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Therapists answer…

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

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Darrin Gooding

I am an Experienced Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Come Experience Exceptional Care at Gooding Health and Wellness. We offer personalized psychiatric care tailored to meet all your mental health needs.
Online Therapy
I'm dedicated to promoting mental health awareness, reducing stigma surrounding mental illness, and advocating for access to equitable mental health care for all individuals. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I am passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of my patients and helping them achieve their full potential. In my practice, I utilize evidence-based interventions such as psychotherapy, medication management, and lifestyle modifications to address the unique needs of each individual. I am committed to staying current with the latest research and advancements in psychiatric care to ensure that my patients receive the highest quality of care possible. *Specialties Mental Health *Conditions treated •Depression •Anxiety •Bipolar disorders •PTSD •ADHD *Practice description We offer personalized psychiatric care tailored to meet all your mental health needs. From routine assessments to specialized treatments, and mental health medication services, our team is here to support your well-being and journey toward mental wellness. We conduct thorough psychiatric evaluations to understand each individual's unique needs, concerns, and goals. These assessments help us formulate personalized treatment plans tailored to promote optimal mental well-being. Our nurse practitioner skillfully manages psychotropic medications, working closely with patients to monitor efficacy and address side effects. Please note, we do not prescribe controlled substances like Adderall, Suboxone, or Xanax. *Treatment philosophy My approach to patient care is holistic, taking into account the biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to mental well-being. I believe in building a strong therapeutic relationship with my patients based on trust, empathy, and respect. By actively listening to their concerns and collaborating with them to develop a personalized treatment plan, I strive to empower individuals to take an active role in their own mental health journey. In my practice, I utilize evidence-based interventions such as psychotherapy, medication management, and lifestyle modifications to address the unique needs of each individual. *Treatment approach •Person-Focused •Eclectic
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Mary Blankenship

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Therapy
Accepting new patient in WA, OR, and NM. Do you feel that things just cannot continue this way? Is it becoming harder and harder to get up every day? Some say life is a journey rather than a destination, and for many, the road gets muddy, the sky darkens, and it’s easy to get lost, making it seem impossible to get where you’re trying to go. Are you ready to make a change? Shifting perspective can be a game changer. When I work in partnership with clients, my goal as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner is to assist them on this difficult but rewarding journey. I offer a personalized approach to the diagnosis and treatment of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychotic disturbances, and other disorders. Providing comprehensive care may involve psychotherapy, the use of medications, integrating spirituality or belief systems, and complementary therapies. By managing your mood and correcting unhelpful patterns, we can set you on a brighter and greener pathway together. Feel free to contact me to discuss working together. *Specialties •Adult Psychiatry *Conditions treated •Depression •Anxiety •Bipolar disorders •Schizophrenia •PTSD •ADHD •Insomnia •Chronic Pain •Dementia •Geriatric and Seniors •Life Coaching •Medication Management •Mood Disorders •Obesity •Sleep or Insomnia •Spirituality •Stress •Weight Loss *Treatment philosophy When I work in partnership with clients, my goal as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner is to assist them on their life journey. I offer a personalized approach to the diagnosis and treatment of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychotic disturbances, and other disorders. I believe everyone has the ability to manage their problems and I work to guide them on the journey to achieving this. *Treatment approach •Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT) •Culturally Sensitive •Emotionally Focused •Mindfulness-Based(MBCT) •Person-Focused •Interpersonal •Motivational Interviewing •Solution Focused Brief (SFBT) *Insurance •Optum •Kaiser Permanente •Aetna •Cigna •Blue Cross Blue Shield •Providence Health Plan •Pacific Source •First Choice Health
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Jennifer Cesar

