Behavioral Health Services and Talk Therapy

At Neighborhood Family Practice (NFP), your well-being is at the center of everything we do. Your primary care provider works closely with our behavioral health team, nurses, patient advocates, and medical assistants to ensure comprehensive support for your physical and mental health needs.

Behavioral Health at NFP

Our behavioral health team provides talk therapy (psychotherapy) for pediatric, adolescent, and adult patients. We also offer psychiatry services, including medication management, to address mental health needs alongside your primary care.

What is Behavioral Health?

Life’s challenges can sometimes feel overwhelming. A one-on-one assessment with an NFP behavioral health therapist can help you identify the sources of your difficulties and provide tools to cope. Our goal is to help you better understand and address life’s challenges to achieve a greater sense of control and well-being.

How Talk Therapy Can Help

Talk therapy involves working with a trained professional who listens without judgment and helps you address negative thoughts, emotions, and life challenges. Unlike talking with friends or family, therapists provide a neutral, supportive environment, helping you explore solutions and make positive changes.

Session Length and Duration:

  • Individual sessions last 30–45 minutes.
  • The first session may be longer to gather background information.
  • Therapy duration varies: some patients attend a few sessions, while others continue for weeks, months, or longer. Therapy can be ongoing or revisited as needed.

Integrated Care for Mind and Body

NFP integrates medical and behavioral health care, recognizing the connection between physical and mental health. This team-based approach ensures better outcomes by treating both simultaneously. Behavioral health staff are on-site and available when needed to support patients struggling with emotional challenges.

Getting Started

Patients must see their primary care provider at least three times before being referred to behavioral health services to ensure care is well-coordinated.

Areas of Focus

Our licensed social workers and professional counselors help with:

  • Trauma and abuse
  • Substance use and addiction
  • Disabilities
  • Depression, anxiety, and mood disorders
  • Women’s health
  • Grief and loss
  • Relationship and family issues
  • School or work challenges
  • Caregiving stress
  • Chronic illnesses (e.g., diabetes)
  • Sexual orientation and gender identity

Psychiatric Services

Our psychiatric specialists collaborate with your primary care provider and therapist to determine if medication may benefit your treatment.

Coordinated Referrals for Specialized Care

If additional, specialized care is needed, we’ll guide you through the referral process. NFP partners with trusted providers to ensure you receive the best support possible. We’ll stay involved throughout the process to ensure your needs are met.

At NFP, we are committed to addressing your mental and physical health in a compassionate, holistic way, helping you achieve your best overall well-being.

Behavioral Health Providers

Jack Arenberg, LSW

Leah Barron, LPC

Megan Brinker, LISW-S
LISW-S

Megan Brinker, LISW-S

Michael Cohen, LISW-S
LISW-S

Michael Cohen, LISW-S

Samuel Dickman, LSW
LSW

Samuel Dickman, LSW

Noha Elsayed, LPCC, MFT
LPCC, MFT

Noha Elsayed, LPCC, MFT

Vice President of Behavioral Health

Bridget C. Graber, MSW, LISW-S

LSW

Emily Herwerden, LSW

Paul Hirschel, MSSA, LISW-S
Director of Behavioral Health Informatics and Office Support

Paul Hirschel, MSSA, LISW-S

Senior Director of Behavioral Health Clinical Development

Wendy Hunter, LPCC-S

Alenna Smith, PMHNP-BC
PMHNP-BC

Alenna Jones, PMHNP-BC

Madeleine Keller, LPCC
LPCC, Registered Art Therapist

Madeleine Keller, LPCC

LISW

Kathleen Kilcline, LISW

LISW

Yannick LeJacq, LISW

Beth Meeker, LISW
LISW, Addiction Recovery Coordinator

Beth Meeker, LISW

William Mount, LPC

APRN, PMHNP-BC

Raven Neal-Jackson APRN, PMHNP-BC

Sue O'Brien, APRN-CNS
APRN-CNS

Susan O’Brien, APRN-CNS

Catherine L. Posendek, LISW-S
Behavioral Health Therapist

Catherine L. Posendek, LISW-S

APRN, PMHNP

Lori Quirino, APRN, PMHNP

Molly Rehak, LISW-S
LISW-S

Molly Rehak, LISW-S

LSW

Megan Rench, LSW

LISW

Jennifer Schug, LISW

Natalie Stark, LISW-S
LISW-S, Director of Behavioral Health Onboarding and Training

Natalie Stark, LISW-S

Holly Cliffel Thomas, LISW-S
LISW-S

Holly Cliffel Thomas, LISW-S

Lauren Tucker, LPCC
LPCC

Lauren Tucker, LPCC

LPCC

Caroline Woodruff, LPCC

LISW

Domonique Williams, LISW

Jack Arenberg, LSW

Jack Arenberg joined NFP in 2024 as a behavioral health therapist, bringing with him a wealth of academic achievements. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Hobart and William Smith Colleges and a master’s degree in social work from Case Western Reserve University. Jack is deeply committed to advancing social justice and delivering equitable care to underserved populations. 

