Alicia Lakin, LPC

Jessica Vassallo is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience in the area of mental health. She has worked with patients of various demographics including World Trade Center responders, college students, patients with severe and persistent mental illness, dually diagnosed patients, patients who have or have had cancer, and patients with impoverished backgrounds. She received her Master's Degree at Adelphi University in 2003, became certified that year and received her license in clinical social work in 2008. Jessica has been practicing in social work for 20 years, focusing on anxiety, depression, and PTSD. She uses an eclectic approach in therapy with a foundation in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, mindfulness therapy, and supportive psychotherapy. She develops an individualized treatment plan for all patients to focus on their goals. She believes that the person is impacted by all the larger systems they are in (family, workplace, community, larger society) and is committed to providing a non-judgmental, warm, and empathetic space to help clients feel understood and comfortable exploring the roots of their issues.

Dr. Nancy Clayton is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with over 25 years of experience in military and civilian settings. She earned her MD from Saint Louis University School of Medicine through the Naval Health Professions Scholarship Program and completed residency at Naval Medical Center San Diego. She served as an active-duty U.S. Navy psychiatrist and later as a civilian contractor, working across outpatient, emergency, consultative, and telepsychiatry settings. She also holds an MA in English Literature and a BA in International Relations.

Dr. Clayton takes a collaborative, integrative, and patient-centered approach to care. She considers medical, psychological, relational, and environmental factors when making recommendations. She values clear communication and shared decision-making, creating a respectful, supportive space where patients feel heard. Her expertise includes trauma, anxiety, mood disorders, and adult ADHD, and she provides culturally responsive, affirming care grounded in psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral principles.

Dr. Clayton begins with a comprehensive evaluation to understand each patient’s symptoms within their life context. She explores contributing factors and uses practical education to explain the nervous system and treatment options. She provides clear expectations around medications and progress. Treatment plans are individualized, and follow-ups focus on monitoring progress, refining goals, and addressing barriers to improvement.

Cheryl Jones, LICSW, LCSW, is passionate about supporting clients as they manage and overcome challenging life issues. She brings broad perspective and insight from working in a variety of clinical settings and with diverse populations. Cheryl’s experience as a licensed clinical social worker allows her to provide compassionate, thoughtful care while helping individuals navigate personal, emotional, and life transitions.

Cheryl combines warmth with clinical expertise to help clients navigate life’s challenges in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment. Her therapy approach is client-centered and integrates cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, and strengths-based techniques. She tailors each treatment plan to meet the unique needs, goals, and experiences of every individual she works with.

During the first session, Cheryl focuses on getting to know each patient and understanding what brings them to therapy. She explores concerns, goals, and what clients hope to gain from treatment while creating a safe space for open conversation. Together, they build a strong foundation for therapy and continue collaborating in future sessions to turn those goals into meaningful progress.

Michelle Lake, EdD, LMHC, LCPC, has over 17 years of experience providing therapy in outpatient settings, including telehealth, university counseling centers, and mental health clinics. She works with children ages eight and older, adults, and the elderly. Michelle earned her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Florida International University and later completed a doctorate in Organizational Learning and Leadership with a specialization in Human Resources. She also holds a graduate certificate in Industrial Organizational Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

Michelle is dedicated to creating a warm, supportive environment where patients feel heard, respected, and empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives. She values open communication and collaboration, working closely with patients to establish clear treatment goals that reflect their individual needs and strengths.

In the initial session, Michelle takes time to gain a thorough understanding of each patient’s history, concerns, and goals. From there, she develops individualized treatment plans tailored to align with the patient’s unique needs and objectives. Her approach ensures that therapy is both structured and flexible, helping patients move toward positive and lasting outcomes.

Anne Marko, LPC, LCMHC, brings over 25 years of experience in psychotherapy, clinical supervision, and behavioral health leadership across outpatient, residential, and integrated care settings. She has significant experience supporting adolescents and adults with trauma, mood disorders, anxiety, life transitions, and complex stressors. Anne values ethical, high-quality care and creates a space where patients feel safe, heard, and understood.

Anne strives to foster a warm, collaborative environment grounded in trust and transparency. She meets patients with curiosity and empathy, using a trauma-informed, evidence-based approach. Known for being calm, supportive, and relatable, she thoughtfully incorporates humor and prioritizes open communication to ensure patients feel genuinely supported throughout therapy.

Anne begins by building a strong therapeutic alliance, exploring patients’ histories, concerns, and goals. She develops individualized treatment plans that reflect each person’s values and needs. Experienced in telehealth and in-person care, she emphasizes insight, emotional safety, and practical tools, regularly checking in and adjusting plans to promote long-term growth, resilience, and empowerment.

Huong "Claire" Phan is a licensed mental health counselor at the New York State Education Department Office of the Professions and a licensed professional counselor at the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors. Claire completed her Master's in Mental Health Counseling at Brooklyn College, City University of New York. Claire has been practicing for 5 years as a licensed therapist providing counseling for mood disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, prolonged grief disorder, adjustment disorders, women's issues, and also helping clients navigate relationship difficulties and other challenges. Claire completed her clinical internship and worked as a therapist at the Institute for Human Identity, one of the first psychotherapy centers in New York to provide LGBTQ+ affirmative psychotherapy. Claire is passionate about serving the LGBTQ+ community and providing a safe space for her clients regardless of differences in gender identity, expression, sexual orientation, race, and culture. Claire practices with a holistic approach that incorporates cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, and mindfulness-based therapy techniques to help clients gain awareness, practice acceptance, and foster resiliency. Each of these therapy modalities requires active participation from the client to connect mind with body, intent with action so that healthier patterns can emerge.