Therapists answer…

For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?

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Sazia Malek
Sazia Malek, MSN, FNP-C
Online Therapy
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
Taking the first step toward therapy can feel daunting, but it’s a powerful act of self-care and courage. Therapy is not just about addressing symptoms; it’s about understanding yourself, your experiences, and your needs in a safe, supportive space. I’m here to guide you through this journey at your own pace, ensuring you feel heard, valued, and empowered every step of the way.
Hi! I'm Sazia Malek. I’m a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner with a passion for holistic mental wellness, blending clinical expertise with a personalized, compassionate approach to care. I earned my graduate degree from the University of Southern California (USC), and I’m dedicated to helping my clients achieve emotional balance and well-being through individualized treatment plans that address not only symptoms but also lifestyle and overall health. As someone from a South Asian background, I understand how cultural perspectives play a role in mental health, and I strive to provide care that is sensitive to diverse experiences. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, or other psychiatric conditions, I’m here to offer a supportive, culturally competent space where you feel heard and understood. In my free time, I love reading by the beach, practicing yoga or Pilates, cooking up new recipes, and enjoying quality time with my friends and family. These activities fuel my passion for balance and wellness, which I bring into my practice to help my clients lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. I look forward to getting to know you, please reach out if you have any questions at all! Specialties Mental Health Adult Psychiatry Psychiatry Conditions Treated Depression Anxiety Relationship issues Mental health Practice Description Sazia Malek, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, is a compassionate and experienced Nurse Practitioner specializing in chronic care management with a focus on mental health and holistic wellness. Sazia is dedicated to developing personalized treatment plans that cater to each patient’s unique needs, ensuring that care is not only effective but also empowering. From your initial consultation to follow-up visits, Sazia is there every step of the way, making sure you feel comfortable, heard, and supported. She leads a collaborative team with the same dedication to providing high-quality care and patient satisfaction, all while fostering a safe and welcoming environment. Treatment Philosophy I believe in truly getting to know each person I care for. My approach is centered on understanding your unique experiences and crafting a treatment plan that’s as individual as you are. I’m here to listen—to really hear your concerns—so we can work together to reach your mental health and wellness goals. Most importantly, I’m dedicated to building a relationship of trust where you always feel comfortable and cared for. Together, we’ll navigate your journey toward better mental health, with the assurance that I’ll be with you every step of the way. Your well-being is my top priority. Treatment Approach Individualized Treatment Plans Development Chronic Care Management Strategies Telehealth Assessments & Prescriptions Medication Management & Safety Pain Management Interventions Collaborative Multidisciplinary Approach Detailed Clinical Assessments Patient Education & Realistic Expectation Remote Patient Monitoring Techniques Leadership in Clinical Decision-Making
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Brennan Lehotay
Brennan Lehotay, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Online & In-Person
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
Therapy is a safe space where you are free to express yourself without judgment. It is an opportunity for healing, personal growth, and gaining tools to manage life's challenges. Taking that first step may seem daunting, but it can lead to profound changes in your emotional and mental health.
Thank you for considering! My name is Brennan and I am a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am a psychiatric provider specializing in medication management and add-on therapy for common psychiatric disorders like anxiety, depression, panic, PTSD (and complex PTSD), ADHD, Autism, Eating disorders, and many more. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist, while also specializing in LGBTQIA+ issues, polyamory, ENM, and am kink-affirming. My experience includes working in outpatient psychiatry settings, where I provide therapy and medication management. I've had the pleasure of working with diverse populations in various states, including Ohio, Colorado, New York, Kansas, and West Virginia. Currently, I am the owner and sole provider of Sana Mente Behavioral Health LLC, an outpatient tele-health psychiatry practice. My mission is to provide compassionate, patient-focused care and to ensure each individual receives the personalized attention they deserve. With being a psychiatric professional since 2018 as a bedside nurse and Prescriber, I bring both clinical expertise and a focus on systemic improvement to my practice. My goal is to assist you in reaching your goals, not telling you what to do. My focus is breaking the sterotype of psychiatry and treating every person with respect and compassion, working with you on your individual treatment goals. I'm committed to supporting your mental health journey with empathy and professionalism. Treatment philosophy: Sana Mente Behavioral Health LLC provides inclusive, kink-affirming, and trauma-informed outpatient psychiatry, emphasizing holistic care that integrates therapy with medication support. The practice prioritizes individualized treatment plans that respect cultural, sexual, and identity diversity, with a focus on addressing underlying trauma rather than solely managing symptoms. Therapy is the cornerstone of treatment, while medication is used thoughtfully and minimally. Through trauma-focused and affirmative therapies, combined with collaborative care, Sana Mente empowers patients to heal and thrive, promoting mental and emotional well-being with a strength-based approach.
