychopharmacological education, with the goal of empowering the client in their treatment plan. 

It is her goal to provide culturally competent and compassionate care to persons of diverse backgrounds. Ijeoma is a highly requested Provider in her community. Her personal statement, “I am continuously evolving in order to grow my expertise so that my patients can get the possible care. Patient’s needs are always paramount in my care and also their wellbeing are at the forefront of my Practice.” In her free time, Ijeoma enjoys watching TV, cooking, and spending time with her family and friends. 

Education

University of Texas
Masters of Nursing

Specialties

• 18+ Medication Management

Joy Yango, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Joy is a Board Certified Family and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, who is qualified to diagnose, treat and prescribe medications for adults, adolescents and children. Some of her practice specialties include but are not limited to; Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. 

Mrs. Yango holds strong assessment, diagnostic and communication skills. She works effectively independently as well as collaborates with other professionals to provide great care for her patients. 

Joy is a great listener, empathetic, accountable, trustworthy and has great integrity in the care she provides for her patients. Joy uses a holistic approach to patient care. She is a great advocate for both professional psychotherapy, medication management and ongoing education to manage patient’s symptoms. She exercises patience and ensures that before she completes a visit with her patients, they have a comprehensive and understandable plan of care tailored to their needs.

Education

University of Texas Houston
Family Nurse Practitioner Post Masters- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Bipolar Disorder
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• PSTD
• ADHD

Linda Osuji, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Linda Osuji is a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Texas. She began her nursing career in 2015, caring for the mental health needs of individuals across the lifespan and in various settings including residential treatment centers, inpatient facilities and outpatient community mental health clinics. 

She completed her Bachelor of Science degree in molecular biology at Texas Lutheran university and then switched careers to receive her Masters in Nursing at The University of Texas at Austin. Since then she has been providing evidence-based and client-centered care for individuals struggling with mood disorders, anxiety and psychotic disorders. 

With a passion for the field of psychiatry fueled by experience and empathy, her mission is to provide compassionate care that leaves each client with a sense of hope.

Education

University of Texas at Austin
Masters in Nursing

Specialties

• Mood Disorders
• Anxiety Disorders
• Psychotic disorders

Maame Obiri-Boateng, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Maame S. Obiri-Boateng is a Board-Certified Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner whose focus is working with patients with mental illness in a collaborative manner to understand their diagnosis, treatment plan, and develop management strategies to better manage the day-to-day challenges that affect the patient’s general wellness. She sees patients across the lifespan from ages 4 to 88 years older adults and has worked with patients diagnosed with PTSD, MDD, anxiety, psychotic disorders, addiction, and behavior disorders.

Maame graduated with her Associate Degree in Nursing from San Antonio, her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington, and her Master's of Science in Nursing from Walden University.  Her love for psychiatry led her to pursue an advanced degree in nursing and today, she collaborates with other care providers (primary care provider, specialist, therapist, nutritionist, life coach, etc) to address underlying symptoms and lifestyle factors associated with mental illness.

Maame understands that each patient is unique and focuses on providing personalized care, putting the needs of the patients first, and creating treatment plans specific to their disorders. Each patient requires careful attention in order to shape their treatment plan, focus on medication management in order to achieve positive and therapeutic outcomes. Maame puts a lot of emphasis on listening to understand her patients in order to provide the best care possible.

Maame uses engaging, empathetic, and pragmatic guidance in therapeutic settings and utilizes active listening, mindfulness, and observational skills to collect data for treatment planning and therapeutic interventions.

Education

Walden University
Master of Science in Nursing

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Anger
• ADHD
• Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
• Trauma and PTSD, Women’s Issues

Naquasha Riser, LPC

Philosophy of Care

Naquasha Riser is a Licensed Professional Therapist in Texas. Mrs. Riser obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Memphis, a Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Addictive and Compulsive Behaviors, and Master in Science Degree in Psychology from Capella University. Naquasha has over 13 years of experience as a behavioral and mental health professional.

