Staff - Houston Location
Stuart J. Nathan, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Nathan has practiced as a Licensed Psychologist in the Houston area for over 30 years. He earned a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Psychology from Indiana University, a Master of Arts in Psychology from Loyola University Chicago and a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology from Texas A&M University. His internship was completed at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas with a focus in Medical Psychology, working with patients suffering from cancer, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, strokes and kidney failure. After 6 years in a group practice, Dr. Nathan began his own practice working with an adult population focusing on adjustment issues related to multiple medical problems, providing neuropsychological assessments and pre-surgical evaluation for bariatric, pain management and fertility physicians. He continues to work in a traditional office setting and as a hospital consultant in medical/surgical and physical rehabilitation hospitals. Over the years his practice grew and in late 2021, he merged with the Recovery Ways Family of Programs. This transition was to further the mission of providing quality psychological services to the complex medical/rehabilitation patient in out-patient and hospital settings. Dr. Nathan provides Executive Level Consulting and is the Founding Partner and Executive Director of Stuart J. Nathan, Ph.D. and Associates.
Karen E. West, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist
Dr. West has been Licensed as a Psychologist and practiced in Houston since 1996. She trained at the California School of Professional Psychology, receiving her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology with a Health Emphasis. She completed her internship at the Houston Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Her practice focus has been primarily in the field of stroke rehabilitation, assisting individuals coping with chronic medical conditions or in the midst of a health crises. Dr. West also provides pre-surgical assessments related to medical procedures, such as bariatric surgery, infertility treatments, and neurostimulator implants. Implementing psychology interventions in Acute Rehabilitation Hospitals as well as Long Term Care facilities has been an emphasis of Dr.West’s practice. She has provided clinical training, supervision and onboarded multiple psychotherapist and psychologists for the practice, to work most effectively with specific treatment goals.
Steven S. Callahan, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Callahan earned his Doctorate at Texas Tech University and has been practicing Psychology in Houston for over 35 years. He enjoys working with individuals, couples and families. Special areas of therapeutic focus include: anxiety disorders, depression, grief, couples counseling, dealing with disability, and chronic pain management. Dr. Callahan also provides psychological evaluations. Dr. Callahan works in various treatment settings, including out-patient and in-patient. Throughout his practice experience, Dr. Callahan's theoretical orientation has been focused on cognitive-behavioral approaches to treatment.
Carlos Mazas, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Mazas earned his doctorate in clinical psychology with an emphasis on psychophysiology of the brain and decision-making at Indiana University, under the Richard Young Foundation Research Fellowship, in the Department of Psychological and Brain Science. He completed his internship at the VA San Antonio, focusing on psychological trauma, addictions, brain lesions, and neuropsychological measures among minorities. Caring, serving, understanding, and being there for veterans, impacted him when delivering psychological and neuropsychological interventions. Eliciting and affirming positive change among African Americans and Hispanics, helped Dr. Mazas understand the role of culture and social norms in human behaviors during his fellowship and faculty position at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. He continues to treat patients with stroke, epilepsy, MS, trauma, addictions, cognitive impairments, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, and other brain issues, among patients from all races and ethnicities, including Native Spanish speakers. Dr. Mazas’ approach to evaluation, assessment, and treatment are holistic and eclectic, using evidence-based techniques.
Tara Chace, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Chace is Licensed Psychologist with a specialization in Neuropsychology. She obtained her Bachelor's degree in business management, then completed a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology in 2014 at the University of Houston-Victoria (UHV). Dr. Chace graduated from Fielding Graduate University in 2020 with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Neuropsychology. She completed her internship in Evidence-Based Practice, Motivational Interviewing, Substance Abuse Disorders, Geropsychology and Neuropsychology at the Veterans Health Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi. While on internship, she was afforded the opportunity of working at Methodist Rehabilitation Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi and has completed a postdoctoral fellowship in neuropsychology in Houston. Dr. Chace has a vast amount of experience working with TBI patients [both on an inpatient and outpatient basis] primarily in the adult to geriatric age range through her appointments within various hospitals.
Alyssa Mineo, Psy.D.
Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Mineo is a Licensed clinical psychologist in the states of Texas and Pennsylvania. She received her Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology with emphasis in Neuropsychology from Carlos Albizu University in Miami, FL. Dr. Mineo completed a 1-year post-doctoral residency with UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center) Hamot with further training emphasis on neuropsychological assessment and diagnosis in adults. Her training involved participation as an interdisciplinary team member with the UPMC Bariatric and Transplant teams to provide group psychotherapy, pre-surgical evaluations, and psychological intervention. Dr. Mineo has provided assessment and psychotherapeutic treatment services in a community mental health setting, among diverse clinical populations including refugees, non-English speaking clients and those with serious mental illness. Dr. Mineo continues to utilize a solution-focused, systems-based approach to assess, diagnose, and provide neuropsychological and psychological consultation services in medical hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, and outpatient settings.
Renu Thomas, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Thomas is a Licensed Psychologist who completed her Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her pre-doctoral clinical internship at the Summit Psychological Associates in Akron, Ohio focused on outpatient forensic evaluation and treatment of individuals involved in the legal system. She was a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Baylor College of Medicine and the Menninger Clinic. In November 2015, she became a Staff Psychologist at the Houston Methodist Behavioral Health, where she worked in the outpatient program doing psychological assessments and individual, couples and group counseling. She took a break from her career in 2018 to raise her children but remained active in her profession through public speaking commitments. In 2023, Dr. Thomas returned to her profession, this time in private practice, helping her patients in restoring connection and joy in their lives by developing curiosity and awareness of whatever is limiting their optimal functioning.
Nathalie Buitrago, PsyD
Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Nathalie Buitrago is a Licensed clinical psychologist in the state of Texas. She obtained her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology with emphasis in Health Psychology from Carlos Albizu University in Miami, FL. Dr. Buitrago completed a 1-year internship at Valley Coastal Blend VA and a 1-year post-doctoral fellowship with Ben Taub Hospital/Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. The majority of her training has taken place within a medical setting, with a particular emphasis on behavioral medicine and neuropsychological testing. Dr. Buitrago has provided assessment and psychotherapeutic treatment services in English and Spanish to diverse clinical populations across the lifespan. Dr. Buitrago’s psychotherapeutic strengths align with evidence-based practices, with a strong focus on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
Stephanie M. Hanks, PhD, LPC-A
Professional Counselor
Ms. Hanks is a Licensed Professional Counselor - Associate and Psychometrician in the state of Texas. She earned her Bachelor of Art majoring in Psychology and minoring in Family Studies from the University of New Mexico in 2007. She earned her Master of Science in Human Services specializing in Counseling Studies from Capella University in 2011. Ms. Hanks then went on to obtain her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Saybrook University in 2021. She completed her internship working at an acute psychiatric hospital in San Diego, California. Ms. Hanks has worked in a number of mental health settings in New Mexico and California among diverse populations with various mental health issues. Ms. Hanks works from a humanistic perspective using multifaceted, interdisciplinary approaches in psychology. She strives to evaluate the individual as a whole, to help people maximize their well-being, and recognizing the uniqueness of each individual and their life experiences.
Jasime Sonny, Psy.D.
Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Sonny is a Provisionally Licensed Psychologist supervised by Karen E. West, PhD. She holds a doctoral degree in Human and Organizational Psychology from Touro University Worldwide, as well as a master's degree in Marriage and Family Counseling. It is Dr. Sonny's belief that every person is a unique individual and should be treated with the utmost respect. When working with clients her primary goals are to be compassionate, culturally sensitive, and professional. Dr. Sonny specializes in treating depression, anxiety disorders, trauma, and ADHD. She has many years of experience working in a variety of mental health settings with both children and adults. Her experience includes providing individual therapy, family therapy, and crisis intervention. Additionally, Dr. Sonny has experience in conducting Neuropsychological and ADHD evaluations. Dr. Sonny is passionate about assisting her patients with appropriate interventions so that they can live their lives to the fullest.
DaShana L. Hall, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Ms. Hall has practiced as a social worker for over 10 years in the Houston area. She earned her Master’s in Social Work from Alabama A&M University and a BSW from Miles College. She utilizes a holistic approach with sensitivity to multi-cultural issues. Her expertise includes motivational interviewing, screening, counseling, inpatient and outpatient substance abuse counseling, didactic speaking, 12-step programs for sobriety, dual diagnosis and mental health intervention with adolescents, adults, and geriatric populations. Ms. Hall works part-time at Texas Children’s Hospital where she provides focused patient/family counseling and psychosocial assessments. She utilizes her skills to conceptualize the psychosocial needs presented to intervene with patient/family behavior, coordinate community resources, and handle crisis/complex psychosocial situations.
