Team Thriveworks Richmond

Beth Curry, MEd, LPC

Therapist, Coach
Certified Holistic Stress Management Instructor

For over 20 years, I have helped pre-teens, adolescents, young adults, and adults overcome challenges and reach their full potential in many areas: school, college, sports, social, career, family, and health. My background and experiences in teaching, athletics/coaching, wellness, and health promotion enhance my therapy with individuals. I translate research from positive psychology, sport psychology, and neuroscience into practical strategies for achieving goals and enhancing overall happiness and well-being. Counseling and coaching sessions focus on self-exploration and developing skills that will help one better understand and manage their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I work collaboratively with individuals in a trusted environment to identify problem areas and to create effective solutions so that they can live the happy and healthy lives they deserve.

Specialties:

• LGBTQ+, Gender Identity
• Stress management
• College counseling
• Teen mental health, peer relationships & school issues
• Depression, Anxiety/Test Anxiety
• Sport Psychology: performance enhancement/focus/motivation for athletes and non-athletes
• Mindfulness
• Self-Confidence, Self-Esteem
• Personal growth
• Life transitions & adjustments
• Goal setting & accountability
• Life Coaching

Approach:
Cognitive-Behavioral, Strengths-Based, Holistic Wellness, Growth-Mindset

Beth’s clients have said…

“Beth is thoughtful, authentic, and caring”
“Beth has helped me weather the storms which have rattled my life over the last few years”
“I truly value her guidance and wisdom, which has enriched my life and made me a smarter, stronger, better person”

When not counseling, coaching, or conducting workshops, presentations or programs, Beth can be found hiking, biking, kayaking, and relaxing in the mountains and rivers of Virginia.

Bridget Famogun, PMHNP-BC

Philosophy of Care

Bridget U. Famogun is a compassionate Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She holds a Master of Science degree as a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) PMHNP, and she is Board Certified. Before becoming PMHNP, Bridget was a Psychiatric Registered Nurse for eight years with a history of working in the hospital & clinical Trial care setting. Bridget completed her Master's in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Walden University and graduated with honors. 

Bridget earned her bachelor's degree in nursing from Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia, in 2010, and has worked in the nursing field since then.

Bridget is skilled in Psychiatric Assessment, Psychiatric Diagnoses and Medication Management, Health Promotion, Crisis Intervention, Clinical Supervision, and Healthcare Management.

Bridget has a passion for working with vulnerable populations. She is a firm believer in a holistic approach to treating disturbances in mental health that can involve medication management, psychotherapy, and alternative treatment modalities. Additionally, Bridget is interested in working with patients with eating disorders, Borderline Personality Disorder, and talk therapy. Moreover, she is proficient in working with adult ADD, psychotic, mood, self-esteem, stress management, anger management, and anxiety disorders.

Bridget's main goal and focus as a PMHNP at Thriveworks is to grow and connect her knowledge and understanding of the brain's biology and interconnections, with the neuropathology of psychiatric illnesses and psychotherapy and prescriptive practice.

Education

Walden University
Master's in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Specialties

• Medication Management
• Psych Testing
• Autism
• Eating Disorders
• Mood Disorders
• Personality Disorders
• Schizophrenia and Psychotic Disorders
• CBT

Catherine Ben-Agu, PMHNP-BC

Philosophy of Care

Catherine Ben-Agu is a board certified licensed Psychiatric Nurse practitioner in the state of Virginia who has 10 years of experience in nursing, six of which are focused in psychiatry. Catherine attended Walden University where she completed her bachelor’s degree in nursing and master’s degree in psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioner. Through her many years of experience, she has been able to partner with children, adolescents, adults, as well as geriatric clients who seek help with diverse psychiatric problems. Catherine specializes in facilitating significant improvement in their presenting symptoms through proper assessment, accurate diagnoses, prescriptions, treatment, and evaluation. She is experienced in various psychiatric disorders including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, ADD, personality disorders, SUD, eating disorders, suicidal ideation, and many more. Through great interpersonal and communication skills, Catherine is able to establish trust, and communicate with clients in a therapeutic manner that upholds respect and preserves client’s dignity and autonomy. She is culturally competent, nonjudgmental, and uses compassion, empathy, and active listening in all her interaction with clients. Catherine desires to collaborate with you in a caring/therapeutic relationship aimed to provide support, assist you in building your strengths as well as meet your healthcare goals of living a healthier more fulfilling life.

