For Mental Health
Outpatient Counseling
We offer a wide range of mental health services for children, families and individuals.
We offer a wide range of mental health services for children, families and individuals.
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.
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
“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
Kati Calletto, LPC, CSOTP
OUTPATIENT CLINICAL DIRECTOR
Kati Calletto (she/her) is a Licensed Profesional 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, eventually becoming the Program Manager there. She began seeing clients part time in the Outpatient Department in 2014 and transitioned to the Outpatient Clinical Director position in 2021. 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, Depression, Anxiety, working with youth with sexualized behavioral concerns, and is an LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapist. When not at work, you can find Kati spending time at home with her cats, crocheting, crafting, and drinking coffee, or outside enjoying the sunshine at the beach.
Richelle Burney, LCSW, CSAC, SOTP Trainee
SUBSTANCE USE PROGRAM MANAGER
Richelle 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.
Kellie Evans, LCSW, CSOTP
SAY Clinical Supervisor and Outpatient Clinician
Kellie Evans (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. She specializes in providing treatment to children and youth who have sexually harmful behavior. She is TF-CBT certified 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.
Bill Brown, LCSW
Clinical Supervisor and Outpatient Clinician
Bill Brown (he/him) is an Outpatient Supervisor at The Up Center as of August of 2022. He recently retired from Virginia Wesleyan University, where he was the Director of Student Counseling Services since 1999. Before Virginia Wesleyan, Bill spent eleven 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 abuse 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.
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, BA
Intake Coordinator
Tranise (she/her) serves as the Intake Coordinator for Outpatient Mental Health, Substance Use 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 is currently studying for her Masters in Criminal Justice. She appreciates the great opportunity to touch the lives of individuals within the community.
Adrienne Smith, LPC
Outpatient Clinician
Adrienne N. Smith (she/her) is a graduate of Howard University (B.S. Child and Adolescent Development, 2007) and Liberty University (M.A. Professional Counseling, 2015). She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and certified in the Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach. She is also working towards certification as a Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist. Adrienne currently works as both a substance use and outpatient clinician with The Up Center. Adrienne’s passion is working with the child and adolescent population, specifically dealing with trauma, depression, anxiety, and attention deficit/hyperactive disorder. In her spare time, Adrienne enjoys running and spending time with her pup, Dallas Emmitt Smith.
Aieja Davis
Group Facilitator
Ann Varatharaj, MA, Resident in Counseling
Outpatient Clinician
Ann Varatharaj (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 when working with clients.
Arielle Shipp, PMH-C, Resident in Counseling
Outpatient Clinician
Arielle Shipp (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 has worked with 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, Maternal Mental Health, and Perinatal Mood Disorders. Arielle enjoys being outdoors, arts and crafts, and spending quality time with family.
Asha Utz, LCSW, SOTP Trainee
Outpatient Clinician
Asha Utz, LCSW, SOTP-Trainee (she/her) is a Trauma informed, client-centered approach clinician. She utilizes CBT, EMDR, DBT, and conflict-resolution therapy approaches when working with clients. She currently sees clients in person in the Suffolk office and via telehealth. Asha specializes in complex trauma/PTSD, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting fatigue, self-esteem issues, suicidal ideation, self-harm , maternal mental health (peri & postnatal), grief, bipolar disorder, anger management, substance use, and youth with sexualized behaviors.
Ashlee Collister, LCSW, SOTP Trainee
Outpatient Clinician
Ashlee Collister (she/her) serves as an outpatient clinician at The Up Center at the Norfolk and Portsmouth locations. Ashlee is Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). 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, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She is currently a Sex Offender Treatment Provider- trainee (SOTP) and works with youth with sexualized behaviors. Ashlee strives to help the individual process their traumas and believes that no one person is defined by their trauma.
Ashley Moore Cruz, MA, Resident in Counseling
Outpatient Clinician
Ashley Moore-Cruz (she/her) is currently a Resident in Counseling working towards becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor. Ashley pursued her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The University of the Cumberlands and graduated in May of 2021 with Summa Cum Laude and was awarded Outstanding Masters Student. She is an LGBTQ+ Affirming clinician and primarily utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Trauma Informed Therapy interventions to work with individuals 15 and up and adult couples. Ashley is heavily involved in the Suicide Awareness community and has facilitated connections to better assist our community. Ashley organized and currently facilitates Becoming Me, The Up Centers first LGBTQ+ group. Overall, Ashley believes in treating each person with compassion and empathy and honors their individuality to uncover the “why” behind what makes them uniquely them.
