Meet our Providers

Amara Toure, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Amara Toure is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with experience conducting psychiatric evaluations, diagnosing and treating individuals with psychiatric disorders across the lifespan. He has experience providing care to patients of different populations (adolescents, adults, geriatrics and veterans), in different settings (inpatient, outpatient and homecare), with the goals of restoring, improving and stabilizing patients’ mental health. He completed his Master of Science in Nursing (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program) at Eastern Kentucky University. Prior to becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner, he received his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Maryland school of Nursing. He worked as a psychiatric nurse and a medical surgical nurse at different private and public hospitals, and long-term care facilities, in the state of Maryland and the District of Columbia. His practice philosophy emanates from his nursing background that emphasize providing safe, compassionate, and empathetic patient-centered care. He strongly believes in a holistic approach to promote mental health and well-being, and he takes pride in delivering the best evidence based psychiatric care that is individualized to the needs of each patient.

Education

Eastern Kentucky University
Master of Science in Nursing (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner )

Specialties

•  ADHD/ADD
• Mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder)
• Anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder)
• Psychotic disorders (schizophrenia, brief psychotic disorder)
• PTSD

Binta Bojang, MSN, PMHNP-BC

Philosophy of Care

Binta Bojang is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with over 20 years of clinical experience. She specializes in medication management to treat schizophrenia, anxiety, mood disorders, dual diagnosis, and mental health disorders across the spectrum. She will work with your mental healthcare team to collaborate and develop a plan to achieve your goals.

She received her Bachelor’s degree from Coppin State University and a Master’s degree from George Washington University in DC. She completed her post-masters certification in Mental and Behavioral Health from the University of Cincinnati.

Education

George Washington University, University of Cincinnati
Master's in Science

Specialties

• Medication Management

Bolanle Saba, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC

Philosophy of Care 

Bolanle Saba is a Licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner in the state of Maryland and Virginia who has 2 years experience with adults seeking treatment with pain management in addition with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and women's mental health. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Pennsylvania State University, second Bachelors of Nursing from George Washington University and her Masters of Nursing in Family Nurse Practitioner from George Washington University as well. Bolanle realized after treating acute and chronic pain that most of her patients with behavioral comorbidities needed more care and collaborative treatment, it is this that inspired her to then receive her Post Master Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health from Liberty University. 

Bolanle believes in offering a warm, compassionate, holistic and collaborative approach to treatment and therapy. She utilizes her experience, knowledge and evidenced based practice to create a treatment plan that best meets the needs of every unique individual. Bolanle believes that each individual knows themselves best and in order to be a great provider one must first be a great listener. 

Bolanle seeks to establish a genuine and meaningful relationship with you in order to assist in helping you live a quality lifestyle. Bolanle believes that if you look good, you will feel good and in return you will do good to others. All of this starts with your mental health and trickles down to your emotional and physical well being. 

Education

George Washington University & Liberty University
Master's of Nursing

Specialties

• Pain Management
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Women’s mental health
• ADHD
• Adjustment Disorder
• Alzheimer’s Dementia

Canicia Anyiatem, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Canicia Anyiatem is a licensed professional psychiatric nurse practitioner in the state of Maryland, who specialized in treating mental health issues and Alcohol drug problems for adolescents and adults in providing medication management such as assessing and presenting medication options for mental health issues. Also provides prescriptions of psychoactive medications, medication refills and side effects monitoring.

Canicia provides comprehensive initial assessment and evaluation to explore and understand individual patient’s mental health needs in order to determine a better plan and ways to recovery. Canicia completed her Bachelor of arts in nursing from Bowie state University Maryland and received her Master’s in nursing from Walden University.

Canicia works in collaboration with patients, patients’ families, coworkers, friends, physicians, therapists in order to provide the best comprehensive care and integrated treatment for her patients

Education

Walden University
Master's in Nursing

Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety/stress/panic/phobias
• ADHD/ADD
• Medication management
• Personality disorders
• Trauma stress related disorder (PTSD)
• Mood disorders/bipolar disorder
• Eating disorder
• Schizophrenia Spectrum

Ebun Akinyemi, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Ebun Akinyemi is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) in Maryland with seven years’ experience working with individuals with depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges; first, as a nurse, and now as a psych nurse practitioner. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and has a Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University, specializing in psychiatric-mental health nursing.

