Alexia Ford, LCSW

Jessica Brusgul is a LMHC with over nine years of experience working with individuals with a wide range of mental health challenges. She attended Oswego State and completed her undergraduate degree as an older, non-traditional student. She then pursued graduate school at SUNY Oswego, which she completed in 2016. During this time, Jessica has gained a great deal of experience with clients from various backgrounds who are faced with numerous life challenges. This includes anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and those in need of anger management. Jessica has also worked with those faced with substance abuse related problems, life transitions, career counseling, and parenting education. Her approach is to get to know her clients, their presenting concerns, and some history as well. Through these conversations, Jessica helps her clients feel comfortable in a non-judgmental setting and express themselves freely. Jessica also incorporates a sense of humor, when appropriate, as well as assisting people in identifying their inner strengths and skills. Jessica believes that everyone can overcome their obstacles and make positive changes for themselves. She incorporates such modalities as encouraging clients to maintain a journal and share entries during session, exercise regularly, and begin their journey towards overall wellness. Jessica has found that an eclectic approach, depending upon the needs of the individual, and the client's adherence to this between sessions, can be highly beneficial.

Ray Hood is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with more than 19 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and adults. He earned his Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Pace University and has worked in a variety of settings, including schools, inpatient facilities, community-based programs, hospital emergency departments, and group homes. Ray’s extensive background allows him to provide compassionate, effective care across a broad range of mental health needs.

Ray values creating a warm and supportive environment where patients feel safe to share openly without fear of judgment. He believes in empowering individuals by identifying and building upon their strengths, while encouraging healthy lifestyle habits that promote long-term stability. Ray has expertise in addressing trauma, depression, anxiety, addiction, ADHD, psychosis, and life transitions, tailoring his approach to meet each patient’s unique needs.

Ray collaborates with his clients to set clear treatment goals, ensuring that care feels personalized and effective. He integrates evidence-based practices with a strengths-focused approach, guiding individuals to recognize their resilience and develop practical tools for growth. Through consistent support and open communication, Ray helps patients build confidence, navigate challenges, and create meaningful changes in their lives.

Corinne Motto is a Licensed Professional Counselor, who has experience with a variety of populations in the mental health field. Corinne attended undergraduate school at the University of Pittsburgh, and her Master's of Arts at Seton Hill University, both in Greensburg, Pennsylvania.Corinne has been practicing for more than fifteen years as an outpatient therapist in a variety of settings. Her focus has been on but not limited to depression, anxiety, domestic violence, and other mental health conditions. Corinne uses a client-centered approach and tailors her sessions towards the client's needs. She uses a foundation of cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavioral therapy. She believes that self-care is an important part of the therapy process.

Emily Romeo, LPC holds a license as a professional counselor in the state of Pennsylvania. She has over 15 years of experience working with a broad range of individuals at varying levels of care and clinical severity. Emily is board-certified in clinical mental health counseling by the National Board for Certified Counselors. Emily approaches therapy in an integrative, client-centered manner. She implements a variety of therapeutic techniques to include mindfulness, dialectical behavioral, acceptance and commitment concepts, psychoeducation, and trauma-informed care. She values the therapeutic relationship and strives to provide a safe, accepting atmosphere to ensure her clients feel heard, validated, and empowered. Emily received her master's degree from Messiah College and her undergraduate work was completed at the Pennsylvania State University. Emily has provided clinical care to a variety of individuals ranging from those struggling with complex trauma and substance use disorders to children/adolescents/adults dealing with anxiety, depression, mood instability and adjustment difficulties related to life changes. She has expertise in a variety of counseling settings including outpatient, partial hospitalization, residential, and in-home. She utilizes multiple treatment modalities which include individual, group, and couples/family therapy. An area of interest for Emily includes working with young adults struggling with co-occurring disorders. As the clinical coordinator of Silvermist Recovery, a premier residential treatment facility, she has been able to expand her clinical skills. Her philosophy is based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a transdiagnostic model that allows her to provide high quality care to her patients.

Karina Eugenio Vargas, LMHC, LPC received a Master of Science in Education and Clinical Mental Health Counseling from St. John's University of New York. She has completed training at Yale's Child Study Center specializing in Child and Adult abuse and has worked in community mental health and outpatient based settings. For the past 5 years, Karina has dedicated her career to trauma-informed care, specifically using CBT. She has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults treating anxiety, depression, family and relationship issues, and other mental health issues. Karina practices from a Psychodynamic framework and integrates other modalities depending on the needs of each client.

Taylor Cortez is a licensed professional counselor with extensive experience in treating diverse populations and diagnoses. She earned her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of West Georgia. Taylor has served as a primary therapist and assessor at Willowbrooke at Tanner inpatient facility, a primary therapist at the University of West Georgia Counseling Center, and as a primary virtual therapist at Connected Minds in Atlanta, Georgia. Using a warm and humanistic approach, Taylor creates a safe and empathetic space for clients to explore and process difficult emotions and traumas. She employs an interdisciplinary theoretical approach, customizing therapeutic interventions to meet the unique needs and preferences of each client. Taylor is dedicated to providing unwavering support to clients as they navigate life's challenges. Taylor is trained in various therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed approaches. She specializes in working with clients diagnosed with ADHD, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and body dysmorphia. Committed to offering the best counseling experience possible, Taylor helps her clients heal from past experiences and flourish in the present. She approaches each client with compassion, empathy, and a commitment to their overall well-being and growth.