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Our Program

About the Program

The Up Center offers trauma-informed, evidenced based mental health outpatient counseling to help children, individuals and families manage the stresses of life. Individual, family and group services are offered to people of all ages dealing with a variety of life’s challenges, including:

  • Grief and loss
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Divorce and separation
  • Relationship conflicts
  • Child and adolescent behavioral problems
  • School and work difficulties
  • Trauma and abuse
  • Interpersonal violence
  • Substance use, and
  • Other psychiatric issues
We also offer a variety of groups for children, adolescents and adults that address specific topics that provide information and skill-building activities to improve participants’ level of functioning.

Our Clients

We provide trauma informed services to children as young as two years old, adolescents, adults and their families, as well as active duty military and their dependents and veterans. We provide short-term evidenced based treatment to employees from a variety of Hampton Road area companies through their Employee Assistance Programs (EAP). Services are also available to individuals who are referred by the court to participate in anger management, batterers intervention groups or a co-parenting class. We accept most health insurances and offer a sliding scale for those individuals who are uninsured.
Mother With a Child
Man in park with young child

What Makes Us Different

Our team of counselors trained in a variety of brief, short-term evidenced-based interventions, including:

  • Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Solution Focused treatments
  • Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) – a specially designed therapy to help children, adolescents and families overcome the negative effects of a traumatic experience
  • Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) – a specialized behavior management program designed for families with young children experiencing behavioral and/or emotional difficulties, and
  • Play and Art Therapy

The SAY Program (serving youth with problematic sexualized behaviors)

Community based treatment for youth who have a history of problematic sexual behavior. Under the supervision of a Certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider (CSOTP), services are provided using a trauma informed approach and individualized treatment planning. Through the use of therapies such as Psychosexual Assessments and Outpatient Therapy, SAY services strive to create a balance of community safety and healing.

Our Impact

In 2020, we provided:

More than 15,000 hours of mental health counseling

2,207 counseling sessions to individuals and families

4,000 group counseling hours

True Stories

“The Up Center didn’t give up on me even in trying circumstances such as the pandemic. They made resources to still see clients via video conferencing. They really care.”

—Mr. S., Outpatient Mental Health Counseling client

“We have noticed drastic changes in the home and his teacher asked what we have been doing differently.”

—Mrs G., PCIT counseling

“I am surprised how much I have improved over a short period of time.”

—Mr. F., Individual and Family Counseling

Meet the Team

Kati Calletto, LPC, CSOTP

OUTPATIENT CLINICAL DIRECTOR
Kati Calletto (she/her) is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider. She attended the University of Rochester in NY state, graduating in 2010 with a Masters in Community Mental Health Counseling. She moved to Virginia in 2011 and began working at The Up Center in the Community Based Services Department. She began seeing clients part time in the Outpatient Department in 2014 and transitioned to the Outpatient Clinical Director position in 2021. She is registered with the VA Board of Counseling to provide clinical supervision to Residents working towards licensure and truly enjoys training future therapists in trauma informed practices. Kati utilizes a person-centered, cognitive behavioral approach to therapy, and is currently working towards certification in EMDR Therapy and Trauma Focused- CBT. She enjoys working with children, teens, adults, and families and specializes in PTSD, Gender Identity, Depression, Anxiety, working with youth with sexualized behavioral concerns, and is an LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapist. She sees clients in person in the Ghent Office and via telehealth on a limited basis.

Richelle Burney, LCSW, CSAC, SOTP Trainee

SUBSTANCE USE PROGRAM MANAGER
Richelle (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW/Virginia), Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC/Virginia) and a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC/National). She obtained both her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Masters in Social Work from Norfolk State University. Richelle has been providing clinical therapy and other direct care services for the last 10 years with children, adolescents, adults and families. For the last 5 years Richelle has specialized in Substance Use Treatment as a result of the overwhelming need that she saw in the community. As a result, during her tenure at Community Solutions she was instrumental in opening the Hampton Roads first level 3.1 inpatient facility. During this time she served as the clinical and program director while supervising clinicians and peer recovery specialists. Most recently Richelle was drawn to The Up Center to start a Substance Use program to ensure outpatient services were accessible to under and uninsured individuals in her community. Richelle sees clients in person in the Ghent office and via telehealth on a limited basis.

