NEW DIRECTIONS - Key Persons
I am a provider at our South Hills clinic who provides psychiatry services in-person and via telehealth.
My name is Alexandra Mosser and I am a provider at our Monroeville clinic who provides therapy services in-person and via telehealth. I enjoy working with a variety of diagnoses. I work well with children who have somewhat of a behavioral disorder, as well as emotional concerns such as anxiety/depression. The may be struggling with their anxiety as related to various issues in their life (school and home), as well as behaviors that impede improvement, such as giving into the anxiety which results in panic attacks or irrational fears. They would require parenting strategies to help with behavioral interventions, as well as decreasing anxiety. They would like to learn coping skills for anxiety management, and the family would like to learn supportive ways they can help the children or family member with certain behaviors. My main goal is to help them learn to cope with anxiety to ensure the best quality of life possible.
I have utilized CBT and DBT consistently with clients, as well as Motivational Interviewing. I enjoy helping others and have experienced anxiety myself, which has resulted in choosing a career as a therapist. I do not like to see anyone suffer and have extreme empathy and sympathy for those who are going through mental health issues and want to help as many as I can. I have also utilized reality therapy and choice theory with clients. I have worked with anxiety disorders, RAD, ADHD, ODD, ASD, and several others.
As stated above, I have been diagnosed with anxiety, and realized I had it as a child. I did not receive help and my guidance counselor was very short with me and seemed almost annoyed or irritated that I came to her for issues. I would not stand for that, which is why I decided to get into therapy. I do not stand for bullying and I am a safe person to come to to reveal any concerning issues that an individual might have. I am married, with one fur baby, and love reading, spending time with family/friends, and giving gifts. I have an unhealthy addiction to coffee and an addiction to buying jewelry (which I never wear). I have exercise and cruelty. I love working with children and helping them make progress or become successful.
Job Titles:
- Professional Counselor at Our Wexford
April Morris is a Licensed Professional Counselor at our Wexford - VIP Drive clinic who provides therapy services in-person and via telehealth. She focuses on providing therapy to adults. April has gained experience throughout different mental health settings, such as wraparound services, school-based therapy, and a community mental health agency. Throughout these experiences, she has learned the importance of incorporating all dimensions of wellness into treatment. This helps to provide a well-rounded set of skills to promote growth.
April's therapeutic approach begins with building a strong therapeutic connection that enables clients a safe space to express themselves, learn, and grow. April collaborates with individuals to explore the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and how to relearn patterns to produce positive changes. April utilizes a person-centered approach, as well as interventions from cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness techniques. April's areas of focus include depression, anxiety, recovery from trauma, stress management, and adjustment to life stressors.
April is a native to Pittsburgh, and earned a Bachelor's degree in psychology from University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, with a Master's degree in Professional Counseling from Carlow University. In her free time, April enjoys traveling, live music, and spending time with friends.
Barbara Nightingale is a provider at our McMurray clinic who provides psychiatry services in-person and via telehealth.
Brett is a pre-licensed mental health therapist at our Wexford - VIP Drive clinic who provides therapy services in-person and via telehealth. He specializes in providing therapy to adolescents and young adults. Brett works from a strengths-based and person-centered perspective to collaboratively help clients understand themselves with self-compassion. His approach aims to build rapport and meet clients where they are at.
Brett's specialty thus far has been with adolescents with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder diagnoses. He has experience with adolescents with a variety of diagnoses such as ADHD, Depression, and Anxiety. Brett uses a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Exposure Response Prevention therapy when appropriate. His clinical interests also include the LGBTQIA+ population where he is trained in LGBTQIA+ affirmative Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Brett earned his Bachelor's Degree from the University of Pittsburgh where he majored in Psychology with a minor in Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies. During his time in Pittsburgh, his love for the city grew, and Brett chose to receive his Master's Degree in Social Work at the University of Pittsburgh. Outside of work, you will find him swimming, at the gym, and spending time with friends.
