Our Providers

Adam Alderson, LPC

Philosophy of Care

Adam Alderson is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Virginia who has over 11 years of experience providing clinical assessment and therapeutic care to children, teens, adults, and couples seeking help with depression/anxiety, stress management, LGBTQIA+, family transition, and many other of life's issues.

Adam completed his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology as well as his Master of Science in Counseling Psychology at Angelo State University of Texas. He believes in a multifaceted approach to therapy that is personalized to each individual or couple's needs by utilizing creativity and flexibility through cognitive behavioral, mindfulness-based, dialectic behavioral, solution-focused, goal-oriented methods.

Adam seeks to build a safe and honest relationship with you in order to assist in strengthening yourself and your relationships and to help you further your goals and enrich your life.

Education

Angelo State University
Master's in Counseling Psychology

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Depression 
• Stress management 
• LGBTQIA+
• Family/Relationship issues
• Men’s issues 
• Women’s issues
• Grief and loss 

Andrew Smith, LCSW

Philosophy of Care

Andy Smith is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Virginia who has over 10 years of experience working to empower children, adolescents, adults, and families to better face and cope with depression, anxiety, family conflict, and trauma.

Andy completed both his Bachelor of Science in Creative Advertising with a minor in Psychology and his Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA. He uses a combination of cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavioral, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, strengths-based, family systems, and solution-focused therapy interventions to provide a relaxed, creative, collaborative, and individualized approach to treatment.

Andy seeks to build a meaningful and empathic relationship with you in order to facilitate recognizable growth and change. He wants you to be able to achieve your goals and live a thriving life.

Education

Virginia Commonwealth University
Master of Social Work

Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Self-Injury/Suicidal Thoughts
• Self-esteem
• Family therapy
• Parenting Issues
• Trauma

Ann-Katherine Vath Perdue, LCSW

Philosophy of Care

Ann-Katherine Perdue is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 9 years of experience working with children, adults, couples, and families. Ann-Katherine has experience working with those experiencing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, childhood trauma, relationship issues, and life stressors. She is also passionate about helping mothers experiencing postpartum and peripartum issues.

Ann-Katherine completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Baylor University. She utilizes solution-focused and strengths-based models of care, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and narrative therapy. Ann-Katherine values a strong therapeutic bond and setting realistic and attainable goals with her clients.

Education

Baylor University
Masters of Social Work

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Mood Disorders
• Childhood Trauma
• Relationship Issues
• Life Stressors

Ashley Groeper, LPC

Philosophy of Care

Education

Liberty University
Master's in Professional Counseling

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Life stages and changes
• Adjustment
• Grief & Loss
• Addiction
• Relationships
• Assertiveness

Brent Burhite, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Brent Burhite is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) in the state of Virginia who has over 24 years of healthcare experience.  He has worked as a nursing assistant, EMT, Registered Nurse and PMHNP.  He specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety, PTSD, mood disorders, sleep disturbances and helping individuals cope with overall life stressors.  He completed his Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Minot State University in 2005 and his Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences in 2018 and is currently serving in the United States Air Force.  

Brent emphasizes the use of evidence based psychopharmacology coupled with cognitive behavioral strategies to treat mental health symptoms.  He strongly believes in a holistic approach to mental health care and stresses interprofessional collaboration with peers to meet unique client needs.  He is a firm believer that medication management is only a portion of treating mental health concerns and will help clients utilize all resources available to meet their treatment objectives.  

Brent seeks to form an authentic relationship with his clients in order to achieve therapeutic goals.  He understands that building a strong client/provider relationship is key to successful treatment and strives to create an honest, open and comfortable atmosphere to foster growth and healing. 

Education

Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences
Doctor of Nursing Practice

Specialties

• Medication Management
• Depression
• Anxiety
• PTSD
• Mood disorders
• Bipolar Disorders
• Personality Disorders
• Sleep disturbances
• Stress management
• Life transitions
• Relationship issues
• Grief & Loss
• Military issues

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
• CBT

Camille Brenke, PMHNP

**Camille offers services in Spanish.

Philosophy of Care

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.

Education

Virginia Commonwealth University
Master of Science

Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Bipolar disorder
• Personality Disorders
• Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders
• Alternative and Complementary medicine

Christopher Adcock Jr., LCSW

Philosophy of Care 

Education

Virginia Commonwealth University
Master of Social Work

Specialties

• Grief & Loss
• Trauma
• Caregiving for Individuals with Alzheimer’s/Dementia
• Anxiety 
• Depression
• Relationship Issues
• Stress Management

Crystal Miller-Williams, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Crystal is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia. She has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in a variety of settings over the last four years. Crystal has primarily served the community in school-based therapeutic programs to include group therapy, school-based outpatient, and individual therapy to provide support with ADHD, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, grief/loss, and life stressors.

