Virginia Beach, VA Therapy, Psychiatry, and Counseling

Abel Juarez is a Resident in Counseling who specializes in depression, anger, anxiety, relationships, and addiction. In life, there will be obstacles and complications that can interrupt and affect how individuals cope with negative as well as positive outcomes. These outcomes can influence a person's thought process and have the ability to make them feel overwhelmed, powerless, and anxious. In counseling, these challenges can be handled in a manner in which individuals, couples, and families can address and begin to understand how such difficulties can result in the present situations.

"I am passionate about aiding those in difficult situations to focus on their strengths and build on them," says Abel. "In this, the counseling process becomes an understanding of several issues instead of focusing on the negative aspects that people find themselves in. Therefore, progress can move forward and the client and I can begin to address the issues at heart.

Furthermore, counseling sessions are a nonjudgmental arena in which the client is not thought of in a negative light. Being that, everyone experiences life and reacts to circumstances both negatively and positively. The extent of this reaction is where counseling starts to help those in need of a better understanding of how they conduct themselves."

Mariellen Blanton is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) who has 30 years of experience working with adults seeking assistance with life stressors, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), grief, loss, substance abuse, and restoring balance in life. 

Mariellen completed her Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology at St. Leo University and her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Norfolk State University. She utilizes solution focused, cognitive behavioral, supportive, mindfulness-based approaches to therapy while offering a safe, accepting forum in meeting each individual’s needs to empower all to flourish. Mariellen presents flexibility along with being attentive to what will work best for each individual’s distinctive needs and concerns.

Mariellen strives to create a calming and helpful relationship with you as a way to work together with you in building upon your existing coping strategies and achieving your goals while living a healthy, fulfilling lifestyle.

Karen Todaro is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Virginia who has 41 years of experience working with adults, couples, teens, and children experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, unwanted behavior, and relationship issues. 

Karen completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology from the University of South Florida and her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. She utilizes cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, relational, emotionally focused, and life coaching approaches to therapy while maintaining the flexibility, awareness, and creativity to best meet the unique needs of each client. Her focus is to be mindful of your prior life experiences, individual skillset, and timeframe in setting and reaching your goals in order to live your best life.

Karen is non-judgmental, warm, and caring and seeks to build a relationship with you based on mutual trust and respect through open communication. She will assist you with identifying your strengths and building on them so that you can reach your goals efficiently and move forward towards a more optimistic, productive, and rewarding future.

Ruby Adjei is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Texas who has over 6 years of experience partnering with children, adults, and families who are seeking help with addiction, anger, depression, anxiety, life transitions, and trauma. She completed her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Texas-Tyler and received her Master's degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University.

Ruby utilizes a variety of treatment modalities that include cognitive-behavioral (CBT), mindfulness-based approaches, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), strengths-based approaches, and trauma-informed care. All of her therapy modalities will be designed to meet the unique and individual needs of the client and/or family.

Ruby seeks to establish a partnership with every client. She will assist each client in creating more meaningful experiences that will generate success in every area of life. Ruby's empathic and compassionate approach allows every client to experience, develop and gain strategies for better living.

Nicolas Queen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Virginia with 6 years of experience working with clients seeking help addressing depression, anxiety, adjustment to life events, trauma, and other mental health issues. He is open to working with adults and teens. 

Nicolas completed his Master of Social Work at West Virginia University.He utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and solution-focused approaches in his practice. He believes it is important to develop a partnership with clients to work toward utilizing their inherent strengths to help them meet the challenges they are facing and to achieve their goals.

Nicolas feels strongly about building a caring and non-judgmental environment that helps the client feel comfortable engaging in the therapeutic process and provides room to safely process. He is LGBTQIA+ friendly.

I am a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) with 3 years of experience providing compassionate mental health care across the lifespan. My background as both a nurse and a provider has shaped my calm, steady, and holistic approach to treatment. I help individuals navigate anxiety, depression, stress, and daily challenges by creating a supportive environment where clients feel heard, respected, and understood.

I earned my master’s degree in nursing from Ohio University and use a patient-centered, safety-focused approach to guide care. I draw from methods such as motivational interviewing to tailor treatment to each person’s needs and goals, helping clients build insight, strengthen coping skills, and create meaningful change.

I am committed to offering a warm, collaborative space where you can explore your mental health needs at a pace that feels comfortable. Your story matters, and you deserve care that honors your voice. When you feel ready, I invite you to schedule an appointment so we can take the next steps in your healing together.

