Vikas Mangewala, M.D. is a practicing Child Psychiatrist in Northern Virginia. Dr. Mangewala attended Dayanand Medical College in India. He completed his residency in Psychiatry and Fellowship in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Toledo Medical Center. Dr. Mangewala was awarded with an outstanding resident service award at the University of Toledo in the Department of Psychiatry, 2015 – 2016. Along with his caring nature, he is a very knowledgeable psychiatrist. Dr. Mangewala was awarded with The William J. Lenz, MD Memorial award for his excellence in psychiatry.

Dr. Mangewala is part of the NeuroPsych Wellness Center, P.C. team since August 2017. Dr. Mangewala is also the Medical Director of the Child and Adolescent Unit at Dominion Hospital, where he treats patients in the inpatient setting. In addition to English, Dr. Mangewala also speaks Hindi, Urdu, and Punjabi. He is a member of the American Psychiatric Association.

Dr. Agepati is a Board Certified Psychiatrist specializing in Adult and Geriatric Psychiatry. She is among a small group of psychiatrists who graduated from Geriatric Psychiatry fellowship from Weill Cornell Medical College, NY.

After receiving her medical degree from Gandhi Medical College, India, Dr. Agepati pursued her higher studies in United Kingdom. She trained in the Worcestershire rotational training scheme in Psychiatry for 2 years. She then moved to the United States and then completed her General Psychiatry Residency at Bergen Regional Medical Center in NJ, where she also served as Executive Chief Resident. She then completed her fellowship in Geriatric Psychiatry at New York Presbyterian Hospital/ Weill Cornell Institute of Geriatric Psychiatry under the supervision of esteemed psychiatrists and teachers including Dr. George Alexopoulus, Dr. Robert Young and Dr. Robert Abrams. Dr. Agepati then worked in Inova Mount Vernon Hospital and Inova Alexandria Hospital for a year, before entering private practice. She has also worked with elderly patients and families in assisted living and memory care units over the last 4 years. Training and working in different systems and cultures enriched Dr. Agepati’s fund of knowledge and experience in the practice of psychiatry, which has been as diverse as psychiatric illnesses themselves.

Psychiatric illness has a biological basis, further compounded by environmental and social factors, thus making necessary, psychiatric management a comprehensive one, including medications, psychotherapy, enhanced family and social support and rehabilitation. Beyond her expertise as a psychiatrist, Dr. Agepati is known to be professional, thorough, empathetic, and work with patients and their families, helping them overcome the illness. She takes pride in providing her patients with an outstanding patient experience and the highest quality patient care. Dr. Agepati is available to see new patients, consultations and second opinions.

Pamela Wall, Ph.D., PMHNP-BC is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a Master of Science in Nursing, Rush University with a Post Master’s Certificate as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, and from the University of Pennsylvania with a PhD. She has over 20 years of experience in psychiatric nursing overall, with 15 years as an Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse.

Dr. Wall has 20 years of experience with the military in inpatient, outpatient, deployed, and humanitarian missions. She also has experience in academia as director of two psychiatric nursing programs at Duke and USUHS, and as a residency director at the Durham VA Medical Center. She has international case management experience with the Peace Corps and is a fellow in the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Her research and publications are focused on PTSD, TBI, sleep and simulation/implicit bias in academic settings. Her clinical expertise is in treating adults with anxiety, PTSD, sexual assault, and depression. Dr. Wall provides medication management and cognitive and behavioral interventions. Her belief as a mental health provider is in delivering individualized treatment algorithms developed in concordance with the client. Dr. Wall is accepting new patients 18 and older.

Jennifer Jordan, PMHNP-BC is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. She received her bachelor’s in science from Georgetown University and her master’s degree from Western Governors University. She later went on to obtain a post master’s certificate from George Mason University which started her career as a NP. With over 17 years of psychiatric nursing experience, Jennifer has worked in most aspects of the mental health system from inpatient to partial hospitalization to outpatient. She is passionate about trauma informed care and believes in a partnership between the patient and provider.

Suzanne Cox, PMHNP-BC is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who graduated from the University of South Carolina with her Master of Science degree. While studying, she became an adjunct professor at the University of South Carolina for 4 years. She has 14 years of psychiatric nursing experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults in inpatient, residential, and outpatient settings. Her expertise is diagnosing and treating individuals with depression, anxiety, PTSD, attention disorders, and those dealing with life stressors. Ms. Cox is accepting new patients 17 and older.

