Our Team

Dr. Hisham Soliman is a well-known psychiatrist who serves the Sacramento, Folsom, and Roseville California areas. At Advanced Psychiatry Associates, the doctor and his staff offer treatment options for ADD/ADHD, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and other common mental health conditions. Genetic testing, medication management, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation are some of the many services offered through the facilities. The doctor uses his extensive knowledge and experience to offer individualized counseling and psychotherapy sessions to all his patients.

Dr. Soliman received his medical degree in Cairo, Egypt from Ain-Shams University, Medical School. After moving to California, the doctor attended the University of California, San Francisco, Fresno Central San Joaquin Valley Medical Education Program where he completed his residency. The doctor continued to further his education and gained experience in many different areas of psychiatry. The doctor’s main area of expertise involves psychopharmacology. Psychopharmacology blends psychiatric care along with the use of appropriate medications for specific types of conditions. The doctor goes to great lengths to ensure that his patients receive the medications they need to sufficiently treat their psychiatric and physical health conditions.

Dr. Padla was born in New Jersey and attended school there through college where he received his Bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University. After this, he received a Master’s Degree at Virginia Tech before attending medical school at Rutger’s Medical School, Newark, New Jersey. He then did his psychiatric residency training at the prestigious Institute of Living in Hartford Connecticut.

During his years of private practice he has specialized in general psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, pain management and obesity medicine.  He has trained physician’s assistants while being an adjunct professor in Psychiatry at Western Michigan University. He retired in 2017 after being Chief of Psychiatry at Doctor’s Hospitals of Indiana. After a brief retirement of six months, he was lured out of retirement and became the psychiatrist at the Sacramento Native American Health Center where he currently still works.

He enjoys his profession and helping his patients have a healthier life.

Dr. Motl is a new addition to Advanced Psychiatry Associates, bringing with him over 40 years of experience in the field.  Dr. Motl completed his residency in neuropsychiatry  with Letterman Army Medical center during the 1970’s in San Francisco California.  Originally from Omaha Nebraska the doctor has traveled all along the western states and is licensed to treat patients in Colorado, Arizona, and California.

Dr. Debbold was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. He attended college at the University of Southern California and medical school at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine. He completed his residency in Psychiatry at the University of Chicago and has been a Board Certified practitioner since 1989. He turned to California in 1993. He is married and has raised four boys. Outside of work he enjoys hiking, snow skiing, boating and most outdoor activities.

Dr. Gary Samson is a New York City trained Psychiatrist.

Having completed his Psychiatry training in 1994 at St. Vincent’s Hospital & Medical Center of NYC / New York Medical College (located in the west side of Greenwich Village in Manhattan), he went into private practice in the State of Connecticut.  Dr. Samson moved to Northern California in 2008 & now joins our team of psychiatrists.

Dr. Samson prides himself on staying educated and ahead of the curb with regard to psychopharmacology.  Dr. Samson is highly qualified and driven to provide the highest quality of care to all of his patients.

Cortney has been with  Advanced Psychiatry Associates for over two years. She is a Nurse practitioner, certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). She completed all of her education in Arizona at Arizona State University and Grand Canyon University. With past experience in Family medicine, Internal medicine, and Pediatrics, she brings a wealth of knowledge treating patients of all ages. She has a passion for mental health and enjoys getting to know the people she treats. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.

“I joined APA in October 2018. I’m a certified family nurse practitioner by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). I grew up in Wichita, Kansas and completed my undergraduate studies at Kansas State University and received my BSN from Washburn University. I received my MSN from Wichita State University. After graduating with my MSN I moved to Austin, Texas and lived there for 10 years. I worked in pain management, neurosurgery and men’s health while in Texas. I moved to California in January 2017 and worked in pain management before starting at APA. I have really enjoyed working in mental health and enjoy working for APA. It is very rewarding and I enjoy getting to know my patients. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, watching football and taking vacations whenever I can.”