I am a Compassionate Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner committed to empowering mental health and wellness
Online Therapy
Hello! My name is Jennifer Cesar and I am a the owner of Piece of Peace Psychiatry. With a passion for mental health and patient care, I have dedicated my career to helping individuals overcome challenges and achieve overall well-being. As a family and psychiatric nurse practitioner, I have obtained multiple degrees and advanced training and education in both nursing and psychiatry. This unique combination allows me to provide comprehensive mental health care. In my experience, I have had the privilege of working with diverse populations and addressing a wide range of mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD and postpartum anxiety/depression. My approach to patient care is holistic, patient-centered, and collaborative. I believe in building a strong therapeutic relationship with each individual I work with, as it forms the foundation for effective treatment. I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space where individuals can openly discuss their concerns and work towards their mental health goals. As a black Caribbean woman, I understand the importance of destigmatizing mental health and continuously strive for my patients to feel heard. I am truly honored to be a part of the mental health field and make a positive impact on the lives of those I serve. It is my goal to provide compassionate and evidence-based care to help individuals achieve optimal mental health and improve their quality of life. Thank you for taking the time to learn a little bit about me. I look forward to working with you and supporting you on your mental health journey. *Specialties •Mental Health *Conditions treated •Depression •Anxiety •PTSD •ADHD •Trauma •Panic attacks •Mood disorders *Treatment philosophy As a PMHNP and woman of color, my treatment philosophy centers on the principles of cultural competence, holistic care, and empowerment. I believe in creating a safe and inclusive environment where patients feel heard and respected, recognizing the unique challenges faced by individuals from diverse backgrounds. I advocate for a collaborative approach to mental health, emphasizing the importance of understanding each patient's personal experiences, cultural context, and social determinants of health. My goal is to empower patients by fostering self-advocacy, providing education, and encouraging them to take an active role in their treatment journey. Together, we can work towards achieving mental wellness and a deeper understanding of one's self. *Treatment approach •Culturally Sensitive •Emotionally Focused •Trauma-Focused •Person-Focused •Humanistic
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Eucharia Mbagwu

DNP,APRN,CRNP,PMHNP-BC
Online & In-Person
I am Dr. Eucharia Mbagwu, a dedicated and experienced healthcare provider passionate about psychiatric mental healthcare. As a Doctor of Nursing Practice and board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I bring over 30 years of diverse nursing experience to my practice. I am very committed to providing compassionate and patient-centered care to individuals and families in the areas of depression, bipolar, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, sleep disorders, and other mental health issues. I am skilled in comprehensive mental health assessment and medication management and ensure that my patients receive personalized treatment plans that best meet their needs. Throughout my impressive career, I have worked in various challenging environments and consistently strived to improve patient outcomes using evidence-based practices, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, in the treatment of anxiety and depression. I pride myself on my excellent communication skills and ability to build strong patient relationships. At Harmony Mental Health & Wellness Services, I provide thoughtful, trauma-informed care for needy patients. I am adept at performing psychiatric evaluations, prescribing medications, and offering therapeutic sessions while empowering patients to participate in treatment modalities for their care. I hold advanced licenses and certifications, reflecting my dedication to staying current in healthcare. Beyond my professional expertise, I am known for creating a nonjudgmental and supportive atmosphere in patient interactions, ensuring that all individuals feel heard and respected. If you’re looking for a compassionate healthcare provider who truly cares about your mental well-being, I am here to help. Treatment philosophy At the heart of my practice is a commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care. We believe in establishing trust and open communication with each patient, ensuring they feel heard and understood. Our approach focuses on individual needs and their unique backgrounds. We value patient advocacy and satisfaction, aiming to create a safe space for healing. Treatment approach • Patient-Centered Approach • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy • Medication Management • Trauma-Focused • Culturally Sensitive • Coaching/Teaching
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Rose-Estelle Celestin-Obas