Crystal attended Liberty University where she received her Master of Arts in Professional Counseling. She utilizes an eclectic approach to counseling including techniques from cognitive-behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, and faith-based counseling. Crystal has also administered clinical assessments for three years, helping children, adolescents, and adults connect with numerous mental health services.

Crystal enjoys providing support and encouragement to individuals from all walks of life to promote hope and healing. She has resided in the Lynchburg area for 12 years and enjoys spending time with her husband and two young daughters.

Education

University of Michigan-Flint
MSN

Specialties

• ADHD
• Depression
• Bipolar Disorder
• Medication Management

Debra Morton, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

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.

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.

Education

Virginia Commonwealth University
PMHNP

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Bipolar
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Sleep or Insomnia

Fawn Workman, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC

Philosophy of Care

Fawn Workman is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practioner (PMHNP) in Virginia with over 8 years of experience assisting adult clients struggling to cope with OCD, low self-esteem, insomnia-related issues, stress, trauma, women’s issues, anxiety, depression, anger, ADHD, grief, difficult life transitions, and more.

Fawn looks forward to your consultation and is ready to help provide you with a unique psychiatric plan to help you attain your mental health goals with her expertise and professional support.

Education

Frontier Nursing University
Master's in Nursing and Post Master's Psychiatry Specialization

Specialties

• Medication management
• Depression
• Anxiety
• PTSD
• Women’s mental health
• Special interest in Tourette’s Syndrome

Jaclyn Boykin, LPC

Philosophy of Care

Jaclyn Boykin is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has 5 years of experience working with adults, children, families, couples, and the military who are seeking help with depression, anxiety, life transitions, relationship issues, parenting, and serious mental illness.

Jaclyn completed her Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology at Troy University and her Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Psychology at Walden University. She is currently working towards her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Counseling Education and Supervision at Walden University. Jaclyn utilizes individualized, strength-based, cognitive behavioral, mindfulness-based, solution focused, and emotionally focused approaches to therapy. She works to maintain the creativity, flexibility, and awareness necessary to best meet the needs of every unique individual, couple, and family.

Jaclyn strives to develop and maintain a warm and caring relationship with you in order to support in building on your strengths. She provides encouragement and direction towards meeting your goals and identifying balance to address life’s challenges.

Education

Walden University
Master's in Clinical Psychology

Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Stress management
• Self esteem
• Life transitions
• Anger management
• Parenting 
• Relationship issues
• Grief & Loss
• ADHD
• Serious Mental Illness

Johanna Hunt, LCSW

Philosophy of Care

For over ten years, Johanna has supported clients with a wide range of needs. She has worked with individuals who have diagnoses such as depression, anxiety, mood disorders, intellectual disabilities, substance use disorders, and psychotic disorders. She supports her clients through challenges such as life transitions, relationships, health issues, and grief.  Johanna received her Bachelor of Arts in English from Augsburg College in Minneapolis MN, and her Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. 

Depending on each client’s unique challenges and preferences, Johanna uses techniques such as motivational interviewing, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy.  She provides insight, perspective, resources, and encouragement to best support her clients toward their goals. She helps clients learn firsthand that taking what may feel like a tiny step is what often leads to remarkable changes in their lives. 

Johanna believes that building a trusting relationship is essential in therapy.  Throughout the therapeutic process, she works with clients to ensure their needs are being met, and to identify together the next areas of focus. She strives to build this foundation with clients in a manner that is open-minded, kind, and nonjudgmental.  

Education

Virginia Commonwealth University
Master of Social Work

Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Life Transitions
• Parenting challenges
• Relationship issues
• Stress Management
• Self-Esteem
• Mood Disorders
• Grief

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
• Dementia

Lydia Sharp, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

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.

Education

Regis College
PMHNP

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Depression
• ADHD
• Behavioral Issues
• Women's Issues

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

Micky Greene, LCSW

Philosophy of Care

Michelle “Micky” Greene is a therapist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who strives to create a safe, nonjudgmental space for each person she serves. Micky has experience treating a diverse range of diagnoses and life challenges such as trauma/PTSD, depression, anxiety, and LGBTQIA+ issues. Micky earned her Master's degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, and majored in psychology and gender/sexuality/women’s studies at William & Mary. She uses a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach to build a genuine relationship with her clients.

Micky uses a blend of therapeutic interventions - such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and motivational interviewing - to meet each client’s unique needs. While she enjoys working with the LGBTQIA+ community and specializes in treating trauma survivors, Micky sincerely welcomes all clients.

No matter what your struggles may be, Micky will bring her warm and calming presence to each session. She has an authentic desire to understand and connect with the real you, and she is excited to help you become the person you want to be.

