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Dr. Damian Nwafor
Clinical Psychologist
Doctor of Psychology- Psy.D
Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT)
Dr. Nwafor obtained her doctoral education in clinical psychology at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Washington, DC Campus. She is trained to provide a holistic and integrative approach to therapy, employing evidence-based treatment approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), motivational interviewing, and Supportive Therapy for individuals with severe mental illness, such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective, and those with personality disorders. She also enjoys providing different psychodiagnostics assessments and has extensive experience working with individuals with depression, anxiety, and relationship problems.
Dr. Nwafor enjoys meeting each individual personally, tailoring her approach to their unique needs. She enjoys working with adolescents, young adults, and adults from diverse ethnic backgrounds who present with a wide range of psychological issues and life challenges. She is passionate about serving individuals and communities by providing a therapeutic venue where all can access and receive exemplary standards of mental health services.
Dr. Nwafor also loves providing and integrating spirituality in therapy. Having lived in three different cultures, including in Nigeria, Italy, and the United States, she appreciates exploring the impact of various cultural backgrounds on clients’ mental health. Dr. Nwafor values a multicultural approach that acknowledges the influence of culture on the development and expression of psychopathologies.
Nyrisha Hall
Resident in Counseling in Virginia,
LPC-R
Certified Substance Abuse Counselor in Virginia (CSAC)
Nyrisha A. Hall is a Licensed Professional Counselor Resident (LPC-R) in Virginia, a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC), and a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) with more than 20 years of experience in the helping professions. She holds a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and Rehabilitation Counseling from the University at Buffalo.
A former foster youth, Army veteran, cancer survivor, and proud mother of a Navy sailor, Nyrisha brings a deeply personal understanding of strength, perseverance, and healing to her clinical work. Her journey—from overcoming systemic barriers to becoming a respected therapist and community leader—is a powerful testament to her commitment to helping others rise above adversity.
Nyrisha specializes in supporting individuals navigating anxiety, depression, and significant life transitions. Whether you’re facing emotional overwhelm, self-doubt, grief, identity shifts, or relationship changes, her approach is grounded in empathy, evidence-based practice, and cultural sensitivity. She believes in meeting clients where they are and creating a safe, collaborative space for healing and growth.
In addition to her core focus areas, she also has experience in treating substance use disorders, supporting individuals with developmental and cognitive challenges, and working with caregivers under stress. Her therapeutic style blends cognitive-behavioral techniques, trauma-informed care, and strengths-based strategies to help you regain balance, build confidence, and move forward with purpose.
Nyrisha understands the courage it takes to seek support—and the strength within each person to create meaningful change. If you’re ready to begin a new chapter in your journey, she welcomes you with open arms. You don’t have to do it alone.
Maiya Monteiro, MS
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Washington, DC
Ms. Maiya Monteiro is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Washington, DC. She is trained to provide individual therapy to adults and adolescents (12 years and older). She holds a Bachelor of Psychology from Rhode Island College, Providence, RI. She has a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Capella University, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
She has experience working with adults and adolescents in various settings, addressing a range of emotional challenges, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, grief, and anger. She also has experience conducting treatment within residential programs, juvenile facilities, and inpatient and partial hospitalization.
Jennifer Hua Etub, MS
Resident in Counseling in Virginia
LPC-R
Jennifer "Hua" Hua is a Resident in Counseling in Virginia, trained to provide both individual therapy and group therapy. She earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Education from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, as well as a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health from Johns Hopkins University.
She has experience working with adolescents and primarily works with adults experiencing challenges in their life transitions. Regardless of age, she is committed to finding positive and productive ways for her patients to cope with anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma.
Valine Ripes
Resident in Counseling in Virginia,
LPC-R
Valine is a Licensed Professional Counselor Resident (LPC-R) in Virginia. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Master's degree in Education from George Mason University. With over 5 years of experience in counseling, she has provided individual, group, and couples counseling.
Valine has experience working with individuals of all ages, with a particular specialization in working with adults. Some of the topics of specialty include depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, and eating disorders. She has developed a passion for helping individuals navigate life transitions and overcome trauma. She understands that everyone has unique needs in the therapeutic space and can modify her approach as needed.
Breon Blount, MSW
Supervisee in Clinical Social Work Virginia
Breon Blount is a passionate and purpose-driven mental health professional committed to creating transformative spaces for healing, especially for young Black and Brown boys and men. A proud graduate of Morgan State University, Breon holds a Master’s in Social Work and brings over 13 years of experience as an educator, mentor, and advocate for underserved communities.
Breon’s approach to therapy is grounded in empathy, cultural humility, and real-world understanding. As a Black male therapist, he knows firsthand the silent pressures many young men carry to be strong, to stay silent, to figure it all out without showing emotion. His mission is to change that narrative by showing young men that vulnerability is strength, and that asking for help is a powerful act of self-love and resilience.
Through individual and group therapy, Breon supports clients navigating anxiety, depression, anger, trauma, identity, life transitions, and relationship challenges. His work is rooted in trust, accountability, and empowerment. He shows up not just as a therapist, but as someone who sees you, hears you, and believes in your potential.
For every young man who has ever felt misunderstood, overlooked, or unsure of where to turn, Breon is here to walk alongside you. Your story matters, your healing is valid, and your future is still being written.
Anika Montgomery, MSW
Supervisee in Social Work
Virginia and Maryland
Ms. Anika Montgomery is a Licensed Master's Social Worker in Virginia and Maryland. She is trained to provide individual therapy and group therapy. Anika holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona. She holds a Master of Social Work from Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona.
