Dawn Marie Friend, PsyD, MSCP - Owner; Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Friend is a Licensed Psychologist who specializes in individual, couples, family and group therapy, as well as psychological and neuropsychological assessment and consultation. Dr. Friend is the founder of a group private practice with two
locations in the South Hills area of Pittsburgh, while also offering virtual sessions to help with access to care. The two locations are convenient to Bethel Park, South Park, Upper St. Clair, Bridgeville, Mt. Lebanon, Finleyville, Venetia, Monongahela, Brentwood, Baldwin, Whitehall, West Mifflin,
Clairton, Canonsburg, Washington, Peters Twp, and McMurray.
Dr. Friend is a graduate of Duquesne University (Bachelor of Arts in Psychology), Argosy University, Florida School of Professional Psychology (Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology), and Fairleigh Dickinson University (Postdoctoral Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology). She has completed specialized training in Forensic Psychology,
Neuropsychology, and Developmental Psychology, as well as the use of medications to treat mental health conditions. Dr. Friend has worked in diverse settings such as community mental health centers, psychology private practices for neuropsychology and
clinical psychology, state prisons, county jails, state forensic units, state mental hospitals, psychiatric practices, juvenile detention centers, court circuits, inpatient psychiatric units for children, a Community Residential Rehabilitation for adults, a Residential
Treatment Facility for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Intellectual Disabilities, nursing homes and assisted living facilities, for insurance companies, and Dr. Friend has taught psychology courses for two universities, one local to Pittsburgh (Robert Morris
University in Moon Township, PA), for over 20 years. Dr. Friend has served on numerous boards over the years including being a Mental Health Advisor to the local Hostage Negotiation Team in Western Pennsylvania, and serving on the KEPRO board of mental health advisors. She has also helped
develop and implement curriculum for use with inmates with serious charges and for whom would otherwise be a high risk to the community upon their release without the intervention and participation in the curriculum. With over 24 years experience as a therapist, psychologist and psychological assessment provider, Dr. Friend currently serves as both the owner and a practitioner of a group practice working with a broad spectrum of clients, children through geriatrics. She has helped clients
with severe and persistent mental illness, clients who are looking for life coaching, and everything in between. Dr. Friend has expertise in many areas of therapy and assessment, but of particular note is her knowledge and
expertise in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychological and Neuropsychological Assessment, and her clients often say that she is "not your average therapist." Dr. Friend also offers cutting edge
treatment in the way of EEG Biofeedback (also known as Neurofeedback), an evidence-based treatment for a multitude of difficulties that one might experience across the lifespan.
Dr. Friend values continued education, and often
involves herself in opportunities for growth, both professionally and personally. In the last decade, she recently added EXRP (Exposure and Ritual Prevention), the gold standard for utilization with clients who struggle with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), to her long list of methods and techniques that she is trained in and utilizes in her practice. She has also continued education in ADHD assessment and treatment, as the field has moved away from what was once standard, and she feels that so many people struggle with
symptoms of ADHD for far too long as a result of not knowing all of the different treatment options available to them. Especially during the pandemic, issues with access to care became of particular interest to Dr. Friend, and as a result she embarked on a journey to help improve access to all types of mental health care in the communities she serves. To that end, Dr. Friend obtained a Postdoctoral Master's Degree in Clinical Psychopharmacology (MSCP), with the intent to be one of the first prescribing psychologists in Pennsylvania when this becomes state law. She serves on the RxP Task Force in Pennsylvania, a committee through the Pennsylvania Psychological Association, to help make this type of access to care a reality. Currently, Pennsylvania has legislation that would allow appropriately trained psychologists to provide medication management for mental health conditions (HB-1000), which will greatly increase the access to care and provide good continuity of care, eliminating the need to see multiple providers, often with long wait times for each provider, in order to treat mental health issues from a complete approach. Dr. Friend's awareness of her clients' issues, and her commitment to all of the clients who are seen at her group practice, is always cited as one of her best qualities, and her clients often refer their friends and loved ones to her practice as a result of relationships that have been built on experience, expertise, professionalism, caring, mutual trust and understanding.
