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.

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.

James Martin is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 15 years of experience. He specializes in anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma, anger/stress management, grief/loss, and major life transitions.

James obtained his Master's degree in Counseling and Human Development from Radford University. He utilizes an eclectic approach to therapy, including person-centered therapy (PCT), REBT, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and more.

If you're ready to work with James, he is dedicated to helping individuals set and achieve their therapeutic goals, empowering them to lead more fulfilling lives. Schedule today.

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.

I am a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) with 7 years of experience providing care in outpatient, inpatient, and telehealth settings. I support individuals facing anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders, personality disorders, and life transitions. Many of my clients seek clarity, symptom relief, and practical strategies to feel more balanced and in control.

I earned my Master of Science in nursing from Walden University. I provide thoughtful medication management paired with supportive, solution-focused care. My approach emphasizes education, shared decision-making, and realistic goal setting, grounded in evidence-based practice tailored to each person’s needs.

Seeking help takes courage, and you don’t have to navigate this alone. I offer a safe, nonjudgmental space where we work collaboratively to improve symptoms, strengthen coping skills, and build lasting emotional wellness. When you’re ready, I’m here to support your next steps forward.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Charles "Chad" Hatchel is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 7 years of experience in the mental health field. Chad specializes in working with clients who are experiencing depression and anxiety. He also works with couples who are having problems communicating with one another. His professional experience includes group and individual therapy, working with individuals ranging from ages 4 and up.

Chad completed his Bachelor of Science (BS) at Virginia Tech and his Master of Arts (MA) in Professional Counseling at Liberty University. He has also completed Resident Supervisor Training. Chad has lived in Lynchburg, VA for about 10 years. He currently supervises an emergency services department, where he and his staff specialize in crisis counseling. 

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.

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!

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!

I am a Resident in Counseling with over 14 years of experience helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges. I’ve supported clients in foster care, crisis stabilization, and substance abuse treatment, and work with people of all ages facing anxiety, depression, trauma, or major life transitions. My passion lies in helping others improve self-esteem, manage stress, strengthen relationships, and find healing from past experiences.

I earned my master’s in clinical mental health counseling from Norfolk State University. My approach is collaborative and supportive, using cognitive behavioral therapy to help you recognize and change unhelpful thought patterns. I focus on building resilience, self-awareness, and the practical tools needed to create lasting, meaningful growth.

Reaching out for support takes courage, and I want you to know you don’t have to do it alone. Healing and growth are possible, and I’m here to walk beside you as you take the next step toward a more balanced, fulfilling life. I invite you to begin your journey toward greater peace, strength, and self-discovery today.