Introducing Our Experienced Clinical Team

Jennifer Chow, MD

Jennifer Chow attended medical school at Virginia Commonwealth University.  She did her general adult psychiatry residency at the combined civilian-military program, University of Texas Health Sciences University San Antonio/Wilford Hall Medical Center and then completed a child/adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Oregon Health Sciences University. From there, she served active duty military members, their family and children at numerous Air Force bases located in Republic of Korea, Germany, United Kingdom, Turkey, and Dayton, Ohio.  Her last assignment active duty assignment was working for the US Air Force Surgeon General’s office in Falls Church, VA.

She has taught residents at Wright Patterson Air Force BAse in Ohio, served as Medical Director and Flight Commander at several Air Force clinics, and as Chief of the Medical Staff  at Osan Air Base in Korea and Incirlik Clinic in Turkey.

She enjoys seeing a variety of patients and mental health conditions from ages 3 and up.

Alexandra Dwight, LPC.

Alexandra (Allie) Dwight, LPC. is a Masters-Level Resident in Counseling registered with the Virginia Board of Counseling . She received her Bachelors of Fine Arts from Florida State University in 2017, and graduated with a Masters Degree in Art Therapy from George Washington University in 2019.

Allie provides services to adults, adolescents, and children, incorporating art interventions, mindfulness, and grounding techniques into sessions. In addition to her training in art therapy, Allie is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Sand Tray. She has worked with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD, mood disorders, grief, abuse, relationship conflicts, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Through a caring and collaborative relationship, Allie aims to hold a safe space in which individuals can develop new coping skills and perspectives, safely process trauma at their own pace, and improve overall well-being

Michael Walsh, M.A., Resident in Counsel

Michael is a licensed Resident in Counseling in the state of Virginia. Michael received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Franciscan University of Steubenville in 2019 and graduated with his Master’s of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Crisis Intervention and Trauma Interventions in May 2022. During his time pursuing his Master’s degree, Michael was inducted into the academic honors society Chi Sigma Iota.

Before working for My Psychiatrist, Michael worked in a residential treatment facility working with children and adolescents facilitating daily groups as well as aiding in crisis interventions. Michael also worked with an outpatient clinic to serve those dealing with substance addictions, facilitating intensive outpatient groups while also facilitating groups for children whose parents experienced addiction to develop coping strategies, as well develop healthy interpersonal relationships with peers.

While walking on the road to improved well-being, Michael looks to create and maintain a healthy space while learning and developing coping skills.

Daniela Otoya, LPC

Daniela Otoya is a Masters-Level Licensed Professional Counselor registered with the Virginia Board of Counseling. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Shepherd University in 2017, and graduated with a Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2020.

Daniela provides services to adults and adolescents who struggle with a range of issues such as depression, anxiety, life changes, grief, trauma and more. Daniela incorporates mindfulness techniques alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychodynamic to aim for taking a holistic approach.

Daniela embraces and appreciates all walks of life and makes sure to hold a non-judgemental, open and safe environment.  She also strives to empower clients by supporting them in realizing they have the ability to heal themselves and find the solutions within.

Elisa Litchfield, Psy.D.

Dr. Elisa Litchfield is a Doctor of Clinical Psychology (Psy.D) who obtained her doctoral degree and completed her education, training, and supervision in 2011. Currently, she is preparing to take her licensure exam as a clinical psychologist with the Commonwealth of Virginia and hopes to be licensed by June 2023.

As a clinical psychologist, Dr. Litchfield follows a holistic approach to individual psychotherapy, integrating theories of psychology that address both the mind and body. She encourages her clients to reflect on past experiences, identify current struggles, become aware of their cognitive, behavioral, and relational patterns, and develop desired goals and treatment strategies. Through a collaborative effort, Dr. Litchfield empowers her clients to recognize and build upon their own strengths and find meaning in their struggles, offering them psychoeducational resources, practical skills, and manageable short-term goals.

