CENTERPSYCHHEALTH.COM - Key Persons


Dr. April Walter

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Psychologist
  • Clinical Staff Member
  • Autism Psychologist
  • Founder of the Center for Psychological Health
  • Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. April Walter is the founder of The Center for Psychological Health, in Seattle & a co-founder of The Center for Family & Lifespan Development, in Federal Way. She is also co-founder of The Center for Psychological Research, a nonprofit research center focused on autism. Dr. Walter's clinical work has focused on all areas pertaining to adult, pre-teen, teen, couple, and family treatment. She specializes in the clinical treatment of individuals and families dealing with neuropsychological issues, especially those dealing with dual diagnoses and teens/adults who are struggling with gaining independence. Much of Dr. Walter's work focuses on those with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder, and other psychological disorders such as Bipolar Disorder, Depression, PTSD, Anxiety, etc. Her work combines a family systems approach and cognitive behavioral therapies such as, traditional cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy. She also utilizes a neuropsychological treatment approach, which she created and is currently researching. Dr. Walter's background with families includes divorce recovery group therapy, serving as an Intensive Family Preservationist for the Institute for Family Development, which helps families who are involved with Child Protective Services, and being a research assistant for Dr. John Gottman. Her background with individual therapy includes inpatient group therapy at Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, WA. and individual and group therapy at Antioch University Clinic, Seattle. Dr. Walter worked with Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD and other neurological issues at ASTAR Center, Seattle with Dr. Gary Stobbe, at the University of Washington, and at Antioch University Clinic.

Dr. Benny Martin

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Psychologist
  • Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Martin graduated from the University of California at Santa Barbara in 2004. Under the direction of Larry E. Beutler, Ph.D. (an internationally known psychotherapy researcher), in the Counseling/Clinical/School Psychology Program in the clinical psychology track, he focused on examining how to individualize treatment interventions to specific patient characteristics, problems, and settings. The program had a strong multicultural focus, and so Dr. Martin continues to be very interested in serving individuals from various racial-ethnic groups. He has been licensed in the State of Washington since October, 2005, and now is licensed in California since 2009. Regarding theoretical orientation, Dr. Martin works utilizing cognitive-behavioral therapy with a strongly relational focus and has had extensive training in DBT at Behavioral Research and Therapy Clinics in a two-year postdoctoral position. He did DBT individual therapy and group skills training. He has also had experience in interpersonal process therapy, an integrated therapy combining CBT with humanistic/relational and psychodynamic techniques. Dr. Martin also does Motivational Interviewing and addresses PTSD and Substance Abuse issues with the Seeking Safety Protocol. Strengthening his focus on functional behavioral analysis techniques, Dr. Martin is incorporating elements of Acceptance and commitment Therapy and Functional analytic Psychotherapy in his current practice. In addition to his private practice, Dr. Martin was a Core Faculty member in a doctoral program (2006-2008), teaching CBT at the Center for Programs in Psychology (now the School of Applied Psychology, Counseling, and Family Therapy) at Antioch University, supervising students in CBT and related dialectical approaches to therapy. He served as an Affiliate Assistant Professor for the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Washington. He maintained an affiliation with the Department of Psychology and Behavioral Research and Therapy clinics, being a guest lecturer, a mentor and a multicultural consultant until his relocation to California. He also serves as an APA journal peer reviewer for Professional Psychology: Research and Practice. Dr. Martin has primarily worked with adults, 18 to 65, in individual and couples

Dr. Bryan Hill

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Psychologist
  • Clinical Staff Member
  • Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Bryan Hill, Ph.D. is a licensed Clinical Psychologist. His ideal population are those professionals that work in the public safety and/or medical fields. Bryan is a former public safety official who strives to eliminate the stigma of seeking therapy for those that work in these fields in order to help them address the burdens and stressors that are inherent in those lines of work. He is also a member of a treatment team that specializes in therapy and care of individuals on the autism spectrum. This specialized work allows individuals on the spectrum to seek independence, education, employment, personal growth, and life satisfaction. He currently works with a psychiatric population as well as those individuals who fall on the autistic spectrum. He believes that working with these diverse populations provides opportunities for learning and career development.

Dr. Claire White

Job Titles:
  • Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. White graduated from Argosy University in Seattle and works as a licensed psychologist. She works with adults of all ages working with individuals, couples, and families. She is also able to conduct therapy in both English and Spanish.

Dr. Garrett A. Gilchrist

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Psychologist
  • Clinical Staff Member
  • Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Gilchrist has a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Child, Adolescent, and Family treatment from Seattle Pacific University (2008) and a M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Gonzaga University (2001). He has been practicing as a licensed psychologist in the State of Washington since February of 2010. "Licensure" means that he has passed a national written exam and jurisprudence exam administered by the State of Washington. Dr. Gilchrist began providing psychological services to patients during his masters program in 1999 and doctoral program in 2002 and he has practiced in a variety of settings, including university counseling centers, the public school system, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, and mental health agencies. Who He Treats Dr. Gilchrist sees individuals with a wide range of concerns. He works with individuals typically ranging in age from adolescence to older adults. He incorporates a variety of treatment modalities to meet the individual needs and concerns of his patients. He also provides psychological assessment and testing for ADHD, Learning Disorders, cognitive functioning, and personality.