Clinical supervisor is Natalie Stark, LISW-S 

Leah Barron, LPC

Leah Barron, a seasoned behavioral health therapist, joined Neighborhood Family Practice in 2024. She holds a master’s degree in counseling and art therapy from Ursuline College (2022) and a bachelor’s degree in painting from the Cleveland Institute of Art. Previously practicing in a private setting, Leah specialized in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), assisting clients with emotional dysregulation, interpersonal challenges, and unproductive behavioral patterns. She also supported individuals in reconnecting with their creativity to navigate life’s complexities. 

Leah’s clinical approach emphasizes strengths, integrating DBT, motivational interviewing, and other evidence-based methods. Her warm and relational style is tailored to the unique needs of each individual, fostering a supportive environment for personal growth and healing. 

Clinical supervisor: Wendy Hunter, LPCC-S & Caroline Woodruff, LPCC

LISW-S

Megan Brinker, LISW-S

Megan Brinker joined Neighborhood Family Practice in 2019 as a behavioral health therapist. Megan earned her master of social work from Cleveland State University and her bachelor of arts from Miami University. She has a decade of experience working with children and adults. Megan previously worked at FrontLine Service as a trauma therapist and at University Hospitals.

Certification(s): Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

LISW-S

Michael Cohen, LISW-S

Michael is proud to be the primary behavioral therapist for the Ryan White Program at Neighborhood Family Practice (NFP). Michael has worked at NFP since 2021. He entered the mental health profession in 2006 after nearly 20 years in retail. He has worked in group homes, homeless shelters and suicide prevention. Michael focuses on the intersections of mental health, race, gender, sexual identity and economic class.

LSW

Samuel Dickman, LSW

Samuel Dickman joined NFP in 2023 as a behavioral health therapist. He earned both of his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from Indiana University at Bloomington. Sam has experience offering group, individual and family therapy services for people seeking treatment for substance use and mental health needs. He also has provided case management and legal advocacy services for families experiencing crises. As a therapist, Sam is passionate about helping people who are navigating health challenges, experiencing grief or working through changes in their identities. Sam loves to spend time with animals and the great outdoors.

Clinical supervisor is Natalie Stark, LISW-S 

LPCC, MFT

Noha Elsayed, LPCC, MFT

تتكلم العربية

Noha Elsayed joined Neighborhood Family Practice in 2018. She earned her master of arts in marriage and family therapy/counseling and her bachelor of arts in psychology from the University of Akron. Noha is interested in providing quality clinical services and guidance to individuals, couples and families.

Vice President of Behavioral Health

Bridget C. Graber, MSW, LISW-S

Bridget Graber joined Neighborhood Family Practice as the Vice President of Behavioral Health in 2025. In this role, she supports the incredible team of behavioral health providers with the goal of providing high quality integrated mental health programming. Bridget earned her Bachelor of Arts degree, double majoring in Political Science and Sociology, from John Carroll University and her Master of Social W ork with a specialization in T rauma and Interpersonal Violence from Simmons University. Bridget is fully trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), is certified in T rauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and is an Anti-Oppression Informed Practitioner (AOIP) through the National Association of Social W orkers — Ohio Chapter.

Bridget is a lifelong native of Cleveland and loves her community. In her career as a clinical social worker, Bridget has worked with individuals of all ages, groups, allied providers, and community organizations in a variety of social service institutions throughout the greater Cleveland community. She has areas of clinical expertise in treating trauma, crisis intervention, sexuality concerns, and LGBT+ client care. Bridget is passionate about making excellent, trauma-informed care accessible to the community.

LSW

Emily Herwerden, LSW

Emily Herwerden joined NFP in 2023 as a behavioral health therapist. Emily received her Master of Social Work from Cleveland State University. She has prior experience working in both community-based and outpatient counseling settings. Emily takes a strengths-based approach to treatment and will meet you where you are in your journey towards better mental health.

Clinical supervisor is Natalie Stark, LISW-S.

Director of Behavioral Health Informatics and Office Support

Paul Hirschel, MSSA, LISW-S

Paul Hirschel joined Neighborhood Family Practice in 2016 and is director of behavioral health informatics and office support. Paul graduated from the University of the Pacific with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Case Western Reserve University with a Master of Science in social administration. Paul’s professional experience includes a counselor at Bellfaire-JCB, disaster action team volunteer at American Red Cross and several counseling positions at FrontLine Service.