Lisa is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C), certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).  She completed her undergrad degree in Nursing at Brigham Young University and Master’s degree in Nursing at Texas Tech University. Experience includes Medical-Surgical, Neuro, Renal, ICU, OR nursing, Clinical Transplant Coordinator (kidney, pancreas), with pre, post and living donor care and management, Clinical Manager of Signature Suites VIP hospital floor in Houston. As an FNP, working in Family Practice and Internal Medicine gives her an in depth understanding of the problems we can face. Currently in psychiatry, I provide treatment options and medication management for ADD/ADHD, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and other common mental health conditions. Genetic testing and transcranial magnetic stimulation services are also offered through our facility. I love working with my patients. I appreciate life’s challenges and I provide teaching, support, encouragement and treatment options for health and well-being.

Julie is Board Certified as an Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). She began her career as an Army Nurse. Over her career in healthcare, she has worked in various medical settings to include radiology, Medical-Surgical nursing, nursing in an Army field hospital, post-partum, step-down ICU, post-anesthesia care, hospice, case management, and caring for Veterans. Her academic background consists of a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Pacific Lutheran University, a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of Phoenix, and a Post-Master’s Certificate in the Adult Nurse Practitioner Program at Maryville University. She has a passion for mental health and enjoys supporting and getting to know her patients. In her free time, she enjoys running, cycling, reading, and spending time with family and all of her many pets.

YanYan is a nurse practitioner, certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) as well as a physician assistant, certified by National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).  She completed all her education in University of California-Davis and University of Texas. With her past experience in emergency room and critical care unit, she has her passion in mental health and treating psychiatric patients. YanYan has compassion towards all her patients and willing to spend time to listen to their needs. YanYan grew up in Shanghai, China and also has bachelor’s degrees in English literature and Chinese literature. In her free time, she enjoys doing aikido, reading, and hiking.

Margaret MacDonald is a Nurse Practitioner.  She completed her BSN and MSN at Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, specializing in Adult and Geriatric Primary Care.  Margaret developed a passion for mental health while working with underserved urban peoples during school and subsequently during her first job in California’s North State in a remote rural area with very limited access to psychiatric providers.  She is completing post-graduate studies in Psychiatric and Mental Health at Johns Hopkins and Vanderbilt.

Prior to becoming an NP, Margaret was a high-tech management consulting executive for companies like Accenture, PWC, and Oracle Consulting.  She lived and worked in Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, and Washington DC.  Her initial undergraduate studies were at Yale and San Diego State.

When her mother went into terminal decline, Margaret was inspired by the Nurse Practitioners that provided care and remembered her childhood dream of becoming a doctor.  That led Margaret to make the career change to Nurse Practitioner.

Margaret draws on her background and life experience to bring a compassionate, holistic, and practical approach to caring for her patients.

An Army brat, she has lived in multiple states and countries, but considers Southern California as her childhood home.  She recently relocated to Sacramento and is looking forward to getting to know this area.  Margaret enjoys hanging out with her two dogs, cooking, reading, watching classic movies, and outdoor activities like hiking and backpacking.

“I immigrated from Korea at age 12 with my family and speak fluent Korean. I received BSN in RN at California State University Long Beach in 1995 and received MSN in FNP at UCLA in 2001.  I am married to a dentist and have managed private dental practiced for 16 years. I have one adopted son and he is in middle school. I have worked at mental hospital for developmentally disabled adults with mental health illnesses for two years and have managed mental health clients in Sacramento area for homeless and under-served population for 2 years.  I have worked at Sierra College student health for 16 years and treated mental health illness and often this is the age group where initial mental illnesses are diagnosed and managed. I have passion with sewing since I was age 14.”

Sally is Board Certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner by the American Nurses Credential Center (ANCC).  She began her career in the health care profession as a phlebotomist.  She continued her education and obtained her licensure as a LVN, RN, then RNP.  She has practiced  care in a homecare and in a hospital setting.  She has experience in medical-surgical unit, hospice, and psychiatric settings.  Her academic background consists of a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Indiana State University, a Master’s Degree in Nursing Administration from Purdue University, and a Post-Master’s Certification in Family Nurse Practitioner Program from Samuel Merritt University.  She has a passion for mental health and enjoys getting to know everyone she interacts with.  In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and her animals.