Education

Virginia Commonwealth University
Master of Social Work

Specialties

• LGBTQIA+ Issues
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Trauma and PTSD Issues
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Gender and Sexuality
• Healthy Relationships
• Low Self-Esteem
• Stress

Robert O’Byrne, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care 

Robert O’Byrne is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practioner (PMHNP) with more than 17 years of professional experience working with adults and seniors who are seeking assistance in coping with stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, chronic fatigue, familial conflict, chronic illness, life transitional difficulties, and much more.

Robert earned his Bachelor's degree in Nursing from the University of Florida and his Master's degree in Nursing from the University of Virginia. As a Nurse Practitioner, he has worked in both the acute care setting (inpatient) as well the outpatient settings. Robert served in the Navy for 25 years practicing as a clinician, as well as holding a variety of leadership roles that include Director of Mental Health and Medical Director.

Robert strives to offer every client an unprecedented level of personalized treatment, creating individualized plans that seek to address every client's specific needs. With Robert's assistance, you'll start working together towards a better quality of life with psychiatric care from Thriveworks.

Education

University of Virginia
Master's in Nursing

Specialties:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• PTSD

Setera Stevens, Resident in Counseling

Philosophy of Care

Setera Stevens, a current Resident in Counseling, is pursuing her license in VA, with 14 years of experience working in mental health. An initial focus on residential treatment for individuals living with developmental disabilities, her passion is working within community-based care, serving all populations in all situations. Setera is a culturally sensitive and queer-affirming provider. 

Setera completed her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Longwood University in 2018. Setera wants to help individuals with mental health issues on a short-term or extended basis tailored to life’s circumstances. 

Setera believes anyone can fulfill their goals and have a quality of life. She provides a safe place for healing, mistakes, and awareness necessary to assist individuals in achieving their goals. For this reason, she utilizes a strengths-based, person-centered approach when working with individuals. Setera is skilled in cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused techniques proven to aid individuals in improving their quality of life. 

Education

Master of Science Mental Health Counseling
Longwood University 

Specialties

• Depression/Anxiety and other mood related issues
• Health/Medical Problems
• LGTBTQ
• Self-esteem issues
• Stress management
• Life transitions
• African-American Therapy

Shayna Sweezy, LPCA

Philosophy of Care 

Shayna (she/her) is a Resident in Counseling (RIC) in the state of Virginia who specializes in depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma- and stressor-related disorders, bipolar disorders, and more. Making the choice to attend therapy is often a significant step, and Shayna strives to create an environment where her clients feel safe and comfortable expressing themselves without judgment.

Shayna supports and guides her clients through the therapy process, and her clinical experience working with diverse groups of clients informs her understanding that each person has unique needs and treatment goals.There are multiple evidence-based approaches Shayna utilizes to help her clients manage and process life’s challenges. Her holistic approach to therapy acknowledges the complexities of each situation with the aim of increasing self-awareness and self-confidence.

Shayna understands that there are external factors that impact clients, which is why she believes in promoting social justice within the therapeutic relationship and her professional development. Shayna continually strives to increase her multicultural competencies through her work with clients, diverse communities, and continuing education training. Let’s take the next step!

Education

Wake Forest University
Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling 

Specialties

• Depressive Disorders
• Anxiety Disorders (social anxiety, performance anxiety, phobias, panic disorder) 
• Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders (PTSD, acute stress/adjustment disorder) 
• Multicultural Counseling 
• Bipolar and Related Disorders
• Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders (OCD, body dysmorphia, hoarding) 
• Family Counseling (divorce counseling, family therapy, parent coaching)
• Relationship counseling (premarital counseling, marriage counseling)
• Grief & loss 
• Work-life balance

Tiffany Jenkins, Resident in Counseling

Philosophy of Care

Tiffany Jenkins is a Resident in Counseling who specializes in treating anxiety, anger, and life transitions in adults. Tiffany has over 15 years of experience providing individual and group services as well as completing assessments.

Tiffany completed her Bachelor of Science (BS) in Human Services Counseling at Old Dominion University and her Master of Arts (MA) in Professional Counseling at Liberty University.

Tiffany seeks to collaborate with you toward meeting your goals and living the meaningful life you desire. She will create a personalized treatment plan that meets your specific needs, utilizing person-centered, strength-based, cognitive behavioral, and solution-focused approaches to therapy.

Education

Liberty University
Master of Arts in Professional Counseling

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Depression
• ADHD
• Anger
• Coping Skills
• Divorce
• Family Conflict
• Life Transitions
• Mental Stress
• Parenting, Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum
• Self Esteem
• Stress

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

Vanessa Cumber, LMHC

Philosophy of Care

Vanessa Cumber is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) who has extensive experience working with adults and children in both outpatient and inpatient settings. Vanessa has worked with individuals with depression, anxiety, adjustment difficulties, addictions, trauma, and chronic mental illness. She enjoys working with individuals as well as couples and families.