In addition to being a prominent therapist and assessor, Dr. Friend has presented trainings at local and state-wide conferences to colleagues and to general audiences speaking on the topics of Sexual Offending and Treatments for
Such Behavior, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Hostage Negotiation, Childhood Diagnoses and Treatments, Women's Issues, Children's Issues, Motherhood and it's mental challenges, Depression, Sleep Difficulties, Existential
Phenomenology, Assessment of Malingering, and Difficult to Manage Inmates in the State Prison System. Dr. Friend is also a hired consultant with numerous judicial bodies in the selection and hiring of law enforcement officers, dispatchers, and university police/security personnel. She conducts
psychological assessment of potential hires during the process utilizing subjective and objective measures of functioning wrapped up in a collective psychological battery. Dr. Friend has also been called upon to testify in court as
an expert witness. Dr. Friend's extensive knowledge of psychological and neuropsychological assessment and interpretation make her an asset to the community in many different ways. Dr. Friend comes from a very diverse background
where she is extensively trained in disorders relating to anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, ADHD, Autism and other childhood disorders including attachment disorders, grief, loss and bereavement, marital
and couples issues, women's issues, men's issues, trauma, anger issues, issues relating to substance use/abuse/addiction, spiritual issues, sibling relational issues, parenting issues, and neurological issues related to dementia,
TBI, strokes and accidents.
Dr. Friend is an interactive, solution-focused therapist. Her therapeutic approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. She integrates complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. With compassion and understanding, she works with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.
Dr. Friend is currently a member of the American Psychological Association, Division 55 of the American Psychological Association, the Pennsylvania Psychological Association, and the Greater Pittsburgh Psychological Association.
Lindsay Gentino, MS, LPC - Therapist
Lindsay completed her Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology at Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA. She has over 10 years of clinical experience across a variety of settings including outpatient specialty clinics, crisis intervention, inpatient psychiatric, and large nonprofits. She has provided clinical and administrative supervision to social work and psychology students, interns and professionals. She has a broad range of clinical experience working with individuals and groups across the life span in the following areas: mood disorders, anxiety disorders, behavioral and discipline challenges (including ADHD and ODD), self harm behavior, complicated grief reactions, anger and stress management, family and relationship issues, children with special needs, suicide assessment and risk reduction, group psychotherapy, chronic mental illness, couples conflict, and self esteem issues. She is especially skilled in treating anxiety, including obsessive compulsive disorder, in children, adolescents and adults. Lindsay holds certification as a Clinical Child & Adolescent Anxiety Treatment Professional. Lindsay's experience makes her very adaptable and she finds joy in working with clients of all ages. She utilizes many different techniques in therapeutic interactions and she is able to meet her clients where they are developmentally, cognitively, and emotionally. Beginning largely from a cognitive therapy model, she transforms her approach to help her clients make sense of therapy and increase the chance that they will be able to make lasting change in their world.
Patricia J. Strassner, MSW, LCSW - Therapist
Patricia is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in working with children, teens, adults and older adults. She received her BA in Psychology at Chatham University, and her MSW at the University Of Pittsburgh. She has received specific training and certifications for treating PTSD, Acute Stress Disorder, and Military Sexual Assault as well as treating those of all ages for the trauma resulting from domestic violence. Patricia is also certified in Hypnosis and uses it in a variety of circumstances including weight loss, mood stabilization, and improved quality of sleep, pain management, and anxiety and depression. Patricia also uses a variety of modalities including Cognitive Therapy, EMDR, Emotional Regulation, Problem Solving and Bereavement Therapies. One constant component in almost every case is the assessment of a client’s sense of self and how each values and nurtures themselves. That there is an intrinsic value in each and every person that cannot be earned or lost and it should be recognized and protected.
Patricia has worked in a number of diverse settings; Community Mental Health, Residential Treatment, Private Practice, Therapeutic Foster Care. Each setting has provided the opportunity to interact with very diverse populations of diagnoses, socio-economic backgrounds, how different entities in communities can have a positive or negative impact upon their neighbors.
Patricia has spent the past 20 years working with people from almost every race, religion, nationality, ethnic background, age groups, gender, and sex. She continues to find the diversity component of her job one of the most intriguing parts of her day. It is striking to see the similarities in the struggles so many people from such diverse backgrounds seem to have in common.
