Skip to Content
Therapists answer…

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

A

Avani Thakkar

PMHNP-BC
In-Person Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner to help people navigate mental health challenges and empower them to improve their lives. Seeing the positive impact of my work and helping patients on their journey to recovery continues to inspire and motivate me every day.
I'm Avani Ketan Thakkar, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. With over 17 years of experience, I have dedicated my career to helping people from diverse backgrounds improve their mental health. I specialize in psychopharmacology and have a deep understanding of mental health medications. My passion lies in providing personalized care to my patients. Whether it's working with someone facing trauma, depression, anxiety, or personality disorders, I focus on creating a trusting relationship to develop effective treatment plans. I also lead mindfulness and meditation sessions. I’ve been teaching for over 20 years. I work closely with a multidisciplinary team to ensure the best outcomes for our patients. I also mentor future nurse practitioners and staff, sharing my knowledge and experience to foster a supportive and knowledgeable healthcare community. In addition to my clinical work, I bring a calm and steady presence to challenging situations, ensuring a safe environment for both patients and staff. My commitment to evidence-based care and continuous learning enables me to provide high-quality support to those in need. I hold multiple degrees, including a Master's in Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, Health Administration, and a Bachelor's in Nursing. My broad educational background and extensive hands-on experience equip me to handle a variety of mental health challenges compassionately and effectively. As a member of several professional nursing associations, I stay updated with the latest practices and standards in mental health care. My dedication to my field has been recognized with numerous awards, and I strive to continue providing top-notch care to my patients everyday.
L

Lynne Fenton

Lynne Fenton, Psychiatrist, MD
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
My background in genetics and psychopharmacology led me to psychiatry, where I discovered my passion for helping individuals manage mental health conditions. What keeps me motivated is seeing the transformation in my patients when they find relief and regain control over their lives. It’s deeply fulfilling to guide people on their mental health journey.
Hello, I’m Dr. Lynne Fenton, a Psychiatrist with 38 years of experience in mental health. My expertise lies in treating a wide range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, and bipolar disorder. I’m passionate about providing personalized care, using a combination of medication management and psychotherapy to create tailored treatment plans. I completed my medical training at the University of Colorado, and I hold board certifications in psychiatry. Over the years, I’ve also been dedicated to teaching and mentoring new health professionals. I believe in working collaboratively with patients to address both their mental and physical health needs. Whether you’re navigating complex diagnoses or seeking therapy, I’m here to help guide you on your path to wellness. Feel free to contact me via my website or email. I look forward to helping you achieve your mental health goals! Treatment philosophy: In our first session, I will take the time to fully understand your unique situation before recommending any treatment. My goal is to clearly identify your challenges and collaborate with you on a plan that may include medication, therapy, or other helpful interventions. I’m here to answer all your questions and ensure you feel supported as we work together to improve your mental health.
C

Courtney Simmons-Matthews

Courtney Simmons-Matthews, MSN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C
Online & In-Person
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner because I believe in the power of holistic care. Helping others overcome mental health challenges and addiction is my calling, and I’m motivated by the positive transformations I witness when clients regain control over their lives and well-being.
Greetings, my name is Courtney Simmons-Matthews. I am a Dual-Certified Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 26 years of experience. My passion is providing holistic, patient-centered care by integrating primary care, mental health, and addiction services. My goal is to create a safe, supportive environment where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered. I believe that mental health and addiction are best managed through a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and a strong therapeutic relationship. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or substance use disorders, I will walk with you through each challenge. Together, we will identify the root causes of your symptoms and work toward meaningful solutions. Managing the health of others is my ministry, and I'm committed to helping you achieve your best mental health. Treatment philosophy: At Pilgrimage of Hope, I focus on treating you as an individual, not just a diagnosis. I emphasize safety, trust, and compassion, providing a personalized treatment plan that integrates both psychotherapy and medication management. By creating a non-judgmental space for open dialogue, we can identify the root causes of your concerns and work toward lasting change. My goal is to foster hope, healing, and a healthier, more fulfilling life for each of my clients.
C