Ebun collaborates with clients to ensure individualized care for clients with mental health challenges. She utilizes evidence-based practice to assess, diagnose, and treat clients.

Ebun seeks to create a caring partnership with clients, ensuring that the client has the support they need through their journey to wellness.

Education

Walden University
MSN

Specialties

• Medication Management

Elba Rivas, LCSW-C

Philosophy of Care

**Elba offers therapy services in Spanish 

Elba Rivas is a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Maryland who has over 6 years of experience providing quality mental health services. She received her Bachelor’s in Social Work at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. She completed the advanced standing Master’s in Social Work program at the University of Maryland Baltimore.

Deciding to schedule an appointment with a therapist is a big step. Elba understands this and meets clients where they are. She provides a supportive environment for clients to identify and work towards their goals. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, life changes/transitions, stress, or are seeking self-exploration, therapy can help.

Elba tailors her treatment specifically to each client's identified needs. She draws on an eclectic approach, utilizing cognitive behavioral, strength-based, solution-focused and person-centered approaches. Her goal is to provide a non-judgmental environment in which clients feel connected, supported, and understood.

Education

University of Maryland Baltimore
Master's in Social Work

Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Stress management
• Self Esteem
• Life Transitions/Adjustment
• Anger Management
• Women’s Issues
• Relationship issues
• Domestic Violence
• Cultural Issues
• Trauma
• Grief & Loss

Eric Brooks, LCSW

Licensed as a clinical social worker since 1997, Eric began his career in social work offering compassionate service to children, youth and families with Prince George’s County Department of Social Services. After serving the community for four years, Eric transitioned to Montgomery County, Maryland child welfare services as a clinical social worker and soon began as a supervisor of clinical social workers. Eric’s touts over 25 years of case management, supervisory experience and expertise in Social Work. His proven ability to quickly cultivate and build trust and rapport with clients from diverse backgrounds and cultures through exceptional communication utilization of the most up to date industry standards made him a highly sought after supervisor in Montgomery County Child Protective Services, Foster Care and In-Home clinical Services. He is extremely adept at providing clinical supervision for social workers, including case planning and diagnosis management and achieving high-quality, cost-effective care for individual clients and families. He has Court testimony experience, a myriad of training in different modalities. 

He also have proven success in providing effective and empathetic care, identifying and documenting incidences of child abuse and neglect and providing well-reasoned solutions. Provided clinical counseling to children, adolescents and adults to improve their overall functioning thus improving their lives.

He has been happily married for over 38 years and is the proud father to two wonderful children. His son is a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon and his daughter is an accomplished attorney. He has two exceptional grand-children he adores.     

Eric seeks to be bring his many years of outstanding clinical expertise to children, teens, young adults and adults in order to improve their overall functioning and well being. 

Francine Kamhoua, CRNP-PMH

Philosophy of Care

Education

Walden University
Master's in Nursing

Specialties

Francis Oduah, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Francis Oduah MSN, FNP-BC, PMHNP, is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who provides comprehensive client-focused mental health care to individuals and their families. He has managed several psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, mood disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder. He completed his Master of Science in Nursing at Concordia University Wisconsin and received his Certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Washburn University.

Francis utilizes reflective practice and therapeutic use of self as a core to his practice. He is committed to building and establishing a therapeutic relationship with you, identifying your mental health concerns and providing appropriate treatment. Furthermore, Francis performs client assessment, develops treatment plans and provides recommendations to community resources when appropriate.

Francis seeks to ensure you achieve health and wellness by identifying your psychiatric disorder and focuses on treatment that meets your mental health care needs – allowing you to live a meaningful life you value and desire.

