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Therapists answer…

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

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

Makesa ToureM

Makesa Toure

Makesa Toure PMHNP-BC,APRN,CRNP
Online & In-Person
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist because I have a deep passion for helping people navigate the challenges of mental health and discover their strength and resilience. Witnessing the transformation in my patients' lives—whether it’s overcoming anxiety, managing depression, or achieving a healthier outlook—fuels my motivation every day. The opportunity to provide compassion, understanding, and practical solutions inspires me to keep learning, growing, and making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Hello! I'm Makesa Toure, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner serving Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. I specialize in diagnosing and treating behavioral health disorders in adults, offering services such as medication management, therapy coordination, and personalized treatment planning. My approach blends compassion with professional expertise to ensure that every patient receives individualized care tailored to their needs. Throughout my career, I’ve worked in a variety of healthcare settings, including those addressing opioid addiction, mental health crises, and chronic conditions. This diverse experience has strengthened my ability to connect with patients from all walks of life. I believe in fostering open communication and creating a safe, supportive space where patients feel heard and understood. I hold a Master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Immaculate University. With advanced training in psychopharmacology and emergency response, I am dedicated to offering the highest standard of care. Collaboration is central to my practice. I work closely with counselors, healthcare teams, and community organizations to promote holistic, patient-centered mental health care. Whether in-person or via telemedicine, my goal is to make psychiatric services accessible and effective for all who need them. Outside of work, I’m passionate about health education and disease prevention, working to empower communities with knowledge and resources for better overall well-being. I’m here to listen, support, and partner with you on your journey to mental wellness. Together, we can create a healthier future. Treatment Philosophy I believe in treating the whole person, not just their symptoms. My philosophy centers on compassion, collaboration, and patient empowerment. By fostering a safe, supportive environment, I help my patients feel heard and understood. Each care plan is tailored to individual needs, ensuring personalized treatment that promotes long-term recovery. I work closely with multidisciplinary teams to provide holistic, integrated care, and I am committed to empowering patients with the tools and knowledge for lasting mental wellness. Specialties & Conditions Mental Health Psychotherapy Depression Anxiety Bipolar disorders PTSD ADHD Insomnia Relationship issues Family counseling Mood disorders Trauma Panic attacks Substance use disorder Personality disorder Grief and Loss Counseling Addiction Schizophrenia Treatment approach Psychopharmacology for mental health treatments Collaborative care with multi-disciplinary teams Individualized treatment care plans for patients Crisis intervention and management strategies Education on medication and disease prevention Psychiatric evaluations and assessments Cognitive behavioral therapy for addictions Mindfulness approaches in addiction recovery Trauma Focused Psychoanalytic Solution Focused Brief (SFBT) Psychodynamic Structural Family Interpersonal Motivational Interviewing Insurance Aetna Cigna Humana Medicare Blue Cross Blue Shield UnitedHealthcare Optum Medicaid Oscar Health MultiPlan Capital Blue Cross Pennsylvania Independence Blue Cross Pennsylvania Oxford
Yanet FerroY

Yanet Ferro

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & In-Person
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
My journey in nursing began with a passion for patient care, which evolved into a focus on mental health. Witnessing the positive impact of tailored treatment plans and empathetic support on patients' lives motivates me to continue. The progress and resilience of my patients inspire me to advocate for their mental health and strive for continuous improvement in my practice.
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!
Peace BanksP

Peace Banks

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 because I have a profound passion for helping individuals achieve mental wellness and stability. My motivation stems from witnessing the transformative impact of effective treatment on people's lives. Whether through medication management, therapy, or crisis intervention, I find fulfillment in supporting clients as they navigate challenges and work towards their goals.
Hello! I'm Dr. Peace I. Banks, a dedicated psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with a passion for guiding individuals towards better mental wellness. With over ten years of specialized experience in mental health and a solid foundation of eighteen years as a registered nurse, my mission is simple: to help you find stability and peace of mind on your journey to mental health. I proudly hold a Doctor in Nursing Practice degree from Aspen University, which equips me with the latest in evidence-based research to empower our community and beyond. My background includes extensive telehealth services through my practice at PeaceHaven Behavioral Center, where I provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and medication management for clients aged 13 and up. In addition to my private practice, I serve the MHMR of Tarrant County, where I work with underserved individuals 17 and older, responding to crises and collaborating closely with a multidisciplinary team to ensure comprehensive care, including substance use treatment. My experience spans various settings, from intensive care and surgical units to emergency mental health care, always with a focus on compassionate patient care. As an educator and mentor to graduate students and 4th year nursing students, I'm committed to nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals. Your mental health is my top priority, and I'm here to support you with personalized care tailored to your unique needs. Let's work together towards a healthier, happier you.
Kelly StephensK

