Clinicians

Tim is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who graduated with honors from the University of Virginia in 2020. His journey to becoming a PMHNP was inspired by his undergraduate nursing degree from Georgetown University and the diverse number of settings where he has worked. He has thirteen years of nursing experience, including working with patients and their families on a burn unit, a neurosurgical ICU, a hospice agency, and an inpatient psychiatric unit. While working at the bedside, Tim found himself repeatedly drawn to the mental health component of his patients’ care. During his graduate program, he trained in several outpatient psychiatric practices, an inpatient psychiatric consultation service, and an inpatient psychotherapy setting.

As a nurse practitioner, Tim’s approach to mental healthcare is holistic, patient-centered, and multi-modal. His goal is to aid patients in navigating life’s ups and downs in a way that invites collaboration and fosters patient empowerment. His aim with each patient is to develop a therapeutic alliance grounded in warmth, empathy, and trust. This allows you to both arrive at a treatment plan together. Treatment options include traditional medication management, lifestyle modifications, complementary treatments, and referral for psychotherapy. Tim believes in combating the stigma of a diagnosis as a label and works to validate and normalize mental health. He is trained to treat patients across the lifespan but has a particular interest in adults (ages 18-65) and patients struggling with anxiety disorders.

In his free time, Tim enjoys all that Richmond has to offer, including mountain biking, running, and kayaking. He has openings for new patients so call to schedule. 

Ashley Lawson is a Licensed Professional Counselor and has been in the mental health field for over 13 years. Ashley has an extensive history supporting individuals with severe mental illness and developmental disabilities. She was the former Chief Operating Officer of a large organization and oversaw the delivery of services of 9 homes and 5 day programs for individuals diagnosed with a developmental disability and/or severe mental illness. Her knowledge of community support and her experiences as a licensed counselor allow her to provide support to a diverse range of individuals.

Ashley works with children, adolescents, adults, and the geriatric population. She also enjoys working with couples to resolve problems of all kinds and with women struggling with fertility issues. Ashley views her techniques as eclectic and person-centered. She often provides support “outside the box” while utilizing sound therapeutic practices. Techniques most used are derived from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Humanistic Therapy, Existential Therapy, Reality Therapy, and Creative Therapy. Ashley is down-to-earth and incorporates humor in the therapy session.

Ashley earned her Undergraduate degree in Psychology, with a concentration in Sociology from Longwood University. She also earned her Graduate degree in College and Community Counseling from Longwood University. Ashley is an active member of her community and an advocate for individuals diagnosed with mental illness and developmental disabilities. She serves at the Vice Chairman for the region’s Local Human Rights Committee.

Ashley asks her clients to do the following: 1. Want to change. 2. Be willing to put in the work. 3. Be honest with her. She believes that information regarding a client’s past, current, and future struggles can be processed in session. Ashley will give clients the tools they need to make positive life change however, she believes that the hard work happens outside of the therapy session. Ashley often will provide assignments to clients to be completed between sessions.

Brenda Gardner is a Licensed Professional Counselor who enjoys helping others to increase their spiritual awareness and will educate on the importance of self-care. She desires to help people from all cultures and backgrounds become whole mind, body, and soul. She strives to create a safe and nurturing atmosphere in which individuals can be supported in their efforts to change and grow as well as become reconnected to their strengths and dreams.
The basis of Ms. Gardner’s approach to helping people overcome their unique concerns is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Assertiveness Training. Within this framework, she maintains the utmost respect for each person as they work towards making meaning and use of the difficulties they are facing. Of course, all treatment goals are discussed and mutually agreed to by everyone involved in the process. With compassion and encouragement, she desires to empower those she serves in overcoming their concerns. Without judgment, she works to provide a comfortable environment for people to discuss their concerns and end the obstacles preventing joy and fulfillment in their lives.
Brenda Gardner loves helping others overcome challenges, set goals, and implement plans. Ms. Gardner provides goal-focused Christian Counseling with a unique blend of psychology and theology. Ms. Gardner specialize in severe trauma, abuse, severe anxiety, pervasive mental health concerns, grief and loss, and depression. Through exploration of challenges, she will help others uncover behavior patterns and negative perceptions.
Ms. Gardner completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology at University of Phoenix in Richmond, Virginia in 2013. She continued her education and pursued a Master of Arts Professional Counseling at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia in 2017. The process of obtaining these degrees enhanced Ms. Gardner’s skill in working with a variety of cultures and ethnic backgrounds. Her desire is to help others learn about their needs, help them set goals and plans, support them in implementing those goals and plans so they may live happy healthy lives.