Education

Walden University
Masters Degree

Specialties

• ADD/ADHD
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Depression Counseling
• Eating Disorders
• Mood Disorders
• Bipolar Disorder
• PTSD
• Christian Counseling
• CBT
• Schizophrenia Spectrum
• Anger Management
• Self-Harm

Josh Schubert, LPC, DCC

I am a strong believer of creating health habits and routines, and being aware of your energy level and emotions. I enjoy helping people proactively design their life-style to meet their goals. I have also specialized in teletherapy, or online counseling for the past 4 years. I have been honored to work with a variety of people from different backgrounds and goals.

I have a graduate degree in Counseling from Franciscan University of Steubenville, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with the State of Virginia and Texas. I am also a Distance Credentialed Counselor, meaning I have specialized training in online-counseling. 

My primary therapy orientation is: Person Centered, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Life-Style design, and Brief-Solution Focused. 

I grew up in California and love the beach, tacos, and travel. After traveling to over 30 countries and finishing up grad school I moved to Northern Virginia and now reside in Richmond. In 2017 I spent 3 months in Argentina learning Spanish, how to cook asado, and a little dancing; all while continuing counseling (Online). I am continuing to learn Spanish and some other hobbies are salsa dancing, horseback riding, crypto-currency, and I'm a huge fan of Tim Ferriss.

Karem Vega, LPC

Karem is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the Commonwealth of Virginia. She received a Bachelor in Psychology from the Inter American University of Puerto Rico and a Master in Counseling from Regent University. Karem has been a military spouse for over 20 years and has both personal and professional experience working with clients struggling with life transitions and challenges.

Karem uses a variety of approaches in her clinical work with children and adults including Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Play Therapy. She has experience treating clients experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, and adjustment issues.  She also has extensive training and experience helping clients with substance abuse issues and trauma.

Karem is passionate about empowering clients to become the best version of themselves. She believes that we all have the potential to THRIVE.

In her free time, Karem enjoys cooking, running, and spending time with her family and friends.

Karem is fluent in English and Spanish.

** Mi nombre es Karem Negron Vega y soy Consejera Profesional Licenciada en Virginia. Como esposa de un militar por más de 20 años, he tenido experiencias personales y profesionales con clientes que experimentan transiciones y desafíos en su vida. Trabajo con niños, adolescentes y adultos. Tengo experiencia trabajando con personas que han experimentado depresión, ansiedad, problemas en sus relaciones, dificultad manejando su enojo, problemas de comportamiento y problemas de ajuste. También tengo amplia experiencia y entrenamiento ayudando a personas que han experimentado trauma y abuso de sustancias. Siento mucha pasión por mi trabajo y me gusta motivar a mis clientes a que se conviertan en la mejor versión de ellos mismos.  Soy una firme creyente de que todos tenemos el potencial de poder prosperar. En mi tiempo libre disfruto cocinar, correr y pasar tiempo con mi familia y amistades.**

Katherine Hughes, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Katherine Hughes is a dual, board-certified Nurse practitioner with specialties in family and psychiatric mental health. She received her undergraduate nursing degree from Georgetown University in 1996, her masters in family specialty in 2012 from George Mason University, her post master's certificate in psychiatric mental health specialty in 2019 from George Mason University and her doctorate from Maryville University in 2015.

Katherine's goal is to build a collaborative relationship with patients, listen to their unique needs and implement a plan that affects positive change. She utilizes a combination of medication management and psychotherapy when necessary, implementing cognitive behavioral, mindfulness and solution focused therapy techniques. As a nurse practitioner, Katherine looks at and values the whole person when considering treatment goals.

Education

George Mason University
Maryville University

Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Bipolar Disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Dementia

Kathleen Lowry, LPC, LMFT

Most times, clients need a therapist who listens deeply and helps them find sort through their challenges.  I do this, without bias.  You come to me so that you can voice your concerns without judgement, and to find a professional who has perspective. I will encourage you, support you with information and resources, and if you like, tell you what I think based on my many years of experience working with other individuals and couples.    