A supportive, understanding, and compassionate environment is what she strives to create. An environment where you can feel safe to discuss topics and issues that are important to you. Respectfully, her goal is to help you recognize your hidden strengths and inner resources by using a client centered approach that will best fit your needs and help you reach your goals.

Life can be complicated and challenging, Naquasha’s hope is that you are able to work together to create a realistic plan and set goals for therapy that best fit your needs.

Education

Capella University
Master in Science Degree in Psychology

Specialties

• Anxiety/Stress
• Depression
• Personality Disorders
• Trauma and Stress Related Disorders (PTSD/Acute Stress)
• Mindfulness/Meditation
• Psychodynamic/Psychoanalytic
• Anger Management
• Grief/Loss

Olayemi “Cynthia” Akindele, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC

Philosophy of Care

Cynthia Akindele is a Doctoral-Prepared and Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC, DNP) with over 11 years of experience providing psychiatric evaluations, diagnoses, medication management, and supportive psychotherapy. She specializes in treating clients of all ages who are struggling to cope with anxiety, depression, anger management issues, relationship difficulties, ADHD, behavioral issues, eating disorders, gender identity and transgender issues, military and veteran issues,  including PTSD, and more.

Cynthia earned her Master's degree in Nursing from Walden University, with a focus on Family Nurse Practitioner. She then obtained a post-master's certificate in psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner in 2019. Her journey into the health care field began when she was working as a registered nurse taking care of patients in homes and hospital settings. She had the opportunity to work with patients in various settings, including medical-surgical units, long-term acute care units, outpatient surgery, hospice, neonatal/pediatric unit, and adult home health agency. She also worked for the Veterans Affairs hospital in 2017, and this experience made her more aware of the great need for mental health professionals.

Cynthia's psychiatric approach is evidence-based, holistic, and patient-centered. She'll work to create an environment where you can develop trust in her and feel safe sharing your stories and experiences. With Cynthia's guidance and support, you'll partner together to create realistic goals that can meet your mental health needs.

Education

Walden University
Master's Degree in Nursing

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Depression
• ADHD
• Adolescents
• Behavioral Issues
• Bipolar
• Sleep or Insomnia
• Trauma & PTSD

Antoinette Byrd, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Antoinette Byrd is a Psychiatric Nurse practitioner in the state of Washington and Texas. She has 10 years of experience working with individuals ages 4-90 and their families who experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma, and psychosis. Antoinette has experience working in school health, public health, community mental health, inpatient psychiatry, outpatient psychiatry, and emergency psychiatry departments.

Antoinette strives to understand the underlying beliefs and/or the cause of the symptoms experienced by clients to successfully provide the best treatments to manage the symptoms. Antoinette utilizes active listening skills to obtain what symptoms are causing the most distress and principles of cognitive behavioral therapy and medication management to improve overall mental health and well-being.

Antoinette desires to ease the distressing symptoms of mental health by letting you know you are not alone, there are people who care, and will listen to you without judgment.

Education

Seattle Pacific University
Master of Science in Nursing

Specialties

• 18+ Medication Management

Appolonia Chineme, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care 

Appolonia Chineme is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a passion for holistic patient care. Appolonia has worked as a Registered nurse in many hospital and outpatient settings including, home health, psychiatric hospital setting, Medical surgical nursing, ICU nursing and inpatient nurse case manager in the Tarrant County level one trauma hospital system. Appolonia spent over 10 years as a bedside Registered Nurse prior to graduating with a master’s degree from the University of Texas El Paso in 2015 with focus in Family Practice.

Appolonia has worked as an outpatient Family Nurse Practitioner at the Tarrant County hospital system since 2016 providing holistic care to patients addressing both medical and mental health needs of patients in all age groups. Throughout the years as a Family Nurse practitioner, Appolonia recognized the overwhelming need for specialized and knowledgeable providers to address the Mental health needs of the patient population, she became increasingly interested in the Mental health aspect of her patient population. Appolonia then graduated from the University of Texas Arlington with Post Masters Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in 2019 after which she continued Practicing at the Tarrant County Hospital with a focus on medical and psychiatric patient care.