Education

Washburn University
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-Master of Science in Nursing

Specialties

• Depression
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Attention Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Bipolar Disorder and Other Mood Disorders
• Postpartum depression
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• social Anxiety
• Panic disorder

Maureen Tabansi, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Maureen Tabansi is a licensed Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Maryland who has over 13 years experience as a nurse; she is a caring, people oriented, optimistic, empathetic and enthusiastic person. She completed her Masters in Science from Walden University and graduated as a Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in 2019. Since her graduation, she has worked as a clinician in both outpatient and inpatient facilities to provide care to both adults and children seeking help with Bipolar, anxiety, depression and adjustment issues.

Maureen employs a non-judgmental innovation in problem solving, she possess good communication skills, she has great stamina, acquires a good sense of humor, and her commitment to client advocacy makes her strive to take her clients to their highest functional level.

Maureen uses her critical thinking skills acquired through her years of education and training to build a caring environment and relationship which her clients in other to map out an individualized treatment plan in collaboration with the client to achieve a desired common goal.

Education

Maryland
Masters Degree

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Schizophrenia
• PTSD
• Bipolar
• Depression
• Adjustment issues
• Conduct issues
• Personality issues
• ADHD

Nadine Kakanou, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

A psychiatry nurse practitioner is tasked with evaluating a patient’s mental health status by assessing their relevant medical background, conducting comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, and identifying potential issues that might negatively impact a patient's mental health. The primary concern of individuals suffering from mental health problems is accessing mental health care professionals equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide comprehensive care and offer preventive strategies. Although psychiatry nurse practitioners receive intense training to meet mental health patients' needs, their roles are poorly understood because regulatory barriers have limited the entire scope of the practice. Therefore, this paper will explore their philosophy of Care.

Due to the complexity of human beings in understanding their lives and illness experience, PNP requires the ability to access situations from different perspectives, not only through a psychological lens but also from a biological and development view, while recognizing the perspective of stakeholder affected. Besides, Mental health disorder affects the ability to communicate experiences, and its symptoms may not conform to conventional diagnostic criteria. Therefore, PNP needs to have a high tolerance of uncertainties and a willingness to frequently re-evaluate assessments upon discovering new information.

In addition to diagnosing and treating disease, PNP natures resilience, and growth capacity because of psychiatry disorder on patients' growth and development abilities. The existing healthcare system may fail to address the complexity of problems suffered by patients completely. Consequently, PNP needs to effectively advocate for patients to acquire all the services needed to meet their mental health needs. They also need to push for the development of more effective services.

In conclusion, psychiatry nurse practitioners are well prepared and equipped to provide independent and effective psychiatric care and treatment to effectively meet the needs of mental health patients.

Education

Walden University
PMHNP

Specialties

• Medication Management

Tolulope Lawson-John, PMHNP, CRNP

Philosophy of Care

Tolulope Lawson-John is a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner licensed in Maryland, who specializes in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating various mental health conditions not limited to Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, PTSD, Psychoses, and Substance abuse disorders. She has over ten years of clinical experience working in diverse clinical practice and settings (including hospital, long term care, primary practice and Corrections) which have tutored her to be empathetic and compassionate while still providing evidence-based practice in treating patients.

Tolulope believes in removing the stigma from mental illness, thereby making treatment and recovery possible. She is proficient in conducting thorough psychiatric evaluation and evidence-based medication management. She believes in holistic, patient-centered approach to psychiatry, with individual touch.

Tolulope obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN, FNP) from Coppin State University. She completed her Post Masters in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) at Washburn University. Besides English, she speaks Yoruba fluently.

Education

Specialties

• Ages 18+
• Medication Management

Victorine Ngang, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Victorine (Vicky) Ngang is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner specialized in treating patients with mental illnesses in Washington DC and Maryland. She is board certified with the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She completed her undergraduate degree from American Sentinel University and pursued her Master degree as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner from Walden University. After working as a registered nurse in several settings, she decided to further her education with specialty in mental health. Her inspiration was driven from the stigma associated with mental health illnesses in the communities. She is a community advocate of mental illness and her grit is to bridge the gap between physical and mental health as well as reduce the stigma about mental health

Victorine (Vicky) is proficient in her role to intervene with vulnerable populations and promote mental health across the lifespan. Her scope of practice include: being an active listener, collaborating and coordinating care, performing a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, obtaining labs and interpreting results as well as prescribing psychotropic medications that are Evidence Base for diagnosis.