“I feel privileged to have been invited to accompany so many on their journey through therapy. Life is easy, and it is hard. It can be too crowded with people or leave us feeling isolated. Regardless of our individual circumstances, every life has opportunities for joy. Sometimes joy can be a choice and we can learn to look for it together.”
Tasha Myers, MA, LMFT - Therapist
Tasha is a licensed marriage and family therapist, trained as a level I Gottman Method Couples Therapist. She received her BA from West Virginia Wesleyan in Psychology and Criminal Justice and her MA from Point Park University in Clinical-Community Psychology. Tasha has worked for over 16 years in the mental health field, helping clients with varied backgrounds, including those who are involved with the law. She enjoys working with adults in individual therapy, working to reduce symptoms and increase coping skills. She has helped many clients suffering from depression, mania, anxiety, acute stress, drugs and alcohol, personality disorders, psychosis, post-traumatic stress, relationship issues including infidelity and communication, and grief and loss issues, among other difficulties.
Tasha has worked in numerous settings including community mental health, outpatient clinics, and working with clients in their own homes to help achieve symptom reduction and a better quality of life. Tasha also has experience working with the forensic population as a drug and alcohol counselor at SCI-Pittsburgh, and as a patient advocate at Torrance State Hospital. She has also worked as a monitor for mental health agencies at the county level, acting as a point person for issues or concerns related to connecting clients with treatment, housing, and the overall care and well-being.
Tasha emphasizes a holistic view (family, culture, religion, etc.) of any given problem, rather than focusing on diagnoses or labels. She employs techniques from Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT), Humanism, Family Systems, Attachment Theory, Structural Family Therapy, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, and marries these techniques with other more traditional therapies. By doing this, she feels that we can see what role our attachments and environments have played in our lives and how we can make changes based on that knowledge to live better, more enjoyable lives.
Tasha is welcome to and experienced in seeing adult individuals, as well as couples (both with and without children) and families with any range of concerns. Her goal is to help you determine how to live your healthiest, happiest and most productive life possible.
Elizabeth Kozlowski, MS, LPC - Therapist
Elizabeth is a Licensed Professional Counselor who received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Bethany College and her master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Chatham University. Elizabeth has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. She has worked in settings including the adoption and foster care system, a substance use disorder rehabilitation center, in-home settings, and school-based settings. She has experience in both residential and outpatient treatment settings.
Elizabeth has a wide range of experience working with clients across the lifespan. Though she is able to help many clients with varying degrees of difficulty, Elizabeth particularly enjoys working with individuals who are struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD and impulsivity, trauma, attachment disorders, personality disorders, substance use disorders, aggression, Autism Spectrum Disorder, grief and loss issues, and life transitions. In addition, she has specialized training in the areas of treating comorbid diagnoses (substance use disorders co-occurring with mental health disorders), youth in the LGBTQ community, and attachment disorders relating to early childhood trauma.
Elizabeth uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing to help clients through their difficulties. Elizabeth believes in working together with her clients to help them achieve their goals and be better prepared to meet future challenges.
Jeff Doran, MA, LPC - Therapist
Jeff is a Licensed Professional Counselor providing therapy for adolescents, adults, families and couples. He received his Bachelors of Science from the University of Pittsburgh and his Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Seton Hill University. Jeff specializes in Choice Theory Reality Therapy, helping clients take back control of their lives through action and intentionality. With over 34 years of experience, Jeff has received the Caseworker/Social Worker of the Year award from the Pennsylvania State Foster Parent Association. His academic work is also published in the Journal for Emotional and Behavioral Disorders.
Jeff’s experience includes working with individuals across the life span who are struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, PTSD, personality disorders, substance use disorders, grief and loss, and issues unique to the LGBTQ community. Jeff’s training also supports clinical work with couples, families, and groups. He also utilizes EMDR to help his clients, and he has chosen to participate in additional training in EMDR which will lead to certification in the technique in the near future. He uses a personal approach to providing treatment services that draw on the cognitive behavioral model, relationship building, solution focused goals, and problem solving principles. Jeff fosters a therapeutic environment that supports improving one’s sense of self, happiness and needs satisfaction.