Kellie Evans, LCSW, CSOTP

SAY Clinical Supervisor and Outpatient Clinician
Kellie (she/her) began her career in 1992. She holds an MSW from Norfolk State University and a BS in Human Services Counseling from Old Dominion University. Kellie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider. She has worked at The Up Center in various roles since 2001. Currently, Kellie provides outpatient treatment services to children and families in person in our Ghent, Portsmouth, and Suffolk Offices. She specializes in providing treatment to children and youth who have sexually harmful behavior. She is TF-CBT certified, working towards certification in EMDR, and provides clinical supervision to staff preparing for their license and certification. As a parent with lived experience, her passion lies in helping individuals and families find healing and hope. She lives in North Carolina on a farm with her husband and two adult children. Kellie sees clients in person in the Ghent, Portsmouth, and Suffolk offices, as well as via telehealth.

Bill Brown, LCSW

Clinical Supervisor and Outpatient Clinician
Bill (he/him) is an Outpatient Supervisor at The Up Center. He recently retired from Virginia Wesleyan University, where he was the Director of Student Counseling Services since 1999. Before Virginia Wesleyan, Bill spent 11 years providing psychotherapy services to adult clients at the City of Virginia Beach’s Mental Health Center. Prior to settling in Virginia Beach, Bill worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings and held positions such as Clinical Social Worker at Southern Virginia Mental Health Institute, Family Therapist for another hospital’s substance and mental health units and Outpatient Service Director for the Mental Health Center in Danville, VA. He also managed his own private practice and acted as the clinical director for a group practice of substance use disorder treatment providers. Bill completed his undergraduate degree in Psychology at Transylvania University in Lexington, KY. He received his MSW at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and was licensed as a Clinical Social Worker in 1987. Bill also supervises licensed eligible individuals who are working towards licensure as a clinical social worker. Bill sees clients in our Ghent office and virtually via telehealth.

Teresa Stafford, MSW

Outpatient Program Coordinator
Teresa Stafford (she/her) serves as the Outpatient Program Coordinator. She is passionate about supporting our team in providing evidence-based, trauma-informed services, reducing barriers for both clients and staff, and finding ways to improve our programs and processes. In her career she has worked with individuals, groups, and systems on initiatives that support finding and addressing root causes of community challenges. Teresa has a Master’s degree in Social Work with a concentration in Community Empowerment and Program Development, a graduate certificate in Nonprofit Management, and a Bachelor’s in Psychology.

Tranise Matthews, MA

Intake Coordinator
Tranise (she/her) serves as the Intake Coordinator for Outpatient Mental Health, Substance Use, Group, and Peer Recovery Services programs. She joined The Up Center initially in 2019, first as an undergraduate intern and later in 2020 in her current position. Tranise has a BA in Sociology from Norfolk State University and recently completed her Masters in Criminal Justice. She appreciates the great opportunity to touch the lives of individuals within the community and connecting clients with services to help them live their best lives.

Ann Varatharaj, MA, Resident in Counseling

Outpatient Clinician 
Ann (she/her) is a Resident in Counseling, working towards her Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensure. She is also working towards becoming a Registered Art Therapist (ATR). She holds a master’s degree in Art Therapy and Counseling from Eastern Virginia Medical School. Ann provides counseling services to individuals and families of all ages and backgrounds. She works from a trauma informed, person-centered orientation and sees clients in person in our Ghent and Portsmouth locations as well as virtually via telehealth.

Arielle Shipp, PMH-C, Resident in Counseling

Outpatient Clinician 
Arielle (she/her) is a Resident in Counseling working towards her Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensure. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Virginia and her Master’s Degree in Urban Education Community Counseling from Norfolk State University. Arielle worked in Community Based Services for over 10 years including Mental Health Skill Building and Intensive In-home Services prior to Outpatient Services. Arielle is certified in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C) and is currently working on completing her certification in Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). She provides counseling services to individuals and families using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with a focus on trauma, Perinatal Mental Health and Mood Disorders, and sees clients in person in our Suffolk office as well as via telehealth. Arielle enjoys being outdoors, arts and crafts, and spending quality time with family.

