Optimal Health: A Mind and Body Wellness Center

I love this visual. Breaking large tasks/ big goals into smaller tasks/smaller goals tends to be a topic of conversation in many therapy sessions, especially when people are feeling overwhelmed and anxious. Large goals can feel unattainable and impossible to initiate and it can feel like you’re not making much progress if you are able to get yourself working on them at all. With large goals, your one measurement of success is meeting that goal.
When broken down into parts, you’re still working toward the same end result. However, it will feel much less scary and overwhelming, you can celebrate all of those small accomplishments along the way and you’ll probably get there at a much quicker pace.

We’re excited to announce that we now have a prescriber!! Meet Rita Martin.

Rita A Martin, MSN, APRN, BC is a board certified adult nurse practitioner with many years of direct clinical experience providing patient care across the life span. She specializes in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of a variety of psychiatric disorders including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, PTSD, and ADHD, with expertise in psychopharmacological treatment modalities. After graduating from the UMass Medical Center in 1994 with a Masters in Nursing, she worked in outpatient settings and nursing homes providing care to a challenging population focusing on implementation of integrated mental health/primary care, improving access through virtual visits, and medication assisted treatment options. Prior to that, she worked for Massachusetts Department of Mental Health in various positions including HIV/AIDS coordinator. She is licensed to practice in the state of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Rita’s approach is holistic and multidisciplinary and enjoys working with trained therapists and wellness providers to help improve overall mental well-being.
Rita is able to accept most health insurance plans, including Mass Health. Please call the office at 508-679-9900 to schedule your virtual appointment!

I’m excited to introduce the newest addition to our team Chris Jackson.

Chris graduated recently from Johnson & Wales University with his master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. He believes that the therapeutic process depends on the therapeutic relationship as the basis for change. Chris has worked with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults. He helps people recognize and work their way through depression, anxiety, life transitions, trauma, grief, loss, LGBTQ+ concerns, and relationship issues.

Chris is influenced by person-centered therapy, in which the client and therapist work together as partners, without judgement, and the client is empowered to facilitate change. A second influence is existential therapy, which helps the client to focus on personal responsibility for making meaning and making decisions. Chris uses talk therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance & commitment therapy (ACT), motivational interviewing, psychoeducation, and mindfulness in his work with clients.

Chris lives in Providence with his partner, their 5 children, and a dog named Maple. When he's not working with clients or spending time with his family, he's usually playing drums.

Chris has morning, afternoon and evening appointments available Monday through Friday via in person and telehealth. To schedule an appointment with Chris or one of our other providers, call the office at 508-679-9900.

https://newatlas.com/lifestyle/exercise-first-defense-mental-health-treatment/

Exercise could be the first line of attack in mental health treatment Linking exercise with improved mental health outcomes is certainly not a new concept, with previous individual studies looking at the effects of physical activity on schizophrenia, anxiety and depression, as well as analysis of the duration and type of workouts.

Meet one of our newer therapists Kira Salhaney. She has been with us for a a few months now and is able to accept Mass Health, Tufts State and BCBS insurance.

Hello! I am a licensed certified social worker working with individuals, couples, and families. I have experience in a myriad of settings including community crisis stabilization, inpatient substance use, a middle/high school guidance office, child care, and outpatient practice. I have learned that one approach will not work for everyone. I do however believe that every person has a set of strengths that we can utilize to outline goals and I look forward to helping you reach them. I work with individuals of all ages, particularly those struggling with self-esteem, trauma, relationship issues, grief/loss, LGBTQIA+ issues, attentional difficulties (ADHD/ADD), adjustment issues, anxiety and depression. I provide a non-judgmental, safe space for you to work through life stressors and embark on a journey of self discovery and overall well-being with your body, mind and soul.

Introducing our new dietitian, Ashley Whewell!
Ashley is a Registered Dietitian who has multiple years of experience helping individuals reach their optimal health with nutrition. Ashley believes in the philosophy that all foods fit and serve a purpose in nourishing our bodies. Rather than restricting, clients learn how to nourish and support their bodies with food. With guidance, Ashley helps her clients understand how nutrition plays a role in their day to day lives and provides them with support and tools needed to reach their goals.

Aside from nutrition, Ashley loves the outdoors and spends most of her time rock climbing and hiking. Ashley also loves to cook and try new recipes in the kitchen!