The types of psychotherapy utilized will be determined after an appropriate individualized treatment plan is developed. However, Dr. Litchfield typically utilizes cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavioral models.

With over 35 years of experience in psychology, including volunteer work after graduating high school, Dr. Litchfield holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Philosophy from George Mason University and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D) from Regent University. She is divorced and has no children, spending most of her life in Northern Virginia. She also served in the United States Army for 6 years.

Dr. Litchfield has a warm, relational style and is kind, empathetic, and non-judgmental. She has a special interest in working with former military, police, fire, and EMS personnel and has received specialized training in the integration of faith and psychology. In her free time, she enjoys animals, art, and music.

Michele Gunter, LCSW

Michele Gunter is a highly experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Virginia, with a career spanning over 26 years. Her expertise lies in providing comprehensive clinical assessments and therapeutic care to individuals of various age groups, including children, adolescents, teenagers, and adults aged 70 and above. Michele’s practice encompasses working with individuals, couples, families, and groups, addressing a wide range of mental health concerns.

With a background in clinical mental health, private practice, and virtual therapy, Michele has consistently demonstrated her commitment to delivering compassionate and effective treatment. She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences at Virginia Tech/Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 1994, followed by a Master of Social Work from Radford University in 1996.

Michele’s therapeutic approach is characterized by understanding, empathy, humor, creativity, and a strong foundation in education and life experience. She creates a safe, non-judgmental, and confidential environment, fostering healing and personal growth for her clients. Throughout her career, Michele has successfully treated individuals with mood disorders, various forms of abuse, early childhood issues, anxiety, depression, life transitions, PTSD/trauma, grief/loss, attachment issues, obsessive-compulsive disorder, illness and aging, substance abuse, anger management, family conflict, multicultural challenges, relationship issues, and stress management.

Michele possesses a diverse range of therapeutic modalities in her toolkit, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Attachment-Based Therapy, Trauma-Informed approaches, Christian Counseling, Play Therapy, Filial Play Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Exposure Response Prevention, and Mindfulness. She firmly believes in the power of empathy, non-judgment, and a strengths-based perspective to empower clients in developing positive thought patterns and effective coping skills for managing their challenges. Michele holds the belief that everyone has the capacity for positive change and can work towards achieving their own goals.

An essential aspect of Michele’s therapeutic philosophy is the value she places on the working alliance between therapist and client. She recognizes that this connection plays a pivotal role in the success of therapy and endeavors to foster a positive rapport with her clients. Michele strives to create a therapeutic environment where individuals feel secure in sharing and exploring their thoughts and emotions.

Michele Gunter is a highly skilled and compassionate Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has dedicated her career to helping individuals overcome their mental health challenges. Through her extensive experience, diverse therapeutic modalities, and unwavering commitment to her clients’ well-being, Michele is a trusted professional who facilitates healing, growth, and positive change.

Heidi Cook, MA, MSN, PMHNP-BC

Heidi Cook, MA, MSN, PMHNP-BC, is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She has spent the last 22 years in the nursing profession. She is committed to the holistic care of those dealing with mental health issues.  She holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Liberty University, as well as a Master’s Degree in Nursing from The University of Virginia-with a specialty in Psychiatry, and is certified by the ANCC.  She also completed training in substance abuse and medication assisted treatment. Combining aspects of counseling and nursing allows her to offer patients a therapeutic provider-client relationship, as well as evidence-based practice care through holistic, individualized, and compassionate treatment planning.

Throughout her nursing career Heidi has worked in Critical Care, Transplant Coordinating/Organ Donation, Psychiatry, Interventional Radiology, Post-operative, and a host of other areas. She has experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Her psychiatry experience includes inpatient, substance use, intensive outpatient services, and outpatient mental health services. She has seen children, adolescents and adults. Currently she is seeing patients 18-65yrs old. Heidi sees patients for anxiety, depression, PTSD, mood disorders, substance use, and ADHD. Brief psychotherapy and supportive therapy are also offered as needed throughout appointments. In her free time, Heidi enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and going to the beach.