Samantha Lacy, MA, LPC - Therapist
Samantha is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Pennsylvania. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Mount Union College in 2003, and a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from East Carolina University in 2005. She also did Post-Master’s coursework at California University of Pennsylvania in 2014. She has a specialization in working with children and adolescents, but over the years has gained experience working with adults as well and enjoys doing so. She has over 15 years of experience and has worked with many populations and diagnoses.
Samantha has worked in IBHS (wraparound using ABA therapy), a Social Skills Group Program, a School-Based program, and Community-based Outpatient Therapy. Samantha has held supervisory positions with IBHS and the Social Skills programs, but she truly enjoys working directly with clients. Samantha has experience with populations who have Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Autism, Bipolar Disorder, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, Intermittent Explosive Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Reactive Attachment Disorder, and Borderline Personality Disorder. Samantha also has experience working with clients who self-harm, need assertiveness training/self-esteem work, and those who need anger management and coping skills.
Samantha is trained in EMDR, a researched trauma-based therapy. She also utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Humanistic Approach, Social Skills Training, Empathy Training, Self-esteem work, Mindfulness, and Anger Management.
Samantha believes in providing a judgement-free environment in order to make her clients feel comfortable sharing their experiences and their issues with her. Samantha validates her client’s feelings and experiences from their perspective so that she can meet them where they are at psychologically and emotionally, and help them achieve their therapeutic goals and objectives.
Joseph Gentino, LCSW - Therapist
Joe is a licensed clinical social worker who provides individual therapy for adults. He received his bachelor's degree in social work from the University of Pittsburgh and his master’s degree from the University of South Carolina. Joe has been providing mental health services for 15 years in a variety of setting including community based mental health, inpatient mental health, and correctional facilities.
Joe truly enjoys the work that he does with clients and feels passionate about helping others with the things are just a little too difficult to handle alone. He offers a new perspective and empowers the client to tackle the situations that are holding them back from being the best version of themselves. In this way, he works toward a better quality of life for each of his clients.
Joe has a special interest in continuing to work with adults with severe and persistent mental illness, substance use issues, and mood disorders such as anxiety, and depression. Joe uses solution-focused, client centered, and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to help clients toward succeeding with their treatment goals. Joe creates a positive environment in therapy to build coping skills, solve problems, and achieve life goals.
Shayla Kiczenski, LCSW - Therapist
Shayla is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker trained in EMDR, an evidence-based psychotherapy used to help individuals process traumatic experiences. She completed her Master’s Degree in Social Work at the University of Pittsburgh and has been practicing as an LCSW for several years. She has extensive experience working with individuals with co-occurring disorders (addiction & mental health), severe mental illness (SMI), complex trauma (C-PTSD), anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, OCD, borderline personality disorder, and other Axis II disorders. She is dedicated to working with clients across the lifespan, and particularly enjoys her work with teens, adults, couples, older adults, and veterans.
Previously, she worked in a community mental health setting providing services such as completing assessments, individual therapy and group therapy sessions. She has experience working with individuals or topics such as intimate partner violence (IPV), domestic violence, offenders and victims of crimes, health related trauma (including cancer and other life-threatening and terminal illnesses) loss & bereavement, major life changes, addiction and dealing with a family member struggling with addiction, and other psychosocial related stressors (including crisis intervention with veterans and caregivers who are in distress). Shayla has also supervised a team of clinical and non-clinical staff for a significant period of time, and is skilled in providing supervision to other clinicians, which speaks to her expertise and commitment to the field of social work. Shayla is dedicated to helping clients who have been affected by life’s hardships, relationships, and the struggles that often go undiscussed in general social circles. To this end, Shayla has volunteered and/or gained experience working with seniors and the unique issues that they are faced with, early undergraduate students who were transitioning from high school and the unique issues that they were faced with, and hospice patients/grieving families and the unique issues that they were experiencing, to name a few.
In addition to EMDR, Shayla uses a person-centered, humanistic approach in order to best meet someone’s individual needs. She enjoys integrating techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based CBT, motivational interviewing, emotional freedom techniques, solution-focused, attachment-based therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy, among others. Shayla is often described as genuine, knowledgeable, experienced and invested in helping her clients meet their goals. She eloquently balances the needs of the client with the pace of therapy to help her clients meet their goals and experience a more full life.
