Skip to Content
Therapists answer…

Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?

G

Gabriel Obu

Gabriel Obu, PMHNP-BC, APRN, MSN
Online & In-Person
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a psychiatric nurse practitioner because I’ve always been passionate about mental health and holistic healing. Seeing the positive impact that compassionate, comprehensive care can have on people’s lives motivates me every day. I believe in treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—and continue my practice because I want to empower my clients to achieve lasting mental wellness.
Hello! I'm Gabriel Obu, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, and I’m committed to providing compassionate, holistic mental health care to adolescents, adults, and seniors. With over 15 years of experience, I blend evidence-based treatments with holistic practices like mindfulness and nutritional psychiatry to create personalized care plans. I believe in open communication and collaboration, ensuring that you feel heard and involved in your treatment every step of the way. My goal is to address both your mental health concerns and overall well-being. I specialize in treating conditions such as anxiety, ADHD, depression, PTSD, and more, using a variety of approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, and solution-focused strategies. Together, we’ll work toward your mental wellness and recovery, fostering a fulfilling and balanced life. Treatment philosophy: I believe in treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. My philosophy combines traditional psychiatric care with holistic practices to create personalized treatment plans for adolescents, adults, and seniors. I prioritize building trust and compassion with my patients, ensuring they feel supported and involved throughout their healing process. My goal is to empower you to achieve mental wellness, resilience, and a better quality of life.
R

Rui Lu

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & In-Person
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist driven by a passion for improving mental health and making a meaningful difference in people's lives. My journey as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner stems from a desire to advocate for those facing mental health challenges, particularly adolescents and adults. My experiences in the U.S. Navy and at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center reinforced my commitment to serving my community and addressing the pressing need for mental health support. What motivates me to continue is the opportunity to witness the resilience and growth of my patients as they navigate their mental health journeys. Every positive outcome, no matter how small, reaffirms my dedication to preventing suicides, enhancing behavioral medicine management, and advancing innovations in mental health care.
I'm a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC), with a Master’s Degree in Nursing. As a motivated advocate for mental health, I work with adolescents and adults to provide them with the quality, compassionate, and holistic care. I have a solid background in healthcare and deliberately builds strong relationships with patients and their families. I combine evidence-based practices and personal observations to treat my patients. Joining One Behavioral Health in TX is a bit of a homecoming for me. As the U. S. Navy Veteran, I returned to the area after 3 years of serving her peers in Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center. I am passionate about improving the mental wellbeing and developing innovations. I am also dedicated to preventing suicides and enhancing behavioral medicine management.
B

Brad Barninger

Pretty cool Licensed Professional Counselor, ready to support!
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist due to my passion for mental health and my desire to positively impact lives. The transformative power of therapy, especially for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disorders, drives me. My motivation comes from the success of innovative programs and the collaborative efforts with medical professionals, which ensure comprehensive support for clients. The positive changes in clients' lives and the evolving field of mental health inspire me to continue striving for excellence.
Welcome! I'm Brad Barninger, a passionate advocate for mental health with over two decades of experience in the healthcare field. My journey has taken me from providing direct care and psychotherapy to spearheading innovative mental health programs. Currently, as the Director of Behavioral Health Services, I am dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disorders through compassionate and effective behavioral interventions. My career has been marked by a commitment to excellence, as evidenced by my role in leading a 38-bed transitional living center and improving patient satisfaction scores as the Senior Director at Wellspan Philhaven. I hold a Master's degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University and a Bachelor's in Psychology from Pennsylvania State University. As a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania, I've completed rigorous training to ensure the highest standard of care for my clients. My approach is collaborative, working closely with hospital staff, medical professionals, and community partners to deliver comprehensive mental health services. Whether you're seeking support for yourself or a loved one, I am here to provide expert guidance and unwavering support on your path to well-being.
S

Shannon Partin

APRN, PMHNP-BC
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist because I have a deep passion for helping others achieve their best mental health. Over the years, witnessing the positive impact that compassionate care and clear communication can have on someone’s life has motivated me to continue. Each day, I am driven by the belief that everyone deserves to feel supported and informed throughout their mental health journey.
I am Shannon R. Partin, a dedicated Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over eight years of experience as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. I specialize in developing personalized treatment plans and providing supportive therapy to help my patients achieve their best mental health. I am passionate about educating my patients, their families, and fellow healthcare providers on behavioral health issues and treatment options. I earned my Master's degree in Nursing with a focus on Mental Health from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. I also hold a Bachelor's degree in Nursing from Delhi State University of New York, where I graduated with honors, as well as an Associate Degree in Nursing from Tacoma Community College. As a registered nurse licensed in Tennessee, I am also certified in Basic Life Support and hold board certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. I stay current in my field by being an active member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. I believe in compassionate care and clear communication, ensuring my patients feel supported and informed throughout their treatment journey. My goal is to make a positive impact on the mental health and well-being of everyone I serve.
D

Debra Sicilian

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
My passion for mental health stems from a deep desire to help others lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. The progress I see in my patients keeps me motivated—knowing that I can make a positive difference in someone's life is incredibly rewarding.
Hello! My name is Debra Sicilian, and I'm a dedicated Nurse Practitioner. With extensive experience across psychiatric, long-term care, rehabilitation, acute care, neurological, and hospice settings, I pride myself on delivering comprehensive and compassionate care to my patients. I specialize in crisis psychiatric care, working tirelessly to reduce hospitalizations and improve patient outcomes. My role involves collaborating closely with a team to enhance therapeutic and medication strategies for the best possible results. We've successfully launched a program serving tens of thousands across multiple states. In past roles, I have provided holistic, patient-centered care, focusing on effective communication with patients and their families. My experience spans from offering acute psychiatric care to those in need to managing neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's. I am passionate about treating patients and educating and mentoring new healthcare professionals. This ensures they have the skills to offer exceptional and holistic care. My dedication to this field has earned praise for my critical thinking, problem-solving, and ability to stay calm in stressful situations. I am certified and licensed in multiple states and hold psychiatric and adult-gerontology primary care certifications. Thank you for considering me as your healthcare provider. I look forward to partnering with you on your health journey!
T