Victorine is goal directed towards partnering with you to uncover your unique strengths. She is focus on providing empathic, compassionate, respectable, and acceptable care through assessment, diagnosing, planning, implementing and evaluating.

Education

Walden University
Masters

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Panic Disorder
• Attention deficit hyperactive disorder/Attention deficit disorder (ADHD/ADD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Eating disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar disorder
• Psychiatric medication review
• And many more

Candace Pearson, LCPC, LPCC

Philosophy of Care

Candace Pearson is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Maryland and Ohio. Candace has had 4 years of experience working with different populations, like children, adolescence, adults, couples, and families whom experience trauma, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, race, woman issues, and many more. She graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Purdue University and received her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wright State University. 

Candace works through multicultural lenses to help create a collaborative, positive, client-centered, strength-based environment to utilize cognitive behavioral, dialectal behavioral, behavioral rehearsal approaches to allow for a safe and secure place that will allow for individual, family, and couples to have their unique needs met.

Candace seeks to offer a place of unconditional positive regard where there can be collaborative work to help solutions, build upon strengths to help meet your goal, while helping you add more things you value and desire. 

Education

Wright State University
Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Specialties

• Trauma,
• Depression
• Anxiety
• ADHD, ODD
• Eating Disorders
• Race 
• Women issues
• Emotional Regulation
• Grief
• Relationship issues

Mohammed Abdullah, LCPC

Hello, my name is Mohammed Abdullah and I am a licensed clinical therapist and board approved clinical supervisor.  I am happy to be speaking with you today and wanted to provide an introduction about myself.  I also wanted to give you an idea of how I operate and what we can expect working together.  

I have been working in the mental health field for almost two decades. My clinical orientation within psychotherapy is integrative with extensive experience in and leanings towards humanistic, cognitive, psychoanalytic, and behavioral approaches. 

What does all of that mean in terms of our work together?  Well, I appreciate the differences in everyone and center my treatment around the specific needs of each person I work with. Additionally, the foundation of my work with a client is the strength of our therapeutic relationship. I put a lot of emphasis towards building trust and fostering a healthy and open line of communication. My goals during each session are to promote growth and to build upon the strengths that my clients already have.

Through the course of trust and relationship building in our first few sessions, I would like to spend time hearing in your words why you choose to engage in therapy, what issues/experiences have been causing you concern/discomfort and what you would like accomplish and/or receive from therapy.  In doing so, I would like to emphasize that these sessions are geared around exploring, identifying and working towards what is best for you.  To use a common analogy, you are the captain of this ship, meaning that you are in control of your therapy sessions.  My role is to take the experiences and insight you provide and guide you towards where you’d like to go.

Lastly, I would like highlight that our therapeutic relationship and sessions feature a no judgement zone.  Therapy should be a service/place where people feel safe and comfortable with sharing thoughts, feelings, experiences, etc. without fear of being judged.  During our work together, open communication is not only encouraged, it is an essential ingredient towards the success you deserve.  

If you like what you have read so far, you are more than welcome to contact me for a consultation at your convenience. We can briefly discuss your concerns and you can begin your personal journey towards a happier, healthier, and more balanced you!

Leo Fraser, LCSW-C

Leo Fraser is an LCSW-C who has 10+ years of experience serving adults and adolescents seeking help within outpatient facilities, hospitals, and nonprofits. He completed his Masters of Social Work, specializing in mental health. His approach is psychodynamic mixed with CBT and Solution Focused using a collaborative approach. He believes in working in the present using your strengths to accomplish your goals.