Alyssa Cass, LPC - Therapist
Alyssa is a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in working with children, adolescents, and young adults. She received her BS in psychology from Robert Morris University and her MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Duquesne University. While in college, she donated her time and talent to philanthrophies such as The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Anorexia Nervosa and Other Associated Disorders Foundation (ANAD).
Alyssa has experience working in IBHS and outpatient settings with clients experiencing symptoms related to diagnoses including but not limited to Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, depression, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, separation anxiety, grief and loss, self-esteem issues, and life changes/transitions. Alyssa also has special interest in helping clients navigate peer pressure and societal demands related to expectations as children grow into young adults. She really understands the unique difficulties that children face as they get a little older and hit each developmental milestone. Alyssa has helped many clients navigate the middle school and high school transition as it relates to all areas of mental health and she values the work she does with these clients as they start to see the reward for investing in themselves. Alyssa works with her clients in a way that meets them where they are (i.e., developmental stage, social dilemma, identity and self-esteem, etc.), and helps take them to where they would like to be. Alyssa uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution- focused interventions, and client centered techniques to help clients achieve their goals.
Alyssa believes in providing a safe and positive environment in which clients can express themselves without judgment and drawing on the client’s unique strengths and experiences to help them meet their personal goals. Her gentle approach and pleasant demeanor helps even the youngest client to feel at ease in the therapeutic setting. Her dedication to her clients and her strong interest in helping clients feel better on both a small and grand scale is of great benefit to the clients that she serves within our practice.
Stephanie Kim Phillips, PsyD, MSCP - Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Stephanie Kim Phillips is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who holds a Doctor of Clinical Psychology (PsyD), as well as a postdoctoral Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology (MSCP). Dr. Phillips has been a practicing clinical psychologist in Pennsylvania for over twenty five years. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Ohio Wesleyan University, and her Masters and Doctorate degrees in Psychology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Phillips recently completed her MSCP which focused on clinical psychopharmacology, with the hope of one day being able to prescribe medication as needed to her patients as another potential option in their treatment journey.
During the course of her career, Dr. Phillips has worked in a wide variety of clinical settings, including federal penitentiary, community mental health center, partial hospitalization unit, family clinic, assessment clinic, stress and habits disorder clinic, as well as private practice. She has also worked with a diverse population of clients, including adults, adolescents, and couples, which have been drawn from a mix of socio-economic backgrounds and ethnicities. Dr. Phillips has extensive background in helping clients who need a seasoned, experienced clinician to help them through life’s challenges in a safe, accepting environment.
In practice, Dr. Phillips makes use of a variety of therapeutic modalities while utilizing a biopsychosocial holistic approach to personalized mental health treatment. She often uses, as needed, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, Humanism, Family Systems, Attachment Theory, Client Centered, Motivational Interviewing, and Psychoeducation in her therapy sessions. As a Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Phillips is equipped to help clients who suffer from many different symptoms/struggles. Her areas of interest and expertise focus on, but are not limited to, clients with issues in the following areas: anxiety, depression, stress, relationship problems, marital conflict, communication struggles, self-esteem/confidence issues, anger management, grief and loss, trauma, personality disorders, substance use disorders, family/parenting issues, and issues with sexuality or intimacy.
Dr. Phillips is a 30 plus year member of the Pennsylvania Psychological Association (PPA) with numerous publications and presentations on topics including advocacy and social activism, multiculturalism in assessment and treatment, diversity, loss, disclosure differences between gender, and intimacy. In addition, Dr. Phillips has held professional affiliations with the American Academy of Clinical Psychology, Asian American Psychological Association, and has served as the Chair of the Committee on Multiculturalism of PPA.
Stephanie Fox, PhD - Licensed Psychologist
Stephanie Fox, PhD is a licensed psychologist specializing in diagnostic assessment and evidence-based psychotherapy for individuals across the lifespan. Dr. Fox supports clients with a wide range of concerns, including neurodevelopmental differences, anxiety, depression, and other mood- and stress-related difficulties. With over 14 years of clinical experience, Dr. Fox is known for her thoughtful, collaborative approach and her ability to create a warm and supportive environment where clients feel understood, respected, and empowered to make meaningful change.