Sarah Helen Gillis, LMSW
Licensed Master Social Worker
As a Licensed Master's of Social Work in the State of Texas, I counsel young adults and adults utilizing either psychodynamic psychotherapy, supportive psychotherapy, or cognitive behavioral psychotherapy in the treatment of mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and relationships. I rely on my 37 years of experience with Electromyography Biofeedback and Temperature Training Biofeedback to help people learn to master relaxation techniques in the treatment of disorders related to skeletal muscle group, stress, and anxiety.
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Andrea Estrada M.Ed., LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Ms. Andrea Estrada completed a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and a Master’s Degree in Counseling from the University of Houston. Ms. Estrada has over 10 years of experience in the mental health field. She began her career as a field clinician for a mobile crisis unit where she worked with a wide range of challenges including: homelessness; substance abuse; domestic violence; PTSD; grief; psychosis; suicide prevention; anxiety and depression. Her other clinical experience includes working in psychiatric hospitals across Texas, crisis intervention and field work, private practice, and shelters for unaccompanied minors and the homeless. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help adolescents and adults effectively manage stress and overcome unhealthy thinking and behaviors to live more balanced and fulfilled lives.
Andrea Farb, LMSW
Licensed Master Social Worker
Ms. Farb has practiced social work since 1992 in both Texas and California. She earned her Master’s in Social Work from the University of California at Los Angeles, and her Bachelor of Arts in human biology from the Claremont Colleges (Pitzer College). She has worked with individuals, families, and groups in various settings including hospitals, residential treatment centers, schools, and outpatient counseling centers. Some of her areas of focus are anxiety, depression, relationships, grief and loss, parenting, stress management, and infertility. She strives to foster a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can share their story, gain insight into how it has impacted them, and create a new, more gratifying life.
Jonathon Flores, LPC-A
Licensed Professional Counselor
Mr. Flores is a Licensed professional counselor associate in the state of Texas. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, completed a Masters in Psychology at the prestigious Bilkent University, and acquired a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Houston Christian University. He’s been actively involved in research ventures for over a decade. As Research Coordinator for the Developmental Behavior Genetics Lab at UT Austin. He participated in research focused upon genetics, hormones, and the expression of dangerous behavior in adolescents. As Research Affiliate with The Buss Lab for Evolutionary Psychology, he investigated behavioral mechanisms through an evolutionary lens. Jonathon engaged in cross-cultural research while living in Turkey and became the Head Graduate Research Investigator wherein his work explored facets of physical attraction and human mating behaviors. Jonathon was an elected board member for the Fort Bend Counseling Association. He’s provided counseling services to couples, families, adolescents, groups, and individuals. Clientele included victims of trauma, such as domestic violence or sexual assault. Therapeutic interventions were based in cognitive behavioral therapy.
Cathy Binstock, LMSW
Licensed Master Social Worker
Ms. Binstock graduated with a Masters of Social Work from The University of Houston. She has 25 years of experience providing individual, couples, and family therapy. Her special areas of interest include issues related to anxiety and depression, coping with life transitions, loss and grief, chronic illness and disabilities. She is an author of "After Your Child's Diagnosis A Practical Guide for Raising Children With Special Needs" and the founder of River Performing and visual arts center; an arts education center for children with special needs and chronic illnesses.
Sharon Larsen, M.S.W., LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Licensed as a Professional Counselor Ms. Larsen earned her Masters of Social Work from Tulane University and has been practicing in Houston for 27 years. She utilizes psychodynamic psychotherapy, supportive psychotherapy, and cognitive behavioral psychotherapy. Some other areas of expertise include the treatment of anxiety disorders, eating disorders, mood disorders, pain management, anger management, and relationships counseling.
Stephanie Claudio, LMSW
Licensed Master Social Worker
Stephanie Claudio has practiced as a social worker for over 6 years. She was born and primarily raised in Houston and enjoys working alongside the community she calls home. Mrs. Claudio earned her Master's in Social Work from the University of Texas Arlington and a Bachelor's in Psychology from Palm Beach Atlantic University. She focuses on treating children, adolescents, young adults, and families using a multidisciplinary and holistic approach. Her approach includes using a strengths-based and individualistic model to best assess presenting problems and to align treatment plans to fit each client's identified goals. To achieve this, Mrs. Claudio uses talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, solutions-focused therapy, play therapy, behavior therapy, parent-child interaction therapy, and internal family systems with a trauma-informed lens. She has utilized these tools while working within the foster care and adoption system and in private practice. Her passion lies within the realm of learning how to navigate neurodiversity differences.