Ms. Cox provides psychiatric medication management, supportive, and relaxation therapy. She strives to understand everyone’s unique experiences, past and present, that contribute to current symptoms. She uses evidence-based practice as a guide for treatment. She is a licensed nurse practitioner in the State of Virginia and is a member of the International Society of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses and the Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners. In her free time, she enjoys biking, hiking, and practicing yoga.

Jaaska Cather, PMHNP-BC is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She received a Post MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate from Maryville University and has a Master of Science in Nursing degree, with a concentration in Primary Care of the Family, from Marymount University. Jaaska is a native of Northern Virginia and has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from George Mason University. In addition to psychiatric nursing experience in Partial Hospitalization Programs, Jaaska has clinical nursing expertise in cardiovascular care, case management and care coordination, critical care, emergency department nursing, and previous ANCC certifications in Cardiac-Vascular nursing and Family Nurse Practitioner.

Jaaska’s strengths are building rapport and empowering her patients to be active participants in their treatment plans. She uses a trauma informed model of care to provide a safe and therapeutic environment. Special areas of interest are women’s mental health and advocacy for LGBTQ health and rights.

Suvi Hyytiainen, PMHNP is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She received a Postmaster Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate from Wilkes University and has a Master of Science in Nursing degree in Adult-Geriatric Primary Care from Walden University. Suvi is a native of Finland with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Pirkanmaa Polytechnic. She has psychiatric provider experience in long term care and as an attending at the inpatient psychiatric unit. Suvi also worked as A-GNP with geriatric consult service at the hospital setting. In addition, Suvi has vast nursing experience in critical care and post-anesthesia units. Suvi seeks to establish a genuine relationship with you and takes into account your culture, background, lifestyle, and nutrition when developing a treatment plan. Suvi will focus on you having a partnership in your own care and supporting your efforts towards mental wellbeing.

Simrit Kahlon, MSPAS, PA-C is a Certified Physician Assistant specializing in Neuropsychiatry and general medicine. She received a bachelor’s degree in Pre-Medicine from Penn State University, and her master’s degree and physician assistant training at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia in 2016. Her professional interests include Neuropsychiatry, Urgent care, and General/Family Medicine. She is an active member of many professional organizations, including AAPA and is Board-Certified by NCCPA. In her leisure time, she enjoys reading, playing music, and traveling. She is currently welcoming new patients, 18 and older and accepts most insurance plans.

Manisha Kochhar, MSPAS, PA-C, strives to offer objective, compassionate and respectful care for patients that will support, teach, and provide the necessary skills to allow them to grow to achieve their personal goals. Manisha has interest in aspects of mental health ranging from severe depression, anxiety to more serious mental issues. Her career has helped her cultivate empathy for every patient relationship, allowing her to give the most valuable care to every individual. She became a Physician Assistant to help patients better understand their mental illnesses, overcome the stigmas attached, and learn how to better manage their conditions to improve their quality of life.

She received a bachelor’s degree in Biology from George Mason University and a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Seton Hill University. Her area of interest in assessment and treatment of Psychiatric illness like depression, anxiety disorders, treatment resistant depression, mood disorders, thought disorders, attention deficit disorders, cognitive deficit, substance use disorders etc. She is board certified with NCCPA. She is also an active member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and participating in outdoor activities.

Camtran Huynh, PA-C graduated as a Physician Assistant from Shenandoah University in Virginia. Prior to joining the Neuropsychic Wellness Center, she was a hospitalist at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital, treating both chronic and acute conditions. She also took the initiative to obtain her certification as a Brain Injury Specialist to enhance care for traumatic brain injury patients. With her experience in providing comprehensive primary care to a diverse patient population, Cammy is able to meet the needs of psychiatric patients in a holistic way that includes the body, the brain, and the mind. Her unique approach includes building on her patients’ individual strengths to collaboratively develop a strategic treatment plan and reduce debilitating psychiatric symptoms.

In the past, she was on the board of directors for the Virginia Rural Health Association (VRHA). Through education and the establishment of collaborative partnerships, she helped the VRHA advocate for the improvement of the health of rural Virginians.

Outside of work, Cammy enjoys writing, painting, photography, and traveling.

Ashlee Ong, PA-C is a board-certified PA who earned her Master of Science in Physician Assistant from the South University in Richmond, VA.  In addition, she completed a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. Prior to joining NeuroPsych, she was in outpatient primary care for 2 years treating a variety of acute and chronic medical conditions in a diverse patient population of all ages and different socioeconomic backgrounds.