Celina Egemasi

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Open to your mental health needs.
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist because I have a deep-seated passion for helping people navigate their mental health journeys. Witnessing the transformative power of therapy in the lives of individuals is incredibly rewarding. Knowing that I can provide a safe and supportive space for someone to explore their emotions, challenges, and aspirations is truly fulfilling. What motivates me to continue is the knowledge that mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being. Seeing my clients make progress, gain insight, and ultimately lead more fulfilling lives is a constant source of inspiration. Additionally, the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to live their best life keeps me committed to this profession. It's an honor to be a part of someone's healing process and to contribute to their path towards greater mental and emotional well-being.
I'm Dr. Egemasi, a Dual Board-Certified Family and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I believe in a dignified, integrative approach to healing. With over a decade of experience, I specialize in treating (but not limited to) Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, and ADHD. My practice is marked by a commitment to individualized care, whether through traditional psychiatric medications or alternative approaches such as natural treatments, supplements, and lifestyle modifications. With a background spanning behavioral health, primary care, urgent care, emergency room, and internal medicine, I bring a comprehensive understanding to my practice. I offer extended office hours during the week, ensuring that I can meet the unique needs of my patients. I have a dedicated team focused on creating innovative, personalized treatment plans for patients of all ages. By working closely with each client, we develop tailored strategies to achieve their mental health goals. Experience the difference of a holistic, integrated, and compassionate approach to mental health care. Choose me, Dr. Egemasi, for a journey towards healing and well-being.
S

Solomon Abebe

PMHNP, APRN
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist because I’ve always been passionate about helping people navigate the complexities of their mental health. During my experience in critical care and bedside nursing, I saw firsthand how mental well-being directly affects physical health. This inspired me to pursue psychiatric mental health care, where I could focus on providing support and treatment to those struggling with mental health challenges. What motivates me to continue is seeing the positive impact I can make in someone’s life, helping them find stability, and guiding them toward a path of recovery. Every patient’s journey is unique, and being part of that transformation is deeply fulfilling.
My name is Solomon Abebe, and I am dedicated to providing compassionate and effective healthcare. I currently work as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) at Cape Side Health, a role I've held since June 2023. My journey in healthcare includes varied experiences across hospitals in Georgia, from working as a travel RN at Northside Hospital to supporting patients in critical care at Grady Memorial Hospital. Throughout my career, I have been committed to recording vital patient information, addressing any issues promptly, and delivering comprehensive bedside care. My background also includes time with Emory and Piedmont hospitals, where I honed my skills in diverse medical settings. I hold a degree from Georgia State University and continue to stay updated with the latest in healthcare to ensure my patients receive top-notch care. My focus is on making my patients feel heard, safe, and well-cared for in their healthcare journey.
R

Rita Asiegbunam

Rita Asiegbunam, APRN,PMHNP-BC
Online & In-Person
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 people’s lives. My passion lies in helping individuals struggling with mental health challenges and substance use disorders, especially those in underserved communities. Seeing my patients regain control, find hope, and improve their quality of life keeps me motivated every day. My goal is to continue providing compassionate, evidence-based care that empowers lasting healing and recovery.
Hello! I'm Rita Asiegbunam, a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a career spanning over 15 years. I focus on delivering exceptional care to mental health patients, veterans, and underserved communities. My professional journey started with an Associate Degree in Nursing and progressed to a Master's in Nursing specializing in Psychiatric Mental Health from Maryville University. I am passionate about providing comprehensive mental health assessments and personalized care. My expertise includes medication management and working closely with an interdisciplinary team to ensure the best possible outcomes for my patients. I have a strong ability to handle high-pressure situations calmly and ethically. I take pride in my organizational skills and excellent communication with patients and healthcare team members. Fluent in English and Igbo, I aim to make every patient feel understood and supported. In my practice, I emphasize patient-centered care and continually strive to enhance the quality of services through collaboration and innovation. I look forward to making a positive impact on the mental well-being of all my patients. Treatment philosophy: My treatment philosophy centers on compassionate, patient-centered care. I strive to foster genuine connections with my patients, understanding their unique journeys and challenges. With over 15 years of experience caring for diverse populations, including veterans and underserved communities, I prioritize personalized assessments and treatment plans. I believe in a holistic approach, addressing both mental health and substance use issues through collaboration with an interdisciplinary team. My goal is to empower patients by providing education and support, guiding them on their path to recovery. Together, we can overcome obstacles and achieve lasting wellness.