Dr. Fox has particular expertise in working with neurodivergent individuals and in complex differential diagnosis, including autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, intellectual disability, and co-occurring mood and anxiety disorders. She has advanced training in the administration, scoring, and interpretation of gold-standard assessments, including the ADOS-2. Her evaluations are comprehensive and individualized, integrating clinical interviews, carefully selected assessment batteries, and thorough interpretation of results. Dr. Fox provides clear feedback and practical recommendations to support day-to-day functioning, self-understanding, and long-term well-being.
In therapy, Dr. Fox integrates evidence-based approaches while tailoring treatment to each client’s needs, strengths, and goals. She draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), and the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM).
Dr. Fox earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh and received her PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University at Albany, SUNY. Prior to returning to Pittsburgh in 2022, she served as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities in the School of Medicine at the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill. She has since served as a licensed psychologist at UPMC’s Whole Child Wellness Clinic and Center for Autism and Developmental Disorders (CADD).
Julie Hartman, LPC - Therapist
Julie is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Pennsylvania with over 25 years of experience in mental health therapy. She holds a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Gannon University (2000) and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (1998), with an endorsement in Educational Psychology and School Counseling.
Throughout her career, Julie has specialized in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of children, adolescents, and families working in a variety of settings including Acute and School-based Partial Hospital Programs, public schools, and outpatient therapy environments. She has extensive experience treating a wide range of mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, autism, oppositional defiant disorder, ADHD, trauma, and more. Julie also works closely with families, providing support and teaching effective parenting techniques to help manage emotional and behavioral challenges. Julie’s deep understanding of school systems, special education regulations, and mental health services allows her to effectively educate and support families struggling to navigate the education system.
In addition to her work with children and adolescents, Julie has experience working with adults who are struggling with stress, depression, anxiety, trauma, and everyday life challenges. She helps adults understand and manage the emotional and mental health difficulties that impact their well-being, guiding them toward healthier coping strategies and improved quality of life.
Julie uses a variety of therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Play Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Trauma-Informed Care, skill building, relaxation, supportive therapy, helping clients build emotional regulation skills, self-awareness, and resilience, to make meaningful change. At the core of Julie’s practice is the belief that kindness, empathy, and a deep understanding of each person’s unique journey are essential to effective therapy. Julie offers individual, group, and family therapy.
Alora D'Andrea, LCSW - Therapist
Alora obtained her Masters in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. With a passion to help those who have the most need, Alora has spent the last several years as a medical social worker, providing care and support to patients and families in hospitals, and in hospice settings. She gained her early experience in the field working in several hospitals in the Pittsburgh area, such as UPMC St. Margaret's Hospital and Allegheny General Hospital. She even spent her early career years volunteering at UPMC Children's Hospital. After working in hospitals, she decided to take her knowledge and experience to hospice care, and work with patients and families who were going through the most difficult transitions that life had thrown their way yet.
With a comprehensive background in working with individuals and families across the lifespan, Alora specializes in supporting clients through grief, loss, and life transitions of all kinds. Alora holds a certification as an Advanced Grief Counseling Specialist, and she understands the many facets of change that come with supporting someone who is grieving a loss of any kind. She also has specialized training in couples therapy, and is Level II Gottman trained, as she is truly focused on helping clients through the toughest parts of their life transitions.
Drawing from a blend of evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Strength-Based Approaches, and Person-Centered Techniques, Alora provides a holistic and empathetic approach to growth that works for many different age groups. Guided by a humanistic lens, Alora recognizes each client's uniqueness, and she empowers clients to explore their inner strengths, build resilience, and create meaningful change in their lives. Alora particularly enjoys working with teenagers, adults, and older adults, and she offers a compassionate, non-judgmental space for processing and positive change.
Amy Morgan, CRNP, FNP, PMHNP - Nurse Practitioner with Prescriptive Authority
Amy is a dual board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (1999), Master of Science in Nursing Education (2010) and her Family Nurse Practitioner (2012)
degrees from Duquesne University. She has over 25 years of nursing experience, having worked as a Registered Nurse at UPMC Presbyterian and at UPMC Children’s; as a Nurse Educator for Interim Healthcare; and as adjunct faculty for the Duquesne
University School of Nursing. Working for the past 13 years as a Family Nurse Practitioner in pediatric primary care, Amy noted the profound need in our community for mental health providers, prompting her to further her education at
Wilkes University, earning a Post Master’s Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health.
