Ana Castro, LMHC

Rebecca Johnson, LCSW, is a dedicated mental health professional with experience in a variety of settings. With a MSW from Louisiana State University and licensure in multiple states, she brings a well-rounded, evidence-based approach to therapy.

Rebecca’s work spans multiple roles across in and outpatient settings, with a strong focus on individuals facing substance use, domestic violence, and co-occurring conditions. At Lower Key Medical Center, she served as an inpatient social worker and the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) coordinator, where she provided crisis intervention, therapy, and groups. In her role as IOP coordinator, she managed IOP tracks, ensuring patients receive comprehensive psychotherapeutic support via group and individual therapy.

Previously, her work at the Guidance/Care Center molded her expertise in crisis response, relapse prevention, and intensive therapeutic interventions, in various settings. Finally, her work as a Clinical Counselor at the Children’s Home Society, working closely with parents involved in the child welfare system, providing therapy and court-informed treatment recommendations further solidified this knowledge.

Rebecca uses a person-centered and eclectic style, modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and mindfulness-based. She believes in tailoring interventions to each client’s unique needs, fostering resilience and self-efficacy in their journey toward healing.

Amanda Favretto is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who holds certificates as a Nationally Certified Counselor as well as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. Working with military service members and faith-based counseling are two of Amanda's passions. Amanda has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings with individuals struggling with concerns such as low-self esteem, adjustment, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and relationship and communication issues, utilizing such treatment modalities as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), EMDR, as well as others. Amanda believes in the importance of meeting each individual where they are at, focusing on all aspects of a person: heart, mind, body, and spirit. It has been Amanda's experience that focusing on each layer leads to long-lasting, deeper healing and growth. Believing that each person has it in them to heal and grow, Amanda considers it a unique privilege to assist people on that journey. At each individual's pace, striving to promote a comfortable environment, Amanda will gently encourage deeper self-reflection, mindfulness, challenging oneself, and skill-building. She would like you to feel free to reach out to set up an appointment and answer any questions you may have.

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.

Whitney Cohen obtained her undergraduate degree from Monmouth University where she studied Psychology and Health Studies. Whitney earned her Master's degree in Clinical Social Work from New York University, where she gained a solid foundation in evidence-based practices and therapeutic techniques. She is also a licensed clinical supervisor which has allowed her to train and mentor other aspiring social workers in the field as well as nurse practitioners and other mental health professionals. ‍Whitney has worked in a variety of settings, including education, correctional facilities, substance abuse/outpatient programs, and private practice. Her diverse experiences have equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities that individuals face daily. Whitney has worked with clients of all ages, from children, adolescents, adults, the elderly, and has a special passion for working with couples and families. She specializes in treating a variety of mental health issues, including anxiety, ADHD, stress, family/relational problems, trauma and school avoidance.‍In her practice, Whitney utilizes a scope of therapeutic approaches, CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing. These evidence-based techniques allow her to tailor interventions to meet the unique needs of each client, helping them achieve their goals and overcome obstacles.

Renee Belew-Dycus, LCSW, brings a deep commitment to service shaped by early work with individuals experiencing homelessness, supporting job readiness, housing stability, emotional regulation, and self-esteem. She later served as a supervisor within Los Angeles County Mental Health, overseeing long-term locked psychiatric facilities and ensuring high-quality, standards-based care. Since opening her private practice in 2007, Renee has devoted her work to trauma and PTSD, Autism Spectrum and ADHD support, transgender and LGBTQ+ clients, and individuals seeking clarity and direction at any stage of life.

Renee is not a “one-size-fits-all” therapist. She works creatively and collaboratively, offering tools gathered over years of practice while honoring each client’s autonomy. Rather than assigning homework or giving directives, she invites exploration and reflection to discover what truly fits. She believes clients often already hold the answers they seek, and her role is to help them recognize and trust their inner wisdom. Above all, she prioritizes emotional safety.

In the first session, Renee allows clients to set the pace and focus, creating space to assess comfort and connection. Clients are invited to share their reasons for seeking therapy, goals, and past therapy experiences. From there, Renee and the client collaboratively develop a treatment plan and work together as a team throughout the therapeutic process.

Kia Morgan, LCSW, earned social work degrees from the University of Georgia and the University of South Carolina and has over 15 years of experience in the mental health field across inpatient and outpatient settings. Kia utilizes evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing to support patients in achieving meaningful and lasting change.

Kia values an in-depth exploration of each patient’s background and personal history to identify root concerns and establish specific, person-centered treatment goals. She fosters a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where patients feel heard, respected, and safe. Kia provides thoughtful feedback to help patients discover their own solutions and offers education about diagnoses to empower patients to better understand and manage daily symptoms.

Kia begins care with a comprehensive assessment that explores a patient’s history, current concerns, strengths, and goals. In collaboration with the patient, she develops an individualized treatment plan that aligns with the patient’s needs and priorities, adapting the approach as progress is made.