Meet our Providers

Alica Francis, LPC

Philosophy of Care

Alica Francis is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the District of Columbia. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology at Bowie State University. Alica has committed four years in the field as a community mental health worker, providing services to underserved communities. She has worked with individuals experiencing life changes and mental health diagnoses such as Schizophrenia, Depression, Anxiety, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Alica uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, strength based and a person-centered approach creating a collaborative experience for individuals. She provides a warm and safe environment and always meets the individual where they are in the therapeutic process.

The step to seeking therapy is sometimes a challenging one but it can be a life-changing experience. Alica desires to help you on your path to healing and self discovery. At times, she may incorporate humor and lived experiences as a way to foster positive change. She believes that building a strong rapport between a therapist and client is the key to a successful therapeutic outcome.

Education

Bowie State University
Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Life Changes
• Relationship Issues
• PTSD
• LGBTQ+

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

Cierra Redfield, LICSW

Philosophy of Care

Cierra Redfield, originally from Baltimore, MD is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in the District of Columbia and has over eight years of compiled experience in working with families and youth seeking help and services for depression, anxiety, life transitions, domestic violence, substance use, and court intervention. She completed her Bachelor of Social Work at Coppin State University and received her Master of Social Work at Howard University. 

Cierra emphasizes the importance of holistic, strength-based, client and family centered, trauma-based, mindfulness based and cognitive behavioral interventions, while utilizing creative and critical thinking, flexibility, cultural sensitivity and interpersonal skills to ensure that the needs of individuals and families are met. 

Cierra’s goal is to create and establish a healthy and caring relationship with you, while identifying your strengths and informal supports to create a better quality of life. By partnering with you, Cierra seeks to help you meet your identified goals, create coping skills, and for you to feel empowered and in control of your life. 

Education

Coppin State University & Howard University
Bachelor of Social Work & Master of Social Work

Specialties

• Trauma
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Anger Management
• Life Transitions
• Grief & Loss
• Crisis Intervention

Lazare Shadzeka, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

**Lazare offers Counseling and Medication Management services in English and French

Lazare Shadzeka is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner via the American Nurses Credentialing Center, with privileges in Maryland and Washington DC.  He completed his Bachelors of Science in Nursing degree in 2014, in the renowned Marymount University and while pursuing a calling of serving the adult, elderly and vulnerable communities, he decided to further his education, consequently receiving his Master of Science in Nursing Degree with honors from Walden University. Lazare has accumulated over six enriching years in the provision of holistic care to a wide variety of clients, with psychiatric conditions.

Lazare is an enthusiastic, caring and people-oriented person with an innate skill in managing overall patient care and support with provision of health assessments, psychiatric evaluations, treatment planning, medication management, therapeutic services, client education and regular follow-ups. Client wellness is a priority that drives his full engagement and committed nature.

By starting cordial relationship with Lazare, clients will experience a caring, collaborative, and engaging environment with the goal of improving client outcomes progressively working towards their goals and improving on their daily lives.

Education

Walden University
MSN

Specialties

• Psychiatric Assessments
• Treatment Planning
• Medication Management
• Therapeutic Services
• Counseling Services
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Bipolar Disorders
• Schizoaffective Disorders

Nadine Carole Missiet Fogoum, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

** Nadine performs assessment, diagnosis and implements a treatment plan of care including medication management and counseling

Nadine Missiet is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with the American Nurses Credentialing Center in both the District of Columbia and the state of Maryland.  She completed her Master of Science in Nursing Degree at Walden University, and she is caring and compassionate nurse practitioner. She has devoted more than seven years providing holistic care to a wide variety of clients with psychiatric conditions.

As a nurse practitioner, she treats her patients with dignity, respect, and acting with empathy and compassion. She recognizes the importance of both mental and physical well-being, customizing care to respect the individual’s belief, and striving to educate patients on health maintenance and disease prevention that will promote quality living throughout the community. She believes that a patient’s wishes come first, and therefore, each individual should be considered a partner in his/her own care. Keeping a patient informed and well educated before making a decision regarding health is vital.

