Skip to Content
Therapists answer…

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

T

Terry McQuaide

SlinderMinds - LOSE WEIGHT, REGAIN YOU
Online Therapy
Welcome! I'm Terry L. McQuaide, a board-certified Adult Nurse Practitioner with a robust 34-year background in professional nursing. My journey has been marked by a deep commitment to delivering holistic patient care and a passion for nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals. My expertise spans a variety of settings, from providing in-home examinations for Medicare and Medicaid recipients to managing complex chronic diseases that have significantly improved health outcomes. As an operational leader, I've proudly contributed to the growth of healthcare communities by welcoming over 110 new members in one year alone and playing a key role in developing innovative electronic reporting systems. Beyond my leadership roles, my clinical skills are comprehensive, including joint injections, lesion biopsies, wound care, cryotherapy, and women's health services. I take pride in my ability to collaborate with all levels of medical professionals and elevate the knowledge of supportive staff through active participation and engagement. Currently serving at the VAMC Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis, MO, I've embraced the challenge of caring for patients with complex, multi-system issues. Even during the unprecedented times of a global pandemic, I've successfully met and exceeded patient care metrics through diligent telephonic management. I believe that every patient deserves care that is both compassionate and informed by the latest evidence-based medicine. As your healthcare provider, my goal is to ensure you feel heard, cared for, and confident in the health journey we embark on together. *Treatment philosophy I believe that weight loss and optimal weight achievement is possible for everyone. It is my goal and privilege to assist you in regaining the best version of yourself. There will be necessary changes that will occur for you to be able to achieve sustainable and long-term weight loss. We will discuss those changes as you progress toward your goals. Prescription medication is a key element to this success but not the only one. I look forward to partnering with you!
S

Susie Hernandez

Susie Hernandez, LPC
Online Therapy
Hello! I'm Susie Hernandez, a dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor with over 5 years of experience. I strive to break down the cultural barriers surrounding mental health and provide compassionate care to diverse populations. I am passionate to empower my clients to experience a deeper state of healing & wholeness. I believe that the therapeutic relationship between counselor and client must first be a good fit to establish trust which I believe is the first crucial step. I am convinced that for most people, a sense of belonging is foundational to psychological well being. I work with clients that struggle with anxiety, depression, life transitions, and couples therapy. I also strive to improve communication and connection between family members. I believe combining the client's faith and spirituality in to their mental health counseling will help them to recover in their journey. With a Master’s in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University, I am licensed by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors. I have also received specialized training, including “Handle with Care” and CPR. Outside of my professional life, I am deeply committed to community service, having volunteered with organizations like Walk for Life and Hope for Women. I am passionate about my work and continuously strive to become a better counselor every day. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive space where clients can thrive. Let's work together on your journey to better mental health! Specialties Mental Health Christian Counseling OCD Conditions Treated Anxiety Depression Relationship issues Trauma PTSD Grief Nutrition Dating New mom Young adult transition Stress Practice Description We work with clients that struggle with anxiety, depression, life transitions, and couples therapy. I also strive to improve communication and connection between family members. I believe combining the client's faith and spirituality in to their mental health counseling will help them to recover in their journey. Treatment Approach Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT) Culturally Sensitive Person-Focused Coaching RTT Eclectic Person-Focused
A

Aaron Leigh Horton, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, M.S., LPC-A, NCC

Supervised by Bryan C. Duncan, PhD, LPC-S
Online & In-Person
I work with adolescents and adults suffering from mood and anxiety disorders, complex trauma, women’s issues, narcissistic abuse, attachment issues, and personality disorders. I also work with couples to improve communication, develop healthy conflict-resolution skills, and create a long-term family vision and mission that restores harmony in everyday life. I believe psychoeducation and a personalized mental health care plan empower clients to make lasting changes quickly. I create a unique treatment plan for each client with specific, measurable goals. I use therapeutic breathwork, CBT, and DBT to help clients quickly reduce symptoms while evaluating emotional and behavioral patterns that may require longer-term therapy. I approach personality disorders, attachment dysfunction, and identity confusion from a developmental and psychodynamic perspective and have experience treating borderline, narcissistic, and schizoid personality disorders. I earned my B.A. in psychology from the University of Texas at Austin, and after a career as a business executive, returned to school in 2020, earning a Master of Science degree in clinical mental health counseling from Tarleton State University. I am an alumna of the national women’s leadership academy, Leadership America, and was selected in 2015 to be a patient advocate for the National Center for Healthcare Research in Washington, D.C. I am a writer, public speaker, and patient-first healthcare activist, and have published many written works about the dangers of using pharmaceuticals and medical devices cleared (not fully approved) through the FDA's lax 510k marketing process. I enjoy gardening, all forms of creativity and self-expression, love to learn, and believe that where there is humor, there is healing. My husband and I live in Central Texas and enjoy camping with our two dogs and parakeet. We have two adult sons and three granddaughters and believe in the restoration of family relationships as a path to well-being.
S

