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."

Aadirayana Joseph is a Supervisee in Social Work with 3 years of experience supporting adults navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relationship challenges and working with diverse communities such as the military and LGBTQIA+. She provides a warm, collaborative space where clients feel seen, supported, and empowered to create meaningful change in their lives. She uses several approaches to help clients develop practical tools for managing emotions, improving communication, and navigating life’s challenges.

Aadirayana has a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Kentucky. She uses cognitive behavioral therapy and emphasizes a strengths-based approach tailored to each client’s journey. With a compassionate and evidence-informed lens, Aadirayana helps individuals build resilience, gain clarity, and move toward emotional wellness.

Aadirayana understands that reaching out for help can feel overwhelming. She helps clients feel empowered to navigate life’s challenges, reconnect with themselves, and take meaningful steps toward healing and growth. Aadirayana encourages you to reach out today!

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.

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 Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to delivering empathetic, research-driven care to individuals of all ages. I have worked with clients facing a range of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, PTSD, mood disorders, and other psychiatric conditions. Many individuals seek insight, emotional stability, and actionable strategies to navigate stressors, strengthen relationships, and regain a sense of control. I am particularly committed to empowering clients seeking deeper self-understanding, resilience, and working toward meaningful, lasting change.

My personality style is warm, empathetic, and approachable, creating a safe space where clients feel comfortable being open and honest. I help them feel heard, understood, and empowered. I value authenticity and maintain a nonjudgmental attitude, meeting each person where they are and helping clients build practical skills for lasting growth and healing.

Taking the first step toward mental wellness can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to do it alone. I am here to support you with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to your growth and healing. I encourage you to take the next step and begin your journey toward meaningful change.

As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with eight years of nursing experience spanning multiple specialties, I bring a broad clinical perspective to mental health care across the lifespan. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, trauma-related conditions, mood disorders, burnout, and difficult life transitions. My approach is compassionate, holistic, and rooted in evidence-based practice—combining psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and supportive therapy to treat the whole person, not just symptoms. I partner with each client to build personalized treatment plans centered on resilience.

I earned my Master of Science in nursing from Walden University. My approach is collaborative and individualized, combining comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and thoughtful medication management with psychoeducation, mindfulness-based strategies, and strength-based coping skills.

If you've been carrying more than you let others see, you don't have to do it alone. I offer a warm, respectful, judgment-free space where we can identify patterns, build practical tools, and restore clarity and confidence. When you're ready, I'm here to help you take that next step toward meaningful, sustainable change.

Shauna Polen is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 1 year of clinical experience. She is committed to delivering evidence-based, personalized care. Shauna has experience supporting individuals with anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. Her approach is rooted in clinical expertise and genuine compassion for each person’s mental health journey.

Shauna earned her Master’s in Nursing from Norfolk State University with a focus on psychiatric mental health. She brings a background in clinical and theoretical care and tailors treatment using medication management, psychotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments. Her approach is client-centered and collaborative.

Shauna is passionate about education and advocacy in mental health care. She stays up to date on current research to ensure high-quality treatment. Known for her empathy and dedication, Shauna builds strong, trusting relationships with her clients and provides care that supports healing and long-term wellness.

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.

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!

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 licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 4 years of experience working with outpatient mental health settings. I support adults, children, couples, and seniors navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, and grief. Many of the individuals I have worked with felt emotionally uncertain about their future and are looking for tools to promote healing and build interpersonal relationships to move forward on their personal journey.

I earned my master's degree in social work from Walden University. I adhere to evidence-based practices, including cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and trauma therapy. I take a collaborative approach to identifying challenges and finding solutions to current life circumstances.

I am committed to providing a safe, compassionate space for you to explore your emotions as you navigate life's challenges, and I look forward to supporting you on your wellness journey.

Ophelia Boadi is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the Commonwealth of Virginia. She is an experienced Children and Family Mental Health Therapist with a history of working in the field since 2010 in Nonprofit Organizations, community-based organizations, individual/family therapy, group therapy, crisis intervention, and psychotherapy based on research studies to help children and families meet their goals in treatment.

Ophelia works with children, adolescents, and adults to help them gain insight and build tools to face challenges related to ADHD, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and other related issues with others including peers/family, trauma, self-esteem, life transitions, grief and loss, and specific life stressors.

Family/couple conflict can create stress and distance within the family. She works with family members looking to reduce conflict and improve the interactions and connections in order to positively impact the family relationships and problem solve. Ophelia also supports parents with additional parenting skills using evidence-based models such as the Strengthening Family Program.

Ophelia uses multiple approaches including psychodynamic (talk therapy), cognitive behavioral therapy, behavioral therapy, narrative, solution-focused, and family systems therapies, as well as evidence-based approaches such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Manage and Adapting Practice.

I am a Resident in Counseling with 2 years of experience helping people strengthen their mental health in a wide range of settings. I am a compassionate, empathetic, and collaborative counselor who supports clients as they navigate life transitions, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, career dissatisfaction, spiritual turbulence, and identity struggles. My goal is to create a warm, supportive environment where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered to grow.

I earned my Master’s in Counseling and Human Development from Lindsey Wilson College. My approach to therapy is person-centered and focused on helping clients gain new insights and perspectives. I often integrate art, music, humor, and spirituality to encourage reflection, healing, and positive change in meaningful ways.

Seeking mental health support is a courageous and hopeful act. It doesn’t mean your life is falling apart—it means you believe things can improve. I’m here to walk alongside you, helping you uncover your strengths and rediscover joy. Together, we can explore what’s next and see how much better life can truly be.

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.

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!