Outpatient Counseling Services
Our Program
About the Program
The Up Center offers trauma-informed, evidence-based mental health outpatient counseling to help children, individuals, and families manage the stresses of life. Individuals, families, and groups can avail of depression and anxiety counseling to combat a variety of challenges, such as:
- 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 provide a range of groups for children, adolescents, and adults that focus on specific topics. These groups offer valuable information and skill-building activities to enhance participants’ functioning through outpatient mental therapy.
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, evidence-based treatment to employees from various Hampton Roads area companies through their Employee Assistance Programs (EAP). Services are also available to individuals referred by the court to participate in anger management, batterers intervention groups, or a co-parenting class. We accept most health insurance and offer a sliding scale for uninsured individuals.
What Makes Us Different
Our counselors are trained in brief, short-term, evidence-based interventions, including those offered through our outpatient mental health programs.
- 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) – is a specially designed therapy to help children, adolescents, and families overcome the negative effects of a traumatic experience
- 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
Navigating life’s stresses can be overwhelming, but individuals can find a path to healing and growth with the proper support. The Up Center’s Outpatient Counseling program offers compassionate, professional therapy for those facing mental health or emotional struggles. Through personalized care, we’ve helped many individuals achieve better mental health and lead more fulfilling lives.
In 2023,
82%
of clients who are eligible for assessment showed stability or improvement in functioning
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 (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 started 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, and 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.
Angely Morales, LPC
associate outpatient director
Angie (she/her) is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and registered supervisor in Virginia. She has supported clients, families, and communities in many settings, including residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, outpatient, and community-based services. She is experienced in supporting clients diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, Eating Disorders, Depression, and Anxiety, and clients navigating trauma, life stressors/transitions, self/body image, and perfectionism. Angie promotes positive self-compassion, flexible thinking, and striving towards the DBT concept of a “life worth living.” She empowers clients by building on strengths and validating progress with a focus on the understanding that every client’s journey in treatment is unique to each individual. Angie has collaborated with teen and adult clients, clients in the LGBTQIA+ community, families, and veterans. She utilizes CBT, DBT, RO DBT, Motivational Interviewing, and other modalities to support clients. Angie enjoys spending her spare time with her family, traveling, antiquing, and gardening.
Rebecca Ellis, LCSW
substance use program manager
Rebecca (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Rebecca holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Roanoke College and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Norfolk State University. She has been with The Up Center since 2018, working in our Therapeutic Foster Care Program before transitioning full-time to our Substance Use Program Manager role in 2023. She is currently pursuing certification in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, a research-based treatment proven effective in addressing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Additionally, she has completed Level 1 training in The Gottman Method for couples counseling, focusing on building and maintaining strong relationships through empathy, understanding, and communication skills. She specialized in working with survivors of trauma, particularly foster and adopted youth, as well as adults struggling with substance use or relationship issues. Her personal experience as a foster mother informs her professional practice, allowing her to provide sensitive and informed support to clients and their parents who may be struggling with attachment or behavioral concerns. Rebecca sees clients on a limited basis at our Norfolk location. Outside of work, Rebecca enjoys quality time with her loved ones, relaxing at the beach, and exploring new destinations near and far. With a deep commitment to her community, Rebecca is dedicated to providing hope, healing, and growth opportunities to those who seek her help.
Richelle Burney, LCSW, CSAC, SOTP Trainee
Outpatient Supervisor
Richelle (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW/Virginia), a 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 a Masters in Social Work from Norfolk State University. Richelle has provided clinical therapy and other direct care services for the last 10 years to 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
Bill Brown, LCSW
Clinical Supervisor and Outpatient Clinician
Teresa Stafford, MSW
Outpatient Program Coordinator
Teresa (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 clients and staff, and improving our programs and processes. In her career, she has worked with individuals, groups, and systems on initiatives that support finding and addressing the root causes of community challenges. Teresa has a Masters 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.
Renee Spence, RPRS, FPRS
clinical intake Coordinator
Renee serves as the Clinical Intake Coordinator for our Outpatient Department. She is a Registered Peer Recovery Specialist and Forensic Peer Recovery Specialist. She graduated from the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and the Virginia Commonwealth University Leadership Academy. She is also a certified WRAP, APPR, and REVIVE facilitator. With over 20 years of experience in human services and more than 14 years of volunteering with low-income inner-city youth, Renee is committed to fostering community connections, creating valuable resources, and promoting self-advocacy among our community members.
Ann Varatharaj, MA, LPC
outpatient clinician
Ann (she/her) is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). 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 at our Ghent and Portsmouth locations and virtually via Telehealth.
Arielle Shipp, LPC, PMH-C
Outpatient Clinician
Arielle (she/her) is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Virginia. She is certified in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) trained. 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 Therapy Services. Arielle 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 (CBT) with a focus on trauma, Perinatal Mental Health and Mood Disorders, and Women’s health. She sees clients in person in our Suffolk office and 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, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, 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 and group facilitator
Chris (he/him) joined The Up Center in February of 2021 after spending 14 years in the public school system and as an adjunct music professor at William & Mary. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Old Dominion University. Chris is a registered peer recovery specialist and a certified DBHDS peer recovery specialist trainer. Chris also holds certifications in WRAP, Smart Recovery, APPR, Forensic Peer Recovery, Medicated Assisted Recovery, and Revive. Chris has a passion for recovery and looks 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 and the east coast.