I have worked in the field for 18 years.  I know how to be direct and still be tactful and encouraging.  I won’t mess around and burn up your time.   Whether you are anxious, depressed, struggling with difficult circumstances, or just not feeling ok and not knowing why, I’ve had good success helping clients in the past with similar struggles. I am trained in traditional as well as the most current, evidence-based therapies, so together we can figure out what works best for you.

After many years of seeing 100s of individuals and couples, I’ve come to very much agree with Dr. Margaret Paul’s statement, “Abandonment and self-abandonment are the most frequent cause of unhappiness.”

Should we work together, I might ask you,  “Have you any hard or frightening experiences where you were too much on your own?  “To what extent have you abandoned yourself in recent years?” “In what ways have you pushed your own desires, needs, wants, and values aside thinking that doing this is what is necessary, or because it will make others, and therefore yourself, happy?" 

We’re going to work hard together at helping you find yourself again, to trust and love yourself again, and take really good care of yourself. We will increase those moments of joy for you that we all need to get through hard times.  I treasure doing this work, because watching hearts and minds heal is both an honor and a joy in my life.

My Masters in Counseling Psychology was completed at Bethel University.  I provide counseling both online, through our secure account, on the phone, or in person.  My work has included clinical supervision of trainees, and I also served as an adjunct faculty member at Adler University in Minneapolis.  A combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, somatic therapy, and inner parts therapy form the basis of the work I do with clients to address anxiety, depression, PTSD, early childhood adverse experiences, transitions including career, aging and loss, and anger management.

Kendra Armstrong, LCSW

My name is Kendra Armstrong and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. Life is unpredictable but it is inevitable that we will all face challenges and situations that will impact our thoughts and behaviors. I pride myself on being a therapist who understands that everyone is different and might respond to stressors differently. I am a nonjudgmental therapist who conveys genuine empathy and a strong passion to help others learn adaptive coping skills. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and trauma informed care to help clients cope with challenges that evokes feelings of anxiety, depression, traumatic experiences, thought distortions, and self-harmful thoughts and behaviors. My goal is to help clients live their best life.

Landon Sheriff, LPC

Philosophy of Care

Landon Sheriff is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia with 10 years of experience with adults and children who are seeking assistance managing: depression, anxiety, life changes, family issues, autism, urges to self-harm, suicidality, trauma, and the transition and ongoing difficulty with adoption and foster care.  Landon received his Master of Arts from Liberty University in Professional Counseling and in Marriage and Family Therapy.

Landon specializes in a cognitive-behavioral approach to therapy that focuses on how you view and interpret information, what it tells you, and how your interpretation affects how you feel, think, and what you do.  The focus of this form of therapy is to learn how to filter and process information in a way that breeds confidence, awareness, and clearer thinking.

Landon seeks to build a genuine and warm relationship with you in order to empower you to reach your goals and to live the best life you can.  Landon’s philosophy on the counseling relationship focuses on collaboration as you have the power to make great strides towards your goals and dreams.

Education

Liberty University
Master's in Professional Counseling

Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Self-harm/Suicidal thoughts
• Family issues
• Adoption/Foster Care
• Self-Esteem
• Trauma
• Autism/Intellectual Disabilities

Linda Modelfino, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Linda Modelfino is a psychiatric nurse practitioner in the state of Virginia who has  been working in healthcare for over 26 years. Linda’s background consists of  acute psychiatry in a hospital setting, ICU, management and education. She  assists her clients to overcome their difficulties with depression, anxiety, mood  instability, trauma, ADHD, behavioral and other disorders. She obtained her bachelor's degree in nursing from VCU/MCV and her Master’s degree in Nursing  from Wilkes University. 

Linda doesn’t just provide medication management to her patient’s but also seeks  to get to know her patients and understand what’s important to them, their  struggles, where they have been and assist them with helping to obtain their  goals for the future. She believes in a biopsychosocial approach to help patients  get to their highest level of functioning and life satisfaction. 