Amy is excited to be blending the worlds of family and psychiatric nursing, to be able to reach many more clients who are in need of services. Whether you are seeking care for pediatric medical issues (sick visits) like ear infections, poison ivy, or strep tests, etc.; adult medical issues like respiratory illnesses, or urinary tract infections, etc.; pediatric and adult psychiatric issues like depression, anxiety, ADHD, etc.; Amy is experienced and knowledgeable and has you covered!
Amy is dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to patients of all ages, addressing both physical and mental health. She believes in fostering strong partnerships with her patients, empowering them to take an active role in their health and well-being. Amy firmly believes patient education and preventative care are essential in achieving wellness.
In her free time, Amy enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her husband watching their children’s sporting events. She is thrilled to be joining the practice and looks forward to serving the community.
Ryan obtained his bachelors in Rehabilitation and Human Services from Pennsylvania State University before completing his Masters in Social Work from The University of Pittsburgh. Ryan’s compassion for helping those in need led him to start his career in hospice social work. During this time, Ryan was fortunate to work with a wide range of individuals and families who were in the midst of the difficult life transitions that come along with a life-limited illness.
Following his time in hospice, Ryan began working for the ALS Association, running multiple support groups and educational programs for individuals diagnosed with ALS, caregivers, and family members grieving the loss of their loved one.
Ryan specializes in supporting clients through their journey with grief and loss and holds a certification as an Advanced Grief Counseling Specialist. His work with clients is grounded in evidence-based grief models and a compassionate, client centered
approach. Ryan also holds a certification as a Child and Adolescent Grief Counseling Specialist, offering developmentally appropriate grief work to children and adolescents who have experienced the loss of a loved one.
Ryan’s interest in helping clients through difficult life transitions extends to couples therapy, having obtained specialized training in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples (EFT). EFT is a structured approach to psychotherapy that helps couples understand and improve their relationship by focusing on emotions and attachment needs. It's designed to restructure the emotional bonds between partners, fostering secure attachment and creating more positive interactions. Ryan feels rewarded when helping couples and families find common ground through this approach.
In addition, Ryan is trained in navigating the challenges of childhood, adolescent and adult ADHD, using evidence-based techniques to minimize the impact of ADHD on a client's functioning. Ryan enjoys helping a range of clients who are battling everyday issues such as, but not limited to, stress, anxiety, depression, adjustment-related issues, and interpersonal relationships. He is committed to helping others find their most fulfilling path in life.
Ryan uses a blend of therapeutic approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, and Motivational Interviewing. He helps clients process emotional pain, explore strengths, build resilience, and move towards the values that are important to them. Ryan enjoys working with a
wide range of clients, including Older Adults, Adults, Teenagers, Children, Couples and Families.
Rachel Battaglia, PsyD - Licensed Psychologist (Assessment Services Only)
Bio Coming Soon!
Ali Mazefsky, LCSW - Therapist
Ali obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a double minor/certificate in sociology and women’s/gender studies. She then went on to obtain her Master’s degree in Social Work from California University of Pennsylvania with a focus on generalist practice and rural populations.
Ali has extensive experience working in community mental health across the lifespan, but enjoys working most with adolescents, adults, and older adults. She has worked in virtually every level of care, including outpatient, crisis intervention, diversion and acute stabilization, and inpatient psychiatry. She is able to work with clients who have many different diagnoses, but she excels in working with individuals coping with trauma/PTSD/C-PTSD, personality disorders, anxiety, OCD, anger issues, relational issues, bipolar disorder, co-occurring substance use disorders, and thought disorders.
Ali has received specialized training in Internal Family Systems and Motivational Interviewing. She prefers approaching therapy from a humanistic perspective, but pulls from numerous modalities, including CBT/DBT, psychodynamic, psychoanalytic, and person-centered techniques. Given her social work background, it is important to Ali to consider clients as a whole person, beyond diagnoses, and consider how family and structural systems, socio-economic, and biological factors play a role in presentation and symptoms. Meeting clients without judgement is a crucial part of her therapeutic philosophy, and she aims to create an environment where clients can explore themselves, their thoughts, beliefs, attitudes, and goals safely.