Leo also has extensive experience working with patients dealing with addiction, anxiety, depression, trauma, relational issues, work stressors and more. The services he provides are to alleviate life stressors in order to support the client in discovering fulfillment and contentment with current life circumstances. Schedule a session & partake in the process of learning more about you.

Areas of expertise include:

• Addiction
• Anxiety
• Stress Management
• Depression
• Trauma
• Relational Issues

Rhonda Lehman, LCSW-C

Rhonda Lehman has been a clinical social worker since 1990. She has a Master’s degree in Social Work from New York University and a Master’s degree in Organizational Psychology from Columbia University. She completed a post graduate clinical social work program at New York University. She is a certified Imago Couples Therapist, and utilizes Psychodynamic, RET, DBT and CBT approaches. Her broad clinical knowledge, eclectic intervention, and scientifically based modalities are tailored to meet each client’s individual needs.

Rhonda has a broad range of clinical training in counseling adults, children, and couples from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Her love of teaching, training, and supervising students has also been an integral part of her experience. She was an adjunct professor for the graduate social work program at New York University, Queens College, and the College of New Rochelle. She developed a student internship training program in a substance abuse outpatient program in New York. She has taught and provided educational and training seminars and programs to corporate employees, as well as working as a director of a hospital-based employee assistance program at Staten Island University, providing counseling and supervisory training to the hospital staff. She was a consultant to early intervention programs providing play therapy, family therapy, and parent training.

Rhonda has extensive clinical experience in working with clients who are struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, addiction, crisis, trauma, grief, loss, abusive/challenging relationships, substance use, and personality disorders. Other areas of clinical interest include: infertility/loss and bereavement, and parent skills training. Client populations include children, adults, and couples.

Rhonda brings many years of clinical experience and a passion to genuinely understand her clients and connect with them on a deep emotional level. Her priority is to create a safe space and a corrective emotional experience to support her clients in a way they may have never experienced. Her goal is to discover with the client what their difficulties have been and help them develop increased awareness and insight. Through this introspection and a deeper understanding of the conflict and issues, the journey can begin.

A’Lisa Andrade, LCPC

Cynthia Johnson Watson, LCSW-C

Philosophy of Care

My philosophy of “Let’s Make It work” builds on the strengths of individuals while acknowledging and accepting, but minimizing their weaknesses. I am a trained Cognitive Behavioral therapist with a strong commitment to the overall health of those interested in engaging and making positive change in their lives. In understanding the importance of the “whole” development of a person, I strive to make sure each session is not only person centered but also approached in a holistic manner.

While working on My Master’s Degree at New York University, I developed a strong commitment to working with children and teens. My experiences have helped me work with some of the most challenging children and producing change through evidence-based practices. Additionally, my use of Play Therapy has shown efficacy with children expressing themselves in creative ways.

My area of specialty is all populations from children to adults, families and couples.  In addition, I have extensive experience working with veterans and active duty men and women.  I am a true dog lover and spend my spare time pampering my Shih Tzu Teddy.

** Available for Online Counseling Only

Eric Yenchi, NP

My name is Eric Kowshoh Yenchi, I was born in Cameroon central Africa, I grew up in a small village in the North West region of Cameroon known as Babungo. Growing up in Cameroon, life was very tough, especially when it came to health care .There was just 1 health center in my village which was staffed with 1 nurse and a medical doctor who visited once every two months. This meant people who were very sick and could not wait till the arrival of the medical doctor had to drive for about 5 hours to the closest hospital in the town of Kumbo to get health care. This meant that many people who made the journey died due to bad roads, and sometimes the long waits that it took to see a medical doctor at the hospital.

The poor state of the health sector in my native country cost the lives of many of my family members, resulting in my resolve to become a medical professional so I could one day change the situation and help my community. With this in mind when I arrived the United States in 2006, I decided to study nursing. After graduating with my BSN in 2010, I decided to start my nursing career in a long term care facility taking care of geriatric patients with various illnesses confined to a nursing home. In January 2011, I visited my native country Cameroon for the first time, volunteered at the only clinic that was in my village. This time around they had more staff (4 nurses, and 1 medical doctor), which made my experience less tedious than I had anticipated. However, during this visit, I noticed that many of the people that were coming into the clinic with a mental illness were being turned away to traditional healers as the clinic did not have any experience dealing with mental illness.