As a humble nurse practitioner, she will focus more on having her patients become partner in their own care, and be able to gain control and understanding of their own health and well being. At the end of the visit, a patient may not remember the laboratory results or vital signs divulged, but hopefully, they will remember how their practitioner made them feel valuable, empowered, and respected when choosing their provision of care.

Education

Walden University
MSN

Specialties

•  Psychiatric assessments including history and physical
•  Medication management
• Counseling services
• Major depressive disorder
• Anxiety disorders
• Bipolar disorder
• Personality disorders
• Schizoaffective disorder
• Schizophrenia

Sean Patterson, LICSW

** Sean offers telehealth visits.

Philosophy of Care

Sean Patterson is a Licensed Social Worker in Washington, DC. Sean has over 10 years experience in Social Work. Sean provides therapy to adults seeking help with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, issues with health and the aging process. He received a BS in Psychology from Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC. Sean received a Masters of Social Work from Howard University in Washington, DC.

Sean provides a safe non judgemental space to explore areas of life that cause concern. Sean applies cognitive behavioral therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy to facilitate progress in areas identified in therapy.

Sean seeks to establish a trusting relationship with you in order to assist in building on your strengths and achieving your goals of therapy. Sean provides opportunities to discover more positive perspectives and responses to life's experiences during each session.

“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used to create them” - Albert Einstein.

Education

Wofford College and Howard University
Masters of Social Work

Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Grief & Loss
• Stress management
• Self esteem
• Aging process

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

Amanda Buras, LICSW

Philosophy of Care

Amanda Buras is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Washington, DC who specializes in working with children and families and has significant experience counseling adults with anxiety, depression and trauma. She most enjoys working with children, families and adults who are seeking a safe space to process, grow and improve their relationships with others and self.  Amanda welcomes clients who are seeking growth and fulfillment through improving communication, practicing self-love, becoming more mindful and present and developing positive coping skills. She also has particular knowledge of working on emotional regulation and self-awareness.

Amanda received her Master of Science in Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin. She most frequently utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy in conjunction with mindfulness, attachment-based, person-centered and strength-based approaches. Amanda also has specialized training in EMDR, mindful awareness and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Her approach to therapy is creating a comfortable space that is accepting and welcomes the expression of vulnerability in many forms and is also thoughtful of varying identities and experiences.

Amanda’s top priority in building a therapeutic relationship is ensuring a safe space for you to be your authentic self and explore the ways you can live the life you truly want.

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Stress management
• Self-esteem
• Parenting/family concerns
• Life transitions
• Women’s issues
• Trauma/PTSD
• ADHD
• Child behavioral issues

Claire Riesenberg, LCSW

Claire Riesenberg is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Washington, D.C., who has 10 years of experience partnering with individuals, couples, and families seeking help with depression, anxiety, substance use, physical and mental health, life transitions, and relationship issues. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in History from Georgetown University and graduated with honors from The University of Texas at Austin with a Master of Science in Social Work.

Claire utilizes relational, collaborative, strength-based, schema-focused, cognitive behavioral, narrative, and solution-focused approaches to therapy. Claire always maintains the emotional acuity, cultural competence, sophisticated interpersonal skills, and clinical nimbleness necessary to best meet the presenting issues of every unique individual and couple.

Claire seeks to establish a trusting, sensitive, and compassionate relationship with you to set goals, amplify your strengths, and empower your capacity for finding meaning. She strongly desires to help you in discovering your values and desires for your life.

Claire's specialties include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Stress management
• Addiction and recovery
• Co-occurring illnesses
• Relationship issues
• Parenting support
• Reproductive and fertility counseling
• Aging and life transitions

Joanna Fils-Aime, LICSW

Philosophy of Care

Joanna Fils-Aime is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with years of experience working with individuals and families that feel stuck, worried, confused, or angry and just want to feel and be better. Whether you struggle with anxiety, grief & loss, traumatic stress, self-image issues, anger management, or adjustment with life overall, Joanna will help you in overcoming the roadblocks stopping you from becoming your best self. 