Sarah Omodele

DNP,APRN,FNP-BC
Online Therapy
As a Family Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of experience, my passion lies in helping you achieve your best health. I've worked extensively in cardiology and observed that true health improvements come from lifestyle changes rather than just medical treatments. This inspired me to earn a doctorate in lifestyle medicine, focusing on managing conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. I firmly believe that health is not just about the body—it's about nurturing your mental and emotional well-being too. That's why I embrace the six pillars of a healthy lifestyle: eating plant-based foods, staying active, getting good sleep, building strong relationships, avoiding harmful substances, and managing stress. By weaving these habits into your life, we can work together to transform your health for the better. I created Unlayered Health and Wellness because I’ve walked the same path many of you are on. As a busy professional, wife, and mother, I know how easy it is to put yourself last—juggling endless responsibilities while stress and unhealthy habits quietly take their toll. I’ve felt the weight of exhaustion and the frustration of being stuck in a cycle that seemed impossible to break. But here’s what I learned: true health isn’t just about diet or exercise. It’s about peeling back the layers—addressing mindset, nutrition, mental well-being, and balance. With over 20 years of nursing experience and advanced credentials, including a Doctorate in Nursing Practice focused on Lifestyle Medicine, I’ve helped countless individuals transform their health. At Unlayered, my mission is to empower you with the tools and guidance to build sustainable habits, nurture your mental wellness, so you can grow into the best version of yourself. I am excited to walk alongside you in your path to wellness and vitality! Treatment philosophy Holistic approach: Working on the mind, body, and soul to promote a vibrant and healthy life. I am committed to guiding my patients in optimizing their health and achieving their weight loss goals. I incorporate the 6 pillars of lifestyle medicine into my framework, which includes embracing a healthy plant-based diet, engaging in regular physical activity, improving sleep quality, fostering healthy relationships, avoiding harmful substances, and managing stress in our daily routines. By doing so, we can achieve optimal health and transformation, preventing, managing, and even reversing lifestyle-related chronic diseases. My goal is to help my patients become the best and most authentic version of themselves. Specialties Health Coaching Health risk assessment Medical Weight loss medications metabolic conditions Metabolic Health Obesity overweight Plant-Based Supplements pre diabetes Weight Loss Weight management Wellness Coaching
D

Debra Ort

PMHNP-BC
Online Therapy
With over 20 years of experience in diverse mental health settings, I am a dedicated and compassionate board-certified mental health nurse practitioner. My career spans inpatient psychiatric facilities to outpatient clinics, encompassing both private and group practices. I am passionate about treating all aspects of mental health, including co-occurring disorders such as addiction. I believe in a collaborative, holistic approach to treatment, placing you—the client—at the center of care and ensuring that each client receives the support they need to achieve optimal mental wellness. I strive to empower my clients to reach their full mental health potential. I am an advocate for the power of positive thinking and positive energy in the healing process. My goal is to support you in achieving your goals for your mental health. Treatment philosophy I strive to empower my clients to reach their full mental health potential. I believe in a collaborative, holistic approach to treatment, placing you—the client—at the center of care. I advocate for the power of positive thinking and positive energy in the healing process. My goal is to support you in achieving optimal mental wellness by addressing all aspects of mental health, including co-occurring disorders such as addiction. Service Initial Visit:- Duration- 60 Min Price- $150.00 Follow-up Visit Duration- 30Min Price- $100.00 Prescription service Duration- 30Min Price- $100.00 Consultation service Duration- 15Min Price- $25.00 Patient type Adolescents, Adults, Seniors
Z

Zekarias Abessa

PMHNP-BC
Online Therapy
Hello! I’m Zekarias Abessa, a dedicated and compassionate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with over 20 years of experience in mental health care. My journey has been shaped by academic excellence, with a Master of Nursing degree from Walden University, where I graduated with an impressive GPA of 3.92, and a deep commitment to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care. I believe that every individual deserves respect, dignity, and fairness in their care. My approach integrates evidence-based psychotherapy, medication management, and holistic interventions tailored to meet each patient’s unique needs. By fostering open communication and collaboration, I aim to empower patients and improve their quality of life. Outside of work, I stay actively engaged in healthcare communities, continuously learning and refining my skills to bring the best care to my patients. I’m here to listen, support, and guide you with empathy and understanding on your mental health journey. Please feel free to reach out—I’m always ready to help. Specialties • Mental Health • Adult Psychiatry • Child Psychiatry • Behavioral Medicine Conditions Treated • Depression • Anxiety • Bipolar Disorders • Schizophrenia • PTSD • ADHD • Eating Disorders • Addiction • Insomnia • Mood Disorders • Panic Attacks • Substance Abuse • Phobias • Sleep Disorders Insurance Accepted • Aetna • Blue Cross Blue Shield • Cigna • Oscar Health • BHS | Behavioral Health Systems • Medicare • Medicaid • Optum Practice Description Zekarias Abessa, MSN, PMHNP-BC, is a highly skilled and compassionate mental health provider dedicated to improving the well-being of his patients. With over 20 years of nursing experience, he specializes in mental health assessments, personalized treatment planning, and patient education. Zekarias is known for his respectful, empathetic approach and his ability to work collaboratively with healthcare teams to provide comprehensive care. Whether addressing anxiety, depression, or other complex mental health concerns, Zekarias is committed to guiding patients toward healing and recovery. Treatment Approach • Psychopharmacology and evidence-based treatments • Holistic health promotion and psychoeducation • Trauma-informed care and crisis intervention • Culturally sensitive mental health practices • Collaborative care with interdisciplinary teams • Patient-centered, dignified care plans