With my observation, I decided to do a little research about mental health in Cameroon .What I found was not only shocking but was also very scary. I found out there were only two government hospitals in the country providing mental health services to 22 million people. Cameroon has 0.03 psychiatrists per 100, 000 of the population, and 0.2 psychiatric nurses per 100,000 of the population (psychology in Africa, 2013).Initiatives by private organizations in recent years have seen the creation of Mental Health hospital in Kumbo and BIMEHC, a mental health clinic in my village of Babungo.

With the acute shortage of these facilities and personnel, my focus changed. I realized there was not only a need for personnel but leadership to transform the mental health sector and sensitize the population about mental illness, as many attribute mental illness to witchcraft and spiritual curses. With this in mind, in 2011 I became a psychiatric nurse, enrolled and earned an MSN in Nursing Leadership in 2013.In 2015 I went to Cameroon, this time around I volunteered at Babungo Integrated Mental Health Care (BIMEHC) as a psychiatric nurse. During this service the main problem was the lack of a qualified practitioner for mental health. There was 1 psychiatrist coming from the capital every 6 months to meet with patients and prescribe medications for them. This acute shortage of mental health practitioners, has led me to believe that I can make a difference in the lives of those suffering from a mental illness by becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

Since becoming a psychiatric nurse , I have had various positions in the Mental health filed , from Charge nurse to , supervisor , and to Director of various mental health clinics in the Washington DC area .In November 2019  I passed my Boards to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner  and I am loving every minute of it .My short term goal is to continue providing services to those in need in and around my community , while my long term goal will be to someday own my own practice.

Alyssa Cartledge, LCSW

I am a Licensed Certified Social Worker - Clinical in Maryland and a Licensed Independent Social Worker in Washington DC. As a clinically trained practitioner I have worked with individuals and families in a variety of treatment settings.

I believe that everyone has the ability to make positive changes and self-actualize. I have a dedicated interest in helping clients that are experiencing a range of issues including anxiety, depression, low self-worth and other issues that are impacting their ability to lead productive, fulfilling lives. I aim to help clients make meaningful changes and gain greater insight into the contributing dynamics that are behind their difficulties.

I will come before you with an empathic, strength based approach to sessions. Together we will create a safe space for self-reflection, skill building, and education. In this environment you can learn how to overcome your struggles and develop effective coping skills.

Don’t struggle through life's challenges alone.

I look forward to joining you on your journey of change and growth!

Danielle Rogal-Hudspeth, LCMFT

Danielle is a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of Maryland and a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of Arizona.  She received her Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2013, her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in 2006, and a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Management in 2012, all from Arizona State University.  Danielle is a native of the DC Metropolitan area and immensely familiar with the local resources available. She has a wide variety of experience working with very diverse populations and over 15 years in the behavioral health field.

Danielle has extensive experience in crisis intervention and management as well as working with LGBTQ youth and adults.  She is passionate about family therapy and is systems oriented in all of the clinical work she does. Her approach is holistic, collaborative, and person centered always.  She takes the time to truly understand her clients and their situations, needs, and desires to help them realize their goals and reach their fullest potential through incremental progress and continual growth.  Danielle views individuals as constantly changing as we learn and evolve within the context of the relationships we are enveloped within and as an integral part of our own environment.

You will find her style to be genuine, affirmative, non judgemental, and strength-based.  She has a strong affinity towards the Narrative Approach, Gottman’s Method for Couples, and Emotionally Focused Therapy.  Her techniques are grounded in Attachment Theory, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and the Human Development Model, among other trusted modalities.  Together with you, she will be a steadfast partner in your wellness journey. Danielle will challenge you to overcome hurdles, help you break down barriers, and encourage you to be your true self!

