Staff

Dr. Deacon Shoenberger attended the clinical psychology doctoral program at the University of Nevada, Reno and completed a PhD with an emphasis on cognitive-behavioral treatments for anxiety disorders and addictions. He completed his pre-doctoral internship at the Portland VA Medical Center and received specialized training in psychological assessment, behavioral medicine and health psychology, eating disorders treatment, and chronic disease management. He completed post-doctoral training with an emphasis on behavioral pediatrics and adolescent psychology and became a Nevada Licensed Psychologist in 2009. Deacon has been the consulting psychologist for several different local agencies. Deacon is a co-founder of Health Psychology Associates and is the Clinical and Integrated Care Director of Health Psychology Associates.

Natalie Sanchez attended the California State University, Chico and completed a MS in Psychology with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy in 2006. She completed an internship in Marriage and Family Therapy and received supervision and training in behavioral interventions for individuals, family and couples with an emphasis on children and adolescents. Natalie has received training and supervision for behavioral medicine and health psychology. She has a history of being a clinical director of agencies in the community. She is a AAMFT and NV approved supervisor for Marriage and Family Therapy Interns and Clinical Professional Counselors. Natalie is completing her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision. Natalie is a co-founder of Health Psychology Associates and is the Clinical Director of Health Psychology Associates and oversees the psychotherapy programs. Natalie is an AAMFT approved primary supervisor.

Dr. Katherine Thomas attended the Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California and completed her Medical Degree in 2011. She completed her residency in General Psychiatry from the University of Washington in the Advanced Clinician Track. Katherine followed up her residency with a fellowship specializing in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry through the University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno Nevada. She is currently the director of the Pediatric Department at West Hills Hospital. She has been a licensed Psychiatrist since 2016. Katherine is the Medical Director of Health Psychology Associates.

Michael “Mick” Hall attended the clinical psychology program at the John F. Kennedy University and completed a MA with an emphasis on clinical and sports psychology. He completed an internship in Marriage and Family Therapy and received supervision and training in behavioral interventions for individuals, family and couples. He has a history of health psychology in the medical setting. In addition to the credential of licensed marriage and family therapist, Michael is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Mick has a history of being a clinical director of agencies in the community. Michael is a AAMFT and NV approved supervisor for Marriage and Family Therapy Interns and Clinical Professional Counselors. Mick is a NV board approved supervisor for Substance Abuse Counselors. Mick is a co-founder of Health Psychology Associates and AAMFT approved primary supervisor.

Keri Freshman is the Office Manager of Health Psychology Associates. Keri has worked with Health Psychology Associates from the beginning. Prior to her time at HPA she worked with medical and behavioral health offices. In addition to the task of managing the entire staff and office Keri is responsible for the billing, scheduling and greeting clients. Keri has worked to help establish the client centered environment at Health Psychology Associates.

Ashley Haidle attended the University of Nevada, Reno and completed a Master of Arts in Counseling and Educational Psychology in 2011. She completed an internship in Marriage and Family Therapy and received supervision and training in behavioral interventions for children and adolescents, individuals, family and couples. Ashley completed specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, pain management and evidenced based therapy for juvenile sexual offenders. She has received additional training in health psychology. Ashley became a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in 2017. Ashley is training to become a qualified supervisor of Marriage and Family Therapy Interns.

Dr. Sarah Burkett attended the California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant University, Sacramento, California and completed a PhD in Clinical Psychology. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at Ventura County Behavioral Health and received specialized training in outpatient substance abuse, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and behavioral medicine. Sarah completed post-doctoral training at Northern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services with an emphasis on outpatient therapy including Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Chronic Pain groups, Co-Occurring Disorders and Anger Management. Sarah has been licensed since 2015 and worked at Renown and Rural Mental Health providing outpatient therapy with an emphasis in health psychology, psychological assessment, cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety disorders, chronic disease management. Sarah is a qualified supervisor for Psychological Assistants.

Dr. Matthew Boland attended the clinical psychology doctoral program at the University of Nevada, Reno and completed a PhD with an emphasis on cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety disorders. He completed his pre-doctoral internship at the Albuquerque VA Medical Center and received specialized training in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and comorbid substance abuse, behavioral medicine and psychological assessment. Matt became a Nevada licensed psychologist in 2018. Matt specializes in cognitive and cognitive behavioral therapy treatments for a variety of conditions.

Dr. Kevin Seid attended the psychology doctoral program at the University of Wisconsin, Madison and completed a PhD with an emphasis on school psychology, child and family therapy. After completing his school psychology internship, he received specialized training in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Kevin completed post-doctoral training with an emphasis in on behavioral pediatrics and adolescent psychology, anxiety and mood disorders. Kevin became a Nevada Licensed Psychologist in 2018. Kevin is a certified Trauma CBT provider.