Valerie Thorn is an American Nurse Credential Center board certified Family Nurse Practitioner and board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.  Valerie Thorn provides over 26 years of experience in business, leadership, and clinical practice.  These years of experience include women’s health, urgent care, adolescent healthcare, jail health care, internal medicine, dialysis, retail healthcare, and addiction medicine.  Additionally, her experience encompasses employment as a sexual assault nurse examiner performing forensic examinations.

Educational accomplishments include a Master of Science in Nursing with a focus in Family Nurse Practitioner from Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Indiana.  A Master of Business Administration from Purdue University in Lafayette, Indiana, and the completion of the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner education from the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois.  In between these educational endeavors, theological study led to a mission trip to Cambodia in 2018.

From a business and leadership capacity these endeavors began with the start-up of a resident physician clinic at the University of Chicago, leading to a position as the director of the Northwest Indiana Acute dialysis team.  Clinical experience led to the development and initial start-up of a satellite diversion clinic for a Federally Qualified Health Center and several nurse practitioner leadership positions in jail health at the Director level.   Through the experience of jail healthcare administration and leadership, an opportunity for project management in the development of an inpatient addiction recovery center led to positions as the Director of Nursing and the Executive Director.  As an advocate for the advancement of nursing, Ms. Thorn held a regional board member position for the Coalition of Advanced Practice Nursing and the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault.

Valerie Thorn envelopes a passion for the advancement of mental illness using her background to provide compassionate and holistic care to her patients.  Her relocation to the Sacramento area brings together experience, compassion, and comprehensive care.  Ms. Thorn has publication through the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) case study on Pandemic Preparedness Planning Initiative; Grant No:  2005-DD-BX-K053.

Looking forward to meeting you and providing the compassionate care you deserve.

Veronica is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).She began her career at the Community College of Baltimore county where she graduated with ADN. She then joined Walden University for undergraduate and graduate education. She has extensive nursing experience in mental health treatment. She began her NP career in skilled facilities and also in the community working with the under-served population. As a healthcare provider, she believes in holistic individual treatment that focuses on mental health as well as physical and emotional wellbeing.
In her free time, she enjoys singing, spending time with family, outdoors, and travelling.
I want to orient in Folsom where I will meet the team I will be working with.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Veronica Kamau

Michael is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Realizing the power that mental wellness has on one’s life trajectory, Michael’s passion and purpose lies in helping others seek and fulfill their potential. He has Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Nursing, and is also a Doctor of Nursing Practice. After starting his career working as a mental health worker at a residential center for at-risk youth, Michael transitioned to working as a registered nurse caring for children, adolescents, and the adults struggling with psychiatric disorders. He is now a practicing PMHNP.
In his free time, Michael enjoys trying new food, watching movies, traveling, and spending time with his family.

I was born in the Ukraine into a family of a doctor and a structural engineer. In 1992 my family immigrated to the United States. Following my mother’s footsteps, I have always been interested in healthcare and medicine, thus I chose a path of Nursing with an emphasis on Psychiatry.

I earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from San Francisco State University subsequently I received my MSN degree with a specialization in Psychiatric Mental Health and Clinical Nurse Specialist degree from the same university in 2006.

I decided to pursue a career in psychiatry in hopes of better understanding not only mental illness but also the psychological, emotional, and spiritual ailments that patients experience daily.

Before becoming an FNP I worked as a Psychiatric RN at San Mateo County for 13 years.an FNP I worked in psychiatric and correctional settings for 10 years.  Shortly after attended San Jose State University and in 2010 graduated as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

As a nursing student, I was exposed to a wide gamut of psychiatric illnesses such as depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and schizophrenia. My clinical experience took me on a journey through the healthcare system, from inpatient to outpatient settings, managing the care of everyone from adolescence to adults with mental illness to older adults with dementia and substance abuse history.