Ashlee Collister, LCSW, CSOTP

Outpatient Clinician 
Ashlee (she/her) serves as an outpatient clinician at The Up Center and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider (CSOTP), holding state licenses in both Virginia and North Carolina. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of New England and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Old Dominion University. She provides counseling services to adults, children, and families. She specializes in working with children, trauma, substance use disorders, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and youth with sexualized behaviors. Ashlee strives to help the individual process their traumas and believes that no one person is defined by their trauma. She currently sees clients in person in our Ghent and Portsmouth locations as well as via telehealth for clients living in Virginia or North Carolina.

Christopher Brydge, RPRS

Peer Recovery Specialist
Chris joined The Up Center in 2021 after spending 14 years in the public school system and as an adjunct professor at William & Mary. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Old Dominion University. Chris has a passion for recovery and is looking forward to sharing his experience, strength and hope to all who come through Peer Recovery Services. He is also an accomplished jazz bassist and performs throughout Virginia.

Cindy Kimmons, RPRS

Peer Recovery Specialist
Cindy (she/her) is a Registered Peer Recovery Specialist and Forensic Peer Support Trainer. She has been peering for over 3 years. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Old Dominion University with a certificate in Addictions and Prevention. Cindy is passionate about sharing her experiences with others to bring about hope through Peer Recovery Services and likes to refer to herself as a ‘broker of hope”. Cindy is also a professional dog trainer and has volunteered her talents at the VBSPCA to increase the likelihood that a dog will be adopted.

Heather Arnett, EDS, LPC, LSATP, CSAC

Outpatient Clinician
Heather (she/her) is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner, and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor. Heather graduated from Old Dominion University with a Master’s Degree in School Counseling (1994) and Educational Specialist degree in Mental Health Counseling (2015). After an 18 year career as a school counselor, Heather became an LPC to expand her clinical mental health services to adults, children, and families. She specializes in substance use recovery, trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, and Autism Spectrum Disorder, and is a Navy veteran, Navy wife, and Navy mom. Heather also supervises residents working towards their LPC and sees clients via telehealth only.

Hunter Staylor, MSW, Supervisee in Social Work

Outpatient Clinician and Group Facilitator
Hunter (he/him) is a Supervisee in Social Work, working towards his Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensure. He holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Norfolk State University. Mr. Staylor serves as an outpatient clinician for mental health and substance use services. Hunter provides individual and group counseling services to individuals, couples, and families of all ages and backgrounds in person in our Ghent and Suffolk offices, as well as via telehealth. Mr. Staylor utilizes various therapy techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Approach, and Solution Focused Therapy to address treatment goals with clients. He specializes in substance use recovery, anger management, and co-parenting education and is working towards becoming trained in EMDR Therapy and Trauma-Focused CBT. When not at work, Hunter enjoys playing soccer and engaging in glass lamp work art.

RaVonn McDowell

Group Facilitator
RaVonn (he/him) is a graduate of Norfolk State University (Bachelor of Social Work, 2022). RaVonn serves as the Batterer’s Intervention Psychoeducation Group Facilitator with The Up Center. While not facilitating this group he serves as a Campus Staff Minister at both Old Dominion University and Tidewater Community College with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. He is well acquainted with our nation’s fighting force, serving over 9 years in the United States Navy Reserves as a Hospital Corpsman. RaVonn places a high value on ethnic diversity as well as the dignity and worth of a person. He is an LGBTQIA+ ally and takes a strengths-based approach to group facilitation. In his spare time, RaVonn enjoys Latin dancing and playing recreational sports like soccer and volleyball.

Rebecca Ellis, LCSW

Outpatient Clinician and Group Facilitator

Rebecca (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Roanoke College and Master’s Degree in Social Work from Norfolk State University. She joined The Up Center in 2018 and serves as the Intake Coordinator for the Therapeutic Foster Care Program, in addition to her roles in the Outpatient and Substance Use programs. Rebecca is trained in TF-CBT and EMDR and serves clients virtually or in-person at our Norfolk and Portsmouth locations. Rebecca has a passion for working with survivors of trauma and specializes in working with foster and adopted youth as well as adults with substance use disorders. 