Life is always throwing curveballs, don’t struggle alone. Let’s collaborate together  and help your child who is struggling in school, your depression that keeps you  from being able to function or your mood instability that is causing problems  within the family. 

Education

Wilkes University
Master's in Nursing

Specialties

• Schizophrenia 
• Insomnia 
• Autism Spectrum Disorder 
• Personality Disorders 
• Trauma/PTSD 
• Adjustment disorders 
• Depression/Anxiety 
• ADHD 
• Bipolar disorders
• Child psychiatry

Meghan Rise, PMHNP-BC

Philosophy of Care

Meghan Rise is a licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in the state of Virginia who has been working in psychiatric care since 2013. Meghan has worked in many different capacities as a mental health provider including working with adults, children, and families across the lifespan. She received her Bachelor of Science and her Master of Science in Nursing from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. 

Meghan is highly experienced in medication management and treatment for clients struggling with depression, anxiety, and mood disorders, as well as a variety of individual mental health disorders. She believes medication is a tool to help cope with mental health disorders and can be highly effective when paired with other treatments such as therapy. 

Meghan’s strength is listening to your needs and finding solutions to help meet your goals. She aims to build a warm and respectful partnership with each of her clients. She looks forward to working with you!

Education

Virginia Commonwealth University
Master's in Nursing

Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety disorders (Generalized Anxiety, Panic Disorder, OCD, and PTSD)
• Bipolar and Mood Disorders 
• ADHD 
• Postpartum Depression / Anxiety
• Grief / Adjustment Disorders

Rashida Riley Anderson, LCSW

Philosophy of Care

I am licensed in Maryland and Virginia as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C and LCSW, respectively). I have been a social worker since 2008. I obtained my undergraduate degree in Social Work from Frostburg State University in 2008. I graduated from The University of Maryland, Baltimore with a Masters in Social Work in 2010. I have worked in the treatment foster care, a community-based adolescent psychiatric rehabilitation program, adult residential treatment program, an outpatient mental health clinic, private practice, as well as a non-profit commercial insurance company.

My primary therapy orientation is client-centered. I believe a strong therapeutic relationship is essential for client growth. I understand that every individual is not an illness or label, rather a person with multiple contributing factors which attribute to one’s reason for seeking help. For this reason, I use an eclectic approach to treatment based on one’s needs. Those treatment approaches include: CBT, Crisis Intervention, Mindfulness, Functional Family Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychoeducation, and Solution-Focused Therapy.

I have experience working with individuals, couples, and families – adolescents and adults suffering from depression/mood disorders, anxiety, trauma/abuse, addiction and substance use, divorce, infidelity, family conflict, relationship issues, suicidal ideations, and grief. Additionally, I have done work with clients involving career path, self-esteem/self-confidence, coping skills, life-transitions, and everyday issues. I also address multi-cultural concerns, issues with prejudices, diversity and inclusion, and LGBTQI related concerns.

Through my work with youth, I have performed Function Family Therapy to address the why and how to assist the youth and his/her family with addressing concerns and finding solutions to remedy those problems. In working with individuals, I have used CBT to address maladaptive thought patterns and finding ways to adjust those thoughts to produce positive change. In couple’s counseling, solution focused therapy has helped the couple identify the problem and partner together to arrive at and exercise the solutions to address their issues. 

My passion lies in assisting individuals and couple’s to find their inner voice and channel it in a healthy way so they can begin to lead the lives they’ve always hoped for. 

Education

University of Maryland, Baltimore
Master's in Social Work

Specialties

• Relationships
• Families
• Depression
• Mood Disorders
• Bipolar Disorder
• PTSD
• Peak Performance/Performance Anxiety

Rhiannon Alley, LPC

Rhiannon Alley is a Licensed Professional Counselor from the Richmond area, she completed her undergraduate degree at Virginia Tech and obtained her Master’s in Marriage and Family Counseling at The College of William and Mary. Rhiannon has worked with families, couples, youth, and adults in multiple settings; she became a Certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider while working with at-risk youth in residential treatment centers. Rhiannon is driven to assist clients overcome and manage traumatic experiences, depression, anxiety, aggression, and mood disturbances. She enjoys helping clients develop healthy relationships, practice effective communication, and find authenticity in their lives. She is passionate about her work with families and couples and enjoys working with individuals to achieve their counseling goals. She is a person-centered counselor utilizing cognitive behavioral techniques, a humanistic approach, mindfulness-based interventions, family systems view, and holistic therapy with clients. Outside of counseling, Rhiannon loves animals, gardening, family, and staying active.