Compassionate Adult/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience in treating & managing Hypertension, Diabetes, Weight loss and anxiety.
Online & In-Person
Hello! I'm Rose-Estelle T. Celestin-Obas, your dedicated and empathetic healthcare provider. Since diving into the healthcare field in 2010 and qualifying as a Nurse Practitioner in 2019, I've amassed a wealth of experience—14 years as a Registered Nurse and 5 years specializing in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care. My expertise spans managing a range of health conditions, from hypertension and diabetes to mental health concerns, urinary tract infections, heart disease, and providing support after childbirth. With a deep-rooted passion for nursing, I take pride in offering comprehensive care that's both personal and professional. Beyond the clinic walls, my career has taken me into psychiatric and medical research, as well as delivering top-notch care directly to patients in the comfort of their homes. Today, I'm thrilled to lead Obas Lab Diagnostics, my very own venture. Here we embrace innovation through in-person and telehealth services, including DNA testing, clinical lab work, drug testing for DOT and non-DOT purposes, infectious disease screening, and weight loss treatment and management. Communication is key in healthcare, which is why I speak English and Haitian-Creole fluently, and also have a basic understanding of French. Let's work together towards your best health, because ultimately, Your Health is my focus! *Specialties •Internal Medicine •Mental Health •Geriatrics •Infectious Disease Medicine •Critical Care Medicine •Pharmacy •Nursing •Urgent Care •General Practice •Preventive Medicine •Gynecology *Conditions treated •Schizophrenia •Anxiety •Depression •Chest pain •Hypertension •Fever •Cough •Diabetes management •Abdominal pain •Fatigue •Shortness of breath •Diabetes •Urinary issues •Sexually transmitted diseases •HIV/AIDS •Arthritis •Medication management •Dementia •UTIs •Routine health maintenance •Routine checkup •Acute kidney injury •Menstrual pain •Abnormal bleeding •Breast examination •Joint pain •Injections •Health assessment •Vital signs monitoring •Medication administration •Patient education •Postoperative care •Prescription refill •Medication consultation •Medication side effects •Travel medications •Minor injuries •Flu symptoms •Sore throat •Allergies •Dehydration •Persistent cough •Diarrhea •Common cold •Back pain •Annual check-up •Abdominal symptoms •Covid •Headache •Weight management •Preventive care education •Chronic disease management *Treatment approach •Culturally Sensitive •Humanistic •Emotionally Focused •Person-Focused •Mindfulness-Based(MBCT) •Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT)
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LOUISA NDAMUKONG

MD
Online Therapy
Dr. Louisa Apongse Ayafor is a dedicated and compassionate psychiatrist based in Virginia and North Carolina. With a rich history in psychiatry, she currently serves as a Staff Psychiatrist at ECU Health, Roanoke Chowan Hospital. Previously, she was the Medical Director and Department Chair at Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center. Dr. Ayafor earned her Doctorate of Medicine from the University of St. Eustatius School of Medicine, where she was recognized for her academic excellence. Licensed in both Virginia and North Carolina, Dr. Ayafor is board certified in psychiatric medicine. She specializes in behavioral medicine and is passionate about offering support to patients seeking mental health care. Her professional journey has been highlighted by leadership roles, including her time as Chief Resident in Psychiatry at East Carolina University. Beyond medicine, Dr. Ayafor actively participates in community services and holds membership in several professional organizations, such as the American Psychiatric Association. Her dedication to mental health is matched by her commitment to promoting holistic well-being, making her a reliable and empathetic partner in your mental health journey. Specialties Adult Psychiatry Conditions treated ADHD Anxiety Bipolar disorders Depression PTSD Schizophrenia Treatment philosophy As a psychiatrist, my approach prioritizes compassionate, patient-centered care. Understanding each patient’s unique story and challenges is the foundation for effective treatment. I engage collaboratively with my patients, fostering open communication to build trust and create a safe space for healing. My core values revolve around faith, empathy, respect, and inclusivity. I strive to empower my patients, involving them in their treatment journey. My specialties in psychiatric medicine guide my methods, focusing on evidence-based practices and holistic strategies to address mental health needs. I also use biblical counseling and prayer with clients open to that approach. Together, we can navigate the path to wellness and recovery. Treatment approach Psychopharmacology-focused treatment Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Holistic approaches to mental health Mindfulness-Based interventions Culturally competent care practices Personalized treatment plans Community-based mental health strategies Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT) Culturally Sensitive Coaching Mindfulness-Based(MBCT) Person-Focused Emotionally Focused