Appolonia believes that her years and experiences working at the bedside, case management, family and psychiatric patient care have prepared her to provide holistic care and better understand the patient as an integral part of the care team.

Education

University of Texas at El Paso
Masters with Focus Family Nurse Practitioner

University of Texas at Arlington
Post-Masters with Focus Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston Texas
Post-Masters with focus Emergency and Trauma care.

Specialties 

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Mood disorder
• ADHD
• PTSD
• Sleep Disorders
• Obsessive Compulsive disorders
• Medically induced Mental health problems.
• Generalized Mental Health Problems.

Deborah Solomon, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Compassionate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over three years of experience delivering care focused on the body-mind-social wellbeing of individuals ages 16 and older. Commended for expertise of a broad range of psychiatric and mental health diagnosis. Demonstrated proficiency in comprehensive assessments and integrating findings to coordinate recovery-focused care to promote optimal mental healthcare results.

Identify and capitalize on the psychological, developmental, cognitive and personal strengths of the individual with empowerment to effectively manage your mental health conditions

Let us work together to help you be the best you can be. Let us begin setting achievable goals together.

Education

University of Cincinnati
Post Master's certification as Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Specialties

• Medication Management
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Coping Skills
• Men's Issues
• Military/Veteran
• Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
• Oppositional Defiance
• Sleep or Insomnia
• Stress
• Trauma and PTSD
• Women’s Issues

Mabel Nwachukwu, APRN, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care 

Mab Nwachukwu is a Board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner licensed in the state  of Texas since 2017. She has experience working in psychiatric clinics with clients 18 years and older helping them to achieve their recovery goals. She is skilled in assessing and treating a variety of mental health disorders including Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Adjustment disorders, Bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, and psychotic disorders. She has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Texas Woman’s University Dallas and received her Master of Science in Nursing specializing in Psychiatry and Mental Health from University of Texas in Arlington. 

Mab provides Psychiatric evaluation and medication management services  through Telepsychiatry. She is passionate about thorough evaluation, patient teaching, holistic and collaborative care. So, your treatment will be customized, physical, psychosocial, and spiritual concerns considered, medical work-ups and therapy referrals included when indicated. 

Mab is a patient-friendly clinician who actively and intuitively listens to foster a therapeutic alliance with her clients; you will ALWAYS have an active voice in  your treatment and her goal is to provide a setting where all clients are comfortable to communicate their current needs and achieve the optimal level of functioning that they value and desire. 

Education

University of Texas
Master of Science in Nursing

Specialties 

• Major Depressive Disorder 
• Post-partum Depression 
• Adjustment Disorder 
• Bipolar Disorder 
• Other mood Disorders 
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder 
• PTSD 
• OCD

Roy Leitch, III, LCSW

Philosophy of Care

Roy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He has a masters degree from the University of Michigan in Social Work with undergraduate psychology and sociology degrees from Lake Forest College. Roy has always been curious about other people’s points of view and enjoys learning about the qualities and experiences that make an individual unique.

Previous experience with clients was in psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, in schools and in homes. He feels privileged to share the journey of many people on their journey to wellness as they learn to manage mental illness, difficult relationships or other events in their lives. Roy feels that the sense of being heard and understood is an essential component to effective treatment and understanding what approaches best suit an individual or family. He believes that change comes from learning to maximize strengths and increasing ability to see beyond what feels limiting.

Roy works with children as young as age 6+, families, and individuals with learning and cognitive differences, chronic mental health conditions, depression, anxiety and more. Roy utilizes mindfulness, CBT, psychoeducation and experiential strategies to help clients experience change toward meeting their goals.

