Therapists answer…

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

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Dominique Jackson
Dominique Jackson, PMHNP-BC
Online Therapy
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
Therapy is a safe, supportive space designed to help you gain insight and achieve personal growth. I encourage those who are hesitant to try therapy to view it as a collaborative journey, where you have the power to shape your progress and work toward lasting wellness with support and guidance.
Hello, I'm Dominique Jackson, a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a deep commitment to mental health care. With five years of experience across diverse settings, including correctional health and inpatient psychiatry, I bring a unique understanding of both the challenges and strengths that shape each patient's journey. I work with individuals of all ages, offering a holistic, patient-centered approach that considers physical, emotional, and cultural needs. My background includes significant roles as a Charge Nurse, where I honed my skills in crisis management and interdisciplinary care. Now, as a Nurse Practitioner, I specialize in medication management, therapy, and health advocacy, focusing on evidence-based practices and solutions-oriented care. Together, we'll create a supportive environment that prioritizes your well-being. I look forward to helping you achieve lasting progress on your mental health journey. Treatment philosophy: I believe in a holistic, evidence-based approach that combines interdisciplinary collaboration and patient-centered care. By integrating physical, emotional, and cultural perspectives, I work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that supports your unique needs. My approach emphasizes compassion, empowerment, and active engagement in the therapeutic process, helping you achieve sustainable growth and resilience.
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Shielah Liech
PMHNP-BC
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 explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment. It’s a supportive environment where we work together to find solutions that improve your life. Taking the first step can be challenging, but it can also be the beginning of a path to healing and personal growth.
Hello! My name is Sheilah Liech, a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner based in Mansfield, Texas. With a Master's in Nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington and a Bachelor's from Midwestern State University, I have the academic foundation to support your mental health needs. I’ve worked in both Texas and Florida, serving a diverse range of patients—kids, teens, and adults. I performed extensive psychiatric evaluations, managed medications, counseling and psychoeducation. I am committed to finding the right treatment for you and guiding you through your mental health journey. I believe in an integrative approach, working alongside primary care providers and other team members to give you the comprehensive care you deserve. I also strive to promote mental health awareness in the community through outreach and education. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment for all my patients. Let’s work together towards your mental well-being. Feel free to reach out to me and I look forward to supporting you on your journey to better health.
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Julianne Palardy
Dr. Julianne Palardy, DNP, 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 heard, valued, and supported. Seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness but a courageous step toward self-care and growth. My goal is to create a judgment-free environment, empowering you to navigate challenges and work toward a better quality of life.
Hello! My name is Julianne Palardy, a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. With years of hands-on experience, I have a deep understanding of mental health care. I specialize in conducting thorough psychiatric evaluations, creating effective treatment plans, and managing medications to ensure the best care for my patients. Beyond my technical skills, I pride myself on my compassionate approach and excellent communication skills, which help me connect with patients on a personal level. Throughout my career, I have honed my skills in crisis intervention and patient advocacy, all while remaining empathetic and understanding. I’ve worked in various high-pressure environments, successfully navigating complex situations while maintaining a caring and supportive atmosphere. I am committed to helping individuals achieve mental well-being in a safe and nurturing setting. Whether providing care in a clinical setting or through private practice, my goal is to make a positive difference in my patients' lives, one step at a time. Treatment philosophy: As a compassionate healthcare provider, I believe in putting patients at the center of care. Each individual is unique and deserves personalized attention. My approach focuses on building trust and open communication, ensuring that patients feel heard and valued. I utilize my extensive experience in psychiatric mental health and critical care to deliver effective, holistic treatment plans. I emphasize education and collaboration, empowering patients to participate actively in their healing process. My goal is to enhance not just health outcomes but overall quality of life. Together, we will navigate challenges and celebrate progress on the path to wellness.
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Renzo Rodriguez
PMHNP-BC,APRN,MSN,BSN,RN
Online & In-Person
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
I wish I could tell them that therapy is a safe, supportive space where they won’t be judged. It’s an opportunity to understand yourself better, develop coping strategies, and work toward a healthier, more fulfilling life. Starting therapy is a brave step, and you don’t have to face your challenges alone.
Hi, I’m Renzo Rodriguez, a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner based in Weston, FL, and part of Thought Bridge Mental Health & Wellness. I am passionate about mental health and committed to providing compassionate care. With years of experience, I expertly assess, diagnose, and manage mental health disorders, offering personalized medication management and evidence-based therapies, including individual therapy. I am known for my patient-first approach, offering patient-focused therapy and education. Fluent in Spanish and skilled in communication, I connect easily with patients and families, ensuring comfort and understanding for all. I work closely with healthcare teams to deliver holistic care, always adhering to the highest standards. Whether it’s a challenging emergency situation or routine care, my commitment and expertise make me a trusted partner in mental health and wellness. Trust me to guide you through your mental wellness journey with extensive experience and the latest practices.