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Oyinade Akhigbe
Psychiatric nurse practitioner who uses a holistic approach to treat depression and anxiety.
Online Therapy
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
Therapy is a safe space where you can be heard, understood, and supported without judgment. It’s a powerful tool for personal growth and healing, and starting the journey can lead to profound improvements in your quality of life. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Hello! I'm Oyinade Akhigbe, a dedicated Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner based in Harbor City, CA. With over 7 years in family practice, chronic disease management, and urgent care, coupled with 11 years in emergency room nursing, my mission is to provide compassionate and comprehensive care to all my patients. I specialize in managing both acute and chronic health conditions across all age groups. At Angeles Community Health Center, I support patients dealing with anxiety, depression, and ADHD, ensuring they get the holistic care they need. I believe in the power of listening, and I work hard to build trust and rapport with every patient. From performing physical exams to diagnosing illnesses, my goal is always to promote wellness through education and preventive care. When I’m not in the clinic, I am continuously looking to learn and take on new challenges to better serve my community. Your health and well-being are my priorities. Let’s work together towards a healthier, happier you! Treatment philosophy: We believe in treating the whole person not just the symptoms. This means addressing the physical, emotional, mental, and social aspects of health understanding that they are interconnected and all contribute to overall well-being.
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Brian Noonan
PMHNP-BC (Medication Management)
Online & In-Person
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
I believe that each individual is unique and deserves to be treated as such. My goal is to support you in taking the time to truly understand yourself, your strengths, and your challenges so that you can make informed decisions about the direction of your life.
Brian Noonan is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with Prescriptive Authority. He has over 14 years of experience providing mental health services, specializing in the treatment of Adult ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, and Alcohol Use Disorders. He provides medication management and mindfulness meditation. He is the founder of SinclairMethod.org. He has been providing addiction services for over 15 years, including specializing in the Sinclair Method for the past five years. He graduated from Vanderbilt University Magna Cum Laude, completing an internship at the Vanderbilt Institute for the Treatment of Addictions (VITA). He specializes in mindfulness meditation and lived in a Zen monastery for six months in 2011. "Although I prescribe psychiatric medications such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and ADHD medications, it does not mean that I believe medications will help everyone or solve all of your problems. After your initial evaluation, I will give you reliable information about whether a medication is likely to help, its potential risks, and the alternative treatments. I may strongly recommend a medication, suggest it as a possible option, or conclude that medication is not likely to help you at all. We will discuss your lifestyle, such as diet, exercise, alcohol/substance use, and stress-management strategies"
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Yanet Ferro
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & In-Person
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
I understand that starting therapy can be daunting. I want you to know that seeking help is a courageous step towards improving your well-being. Therapy offers a safe, non-judgmental space to explore your feelings and challenges. Together, we can develop strategies that foster healing and progress, helping you lead a more fulfilling life.
Welcome to my professional profile! I'm a dedicated Nurse Practitioner with a passion for delivering top-notch patient care across various healthcare settings. My journey in nursing began as a Registered Nurse, where I honed my skills in surgical patient care and mental health treatment, always focusing on ensuring safety and positive outcomes for all my patients. As a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I've had the opportunity to perform detailed psychiatric evaluations and collaborate closely with psychiatrists to craft tailored treatment plans. Whether it's through medication management or coordinating with other healthcare providers, I am committed to addressing the comprehensive needs of my patients. Embracing a holistic approach to wellness, I believe in continuous learning and actively participate in research, quality improvement projects, and community organizations. As your healthcare provider, I'm here to advocate for your mental health, educate you on your options, and support you every step of the way towards achieving your best health outcomes. Let's work together on your journey to mental health wellness!
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Catherine Asem
Catherine Asem, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC
Online & In-Person
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
Therapy is a safe space where you can explore your challenges without judgment. I understand that starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but I create a non-judgmental and supportive environment to help you manage your mental health and navigate life's difficulties, empowering you toward positive change.