Vanessa completed her Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology at the University of Florida and her master's degree in Counseling Psychology with honors at Palm Beach Atlantic University. She has a passion for helping individuals move towards change to increase ability to cope with and manage stressors and to resolve past trauma when it is present.

Education

Palm Beach Atlantic University
Master of Science Degree in Counseling Psychology

Specialties

• Anxiety 
• Depression
• Chronic mental illness
• Trauma
• Addictions
• Stress Management
• Crisis Intervention

Stephanie Valeri, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Stephanie Valeri is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who has spent over 12 years as a nurse emphasizing the importance of therapeutic communication, empathy, and patient education. Stephanie has spent her time as a PMHNP focusing on treatment of multiple disorders across the lifespan. She understands that she is not just treating symptoms, but a person with a past, present, and future. Stephanie feels in helping patients understand their diagnosis and treatment options; they can make the best treatment decisions for themselves.

Stephanie completed her bachelor's degree in Psychology at Virginia Tech and then her Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN). She has returned to her love of behavioral health and completed her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) at Gonzaga University. Stephanie believes in developing a strong therapeutic relationship where there is open communication and time for questions so the patient feels comfortable when they leave the appointment with their plan of care, and understands the next steps if this plan is not effective.

Stephanie believes a therapeutic relationship is the foundation of a strong treatment plan. In this line of thinking she takes the time to listen and understand the patient's history so that she can understand not just where they are now, but how they got here. Stephanie then works to help her patients meet their own goals for their future through medication management and therapeutic techniques.

Education

Gonzaga University
Master's in Nursing

Specialties

• Major Depressive Disorder
• Generalized Anxiety disorder
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Insomnia and other sleep disturbances
• Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder
• Bipolar I and II
• Social Anxiety
• Smoking Cessation

Afua Ayim, PMHNP, DNP

Philosophy of Care

Afua is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) in the state of Virginia. She has 15 years of experience in nursing and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice. Afua acknowledges that each patient is a unique individual and should be treated as such. She engages with you to work together to achieve desired goals of treatment while respecting your preferences as the patient.  She works to provide patients and families with accurate and detailed information about their diagnosis to empower them to participate in their care.

Education 

Specialties

• Ages 18+
• Medication Management

Kate Hanselman, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Kate Hanselman is a Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 10 years of professional experience working with adults and seniors who are dealing with a wide variety of issues, including family conflict, transgender issues, grief, sexual orientation issues, trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, anger issues, dysfunctional relationships, ADHD, behavioral issues, women’s issues, and more.

Kate earned a Master’s degree in Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s in Science from King’s College London. With over a decade of experience in mental health as a nurse, a first responder in New York, and a health professions educator, she is particularly passionate about working with health care workers, educators, and those in the helping professions. She has a unique familiarity with the challenges particular to these roles. Especially now, with the pandemic increasing stressors and diminishing opportunities for coping, everyone needs and deserves a little extra help.

As a PMHNP, Kate prioritizes a collaborative, creative approach. She offers honed clinical expertise, a dynamic set of tools including medication and therapy, and a firm belief that each person is the expert on their own life. Kate provides thorough, holistic care by using CBT, trauma-informed, solution-focused, and mindful approaches to better understand and target the root causes of distress. You do not have to struggle alone. Whether you’re looking for support with an ongoing issue, or this is your first time seeking help, Kate will meet you where you are, and together you’ll decide on a plan that fits your needs.

Education

King’s College London
Master’s in Science

Specialties

• Anxiety
• ADHD
• PTSD and trauma
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Depression
• Stress management
• Life transitions
• Grief & Loss
• OCD
• Insomnia/sleep issues
• Coping skills
• Women’s Issues
• Relationship Issues
• Stress
• Medication Management
• School Issues
• Transgender
• Parenting
• LGBTQ+

Chinyere Ugwanyi, DNP, PMHNP

Chinyere is a Board Certified licensed, Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a BSN degree from Shenandoah University, Winchester, VA, an MSN degree from the University of Cincinnati, Ohio and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from Chatham University, Pittsburgh, PA—all with honors. Chinyere has 13 years of healthcare experience with 12 years of that as a psychiatric nurse and 7 years of experience as a nurse practitioner, providing psychiatric evaluation, treatment and medication management to patients with varying degrees of mental illness, in inpatient/outpatient settings. In addition, Chinyere has worked in a major community mental health system alongside nursing homes and feels comfortable working with a variety of mental and behavioral health conditions, including serious mental illnesses She has expertise in treating mainly adult patients, but can work with adolescent patients as well. She treats patients with disorders that include anxiety, depression, personality disorders, ADHD, PTSD, substance abuse, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Chinyere’s approach to care of her patients is straightforward and clear. She is very professional, caring, respectful and strives to offer personalized mental health services. Chinyere seeks to build a lasting therapeutic relationship with you, while showing empathy with listening ears to your mental health concerns.

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