Dahsheen Amin LPC, CSOTP

Dahsheen is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Virginia Board approved Supervisor and CSOTP (Certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider). Dahsheen strives to create a warm and personable environment to enhance the process of self-exploration, mindfulness, Efficacy and Self-empowerment to assist clients in reaching their optimal therapeutic goals.

Dahsheen earned her Master’s degree in Psychology from Southern Connecticut State University in 1998 and Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in 1995. Dahsheen has over 25 years of experience providing Mental Health Therapy, Crisis intervention, and Wellness for Adolescents, Adults Couples and Families. Dahsheen has served clients in various Behavior settings including School based, Community based, Inpatient, Outpatient and incarcerated youth.

Dahsheen specializes in the treatment of Depression, Mood & Anxiety Disorders, Trauma/Stressor related Disorders, ADHD, Conduct Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Substance Abuse addiction, First Responder issues, Sexual Paraphilia (Adolescent), Parenting issues, Coping with life changes, Couples Counseling/Relationship & Intimacy issues, and enhancing Motivation, self-esteem and confidence.

Dahsheen provides a variety of Evidenced based treatment including Person centered therapy, Mindfulness based Cognitive therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral therapy, Trauma Focused CBT therapy, Motivational interviewing, Experiential Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic, Rational Emotive Therapy, Solution focused Brief Therapy, The Gottman Method, and Imago Relationship Therapy.

Dahsheen’s approach to therapy is warm and Personable. Therapeutic interventions are Evidenced based but also include Supportive guidance, Humor, Affirmations, Meditation, Creative Arts Therapies, and Mindfulness strategies to effectively mitigate negative thoughts, feelings and behaviors as well as creating a comfortable and engaging environment for introspective growth and development.

Cristina Espinosa, MSN, PMHNP-BC

Cristina Espinosa MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who specializes in the treatment of ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety, depression, insomnia, panic disorder, PTSD, substance use disorder and addictions. With over 10 years of experience as both a clinician and a provider in private practice, military, city, and rural settings, her expertise includes: providing comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, psychotherapy, and referrals. She is passionate about improving the lives of others.

Prior to joining My Psychiatrist LLC, she graduated from Villanova University. Subsequently, she served as a U.S. Navy Nurse Corps Officer at San Diego NMMC and at Walter Reed NMMC caring for active duty Wounded Warriors and their families. After her time in service, she graduated from Shenandoah University with her Master of Science in Nursing. Her PMHNP training in Bethesda, MD and Arlington, VA under the guidance of child, adult and geriatric psychiatrists provided her with knowledge of the best treatments in psychiatry. Her mentors emphasized implementing the medical model to evaluate, diagnose, and treat a broad range of mental health disorders which she later utilized working independently in rural medicine.

She values the therapeutic relationship with her patients by taking time to actively listen, empathize, and build trust. To remain at the forefront of her profession, she participates in continuing education, attends conferences, and researches new treatments. In her free time, she enjoys doing yoga, improv comedy, commercial modeling and acting.

Michael Whiteside, LCSW

Michael Whiteside is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 5 years of experience in various clinical settings including inpatient, intensive outpatient, transitional care, university counseling, and outpatient regarding the field of mental health. With a compassionate, culturally considerate, personable, and client-centered approach, Michael strives to create a safe and supportive environment where individuals can explore their thoughts, emotions, past experiences, desires, goals, and challenges.

As a dedicated professional, Michael holds a Master in Social Work and is currently completing a PhD in Clinical Social Work. Throughout his career, he has worked with diverse populations, including adults, adolescents, couples, and families, helping them navigate through various life transitions and mental health concerns.

With a deep understanding of human behavior, the complexities of the human mind, and hardship of human suffering, Michael specializes in the challenges of anxiety, depression, stress management, life transitions, trauma, racial identity, and adjustment challenges. He utilizes a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, psychodynamic, solution-focused therapy, trauma-informed care, strengths-based, and ecological approaches to serve his clients. Michael believes in tailoring therapy to the unique needs and goals and cultural considerations of each individual, drawing upon evidence-based practices to facilitate growth, healing, and positive change.

