LGBT therapists in Scottsdale, AZ

Hello, I'm here to help you facilitate healing and arrive at your healthiest self. We will work together, to arrive at your destination; wherever that may be.

Hello! I am a quirky black nerd or “blerd” who is a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and I am passionate about mental wellness. As a member of many marginalized demographics, I understand the importance and impact of intersectionality not just on the macro level through laws and policies but also in the day to day. As an LCSW I graduated in 2018 from Arizona State University with a Masters in Social Work Magna Cum Laude and with my Bachelors in Psychology with minor in Sociology Magna Cum Laude from the University of Arizona in 2013. I have worked in behavioral health my whole adult life thus far. I seek to lead with non judgement, empathy and humor to connect with others. I am a semi recreationally retired athlete (rugby and basketball), massive lover of dogs, kite flying, ocean drums and “hot takes”. I look forward to connecting and ultimately helping you move forward on your healing journey in life.

I have the strong belief that the journey towards healing starts within an accepting environment, where you're free to explore all areas of yourself that compose of who you are. My approach to therapy revolves around the impact of life experiences and the power of the therapeutic relationship. I work with clients who may be struggling with feeling stuck in life's patterns or other issues. We will explore your inner world, helping you connect with who you really are and develop the tools to thrive.

I am a double board-certified Psychiatric–Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of experience across the continuum of psychiatric care, including acute psychiatric emergencies, inpatient and outpatient psychiatry, geriatric mental health, intellectual and developmental disability services, and healthcare management. I hold a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and am currently completing my Doctorate, reflecting my ongoing commitment to clinical excellence, evidence-based practice, and lifelong learning.

Throughout my career, I have worked with individuals and families navigating a wide range of psychiatric conditions, from situational anxiety and depression to severe and persistent mental illness. My clinical experience includes extensive work with schizophrenia and psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), trauma-related conditions, and mood instability across the lifespan. I am particularly experienced in caring for geriatric patients, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and patients with complex medication regimens requiring careful evaluation, simplification, and long-term stabilization.

I also work closely with college-aged patients and adults who are navigating academic pressure, career transitions, family dynamics, identity development, and the cumulative stressors that can emerge during periods of high responsibility or change. Many of my patients are high-functioning individuals who appear “put together” on the outside but struggle internally with anxiety, rumination, intrusive thoughts, emotional dysregulation, or burnout. Others are managing chronic psychiatric illness while striving to maintain independence, relationships, and quality of life.

I work primarily with adults navigating anxiety and depression, trauma, and body-related concerns. Having personally experienced body issues and significant health diagnoses over the past 30 years, I believe our mental health is inseparable from the bodies we live in. I believe the mind and body are deeply interconnected and that healing happens when we honor both. My practice is integrative, compassionate, and rooted in honoring each person's unique path to wellness, and I welcome all genders, identities, and lived experiences. I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner with a background in Anthropology. I have completed fellowship in Integrative Reproductive Mental Healthcare. Currently, I am pursuing advanced fellowship training in Nutritional Psychiatry and Ketamine Therapy. I have also trained in Gender-Affirming Care and am passionate about providing safe inclusive spaces for all.