Laura Hoffman, PhD - Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Laura Hoffman is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience providing thoughtful, evidence-based psychotherapy to children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. She brings a warm, collaborative approach to therapy, grounded in deep clinical expertise and a genuine respect for each client’s unique story and strengths.
Dr. Hoffman earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology at John Carroll University in Cleveland followed by a Masters and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Loyola University Chicago, with a specialization in child and family psychology. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at Michael Reese Hospital followed by another clinical year as Chief Intern in Northwestern’s Outpatient Clinic – both in Chicago, IL. Dr. Hoffman values ongoing professional development and integrates current research, clinical experience, and compassionate understanding in her work. She has completed specialized training in trauma-informed mental health care including applied trauma supervision. Dr. Hoffman receives ongoing professional development in Somatic Trauma Healing Foundations, the Assessment, Treatment, and Management of Suicide Risks, ADHD Treatment, and clinical supervision.
Dr. Hoffman’s education and extensive training allow her to work effectively with a wide range of mental health concerns, while offering particular expertise in the assessment and treatment of ADHD, trauma, mood and anxiety disorders, oppositional and conduct concerns, parent–child conflict, attachment disorders, grief, loss, and bereavement issues, and relationship difficulties. She approaches therapy through a trauma-informed and mindfulness-based lens, taking care to meet clients where they are—developmentally, emotionally, and relationally. Her work draws from evidence-based approaches including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-informed CBT, and strength-based interventions rooted in Positive Psychology, always with the goal of helping clients feel supported, understood, and empowered to create meaningful change.
Throughout her career, Dr. Hoffman has worked in a wide range of clinical settings, including hospitals, community mental health centers, schools, universities, and outpatient clinics. She has extensive experience supporting children and adolescents
with complex emotional and behavioral needs, as well as adults navigating life transitions, relational stress, and long-standing patterns that feel difficult to change. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Hoffman has held leadership and teaching roles in
higher education, most recently serving as Executive Director of Health and Counseling Services at Carlow University, where she supervised clinical staff, trained emerging clinicians, and provided therapy and consultation within the university community. She has taught undergraduate and graduate-level psychology courses including Research Methods, Human Development, Intro to Psychology, and Child Psychotherapy. Dr. Hoffman is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of mental health professionals.
Dr. Hoffman strives to create a therapeutic space that feels safe, respectful, and collaborative—where clients feel heard, supported, and empowered to move toward meaningful change. She is a member of the American Psychological Association,
Pennsylvania Psychological Association, and licensed in the state of Pennsylvania.
Jocelyn Dunn - Office Manager
Jocelyn is our office manager, handling all administrative tasks for the practice. She's the voice you hear on the phone when you're reaching out to seek services, and the face that greets you at the South Park office Monday-Friday. You may occasionally find her in the McMurray office, as she manages both practice locations and oversees the daily operations at each location. Jocey (pronounced Jossy) gets you set up as a client with us, assigning cases to therapists who have a skill set to help, and creating the necessary paperwork to make things official in terms of our relationship with you. She also verifies your benefits and processes payments to your account at the time of service. If you have any questions about completing paperwork, your financial responsibility, or your account in general, she can help you out. She received her bachelor's degree in Business Administration from California University of Pennsylvania. In her free time, she enjoys skiing, playing pickleball, working out with her sister and spending time with friends and family.
You can connect with her by email at [email protected] or by phone at 724-304-0990.
Tracy Johnson - Medical Assistant
Tracy is our medical assistant, handling all triage medical and psychiatric patient care for our nurse practitioner. She also handles administrative tasks for medical and psychiatric patients including verifying benefits, medication refill requests, lab results, processing payments to your account at the time of service, and helping clients complete paperwork.
You can connect with her by email at [email protected] or by phone at 724-304-0062.
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Please note that the billing department of the practice is a separate entity that is not on site and generally functions during off-hours. The billing department can be reached by email only at [email protected]. If you have a question about your charges, please reach out to the billing office who handles all charges and payment processing after your appointments take place.