Rhiannon especially enjoys working with individuals who are seeking help for:

• Marriage and Family
• Child Adolescent
• Couples Counseling
• Behavior Modification
• Sex Offender Treatment
• Oppositional Defiance
• Family Systems
• Conduct Disorder
• Mood Disorders
• Depression
• Anger Management

Samantha Coppola, LCSW

Philosophy of Care

Samantha Coppola is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Virginia and Pennsylvania who has 7 years’ experience, helping adults struggling with substance abuse, co-occurring disorders, trauma, anxiety, depression, life stressors, communication issues, and interpersonal challenges. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and Master of Arts in Social Work, concentrating in direct practice from The University of Pittsburgh.

Samantha is a Strengths-Based counselor, employing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy, approaches while utilizing trauma-inform practices to best meet the needs of every unique individual.  Samantha is a firm believer in creating a mutual, respectful and trusting therapeutic relationship, to build upon your strengths and support you in reaching your goals.

Specialties

• Anxiety 
• Stress 
• ADHD / ADD
• Depression
• Mood Disorders
• Bipolar Disorder
• Substance Related / Addictive Disorders
• Trauma and Stress Related Disorders (PTSD)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Mindfulness / Meditation
• Anger Management

Sarah Degaraff, LCSW

Sarah is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Virginia with experience working in multiple settings with individuals and families who have experienced significant trauma and stress.

With a background in Social Work, she earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Work from Longwood University and completed her Master’s of Social Work from Radford University. Her experience includes working in school based settings, a hospital setting, the department of social services, an outpatient therapy setting, and a community mental health setting.

Sarah has experience working with a mix of ages (children, adolescents, families, and adults). She provides confidential and supportive services from a trauma informed and attachment based approach. She focuses on the whole person, integrating the mind/body/spirit connection. Life experiences, such as family of origin, are commonly explored to manage current symptoms and distressful patterning. Sarah teaches mindfulness practices to help bring compassion and presence to each moment.

“I am passionate about helping others become more self-aware in order to practice greater self-acceptance and self-responsibility to lead more fulfilling, and meaningful lives.” Other modalities Sarah utilizes are play therapy and theraplay techniques, relational, positive psychology, dialectical behavioral therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. When not working Sarah can be found working in her garden, running, and spending time with family.

Sarah likes to work with those seeking help with:

• Trauma and PTSD
• Attachment issues
• Parenting issues
• Behavioral issues
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Life transitions
• Relationship Issues
• Family Conflict
• Women’s issues

Scott Beach, LPC

Hello, my name is Scott Beach and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. After starting to work professionally in the Virginia mental health system in 2006, I was licensed in 2009. I have worked in several different areas of the mental health field, including working in private and state-run psychiatric hospitals with adults and children, working as an outpatient therapist for a community mental health child and family program, and working in a hospital emergency room to help assess individuals who might need hospitalization. These enriching experiences have allowed me the opportunity to develop competency treating a broad range of clients with diverse mental health and substance use issues and use different counseling techniques tailored to each clients’ needs. I enjoy working with young persons and families. My theoretical perspective is eclectic, with a strong grounding in CBT, Motivational Interviewing and insight-oriented work. I am also trained to provide EMDR and enjoy working with people who are dealing with trauma and challenging issues.

Stephanie Green, LPC

Philosophy of Care

Stephanie Green is a Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC. She has an eclectic broad range of experience from Criminal Justice, Geriatric Care, Residential Treatment, Clinical Mental Health and Substance Abuse Therapy for over 15+ years. She has a Graduate Degree (Master’s) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Undergraduate Degree (Bachelor’s) in Criminal Justice both from Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA. She believes in Holistic Healing as the Trinity (Mind, Body, & Soul) are unified. You should find working with Stephanie as a genuine, non-judgmental, and at ease experience. Due to her experience she understands everyone challenges are uniquely designed and she addresses and treat them as such.