Hello, my name is Chris Wall. I started my career as a mental health counselor before transitioning into my current area of practice as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), where I have worked for the last 14 years. In my years as a PMHNP, I have worked with all manner of clients and all forms of diagnosis. I understand the challenges we face, and many times psychiatric medications can be of great benefit—whether as a long-term or short-term solution. 

As a PMHNP, I enjoy asking questions with an open-ended approach, giving my clients the freedom to express in their own words what symptomatology they may be struggling with. I develop individualized treatment plans to address specific client needs, and I look forward to delivering quality care through accurate diagnosis and evidence-based treatment. 

I commend you for taking these steps to help and heal yourself. I would be happy to play at least a small part in this journey. If you would like to schedule an appointment, we will work together on any goals you may have. Thanks! 

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

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

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

Kedian Gooden is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) committed to assisting individuals with mental health challenges to live more productive lives and improve their functioning in society. As a PMHNP, Kedian’s role is to provide safe, quality psychiatric care to individuals and their families. She is well versed in applying an evidence-based approach to conducting a psychiatric assessment, medication evaluation, and management for a wide variety of mental health conditions. Furthermore, Kedian has over 15 years of experience in health care, working in various positions, which have aided in her developing the necessary skills and abilities for providing the highest quality behavioral health care.

In 2007, Kedian obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing at the Northern Caribbean University. Over the years, she grew to love and appreciate caring for individuals with mental health conditions, which gave her the drive to improve the quality of care and bring more awareness to reduce the daunting stigma plaguing the mental health community. She then furthered her studies at Walden University, achieving a Master of Science degree in nursing specializing in mental health care across a life span. Kedian possesses exceptional clinical skills and a natural ability to build rapport with clients and their families.

Kedian is passionate and highly motivated in delivering high-quality, compassionate, client-centered care. She demonstrates empathetic listening skills and establishes a therapeutic alliance with patients, family, or caregivers in a nonjudgmental and safe virtual environment. If you are ready to take control of your mental health, join her and schedule an appointment with her today!

Wooni Kim is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 12 years of experience. She specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, among others. Wooni has worked in inpatient and outpatient psychiatry, hospice, and home health. She is devoted to evidence-based, holistic care through a compassionate, patient-centered approach.

Wooni has a Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University. She provides both medication management and psychotherapy, working collaboratively with clients to create personalized treatment plans that address their psychological and emotional needs.

Wooni takes pride in building strong, trusting relationships with her clients, empowering them to actively participate in their treatment and recovery process. By listening with empathy and offering personalized care, she helps individuals regain control over their lives and achieve emotional balance. Schedule an appointment today!

Karen Todaro is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Virginia who has 41 years of experience working with adults, couples, teens, and children experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, unwanted behavior, and relationship issues. 

Karen completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology from the University of South Florida and her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. She utilizes cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, relational, emotionally focused, and life coaching approaches to therapy while maintaining the flexibility, awareness, and creativity to best meet the unique needs of each client. Her focus is to be mindful of your prior life experiences, individual skillset, and timeframe in setting and reaching your goals in order to live your best life.

Karen is non-judgmental, warm, and caring and seeks to build a relationship with you based on mutual trust and respect through open communication. She will assist you with identifying your strengths and building on them so that you can reach your goals efficiently and move forward towards a more optimistic, productive, and rewarding future.

Nicolas Queen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Virginia with 6 years of experience working with clients seeking help addressing depression, anxiety, adjustment to life events, trauma, and other mental health issues. He is open to working with adults and teens. 

Nicolas completed his Master of Social Work at West Virginia University.He utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and solution-focused approaches in his practice. He believes it is important to develop a partnership with clients to work toward utilizing their inherent strengths to help them meet the challenges they are facing and to achieve their goals.

Nicolas feels strongly about building a caring and non-judgmental environment that helps the client feel comfortable engaging in the therapeutic process and provides room to safely process. He is LGBTQIA+ friendly.

I am a Resident in Counseling with 2 years of experience in the mental health field. I work with individuals, couples, and families, supporting them through identity development, life transitions, trauma, and grief. I also have experience with ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, and anger management. My goal is to provide a safe, compassionate space where clients feel supported and empowered to reach their goals.

I received my Master of Arts in Counseling from Eastern Mennonite University, where I trained to work with diverse populations. I use approaches such as expressive arts, emotion-focused therapy, person-centered work, and dialectal behavior therapy. I tailor each session to meet my clients’ needs and honor their unique stories.