Brittany Edwards is a Licensed Professional Counselor who can help guide your path towards healing. No matter where you are at in your journey towards healing she will find the best approach for you. She can help you get started tackling anxiety, panic and life stressors, as well as work on depressive disorders, trauma and grief. If you are having major life transition and need help navigating through change than Brittany is a good counselor for you. Together you can work on your coping skills, thinking patterns, communication skills, and your relationships/ family needs. She is an LGBTQI affirming therapist and she advocates for and loves working with members of this community.

Brittany’s approach is person centered and integrative, utilizing multiple therapeutic modalities to fit the needs of her clients including CBT, DBT, solution focused interventions, mindfulness training, and play therapy. Brittany works with both children and adults starting at age 6 and up. She specializes in trauma, grief, mood disorders, ADHD, depressive disorders and anxiety. She can also help you tackle life transitions, relational issues, coping skills training and communication.

Brittany Edwards received her masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She has a wide range of experience with all ages and settings. She has worked in outpatient therapy, intensive in home, crisis counseling, mental health skill building, hospital settings and nonprofit organizations providing individual, group, family, couples and community based therapeutic interventions for clients 6 through adulthood. Brittany enjoys playing music, doing art, photography, being outdoors, and time with her family and fur babies in her free time.

If you are thinking starting therapy, please reach out since asking for help and scheduling is the first step. In sessions with Brittany, you are free to be your true authentic self without fear of judgment and you can move at the pace you are comfortable with. This is your journey and therapy with Brittany will be individualized to meet you where you are at.

Courtney Lotto is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and has been in the field for over 7 years with experience in community settings, working with athletes, school-related social work, and individualized therapeutic services with clients of all ages. Courtney works with clients who have tendencies for perfection, performance anxiety, overthinking, thoughts that bother them, loss of identity, blaming self, control issues, relationship issues, and wanting to be an old/different version of themselves.

Courtney completed her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Montana and her Master's degree in Social Work from Walla Walla University. Throughout Courtney’s development, she was a competitive gymnast. Courtney still identifies as an athlete and a coach and is a participant of the Alliance of Social Workers in Sports and was a former professional member of USA gymnastics. Courtney also is a member of the National Association of Social Workers, is certified in Gottman’s Couples Therapy and Solution Focused therapy.

Courtney’s therapy consists of a mixture of Rogerian theory person-centered approaches, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and play therapy to best meet individuals at their current level of functioning. Courtney’s goal is to make clients feel heard, content with their choices and thoughts, and to aid in her clients feeling less alone whilst knowing that have an advocate on their side in their journey through mental health and life

Lindsey Thomas is a licensed clinical social worker and has expertise in navigating family issues, school issues, parenting, workplace difficulties, and relationship challenges. She believes in the power of giving support to help clients see life from a different perspective and face difficult circumstances, new experiences and new stressors. Lindsey has worked with individuals living with a range of concerns including grief, depression, anxiety, OCD, phobia, and mood disorders.

Lindsey uses a variety of therapeutic approaches including strength-based, person-focused, psychodynamic, and family system modalities. Her approach is to look at the whole person and their experiences to understand their unique strengths, challenges, and perspectives and help them gain new insights. She has experience in the school setting and as a private therapist and has worked with families, adolescents, children, and adults facing a variety of life challenges. She also has a special interest in women's health and has worked with women with postpartum challenges.

Lindsey’s professional interests include modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Existential Therapy, and family systems therapy. Lindsey is empathetic, kind, and non-judgemental. 

Lindsey earned her Masters in Social Work from VCU and she lives in Midlothian with her husband and two children. In her free time, Lindsey enjoys spending time outside, learning Spanish, traveling, and volunteering for a non-profit advocating for greater awareness and support for individuals experiencing postpartum low milk supply. She will be offering limited evening appointments starting this May with additional hours added in early Fall.