Stephanie utilizes the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy (PCT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Mindfulness/Mediation, theoretical approaches understanding the need of flexibility is essential as what works for one individual may not necessary work for another. 

Ultimately, Stephanie’s goal is to meet and accomplish YOUR goal(s), build self-autonomy, develop confidence, and to work as a team as you both collaborate on how you can get to living the life you desire and deserve.

Education

Old Dominion University
Master's in Mental Health Counseling

Specialties

• Relationships
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Panic
• Depression
• Mood Disorders
• Personality Disorders
• Anger Management

Sung Cheol Kim, PMHNP-BC

Philosophy of Care

Sunny Kim is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner in the state of Virginia who has 3 years of experience working with the adults who are seeking assistance with psychotropic medication management for depression, anxiety, bipolar, schizophrenia and substance abuse. Sunny received his Master of Science in Nursing at Virginia Commonwealth University and is experienced in psychiatry and addiction medicine.

Sunny utilizes trauma informed care model to create collaborative environments to provide the needs of every unique individual. Previous experiences in psychiatry and addiction medicine enables Sunny to practice without the stigma against mental health and addiction with evidence based care.

Sunny seeks to establish a stigma free relationship to assist you in building the strength that you need to live the meaningful life that you desire.

Education

Virginia Commonwealth University
Master of Science in Nursing

Specialties

• Psychotropic medication management
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Substance abuse
• Bipolar disorders
• Psychotic disorders
• Panic disorders
• ADHD

Toni Davis, LPC, NCC

Toni Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor who is nationally certified. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Virginia and her Master’s Degree in Counseling from Johns Hopkins University.

“At some point in our lives, we all experience problems we just can’t handle on our own. Sometimes psychological issues such as anxiety and depression can be an underlying cause of physical ailments. Whether you are experiencing relationship issues, job stress, loss of job, home or loved one, a general sense of discontent or lack of connection, or have had trauma in your life, it’s okay to ask for help. In fact, asking for help is a sign of strength not weakness. First, I will listen to you with empathy and without judgment. Then, I will help you fully explore what’s causing you trouble and develop a plan for improving your life.”

Toni has experience treating adults of all ages and couples primarily using cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and person-centered therapy. She is also trained in EMDR Therapy, which is used to treat trauma, and has training in the Gottman Method for couples.

Toni is a native of Virginia who is very happy to be back in the Old Dominion after six years in Ohio! In her free time, she enjoys cooking, exercise, yoga, reading, and spending time with her family and two dogs.

Toni helps with:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Relationship issues
• Grief and loss
• Trauma
• Life changes/transitions
• Stress management
• Self-esteem
• Divorce/separation
• Family conflict

Uche Umejei, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Uche Umejei is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and is licensed in the State of Virginia with over 20 years’ experience as a Family Nurse Practitioner.  She has been working in Mental Health and Behavioral Services for over 10 years.  She is experienced in treating adults with both medical and mental illnesses.  Being both Family and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, she applies integrative health care model in dealing with her patients.

Uche completed her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing at Norfolk State University, Master’s degree at Hampton University as a Family Nurse Practitioner and Doctorate degree at Old Dominion University, all in Virginia.  She completed her Post Master’s degree at the University of New Hampshire as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, (PMHNP).  In her training as a PMHNP, she acquired extensive knowledge with children’s and adults’ mental health care such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Bipolar disorder, substance abuse and Insomnia.

Uche focuses on evaluating and diagnosing patients, along with treating them with psychotherapies. She prescribes medications and focuses on a holistic approach to healthcare. She diagnoses mental health issues, including substance abuse, depression, PTSD, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, anxiety disorder for both adults and children. With you working with her, she will be able to manage your mental illness and get you back to living your normal life. She is responsible for assessing your mental health status by studying your medical history, performing comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and identify risk factors that might be affecting your mental health. She manages your medications and ensures that your medications are accomplishing their intended job and also manage whatever side effects they may have.