Kelly Stephens

Licensed Clinical Social Workder
Online & In-Person
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist because I am passionate about helping individuals and families grow and become more resilient. The opportunity to support people through their toughest times and see their progress and healing is incredibly fulfilling. What motivates me to continue is the profound impact I can make on people's lives, the continuous learning and improvement in my field, and the collaborative efforts with community agencies to address multifaceted needs. Creating an environment of trust and healing for my clients is a constant source of inspiration and dedication.
Welcome! I'm deeply passionate about fostering growth and resilience within individuals and families. With years of dedicated experience as a therapist and clinical supervisor, my journey has been rich with opportunities to support children, adolescents, and adults through comprehensive counseling services. My expertise lies in conducting thorough assessments that pave the way for personalized therapy, whether it's one-on-one, with families, or in group settings. Crisis counseling is an area where I've made a significant impact, offering immediate support when it's most needed. I take pride in my collaborative approach, working closely with various community agencies to address the multifaceted needs of youth and their families. As a former Clinical Director, I've led teams with a focus on clear communication and efficient service referral processes. My background also includes conducting detailed audits and ensuring compliance with health standards—tasks that underscore my commitment to excellence in care. I believe in continuous improvement and have overseen training programs to enhance the skills of healthcare providers. My role often extends into strategic planning, where I review and approve marketing plans to ensure they align with our mission of providing exceptional care. In every aspect of my work, from administration to direct patient care, I strive to create an environment of trust and healing. Let's navigate your path to wellness together.
Melisa AlabaM

Melisa Alaba

Licensed Professional Counselor & Breakthrough Coach
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
Hi, I’m Melisa Brave Woman, Mom, cancer survivor, Breakthrough Coach, Money Maven and resilient badass Black woman. I know what it’s like to lose something you love and experience your entire life flipping upside down as you try to figure out who you’re supposed to be now. Going through cancer and a divorce at the same time was a serious wakeup call. Life was saying, “It’s time to heal old wounds and reach for new dreams.” I went through all the same “quick fixes” you’ve probably tried (therapy, meditation, heck, you probably don’t want to see the notes I wrote in a couple of those self-help books everyone was talking about at the time.) But it was only when I decided that I had to work on me as a whole rather than work on different parts of me that I started to see the shift. During that time, I discovered healing had to involve my finances. I started by rebuilding my financial foundation, asking for more in my business and for the support I needed at home. This opened up the possibility to recover my entire life. Being Rich and Worthy is knowing we can be emotionally, physically, spiritually, and financially abundant. We get to be whole. Through that self-healing journey, I learned about energetic healing and how to release old trauma. However, it was only when I started studying how to heal in my finances and applying abundance principles to my entire life that I noticed a big shift in confidence.
Hello! I'm Melisa Alaba, a passionate Life and Money Coach dedicated to empowering high-achieving professionals and entrepreneur women of color like you. My mission is to help you heal from imposter syndrome, low confidence, and money trauma while guiding you towards creating a healthy, purposeful business and life that aligns with your soul.
Jane ParkJ