In his sessions, Michael fosters a warm, non-judgmental, and collaborative therapeutic alliance, empowering clients to gain self-awareness, develop coping skills, and find effective solutions to their challenges. He creates a space where clients feel comfortable exploring their emotions, addressing past traumas, and building resilience for the future.

In addition to his counseling work, Michael actively engages in professional development, staying abreast of the latest research and therapeutic techniques. He is committed to ongoing learning and growth, continually expanding his expertise to provide the highest level of care to his clients.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Michael is deeply passionate about supporting individuals on their journey towards emotional well-being, personal growth, and overall life satisfaction. He firmly believes in the transformative power of therapy and is dedicated to helping clients achieve lasting and meaningful change. He suggests that everyone has the power to heal, it is a matter of accessing that capacity.

Michael welcomes new clients to the practice and looks forward to supporting them on their path to emotional wellness and regaining personal satisfaction in the life they choose, not simply the one they have to accept.

Wooni Kim, PMHNP-BC

Wooni Kim is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner committed to providing compassionate and holistic mental health care. Wooni earned her master of science degree in nursing from Walden University and is board certified through American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). For over 12 years, she has worked in various settings as a registered nurse, including medical-surgical, GI, home health, hospice, and inpatient psychiatry nursing, from which she gained immense experience connecting with her patients and providing excellent care. Throughout her nursing career, she faced numerous situations where the impact of patients’ mental health was so significant to their overall well-being. Consequently, her passion for mental health expanded, leading her to pursue PMHNP to serve those in need.

Wooni’s approach is evidence-based, holistic, and patient-centered while empowering and partnering with her patients. She believes healing is a process in that she can create safe and confidential environments for her patients to voice their concerns to begin healing. She also believes each person is unique and requires a personalized treatment plan. She takes the time to actively listen, understand, and foster a trusting therapeutic relationship with her patients. Through this collaborative partnership, she works with her patients to develop tangible treatment goals, monitor treatment effectiveness, and provide education accordingly.

Although mental health has gained more spotlight in recent years, stigma against mental health still exists, and wooni hopes to help reduce stigma and assist her patients in restoring mental health wellness so they can enjoy their life to the fullest. Therefore, she actively participates in continuing education, staying abreast of the latest research, treatment modalities, and evolving therapies. She also frequently attends conferences and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to ensure the best care for her patients. Wooni welcomes new patients seeking not only expert mental health care but also a compassionate advocate for their health. If you or a loved one need professional mental health care, schedule an appointment with wooni to begin a healing journey.

Connie Jenks, LPC

Connie Jenks, a licensed professional counselor, has dedicated 19 years to the practice of therapy and has a total of 30 years of experience in the mental health field. Her driving passion is to assist individuals in finding understanding, peace, and hope to navigate life and progress in a positive direction. She sees therapy as an incredible and transformative process that demands courage from those embarking on the journey.
Connie’s therapeutic approach emphasizes creating a safe and compassionate space for her clients. She believes in showing respect and patience as she supports individuals on their path towards healing and change.

Throughout her career, Connie has worked in various mental health settings, including schools, community mental health organizations, hospitals, crisis intervention units, and private practices. These experiences have equipped her with valuable insights and prepared her to handle a wide range of topics and issues. Her extensive experience has honed her skills, making her a seasoned therapist.

While Connie has experience working with clients of all ages, she specializes in helping adults facing challenges related to mood, trauma, anxiety, and substance issues. She firmly believes in tailoring the approach to suit the unique needs of each individual, ensuring they receive the best possible treatment.

Connie holds degrees from Old Dominion University and Mid-Atlantic Christian University. Her worldview is centered around valuing every person and appreciating each phase of life as an opportunity for learning and personal growth. This perspective shapes her therapeutic approach, enabling her to connect with clients in a genuine and meaningful way.