As a Nurse Practitioner I’ve treated an entire range of psychiatric conditions, ranging from straightforward cases of depression and anxiety to significantly complicated presentations including mental illness, substance abuse, and personality disorders

By far, the most rewarding aspect of my work are the relationships I have with my patients. My patients allow me a window to their greatest vulnerabilities and trust me to partner with them to help them get better. This is a great privilege that I will never take for granted. I learn something new from patients all the time, and this allows me to get better at what I do. Many of these patients are dual diagnosis patients, meaning they suffer from both substance dependence and psychiatric disorders.

In my spare time I practice good self-care, making sure to get enough sleep, meditate, spend time with family, enjoy scenic drives and watch newly released movies.

Sadia Khan is a nurse practitioner specializing in family medicine. She graduated from UCONN in Connecticut with a bachelors in nursing sciences and began her career working as a hematology oncology nurse at Yale Smilow Cancer Center. That’s where she first developed interest in mental health as it is a significant component of a cancer diagnosis. She went on to Quinnipiac University and graduated with a doctorate in family medicine in nursing practice focusing on prevention and primary care. In her doctoral program she continued to do research projects on mental health. She is a certified nurse practitioner through the AANP. She moved from Connecticut to California in 2017. Working in an outpatient family medicine clinic and then pain management setting furthered her interest in mental health and how it affects peoples lives’ everywhere. She is passionate about managing and helping her patients advocate for their mental health and optimizing their quality of life.

Mia is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).  She was born and raised in the Philippines, where she earned her double Bachelor’s degrees in Nursing and Medical Technology. She completed her Master’s Degree at Samuel Merritt University.  She has experience in Behavioral Health, Case Management, Primary Care, Urgent Care, Orthopedics, Women’s Health,  Occupational Health, Skilled Nursing and Internal Medicine.  She has a passion for mental health. She advocates to break the stigma of mental health, and encourages equality between physical and mental health. In her free time, she loves cooking, baking and spending time with her family and two adorable dogs.  She also makes sure she travels to different places for relaxation.

Tracy is a board certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Her academic background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UC Davis. She completed her undergraduate degree in nursing at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska and her Masters degree in nursing at the University of Phoenix.
She has over 20 years of experience in healthcare starting as a staff nurse in the ICU. She has worked in several different types of ICUs including cardiac, medical surgical, and neurosurgical. She worked as an Assistant Nurse Manager in a neurocritical care ICU for the last 9 years, helping her team manage and care for the influx of patients during the COVID pandemic. As an FNP she worked in internal medicine, as a partner in health, with patients managing many chronic physical and mental health concerns. She understands the importance of attending to mental health and the implications for overall well being and physical health. In her spare time Tracy can be found spending time with family, caring for her property in the mountains, and doing CrossFit.

I’m a certified family nurse practitioner by the American academy of nurse practitioners (AANP). I have completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Cincinnati, Ohio.
I began my career as a mental health nurse in an inpatient setting.
I also have an extensive background in urgent and primary care working with patients of all ages.
I have a passion for mental health and enjoy getting to know people I treat. I believe in providing the best care possible to each patient.
In my free time, I enjoy travel, reading and spend time with family and friends.

Jeanne has comprehensive psychiatric therapeutic skills drawing upon nursing and social work backgrounds. In working with you, Jeanne is interested in psychological, cultural, spiritual and physical aspects that are a part of your story. Jeanne began 35+ years ago as a generalist hospital RN with UC Davis Medical Center in 1981 variously assigned in adult medical surgical units that included caring for persons receiving surgery for head and neck cancer, trauma surgery, medical oncology, coronary intensive care, and step-down cardiac telemetry that included caring for people who required chronic care on ventilators.

Interested in comparative religious studies, Jeanne received a bachelor’s degree in humanities from CSU, Sacramento in 1986, and continued with graduate school receiving a master’s degree in social work in 1988. Jeanne has worked with adults and families in hospice care, home health, jail psychiatric services, community mental health, and as a consultant in mental health related to registered nursing and social work practice.

