Our counselors in Chesapeake, VA offer child therapy

Maria Amadi is a dual-certified Medical and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner licensed in Virginia with over 30 years of nursing education and experience in various healthcare settings, including 6 years as an NP and the last 2 years as a PMHNP. She cares for individuals ages 14+ with various medical, addiction, behavioral, and psychiatric mental health conditions including anxiety, anger, depression, ADHD, alcohol use, borderline personality disorder, and bipolar disorder.

Maria received her Doctor of Nursing Practice from The University of Massachusetts Global. In addition to medication management when needed, she utilizes a holistic approach that considers the client as a whole person and focuses on wellness that supports physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being and improves functionality.

Maria wants you to know that she is here for you and ready and waiting for you to make your first appointment! When you are ready to start, she is ready to walk alongside you.

Jerusha McClendon is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has worked with many people experiencing mental health and addiction personally or in their family. Jerusha has 8 years of experience in the mental health field. She completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Ohio State University.

Jerusha believes there is a need to identify and understand where the seeds of doubt and fear come from, as well as how to connect with the seeds of hope and purpose in the present and the future. Her job is to facilitate the conversation and allow clients to gain insight into their condition and develop an action plan to change their lives.

Jerusha’s superpowers include listening empathetically, relating easily to others, and critical thinking. She believes that all people have purpose in life, and she wants to explore that purpose with clients. Additionally, she strives to create a safe place in therapy so vulnerability can be examined and gains made. Therapy is a change process. Join Jerusha in this change process so that you can be a changemaker in your life and spread that change to others in your inner circle.

Brittney Juanita Pearson is a Licensed Psychologist who has worked with clients varying in ages from 7 to 65 years old. Brittney’s clients include those with severe and persistent mental illnesses, severe emotional disturbances, and individuals struggling with major life adjustments. She has found success working with clients who struggle with daily living due to anxiety, mood disturbances, psychosis, or behavioral issues. Brittney is committed to creating a therapeutic environment that is both welcoming and comfortable for the client.

Brittney completed her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Psychology at Virginia State University in 2017. In the same year she completed her clinical internship at an APA-accredited community mental health center in Leavenworth, Kansas. In 2021 Brittney became licensed to practice clinical psychology in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Brittney is committed to providing effective, evidence-based care and mental health education. Her approach to therapy is best summarized as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-focused, client-centered, and strength-based. Brittney provides a collaborative and supportive space where she challenges each client to discover their personal strengths. These strengths set the foundation for further skill building based on the client’s needs. Each therapy session encourages client participation in both the initial treatment planning and throughout the course of ongoing sessions. Establishing genuine rapport with clients while maintaining appropriate boundaries is essential for a comfortable, therapeutic environment.

It can be a daunting task to open yourself up to someone you’ve just met. The right therapist can help make this process as comfortable as possible. Brittney’s approach to therapy is adapted to fit the needs of the client. Sessions may involve practicing assertive language, learning healthy coping skills, processing difficult life events, challenging unhealthy thoughts, or exploring triggers for anxiety. The foundation of each approach is built on the client’s personal strengths. Brittney believes that every client possesses at least three strengths that can be used as assets within therapy. Through a collaborative effort these strengths can be used to help build a more fulfilling and healthy quality of life.

***DOES NOT DO PSYCH EVALUATIONS***

“People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.”- Theodore Roosevelt

Tammy has over 18 years of experience in mental health to include community based and outpatient therapy. The gamut of her experience includes treating children, individuals, couples, and families with a variety of treatment needs. She is further experienced in the treatment of marital relationships, parent child relationships, loss and grief, personality disorders, life transitions, adjustment disorders, stress management, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorders. Tammy’s approach to therapy is to simply meet her clients where they are on their respective journeys while offering unconditional positive regard, compassion, and authenticity. Tammy is committed to assisting every client she has the privilege of serving become their very best version of themselves through self discovery, introspection and eliminating self defeating narratives that are dishonoring and inhibiting progression.The focus of your treatment will always be to your strengths and how to better expand upon them to facilitate your evolvement into a healthy and happy person with a positive sense of self-worth, thus functioning at your highest and most authentic self. Her treatment will always be tailored to your cultural and social background, including ethnicity, race, gender, religion, and sexual orientation. Seeking therapy and actually following through with meeting a complete stranger and telling them your story can feel overwhelming, even though you want to feel better. Take the first step and be assured you will be validated, supported, seen and provided a safe and calming space where you will be accepted, regardless of the concerns you are experiencing. Together, we will work together to find real world answers to the issues you face and help bring the joy back to your life.