Laura Stanzione is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has worked for many years at the (VA) Department of Veteran's Affairs as well as being a private practice provider. It is her belief that therapy should be client driven. Laura is here to assist you in your journey, and through laughter and tears to help you find creative solutions, while working together you can feel safe and understood. Therapy includes Family Systems, CBT, Person Centered and an eclectic approach giving the client the flexibility needed to grow.

Laura will help you identify and put new strategies and tools in place that will allow you to cope with issue(s) you are currently struggling with, including relationship stress and strain, overwhelming anxiety and/or depression, age related changes, grief or just feel stuck.

After receiving her Undergraduate degree from St. Leo University, in Florida, and a Graduate degree from Florida State University, Laura worked at the University of Florida Brain Center where she was a team member in several neurological research projects. She went on to provide the Transplant Assessments for multiple organs, at Shand’s/ the University of Florida as well as the Department of Veteran’s Affairs. She also worked closely with the transplant teams at Yale University and Hartford Hospital in Connecticut, through DaVita Dialysis.

Laura is currently accepting new clients and provides only virtual sessions. 

Valerie Mohrman specializes in working with youth and adults who wrestle with depression and/or anxiety. Her professional interests include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Motivational Therapy. Utilizing behavioral therapy techniques to alter behavior can bring about benefits that result in faster and more effective ways. She is committed to helping clients feel empowered by helping them overcome personal obstacles which will improve their life. By learning coping skills and mindfulness clients can achieve a successful outcome. Valerie’s great passion is bringing healing to people who have been through a traumatic and stressful experience. She strives to focus on creating a safe space to process and explore feelings, as well as experiences.

Valerie has experience in diverse settings which includes youth detention centers and group homes with teenagers who struggle with various traumatic backgrounds, as well as in the school system. While working in the schools, she assisted students and their families with various diagnosis such as Aspersers, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder. Working with families who struggle with education in the school system is one of her passions. In recent years, Valerie has helped patients who have been diagnosed with life threatening diseases such as cancer and renal failure. Meeting clients in this vulnerable time while utilizing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is one of Valerie’s specialties. 

Valerie obtained undergraduate degree in Psychology from Liberty University with an emphasis on counseling. She then obtained her master’s in social work degree through Virginia Commonwealth University, in Richmond Virginia. She is currently seeing clients in the evenings and Saturdays. Mrs. Mohrman would love to walk beside you in your journey of healing and hope. When requested, Valerie can also offer Christian and spiritual based counseling.

Sarah Gordon is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with people utilizing a person-centered and strengths-based perspective. She has experience in working with diverse populations in a multitude of settings such as outpatient individual therapy, long-term inpatient psychiatric hospitals, community based intensive family therapy, and school based therapeutic services. Sarah’s specialty area includes helping children and adults cope with anxiety and depression. 

Sarah’s professional passion is to help others become empowered and live their lives to the fullest. Sarah’s approach to therapy is to focus on uncovering and shining light on the person’s positive strengths to help them reach their goals. She practices therapy utilizing an array of different theoretical approaches such as cognitive behavioral theory, attachment theory, and family systems theory while being mindful of trauma-informed care. Sarah does her best to create a comfortable and warm environment during therapy, in hopes that the conversation feels natural.

Sarah obtained her undergraduate degree majoring in Sociology with an emphasis in Human Services and Civic Engagement from Lynchburg College in Lynchburg, Virginia. She then went on to obtain her Master’s in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. She currently is seeing clients in the evenings and on Saturdays.

Alexandra Heard is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who values partnering together with clients and thinking creatively to help them reach their goals. She has experience providing support at multiple levels of care, including a therapeutic day school, a crisis stabilization residential treatment center for adolescents, an outpatient office, and via telehealth. Alexandra has worked with clients with a variety of struggles and needs and has a professional interest in working with individuals with depression and/or anxiety, individuals who have experienced trauma, attachment or adoption-related issues, and adolescents presenting with oppositional behaviors.

Alexandra’s professional interests include creative, experiential, or art-based activities to assist in the therapeutic process. She strives to create a comfortable environment in therapy, allowing dialogue between client and therapist to feel natural and conversational. Alexandra draws from a variety of therapeutic approaches and most often utilizes cognitive-behavioral, dialectical-behavioral, and insight-oriented approaches while remaining trauma-informed and client-centered. She has provided therapy to children, adolescents, adults, and families at some of their most vulnerable times and has always seen the importance of joining with clients to safety plan when needed, sit in silence when needed, laugh when needed, and celebrate all successes, no matter how ‘small.’