Jeanne is certified as a California public health RN, and a clinical nurse specialist focused in adult psychiatric care as well having national certification as a psych/mental health clinical nurse specialist with the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She has provided clinical instruction in psych/mental health nursing for associate, baccalaureate and masters level pre-licensure nursing students in a Sacramento area community college and two universities. Jeanne is an experienced speaker and psychotherapy/psychoeducation group leader who has also served voluntarily as a board member for the Sacramento National Association on Mental Illness and JERICHO, a California nonprofit interdenominational legislative advocacy group that provides a voice for at risk individuals, families and children who experience mental illness, homelessness, economic insecurity and other access challenges to health, education, employment and housing.

It is a pleasure to work with you.

I have worked in a variety of clinical settings throughout my career. I have worked from in acute care settings to small private practices to group practices that assisted people to come off medications safely while utilizing naturopathic medication.   I do not believe in a cookie cutter approach to any one set of issues as each individual has a unique imprint in this life.

I am a strength based clinician believing in the power of mindfully working with each individual’s unique experience to provide safety for their experience of the healing journey. It is my belief that if an environment of kindness is offered a person will locate their healing organically, much like Carl Rogers offered his clients. Initially, I believe the approach I meet people with is unique enough they become curious to learn more about learning to heal trauma without retraumatizing the individual. I have been trained in EMDR, NLP, DBT,  worked with a variety of traumatic events and believe a lack of information of the true nature of healing is what keeps one from restoring peace. Teaching peace is my passion and goes hand in hand with the healing practice of mindful living.

“Hello. My name is Sharm Sprague LMFT, RN. Working with the mentally ill has been my life for the last 20 years, whether in a hospital setting, outpatient clinic or private practice. I feel it is a privilege to work in this field. My passion is traveling, Istanbul being my favorite site. I love to swim, garden, collect interesting stones and geodes, and read. My 27-year-old son is a constant joy in my life. I am thankful all my experiences which help me understand others.”

I was born on Long Island in the state of New York.  I spent the first 17 years of my life there which profoundly and positively affected me in a deep appreciation of different cultures, the arts and a love for museums! I also have passion for intensive organic gardening, backpacking the Sierras, my dog and my 5 grandchildren. 

I am one of 9 children in an Italian household.  Raised by a mother who sang in the opera, music of all kinds filed our home… as did pasta and a good expresso. 

I became licensed as a Marriage Family Therapist in 1994.  I have added 18 years of experience as an EMDR therapist and over 13 years in Sand Play. 

I believe human beings have an inherent need to find purpose and meaning in their life.  I also believe that most people are inherently good.  Most of us need help along the way to remember the journey we are on and how to hear our greatest truth within…and then how to follow it.  Trauma, diseases and losses often get in the way.  It is my privilege to assist those in my care to remember, reawaken and respond with power and positivity to who they really are in their lives. 

“I spent most of my career working at various non-profits serving children and families all over the larger Sacramento area. In college I interned at WEAVE (a local domestic violence and sexual assault agency). I graduated CSUS in 2011. I enjoy working with all couples (love is love), ages (14+), and genders. I rely heavily on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) interventions: connecting thoughts, feelings, and behaviors as well as mindfulness. I believe in the unconditional positive regard (Rogers) of my client while still challenging you when needed. I look forward to meeting you and helping you reach your goals.”

“The two most powerful words when we’re in struggle: me too” – Brené Brown

Stephanie Cowan, LMFT 90852

Jessica Hayward/ Roseville Office

Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #94824

Hello.  My name is Jessica Hayward and I am a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist here at Advanced Psychiatry Associates. I graduated from National University in 2016 with a Master’s in counseling psychology and obtained my BA in psychology from San Francisco State University. I have been working at Advanced Psychiatry Associates now for over two years and find my work to be rewarding and inspiring. At Advanced Psychiatry Associates my face is sometimes the first you will meet for an intake assessment, before being paired with a therapist that will continue working with you on your path towards healing.  There are many reasons to seek out counseling– pain, confusion, depression, anxieties, and struggles are common to us all. What matters most is that you feel heard, understood, and have a safe space to work through your issues you are facing in your life with honesty and hope.

