Cherese Allen, LPC

Staff Therapist
Languages
English
Conditions Treated
Talk Therapy

Education and training

  • Houston Christian University Master in Counseling (MC)

Get to know

Cherese Allen, LPC

Cherese Allen is a Licensed Professional Counselor with extensive experience working with adolescents, teens, and adults. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Houston and earned her master's degree from Houston Christian University. Additionally, she completed an internship at a private practice in Texas. Upon obtaining her license, she achieved certifications in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Shame-Informed Therapy, and Eating Disorders. With years of experience in both education and private practice, Cherese has helped individuals, couples, and families overcome a wide range of mental health challenges. Her expertise includes, but is not limited to, addressing depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, mood disorders, career changes, and major life transitions. Cherese employs a holistic approach that integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy. She believes that with the right tools, you can conquer many obstacles and reach your desired destination. Cherese looks forward to supporting you on your journey!

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Dr. Ciara Styles is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. Originally from Orlando, Florida, she’s a proud “Double-Gator” completing both her undergraduate and medical school training at the University of Florida. She completed her psychiatric residency at the Medical University of South Carolina, where she also recently finished a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry. She plans to complete her child board certification later this year. She enjoys treating patients of diverse and minoritized backgrounds. She has experience related to the special needs of the LGBTQ+ population, pregnant & postpartum people, and neurodivergent youth.

Dr. Styles employs a warm, patient-centered approach to treatment. She connects with patients by “matching their energy,” creating a foundation of trust before exploring difficult conversations. She also values input from loved ones and encourages collaborative appointments to optimize treatment outcomes.

Her process begins by creating a safe, supportive space where patients feel heard and respected. Early sessions focus on building rapport and gaining a clear understanding of the patient’s background, interpersonal relationships, and goals for treatment. From there, she collaborates with each patient to develop a personalized treatment plan aiming to use the lowest amount of medication needed to support and improve overall well-being.

Patricia Michel-Garrison, DO

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Dr. Patricia Michel-Garrison is a board-certified psychiatrist by the American Osteopathic Board of Neurology and Psychiatry (AOBNP) with over a decade of experience in inpatient psychiatry. She completed her undergraduate training in Chemistry in Florida, having moved there from Chicago in 2000, followed by medical school at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM). She completed her residency in Psychiatry in Largo, Florida. Dr. Michel-Garrison specializes in treating adults aged 18 and over, addressing a wide range of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, mood disorders, and personality disorders. She is known for her holistic approach, integrating both traditional and osteopathic principles to provide comprehensive care. Her treatment style is patient-centered, emphasizing individualized care plans tailored to each patient's unique needs. Dr. Michel-Garrison fosters a collaborative therapeutic relationship, promoting open communication and trust with her patients. Throughout her career, Dr. Michel-Garrison has remained committed to staying current with the latest advancements in psychiatric care. She is dedicated to helping her patients achieve optimal mental health and well-being through a combination of evidence-based practices and empathetic support.

Garrick Gaffney, DO

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Garrick Gaffney earned his medical degree from Kansas City University and completed his psychiatry residency at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas. A combat veteran, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps, including a tour in Iraq, and was honored with the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and a Certificate of Commendation for exemplary leadership.  During medical school, Dr. Gaffney pursued advanced training as an Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine fellow. As a resident, he served as Chief Academic Resident and earned accolades such as Intern of the Year and Outstanding Educator of the Year twice consecutively.  

Dr. Gaffney specializes in treating complex psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, and insomnia. He has presented case studies and quality improvement projects at national conferences, including the American Psychiatric Association (APA), Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, and Association for Academic Psychiatry.  

A proponent of holistic care, Dr. Gaffney integrates psychotherapy into medication management and emphasizes lifestyle modifications and evidence-based integrative medicine

New patients receive comprehensive evaluations to rule out medical causes of symptoms, followed by tailored treatment plans combining therapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments. Follow-up visits focus on symptom management through supportive, brief dynamic, or cognitive behavioral therapy, with frequent appointments until stabilization is achieved.  

Dr. Gaffney is committed to collaborative, patient-centered care that addresses both mental and physical well-being

Elisabeth Davis, LPCC

Staff Therapist

Elisabeth Davis is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with an MA, licensed in both Kentucky and Ohio. She is also a Board Certified-TeleMental Health Provider. Her professional journey has been eclectic and wide-ranging, allowing her to work with a diverse range of populations and issues. She specializes in areas such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma from physical and sexual abuse, family and relationship issues, parenting problems, and LGBTQIA+ support. Additionally, she has significant experience working with the military and providing education and career counseling.

One of her main goals is to make counseling / therapy "user friendly. "  Many people are apprehensive about starting therapy, and from the first session she tries to create an atmosphere where they feel safe and supported. Maya Angelou said 'My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.' Her mission is to help you find the best way to overcome and thrive in your life.

Her counseling style is rooted in unconditional positive regard, meaning she always approaches therapy from a strength-based perspective. Her clients are treated with respect, genuine care, compassion, and concern. She will work with clients to create goals and find solutions that best suit their needs. She also considers herself a holistic counselor, focusing on the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. As Plato said, 'The part can never be well unless the whole is well.'

Hong Chen, MD

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Alexandra Dodd, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Dodd, a Board-Certified psychiatrist, graduated from the University of Georgia Honors Program with a B.S. in Chemistry, and earned her M.D. from the Medical College of Georgia. During her psychiatry residency in Greenville, SC, she was chief resident and gained extensive experience through moonlighting. She joined the faculty of Gateway’s Savannah residency program in 2021, where she served as Assistant Program Director, and continues to teach residents and students as an Assistant Professor at Mercer University and the Medical College of Georgia. In her community psychiatry practice, she specialized in Assertive Community Treatment, worked with First Episode Psychosis programs, a forensic Diversion-Reentry clinic, telehealth, and outpatient psychiatry, particularly serving graduate students, professionals, and their families in the Savannah area.

Dr. Dodd fosters a comfortable environment for patients at any stage of treatment. As a passionate educator, she enjoys providing psychoeducation and supportive therapy to help patients understand themselves, their relationships, and their motivations.

Dr. Dodd tailors treatment to each individual’s goals, preferences, and strengths. She uses her expertise in diagnosis and pharmacology to optimize care, monitor treatment success, and maintain progress, with the ultimate goal of helping patients feel and function at their best.

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Specialties
Talk Therapy
States
Texas
Colorado
Languages
English