Cindy Rodriguez, LCSW

Cindy is a licensed clinical social worker with 9 years of experience in the field of mental health. With a compassionate and client-centered approach, Cindy strives to create a safe and supportive environment where individuals can explore her thoughts, emotions, and challenges.

As a dedicated professional, Cindy holds a degree in psychology and social work from Metropolitans State University and Newman University. Throughout her career, they have worked with diverse populations, including adults, adolescents, couples, and families, helping them navigate through various life transitions and mental health concerns.

With a deep understanding of human behavior and the complexities of the human mind, Cindy specializes in areas of expertise or therapeutic modalities, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches. They believe in tailoring therapy to the unique needs and goals of each individual, drawing upon evidence-based practices to facilitate growth, healing, and positive change.

In her sessions, Cindy fosters a warm, non-judgmental, and collaborative therapeutic alliance, empowering clients to gain self-awareness, develop coping skills, and find effective solutions to her challenges. They create a space where clients feel comfortable exploring her emotions, addressing past traumas, and building resilience for the future.

In addition to her counseling work, Cindy actively engages in professional development, staying abreast of the latest research and therapeutic techniques. They are committed to ongoing learning and growth, continually expanding her expertise to provide the highest level of care to her clients. As a licensed therapist, Cindy is deeply passionate about supporting individuals on her journey towards emotional well-being, personal growth, and overall life satisfaction. They firmly believe in the transformative power of therapy and are dedicated to helping clients achieve lasting and meaningful change.

Cindy welcomes new clients to her practice and looks forward to supporting them on her path to emotional wellness.

Jamie Dineen, MSW

Life can throw us on many detours. Do you ever feel like you struggle to stay on course when work or school demands so much from you that it bleeds into your relationships? This can be incredibly challenging for anyone. Unfortunately, many people learn to cope with these stressors by avoiding conflicts in their personal and professional lives that often lead to isolation, resentment, and finding unhealthy ways to cope with it all.

I help individuals by focusing on a strengths-based approach with individuals to empower them through their journey to getting back on track. We’ll work through the process together to improve your quality of life. I will provide you tools to navigate challenges that come your way. I also use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Solutions Focused Therapy, Trauma informed care, and take a holistic approach with clients.

I focus by using a strengths-based approach with individuals to empower them through their journey to getting back on track. We’ll work through the process together to improve your quality of life. I will provide you tools to navigate challenges that come your way. I also use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Solutions Focused Therapy, Trauma informed care, and take a holistic approach with clients.

My job is to guide you and equip you with the necessary tools to navigate life’s challenges. As a supervisee in social work, I’ve worked with many individuals and families struggling with negative thought patterns, high conflict, and grief. I am a retired police officer of the Metropolitan Police Department and understand the stressors that come with protecting and serving the community. I have always had a passion for helping others. Now, I can help individuals chart their own paths in life.

Sandra Alami, Psy.D

Dr. Alami earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of California, Riverside. Additionally, she earned her Master’s degree and her doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

Dr. Alami’s passion for supporting children and adolescents can be noted in her training over the past several years in working with young clients who struggle with ADHD, depression, general and social anxiety, disordered eating, and emotional or behavioral regulation challenges. Additionally, she is able to support children who have suffered from severe abuse and neglect with a warm and gentle manner, having worked with traumatized youth in therapeutic settings to help them heal. When working with children and adolescents, she holds a strong belief in the power of collaborating with parents and/or family members to establish ways to help their child adapt in multiple settings (i.e. home and school).

Dr. Alami also has specific interests and specialties in assessment and evaluation, especially with children and adolescents. She conducts psychological testing to clarify diagnoses and the underlying causes of behavioral or learning challenges so that interventions and supports can be targeted towards their unique needs. Dr. Alami is also skilled in providing behavioral support services to support students’ behavioral and emotional needs and to help them achieve academic success.