Joanna uses a psychoanalytic and systems framework to understand how your past, family, community, job, etc. impact your current functioning and offers a variety of cognitive behavioral, solution focused, and trauma informed approaches to help identify and bolster your unique natural strengths and develop the skills needed for you to thrive.

Joanna works to create a safe, therapeutic space where you can experience genuine growth and self-exploration. She seeks to build a caring and transformative relationship with you to support in meeting your goals and reaching your full potential. So, if you’re sick and tired of being sick and/or tired, connect with Joanna to begin the journey towards living your best life.

Education

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Grief and Loss
• Traumatic Stress
• Self-Concept Issues
• Anger Management
• Depression
• Life Transitions

Nitika Gupta, LPC

**Nitika offers therapy services in English and Hindi

Nitika Gupta is a Licensed Professional Counselor in D.C. and Pennsylvania, with over seven years of experience helping adults and couples manage challenges such as depression, anxiety, interpersonal conflict, transition-related concerns, trauma, and grief, among others. Nitika earned her Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Southern California and her Masters degrees in mental health counseling from the University of Pennsylvania. 

Nitika personalizes treatment to fit your needs, using techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, solution-focused therapy, and mindfulness-based therapy. Her counseling style is collaborative and compassionate, providing a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where you can feel empowered to be the ultimate expert on your situation.

Nitika believes that therapy is not meant to “fix” you, because you are not broken; rather, it is meant to nurture you while you reflect on your behaviors, thoughts, and emotions. Through an interactive journey, Nitika aims to establish trusting relationships with individuals and couples, come up with goals, and find meaningful and effective solutions.

Nitika’s specialties:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Trauma
• Self-esteem issues
• Stress management
• Personality disorders
• Relationship concerns
• Grief and bereavement
• Acculturation- and transition-related concerns

Emily Simonian, LMFT

In a world where we focus on building strong physical health, solid educational backgrounds and financial fitness, our emotional health and relationships may not always take precedence. However, I believe mental health is just as important. Whether you’re looking to improve your relationships, emotional wellbeing, or seek help with specific challenges, therapy is a great place to start. 

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I have direct training and experience working with family and relationship issues, as well as working with individuals. I also specialize in treating Stress/Anxiety, Depression and Substance Abuse, as well as self-esteem issues and general self-improvement goals. My approach is compassionate and interactive, focusing on tailoring and personalizing therapy to you, while providing support and feedback so that you reach your goals. Sessions may include collaboratively identifying the root cause of struggles, building on current strengths, finding effective communication/coping/conflict management skills, and guiding healthy emotional expression.  

It can be hard deciding who to trust and I appreciate your consideration. Our therapeutic relationship is important and I welcome feedback to ensure that my approach is working for you. It is my hope that we can work together to foster your personal growth and find long-term solutions that enable you to have the life you want, because when your relationships and mental health are strong, every other facet of your life improves. 

 

Kimberly Ngo, LPC

Kimberly Ngo is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the District of Colombia and a National Certified Counselor. She has worked with adults seeking help with anxiety, depression, stress, addiction, life transitions, and relationships issues who want to work through their struggles to live a more healthy and happy life. She has completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Hawaii Pacific University and a Master of Art in Marriage and Family Counseling from Gonzaga University. 

Kimberly approaches therapy by applying person centered, narrative, cognitive behavioral, solution focused, emotionally focused, collaborative, and asking stimulating questions. She always maintains an open ear, flexibility, and awareness necessary to best meet the needs of every unique individual and couple.

By navigating through the bumps in your life Kimberly seeks to establish a safe, caring, and warm relationship with you. Through collaborating and gaining insight with you to assist in reaching your goals and living a more desirable, meaningful life you value.

Kimberly’s specialties:

• Anxiety
• Stress management
• Substance
• Life transitions
• Self esteem
• Depression
• Relationship issues
• Grief & Loss
• Anger management
• Trauma 

Yvette Brown, LICSW

Deciding to begin therapy can be an exhilarating yet scary decision! After all, sharing our deepest thoughts and emotions can be difficult for most people! As your therapist, I hope to create a non-judgemental and safe space where you can explore, challenge and fulfill your life goals. 