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Chelesia Burkes-Brown
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Therapy
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
I’d encourage you to see therapy as a supportive journey where we work together at your pace. It’s an opportunity for self-growth and healing, and I’m here to offer the guidance, tools, and strategies needed to help you feel empowered and improve your mental well-being.
I am a dedicated and compassionate Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience in helping individuals at all stages of life. I specialize in providing comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, brief psychotherapy, and effective medication management for various mental health disorders. My practice also includes educating patients and their families about mental health, treatment options, and preventative care. I work with children, adolescents, and adults to develop personalized treatment plans, carefully monitor progress, and make necessary adjustments to ensure optimal care. I utilize modern tools like electronic medical records and e-prescribing, ensuring a seamless and efficient healthcare experience. In my previous roles, I've had the opportunity to work with children and adolescents in juvenile development centers, adults in the forensic setting, as well as students in university settings. I believe in a holistic approach, considering factors such as genetics, family dynamics, and cultural issues in my assessments. I am dedicated to constant learning and applying evidence-based practices to help my patients lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. At the heart of my practice is a commitment to patient-centered care, open communication, and a genuine passion for mental health. I'm here to support you and your loved ones on the journey to better mental well-being.
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Yasser Espinal
MD
Online Therapy
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You deserve care, support, and a safe space to heal. Therapy and treatment are about working together to find solutions that fit your needs. You don’t have to go through it alone—I'm here to help, without judgment, at your own pace.
About me Experienced & dedicated ABPS Board-Certified Family Medicine with over 15 yrs in practice as an MD providing services/care to diverse communities. Fluent in English and Spanish as primary language and a U.S Army Veteran. Currently licensed to practice in Colorado, Florida, and Alaska. Committed to delivering top-notch, patient-centered healthcare and services. Throughout his career, Dr. Espinal has specialized in managing acute & chronic conditions, enhancing patient recovery & comfort through personalized/individualized treatment care plan. He utilizes advanced diagnostic tools, such as, but not limited to POC-Ultrasound, CT and MRI, to ensure accurate assessments & effective interventions in various clinical settings. His innovative approach in pain management has significantly improved the quality of life for his patients. Dr. Espinal is also well-versed in Mental Health/Substance Abuse Disorders. Completed his Master in Mental Health & Substance Abuse Counseling, subsequently obtaining various state licenses & practicing for over 6 yrs before being a U.S licensed Medical Doctor. Since then, he has worked extensively and lobbied for/in/with MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment) programs and has collaborate closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive and holistic care for his patients and assistance to treatment for all. Dr. Espinal has played an instrumental role in immigrant health, underserved, low-income population. His work in these settings highlights his dedication to community outreach and advocacy for underrepresented population. Currently shares residence in both, Colorado & Florida, he has continued to lead in various positions; as a Medical Director, attending physician, & Clinical provider for Veterans and Military community; focusing on optimizing healthcare services and outcomes in challenging environments. He is passionate about preventive care, patient education, & using technology to enhance access to care for all equally. Treatment philosophy My treatment philosophy centers on compassionate, patient-focused care. With over 15 years of diverse experience, I believe in treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. I aim to engage with my patients in an approachable way, fostering open communication to understand their unique needs. I specialize in managing both acute and chronic conditions, particularly in underserved communities. Whether through personalized treatment plans for pain management or supporting mental health and substance use recovery, I adapt my methods to what works best for each patient. Together, we’ll navigate your health journey, ensuring you feel supported, informed, and empowered every step of the way. Specialties: Abdominal pain Addiction ADHD Allergic reactions Allergies Annual check-up Anxiety Arthritis Asthma Back pain Behavioral Medicine Bipolar disorders Chest pain Chronic back pain Chronic disease management Chronic pain Common cold Concussion management Co-occurring disorders Cough Covid Depression Detoxification management Diabetes Difficulty breathing Disability evaluations Ear infections Eating disorders Emergency Medicine Family Medicine Fever Fitness-for-duty evaluations Flu General Practice Headache Health risk assessment Hypertension Insomnia Joint pain Lifestyle change Mental Health Minor injuries Mobility issues Mood disorders Muscle pain Neck pain Nerve pain Obesity Occupational health Occupational Medicine Occupational skin disorders Opioid addiction Overdose Overuse injuries Overweight Pain Management Panic attacks Pharyngitis Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Post-surgical pain Pre-employment exams Prescription drug misuse Preventive care education Preventive Medicine PTSD Rashes Relapse prevention Respiratory issues Routine checkup Screening tests Seizures Severe vomiting Sinus infection Sore throat Sports injury Sports Medicine Sports physicals Sprains and strains Substance abuse Tendonitis Trauma Travel medicine Urgent Care UTIs Weight Loss Weight management Withdrawal symptoms Work-related injuries Treatment approach: Collaborative Multidisciplinary Approach Comprehensive Pain Management Evidence-Based Treatment Protocols Holistic Dual Diagnosis Management Innovative Telemedicine Integration Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Patient-Centered Care Strategies Trauma-Informed Care Approaches
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Olushola Balogun
APRN, PMHNP-BC
Online Therapy
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
I understand that taking the first step into therapy can be intimidating, but I want you to know that therapy is a safe space where you won’t be judged. It’s okay to feel uncertain, but therapy is an opportunity to understand yourself better, manage difficult emotions, and develop the tools you need to navigate life’s challenges. Think of it as an investment in your mental well-being. You don’t have to go through things alone. We’ll work together at your pace to address whatever is weighing on you, and in time, therapy can become a place of comfort and growth.