Dr. Justin Steffener

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Psychologist
  • Clinical Staff Member

Dr. Rebecca Muirhead

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Psychologist
  • Clinical Staff Member
  • Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Rebecca Muirhead, Ph.D. is a licensed Clinical Psychologist specializing in individual psychotherapy with children, adolescents, adults and families. Dr. Muirhead earned a Doctor of Psychology degree from Argosy University in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2010, which is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). Before going back to school to earn her doctorate she worked in a group home for adults with developmental disabilities. It was there that she gained extensive training and experience working with individuals diagnosed with Autism and other neurological issues. Dr. Muirhead has clinical experience working in multiple settings including schools, community centers, and in private practice. Her education and clinical training has been focused on treating depression, anxiety, social issues, grief and loss, ADHD, parenting consultations, family conflict and divorce.

Dr. Tricia Robinson

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Psychologist
  • Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Robinson graduated in 2016 with a doctoral degree from George Washington University, Washington, D.C. in Clinical Psychology and in 2000 with a master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. She finds passion in seeing positive change in people's lives. Her belief is that through self-awareness, people can alter their behavior. By understanding past and present behaviors, she helps people find success, peace and joy. Experienced with seeing clients in hospital settings, as well as outpatient clinics, she has grown to understand and meet the needs of people with long-term mental health disorders, as well as short-term situational concerns. With a genuine relationship as a foundation, she will collaborate with you to examine relational dynamics, unresolved conflict, needs, desires, and behaviors. Dr. Robinson specializes in people 16 years and older. She has expertise in working with military personnel and their families, especially treating trauma and PTSD. Being a soldier herself, for many years, she understands the challenges of the military lifestyle and the physical, social and emotional toll it can take on a person and family.

Francesca Criscione

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Staff Member
  • Counselor
  • Health Counselor
  • Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Francesca Criscione is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Substance Use Counselor at The Center's Federal Way office. She specializes in individual counseling, couples counseling, and group therapy for adults with a variety of diagnoses. Francesca specializes in Trauma informed care, Substance use issues, Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Dialectical Behavioral therapy, Person Centered therapy, and Solution Focused therapy. Francesca works with individuals to assist with behavioral activation, emotions, and overall functioning. Francesca background consists of caregiving with individuals on the spectrum to live independently and promote advocacy. Francesca has also worked with individuals coming out of the jail system with co-occurring disorders. Francesca has also worked closely with probation and King County to reintegrate individuals into the community. Francesca also has background in crisis management while working in inpatient psychiatric and case management. Francesca works on a collaborative relationship making a safe and non-judgmental environment to seek help and counseling service when in need.

Geoffrey Fong

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Staff Member
  • Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Geoffrey is the primary provider for medication management at The Center for Psychological Health, and one of the few Seattle providers who work with both children (4 and up) and adults. He has a specialized interest in treating depression, anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, and autism. Geoffrey is also experienced in working with clients with overlapping or co-occurring mental health conditions.

Harri-Ann Ellis

Job Titles:
  • Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
  • Licensed Independent Social Worker
Harri-Ann Ellis is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. She earned her Master's in Social Work from University of Washington, Tacoma. Patient centered and solution focused, she believes in meeting patients where they are. Her treatment modality is primarily cognitive behavioral therapy. Harri-Ann sees individuals 16yrs or older with any clinical diagnosis or disorder. She has a special focus on LGBTQIA+ and trans culture and affirmations.

Virginia Richardson

Job Titles:
  • Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Virginia Richardson graduated from the State University of New York College at Plattsburg, New York with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in 1979. She joined the US Navy Nurse Corps for 3 years, as a RN, and was stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC. She has also worked at VA Puget Sound, Valley Medical Center and St. Francis Hospital. She has worked with school age children as a School Nurse for the Highline School District. She graduated from Seattle Pacific University in 1999 with a Master of Science in Nursing degree, with training as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She has worked at Western State Hospital while attending graduate school at the University of Washington. She graduated from the University of Washington School of Nursing. She earned a Post-Master's certificate in Adult Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing. She took the national certification examination given by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She became an Adult Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in 2006. Virginia Richardson has worked as a RN in the clinical areas of psychiatry, orthopedics, newborn, and various medical-surgical nursing units in various acute-care hospitals. She has worked with adult psychiatric patients at Western State Hospital. She has worked as an Adult Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in an inpatient acute-care mental health facility for 18 months. She has worked with service members, dependents, and retirees at Madigan Army Medical Center for 8 years. She has worked with the underserved men and women at SCORE jail in Des Moines, WA for 6 years. She has worked at The Center for Family and Lifespan Development since October 1, 2021. She currently serves men and women with mental health concerns including, but not limited to: Bipolar Disorder, anxiety disorders, depression disorders, ADHD, Schizophrenia, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. She performs psychiatric evaluations and medication management.