Baylea Grimes is a Resident in Counseling who has had the privilege of working with a wide range of clients, from children, adolescents, young adults, and middle-aged to Seniors. She has the most experience working with children to young adults but always appreciates the opportunity to connect with each unique client. Helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, and life adjustments is one of her favorite parts of counseling!

Baylea enjoys helping her clients navigate whatever they need at the moment. She will get to know you as a person and seek to build strong rapport so the session is a comfortable place for you. She offers a holistic approach but enjoys focusing on helping you identify more positive thinking so your improved behaviors can lead to healthier and happier living!

Baylea builds empathy by remembering the fact that her clients don’t care how much she knows until they know how much she cares! Counseling is a collaborative process and she will travel through the journey with you, one step at a time.

I'm Andrea Stephen, a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 4 years of experience in the mental health field. I believe in utilizing a holistic approach that incorporations eclectic and holistic approach the incorporates interventions from Person-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Faith-Based. I focus on anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief/loss, PTSD, Bipolar & Borderline Personality.

I completed my Ed.S in Counseling at Old Dominion University, my master's in Human Services Counseling at Liberty University, and master's in Human Services at Capella University. I have over 30 years experience in higher education and over 25 years of ministry experience. 

Coupled with my professional experience, I am able to meet clients where they need to be met and provide the guidance and support they are seeking on their healing journey. I know how heavy life's challenges can feel, and I invite you to reach out so we can walk this journey together toward healing, hope, and wholeness.

Lily Flynn is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with more than 3 years of experience working with adults and seniors who are seeking help in coping with trauma, anxiety, depression, LGBTQIA+ issues, self-care, stress, ADHD, and much more. 

She graduated with honors from the University of Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and earned her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Old Dominion University. Her clinical approach includes a collaborative effort with the client actively participating to create an attainable treatment plan. 

She focuses on strength and evidence-based interventions to encourage empowerment and help the client develop appropriate coping skills. She looks forward to building therapeutic relationships and joining the client on their journey through treatment.

Alise Stults is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has been providing therapy services for more than 4 years. She is passionate about helping children, adolescents, adults, and families address challenges, overcome barriers to success and improve their well-being. Alise specializes in identity exploration, depression, anxiety, trauma, relational issues, and emotional regulation.

Alise utilizes a variety of approaches to assist clients in reaching their full potential and leading more fulfilling lives. Alise completed her Master's degree in Social Work at Rutgers University. She is a former military spouse and Residential Therapist with ample experience working with a variety of needs, life stressors, and diagnoses. Her eclectic approach to therapy offers a truly individualized experience to provide clients with the support and guidance they are seeking. Alise utilizes multiple treatment approaches including dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), bibliotherapy, mindfulness, positive psychology, solution-focused therapy (SFT), and more.

We all experience challenges and difficulties in life. Whether issues have been experienced for years, or have suddenly begun, Alise is confident that she can support you on your journey to your best self. She would like to offer you new perspectives, techniques, and skills to assist in navigating whatever challenges you are facing. If you are ready to tackle your problems, or just need help figuring things out, schedule an appointment with her today. 

Kimberly Crain is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 3 years of experience in medication management focused on psychiatric conditions. She has also been licensed as a Family Nurse Practitioner since 2012. Kimberly has worked with a wide range of clients, including those experiencing depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, adjustment disorders, schizophrenia, and personality disorders.

Kimberly received her Master's degree in Nursing from Duke University. Kimberly has previous experience in primary care, pediatrics, teaching, substance use disorders, clinical research, psychiatric emergency medicine, and outpatient psychiatric care.

Kimberly is an empathetic and nonjudgmental nurse practitioner. She enjoys working with clients from diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, and sexual identities in a caring and compassionate way. When working with Kimberly, you have a safe space to discuss any barriers or concerns that need to be addressed to help you reach your goals.

