Melinda Morris, LCSW

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.

Violetta Aranda, LPC is a native South Texan and second generation Mexican- American. She is a 2011 graduate of St. Edward's University in Austin, Texas and obtained full LPC licensure in Texas in August of 2017. Her practice focuses on cognitive behavioral modalities within a humanistic client-centered approach to foster healing through self-acceptance and self-awareness. She has over a decade's worth of experience working within the mental health field and fifteen years working directly with children and adolescents in various capacities. Before joining Talkiatry, Miss Aranda practiced exclusively within the community health sector and these experiences provided the opportunity to become fully immersed in Trauma and Crisis Management and fostered the passion for evolving research in the treatment of trauma-informed care. She now aspires to utilize these allocated experiences and passion for the field to promote mental health awareness, client advocacy, and quality of care.

Henna, LMHC, has experience providing trauma-informed, culturally responsive care to adults and couples in both outpatient and inpatient settings. She earned a Master of Education and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Psychology, with advanced training in trauma-focused therapies, including EMDR, as well as grief and relational conflict.

Henna offers a safe, supportive environment where individuals can process deeply personal experiences without fear of judgment. Her warm, compassionate approach ensures each story feels valued and respected, fostering trust and connection from the very first session.

Henna begins by gaining a thorough understanding of a patient’s history, current concerns, and goals for therapy. She collaborates with patients to create a personalized treatment plan, integrating evidence-based modalities such as EMDR, CBT, IFS, psychoeducation, and mindfulness-based interventions to promote healing and growth.

Yvette Ramirez is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over a decade of experience providing care to individuals, couples, and families. She began her career working in-home with patients to build understanding around diagnosis, symptoms, and medication adherence. She later transitioned to integrated care, using solution-focused therapy for clients with co-occurring medical and mental health conditions. Yvette is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), and has provided trauma-informed care across various populations, including children, adolescents, and teenagers.

Yvette offers a compassionate, supportive space where patients feel heard, safe, and respected. She integrates EMDR and trauma-focused CBT to help adolescents, teenagers, and adults process trauma and enhance well-being. Her creative use of play, art, and narrative therapy fosters emotional expression in younger clients. She has experience supporting LGBTQ+ individuals and families navigating identity and relationship concerns. Patients can expect open communication and collaborative goal setting throughout their journey.

Yvette begins treatment by learning about the patient’s concerns and sharing the therapies she offers. By the second session, she works collaboratively with patients to create personalized treatment goals. From the third session onward, sessions focus on progress, practical tools, and check-ins to reinforce healing. Every step of care is structured, collaborative, and empowering.

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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.

Geoffrey Edelstein, LCSW, is a Licensed Certified Social Worker. His practice is informed by the latest neuro-cognitive sciences, emphasizing anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions. In addition to working with children, adolescents, and adults, he also works with couples and families. Geoffrey also has experience working with LGBTQ+ clients. Geoffrey received his Master's in Social Work from New York University Silver School of Social Work. Before that, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature at Drew University. Geoffrey's experience includes Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and psychodynamic psychotherapy, but his unique approach to therapy also integrates music, writing, drawing, and origami. In crafting a treatment plan, Geoffrey draws on his years of clinical experience from Four Winds Hospital. There, Geoffrey served as the Coordinator of Children's Services and facilitated care for children ages 8-13 in a Dialectical Behavior Therapy group setting. Geoffrey also worked with adults and adolescents in Four Winds' inpatient units. Prior to this, Geoffrey worked in respite services at Family Services of Westchester and the Federally Qualified Health Center of the Hudson Valley Cerebral Palsy Association. Geoffrey is committed to delivering quality mental health services to his patients and is passionate about helping them reach their goals.