Tyonna Epps

Licensed Master Social Worker
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist because I am passionate about helping people heal, grow, and navigate life’s challenges. Seeing my clients build resilience, discover their strengths, and transform their lives inspires me daily and motivates me to continue this meaningful work.
Are you ready to heal, grow, and transform into the best version of yourself? I am here to support you every step of the way. Specializing in grief, depression, mood disorders, and self-esteem, I offer strengths-based therapy designed to help you navigate life’s challenges and achieve your personal goals. I have worked with clients from varied diverse backgrounds and age groups, with a focus on adolescents and young adults. I enjoy helping people navigate life complexities, guiding them through self-discovery, emotional growth, and overcoming obstacles. I have helped dozens of clients reach their personal goals. Whether supporting individuals through the grieving process, assisting with mood regulation, or building stronger self-esteem and confidence. My approach is always compassionate, strengths-based, and tailored to the client's needs. I am licensed in both New York and Maryland. I hold a master's degree from Howard University and a bachelor’s from the University at Buffalo. If you're looking for support through difficult times or guidance in your personal growth, I am here to help you on your journey to healing and empowerment. *Treatment philosophy I believe that every individual is unique and deserves to be treated with respect and understanding. My goal is to support you in truly understanding yourself—your strengths, challenges, and the best way forward in your life. I want to help you understand what’s going on with your mind and body, so we can create strategies that work for you. I take a holistic approach and am passionate about promoting self-care and self-love. I want to help you build a life grounded in compassion and kindness. My approach is collaborative, focused on working with you to find the best path to healing, growth, and emotional resilience. Together, we’ll create a safe space where you can feel heard, supported, and empowered. *Practice description At our practice, we focus on providing compassionate and personalized care tailored to each patient’s needs. With years of experience in healthcare, our dedicated team excels in a range of specialties, ensuring you receive comprehensive treatment. We believe in building trust and fostering a comfortable environment for all patients. Our commitment to ongoing education and certifications means you can rely on us for the latest in healthcare practices. Your health and well-being are our top priorities. Discover a welcoming space where expertise meets empathy. Join us in your journey to better health today! *I support both cash pay and insurance.
A

Anahita Shahbazi

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist because of my own journey through significant personal challenges and mental health struggles. These experiences inspired me to help others find their path to healing. My innate gifts of intuition, empathy, advocacy, and curiosity have driven me to support individuals in overcoming their struggles. What motivates me to continue is witnessing the resilience and growth of my clients as they navigate their healing journeys. Seeing them break free from unhelpful patterns, build healthier relationships, and achieve personal well-being is incredibly rewarding. My commitment to providing a compassionate and effective therapeutic space fuels my dedication to this work every day.
"The purpose of life is to discover our own inherent nobility and to help others discover theirs." – Abdu'l-Bahá. My journey to becoming a therapist began with my own experience of managing mental health from a young age. This personal journey highlighted the profound power of therapy and inspired me to help others achieve similar transformations. Therapy, to me, is more than a profession—it’s my calling. Every step I take alongside my clients reaffirms the transformative power of hope, healing, and the therapeutic relationships. I have extensive experience and training in treating depression, anxiety disorders, other mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, trauma/PTSD, relationship issues, grief, and life transitions. Healing isn’t about avoiding pain; it’s about feeling safe enough to face it, embrace it, and grow from it. Much like a rose blooms despite the thorns, I believe in your ability to rise through challenges and thrive. Together, we’ll create a supportive space where you can explore, build resilience, and move confidently toward the life you envision.
A

Adam Jimoh

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals facing mental health challenges. My motivation to continue stems from witnessing the positive impact that holistic, patient-centered care can have on someone's life. The trust and relationships I build with patients, along with the continual advancements in mental health care, inspire me to provide the highest quality of care and support my patients' journeys towards wellness and fulfillment.
Welcome to my profile! As a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I bring extensive experience and expertise to provide comprehensive care for individuals facing mental health challenges. Board-certified and fully licensed, I am authorized to prescribe medication and manage holistic treatment plans tailored to your needs. Proficient in utilizing advanced computer systems for accurate record-keeping and streamlined care coordination, I ensure efficient and organized management of your healthcare journey. With adept communication skills, I excel in conveying complex health information in an accessible manner, fostering informed decision-making and patient comfort. My background encompasses diverse clinical settings where I have refined skills in patient assessment, treatment planning, and personalized education. Whether independently or as part of a multidisciplinary team, I prioritize collaborative approaches and clear communication to optimize your outcomes. Joining Essen Healthcare in January 2024, I remain abreast of evolving healthcare regulations to uphold the highest quality of care standards. Through precise medication management and thorough review of diagnostic reports, I strive to track your progress effectively. By maintaining detailed electronic medical records and fostering close collaboration with fellow healthcare professionals, I ensure your treatment plan is tailored and comprehensive. I am dedicated to fostering trusting relationships with patients, families, and colleagues, providing a supportive environment for addressing mental health concerns confidently. Together, we can embark on a journey towards balance, wellness, and a fulfilling life. Thank you for considering me as your partner in mental health.