Lisa Brown attended University of Phoenix and completed a Master of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2009. She has completed specialized training in cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy focusing on managing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Lisa has 10+ years experience working with individuals, couples and families. Additionally, Lisa has experience and training to treat individuals with eating disorders.

Dr. Chad Doerr attended the Clinical and School Psychology doctoral program at James Madison University and completed his PsyD in 2018. Prior to JMU, Chad Doerr earned his Master's Degree in Sport and Performance psychology from the University of Denver in 2014. He completed his pre-doctoral internship at UC Davis Student Health and Counseling Services with an emphasis in Sport Psychology. Dr. Doerr completed his post-doctoral training in the University of Nebraska’s Athletic Department, serving as an Athletic Psychologist for two years. Chad has been a licensed Clinical Psychologist since 2020 and provides generalist therapy treatments for a variety of conditions. Additionally, he has received specialty training and experience in treating young-adult mental health symptoms, and services for sport and high-performance populations.

Monique Normand is originally from Las Vegas, Nevada and holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Nevada, Reno. Monique received her social work license in 2018 and is currently a clinical social work intern, working on her clinical license. Monique has experience working with children and young adults.

Michelle is a licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and has a background working with individuals and groups of all ages, including adults, adolescents, children, and their families. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Wheaton College and completed a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling at Denver Seminary. While in graduate school, Michelle interned at a residential treatment center for youth with co-occurring mental health, behavioral, and/or substance use disorders. She has most recently worked as a therapist in rural Nevada for Elko’s Community Mental Health Clinic where she also provided assessment services to inmates at the county jail and participated in the local Child Advocacy Center meetings. She has worked with Nevada school districts providing therapy and advocating for families during IEP meetings. Michelle has received supervision and training in trauma-informed care as well as in evidence-based therapies for a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, chronic pain, grief and loss, shame, identity issues, and relationship difficulties. Michelle has received specialized instruction in Trauma - Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Parent Management Training, and her graduate school program emphasized the integration of spirituality, ethics, values, and counseling. Michelle is also passionate about travel, values diversity, and has participated in various cultural immersion experiences around the world.

Emma Dickinson received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Vanderbilt University in 1991, her Educational Specialist Degree in School Psychology from University of Nevada-Reno in 2007 and her Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Central Washington University in 1995. She has recently started as a Clinical Professional Counselor Intern with HPA in addition to practicing as a Nationally Certified School Psychologist in the Washoe County School District here in Reno, NV. Prior to this, she was a school counselor serving two rural Nevada school districts for 13 years. Emma has experience with children of all ages, families and has a special interest in working with twice-exceptional youth, who are those experiencing a disability as well as having high ability.

James Balmut, known by family, friends, and colleagues as “JB” attended the University of Nevada, Reno and completed a Master of Arts in Counseling and Educational Psychology in 1985 with a specialty in Marriage and Family Therapy. He has been licensed since 1987. He immediately became the Program Coordinator of an inpatient adolescent and pediatric program locally. Leaving the hospital after 6 years, he started a private practice specializing in work with adolescents, couples, and families. He earned his Alcohol and Drug Abuse license shortly thereafter and began consulting for local agencies serving youth with substance use issues. JB has a passion for the outdoors and is well trained in experiential and adventure-based therapies. He sees Nature as an incredible teacher. He found that “doing” was a more powerful way of learning than “sitting and talking” (remember he works with non-traditional learners – and admits that he is one). He has been active in State and National Associations supporting families for over 30 years. He has been an owner/director of both for and not for profit businesses running adventure-based leadership programs for our school district and local businesses. His passion for service is evident when you meet him.

Crystal is a Clinical Professional Counselor at Health Psychology Associates. Crystal received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at the University of Nevada, Reno. From there, she worked as a Psychosocial Rehabilitation Specialist completing specialized training with an emphasis on children and adolescents. Crystal then attended the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and holds a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. While in graduate school, Crystal interned at Northern Nevada Child and Adolescent Services and received training in early childhood intervention services and trauma-informed care. She is currently receiving supervision and training in treatment for children, adolescents, sexual/gender minority individuals, and families in several areas of mental health including impulse control, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, self-harming, trauma, parent training, and coping skills.

Dr. Georgia Dalto attended the clinical psychology doctoral program at the University of Nevada, Reno and completed a PhD in 2020. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at the Utah State Hospital, where she received specialized training in the assessment and treatment of serious mental illness. Georgia has completed all licensure requirements and expects to become a Nevada licensed psychologist in late 2021. She has experience working with adults, adolescents, and children and specializes in third-wave cognitive behavioral and acceptance-based treatments for a variety of conditions. Special interests include anxiety disorders, correctional psychology, and ketamine assisted psychotherapy and integration.