As a therapist, I have had the privilege of working with a wide range of individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, and other life hardships.  I use a variety of therapeutic interventions, and have some training in DBT, but mostly tend to draw back to CBT approaches. Before joining Advanced Psychiatry Associates, I worked in a school setting in Sacramento and helped run a school-linked mental health program at a non-profit in Lincoln, counseling children and their families. I also have experience in a private practice setting, counseling teens, adults in group therapy and individually using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) methods. My focus has been on helping those dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, Bipolar disorders, PTSD, family trauma, and stress-related challenges.

I enjoy working with clients individually and in groups with age ranges (14 and up) and all genders. I believe you are the leader of your own therapy. It is my job to listen. As William James said, “The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.” Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and drawing upon psychodynamic, and other interventions, my aim is to be your coach and better equip you to manage certain problems to help change your perspective on life. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you.

~For fun I love photography, hiking, and spending time with family and friends. ~

My registration with BBS is Jessica Hayward AMFT # 94824.

Lucille ( Lucy) has been with Advanced Psychiatry Associates for almost a year.  She is a License Clinical Social Worker registered with California Board of Behavioral Health.  She received her Masters in Social Work from San Diego State University, Ca and her Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation – emphasis in gerontology from California State University Sacramento.  She received training in the Behavioral Health Optimization Program at Walter Reed Military Medical Center and San Antonia Military Medical Center.  She brings to Folsom Advance Psychiatry Associates over 26 years of experience working in the field of behavioral health.   20 of those years were dedicated working with severely disabled mental health consumers on their pathway to recovery in either inpatient and or outpatient settings.  She also has experience with medical and hospice patients in grieving.  Intervention includes utilizing the Mental Health Consumer’s strength as the foundation with therapies such as DBT, CBT, ACT, spirituality in collaboration with other partnerships in the community as well as other support systems.  While helping mental health consumer is a strong passion in Lucy’s life, she has a strong passion for gardening, family and Mister Bojangles.

” I have a thriving interest in helping people establish goals for themselves, learn to communicate and have a voice when they struggle with relationships. I have a holistic and creative approach to working everyone. I am honest and straight forward in my communication as I see myself as your guide and coach in life. I will give you access and utilize tools to help you experience life more fully and have healthier relationships.

My approach using: Family Systems, Grief Recovery Method, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, along with encouraging Mindfulness Practice, Deep Breathing and Muscle Relaxation and Meditation. My education is B. A. Psychology and M.S.W.  in Social Work. I have worked in the field in Sacramento since 2002 and Licensed as a LCSW since 2009. I look forward to meeting you and hearing your story.”

Sarah’s passion for the healing power of healthy relationships and families lead her to pursue a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy, which she completed in 2010. Whether working with individuals, couples, or families, she takes a broad and holistic perspective in understanding the struggles people face in life, as well as the ways they build resilience. Culture, social context, trauma, economic position, family of origin, spiritual values, physical health, neurological differences, individual experiences and so much more make each person completely unique! Your symptoms are adaptive and *make sense* in your personal context. Because no two clients are alike, Sarah’s non-judgmental approach to treatment will be individually tailored to the client’s background, personality, needs, and goals.

Before joining Advanced Psychiatry Associates, Sarah provided therapy at a non-profit agency in the San Fernando Valley of Southern California, where she had the honor of walking alongside at-risk youth and their families on paths toward functional and adaptive mental and relational health. Sarah also has experience in various school-based settings, where she provided frequent on-campus crisis management as well as on-going counseling services as part of students’ Individualized Education Plans.

Sarah’s therapeutic inspiration comes from a variety of perspectives and sources: Aaron Beck (cognitive-behavioral therapy), Susan Johnson (Emotionally-Focused Couples Therapy), Carl Jung (classic analysis), Daniel Siegel (neurological growth and attachment), Gabor Mate (trauma, addiction, and attachment), and Murray Bowen (family systems theory). This list will continue to grow as Sarah does – like yours, her journey and growth is a work in progress.