Bertresh London-Nunez is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of Virginia. She has over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, families, and couples helping them build communication skills, anger management skills, assertiveness, social skills, impulse control, and positive self-talk. She is upbeat, flexible, and creative.  

Bertresh completed her Bachelor of Science in General Psychology at the University of Tampa, her Masters of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy at Liberty University, and her Ph.D. in Human Services at Capella University.

Bertresh implements counseling from a person-centered, strength-based approach which is geared towards looking at the whole person to identify minor adjustments (i.e. cognitively, socially, behaviorally, psychologically, biologically, etc.) that could help the individual live a more fulfilling, happier life.

Bertresh was raised in a military family and has enjoyed living in a variety of places from Alaska to Florida. Bertresh can understand some Spanish, French, and sign language, although she is not fluent. She wants to help individuals learn and identify tools to improve their quality of life.

Shauna Polen is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 1 year of clinical experience. She is committed to delivering evidence-based, personalized care. Shauna has experience supporting individuals with anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. Her approach is rooted in clinical expertise and genuine compassion for each person’s mental health journey.

Shauna earned her Master’s in Nursing from Norfolk State University with a focus on psychiatric mental health. She brings a background in clinical and theoretical care and tailors treatment using medication management, psychotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments. Her approach is client-centered and collaborative.

Shauna is passionate about education and advocacy in mental health care. She stays up to date on current research to ensure high-quality treatment. Known for her empathy and dedication, Shauna builds strong, trusting relationships with her clients and provides care that supports healing and long-term wellness.

Ife Milligan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Holistic Life Coach (CHLC) with over 10 years of professional experience working with clients of all ages with issues related to grief, loss, depression, ADHD, anxiety, oppositional defiance disorder (ODD), low self-esteem, family conflict, and more. 

She received her Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Columbia University and earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology from Morgan State University. She received her Holistic Life Coach certification from the University of Wellness. Ife has worked in a variety of settings and populations, including outpatient mental health, school-based therapy, medical social work, residential care, geriatric care management, and managed care.

She employs cognitive behavioral techniques (CBT), dialectal behavioral therapy (DBT), humanistic approaches, motivational interviewing, and more. Ife truly enjoys assisting others on the journey of healing and growth. She'll partner with you to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your needs and helps you achieve your goals in and outside of sessions. 

Ja'Lesa Pierce is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 10 years of experience in the mental health field. She has provided mental health support, counseling, and therapy in a variety of settings including residential, classroom, community, and office. Ja'Lesa has worked with children, families, couples, adolescents, and adults, but she found her niche in assisting teens through middle-aged women with finding their voice, recovery, and resting in a place of purpose. Ja'Lesa is passionate about helping others live their best life—healthy, fulfilled, and whole. Ja'Lesa specializes in depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, addiction, women's issues, and major life transitions.

Ja'Lesa completed her Master of Arts degree in Community Counseling from Norfolk State University in 2013. After working in the mental health field for a few years, she realized her desire to help others on a deeper level and went back to school at Virginia Commonwealth University. There, she obtained a Post-Master's Certificate in Professional Counseling in pursuit of LPC licensure. Ja'Lesa's varied experience across a myriad of cultures, backgrounds, dynamics, and diagnoses allows her to bring a unique perspective to the counseling session. Ja'Lesa's charismatic and non-judgmental approach helps her clients feel welcome and free to just be. Ja'Lesa utilizes multiple treatment approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy, radical acceptance, trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness.

Ja'Lesa understands the nuances of life's stressors, pressures, and upsets. We all go through challenges, and some seasons are more difficult than others to journey through alone. Maybe something has come up in your life that you thought you were over, or maybe imposter syndrome is crippling you where you stand. Maybe grief has been lingering longer than expected, or maybe unhealthy patterns of behavior are starting to impact multiple areas of your life. Whatever "it" is for you, Ja'Lesa is confident that she can support you with gaining new perspectives, reaching a place of acceptance, improving self-esteem and confidence, healing, and developing relevant coping skills that you can utilize for the rest of your life. If you are committed to doing the work, schedule an appointment with her today!