She found an interest in psychiatry through her patients while in primary care. She is an active member of VAPA. At NeuroPsych Wellness Center, she will be working with treatment resistant depression patients. She will provide consultation and education to patients regarding Spravato (Esketamine) treatment. She will collaborate with referring clinicians.

In her free time, Ashlee enjoys cooking and baking, doing puzzles with her husband, spending time with family, playing with her dog Butterscotch, and traveling to new places.

Stephanie Binter, Psy.D., CBIS is a licensed psychologist with a certification in neuropsychology. She earned her Psy.D. and neuropsychology certificate from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She conducts and provides supervision of psychological and neuropsychological testing. Dr. Binter is a trained Cognitive Behavioral therapist who specializes with eating disorders, self-mutilation, and trauma with individuals throughout the life span. She conducts bariatric and spinal stimulator evaluations assessing for the impact of mental health concerns on treatment prognosis. Additionally, Dr. Binter has also been trained in forensic psychology, working predominantly with children, youth, and family services and juvenile probation, conducting parent mental health evaluations, assessing for serious emotional injury as well as evaluations with children, adolescents, and adults assisting with diagnoses and treatment recommendations.

Kaiwen Liu, Psy.D. is a clinical psychologist licensed in Virginia, New York. He is credentialed as a National Register Health Service Psychologist. Dr. Liu obtained his doctorate in Clinical Psychology at The George Washington University and finished APA-accredited pre-doctoral internship at San Jose State University Counseling and Psychological Services. He then completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Before joining NeuroPsych Wellness Center, he provided psychotherapy and psychological assessments in various clinical settings, including college counseling centers, community mental health clinics, and psychiatric inpatient units.

Dr. Liu takes an integrative, collaborative, and flexible approach to therapy. In clinical practice, he incorporates theories and techniques from psychodynamic school, cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, affect regulation theory, and social justice perspectives. His clinical areas of focus include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, trauma, multicultural concerns, adjustment issues, and dysfunctional relational patterns. He works primarily with adults from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Dr. Liu provides psychotherapy in English and Mandarin, and he is conversationally fluent in Japanese.

Erin K. Sweeney, Psy.D. obtained her B.S. in Psychology from The College of Charleston in Charleston, S.C., her M.A. in Psychology from Rhode Island College in Providence, R.I., and her M.A. and Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from the American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University/Washington, DC. She completed her post-doctoral fellowship in Clinical Psychology/Neuropsychology at Washington Medical Group. Following her fellowship, Dr. Sweeney has practiced in several primary practice settings, before joining the team at Neuropsych Wellness Center. Dr. Sweeney conducts individual therapy, for which she uses an integrative approach. She also conducts psychological and neuropsychological assessments.

Her areas of interest include Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Depression, Anxiety, and various other neuropsychological disorders. She enjoys working with a multi-disciplinary team and taking a team approach towards wellness and health care. She is a member of the National Academy of Neuropsychology and the National Register of Health Service Psychologists.

Grace Hipona, Ed.D., NCC, ACS, CSAC, LPC is a native of Kansas City, MO, and has been living in the DC area for about 12 years. She received a bachelor’s degree (BA) from Emory University in Atlanta, GA, where she majored in Psychology and Sociology and minored in Women’s Studies. She obtained her Master of Science Degree (MS) in Professional Counseling from Georgia State University located in Atlanta, GA, as well. Dr. Hipona also received a Doctorate in Education (EdD) in Counselor Education and Supervision from Argosy University in Washington, DC. Her dissertation’s focus was on disaster mental health (specifically sheltering-in-place).

Dr. Hipona holds the following licenses and certifications: Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor in the State of Virginia, an Approved Clinical Supervisor, and a National Certified Counselor. She is a member of several professional counseling associations and organizations including the American Counseling Association, Chi Sigma Iota (counselor honor society), National Board for Certified Counselors, Virginia Counselors Association, and Northern Virginia Licensed Professional Counselors.

Dr. Hipona’s professional/clinical experiences involve a variety of issues in the mental health field including, but not limited to, HIV/AIDS, domestic violence, rape survivors, trauma, severe mental illness, women’s issues, ADHD/ADD, depression, and anxiety. She has experience providing assessments and individual, couples, family, and group therapy. She also works with a range of ages from 6 years-old to older adults.

Dr. Hipona has experience with higher education in counseling, research in the counseling field, case management, treatment planning, crisis intervention, medication management, psychoeducational groups, training, internship/practicum (undergraduate and masters-level students) supervision, and licensure supervision in the state of VA. Her counseling philosophy includes, but is not limited to, strength-based, person-centered, CBT, Reality and Adlerian therapy. Her specific counseling interventions are individualized based on initial assessments and in collaboration with the client.