I believe that everyone has the ability to change and grow. My role is to walk alongside clients, meeting them wherever they are in their journey, and help them make empowered changes in their lives. I strive to support people through whatever challenges life may bring, ensuring they never have to face those challenges alone.

Stephanie Pitts-Riley is a Resident in Counseling with 5 years of experience. Stephanie is trained in EMDR - She is dedicated to helping others navigate life transitions, process grief or trauma, and explore their identity. Stephanie’s ideal client wants to collaborate to regain control of their narrative. Motivated by her own experience navigating mental health, Stephanie is committed to supporting children, adolescents, and adults on the journey toward embracing their authentic selves. She works with all populations, backgrounds, and diagnoses.

Stephanie holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. She blends counseling theories and techniques to tailor interventions to meet each client's specific needs. As mentioned, Stephanie offers EMDR therapy, traditional talk therapy, and children's therapies and is bilingual in English and Spanish.

With an extensive background in mental health services and social work, Stephanie effectively advocates for clients in a hands-on manner. She fosters accountability and personal growth by creating a space of acceptance, respect, and kindness. Reach out to start your path to healing and self-discovery!

Reece Cumbo is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 14 years of experience in his field. He specializes in supporting individuals and families with issues including mental stress, life transitions, domestic abuse, family conflict, and gender identity concerns. Reece has a background in youth counseling in diverse settings such as homes, schools, probation, out-of-home placement, and out-of-school placement. He values creating a safe space for clients and ensures inclusive, affirming care for everyone regardless of background, beliefs, or orientation.

Reece has a Master of Social Work from East Tennessee State University. He often uses his expertise in cognitive behavioral therapy to foster genuine connections and empower clients to overcome challenges and achieve personal growth. He also uses narrative therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness-based techniques.

Reece is particularly committed to providing compassionate care for the LGBTQIA+ community but welcomes the opportunity to connect with anyone looking for help. Reach out to Reece for a supportive, understanding, and transformative therapeutic experience.

Hui-Chen Wong is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Ms. Wong received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Social Welfare and a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA.

Ms. Wong has over 10 years of experience providing individual counseling for children, adolescents and adults across the lifespan. Her work draws upon crisis intervention, trauma informed care, mindfulness, and meditation. She specializes in treating acute stress, anxiety, depression, family challenges, grief, loss, life balance, trauma, PTSD, mood disorders, and behavioral issues. 

Ms. Wong utilizes evidence-based treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy, self-compassion treatment, behavioral modification therapy, trauma-informed therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches to help individuals achieve improved emotional and behavioral functioning. Ms. Wong's goal is to provide a comfortable, supportive environment upon which a strong clinical relationship can be built. It is her belief that through this partnership clients are best able to draw on their individual strengths and capabilities.

Kelly Clemente is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 8 years of experience in the mental health field. She is passionate about helping adolescents, adults, couples, and families address their unique challenges and live more fulfilled lives. Kelly specializes in treating special needs children, drug-addicted youth, pregnant teens, struggling birthmothers, eating-disordered adults, grieving widows, sexual trauma survivors, and victims of domestic violence. Kelly utilizes multiple treatment approaches including mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy.

Kelly earned a Master of Arts in School Counseling at Regent University. As a mother who placed her child up for adoption at 18, sister of 2 adoptees, and survivor of rape and domestic violence, Kelly has navigated trauma, unexpected pregnancy, adoption, depression, anxiety, grief, and loss, as well as the impact of these things on one's faith/spirituality.

Most of us have experienced trauma and loss, at varying degrees. No matter what you’ve lost or been through, Kelly will listen to you, empathize with you, teach you coping skills, and encourage you through your healing journey.

Maria Tarquinio-Kuhn is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 20 years of experience working with individuals with mental health concerns. She specializes in helping and assisting children, adults, and seniors with a range of challenges such as anxiety, depression, parenting, anger management, and behavioral issues. Maria also works with the LGBTQIA population and has spent time during her career in crisis counseling, the school system, and adventure-based counseling.

Maria received her Master’s in Counseling and Human Development from St. Lawrence University and an advanced certificate in Mental Health Counseling from The University of Buffalo. She uses a variety of clinical approaches that target client needs including cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based methods, and solution-focused therapy.

Maria believes that helping others is her true calling and would be honored to guide you in achieving success and identifying strengths. She is ready to meet you where you are and encourages you to schedule an appointment today!