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Therapists answer…

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

Olushola BalogunO

Olushola Balogun

APRN, PMHNP-BC
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist because I saw the profound impact that mental health care can have on individuals and their families. Having worked in various settings—psychiatry, corrections, rehabilitation—I realized how critical compassionate care is for those facing mental health challenges. What motivates me to continue is seeing my clients progress and achieve a better quality of life. Mental health, like physical health, is vital, and I am driven by the opportunity to support my clients in their journey toward healing, resilience, and empowerment. Helping others find balance and joy in their lives gives me a sense of purpose every day.
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.
Amy ReadA

Amy Read

Board Certified Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I am an Adult & Geriatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. I provide consultation, evaluation, and medication management for mental health conditions. There was a time in my life when I was struggling with my own symptoms. Because of this experience, I gained knowledge, and now I want to help others reclaim their lives, just as I did.
My name is Amy Read and I am an Adult & Geriatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. I have specialized my interests in health & wellness after years of struggling with my own symptoms ... symptoms of pain, brain fog, IBS, difficulty with focus, no ability to concentration, a very forgetful memory, and so many more. Luckily, I was cleared of anything life threating. Because of my personal challenges, I found functional medicine. I found a way to "cure" myself and reclaim my life. It was hard. It took a lot of time. It took work. It took family support. Now I am able to live again and I have many roles and titles, the best of which is being a mother to 6 beautiful children. I love the sun and the beach, if I have a day off that's where you'll find me! The water is mesmerizing and the sun enlightens my soul! I am now a functional medicine practitioner nurse practitioner and bring over 25 years of experience into my practice. Functional medicine has saved my life and become my passion for helping others. My own triumphs and trials with depression, anxiety, ADHD, food sensitivities and fibromyalgia allow me to have a deep understanding of what my clients are going through and what they need to have in order to achieve the life of their dreams. Through my programs, clients who are committed and ready for change, are able to obtain optimal health and wellness.​
Cynthia L VieraC

Cynthia L Viera

LPCC
Online & In-Person
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I was a college faculty for 25 years and when I decided to retire I decided to try something that had always been of interest to me while I was teaching. A few years before I retired, I started taking counseling classes and completed a Master of Arts in Counseling in 2014. I became independently licensed in 2016 after completing a 2 year internship period. I very much like the process of helping someone grow and develop and find their own path for their future.
I am a licensed professional counselor with my home in Upland, California. I am licensed in California, Arizona, Texas and New Mexico and am currently doing remote counseling only. I have experience in addiction, trauma, anxiety, grief and loss, anger management and life transitions. I am multi-culturally sensitive and LGBTQIA+ affirming. I was born in El Paso, Texas and both my parents are Mexican-American. I moved to California in 2021 after living in Arizona for 30 years. I am bilingual Spanish-English and can provide therapy services in Spanish. My graduate education includes a doctoral (Ph.D.) degree in Experimental Psychology from Arizona State University (1989) and a Master of Arts degree in Counseling (2014) from Ottawa University. Before I entered the counseling profession, I was residential faculty at Phoenix College teaching classes in Psychology, Sociology and Women's Studies for 25 years.
Courtney CarmonaC

Courtney Carmona

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist because I’ve always had a deep desire to help people navigate through the challenges life throws at them. Witnessing the resilience of individuals, even in the face of overwhelming adversity, inspired me to pursue a career where I could provide support, healing, and guidance. I’m passionate about being there for people when they need it most and helping them find strength within themselves. What motivates me to continue is seeing the growth and progress my clients make. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of someone’s journey, to watch them regain hope, develop new skills, and thrive. Even small breakthroughs remind me why this work is so meaningful. Every person I work with teaches me something new, and that shared process of learning and healing continues to inspire me.
Hello, I'm Courtney Carmona, a dedicated Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 12 years of experience in healthcare. My nursing journey has taken me through urgent care, pediatric care, and nursing education. I am passionate about providing quality care and pride myself on strong assessment and patient care skills. I aim to make patients feel heard and involved in their treatment. I believe in clear, effective communication to ensure that patients and their families fully understand their care plans. Currently, I work at Kaiser Permanente in Los Angeles, where I assess patient conditions, manage treatments, and provide thorough after-care instructions. My background includes advanced degrees in Nursing and a strong foundation in psychology, which helps me connect with patients on a deeper level. With certification as a Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, you can trust that you are in safe, knowledgeable hands. My goal is to work collaboratively with you to achieve the best possible health outcomes. Let's work together on your journey to better health.
Lisa CurtainL

