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. Hayes attended college at Johns Hopkins University, and medical school at the University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine. He completed training in Adult psychiatry at George Washington University and the University of Maryland before relocating to California in the mid-1990s, for additional training in a fellowship in Forensic Psychiatry at UCLA. Dr. Hayes later received an MBA in 2002 at the University of California, Irvine where his classmates awarded him the Best Team Player award. In 2010, he became a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association at their annual meeting in New Orleans, La.

Dr. Hayes is a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology where he was certified in Adult Psychiatry in 1999, and re-certified in 2009 and 2019. He has previously held an academic position at UCLA as a Clinical Instructor. Dr. Hayes is a member of AAPL-The American Academy of Psychiatry & Law and The American Psychiatric Association-where he has presented at their annual meetings across the country and abroad. He has also been a frequent presenter at the annual Western Claims Conference in Palm Springs, California.

He is a 4^th generation Washingtonian (DC) but has lived in southern California since 1994. He is an advocate for the homeless and LGBTQ communities. His main hobby is travel, and he has visited over 40 countries on 6 continents.

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.

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.

Bill Do, Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP/FNP

I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner and a board-certified family nurse practitioner in Sacramento, CA. I have over 6 years’ experience as a psychiatric nurse practitioner who is providing care for a diverse population with an acute, urgent and chronic psychiatric illnesses. I have an excellent working experience in various clinical settings such as an urgent/crisis psychiatric clinic, an outpatient ambulatory psychiatric clinic, a psychiatric emergency department, and an inpatient psychiatric unit. I completed a family nurse practitioner program at Walden University, and he also completed a psychiatric nurse practitioner program at California State University, Fresno. I am currently pursuing a Doctorate Nurse Practitioner Program at Missouri State University.

Education

• Walden University- Family Nurse Practitioner.
• California State University, Fresno, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner.
• Missouri State University,  Doctorate Nurse Practitioner Program.

Margaret MacDonald is a Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).  She completed her Post-Master’s PMHNP Certificate Program at Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, as well as her MSN and Accelerated BSN.   Ms. MacDonald also completed a Health Care Management and Leadership Executive Education program through UCLA.

Margaret developed a passion for mental health while working with underserved urban peoples during school and subsequently during her first job as an Adult and Geriatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner in a remote rural area in California’s North State with very limited access to psychiatric providers.

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 California as her childhood home.  Margaret enjoys hanging out with her two dogs, cooking, reading, watching classic movies, and outdoor activities like hiking and backpacking.

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.

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.

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.

Kathrina Paragna is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, a graduate of Chamberlain University. Furthering her career, she is pursuing her education towards earning her Doctorate in Nursing Practice.

Kathrina is an empathetic Family Nurse Practitioner that has joined Advanced Psychiatry Associates with a focus on providing quality care and having open communication with patients and their families to help provide quality care that enhances the health and well-being of our patients. She brings with herself pain management and family health practice experience as Nurse Practitioner. Along with it is her more than 7 years of clinical experience in Oncology and Medical-Surgical department as a Registered Nurse and 6 years of being a Clinical Nurse Informaticist and Analyst. 

Ese Ogbetuo, PMHNP, has always loved science since childhood hence her determination to pursue a career in the medical field with specialty in both family and psychiatry. She takes particular interest in mental health managing conditions such as anxiety, depression, stress and adjustment disorders, grief and loss, bipolar disorder, mood disorders and psychosis. She uses a holistic approach in managing various disorders enabling individuals to maintain a healthy lifestyle and function in society.

Outside of medicine, she enjoys learning about different cultures and loves to travel. She also enjoys cooking, watching movies, shopping and spending time with her family.

Prior to beginning her nursing career Myisha Parker served in the United States Army for 4 years and afterwards attained a Bachelors of Science in Psychology in 2008. She began her nursing career in 2013 by graduating from University of Texas at El Paso with a Bachelors of Science degree and subsequently earned her Masters in Nursing with emphasis as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Georgetown University in 2016. Myisha has always had interests in Psychiatry and is highly motivated to learn, grow, and provide high quality care in this important specialty.