My practice specializes in individual, family, adolescence therapy and tele-mental health. I also provide clinical supervision and consultation to schools and community agencies. I have over 15 years of experience in the field of social work. I have extensive experience in providing individual and group therapy to adults, adolescents, couples and families. I have worked with a wide variety of individuals in many different populations, and from many cultures. I pay particular attention to culture/race identity and spiritual faith affiliations of individuals seeking the meaning in their lives. 

As a therapist, I hope to supply my clients with the tools to overcome issues relating to trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, hopelessness and helplessness. I have found that when a client is given the tools and learns their own value, to trust themselves, it significantly improves their ability to thrive. I am hoping to achieve this goal with you, if you decide to choose me as your therapist.

Emily Laing, LPC

My goal in therapy is to hold a compassionate, non-judgmental space for clients to explore their inner lives and make day to day life better, one step at a time.  I love working with children and adults alike, utilizing a variety of evidenced-based approaches, including child-centered play therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, mindfulness, and dialectical behavior therapy. Underpinning these approaches is a person-centered, strengths-based, and collaborative foundation that empowers clients to build toward goals that mean the most to them. I am especially experienced in addressing anxiety, depression, life transitions, and parenting concerns. I deeply value the wide range of identities and experiences people have and am happy to work with folks of all sexualities, gender identities, races, and ethnicities.

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.

Dr. Regina Lawson, LICSW

Hello, I am Dr. Regina Lawson. I am an inclusive, affirming, and accepting, Licensed Clinical Therapist in the District of Columbia. I have over 17 years of experience in providing individual and family therapy. I am passionate and committed to assisting clients on their path to living their best life. 

 I practice a person-centered approach recognizing and valuing that my clients are the expert in their life. My role is to listen, understand, and provide you with tools to help you achieve desired outcomes. I utilize various evidenced-based approaches and interventions based on your specific needs and concerns.

My goal is to develop a working relationship with you so that we can collaborate to address challenging situations. I genuinely believe that therapy is a form of self-care and a strength. It is never too late to live your best life!

I look forward to hearing from you soon. 

Sandra Anderson, LICSW

** Only Offers Telehealth Sessions

Sandra Anderson, LICSW

Sandra is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in the District of Columbia and Maryland.

For the last decade, she has been advocating for individuals and families struggling with mental health concerns. She has provided therapeutic services to a diverse array of individuals of all ages, primarily focused on childhood trauma. Through her work, she is committed to helping people overcome eating disorders, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, trauma, and other similar stressors that affect all of us at some time in our lives.

Sandra believes that healing is a collaborative endeavor that requires honest caring without judgment, and she cooperatively assists her clients in clarifying their goals for treatment. Rather than adopting one methodology for all individuals and issues, she draws from a variety of methods to create a tailored approach for each individual and situation. As a therapist, she is warm, open, encouraging, and direct. She considers herself an active therapist, combining experience, education, creativity, and sense of humor with a down-to-earth, realistic approach to counseling. She strongly believes that change can happen in one's life at any point if one is willing and able. Her goal is to provide a safe space for clients to feel accepted, understood, and valued. Sandra looks forward to starting this journey with you.

Samuel Schor, LICSW

I have worked with teens and children in a therapeutic capacity in different settings since 2005. My education from the Catholic University of America in D.C. has prepared me with the tools needed in order to apply what I have learned to best serve the community of which I am a part, as well as others. I have worked providing direct counseling to teens, children, and families since 2015, and have completed Level 1 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy. I want my clients to know that Two-Person Psychology and Relational Theory are models where the therapist is part of the therapeutic process, so they won't feel alone during our time working together. My approach means we work together from start to end. Every step forward, backward, or staying where we are (until a push is needed) we will do together. In most cases apart from pure psychoanalysis, therapy is no longer sitting on a couch and speaking freely about anything and everything that comes to mind. There are modalities, which I practice, that put us both in the process, and through this approach I hope you, my clients, will feel confident in me as your therapist, confident in the therapy itself, but most importantly confident in yourselves in being able to display the courage and fortitude it takes to change, which is the hardest thing a person can do.