John Gilbert LMFT, MBA, CHt joined Advanced Psychiatric Associates in 2020. Licensed since 2000, John has worked from the state hospital system to private practice. A former Music Therapist and a Certified Hypnotherapist, John brings creativity and a breadth experience to the therapeutic session.  John specializes in working with personal development, relationship issues, family held businesses, adolescents, and chronic pain.  

John says “So many people are stuck in the prison of the mind by negative feelings, past life events, and fear.  Proper treatment can free them to have the life they want, the life they were meant to have.” 

Amber Cation is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a passion for helping clients learn ways to cope with feelings of distress and overcome various challenges. Amber earned both her Bachelors and Masters degree in Social Work from California State University of Sacramento. Amber has worked in various settings such as outpatient mental health, high school, and providing community based services with the aging adult.  Amber has gained experience working with individuals and families struggling with depression, post traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety, substance abuse, and personality disorders. Amber is determined to help clients overcome challenges through a process of gaining awareness, identifying and building on strengths, and learning new strategies to achieve their individual goals.

My name is Lovepreet Kehal and I am licensed clinical social worker. I got my bachelors in Psychology from UC Davis and masters in social work from University of Southern California. I have worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings. In the past, I have worked with the homeless population living on the streets and with recently housed individuals living in section 8 housing. I have also worked in psychiatric hospital where I provided individual therapy as well as case management services. My most recent job was working with ESRD patients at a dialysis clinic providing mental health services and emotional support to patients with kidney failure.

As your therapist, I believe in creating a safe and comfortable environment for clients. I believe building rapport is the most important aspect of any therapeutic relationship. My goal is to create such an environment for you where you can explore your feelings, thoughts and emotions. Talking about your past or present with someone that you have just met is not easy; therefore, I want to create a trusting and non-judgmental space for you to heal or express yourself. I am a big fan of using psychodynamic approach. I believe our past has a big impact on who we are today and how we respond to situations, but at the same time I understand there is no cookie-cutter approach because every client is different.

Besides English, I also speak Hindi and Punjabi. When not working, I like going out for a walk, spending time with my dog and watching movies.

I was born and raised in the Bay Area then moved to Santa Barbara for college. As a first-generation Filipino and raised by parents that immigrated to America from the Philippines, I developed a culturally sensitive lens. I am passionate about providing therapy that is inclusive to many different backgrounds, view myself as an ally for the LGBTQIA+ community, and deeply value social justice for BIPOC clients. I have a deep appreciation for music, nature, traveling, and especially, skiing and horseback riding.

I sought licensure as a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist to help those afflicted with addiction, mental illness, traumatic brain injury, domestic violence, and sexual abuse. I received my Bachelor of Arts degree from UC Santa Barbara. I then pursued a Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Professional Clinical Counseling and Depth Psychology. I have experience working with individuals, children, adolescents, couples, and families. Throughout my experience working in the mental health field, I have found that most ailments are linked back to a traumatic event, which encouraged me to become an EMDR therapist, and help those with PTSD. I have received my EMDR certification from Sonoma Psychotherapy Institute. As a therapist, I integrate trauma-informed interventions, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, depth psychology, sandplay, art therapy, mindfulness-based practices, and positive psychology.

I am passionate about helping others and genuinely believe anyone can heal with a little perseverance and hope.

Hello, my name is Becky Van Velzer and I am a licensed clinical social worker. I believe therapy works best in a welcoming, safe, nonjudgmental, environment where you feel free to talk about the past, present, and your experiences in the context of your environment. Everyone deserves their own healing path unique to their wants and needs. As a therapist, I continue to grow and learn new ways of supporting people to reach their goals. I have experience with cognitive behavioral therapy, strength-based approach, systems theory, mindfulness approaches, and child developmental theories.
I received my bachelor’s in social work in 2002 and my master’s in social work in 2005 from California State University Sacramento. Currently, I am working on my doctorate in social work at the University of Southern California. I have been very fortunate to have worked with families who have children with developmental disabilities for the last 15 years. In addition, I had the privilege of providing clinical consultation to a foster family agency. For fun I like to spend time with family and friends, read books, and be in nature.