Olushola Balogun, "Shola" MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, is a highly experienced and board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with over 17 years of expertise in the medical field, including the last 7 years dedicated to mental health. Shola’s extensive background includes inpatient and outpatient psychiatry, rehabilitation, corrections, and psychotherapy. Shola believes that mental health deserves the same level of care and attention as physical health. He conducts thorough psychiatric evaluations to diagnose and develop individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs. Routine follow-up visits ensure ongoing monitoring of symptoms and medication effectiveness, optimizing patient outcomes. Offering a comprehensive range of therapeutic interventions, Shola specializes in education, medication management, and counseling. He provides compassionate care for individuals aged 13 to older adults 65+, creating a positive and healing environment for clients and their families. Shola treats everyone with respect, dignity, and compassion, embodying a patient-centered care philosophy that empowers his clients and considers all effective treatment strategies. Shola is committed to fostering a warm, safe, and judgment-free environment where clients can feel secure and supported on their journey to mental wellness. Trust Olushola Balogun to provide the expert care and compassionate support you need to achieve better mental health and an improved quality of life.
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Jennifer Dotseth
MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC
In-Person Therapy
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
Therapy is a partnership where your concerns will be heard without judgment. It’s not just about medications; it's about finding the best approach for you, whether that’s with or without meds. My goal is to make sure you leave feeling understood and supported.
Hi! My name is Jennifer and I am passionate about providing compassionate and effective mental health care. As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I'm dedicated to helping clients through difficult times and guiding them toward better well-being. I enjoy helping individuals with a variety of mental health concerns, including treatment resistant mental health disorders and treatment during pregnancy and the postpartum period. If you feel that you've tried everything, come see me and we can discuss this further! I've worked in the healthcare field since 2006, starting as a Certified Medical Assistant before becoming a nurse about 10 years later. I've worked in a variety of settings and with a variety of client populations. My experience in corrections/forensics has allowed me to increase my communication and crisis intervention skills. I am a proud member of both the International Association of Forensic Nurses and the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, ensuring that my practice is always informed by the latest in mental health care. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, exploring the outdoors, and staying active in the community. My goal is to establish an honest and trusting relationship with my clients while working together toward their goals. Thank you for considering me as your healthcare provider.
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Kimberly Milaney
Kimberly Milaney, PMHNP-BC, APRN, MSN
Online Therapy
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and there’s no shame in starting the journey to healing. I’m here to guide and support you every step of the way, helping you see the light at the end of the road.
Hello! I'm Kimberly Milaney, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner based in West Hartford, CT. With over a decade of experience in the field, I’m passionate about providing compassionate and comprehensive mental health care for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. I specialize in treating conditions like depression, anxiety, trauma, and more. My approach involves not just medication management but also lifestyle and nutritional guidance to promote overall well-being. I collaborate closely with other healthcare providers to ensure you receive the best possible care. Whether you need psychiatric evaluations or ongoing medication management, I’m here to help you navigate your mental health journey with empathy and understanding. At Thrive Behavioral Health, your well-being is my top priority. Treatment philosophy: I approach treatment with deep compassion and empathy, believing that every individual deserves personalized care. In our first session, we'll explore what brought you to seek treatment and take a comprehensive history. Together, we will create a tailored plan that includes the best medication and strategies to improve your symptoms and overall functioning. Throughout the treatment process, I’ll closely monitor how medication is working, ensuring that we adjust as needed to maximize your quality of life. I view mental health treatment as a journey, one where seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Mental health is as important as physical health, and my goal is to guide you toward greater wellness, helping you see the light at the end of the road. I prioritize active listening and empathy, allowing me to better understand your unique needs and challenges. By employing a holistic, non-judgmental approach, I aim to build trust and offer you the best care to help you thrive.
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