Jane Park

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 passion for supporting individuals in their mental health journeys and helping them navigate life's challenges. Witnessing the transformative power of therapy and the courage of those who seek help inspired me to pursue this path. My motivation to continue comes from seeing clients’ resilience and progress, as well as the meaningful difference I can make in their lives. Fostering connections and providing compassionate care fuels my commitment to being there for others as they work toward mental wellness.
Hello! I'm Jane Park, a dedicated Marriage and Family Therapist with licenses in Washington, California, Pennsylvania, Florida, Maryland, Georgia, Colorado, Nevada, Texas, Delaware, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Arkansas, and Indiana. I have a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor's in Clinical Psychology from UC San Diego. With over five years of experience, I provide compassionate mental health services to primarily individuals. Currently, I work part-time with Meru Health and have opened up my private practice to see clients in Washington. Previously, I served as a Medical Case Manager and Acute Therapist at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, helping patients navigate complex social and medical challenges. I also have a huge interest in food service and have worked at several bakeries, kitchens, and even as a barista. Throughout my career, I've been passionate about supporting people who are at a crossroads for change. It takes a lot of courage and vulnerability to strive for this change in mental health and I hope to support clients in providing a safe and empathetic space to explore some of these areas for growth and change. Shame is one of the greatest barriers to change, and I hope that we can compassionately and nonjudgmentally speak about these areas for growth and I will be right alongside with you in your journey! I believe in using evidence-based practices to foster recovery and well-being and use cognitive behavioral therapy, drawing patterns between situations triggering thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I love to explore the values, beliefs, and experiences that create a person's worldview and interaction with others so that they can be empowered to make informed choices. I am fluent in English and conversational in Korean. I'm here to help you navigate life's challenges with care and expertise. Let's work together to achieve your mental health goals. *Specialties •Mental Health *Conditions treated •Depression •Anxiety •PTSD •Relationship issues •Trauma •Mood disorders •Stress •Codependency •Coping Skills •Family Conflict •Life Transitions •Self Esteem •ADD/ADHD *Treatment philosophy I believe that in this busy world with life's responsibilities, mental health and emotions often get overlooked, but with neglecting one's emotions, they build up and can even worsen! If you have reached a point where you feelings and behaviors feel overwhelming and out of control, I am here to help you to reconnect with yourself, explore these lost emotions, and embrace all parts of yourself. In the session, you will be slowing down to connect with these emotions, while exploring what thoughts and beliefs fuel your behaviors. I will create a safe space for you to reflect on stress points, and find a way to break out of these triggering situations that can feel like relentless cycles. *Treatment approach •Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT) •Culturally Sensitive •Eclectic •Humanistic •Trauma-Focused •Person-Focused
Akemi McGooganA

Akemi McGoogan

Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist because I’ve experienced the struggles many women face, and I’m passionate about helping others overcome them. What motivates me to continue is seeing the incredible resilience of the human spirit and the transformation that occurs when women embrace change and step into their power. It’s an honor to support women on their journey to renewal and fulfillment.
Hi there! I'm Akemi, and I've been helping amazing women like you for the past 18 years as a therapist, coach, speaker and author. Think of me as your personal cheerleader, here to support you through the ups and downs of life. I absolutely love working with women who are struggling in their careers, feeling overwhelmed by life's pressures, dealing with anxiety or depression, or just feeling lost. Why? Because I've been there too! I know what it's like to face these challenges, and I'm passionate about helping you navigate them with confidence and grace. As a holistic coach, I focus on helping you renew your mind, body, and spirit. This means we'll work together to create a balanced approach to your well-being. The only prerequisite to work with me is to be ready to do the work and embrace change. I will guide you through the rest: from identifying your goals to developing actionable steps, and providing the support and encouragement you need along the way. You don't have to have everything figured out—just come with an open heart and a willingness to grow, and we will take it from there. It would be my pleasure to support you on your journey. (I do not prescribe medication)
Jasmine WasifJ

Jasmine Wasif

Jasmine Wasif, APRN
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a healthcare provider to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives by offering compassionate, accessible, and quality care. My motivation comes from seeing my patients feel heard, empowered, and healthier through the support I provide. Knowing that I can help individuals improve their well-being, manage chronic conditions, and achieve their health goals keeps me passionate about my work every day.
Hello. I am a dedicated and skilled Advanced Practice Registered Nurse with 15 years of experience in the healthcare industry. Throughout my career, I have worked in various settings, including telehealth, weight loss, fertility, medical surgery, telemedicine, post-acute rehab, nursing homes and home health. My mission is to provide competent care with a spirit of service, always ensuring that I LISTEN attentively to my patients and deliver excellent customer service to the best of my abilities. I am fluent in English, Urdu and Hindi, I am able to effectively communicate with patients from diverse linguistic backgrounds. I offer a comprehensive range of services, including general telehealth visits and follow-up appointments for new and existing patients. For those with gynecological concerns, I provide virtual vaginal infection visits, virtual yeast infection visits and virtual UTI consults. In the area of sexual health, I offer STD management consults. I also provide video chronic disease consults, virtual COVID-19 treatment with paxlovid, but not ivermectin or hydroxychloroquine. I can provide annual wellness assessments, but cannot fill wellness forms for work/school as I cannot see you in person. I offer prescription refill visits and virtual skin consults. My patient care style is characterized by empathy, attentiveness and a genuine commitment to service. By prioritizing my patients' needs and listening closely to their concerns, I ensure that each person receives personalized and compassionate care tailored to his/her individual requirements. Treatment philosophy I am committed exceptional customer service through listening to my patients and involving them in their plan of care. I teach whenever there is a need for education on illnesses and am open to answer all questions.