Anika has experience working with adults and children experiencing emotional, social, and behavioral difficulties, including anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship difficulties, and career path changes. She also has experience working within the military community with service members experiencing anger issues, stress, anxiety, and depression.
Varsha Balijepalli
Resident in Counseling in Virginia
LPC-R
Ms. Varsha Balijepalli is a Resident in Counseling in Virginia. She earned her Bachelor of Medicine degree from SVS Medical College in India and a Master of Counseling degree from Boston College. She is fluent in three Indian languages: Telugu, Hindi, and Malayalam. She is trained to provide both individual therapy and group therapy.
She has experience and is trained in providing services for children, teens, and adults dealing with various mood disorders, anxiety, grief, and trauma. She aims to provide you with a gentle, sensitive, empathetic, and non-judgmental therapeutic environment, allowing you to reach a state of illumination and healing.
Taren Lambert, MSW
Supervisee in Clinical Social Work Virginia
Taren Lambert is a Supervisee in Clinical Social Work in Virginia. She completed her Master's in Social Work with a concentration in clinical social work at Virginia Commonwealth University.
She has postgraduate education in marriage, family counseling, family systems, and engagement. Ms. Lambert has over 19 years of clinical experience partnering with individuals, couples, and families as they navigate life's challenges, achieve their goals, and overcome obstacles. Her motivation to empower others stems from her conviction that people and families can transform, improve, and become the best version of themselves. Ms. Lambert is a compassionate and engaging social worker with progressive experience in therapeutic practices. Her extensive knowledge of children and family needs allows her to meet clients where they are on their journey to a healthier self.
João Pedro Perosa, Phd
Resident in Counseling in Virginia,
LPC-R
João is a Licensed Professional Counselor Resident (LPC-R) in Virginia. He earned his PhD and Master's in Educational Psychology, as well as an undergraduate degree in Psychology, in Brazil. In his native Brazil, he held positions as a professor, researcher, and clinician at the Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo.
João has dedicated the past 20 years to serving teenagers, adults, and families navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and family conflicts.
Since 2018, João has contributed to mental health services within the City of Alexandria, Virginia, and Boulder County, Colorado. He utilizes a diverse range of therapeutic interventions, including psychoanalytic, CBT, behavioral, and relational therapies, to support his clients. He offers services in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Amanda Etube, MA
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Virginia
Amanda Etube is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia. She is trained to provide individual and group therapy. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, and a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Washington, DC. She is currently a doctoral candidate pursuing a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Washington, DC.
She specializes in working with adults from diverse backgrounds who are navigating significant life transitions. Her clinical focus includes support for individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, executive functioning difficulties, complex family dynamics, job loss, divorce, and other emotionally challenging circumstances. Ms. Etube takes a client-centered and collaborative approach to therapy, tailoring treatment to each individual's needs. Her work integrates cognitive and behavioral strategies along with mindfulness-based techniques to support emotional regulation, build insight, and promote lasting change.
Keisha Jones, MSW
Supervisee in Clinical Social Work Washington, DC and Virginia
Keisha completed her Master's in Clinical Social Work at the Catholic University of America. She brings a unique blend of education and hands-on experience, reflecting a strong commitment to empowerment and healing within diverse populations. Keisha holds a Bachelor of Science in Women's and Gender Studies, with a minor in Psychology, from Eastern Michigan University, which provides her with a solid understanding of the complexities of human experiences.
She has demonstrated her dedication and skill in various professional roles, including her position as a Permanent Supportive Housing Site-Based Case Manager at Pathways to Housing DC, where she effectively navigated the intersection of housing, addiction, and mental health support for a diverse caseload. Her previous experiences as a Housing Case Manager at Ozone House in Ann Arbor and a Youth Specialist at the Ruth Ellis Center in Detroit have deepened her understanding of vulnerable populations, particularly BIPOC LGBTQIA+ youth.
Keisha has a keen interest in working with BIPOC individuals and couples, including those in monogamous, non-monogamous, and polyamorous relationships. She welcomes clients from all backgrounds, particularly those who identify as queer or LGBTQ+. Her goal is to provide inclusive and supportive services tailored to the unique experiences of each individual and couple.
Taking an integrated approach to therapy, Keisha employs person-centered methods that meet clients where they are. She utilizes a mixture of DBT, CBT, psychodynamic, and solution-focused modalities to create a safe space for healing and empowerment, allowing clients the room to heal and flourish.
Her desired specialties include depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, loss and grief, relationships, LGBTQIA issues, and coping skills.
James Dickerson, MSW
Supervisee in Clinical Social Work Virginia
James Dickerson is a Supervisee, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee. He completed a Master of Social Work and a Master of Public Health from Howard University in Washington, D.C.
James is an exceptionally sensitive, thorough, and dedicated therapist. Adept at fostering and sustaining productive and positive relationships with individuals. Compassionate and experienced Therapist with a strong background in treating individuals with mental and emotional disorders. Skilled in various therapeutic approaches, including trauma-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, and strength-based solution-focused therapy. His certification in trauma-informed care helps him recognize the impact of trauma and prioritize safety and empowerment. Over the last 10 years, he has had the opportunity to work in various settings, including mental health hospitals, inpatient and outpatient facilities, correctional facilities, and a Child and family agency.
James specializes in working with individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds, including those in the LGBTQ+ community. He is aware of and sensitive to the cultural backgrounds and experiences. This includes understanding the impact of systemic inequalities and social determinants of health. Understanding unique challenges such as poverty, trauma, and lack of access to resources, his effective therapy involves building trust, creating a safe space for expression, and connecting individuals to community support systems.
"Change your thoughts and you change your world!" - Norman Vincent Peale
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