Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Alexandria, VA covered by Aetna

I am Stanley Okeyemi, the founder of Brighter Light Behavioral Health Services. I am currently licensed as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) in Texas, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Washington, North Carolina, Nebraska, Virginia and New York. I have been working in the mental health industry for 16 years, but licensed as a PMHNP for four years, with a vast amount of experience and affiliations with over 40 hospitals/clinics combined across the USA

Mental health issues may be difficult to discuss with loved ones, especially if there are cultural barriers. As an Asian American, I experienced the phenomenon of feeling like I had two separate identities. I often felt like an outsider as I questioned “who am I?” While there are many cultural barriers we must face with mental health, you don’t have to face them alone! I can help you navigate your experiences with cultural identification, family communication, children’s mental health, (e.g. depression, anxiety, and/or behavioral concern), parenting, and diversity.

Hello, I'm Annisha Dunaway. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I come to this work not only from training but from a lifetime of experience—as a veteran, military spouse, mother, daughter, and sister. I understand firsthand how challenging life can be—how deeply we all need support that is compassionate, judgment-free, and motivating. My goal is to create a space where you feel seen, heard, and empowered to keep moving forward. Your story matters here, and I’m here to walk alongside you—no judgment, just honest, supportive partnership.

Welcome! I'm a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) dedicated to helping individuals find healing through a well-rounded approach to mental wellness. True healing comes from caring for the whole person: mind, body, and spirit. My goal is to create a safe, compassionate, and judgment-free space where you can be listened to, valued, and empowered to take an active role in your mental health journey. I have years of experience caring for individuals with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, psychosis, substance use disorders, and other complex mental health conditions. Mental health is more than managing symptoms. Mental well-being is closely connected to physical health, relationships, purpose, and daily habits. Together, we will explore how these areas influence your overall wellness and develop a treatment plan that supports lasting growth. This may include medication management when appropriate, education, supportive therapy, healthy lifestyle strategies, stress management, sleep optimization, and building practical coping skills that fit your life.

I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2017 and my Master of Social Work in 2019. My clinical experience spans a wide range of settings, including medical social work, OBGYN/postpartum care, community mental health, emergency services crisis intervention and stabilization, pre-liver transplant support, and child welfare. These experiences have given me a deep appreciation for the resilience people show during some of their most challenging moments.

I believe that all people have the innate capacity to heal. My goal is to create a safe, supportive environment where clients feel empowered to share their stories and process trauma in a way that fosters growth, clarity, and emotional well-being. I utilize trauma-informed approaches such as EMDR and parts work. I focus on teaching practical, effective coping skills that clients can use in their daily lives.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who provides a supportive, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space for adults who are navigating life’s challenges. My approach is collaborative and focused on helping clients feel heard, understood, and empowered as they work toward meaningful change. I also offer Christian counseling in a way that supports both emotional healing and spiritual growth.

I believe therapy is a safe place in which we can be heard, supported, and understood. Together, we will work to uncover your strengths and find new ways to approach life's challenges.

With 26 years of clinical experience as a licensed therapist in DC and Virginia, I support individuals navigating life’s complexities—from stress, trauma, and grief to fertility concerns, family dynamics, LGBTQIA+ experiences, anxiety, depression, and moments of transition.

As a proud Howard University graduate, my work is grounded in cultural humility, social justice, and a belief that mental health is inseparable from history, community, and lived experience. Howard taught me to see clients not just through symptoms, but as whole people shaped by family, identity, policy, and perseverance.

This perspective fuels my commitment to therapy as both a healing space and a form of liberation. My practice is anchored in integrity, guided by compassion, and centered on the dignity and humanity of every person I serve.

I have a background in science and psychology, which fits my education as a psychologist. I am also a very creative and collaborative person. I want to work with each client to find the best individual treatment for them. I know many techniques and exercises, but only you can tell me what what works best for you. I enjoy helping adults (age 18+) navigate the transitions they face and be able to look forward to the future with hope (even if that feels very far away currently).

Compassionate and dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 6+ years of experience in Emergency services, psychological evaluations, crisis intervention, private practice, inpatient hospitalization, Outpatient hospitalization programs and case management.

I specialize in working with adults navigating anxiety, depression, and the weight of everyday stress. I bring both deep clinical experience and genuine warmth to our work together. My clients often describe feeling heard in a way they haven't before.