Aldrin is an adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board. He holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona, a postgraduate Nurse Practitioner degree from Wilkes University Passan School of Nursing in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, and a postgraduate Nurse Educator certificate from Pennsylvania State University in University Park, Pennsylvania. He is currently specializing in psychiatry and nephrology. Aldrin manages and treats patients with various mental health conditions and end-stage renal disease undergoing dialysis. His past experiences in health care include working as a registered nurse for over eleven years in various areas, such as medical-surgical units, telemetry, step-down and trauma units, skilled nursing, home health care, geriatrics, and medical-behavioral units. Aldrin is most passionate about holistic care and using evidence-based approaches to manage patients with mental health conditions and improve clinical outcomes. He is an inducted member of the Honor Society of Nursing – Sigma Theta Tau International, as well as the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. He has presented his research at several local and international nursing conferences and has published at a top nursing journal.

Peter Oziegbe is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), who constantly demonstrates appropriate theoretical knowledge combined with necessary clinical skills. His passion for mental health, is exhibited by his positive attitude and intellectual curiosity necessary to clarify and enhance his understanding and knowledge of applicable content.

He is dedicated, focus, very self-directed and self-motivated. Peter demonstrates good leadership and team collaborative abilities. Although, with years of experience in Medsurg and Telemetry at St. Francis Medical Center and Santa Monica UCLA medical center respectively, his interest and years of experience also in mental health while at Star Behavioral Health Group, are galvanizing force that drives his passion in the care of client with anxiety disorder, depression, ADHD, insomnia, psychosis, substance use disorder, and a spectrum of other mental health issues, in a holistic fashion.

Peter is a member of the California Association for Nurse Practitioners, American Nurses Association, and American Psychiatric Nurses Association. His academic excellence earned him an invited membership into the Charles Drew University Nursing Honor Society.

Outside his professional life, he enjoys spending time with family, and enjoys classical, jazz, and Christian music. He loves soccer, basketball, and reading.

Dr.  Virk completed his residence in Psychiatrist Nurse Practitioner under the supervision of well-known Psychiatrist Dr. Hisham Soliman in 2017, After residence he joined as PMHNP  as work part-time`  for three year. Now he rejoined.  He is a Psychiatrist Mental Health Nurse Practitioner- Board Certified and Family Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified from American Nurse Credential Center (ANCC) as well as Medicine Assist Treatment Provider for substance abuse (Alcohol, Opioid and Nicotine). He is also Certified Medical Examiners from National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation, and Department of Transport.

He has been PMHNP since 2017 and has been working as a Psychiatric Mental Health Registered Nurse for the Department of Correctional and Rehabilitation, State of California since 2013.  He used to work for well reputed organizations, La Famila Behavior Health as Medicine Assist Treatment provider, Regional Medical Center, Martinez, John George Psychiatric Pavilion, San Leandro, and Chaparral House, Berkeley.

He has more than ten years’ experience Computer Science, Programing and Data Analyst. In 2001, during the World Wide Web crisis, he decided to start a new career in nursing or medical. He started his career from Certified Nursing Assistant.  He received Post-MSN (PMHNP) for California State University, San Macro and Advanced Certified in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, California State University, Fresno and Master in Nursing in Family Nurse Practitioner, Holy Names University.

He worked as Scientist for National Informatics Center, Government of India before moving to America. He also obtained Doctorate of Philosophy in Statistics, specialization   in Stochastic Modeling and Queueing Theory.  Now he is reading and writing some research papers about application of queueing theory in health care. He has a passion for mental health and loves to treat, in free time, he enjoys reading and loves to learn new concepts.  He speaks Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu.

List of Publications (Research Papers)

• Prevalence of Cardiovascular Disease in Punjabi-Sikh Commercial Truck Driver Living.in Modesto and Stockton areas, California (Master Thesis), Holy Names University, Oakland(California) August,2016

• Queue-Dependent Servers Queueing System, Microelectronics Reliability, Volume 33,

Issue 15, December 1993, Pages 2289-2295. (IBM Corp used this paper in three patents as a Reference, as well as citied by more than 20 times as reference)

• A Queueing System with Stepwise Randomly Available Additional Space, Journal Microelectronics Reliability, Volume 34, Issue 9, September 1994, Pages 1549-1555.

• Optimization of Some Additional Space and Server Queuing Systems, (Doctoral Thesis),

Kurukshetra University, Kuruksherta, April 1993.