She is happy to partner alongside the rest of your treatment team (psychiatrist, physician, school, behavior technician, etc.) to help you form a cohesive and comprehensive system of care and professional support.  Danielle is proficient in treating mood disorders, depression, anxiety, psychotic/thought disorders, and survivors of trauma to name a few. Her expertise is in parenting and coparenting, children’s behavioral issues, family relationships and dynamics, communication, gender and sexuality, self-acceptance, confidence building, and teaching coping skills.  Danielle enjoys working with children, families, adults, and couples alike.

Devynne Stevenson, LCPC

Devynne Stevenson is a board certified Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from Bowie State University. Devynne has experience treating ages 18 and older with a spectrum of mental health issues. She has specialized experience with individuals diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illnesses such as Major depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia, which has aided Her with the expertise and knowledge to effectively treat disorders that may be attributed to trauma and stress related issues. Devynne doesn't subscribe to a "one size fits all" treatment modality which gives her the ability to meet each individual client where they are in their respective journey towards life enhancement. She likes to use various treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy, person centered approach and motivational interviewing, just to name a few. In her spare time she enjoys physical fitness and painting, which she uses as her own form of therapy. She understands the need for self care and is passionate about spreading positive energy to those that she makes connections with. All in all, those who are open to seeking treatment are in good hands with Devynne because she is called to be a true helper and takes pride in being a part of her clients growth and progression.

Stephanie Carlyle, LCPC

My passion is helping others to live their best and most productive lives. I strive to empower my clients to be their most authentic selves by learning to manage life stressors and to overcome past experiences. I work from an eclectic theoretical approach, using modalities such as CBT, DBT, and Mindfulness, to support clients to learn effective coping strategies and to build self-esteem. My role is to partner with clients to support positive growth and self-actualization. 

I work with individuals of all ages and their families to develop skills to successfully navigate life’s challenges. I have experience working with clients who present with depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, and a myriad of other mental and/or behavioral health conditions. 

If you feel that you could benefit from this type of supportive partnership, take that first big step to call and schedule your first session. 

“Be not the slave of your own past - plunge into the sublime seas, dive deep, and swim far, so you shall come back with new self-respect, with new power, and with an advanced experience that shall explain and overlook the old.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson 

Judith A. Upshaw, LCADC, Ed. D

Dr. Judith (Judy) Ann Upshaw is a licensed substance use therapist who specializes in the treatment of substance and behavioral abuse disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, and trauma. She practices individual, group, family, and couples therapists. Dr. Upshaw received a M. Ed. in Psycho-educational Processes from Temple University, and a Ed. D. in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University. She takes an active person-centered approach to therapy and makes room for personal exploration, questioning, and collaborative problem solving. Her license as a clinical alcohol and drug counselor, denotes not only a specialty in mental health counseling but a concentration in substance use treatment as well. A therapist with substance use disorder treatment experience can provide integrated care which is a benefit to any program. Dr. Upshaw approaches substance treatment from a motivationally enhanced, twelve step, biopsychosocial perceptive. Dr. Upshaw has worked as a therapist for more than 30 years and enjoys walking, museums, Yoga, reading, travel, and music.

Leanne Juzaitis, LMFT

Leanne Juzaitis is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Maryland and the District of Columbia. Leanne received her Master’s Degree in Couple and Family Therapy from the University of Maryland School of Public Health in 2010. She received her Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology and History from the University of California, Davis in 2007.

Leanne has experience working with children, adolescents, adult individuals, couples, and families. She has clinical experience working with diverse populations in a variety of settings including schools, community mental health centers, and the juvenile justice system. She specializes in treating clients who are experiencing symptoms related to grief, trauma, ADHD, mood disorders, depression, and anxiety.  Leanne utilizes integrative techniques including mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Client Centered Approaches. She is dedicated to helping each individual, couple, or family build on their existing strengths in order to reach their highest potential for emotional health and well-being. Leanne incorporates humor into her practice and has a genuine desire to see her clients succeed and flourish. Leanne loves animals, especially her Dog, Jackson, and her cats, Zia and Camden.