Lisa Curtain

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 am passionate about helping individuals overcome mental health challenges, improve their quality of life, and achieve meaningful personal growth. My motivation stems from the profound impact I can make in people's lives by providing compassionate care, empowering them with knowledge and support, and guiding them towards healing and recovery. I am inspired by the resilience and strength of my clients and am committed to lifelong learning and professional growth to continue elevating the standard of care in mental health services.
Greetings and welcome! In my tenure as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I have had the honor of orchestrating comprehensive patient care, consistently emphasizing a healing and supportive environment. Compassionate care is the cornerstone of my practice; I am devoted to being a constant presence for patients and their families as they navigate their healthcare experiences. My expertise extends through diverse healthcare landscapes, notably within the dynamic realm of psychiatry. In this capacity, I have refined my proficiency in evaluating and addressing patient needs while vigilantly safeguarding against mental health stigma and championing favorable outcomes for individuals facing intricate mental health challenges. Communication stands as a pillar of my approach, ensuring clarity and understanding for you. My dedication lies in empowering you with knowledge regarding your specific mental health concerns, elucidating medication details and mental health concepts in an accessible manner, free from perplexing medical terminology. I am meticulous in the management of patient records, adhering strictly to confidentiality standards such as HIPAA. Recognizing that healthcare is a 24/7 commitment, I extend my support beyond conventional hours to provide continuous care via tele psychiatry. My professional philosophy encompasses mentoring emerging talent and engaging in lifelong learning. By keeping abreast of the latest developments in healthcare and disseminating this knowledge among peers, I contribute significantly to elevating our collective standard of care. To encapsulate, my mission is clear: to be a steadfast source of accurate information, compassionate support, and enduring encouragement as we journey toward optimal health. Your consideration of me as your healthcare ally is deeply appreciated.
Jamie ZinglerJ

Jamie Zingler

Jamie Zingler, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist because I am passionate about mental health and helping people navigate their challenges. Seeing the positive changes in my clients' lives and supporting them on their journey to wellness motivates me to continue providing compassionate, expert care every day.
Hello! My name is Jamie Zingler, and I’m a passionate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner with over 11 years of experience. At JZ Wellness, I focus on delivering compassionate, evidence-based mental health care to individuals of all ages. Whether managing ADHD, anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder, I tailor each treatment to meet the unique needs of my patients. My approach combines medication management and therapeutic interventions, ensuring you receive well-rounded care. I strive to create a supportive, non-judgmental environment where patients feel empowered to take charge of their mental health. I believe that collaboration and patient education are key to achieving long-term wellness. Treatment philosophy: I prioritize a patient-centered, therapeutic approach that integrates evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). By collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, I ensure comprehensive and compassionate care that addresses your mental health needs, fostering a safe space for healing and personal growth.
Mariah EzeM

Mariah Eze

Mariah Eze, PMHNP-BC
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist to make a positive impact on people’s lives, helping them navigate complex mental health challenges with compassion and understanding. What motivates me is the opportunity to be a steady, supportive presence in my patients' lives, guiding them toward healing and self-empowerment.
As a highly skilled Psychiatric Mental Health Provider, I bring a deep and nuanced understanding of complex mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, and ADHD. With years of experience in the field, I have honed my ability to diagnose, treat, and support individuals through their mental health journeys. My expertise lies in creating personalized treatment plans that integrate evidence-based practices with a compassionate approach, ensuring that each patient receives the care and attention they deserve. I am deeply committed to fostering a therapeutic environment that prioritizes emotional intelligence and empathy. I understand that mental health is not just about managing symptoms but also about connecting with patients on a human level. My practice is built on the belief that true healing occurs when patients feel understood, supported, and empowered to take charge of their mental well-being. I take the time to listen actively, validate feelings, and work collaboratively with patients to develop strategies that align with their personal goals and values. Caring for my patients is at the heart of everything I do. I approach each case with a genuine desire to make a positive impact on their lives, guiding them through challenges with patience and understanding. My dedication to ongoing learning ensures that I stay at the forefront of psychiatric care, continually adapting my methods to meet the unique needs of each individual. Whether working with someone experiencing the highs and lows of bipolar disorder, the persistent worries of anxiety, the weight of depression, or the focus challenges of ADHD, I strive to be a steady, compassionate presence in their journey toward mental health. Treatment philosophy: At Providence Behavioral Health, our treatment philosophy is grounded in a holistic and compassionate approach to mental health care. We believe in treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—by integrating evidence-based psychiatric practices with a deep respect for the individual’s unique life experiences and values. As a provider, I prioritize empathy, understanding, and the power of genuine human connection in every interaction. Each patient is treated with the utmost dignity and respect, ensuring that they feel heard, supported, and empowered to take an active role in their healing journey.