• Step by Step Probabilistically Available Additional Space Queueing System, Presented in 25th Silver Jubilee Annual Conference of Operational Research Society, India, 1992. Published in Journal of Operational Research Society of India, 1992, Page 68.

• An Additional Space Phase Type Service Queue with Two Servers in Bi Series,                Presented in 25th Silver Jubilee Annual Conference of Operational Research Society, India, 1992, Published in Journal of Operational Research Society on India, 1992, Page 66.

• M/M/1 Queueing System with Probabilistic Available Additional Space, Journal of Microelectronic and Reliability (Under revision)

• Applications of Queueing Theory in Health care and Management of Health Care (Under

Study)

Brittney is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certified by the ANCC. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specialization from Charles R. Drew Univeristy and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Grambling State University.

Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner, she worked as a psychiatric nurse on inpatient units.  This setting confirmed her love of psychiatry and her desire to help others be their best selves.

Brittney passion is to promote health and improve lives. She believes in creating strong relationships with clients and seeing them make positive changes towards feeling their best. Her reward is seeing how much clients improve and grow to their fullest potentials. She emphasizes healing, growth, and all things positive to help clients overcome their circumstances.

When she isn’t working, she enjoys traveling, shopping, exercising, concerts, and spending time with family and friends.

Jeanne has comprehensive psychiatric therapeutic skills drawing upon nursing and social work backgrounds. In working with you as a therapist, Jeanne is interested in psychological, cultural, and physical aspects that are a part of your story. 

Jeanne began 40 years ago as a generalist hospital RN with UC Davis Medical Center in 1981 with experience 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 has been certified as a California clinical nurse specialist in adult psychiatric mental health care, and Jeanne enjoys working with Advanced Psychiatry Associates as a licensed clinical social worker.  In the past, Jeanne has provided clinical instruction in psych/mental health nursing for associate, baccalaureate and masters level pre-licensure nursing students in a community college and two universities in the Sacramento area. 

Your story and discerning what is meaningful to you is about enhancing quality of life, health, and contentment with reassurance that you are not alone.  

“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 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.

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 Dr. Van Velzer also known as Dr. V. or Becky and I am a licensed clinical social worker with a doctorate in social work. 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, trauma informed care, 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. Recently, I received my doctorate in social work at the University of Southern California in 2021 where I focused on trauma and parenting. 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.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 10 years of experience working with individuals and families with life challenges. I believe that in order for someone to heal they must have a safe, accepting relationship with their Therapist. From our first session my hope is to establish a warm, accepting environment free from judgment or criticism. I see myself as a guide who will help you make the next steps in your life’s journey. I believe that all therapy is guided by the individual and my role is to challenge, inspire,and support you. I have an eclectic approach that includes CBT, Mindfulness, Solution Focused and unconditional positive regard. I also see my role as an educator, teaching you about your brain and body connections,and removing the stigma related on mental health conditions. I have extensive experience working with depression,anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar, relationship difficulties and life adjustment. If this sounds like a good fit for you, I’d love to work with you to get to the next step in your life’s journey. 

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I got my bachelor’s in Social Work from India, Hyderabad, Osmania University, and master’s in social work from University of Tennessee.

I was born and raised in South India, I spent 24 years of my life there before I moved to the United States. My life and experiences in that culture has greatly affected and shaped for who I am today, I have deep admiration for different cultures.

As a therapist; I will provide a warm, accepting, safe and comfortable environment to my clients where we can explore, process your thoughts, feeling, emotions and experiences in a nonjudgmental space. I am passionate about working with you to help you discover who you truly are at a deeper level with a strong sense of self, your own individual potential, strengths and for you to have meaningful interpersonal relationships. I have a holistic approach, together we can work, for you to achieve intentional and purposeful living. I am truthful and straight forward in my interaction and will be your guide and mentor. I personalize my therapeutic approaches to each individual depending on your unique needs and goals.

I am a certified yoga, yoga nidra and meditation therapist. I love music, organic gardening, spending time with my family &friends. I speak English, Hindi, Telugu languages.

My approach: Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Strength Based , Solution Focused, Humanistic, Family Systems, Grief Recovery , Mindfulness, Meditation and Yoga therapy.