Senior Director of Behavioral Health Clinical Development

Wendy Hunter, LPCC-S

A new provider has been added to the NFP family! Wendy has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and public health from University of the Cumberlands and a master’s degree in mental health counseling from Walden University. She has been a Licensed Professional Counselor for many years, working in hospitals, stabilization units, community mental health, opioid treatment clinics and private practice settings. Along with formal training in trauma focused cognitive behavior therapy (TF-CBT) and other fields Wendy’s specialty areas include mental health counseling, child abuse treatment/prevention, crisis intervention/management, substance use, trauma, race based traumatic stress, counselor development/supervision, domestic violence, self-care, and women’s issues.

PMHNP-BC

Alenna Jones, PMHNP-BC

RIDGE COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER

Alenna Jones, PMHNP-BC is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC). She received her master’s degree in nursing from The Ohio State University. She has over 20 years of experience in nursing and education. Alenna is passionate about mental health, specializing in trauma/PTSD, various mental health disorders, substance use, and racial and ethnic disparities that impact an individual’s physical or mental well-being. She loves traveling, reading, poetry, health and fitness. Alenna treats patients from age 18 and older.

LPCC, Registered Art Therapist

Madeleine Keller, LPCC

Se habla español

Madeleine Keller joined Neighborhood Family Practice in 2020 as a behavioral health therapist. She earned her bachelor’s degree in studio art from Earlham College and her master’s degree in counseling in art therapy from Ursuline College.  Before joining NFP, she provided art therapy and counseling in community mental health settings, specializing in sexual abuse and other issues related to trauma.  Madeleine sees individuals of all ages.  

LISW

Kathleen Kilcline, LISW

Katie Kilcline joined NFP in 2022 as a licensed independent social worker. She earned her bachelor degree in psychology from the University of Notre Dame and her master of social work degree from Washington University in St. Louis. Before joining NFP, Katie worked as a therapist with an immigrant and refugee service agency in St. Louis focused on treating war trauma, depression and anxiety.

LISW

Yannick LeJacq, LISW

Yannick LeJacq joined NFP at the end of 2024 as a behavioral health therapist, bringing specialized experience in treating eating disorders in a Dialectical Behavior Therapy-informed partial hospitalization program. He earned his master’s degree in social work from Case Western Reserve University in 2022, where he was awarded a prestigious Leadership Fellows award. Yannick believes in treating the whole person and is honored to provide therapy in an integrated healthcare environment at NFP.

Before becoming a social worker and therapist, Yannick worked for many years as a journalist and writer. His work has been featured in outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, Salon, The Atlantic, and The Guardian.

In his free time, Yannick enjoys reading, writing, weightlifting, playing video games, and caring for his many plants and pets.

LISW, Addiction Recovery Coordinator

Beth Meeker, LISW

Beth Meeker received a bachelor of arts degree in social work from Cleveland State University and a master of social work degree from Boise State University. Prior to earning her master’s degree, Beth worked as a behavioral health intern at Neighborhood Family Practice.

Certifications(s): LICDC

William Mount, LPC

William (Will) Mount, LPC, joined the NFP team in 2024 as a behavioral health therapist. He earned his master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Heidelberg University and his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Notre Dame College. Will brings valuable experience from his previous roles at community mental health centers, where he supported young adults dealing with severe and persistent mental illnesses through both group and individual therapy.

In his therapeutic practice, Will employs a humanistic, person-centered approach, integrating cognitive behavioral techniques and narrative therapy. His focus is on collaborating with clients to set goals that resonate with their unique experiences and aspirations. Will is dedicated to fostering authenticity and safety within the therapeutic relationship, which he believes is crucial for encouraging self-discovery, acceptance, and personal growth.

Clinical supervisor is Caroline Woodruff, LPCC-S

APRN, PMHNP-BC

Raven Neal-Jackson APRN, PMHNP-BC

Raven Neal-Jackson joined NFP in April 2024. She has five years of experience working in the health care, and has expertise across diverse settings, including inpatient and outpatient facilities, as well as residential programs. Raven’s compassionate work has centered on supporting individuals grappling with mood disorders, eating disorders, trauma/PTSD, and anxiety and depressive disorders. Her advocacy extends to all demographics, with a particular passion for addressing the mental health needs of children and adolescents. Raven champions a holistic treatment approach, prioritizing patient-focused care that aligns with individual needs. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from The University of Toledo and a Master of Nursing from Case Western Reserve University. When not working, Raven can be found exercising, traveling, delving into literature, or honing her culinary skills.