Dr. Bonita Jackson-Vergara, LPC, LSATP, LCMHC, ACS
Outpatient Clinician and Group Facilitator
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 Kimmons (she/her) is a Registered Peer Recovery Specialist and Forensic Peer Support Trainer. She has been peering for 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
Lead Outpatient Clinician
Heather serves as the lead outpatient clinician at The Up Center in Suffolk. She 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 a Licensed Professional Counselor to expand her clinical mental health services to adults, children, and families. She specializes in substance use recovery, trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, and autism and is a Navy veteran, Navy wife, and Navy mom.
Hunter Staylor, MSW, Supervisee in Social Work
Outpatient Clinician and Group Facilitator
Hunter Staylor (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. 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. Hunter enjoys playing soccer and engaging in glass lamp work art.
Lynette Johnson, MSW, Supervisee in Social Work
NEW VISIONS CLINICIAN
Lynette has her Master’s in Social Work as well as a Supervisee in Social Work. She obtained both her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and Master’s in Social Work from Norfolk State University. For the past 10 years, Lynette has provided direct care services for adults and families. During the last five years, Lynette has been providing clinical therapy for children, adolescents and families. She has engaged in over 32 hours of evidenced-based Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (A-CRA) training and will be completing her certification to enhance her clinical skills. Lynette is an A-CRA Clinician with our newest program, New Visions.
Newzaira Khan, MSW, Supervisee in Social Work, SOTP Trainee
Outpatient CLINICIAN
Newzaira (she/her) is a Supervisee and Trainee in Social Work and Sex Offender treatment working towards becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Sex Offender Treatment Provider. She is currently obtaining her Ph.D. in International Studies and holds a master’s degree in Social Work from Norfolk State University. She provides counseling services to individuals, couples, and families of all ages and backgrounds. Newzaira brings a strength-based and trauma-focused approach, she also specializes in working with members of the Muslim population.
Rachel Micheletti, MA, Resident in Counseling, CCTIS, CCTS-F
Outpatient CLINICIAN and Group Facilitator
Rachel (she/her) is a Resident in Counseling and holds masters degrees in Mental Health Counseling and Addictions Counseling. As a licensed Be Body Positive group facilitator and graduate of The Body Project presented by Ophelia’s Place, Rachel hopes to provide support to clients on their journeys to living their best lives through body kindness, dance, performance, and confidence-building. Rachel is currently continuing her educational journey by working toward a self-designed PHD highlighting gender and sexuality studies. When not working with clients Rachel is a mom to rescue kitties, a Boston Terrier named Violet, and can often be found teaching dance or performing with her band.
RaVonn McDowell
Group Facilitator
Rebecca Ellis, MSW, Supervisee in Social Work
Outpatient Clinician and Group Facilitator
Rebecca (she/her) is a Supervisee in Social Work, working towards her LCSW. 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.
Sasha Pierce, MSW, Supervisee in Social Work
Outpatient Clinician
Sasha (she/her) is a Supervisee in Social Work and Hampton Roads Native, currently providing telehealth services across the community. She believes that each individual carries with them their own unique strengths, experiences, and perspectives, and are most capable of thriving when acknowledged for their complete and authentic selves. Sasha works primarily with adults at this time, and has focused considerable effort into exploring parenting skills and coparenting, separation/divorce, and mood and anxiety disorders. Sasha has completed advanced training in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders and is passionate about assisting birthing persons through the vast scope of major life, relational, and individual transitions they experience within the perinatal period.
Sharon Reams, MSW, Supervisee in Social Work
Director of Youth Services
Sharon 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. She is a native of Hampton Roads and is dedicated to helping and giving back to her community.
Sheridan Merriweather, MSW, Supervisee in Social Work, CSOTP
Outpatient Clinician
Sheridan (she/her) is a Supervisee in Social Work and a Certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider for children and youth. She received a master’s degree in Social Work with a concentration in Children, Youth and Families from Delaware State University in 2009. Sheridan joined The Up Center in 2013 as a therapeutic family clinician working with youth and families in the foster care system. She has a passion for empowering the family unit to heal after traumatic experiences and overcome obstacles and challenges. Sheridan has been providing outpatient services for 5 years with clients ranging from teens to adults. She received certification as a Trained Adoption Competent therapist in 2018. She utilizes frameworks to include person-centered, strengths-based, and trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy.
Tania Green, MA, Resident in Counseling
Outpatient Clinician
Tania Green(she/her) is a Resident in Outpatient Counseling at The Up Center. She is currently working towards her Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensure and holds a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health and Counseling from Southern New Hampshire University. Tania 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. Tania looks forward to working with you on the path to self-discovery and healing!
Terry Kenworthy, MSW Supervisee in Social Work, SOTP Trainee
Outpatient Clinician
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
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.
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