Nakia Roberson, LPC

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.

Zaccaheaus (Zacc) Adams is a licensed clinical counselor in both Maryland and North Carolina. Zacc graduated from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke with his master's in clinical mental health counseling. He has been effective in providing therapy for many presenting concerns such as depression, anxiety, self-esteem/confidence, trauma, career conflicts, and relationship issues. Zacc has extensive experience working with adolescents, adults, couples, friends, and families. He aims to create a warm and inviting environment that will allow clients to further develop growth and empowerment within themselves. Zacc uses an integrative therapeutic approach to meet each client where they are in each session.

Natisha Joseph is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Mercy University and certification as a Trauma Specialist. Her career began even before completing graduate school in 2014, with more than 10 years of experience providing services to youth in residential treatment. She has also served adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities as a Residential Coordinator for 8 years, supported patients in palliative care for 5 years, and has spent the last 4+ years as a dedicated Mental Health Counselor in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Natisha values open communication and collaboration, working with clients to set clear treatment goals. She creates a warm, respectful, and nonjudgmental environment where individuals feel supported and validated in their therapeutic journey. With a structured yet flexible approach, she helps patients navigate challenges such as trauma, emotional dysregulation, and self-care while fostering healing, growth, and problem-solving.

In the first session, Natisha takes time to understand each patient’s history, concerns, and goals. She builds therapeutic relationships rooted in trust, confidentiality, and respect, and co-develops individualized treatment plans tailored to each person’s needs. Drawing from CBT, ACT, and trauma-informed interventions, she provides active treatment through weekly or biweekly sessions, reviewing and adjusting goals to support ongoing progress.

Jessica Vassallo is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience in the area of mental health. She has worked with patients of various demographics including World Trade Center responders, college students, patients with severe and persistent mental illness, dually diagnosed patients, patients who have or have had cancer, and patients with impoverished backgrounds. She received her Master's Degree at Adelphi University in 2003, became certified that year and received her license in clinical social work in 2008. Jessica has been practicing in social work for 20 years, focusing on anxiety, depression, and PTSD. She uses an eclectic approach in therapy with a foundation in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, mindfulness therapy, and supportive psychotherapy. She develops an individualized treatment plan for all patients to focus on their goals. She believes that the person is impacted by all the larger systems they are in (family, workplace, community, larger society) and is committed to providing a non-judgmental, warm, and empathetic space to help clients feel understood and comfortable exploring the roots of their issues.

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.

Susan is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas. In 2005, she began working in the mental health field by volunteering as a domestic violence advocate for a local women's shelter. She graduated from Texas State University with a bachelor's degree in psychology and continued her education by obtaining a master's degree in counseling from St. Edwards University. Over the years, Susan has worked with several universities, group practices, and community mental health clinics. Susan received CBT training from the Beck Institute and is also trained in EMDR. She works with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, feelings of shame and guilt, trauma, and emotional abuse.

Susan understands that seeing a new therapist can be intimidating. She wants all of her clients to know that she is a safe space and that your feelings and experiences do matter.

Susan uses a holistic approach when working with clients. She also uses unconditional positive regard. Both therapist and client work together to create treatment goals. Techniques used include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Informed CBT, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Rogerian and EMDR.

‍