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Therapists answer…

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

Vincent RennaV

Vincent Renna

APRN
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner to advocate for mental wellness and provide care to underserved communities. Seeing patients overcome challenges and grow motivates me to continue making a difference in their lives.
I am a dedicated Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a deep passion for strengthening mental health across diverse communities and advocating for lifelong learning and growth. I have experience treating a wide range of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, PTSD, sleep disorders, and substance use disorders. With a background in treating individuals of all ages—children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients—I’ve worked in a variety of settings, including inpatient wards, outpatient clinics, telehealth, and crisis centers. Growing up in the countryside, I understand the value of community and the unique challenges rural areas face in accessing quality healthcare. My upbringing taught me the importance of hard work, empathy, and family—values I bring into my practice every day. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family, exploring nature through hiking, and staying active to maintain my own mental and physical health. My mission extends beyond the clinical setting. I am committed to connecting with individuals in rural communities and beyond, especially those who face barriers in accessing mental health services. Through the convenience of telehealth, I strive to break down those barriers, offering support to anyone on their path toward mental wellness, regardless of their location. I hope that through my practice, you'll feel the commitment and care I bring to each encounter. Your mental health journey is valued and supported every step of the way as we work together towards healing and growth.
Ekaete OyekaE

Ekaete Oyeka

MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist to contribute to the improvement of community health. My motivation lies in helping individuals overcome mental health challenges, promoting positive change, and witnessing the transformative impact on their lives. Continuous learning ensures I stay abreast of the latest advancements to serve my clients better.
Welcome to a space where your mental health and well-being are the top priority. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a passion for understanding and addressing your unique psychological needs. My journey in tele-psychiatry has equipped me to expertly conduct psychiatric evaluations, ensuring that you receive personalized care tailored to your situation. I believe in the power of communication and collaboration, which is why I always strive to create a care plan that aligns with your health goals. My approach is grounded in professionalism, empathy, and respect for your confidentiality. With a strong foundation in technology, I utilize the latest electronic health record systems to maintain accurate and timely documentation of your progress. My proficiency in an array of software tools means that no matter where you are, you can count on efficient and secure care. My commitment to excellence in nursing and leadership is reflected in my affiliations with prestigious societies such as the American Nurses Association, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, and the American Psychiatric Nurses Association. As a lifelong learner, I continue to expand my knowledge and skills to serve you better. Let's work together towards a healthier mind and a happier life.
Courtney Simmons-MatthewsC

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.
Marissa SkipperM

Marissa Skipper

MSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker Intern

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

So I got started in therapy because I saw the difference that it made in my own life. I just experienced the longing to change some of my habits and some of my unhealthy ways of thinking and when I saw that it was possible. I just wanted to share it with other people and let other people know that there is hope, and that you can change. And I just really wanted to be part of that. I love coming alongside of people, empowering them, helping them to believe in themselves. Yeah, so I just really believe in the power to change, and I really want to spread that hope to as many people as I can.
Amanda RussoA

Amanda Russo

Licensed Professional Counselor
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
My journey into therapy stems from a deep-seated passion for helping others and advocating for marginalized communities, particularly neurodivergent individuals. The satisfaction of making a positive impact on someone's life, witnessing their growth, and seeing them overcome challenges is incredibly rewarding. My motivation stems from a genuine desire to facilitate change, promote mental wellness, and empower individuals to lead meaningful lives. Every client I work with inspires me to continue my work, reminding me of the resilience and strength of the human spirit. Additionally, my personal interests in neuroscience and psychology fuel my ongoing dedication to staying informed about the latest research and therapeutic approaches, ensuring that I provide the highest quality care to my clients.
Hi there! My name is Amanda Russo and I’m the clinical director of Balanced Life Solutions. I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC). I’ve lived in the Dallas/Fort Worth area my whole life. I went to The University of Texas in Dallas and obtained a Bachelor’s in Child Learning and Development and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. During undergrad, I entered an internship working with autistic children, which spurred my love for working with the neurodivergent community. I then went on to study at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center where I received a Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling. It was during my time at UTSW that I discovered my passion for neuropsychological and educational assessment where I worked for both the UTSW Psychological Services Department and the Parkland Trauma Unit. After school, I went on to work in several private practices, local community mental health clinics and public schools. In addition to being a counselor, I’m also a certified teacher in elementary education, special education, and school counseling. I’m extremely passionate about advocating for the appropriate educational services for children with special needs. After working for the schools, I did neuroscience research and treatment for divergent social cognition with the University of Texas at Dallas’ Brain Performance Institute. There, I utilized technology to provide treatment in an online interface, focusing on improving childrens’ ability to understand other peoples’ thoughts and implicit social information. Additionally, I gave presentations around the DFW metroplex focusing on how educators and parents could help foster social cognition. I have expertise in neurodivergent diagnoses including autism, ADHD, and learning differences including gifted learners. Additionally, I have a strong passion for working with neurodivergent women and AFAB individuals as they are chronically under- and misdiagnosed due to their presentation of symptoms. When I’m not counseling, I love spending time with my three children. I also enjoy singing, traveling, and reading books, especially on the topics of neuroscience and psychology.