Alexandra obtained her undergraduate degree from Union College in Schenectady, New York, where studying Sociology and Women & Gender Studies sparked a desire to help others. She went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. In her down time, Alexandra enjoys being at home watching movies, crafting, or cooking or being out exploring the community and attending the various festivals and events that the Richmond area offers. Alexandra is originally from upstate New York and has also lived in Northern Virginia. She currently resides in Chesterfield County with her husband and daughter.

Greg is a certified EMDR provider and licensed professional counselor (LPC). He treats men and women ages 21 and older for individual treatment of PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief, anger management, ADHD, OCD, and general stress-related problems. Greg provides morning through evening appointments on Tuesday, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. For questions about Greg's availability or insurances that he accepts, please contact the BBH administrative team. 

Greg has over 10 years of training and experience in trauma-informed counseling and clinical psychology. He specializes in helping individuals with overwhelming childhood, acute, or chronic traumatizing experiences by using EMDR which the World Health Organization recommends for treatment of PTSD and other mental health conditions. He also utilizes CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), IFS (Internal Family Systems) and “parts” therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Motivational Interviewing (MI), which are designed to change unhealthy thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. 

Greg received his BA in Communication at Fairleigh Dickinson University with media studies at the University of Queensland, Australia. He received his MA in Psychology at Kean University with a focus on psychological services and post-graduate study in community counseling at Norfolk State University. He is volunteer provider with the Virginia Community Response Network (www.vcrn.org) to respond to traumatic events that occur in Virginia and that have the capacity to overwhelm a community.

Ann Diem is a Marriage and Family Therapist, licensed in both Virginia and California. She treats adults, teens and couples and sees a variety of mental health issues including anxiety and depression as well as adjustment disorders, transitional life stages and marital/relationships issues .

Ann’s expertise is using Solution Focused Therapy to guide and encourage clients to establish goals and solutions to a problem utilizing an individual’s strengths. She will also use an eclectic approach including cognitive-behavioral to identify and change irrational or dysfunctional thoughts, motivational interviewing to encourage talk about the needed changes and person-centered to support and guide the treatment process.

Ann’s bachelor’s degree is from the University of California and her master’s degree is from California Graduate Institute. With more than 20 years of experience, Ann has worked in private practice, as well as government agencies and non-profits. During an internship she provided treatment and case management for children and adolescents in foster care, leading to creating programs and services to prepare foster teens to emancipate from the foster care system with the tools to lead independent lives.

Angela Petry is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LCP) who has recently received her certification as a Registered Play Therapist and works with children as young as 4-years-old emphasizing Expressive Arts and Play Therapy techniques. She also works with adolescents and adults with emotional, behavioral, and mental health issues utilizing a Cognitive Behavioral approach. These issues include depression, anxiety, grief, impulse control, parenting issues and PTSD. She is also Trauma Certified.

Ms. Petry is a mental health professional with over seven years experience in the Human Services field working with diverse populations. She is skilled in facilitating anger management, parenting, domestic violence, and social skills groups, and an expert in interpersonal, communication and conflict resolution skills. Ms. Petry is a compassionate professional providing empathy and unconditional positive regard for all clients, and she has a proven ability to quickly build rapport and trust with clients.

Natalie Cowan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who enjoys working with adults, adolescents, couples and families. Whether she is working with you individually, or together as a couple or family, Natalie has a real passion for helping others regain their self-esteem, confidence and inner joy. She specializes in helping individuals with issues such as depression, anxiety, grief and loss, adjusting to new and difficult situations, personality issues, trauma, mood disorders and relationship issues. Working with Natalie often includes assessing your unique strengths and abilities, as well as helping you develop new skills to grow and flourish.

Natalie obtained her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. Natalie approaches counseling from the perspective that each individual has his or her own unique worth and an ability to move forward and thrive with hope, encouragement and determination. She practices a strengths-based, person-centered approach to explore an individual’s past and present issues in a compassionate and accepting, yet directive manner. Natalie primarily utilizes traditional cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavioral, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapies, and is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. She is also trained in the Gottman Method of Family Therapy (Gottman Level 1), and is EMDR-trained.