APRN-CNS

Susan O’Brien, APRN-CNS

Susan O’Brien began serving at Neighborhood Family Practice as a behavioral health clinical nurse specialist in 2014. She received a bachelor’s degree and a master of science in psychiatric mental health nursing from the University of Rochester. Sue previously worked at University Hospitals and Recovery Resources, treating mental health issues.

Behavioral Health Therapist

Catherine L. Posendek, LISW-S

Catherine Posendek joined NFP in 2017. Catherine earned her Bachelor of Science in hearing, speech and language from Ohio University and her Master of Social Work from The Ohio State University. She has almost a decade of diverse experience in social work. Before joining Neighborhood Family Practice, Catherine worked at Catholic Charities in various capacities, including community based interim director.

APRN, PMHNP

Lori Quirino, APRN, PMHNP

Lori Quirino has recently joined Neighborhood Family Practice in 2024 as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She brings with her a wealth of experience, having earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Cleveland State University and her Master of Science in Nursing from Eastern Kentucky University. With more than 15 years of dedicated service in nursing and education, Lori’s expertise spans across various domains, including maternal and newborn health, as well as inpatient psychiatry.

What truly sets Lori apart is her unwavering dedication to serving underserved populations, a passion that drives her work each day. Beyond her professional commitments, Lori finds joy in exploring the world through travel and cherishing moments with her beloved family, friends, and her faithful companion, Hudson.

LISW-S

Molly Rehak, LISW-S

Se habla español

Molly Rehak began working as a behavioral health therapist at NFP in 2021, bringing extensive experience in helping immigrants and refugees deal with complex mental health and medical issues. She earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from Xavier University and her master’s degree from the University of Akron. Prior to NFP, Molly worked as a behavioral health specialist for Cleveland Catholic Charities Migration & Refugee Services.

LSW

Megan Rench, LSW

Megan Rench, a compassionate social worker, joined Neighborhood Family Practice in 2024. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Cleveland State University and her master’s degree in social work from The Ohio State University. Megan brings valuable experience working with adults with developmental disabilities and providing outpatient group and individual therapy in a hospital setting.

Megan is passionate about supporting her clients in navigating life’s challenges and fostering positive, impactful changes. Her approach is client-centered and empathetic, focusing on empowering individuals to achieve their goals and enhance their overall well-being.

LISW

Jennifer Schug, LISW

Jennifer (Jenny) earned her master’s in social work from Cleveland State University, and her bachelor’s degree from Kent State University. Jenny has experience working in a variety of settings throughout her career, including food justice advocacy, refugee resettlement with immigrants/newcomers with complex mental health concerns, inpatient hospice, and vocational training with adults with developmental disabilities. Jenny believes in a holistic approach to therapy. In her free time, Jenny enjoys being outdoors, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

LISW-S, Director of Behavioral Health Onboarding and Training

Natalie Stark, LISW-S

Natalie Stark earned master’s degrees in social work and bioethics from Case Western Reserve University. Natalie has worked in a variety of settings, including residential facilities, hospitals and outpatient community mental health with a focus on trauma, anxiety and mood problems. She has extensive experience in trauma informed care and is an adjunct faculty member at the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University. Natalie joined the NFP Behavioral Health team in 2019 as a behavioral health therapist.

LISW-S

Holly Cliffel Thomas, LISW-S

Se habla español

Holly Cliffel received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Michigan and a Master of Science in Social Administration and Certificate of Non-Profit Management from Case Western Reserve University. Holly is a bilingual social worker with almost 20 years of experience in case management, community organizing and specialized training. Holly works at NFP as a behavioral health therapist.

LPCC

Lauren Tucker, LPCC

Lauren Tucker joined NFP as a behavioral health therapist in 2021. A licensed professional clinical counselor, she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology, then attended Ursuline College where she earned a master’s degree in counseling and art therapy. Prior to joining NFP, Lauren worked at OhioGuidestone for several years as a school services therapist, helping primarily adolescents and teens. The use of art in treatment is very important to Lauren, as it can have a powerful impact. She is also an advocate for underserved populations, women, children and victims of abuse and domestic violence.

LPCC

Caroline Woodruff, LPCC

A licensed professional counselor who earned her education specialist degree in clinical mental health counseling from Loyola University (Chicago) and a bachelor’s degree from Miami University, Caroline has experience with crisis stabilization, trauma and complex mental health concerns. Prior to joining NFP in November 2022, she worked in various settings including inpatient hospitals, foster care agencies, outpatient community health and as a member of the psychiatric response team in the emergency room and the community.

LISW

Domonique Williams, LISW

Domonique Williams, Youngstown, Ohio native, received her bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University and her master’s degree from Case Western Reserve University. She is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) and has worked over a decade in various roles in the juvenile social services sector in Ohio and abroad. Dominique has a passion for advocating for children and strengthening families. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family, friends and her dog.