She is compassionate and empathetic.  She educates and informs patients and their families about mental health issues and steps they can take to boost their care.  She takes care of mental illness of patients ranging from pediatrics to geriatrics and all people between.  She determines most effective plan of care by utilizing the knowledge of psychotherapy modalities and psychopharmacology, and in collaboration with other professionals to provide the best treatment for the patient.  She feels rewarded when she sees the changes and growth in her patients that she has facilitated.

Education

Hampton University
Family Nurse Practitioner

Old Dominion University
Doctorate

Specialties

• ADHD for both children and adult
• Anxiety disorder
• Bipolar disorder
• Depression
• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Substance Abuse
• Insomnia
• Eating disorder

Ashley Costello, LPC

Ashley is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Virginia. She received her undergraduate degree from The College of William & Mary and her Master’s of Education & Human Development in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The George Washington University. Ashley is a firm believer in people’s potential for change and growth. She is passionate about helping clients feel empowered, more focused, and more energized to tackle their problems.

Ashley uses a person-centered, strengths-based approach, treating each client individually and holistically, depending on each client’s needs. Ashley values evidence-based therapies that are demonstrated to improve mental health, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and solution-focused brief therapy. She offers culturally competent services that promote personal growth and overall well-being via individual and group counseling.

Ashley has experience working with adults with mental illness, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, relationship issues, stress management, and other issues related to life transitions.

In her free time, Ashley enjoys taking trips to the beach, going hiking and camping, and spending time with her family, friends, and dog.

Hope Bagley, PhD, LCP

Meredith Reed, LPC

Meredith is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Meredith graduated from James Madison University as a "double duke," receiving her Bachelor's of Arts in Psychology and her MA, Ed.S in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Meredith has extensive history working with children, adults and families dealing with depression, anxiety, crises, life challenges and trauma. Meredith is a Strengths-Based counselor, utilizing Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Solution-Focused therapy, and Person-Centered approaches. Meredith is a firm believer in creating a mutual respectful and trusting therapeutic relationship in order to support clients in reaching their goals. Meredith has completed the Level 1 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy.

Meredith is originally from New Jersey. She came to Virginia for school and never went back! In her spare time, Meredith enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, listening to music and spending time with her pet.

Nick Smith, MA, LCSW

"I have 10 years of experience after graduating from New York University with a Masters in Social Work. I began working with the serious mentally ill criminally involved individuals with an in home treatment model designed to assist in recovery. I then transitioned to the emergency room at Bellevue Hospital where we, as a team would work to assist those in crisis. In addition I have had a practice in which I provided years of individual therapy for a number of conditions including depression and anxiety as well as psychosis and personality disorders. It is my belief that each individual carries a strength that allows them to continue however at times it is helpful to have a therapist to realize those strengths and use them to overcome the difficulties. Relying on a approach that leans heavily a dialectical process my goal is to assist individuals and couples to reach their full potential and thrive."

Some of Nick's areas of expertise include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Self Harming
• Substance Abuse/Use Disorder
• Life Transitions
• Relationships

Ashley Crouch, LPC

Ashley Crouch is a Licensed Professional Counselor who is nationally certified. She earned her Bachelors Degree at Randolph-Macon College. Ashley continued her education at Ashland Theological Seminary, where she received a Master’s degree in Mental Health Clinical Counseling.

Ashley is a strengths-based counselor; she uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Person Centered approaches.

“Life's journey can be overwhelming and frustrating. There is no shame in reaching out for support to cope with various life stressors. My goal is to provide a comfortable, non-judgmental environment, with 100% confidentiality. I have an extensive multi-cultural background and have experience working with couples, adolescents ages 11-17, and adults. It would be my pleasure to be a source of support and guidance for you.”

Ashley helps with:

• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• ADHD
• Anger management
• Adolescent sexual offending
• Family dynamics
• LGBTQ
• Marriage
• Parenting Problems
• Oppositional defiance
• Phase of life problems
• Pre-Marital counseling
• Self Esteem
• Spirituality
• Sex disorder/dysfunction
• Women’s Issues
• Conduct disorder