Providers
Here to help you SHINE!
Christy Callahan, PMHNP-BC, CRNP
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Extensively trained in the treatment of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and behavioral issues, she believes mindfulness, healthy lifestyle, and strong social connections are crucial to improving your mental health and well being. She listens to your needs, works closely with referring physicians and therapists, and develops a treatment plan with you to ensure you receive the high level of care you deserve.
Ms. Callahan is a board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. She holds a bachelor's degree in nursing from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and earned her master's degree at Drexel University College in Philadelphia.
Ms. Callahan has gained clinical experience in psychiatry and mental health in facilities in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, including the University of Maryland Medical Center and Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, working along side their top psychiatrists. She has a wide range of experience from emergency, crisis, inpatient, and outpatient long term care.
Kamala Via, DNP, CRNP-PMH
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Highly experienced in the treatment of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and PTSD, Dr. Via listens to your concerns and works closely with you to develop an individualized treatment plan suited to your specific needs. She is skilled in providing supportive solution focused care with a holistic approach to adults 18+ and works closely with referring therapists and physicians to ensure best quality outcomes so that you can be your best self again.
Dr. Via is a doctorate level prepared board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. She holds a bachelors degree from the University of Maryland in Baltimore, earned her doctorate degree at the University of Alabama, and has held faculty positions at Howard Community College.
Dr. Via has gained experience working at many of the top hospitals in the area including St. Josephs, University of Maryland, and Sinai hospital. She has a wide range of clinical experience from adult inpatient, consultation and liaison services, emergency and crisis settings, and long-term outpatient care.
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Justin Leahy, CRNP-PMH
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Providing treatment to ages 13+, Justin enjoys working with ADHD, OCD, anxiety, depression, social phobias, bipolar disorders, trauma, anger issues, and sleep disorders. He believes in a holistic approach towards treatment addressing the overall health of an individual instead of just treating the symptoms. Justin's open and collaborative approach towards treatment combined with supportive therapy focuses on your unique needs to help you improve your health and wellness.
Justin Leahy is a board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. He received his bachelor’s degree as well as his master’s degree in nursing from the University of Maryland at Baltimore. He is licensed to practice in Virginia and Maryland and has gained clinical experience working on inpatient units in the hospital, outpatient settings, substance use programs, and in several residential long term care facilities.
Atola Idika, PMHNP-BC, CRNP
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Experienced in providing compassionate care to children ages 8+, adolescents, and adults, Atola approaches every unique case in a friendly, professional manner and has exceptional knowledge in treating ADHD, depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorders, trauma, and behavioral issues. She works with you to develop effective and dynamic treatment plans that incorporate holistic coping mechanisms to improve overall mental health and well-being across the lifespan.
Atola Idika is a board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. She holds a bachelor's degree in nursing from the Bowie State University and earned her master's degree at Walden University in Minnesota. She is a certified Forensic Nursing Examiner and gained clinical experience at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, where she was awarded the “Good Catch Award,” an award given to staff members who identify potential patient safety concerns before they happen.
Alicia Jefferson, LCSW-C
Psychotherapist
Trained in the newest trauma focused therapy modality, Brainspotting, Ms. Jefferson also employs a wide range of cognitive behavioral therapy, and multisystemic treatment approaches using the Strengths Perspective Model to empower the lives of others.
Ms. Jefferson has over 20 years of experience and a passion for working with women who have been victims of trauma, including domestic violence, sex abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, and chronic mental health issues. She is ready to help you heal, grow, and thrive!
Ms. Jefferson graduated with honors and earned her degree at Howard University School of Social Work. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from John Jay College School of Criminal Justice and served as a Detective in the Sex Crimes and Victim Services Unit for the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office in New York. She was also a Program Manager of the Sex Abuse Services Unit for Prince George’s County Department of Social Services and a trained facilitator in family group conferencing with more than 10 years of experience with the District of Columbia Child and Family Services Agency and was able to address the complex needs of hundreds of families.
Bettye Brake, LCSW-C
Psychotherapist
Ms. Brake has over 30 years of experience working with clients who have anxiety, depression, mood disorders, grief, and trauma. She specializes in loss and grief issues, women’s issues, family issues, occupational issues, and overall stress management. She listens to your needs and helps you meet your goals using a wide array of techniques including Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT) and Supportive Psychotherapy. Ms. Brake is ready to develop a personal treatment plan with you so that you feel empowered and ready for positive change!
Ms. Brake is a board certified Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C) in the state of Maryland. She holds a BS in Special Education/Elementary Education from Louisiana Tech University and a MSW in Social Work from University of Maryland at Baltimore. She also had training at the Family Therapy Institute in Rockville, MD.
Additionally, Ms. Brake was the program director of a dual diagnosis program (MR/MI), the director of an intensive outpatient treatment program, clinical instructor for doctoral psychiatric nurse practitioners for the University of Maryland School of Nursing, and a field instructor for UMAB first year MSW students.
Linda Darrell, PhD, LCSW-C
Psychotherapist
With a wide range of expertise in treating adults with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, life transitions, grief and loss across the lifespan, trauma, and chronic and terminal illnesses, she believes that change and healing can best be achieved through learning healthy thought processes and self empowerment. She provides individual therapy and with a comprehensive background and extensive training, does so with the compassion and expertise to support your needs and help you succeed.
Dr. Darrell hails from Long Island, New York, and is an Associate Professor in the MSW program at Morgan State University’s School of Social Work. She holds PhD in Clinical Social Work from Smith College School of Social Work, a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Social Work and an undergraduate degree in Social Work from The State University of New York at Stony Brook.
Dr. Darrell has also completed a post- graduate fellowship at Smith College School of Social Work in end-of-life care and is a licensed minister who welcomes the use of spirituality in the counseling process, when appropriate.
Brian Richards, PsyD.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Brian Richards provides Advanced Diagnostic Screenings to clients ages 13+. This comprehensive 1-hour assessment includes evidence-based psychometrics, and helps meaningfully answer questions regarding your diagnosis and thought processes, clarify treatment goals and streamline the treatment process. This service includes brain science-based approaches to improve stress management, sleep, attention and overall well-being. It is also presented in an easy to read and understandable report which can be shared with your therapist, psychiatric prescribers, and your primary care provider.
If you're unsure of your diagnosis and would like to increase your ability to cope with daily stressors, ask to schedule an appointment with Dr. Richards today!
Dr. Richards is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. He completed a Master’s Degree in Existential-Phenomenological Psychology at Duquesne University, a Doctorate in Psychology (Psy.D.), at the University of Denver School for Professional Psychology, and a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Johns Hopkins Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit. He is currently working on clinical trials in Psychedelic Medicine with Sunstone Therapies.
