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Dana Sommers, LCSW

Staff Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Languages
English
Conditions Treated
Talk Therapy

Education and training

  • The College of Wooster, BA
  • New York University, MSW

Get to know

Dana Sommers, LCSW

Before graduating from NYU School of Social Work, Dana worked in international human rights and educational environments. She has 13 years of experience as a clinical social worker and prior to assuming her role as psychotherapist at Talkiatry, Dana worked with formerly homeless adults in supportive housing. Dana views therapy as a gift to oneself and recognizes the bravery and courage it takes to be vulnerable and open oneself to the path of self-discovery. She is passionate about creating a warm, validating, culturally responsive and non-judgmental environment where she will work collaboratively with you towards your goals. Whether you are moving through a difficult transition, coping with chronic illness, experiencing work burnout and stress, anxiety, trauma, loss, or just wanting to feel "unstuck”, she will accompany you through these life circumstances and emotions and help you gain new insights about yourself, reinforce or learn new ways of thinking and coping and help you reclaim hope as you work to live your most meaningful life. Dana draws primarily from psychodynamic therapy, though her treatment is collaborative, flexible, and individualized, incorporating mindfulness, CBT and other evidence-based modalities when appropriate.

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Patricia Grendell, PMHNP

Staff Nurse Practitioner

Patricia Grendell is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who provides mental health care using a personalized, holistic approach. Patricia specializes in psychiatric evaluation and medication management along with psychotherapy and integrative interventions. Prior to receiving education and training in Nursing at New York University and Case Western Reserve University, Patricia earned a Master of Social Work from Boston College with a focus on health and mental health.  

Patricia specializes in working with adults experiencing a wide range of acute and chronic stressors and mental health symptoms. Patricia tailors' treatment to the goals, needs, and comfort level of each individual at her or his own pace. Patricia builds connections with patients so that they feel heard and understood, and partners with each individual to determine the most appropriate treatment strategies that maximize comfort, safety, and positive results.  

Over the past ten years as a Nurse Practitioner in outpatient and inpatient environments, Patricia has helped patients improve and overcome conditions including depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, and insomnia. Using a combination of medication management, individual therapy, and psychoeducation, Patricia develops individualized treatment plans centered around patients’ priorities and safety to achieve improvements in health and quality of life.

Alexandra Gotsche, DO

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Gotsche is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who is dedicated to helping individuals navigate their mental health journey. Originally from Illinois, she completed her undergraduate studies at Illinois State University before earning her medical degree from Kansas City University. She went on to complete her psychiatry residency at the University of Oklahoma. Following residency, she worked at the Kansas City VA Medical Center where she primarily focused on outpatient mental health. Outside of her clinical work, she enjoys cooking, reading, cycling, and hiking.

Dr. Gotsche takes a holistic, integrative, and evidence-based approach to mental health care. She emphasizes the importance of building a strong therapeutic alliance and working closely with each patient to ensure treatment fits their unique needs and goals. She is experienced in treating a variety of psychiatric conditions including mood disorders, anxiety, trauma-related disorders, and ADHD. She is committed to providing comprehensive care in a supportive environment.

Dr. Gotsche will conduct a thorough evaluation to learn each patient’s medical history, current symptoms, and treatment goals. She values open communication and a collaborative approach, ensuring that patients are actively involved in the decision-making process. An individualized treatment plan will be developed which may include medication management, psychotherapy, or referrals to additional services as needed. Her goal is to provide integrated, patient-centered care that promotes long-term well-being.

Ellen Ortiz, LMFT

Staff Therapist

Ms. Ellen Ortiz is fully licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in multiple states. She has decades of life experience to support her 3 years of full licensure. Ms. Ortiz sees individuals from the perspective of the various environments they interact in and how it impacts them. Ms. Ortiz is enthusiastic about collaborating with clients under the care of one of our psychiatric experts in order to allow for a more complete and personalized approach for each individual's needs.
Ms. Ortiz began her education later in life at Elgin Community College then continued to acquire her bachelor’s degree from Argosy University with honors. Ms. Ortiz forged ahead and completed her Master’s in Family Counseling at the CACREP accredited graduate school, Northeastern Illinois University. Her training included the externship for Emotion Focused Therapy with Dr. Sue Johnson.

Ms. Ortiz incorporates therapy from a Solution Focused perspective including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness and Attachment theory.  Ms.Ortiz has been trained in Crisis Intervention and Trauma Informed therapy. Her life experience and clientele have spanned all life cycles, races, and medical needs as well as honoring all varieties of human beings. She has also supported clients through medical diagnosis and end of life as well as grief.

Ms. Ortiz brings enthusiasm for each client based on the belief that each person has unique purpose, strengths and abilities on which to draw on. The client's abilities paired with tools and support acquired in therapy will lead each of her clients to a life they choose to enhance.

Alana Ward, PMHNP

Staff Nurse Practicioner

Alana Ward is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). Alan has been practicing since 2018 and has experience with individuals of all ages. Prior to becoming a PMHNP, Alana worked as a registered nurse in critical care and psychiatry. As a PMHNP, she has experience working on inpatient adult and geriatric psychiatric units, as well as providing psychiatric evaluations and consultations to individuals on medical units and emergency rooms at hospitals. Alana is very experienced working in outpatient settings managing various psychiatric diagnoses. She has also helped manage individuals in long term care facilities and assisted living facilities. When Alana is not providing direct patient care, she will on occasion help with instructing future nurses at Kent State University. Alana graduated with her Master's of Science in Nursing from Kent State University, and is board certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner through the American Nurse Credentialing Center. Alana enjoys treating a variety of mental health diagnoses including depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, and various psychotic disorders. She believes in client-centered care, where clients get a say in their treatment in order to help make them feel their best. Alana truly believes that therapy is a crucial part of successfully treating any mental health diagnosis, in combination with medication management when warranted. Alana likes to add mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to her medication management appointments to help individuals receive effective, quality care.

Sumaiyah Qureshi, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Qureshi is a Board-Certified General Psychiatrist. She was born and raised in Hyderabad, India. She underwent her medical training at Mamata Medical College, India and completed residency at Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY. Dr. Qureshi has gained extensive training in psychiatric inpatient, outpatient, and emergency settings and has worked with diverse populations. She has practiced Telepsychiatry since her graduation, including working at community mental health centers serving the serious mentally ill in underserved areas. Dr. Qureshi's practice includes management of psychiatric disorders in adults including Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, and others. She is interested in treating issues related to women's health as well. Dr. Qureshi has an empathetic and culturally sensitive approach that is patient-centered and focused on building a strong therapeutic alliance. She believes in collaborating with other providers involved in the patient's care. Her approach involves medication management in tandem with therapy techniques like CBT, Supportive therapy, IPT, and motivation therapy.

Alaina Ables, LMHC

Staff Therapist

Alaina Ables is a Manhattan-based mental health counselor with a wide range of experience with different populations and diagnoses. She has worked with children, adolescents, adults, and couples in both addiction and traditional mental health settings. Alaina is also licensed in Virginia and is available for virtual sessions. Alaina specializes in working with teenagers, college students, and the LGBT Community. Alaina also focuses on treating Anxiety, BPD, ADHD, Trauma, and General Life Stressors.

Alaina operates from a Person-Centered Lens which means the client is the expert in their own life, therefore, she will collaborate with you to find the best possible approach.

Alaina provides a comfortable, non-judgmental, and multicultural lens to ensure the ability of tacking each issue in a safe and healthy way.

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Specialties
Talk Therapy
States
New York
New Jersey
Languages
English
Takes insurance
Virtual visits
13 years experience