Christina Webster, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for the State of Virginia. She received her Bachelor of Social Work from The College of Brockport, State University of New York. During her time in Brockport, she interned at a nursing home where she was able to emotionally support the elderly population. She then received her Master of Social Work from Binghamton University – State University of New York. She interned at an outpatient mental health service serving the adult population and became a full-time employee.

Ms. Webster provides psychotherapy and CBT services. She uses a person-centered model with eclectic therapeutic approaches that have helped manage depression, anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders, Schizophrenia, and other mental health issues. It is her passion to help her client’s sort through their emotional challenges and explore the best therapeutic approach to help resolve their issues. She is here to be your listening ear, empower and motivate you in order to achieve your mental health goals.

She is currently accepting new patients, 16 and older and is in-network with Medicare, BCBS plans, Cigna, Aetna, and UHC.

Craig Dupuis, LPC, LMFT has been working in the field of mental health and addiction since 1992. He became a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in 1997. He obtained his master’s degree in Counseling in 1992 from Old Dominion University and his undergraduate degree in Psychology from Virginia Wesleyan College (University) in 1990. Over the past 24 years, he has worked in many different settings including community mental health centers, residential treatment facilities as well as private practices. He also worked with military personnel as a Military and Family Life Counselor.

Craig also holds certifications in by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), as well as a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) under the US Department of Transportation. He is an approved provider by the Virginia Counseling Board to help residents in counseling and marriage and family therapy work towards independent licensure.

Craig is certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and used this as well as Cognitive Behavior techniques to provide treatment to a wide variety of mental health and addictive disorders. He has helped many individuals and couples resolve a variety of issues and improve their lives.

He grew up in New Jersey but moved to Virginia in 1985. He has been married for almost 24 years and has two daughters who are currently in college.

Abebayhu (Mimi) Tekalign, MHC is an empathetic and multi-cultural mental health counselor who received her Bachelor’s in Psychology from George Mason University and her Master of Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University. She provides individual counseling to children, adolescents and adults. Mimi uses an integrative therapy approach with a blend of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Client-Centered Therapy, Mindfulness, Psychoeducation, and Motivational Interview to bring about substantial changes and improve individuals’ life experiences.  She sees 6 and older.

Alyson is a Licensed Professional Counselor; with 15+years working with a wide variety of populations
and environments experiencing mental health challenges. Focus has been on children, adolescents,
families and most recently adults. She enjoys the diversity of experiences and helping to create
resiliency and change in the lives of each individual and family system. Her experience is geared toward
behavioral challenges, ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and traumatic experiences.

She is trained in CBT, psycho education, mindfulness, art and play techniques, motivational interviewing,
trauma specific strategies, strength based, solution focused, and other common modalities. Her
approach is to work to identify and utilize everyone’s strengths and skills. To build trust in the
therapeutic relationship, she believes in being present and meeting each individual where they are to
promote growth, healing and change can occur. A healthy, safe, and trusting client-counselor
relationship is a center piece to this work.

Laurieanne (Lauri) Abernathy graduated from Texas A & M University-Commerce in 2012 in Community Counseling. She is a National Certified Counselor and a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor in Texas and a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia. She has been a practicing counselor in Texas for over 10 years and am eager to work with clients in her home state of Virginia. She has assisted clients with a wide range of mental health issues, such as, depression, self-harm, anxiety, grief/loss, social competencies, anger, race, gender, sexuality, religion, and end of life issues to name a few. Her goal, every time is to be a support and assist clients to enable them to make positive changes in their lives. She utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Brief Therapy in my practice

Lauri, counseled individuals from 10 years of age to adults, as well as counsel couples and families. She is an ally for the LGBTQIA+ community and a strong supporter of equality in all its aspects. She believes everyone is a person, and every person needs to be cared for, validated, and supported throughout whatever they are facing in their lives. Her preference is to focus on the LGBTQIA+ population, adolescents, and veterans, mainly because she does not think there is enough allies or counselors that prefer these populations, and the need is great.

She was born in Portsmouth, Virginia and am currently residing in East Texas providing online counseling services. She is a mother of two, ages 21 and 14. Her goal is to provide a genuine therapeutic relationship with each of her clients and help make them feel heard and respected, regardless of issue or struggle they are facing; that will enable them to make positive changes in their lives.