Cara M. Crisson, Psy.D. is a Licensed Psychologist at our Robinson clinic who provides psychiatry services in-person and via telehealth. She focuses on helping adults and older adolescents. She utilizes an evidence-based and holistic approach to helping her client manage an array of psychological concerns. She takes into consideration the whole person including each person's environment and perceptions of challenging situations. In addition, her approach to therapy is rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She also incorporates elements of mindfulness, Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Adlerian Therapy. Therapy with Dr. Crisson combines collaboration and structured guidance which allows for flexibility and encourages self-efficacy.
Dr. Crisson specializes in helping clients struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, anger management, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), insomnia, brain injuries, and problematic sexual behaviors. She also has expertise providing personality, intellectual, and cognitive assessments.
Dr. Crisson's professional background includes community mental health centers, hospitals, civil commitment programs, and correctional institutions. She is skilled in working with individuals of diverse cultural backgrounds, including the LGBTQIA+ community.
A Pittsburgh native, Dr. Cara Crisson earned her B.A. in Psychology, M.S. in Professional Counseling, and Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology from Carlow University. She relocated to northern Minnesota, where she learned cold-weather survival and even tried curling (it didn't go so well). Dr. Crisson enjoys live music, travel, hockey, and being a dog-mom.
Job Titles:
- Health Nurse Practitioner at Our Wexford
- PMHNP
Casey Evelsizor is a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at our Wexford - VIP Drive clinic who provides psychiatry services in-person and via telehealth. She has a Master of Science in Nursing from Ohio State University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Duquesne University. She joined New Directions after a tenure at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital, where she specialized in psychiatric medication management for children, adolescents, and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, intellectual disabilities, and various developmental disorders. There, she also gained experience in treating various other conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.
Before her time at UPMC, Casey served in multiple roles at Nationwide Children's Hospital and Dublin Springs Psychiatric Hospital, ranging from Nurse Clinician to Staff Nurse in both adult and pediatric outpatient psychiatry settings. Casey also honed her skills in community mental health during her graduate student clinical rotations at Syntero and Columbus Behavioral Health. She holds board certifications in Psychiatric Mental Health across the lifespan and is a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner through the PA State Board, adding to her broad and comprehensive expertise in mental healthcare.
I am a provider at our Monroeville clinic who provides psychiatry services in-person and via telehealth. As a PA-C at New Directions Mental Health, I…
Job Titles:
- Counselor
- Clinical Social Worker at Our Robinson
Cody Harmon is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at our Robinson clinic who provides therapy services in-person and via telehealth. He has experience in various…
Dr. Karolak is a nurse practitioner who focuses on empowering patients to be their best selves
Dr. Lexie Karolak is a Nurse Practitioner at our Robinson clinic who provides psychiatry services in-person and via telehealth. She is board certified to provide care across the lifespan. She specializes in treatment of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and psychosis. She also has experience treating clients with ADHD and autism. Lexie has a passion in educating clients and families in suicide prevention. Lexie's approach to care is rooted in a partnership with each patient, collaborating to develop a treatment plan that aligns best with each patient's lifestyle and values. She believes through education, pharmacological, and non-pharmacological methods, each patient can be empowered to be their best self.
Lexie earned her Bachelors of Science in Nursing, Masters of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice from Robert Morris University. Additionally, she is a clinical faculty member at Robert Morris University assisting undergraduate nursing students in finding a passion for psychiatric nursing.
Lexie is from the South Hills and enjoys camping, hiking and all Pittsburgh sports.
If you are interested in scheduling an evaluation with Dr. Lexie Karolak at New Directions Counseling, please contact us at 724.471.4006 or use our Contact Us page.
Kelly Hess is a provider at our Washington clinic who provides psychiatry services in-person and via telehealth.
Iam a provider at our Wexford - Stonewood clinic who provides therapy services in-person and via telehealth. I am a naturally inquisitive person and I…
Job Titles:
- Licensed Professional Counselor
Stacie Brethauer, a Licensed Professional Counselor and Behavior Specialist at our Wexford - VIP Drive clinic who provides therapy services in-person and via telehealth. She…
I am a provider at our Monongahela clinic who provides therapy services in-person and via telehealth. My ideal client would be someone struggling with a…