Hello and welcome! I’m Catherine Asem, a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 17 years of experience in healthcare, serving patients across Delaware and Maryland. My career has spanned primary care, specialty practices, addiction medicine, and mental health, providing me with a deep understanding of the challenges my patients face. I am passionate about helping clients manage mental health disorders, navigate weight loss journeys, and achieve their aesthetic goals. My holistic approach is designed to uplift and empower you in achieving a balanced, fulfilling life. Whether you’re seeking mental health support, weight loss guidance, or aesthetic enhancements, I am dedicated to providing personalized care that promotes wellness and confidence. Treatment philosophy: I use a compassionate, holistic approach to care, understanding the complexities of mental health and the impact of life challenges. My treatment plans are tailored to meet your specific needs, focusing on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and trauma-focused techniques. I believe in creating a non-judgmental space where you can develop effective coping strategies, embrace positive change, and work toward mental and physical wellness.
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Dr. Jose Cabiya
Psychologist, PhD
Online Therapy
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
Many of my clients come to me seeking online therapy because they have endured a psychological trauma at some point in their lives that they have not yet healed. Their trauma is contributing to substance use/abuse or some other form of addiction (e.g. gambling, video games, etc.). I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in our work together. These therapies are used to empower you to take control of your own life so your symptoms don’t overwhelm you or dictate your personality. I firmly believe in helping my clients take control of their lives. You belong in the driver’s seat. I am here to help YOU manage your problems in an effective way so you don’t fall into dysfunctional and harmful long-term patterns. In our work together, we get to the problems as quickly as possible so you can take control of your behavior faster. Time is the enemy of treatment — the more you engage in unhealthy behaviors, the more difficult it becomes to break those patterns and pathologies. The sooner you get help, the better, and I am here to be as directive and empowering as possible so you can get well enough to live the life you want to be living. Throughout the therapeutic process, I remain very attentive to your needs and changes in behavior. Together, we can make adjustments to your treatment plan as needed.
Welcome! I'm a dedicated clinical psychologist with a deep commitment to supporting the mental health and well-being of diverse communities. My journey in psychology began at the State University of New York, where I earned my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in 1983. With a heart for service, I spent valuable time working as psychologist in diverse outpatient settings, where I provided psychological evaluations, individual psychotherapy, and group therapy sessions, focusing on the needs of low-income Latino patients. These experience allowed me to develop a compassionate approach and an understanding of the unique challenges faced by underserved populations. In addition to my clinical work, I've also held leadership roles at Hispanic-American Center in Albany, NY and Albizu University in SJU, PR. I also have a passion for education and knowledge sharing, which led me to serve as a Psychology Professor. Teaching has enabled me to stay at the forefront of psychological research and best practices, which I bring into my therapeutic sessions. My approach is warm, empathetic, and patient-centered. I believe in creating a safe space where you can feel heard and understood. Whether you're dealing with life's challenges or seeking personal growth, I'm here to support you on your healing journey. Let's work together to unlock your full potential
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Abimbola Otufale
PMHNP-BC
Online Therapy
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
If you’re hesitant to try therapy, I want you to know that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It’s completely normal to feel unsure, but therapy offers a safe space to explore your thoughts and emotions without judgment. You don’t have to navigate your challenges alone; a therapist can provide support, understanding, and tools to help you cope and thrive. Taking the first step can lead to personal growth and healing, and you deserve to experience the benefits of therapy. Remember, your mental health matters, and it’s okay to ask for help.
Hello! I'm Abimbola Otufale, and I've dedicated over 8 years to providing top-notch care in both medical and psychiatric settings. As a dual certified Family and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I am passionate about delivering compassionate and culturally sensitive healthcare that meets your unique needs. From the Emergency Room to home care, I've gained extensive experience managing everything from wound care to critical lab results. My expertise also spans mental health, where I conduct comprehensive assessments and offer personalized treatment plans for conditions like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. I prescribe medications, provide supportive therapy, and support you every step of the way. I'm committed to listening to you, educating you on your health, and collaborating closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure you receive the best possible care. Fluent in both English and Yoruba, I'm here to make your healthcare journey smoother and more comfortable. Let's work together towards your wellness.
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