Anthony J. Gage, III, L.C.S.W. has worked in mental health for 24 years in a variety of settings.  His background is in inpatient psychiatric care, but he has also worked a Clinical Director for two private companies, Community Services Director of a State Hospital, private practice, Lead Clinician for a Program of Assertive Community Treatment (P.A.C.T.), residential treatment for youth and adolescents, as well as for a Community Services Board (CSB) in Emergency Services and as a supervisor for an outpatient clinic.  He has worked with the spectrum of populations to include Geriatrics, Adults, and Children & Adolescents.  He specializes in Depressive Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, relationships, Mood Disorders, as well as substance use disorders.  He enjoyed providing therapy to adults as well as children & adolescents and used a variety of evidence-based practices to include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, etc.

He strongly believes in an individual driving their treatment and knows what is best for them.  He believes that healing is a collaborative effort that requires honesty with compassion, and he cooperatively assists his clients in clarifying their goals for therapy. Rather than adopting just one methodology for all individuals and issues, he draws from a variety of methods to create a tailored approach for each individual and situation.  As a therapist, he is caring, warm, open, encouraging, and direct.  He considers himself as an active therapist, combining experience, education, creativity, evidenced-based practices, and a sense of humor with a down-to-earth, realistic approach to counseling.

Amelia Markert Shaw is a compassionate psychotherapist approved by the Virginia Board of Health Professions as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and dedicated to the profession.  Since earning her Master of Social Work degree from Syracuse University, with a minor in psychology, she quickly learned skills during her graduate studies working with children and families referred by Child Protective Services, community health centers and in her role as a prevention practitioner for middle school students in an inner-city school district during her practicum and internship, respectively.

In Virginia, she began working as a community mental health provider while under supervision for licensure, providing families with treatment to help educate them in understanding their treatment, providing support and encouragement helping them complete high school and improve their interpersonal and communication skills, conflict resolution and life skills to enable them in seeking employment and being able to function as adults in the community. She then worked per diem as a therapist with an inpatient psychiatric facility for adolescents until being hired by the same company’s adult inpatient hospital as a psychiatric social worker, regularly engaging patients, completing assessments, assisting with their treatment and discharge planning, keeping them engaged in the facility’s daily programming including groups and therapy for patients having a vast range of diagnoses from anxiety and depression to bipolar disorder to psychosis and suicidality.  Once licensed, she moved to the adult partial hospitalization program, which was attended daily by up to15 patients referred from outside providers  facilities or stepping down from inpatient care.  This enabled participation in very intensive processes and pertinent psychoeducational groups which curriculum she restructured according to the population’s multiple concerns. Five years later, she became a psychotherapist for an outpatient addiction treatment center to devote attention to each of the program’s participants to enhance their recovery both in person and remotely.

She has been practicing psychotherapy across the Commonwealth of Virginia who are experiencing major life challenges including undiagnosed mental illness and treatment, difficulties with life transitions, relationships, depression and anxiety as well as grief and loss, obsessive compulsive tendencies and addiction, childhood trauma, PTSD, delusional disorders as well as personality disorders.

Over the course of her career, Amelia has learned to blend the many elements of therapeutic approaches, including Person-Centered Therapy, CBT, DBT, Positive Psychology, and mindfulness-based solution focused therapy. Her unique and approachable style allows you to develop trust in the process without judgment, enabling you to recognize your own ability to see where to focus on change resulting in increased confidence, stress management and improved thus the emergence of a new and better version of yourself, which Amelia describes as a very distinct privilege in her chosen career.  Amelia’s passion to understand and embrace the human condition, which includes suffering, joy and contentment is what drives her to help clients discover, uncover and recover. Unlearning unhealthy patterns and developing healthier habits is the core of neuroplasticity and it is still in its early stages of understanding and practice. As your therapist, Amelia will remind you that change never stops and learning never ends!

Amelia Markert Shaw is a compassionate psychotherapist approved by the Virginia Board of Health Professions as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and dedicated to the profession.  Since earning her Master of Social Work degree from Syracuse University, with a minor in psychology, she quickly learned skills during her graduate studies working with children and families referred by Child Protective Services, community health centers and in her role as a prevention practitioner for middle school students in an inner-city school district during her practicum and internship, respectively.

