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Peter McGowan, MD

Staff Psychiatrist
Languages
English
SPECIALTIES
ADHD
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Depression
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
PTSD/Trauma
Perinatal Psychiatry
Postpartum Depression

Education and training

• United States Naval Academy, BS

• Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, MD

• Naval Hospital Breerton, Internship

• Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Residency

Get to know

Peter McGowan, MD

Dr. McGowan is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with over 14 years of experience, during which time he primarily treated active-duty US Navy sailors, their family members, and military retirees in the outpatient setting. His practice focuses on medication management in addition to supportive and cognitive-behavioral therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. He is a strong advocate of multiple treatment modalities and, in certain situations, may suggest that therapy and/or regular physical exercise be included in your treatment plan to provide the best outcome. He received his B.S. in Physics from the United States Naval Academy. After serving as an Intelligence Officer in the Navy for eight years, he transitioned to medicine and earned his medical degree from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, MD. After completing an intern year in Family Medicine, Dr. McGowan completed residency training in Psychiatry at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, VA, where he remained on staff for the next ten years and was primarily involved in resident training and education. He held academic appointments at the Uniformed Services University and Eastern Virginia Medical School and served as the Psychiatry Residency Program Director for six years. He served his final four years in uniform running the behavioral health department at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, WA. He recently retired from the Navy after a 30-year career. Dr. McGowan has extensive experience in outpatient psychiatric care. In addition to the full spectrum of mood and anxiety disorders, he has treated a very large number of patients with PTSD stemming from combat, natural disasters, and sexual trauma. He believes that, like his service to the country, working alongside others in their journey to better mental health is an incredible privilege.

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Jennifer Ruch, DO

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Dr. Jennifer Ruch is a board-certified psychiatrist who strives to understand her patients' lived experiences and aspirations to develop supportive therapeutic relationships through empathetic listening, mutual trust, and respect. She collaboratively creates individualized care plans that align with personal treatment goals in a safe and judgment-free environment. After completing her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Biology with a focus in psychology from the University of California, Merced, she earned her medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Ruch completed her General Psychiatry Residency at Arnot Ogden Medical Center in New York. Her clinical experience involves treating individuals of all age groups from diverse populations and socioeconomic backgrounds suffering from anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, and neurocognitive disorders. She has provided care in inpatient and outpatient psychiatric facilities, the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, emergency rooms, state facilities, and an inpatient chemical dependency center. She also performed pre-procedure psychological evaluations for bariatric and spinal cord surgeries, and psychiatric consult liaison services on medical units and has clinical training in inpatient and outpatient neurology. Her clinical experience incorporated treatment modalities such as pharmacotherapy and interventional psychiatry, including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Spravato. Dr. Ruch integrates a wide array of psychotherapy as needed; however, her practice primarily focuses on medication management while utilizing referrals to therapists and providing collaborative care for optimal outcomes.

Rebecca Siwanowicz, LCSW

Staff Therapist

Rebecca Siwanowicz is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who began her career in 2013, maintaining various positions in both inpatient and outpatient settings while treating substance use and mental health disorders. Rebecca graduated with her BSW from Florida Atlantic University in 2013 and graduated with her MSW in 2016. Rebecca is trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy and is a Master's Level Certified Addiction Professional in the state of Florida.‍Rebecca's areas of expertise are trauma, anxiety and depressive disorders, issues related to codependency and low self-esteem, life transitions, self-care and emotion regulation. Rebecca takes an individualistic approach when treating clients, greatly valuing and promoting individuality and autonomy. Rebecca practices through the lens of Family Systems Theory and Attachment Theory, utilizing components of Existentialism, Strength Based Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, 12 Step Principles, and Client Centered Therapy. Rebecca takes a psychosocial approach toward treatment, providing her clients with unconditional positive regard, psychoeducation, and practical coping skills to support them in building a life of their choosing.

Kenneth Kavanagh, PMHNP

Staff Nurse Practitioner

Kenneth Kavanagh is board certified as both a Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and an Adult Nurse Practitioner.  His career has spanned 30 years with the last 17 years devoted exclusively to psychiatry.  He integrates his knowledge of psychiatry and primary care into evidence-based medication management strategies.  He also possesses a good working knowledge of alternative treatments and integrating alternative treatments into more traditional approaches.  When needed to enhance patient care outcomes, he frequently works collaboratively with psychotherapists, primary care providers, and/or medical specialists.  

Kenneth currently focuses on managing depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, adjustment disorders, ADHD, somatic disorders, OCD, and bipolar disorders.  Kenneth has significant experience in working with diverse groups, including urban and rural populations across socioeconomic spectrums, professionals and college students on all levels, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals confronting life stage transitions, and people living with chronic medical conditions.  

Kenneth’s psychotherapeutic methods are diverse and evolve to meet collaboratively developed treatment goals.  Kenneth’s interaction style is always empathic and respectful but can range from comforting and supportive to more directive and therapeutically confrontational strategies to maximize treatment goals, often with significant doses of humor throughout the therapeutic relationship.

David Arabie, LPC

Staff Licensed Professional Counselor

David Arabie is a licensed professional counselor and certified tobacco treatment specialist with extensive experience working in the mental health field. David has worked directly with clients from various demographics and in various clinical settings, from inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practice, to working with the incarcerated. David has a long history of working with clients with an array of mental health conditions and challenges, from mood disorders, adjustment-related issues, addiction, family dynamics, relationship issues, emotional trauma, behavioral issues, anger management, and clinical anxiety and depression. He has a working knowledge of psychotropic medications to help with med-compliance and treatment barriers. David obtained undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Houston Clear Lake in Houston, Texas. David has been practicing as an LPC for 19 years but has also worked as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor before obtaining his LPC. Working with David, treatment is tailored to the individual, so the goals of therapy can be met, and the client can experience a sense of vested interest in their own emotional contentment and growth. David uses an eclectic approach to therapy, with a strong foundation in Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy. Personally, David is a musician, community theater actor, educator, coach, and swim official.‍

Bernadett Hulsinger, LPC

Staff Therapist

Bernadette Hulsinger, LPC works with individuals from young adulthood through senior adulthood and has experience across inpatient and outpatient settings. She is a clinical trauma counselor with expertise in crisis intervention, risk assessment, TBI, ASD, and couples and family counseling. Bernadette has provided telehealth services since 2017 and holds Board Certification in Telemental Health (BC-TMH). She also serves as a supervisor for counselors working toward licensure.

Bernadette’s style is warm, conversational, and wellness-focused. While she may challenge clients, it is always done in a non-confrontational and supportive manner. She provides a judgment-free space for all clients, including those in poly relationships. Sessions emphasize collaboration, with clients setting their own goals while receiving guidance and exploration along the way.

The first session focuses on understanding a client’s history, life experiences, and previous counseling. Bernadette works collaboratively to develop a treatment plan with attainable goals, emphasizing steady progress and overall wellness—being “just a bit more well today than in past days.” She regularly checks in about the therapeutic relationship and values feedback, always prioritizing client safety, comfort, and fit.

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Specialties
ADHD
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Depression
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
PTSD/Trauma
Perinatal Psychiatry
Postpartum Depression
States
Virginia
Washington
Texas
Languages
English
Takes insurance
Virtual visits
14 years experience