Courtney received her Master of Arts in Counseling from UNR with a focus on Clinical Mental Health Counseling. While in graduate school Courtney worked at the Downing Clinic with adolescents and young adults experiencing anxiety, depression, and identity concerns. She also co-led grief groups for adolescents and was a crisis worker for a local and national hotline. Additionally, Courtney has experience working with young children who have challenging behavioral and emotional situations and their families. She is currently completing an internship in Clinical Professional Counseling and receiving supervision in behavioral interventions and family systems.

O’Brien is a Marriage and Family Therapy Intern and offers individual adult, relationship and group psychotherapy with a Mind-Body (Somatic) emphasis drawing from an extensive background which includes: a Master of Arts in Somatic Counseling Psychology from John F. Kennedy University; Certified Sex Educator training through San Francisco Sex Information, and training in Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) from Tapping the Matrix Academy. O’Brien’s approach to therapy is also informed by her training in gender sensitivity and inclusion, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, as well as many forms of wholistic mind-body practices, such as Somatic Experiencing, Focusing, and much more. Her Yoga Teacher training, love of nature and experiences living & traveling around the world pair perfectly with her wholistic approach to overall well-being. O’Brien is a member of American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, Kink Aware Professionals and is LGBTQIA+, Poly and Kink Aware. What is it you want to work on? O’Brien will help you set goals, plan how to reach your goals, cheer you on during successes and find alternatives when you get stuck. She will hold you accountable to yourself and your goals and celebrate each step along the way of your personal journey. You can do this. O’Brien can help.My Website

I believe that therapy offers a way for us to examine our narratives & their meaning. I work with people who are experiencing racism, colorism, grief/loss, those living with depression and anxiety, PTSD, and chronic burnout. I see individuals and couples across generations and milestones with various identifiers: Third Culture, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, AAPI, Postpartum, Poly, Gender Queer. As a therapist, I am interested in your subjective experience and the context, framework, and systemic dynamics that shape it. I see you as a whole person and aim to avoid reductionist and pathological interpretations. I have worked in the field of mental health for over twenty years. I received my Master’s in Social Work from New York University. I completed my clinical hours in San Francisco. I have worked in emergency departments, inpatient psychiatry, and outpatient mental health clinics. My theoretical framework is eclectic & holistic, drawing on evidence-based theories to existential/humanistic theories. I am trained in Brainspotting. I provide Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) at Radiance Clinic. I am fluent in Mandarin and can converse in Spanish. I have lived in San Francisco, Amsterdam, Taipei, Buenos Aires, Manhattan, Los Angeles, and Madrid. I dig Friday night dinners with friends and family, boxing, climbing, cultural happenings, hiking, and jaunts with my three children & partner.

Kelley is a Marriage and Family Therapist intern, originally from Maine but now resides in the Sierras. She completed a master’s at the University of Nevada, Reno, and is currently completing her internship and receiving supervision for counseling with children, adolescents, individuals, couples, and families. While in school, Kelley interned at Health Psychology Associates, The Downing Clinic, and Northern Nevada Child and Adolescent Services, during which she received training for a range of demographics including early childhood interventions, family therapy, depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, and trauma-informed care. She is also working in schools implementing wellness check-ins and suicide prevention support. Kelley’s professional background is in wilderness therapy and place-based education.

Dr. Nino Chkhaidze Roy attended the Combined-Integrated Doctoral Program of Clinical and School Psychology at James Madison University, Harrisonburg Virginia and completed her PsyD in 2017. She became a licensed clinical psychologist in Virginia as well as a board-certified behavior analyst in 2018. After moving to Reno Nevada, Nino completed her post-doctoral training at the Health Psychology Associates and became a Nevada licensed psychologist in 2023. Nino’s work has been concentrated around depressive and bipolar disorders, trauma, anxiety and panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, relationship difficulties / couple therapy, and parent-child interaction. In her therapeutic practice Nino uses an integrative approach, equally focusing on various aspects of a person’s functioning, such as emotions, behaviors/habits, thoughts, personality traits, and attachment style. Prior to coming to the US, Nino worked as a psychologist in her country-of-origin Georgia, Eastern Europe. Experience working in different cultures enhanced Nino’s appreciation of diversity and cultural differences and she strives to provide therapeutic care which is sensitive to people’s unique backgrounds and identities.

I'm Lauren, a warm and supportive therapist who believes in the power of humor, empathy, and genuine connection to facilitate healing and growth. With experience in treating adjustment difficulties, working with first responders, and helping individuals with complex/chronic medical issues, I am dedicated to supporting my clients on their journeys to recovery and resilience. I offer a safe space to process traumatic experiences, manage stress and anxiety, and develop effective coping mechanisms. Authenticity and genuine connection are at the heart of my therapeutic approach. I have around 8 years experience in acute care hospital settings, working in ICU's and ER's. I am trained as a Certified First Responder Associate counselor for working with law enforcement, EMS, ER/hospital staff, and firefighters. I’m currently completing my clinical social work internship. I completed my graduate internship at the Reno VA Mental Health Clinic.