Dorothea Smith, MSW, Supervisee in Social Work
Outpatient clinician
Dorothea (she/her) is a native to Portsmouth, VA but currently resides in Suffolk, VA where she provides outpatient services out of our Suffolk office. She is a 2013 graduate of Norfolk State University and a 2011 graduate of Old Dominion University. She has over 10 years of experience working with and providing person-centered services to individuals in the community. She is currently working to expand how she helps others by pursuing her license in clinical social work. As an Outpatient Clinician, Ms. Smith is here to provide clinical counseling services to help you embark on a journey of self-awareness, growth, and goal attainment. Dorothea has received training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization, and Reprocessing Therapy. She is trained in the American Society of Medicine Addiction criteria, doing substance use-focused assessments. Outside work, Dorothea loves spending time with family, singing, pursuing a fascination with genealogy, and tracing family connections.
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 an 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, LCSW
Outpatient Clinician and Group Facilitator
Hunter (he/him) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and 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 Norfolk and Suffolk offices, as well as via telehealth. Mr. Staylor utilizes various therapy techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Approach, TF-CBT, EMDR, and Solution Focused Therapy to address treatment goals with clients. He specializes in substance use recovery, anger management, trauma, and co-parenting education. When not at work, Hunter enjoys playing soccer, engaging in glass lamp work art, and hanging out with his family.
Kirsten Schmitt, LCSW, RPT™️
Outpatient clinician
Kirsten (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW/Virginia and California) and Registered Play Therapist (RPT™️). She attended San Diego State University (SDSU), graduating in May 2017 with a Masters in Social Work (MSW), and a Pupil and Personnel Services Credential (PPSC) to allow her to provide mental health services in the school setting. Kirsten started her journey as a school-based mental health provider at an elementary school in Escondido, CA, for four years. She then was involved in mental health treatment in the school-setting in Virginia for two years, following her move to the Tidewater area. Kirsten began working as an Outpatient Clinician for The Up Center in June 2024. Kirsten specializes in working with school-aged children (ages 5-12), utilizing child-centered and directive play therapy approaches, informed by client-centered and CBT theories. She sees clients in-person at the Ghent Office and virtually on a part-time basis.
Latesa Chavis, MA, Resident in Counseling
Outpatient clinician
Latesa is a native of her beloved Mermaid city of Norfolk. She is a Resident in Counseling, working towards becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor. Lates holds a BA in Sociology from Norfolk State University (BEHOLD!) and an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Old Dominion University. She initially joined The Up Center in 2024 as an Outpatient Counseling intern while in graduate school and continues that role a now as a full-time member of The Up Center counseling team. She welcomes the opportunity to support clients as they embark on their journey of self-discovery, healing, and peace. Latesa provides individual counseling services in person and via telehealth in our Suffolk, Portsmouth, and Ghent offices.
Lauren Lock, MA, Resident in Counseling
outpatient clinician
Lauren (she/her) is a Resident in Counseling working towards becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and pursuing a certification as a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC). She is certified in the Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (A-CRA) and has been trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). She is a native Hampton Roads resident who has a deep passion for serving her community. She earned both her B.S. in Psychology and M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Over the last three years, Lauren has worked in the substance use community, where she has worked with individuals of all different ages who have struggled with a wide range of addictions.
Megan Bader, MSW, Supervisee in Social Work
new visions community-based clinician, outpatient clinician and group facilitator
Megan (she/her) serves as a New Visions Community-Based Clinician at The Up Center. She holds both QMHP A/C certifications. She obtained a Bachelor’s degree from Christopher Newport University in Social Work and a Master’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in Clinical Social Work. She is currently working towards her LCSW. Her passion for Social Work started with her longing to help individuals. She found this profession through her undergraduate experience and jumped in with two feet. She believes that Social Work is more than just providing services to clients, it is seeing an individual for who they truly are and saying, “I see you and you are worth it”.
Raven Fells, MSW, Supervisee in Social Work
outpatient clinician
Raven (she/her) is a supervisee in Social Work, working towards her Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensure. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Allied Health and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Norfolk State University. Raven provides individual counseling services to individuals of all ages and backgrounds in person in our Ghent, Portsmouth, and Suffolk offices, as well as via telehealth. Raven is trained in Trauma Focused-CBT and working towards becoming trained in EMDR Therapy.
Sam Bean, MA, Resident in Counseling
Outpatient Clinician
Sam (she/her) is a Resident in Counseling working towards becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor. Sam pursued her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Regent and graduated in December 2022. Sam is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), and Gottman Level 1 training for Couples therapy. She currently utilizes EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectal Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Person-Centered Therapy to approach the uniqueness of her clients. Sam has a special interest in working with couples and young adults. Sam believes every person who shares space in session with her is unique. Sam works alongside her clients while exploring their journey of becoming the best versions of themselves.
Sarah Carlson, MSW, Supervisee in Social Work
Outpatient Clinician
Sarah (she/her) is a Supervisee in Social Work working towards her Licensed Clinical Social Work (LCSW) licensure. Sarah received her Bachelor’s in Social Work from James Madison University and her Master’s in Social Work from Syracuse University. She has worked as a social worker in a long-term healthcare/disability setting as well as a community-based mental health clinician. Sarah started at The Up Center as an intern during graduate school and returned a year later as a full-time Outpatient Clinician in June 2023. Sarah works primarily with older children/adolescents and adults to reach their mental health goals. She is trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapy and TF-CBT (Trauma Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). Sarah sees clients in the Norfolk and Portsmouth offices and via telehealth.
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 trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapy and TF-CBT (Trauma Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). She is a native of Hampton Roads and is dedicated to helping and giving back to her community.
Sterling Tucker, RPRS
peer recovery specialist
Sterling (she/her) joined The Up Center as a Peer Recovery Specialist in August 2024. She strives to help others through her lived experience with recovery in mental health and substance use disorders. Sterling strongly believes everyone has a chance at recovery. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music and spending time with her family and friends.
Tania Green, LPC
Outpatient Clinician
Tania (she/her) is 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 at our Ghent and Portsmouth offices and 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 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 women and men 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
- 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) 965-8623
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.