In Virginia, she began working as a community mental health provider while under supervision for licensure, providing families with treatment to help educate them in understanding their treatment, providing support and encouragement helping them complete high school and improve their interpersonal and communication skills, conflict resolution and life skills to enable them in seeking employment and being able to function as adults in the community. She then worked per diem as a therapist with an inpatient psychiatric facility for adolescents until being hired by the same company’s adult inpatient hospital as a psychiatric social worker, regularly engaging patients, completing assessments, assisting with their treatment and discharge planning, keeping them engaged in the facility’s daily programming including groups and therapy for patients having a vast range of diagnoses from anxiety and depression to bipolar disorder to psychosis and suicidality.  Once licensed, she moved to the adult partial hospitalization program, which was attended daily by up to15 patients referred from outside providers  facilities or stepping down from inpatient care.  This enabled participation in very intensive processes and pertinent psychoeducational groups which curriculum she restructured according to the population’s multiple concerns. Five years later, she became a psychotherapist for an outpatient addiction treatment center to devote attention to each of the program’s participants to enhance their recovery both in person and remotely.

She has been practicing psychotherapy across the Commonwealth of Virginia who are experiencing major life challenges including undiagnosed mental illness and treatment, difficulties with life transitions, relationships, depression and anxiety as well as grief and loss, obsessive compulsive tendencies and addiction, childhood trauma, PTSD, delusional disorders as well as personality disorders.
Over the course of her career, Amelia has learned to blend the many elements of therapeutic approaches, including Person-Centered Therapy, CBT, DBT, Positive Psychology, and mindfulness-based solution focused therapy. Her unique and approachable style allows you to develop trust in the process without judgment, enabling you to recognize your own ability to see where to focus on change resulting in increased confidence, stress management and improved thus the emergence of a new and better version of yourself, which Amelia describes as a very distinct privilege in her chosen career.  Amelia’s passion to understand and embrace the human condition, which includes suffering, joy and contentment is what drives her to help clients discover, uncover and recover. Unlearning unhealthy patterns and developing healthier habits is the core of neuroplasticity and it is still in its early stages of understanding and practice. As your therapist, Amelia will remind you that change never stops and learning never ends!

Ceresa Gonzalez is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 20 years of experience in mental
health. If you’re feeling stuck, you will be amazed at how capable you are at exploring parts of yourself
you never knew existed. Ceresa would like to be your guide and offer the chance to uncover patterns
you may not be aware of, learn how to gain control and move through your emotions, stop ruminating
thoughts, improve relationships with yourself and others, resolve past traumas, communicate
effectively, embrace life transitions, and confront avoided thoughts, feelings, and conflict. She carries a
bachelor’s degree in psychology and Criminal Justice and a master’s degree in social work from Fordham
University, New York. Ceresa is eager to share all she has learned throughout her career practicing and
supervising others in residential, outpatient and emergency room settings, trauma clinics, schools,
shelters, courtrooms, and prisons. Ceresa’s clients include children, adolescents, and high functioning
adults. She specializes in treating trauma and grief, depression, anxiety, life transitions, relationship
issues, social justice issues, and child development. She is trained in evidence-based practices including
DBT, CBT, TF-CBT, CPT, PE, ACT, PCIT, mindfulness, and play and behavioral therapy.

Leigh Alfieris is a Resident Counselor who graduated from the College of William and Mary with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration of Marriage and Family Counseling. She received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with minors in Sociology and Women’s Studies from James Madison University. Leigh spent several years as a preschool teacher before interning at a play therapy center, as well as a family clinic. These experiences developed her interest in helping guide children and adolescents through the therapeutic process. In her daily work, Leigh strives to decrease the stigma of mental health by working alongside each patient to support them towards their desired growth. In her free time, Leigh enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading, and playing tennis.

Leigh Alfieris, Resident in Counseling is currently working towards licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor. She is registered with the Virginia Board of Counseling. She provides clinical services under the supervision of Dr. Grace Hipona, LPC. As a Resident in Counseling, Leigh does not obtain or provide services on an independent basis, and she does not independently submit insurance claims.

Emily Lyman is a Resident in Counseling who graduated from George Washington University with a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She also received her bachelor’s degree in Human Services. Emily has experience working with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, grief/loss, life transitions, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, substance use disorders, and gender/sexuality issues. She also spent 10 years working in a variety of childcare settings which sparked her passion for working with children and families in a therapeutic context. Emily takes a strengths-based approach in her practice, relying on person-centered therapy, CBT (cognitive behavior therapy), and motivational interviewing.

Emily Lyman, Resident in Counseling is currently working toward licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor. She is registered with the Virginia Board of Counseling. Emily provides clinical services under the supervision of Dr. Grace Hipona, LPC. As a Resident in Counseling, Emily does not obtain or provide services on an independent basis, and she does not independently submit insurance claims.