Education

Master of Social Work
University of Michigan

Specialties

• Children Ages 6+
• Adolescents
• Family and Family Relationships
• Couples
• Learning or Cognitive Difficulties
• Chronic Mental Health Conditions
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Anger Management
• Grief/Bereavement
• Early Onset Psychosis
• Mood Disorders
• Working with Caregivers
• Trauma

Jeffery DeMuth, LPC

Philosophy of Care

Jeff DeMuth is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). He earned his Associate’s Degree in general studies at McCook Community College (Nebraska), his Bachelor’s Degree at Kearney State University (Nebraska) in Education, a Master’s of Education in Counseling and Development at Lamar University.

Jeff has 12 years counseling experience including individual and group counseling. He has worked with adolescents, adults and the geriatric population. He has experience completing intakes in the MHMR system, working in a Doctors group in the psych department, CPS, in-patient substance abuse, and geriatric counseling in the nursing home setting.

He uses person-centered, cognitive behavior therapy, choice therapy, solution-focused therapy, as well as other modalities of counseling approaches. He considers counseling to be an art-form. Jeff believes in the therapeutic relationship as a way to develop an alliance to problem solve and to help meet goals. Jeff believes that clients know the answers to their problems, they just need a little help getting clarity with those answers. He creates an atmosphere where people feel safe to talk about thoughts and feelings regarding any aspect of their life.

Education

Masters of Education in Counseling and Development
Lamar University

Specialties

• Individual counseling
• Older Adolescents
• Adult
• Geriatric
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Mood Disorders
• Low Self Esteem
• Anger Management
• Relationship Issues
• Parenting Problems
• Substance Abuse

Amy J. Loe, LPC

Philosophy of Care

Amy Loe is a Licensed Professional Counselor for over 12 years, providing therapy to individuals and couples. Amy has a Masters degree in Professional Counseling from the University of Texas at San Antonio. She has worked in a variety of settings including substance abuse treatment centers, holistic wellness centers as well as private practice.

Ms. Loe finds it to be most rewarding working directly with her clients in a warm, comfortable, and non-judgmental environment. She likes to provide a space that clients feel comfortable processing difficult emotions so they can leave the session feeling a greater sense of resilience, confidence, and happiness. Amy believes that starting with a strength-based and relational approach and tailoring the sessions to your needs, is important in building rapport and trust in the session. Some modalities used in her practice include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, Existential, Person Centered Therapy, Reality Therapy and Mindfulness.

Education

Masters Degree in Professional Counseling
University of Texas

Specialties

• Depression
• Abuse/ Trauma
• Addiction/ Recovery
• Relationship Issues/ Infidelity
• Loss/ Grief
• Anger Management
• Stress/ Anxiety
• Parents of depressed/anxious teens

Scott Spaw, LPC-S

Philosophy of Care

Scott is a Licensed Professional Counselor – Supervisor who has worked with diverse populations throughout his career. Scott is a graduate of Texas A&M University and Stephen F. Austin State University’s Community Counseling program. Scott’s extensive experience includes working in community based outpatient settings, both behavioral and substance abuse treatment residential treatment centers, juvenile justice programs, private prisons, and wilderness programs. Scott has also helped open three treatment facilities in the state of Texas.

Scott has experience working with a variety of issues and diverse populations. His work with clients spans a variety of issues ranging from anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, grief and loss, and family relationship issues. Scott has worked for many years with adolescents who are experiencing depression, anxiety, anger, low self-esteem, grief and loss, trauma, sexual abuse, opposition/defiance, and family issues. Some of his treatment modalities include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Strengths Focused, Choice Theory, Solution Focused, Motivational Interviewing, and Positivity Psychology. Scott is committed to developing safe and trusting relationships with his clients and working with them to achieve their self-identified goals. He uses a diversified approach specific to the needs of each client and is able to affect positive change and growth.

Education

Texas A&M University

Stephen F Austin State University Community Counseling Program

Specialties

• Oppositional/Defiant
• Family Relationship Counseling
• Couples Counseling
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Anger Management
• Low Self-esteem
• Grief and Loss
• Trauma
• Sexual Abuse
• Substance Abuse