Natalie has worked in a wide variety of settings, including community mental health, school-based programs, private practice, crisis intervention, and an inpatient hospital setting. She lives in Midlothian with her husband, and enjoys spending time with her two adult sons and her new grandson.

Susan Whiteside is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) whose background includes work in both the mental health and healthcare arenas. She now works with adolescents and adults both individually and in groups to help them address the symptoms and issues that are causing them distress. These issues include anxiety, depression, new diagnoses, work/stress/burnout, grief, caregiver support, healthcare transitions, and more. Susan uses compassionate listening and humor to help clients see things from a different perspective and gain insight into their behaviors and feelings.

Susan's experience includes work with individuals and groups as a social worker and case manager in outpatient, day treatment and partial hospital settings. She has also worked with patients in Oncology, Hospice, Bereavement, Inpatient Physical Rehabilitation, and Women’s health settings to name a few.

Susan completed her undergraduate studies at Juniata College in Pennsylvania and her Master’s degree in Social Work at the University of South Carolina in Columbia. She has been licensed to practice in Virginia since 1994. Susan holds a Certification in Case Management (CCM) from the Commission for Case Management Certification (CCMC). She has been active on various Boards and committees in the community over the years and has served as an Affiliate Field Instructor for MSW candidates for over 20 years. 

Dr. Strunk is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a doctorate in Psychology. He divides his time between clinical practice, training, consulting, and life coaching. He brings to Balanced Behavioral Health and his patients more than 20 years of experience in the field. He would like the opportunity to put his skills in your service.

In his clinical practice, Dr. Strunk delivers cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based treatments to adults, couples, and adolescent clients with a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and adjustment problems, such as anxiety, stress, depression, and relationship problems. He specializes in treating both short and long-term concerns. Steve sees his clients as unique individuals and he develops a treatment plan that is specific to their needs. Besides CBT, he utilizes a variety of concepts from other areas such as life coaching as well as techniques such as relaxation and mindfulness.

Dr. Strunk studied under Dr. Albert Ellis, who is one of the founding fathers of CBT and developer of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). Dr. Strunk is also a Board Member of the Virginia Sex Offender treatment Association (VSOTA) and has presented training in the areas of mental health, stress management, and parenting. Steve also has a background in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and has worked as a Trainer in this area. Steve is eager to apply his diverse clinical experience and compassion as you begin to address issues that will help you to improve the quality of your life.

Sybil Robertson is a licensed clinical social worker whose work has focused on children and women. She has experience as an elementary school teacher and as a therapist with children in the Richmond Public School System through Richmond Behavioral Health Authority. She also has experience with perinatal depression and women’s mental health surrounding pregnancy , miscarriage and infant loss. In a hospital setting, she has worked in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Antepartum Unit, and Postpartum Unit and has provided outpatient group therapy for grief and loss. Sybil applies cognitive-behavioral strategies to client’s presenting problems, and clients are encouraged to incorporate strategies in school and home settings. She views her role as one of collaboration and support to the entire person’s life experience.

Ms. Robertson received her B.A. degree in Child Study and Language Development from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas and then moved to Virginia to attend the Master of Social Work program at Radford University. She enjoys spending time with her family playing board games, exploring Virginia historical sites and volunteering at her son’s school.

Dr. Amy Mulkey is the Founder of Balance Behavioral Health. She is a licensed clinical psychologist who sees individuals and couples for psychotherapy. As a behavioral health provider, she is also trained to provide relaxation training and biofeedback treatment for clients with anxiety and chronic pain conditions.

She has been in practice for over 20 years and has a brief and problem-focused approach to therapy. Specifically, she encourages her clients to use behavioral changes and cognitive strategies to start the healing process quickly and to begin to use more effective coping to deal with stress and issues they confront. These issues might include depression, insomnia, bipolar disorder, anxiety, panic attacks, headaches, stress management, chronic pain, and marital/relationship problems.

After attending Cornell University for her undergraduate degree, Dr. Mulkey received her doctorate from University of Florida in Clinical Psychology. She then completed an internship at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a postdoctoral fellowship in behavioral medicine and pain management at Duke University. She has previously worked in her own private practice, in a large group practice, in a hospital setting, and in nursing homes. She has lived in the Midlothian area for the past ten years with her husband and three children.