Melinda Morris, LCSW

Tara Merchant is a person-centered, nonjudgmental, relationship-based LMHC (licensed mental health counselor) who recognizes the intrinsic value of all people and holds positive regard for all her clients. Tara views counseling as a collaborative effort that provides psychoeducation and coping skills for the obstacles with which clients may be struggling, and clients provide insights as experts on themselves. She believes that all thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected and have valid underlying factors. Tara seeks to help clients connect the dots, from both past and present, to have a greater understanding of themselves and their environments. She also fosters a safe space for clients to identify and embrace their feelings toward emotional catharsis. Tara received her Bachelor's Degree from Purchase College, State University of NY, and her Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Long Island University. She has an eclectic style that utilizes Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and psychodynamic modality. Tara aims to uphold cultural humility for ongoing learning and awareness that supports racial and social equity. She is experienced in working with relationship issues, anxiety, depression, and child development. Tara is a big proponent of self-care and encourages you to find whatever it is that fills your cup. She, for example, loves to watch TV and sing in her spare time.

Mr. Hogate is a skilled therapist with over 25 years of experience providing psychotherapy in a broad range of clinical settings. He is licensed both as a Clinical Social Worker and a Professional Counselor. Mr. Hogate has provided private counseling services since 2001 and additionally has worked in a vast range of clinical settings including outpatient counseling for individuals and families, inpatient services for children and adults, outpatient treatment for individuals with co-occurring substance use and other behavioral health concerns. Mr. Hogate is driven by a deep belief in the centrality of human relationships and the benefits clients can gain from a deep connection with a skilled clinician.

Mr. Hogate has a balanced and informed perspective on therapy and seeks to draw from patient experience and strength in partnership toward a common goal of reducing stress and symptoms of various life challenges such as depression, anxiety, relationship conflict, life transitions and others. His clinical perspective is practical and informed by various clinical orientations, yet unique to each individual. Mr. Hogate is collaborative and integrative in his approach to therapy and seeks to build connections with client’s medical providers or others to enhance clinical outcomes.

Typically, Mr. Hogate starts work with clients as a conversation in the context of an enduring interest and belief in the capacity of individuals to make meaningful changes in their lives. Interventions are an important aspect of Mr. Hogate’s clinical work, often rooted in CBT, Narrative Therapy, Systems Theory, ACT and elements of Positive Psychology. Mr. Hogate approaches clients from a biological, psychological and sociological perspective seeking to understand individuals from each of these domains.

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Amy Bichsel Pacheco Piña is a compassionate and experienced psychotherapist dedicated to helping individuals navigate the complexities of life with resilience and confidence. Amy holds a Master's in Social Work from the University of Nebraska-Omaha in 2008 and is licensed as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). With 16 years of experience in the mental health field, Amy specializes in anxiety, depression, trauma (including Narcissistic Abuse), and grief. Amy prides herself on creating a non-judgmental and healing environment that allows for self-discovery and assists clients in identifying their authentic selves. She has experience in many methods and techniques, ensuring that her approach integrates evidence-based practices with experiential techniques which are tailored to each client's unique needs to allow for nervous system regulation and a sense of safety within themselves. She believes in fostering a collaborative therapeutic relationship where clients feel empowered to set and achieve meaningful goals. From a holistic perspective, Amy incorporates techniques such as identifying strengths, mindfulness, polyvagal techniques, challenging core belief systems, early childhood, and attachment types to heal the mind, body, and spirit. When not working with clients, Amy enjoys being outdoors, reading, and spending time with her husband, son, and two dogs.

Julia Ficachi, is a New York City–based Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with adolescents and adults from a relational perspective. She is fluent in Spanish and German and has experience in both outpatient and inpatient settings. Julia integrates a range of approaches, including EFT tapping and guided visualization, and has facilitated spirituality-focused groups for adults living with chronic and persistent mental illness. When working with couples, she draws from her training in the Gottman Method.

Julia’s work is grounded in authenticity, warmth, and deep respect for the client experience. She prioritizes empathy and compassion and is intentional about creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel seen and understood. Julia believes that a strong therapeutic relationship is essential for healing and meaningful change.

Julia meets clients exactly where they are, taking time to understand their deepest fears, strengths, and hopes. She collaborates with clients to establish treatment goals and incorporates exploration of family history and cultural influences as part of the therapeutic process.

Amanda Bevan is a licensed therapist with five years of experience working with adults. She holds a Master of Social Work from The Ohio State University and is licensed as an LISW-S in Ohio and an LCSW in Maine and Virginia. Amanda has experience treating anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, life transitions, and self-esteem, and has worked primarily with adults in community mental health, healthcare, and outpatient substance use and mental health settings. Her clinical work draws from evidence-based approaches including CBT, DBT, ACT, mindfulness-based therapy, motivational interviewing, and strengths-based care.

Amanda brings a warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental style to therapy. She believes treatment should be personalized, goal-focused, holistic, and centered on each individual’s unique needs. She prioritizes creating a safe and supportive space where patients feel heard, respected, and empowered throughout their therapeutic journey.

Amanda begins with a comprehensive initial session to understand each person’s concerns, history, and goals. She partners with patients to develop individualized treatment plans and uses ongoing sessions to build skills, deepen insight, and track progress. Treatment is regularly reviewed and adjusted as needs and goals evolve.

Lindsey Wittenhagen, LPC, earned a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from the University of Texas Permian Basin in 2014 and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She has extensive experience supporting individuals with anxiety, depression, ADHD, self-worth concerns, relationship challenges, stress management, divorce, and life transitions. Lindsey has worked in outpatient settings and as an advocate for trauma survivors, bringing a compassionate and informed perspective to her practice.

Lindsey’s passion is helping clients navigate the ups and downs of life, whether facing overwhelming stress, relational difficulties, or emotional struggles. Her approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that healing happens when individuals feel truly seen and heard. Therapy with Lindsey is not about fixing what is “broken” but about fostering self-understanding, exploring what may be keeping someone stuck, and building tools for well-being. She creates a safe, judgment-free space where clients can show up authentically.

Lindsey begins therapy by gaining a thorough understanding of each client’s history, concerns, and goals during the initial session. She then collaborates with clients to develop individualized treatment plans that reflect their unique needs and aspirations. Progress is continually assessed, with goals and approaches adjusted as necessary to ensure growth, resilience, and meaningful change.