Renee Spence, RPRS

Peer Recovery Specialist
Renee is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist in the Substance Use Program. She has over 20 years of human service experience and has been a volunteer working with low-income inner-city youth for over 10 years. Renee is an advocate, and is passionate about helping others and giving back to her community.

Sharon Reams, LCSW

Director of Youth Services and Outpatient Clinician
Sharon (she/her) is the Director of Youth Services at The Up Center. She oversees the Foster Care & Adoptions program as well as the Team Up youth mentoring program. She has been with The Up Center since 2005. In addition to her role as director, she currently sees Outpatient clients on a limited basis both in person in the Ghent office and via telehealth. She is a native of Hampton Roads and is dedicated to helping and giving back to her community.

Tania Green, MA, Resident in Counseling

Outpatient Clinician
Tania (she/her), is a Resident in Counseling at The Up Center. She is currently working towards her license as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern New Hampshire University. Tania currently sees clients in person in our Ghent and Portsmouth Offices as well as via telehealth. She is passionate about working with individuals and families of all ages and backgrounds with a focus on childhood and family counseling. In her work, she focuses on a humanistic, person-centered approach to counseling, where she believes every person is the master of their own journey and has the noble human capacity to overcome challenges that come along with everyday living. She looks forward to working with you on the path to self-discovery and healing!

Terry Kenworthy, LCSW, SOTP Trainee

Outpatient Clinician

Terry (he/him) is a graduate of Virginia Wesleyan College (BA Psychology, 2007) and Virginia Commonwealth University (MSW, 2018) and has been working at The Up Center since 2007 in full and part time capacities both in the Community Based Services Department and the Outpatient Department. He primarily works with youth who engage in sexually harmful behaviors as he is working towards certification as a Sex Offender Treatment Provider (CSOTP), however he is passionate about working with children, adolescents, and adults in many different aspects of mental health care. Terry primarily sees clients via telehealth, but he has some limited availability for face-to-face sessions in the Portsmouth and Suffolk offices. 

Info Sessions

Some group sessions are currently being held via telehealth. Please check our calendar for availability. Groups include:

For Children’s Sake

For Children’s Sake is a co-parenting workshop designed to provide parents with the necessary skills to protect and shield their children from parents with the necessary skills to protect and shield their children from the conflict of a separation or divorce. Cost is $50-Pre-registration and payment is required.

Anger Management & Batterer’s Intervention Groups

Anger Management and Batterer’s Intervention Groups help inhibit violent behavior by improving social skills and impulse control while teaching empathy and compassion for others.  Both groups are offered in the evenings at our Norfolk and Portsmouth offices.  Fees range from $20-$25 per group depending on the number of sessions.

Substance Use Recovery Groups

The Up Center provides a free substance use recovery group counseling to adolescents and adults and addresses prevention, addiction, and recovery. The goal of these groups is to reduce problematic use of substances through a psychoeducational counseling approach.

Seeking Safety Group

Seeking Safety Groups provide research-based support for men and women who may have experienced substance abuse and trauma including those who have been abused, victimized by crime, or distressed by war or natural disasters.  Participants learn positive coping skills. This group is free.

Women’s Assertiveness Group

This eight-week class is free and open to any woman 18 and older who wants to learn to be more assertive in relationships.

Social Skills for Children Diagnosed with Autism/Parent Support Group

A skill building for children with normal-to-high IQ and verbal skills will practice improving their social interactions in a group of their peers.  While the children are working on these skills, the parents will participate in a support group to share experiences, give and receive practical feedback and enhance parenting skills to further respond to the unique needs of their children.

Contact Us

Location: Telehealth appointments are available as well as in-person appointments at these locations:
  • Portsmouth: 1805 Airline Blvd, Portsmouth, VA 23707
  • Norfolk: 222 W 19th St, Norfolk, VA 23517
  • Suffolk: 109.5 Clay St, Suffolk, VA 23434

Phone: (757) 965-8622

Email: outpatientcounseling@theupcenter.org

If you are a veteran, service member or a military family member, please call our Military Family Clinic at (757) 965-8686 to schedule an appointment. Click here for more information.


Our Mission

We are committed to partnering with children, families, and communities to improve lives and outcomes through prevention, intervention, and support services.