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Our Clinicians

Our clinicians are compassionate, experienced, and dedicated to meeting clients where they are. With diverse backgrounds and specialties, we work collaboratively to provide personalized, evidence-based care in a safe and supportive environment.

Dr. Katherine Daskalakis

Better known as " Dr. D" the owner of the practice. She is a licensed psychologist based in Oswego County. Dr. D" has many interests when it comes to treating patients.  She enjoys working with teens, adults, and couples. She uses cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavioral techniques to reduce intense symptoms.  Her wry sense of humor and lovely personality helps her patients feel more comfortable during their journey of exploring their personal issues and improving their lifestyle.

Dr. D provides expert testimony to various courts in Oswego County and surrounding counties.  Dr. D conducts psychological testing to clarify diagnoses questions as well as court ordered evaluations.  

Tessah Stevens, LMSW

Tessah Stevens is dedicated to providing individual services and is a group facilitator passionate about trauma recovery, accountability, and community healing. 

In addition, Tessah is a Certified Anger Management Specialist, Certified Domestic Violence Specialist, and Certified Parent Trainer Specialist with deep roots in Oswego County. With a background in community-based work, Tessah brings a systems-informed perspective to therapy, recognizing the broader forces that impact mental health and well-being. Tessah is currently training under Dr. D in forensic-related work. 

She blends evidence-based practices with holistic approaches, grounded in the belief that trauma lives in the body and healing must engage both mind and spirit. Tessah is currently training to become a yoga instructor and plans to incorporate EMDR into her future practice here at DPS. Known for her warmth, humor, and realness, she believes that laughter is one of the most powerful—and underrated—forms of therapy.

Kathleen Pollard, LMSW

Kathleen supports individuals and families across the lifespan—including children, teens, and adults facing personal and life‑transition challenges.

Grounded in evidence-based interventions, she offers compassionate, trauma-informed care that adapts to each client’s needs.

Courtney Gould, LCSW

Courtney Gould, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), has been a practicing therapist since 2013, working with adolescents and adults navigating life changes, relationship issues, and mental health challenges. She also provides a wide range of assessments and serves the practice as a clinical supervisor for other clinicians.

 

Courtney brings a warm, supportive presence to her work, paired with a direct, no-nonsense style that helps clients make meaningful progress. Known for being down-to-earth and bringing a sense of humor into the therapy session when appropriate, she helps clients feel comfortable while staying focused on their goals. She is a clinically skilled therapist dedicated to continuous learning and expanding her expertise.

 

Outside of her clinical work, Courtney is deeply committed to strengthening her community. She serves on the board of Oswego County Opportunities, where she also acts as treasurer. Additionally, she mentors interns from local colleges, guiding and preparing the next generation of therapists.

Melanie Lugo, LCSW

I am a licensed master level social worker with a focus on supporting older teens (15+) and adults who are navigating the challenges of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and life adjustment issues. 

Whether you're coping with a recent transition, loss, relationship change, or a shift in identity or purpose, I offer a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where you can process your experiences and feel supported.. I provide a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where clients can feel seen, heard, and supported as they work through life’s difficulties.

My approach is integrative and trauma-informed, drawing on evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based techniques. Whether you're dealing with the weight of past trauma, the daily strain of anxiety, or the profound fatigue of depression, my goal is to help you build resilience, gain clarity, and move toward a more grounded and fulfilling life.

Healing happens through connection, and therapy should be a collaborative process. Together, we’ll explore your experiences, identify patterns, and develop practical strategies that align with your values and goals.

If you’re ready to begin the journey of healing, I’m here to walk alongside you.

Hope Rayder, LMSW

As a therapist, I believe that every person has the strength within them to heal, grow, and create meaningful change in their lives. My approach is person-centered, trauma-informed, and solution-focused, offering a supportive space where you feel seen, heard, and empowered.

I specialize in working with individuals ages 14 and up, including teens navigating school pressures, life transitions, and complex family dynamics. I also work closely with adults who are in recovery from substance use, as well as those healing from domestic violence and childhood trauma.

My goal is to walk alongside you with compassion and curiosity, helping you uncover your own resilience while developing tools to move forward. Whether you’re facing overwhelming emotions, stuck in old patterns, or just need someone to listen without judgment, I’m here to help.

Amanda Yousey, LMSW

Amanda Yousey is a Licensed Master Social Worker who specializes in working with children and adolescents. With a compassionate and supportive approach, Amanda is dedicated to helping young people build resilience, confidence, and emotional regulation. She earned her master’s degree in social work from Syracuse University and is passionate about creating a safe, understanding space for her clients to grow and thrive.

Jennifer Thompson, LMSW

I am an experienced and interactive therapist who specializes in emotional regulation and trauma-informed care.  I often work collaboratively with clients who might be going through cycles of depression where they may feel "stuck" in life and lack motivation.  Or they may be avoidant of people or places or risk-taking due to anxiety.  They may also struggle in relationships due to difficulties with understanding and coping with anger.  I focus on the mind-body connection and strategies on how to cope with the effect of intense emotion (such as mindfulness, polyvagal therapy, grounding, somatic therapies, and guided visualization).  I am also an EMDRIA-approved EMDR therapist (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy) where I can help you explore how past traumas might be impacting your present-day quality of life and relationships.  I have experience with those struggling with addictions, maladaptive coping patterns, communication, and interpersonal skills.  In addition, I have experience with exploring attachment patterns, dissociations, and complex trauma.  I am empathetic, non-judgmental, and genuine and I will work collaboratively with you to resolve your inner conflicts and to obtain a life of inner peace and fulfillment.  

Nadia Bey-Wright, LMSW

As a therapist with over twenty years of experience helping people, I specialize in child welfare, trauma and abuse, addiction recovery, and the cultural dynamics of immigrant families.  I am a native to the CNY region, having grown up in an immigrant family.  I hold both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Social Work from Syracuse University, where I received advanced clinical training. I am also a CASAC-P, which provides me with a unique understanding on how substance use recovery and mental health are often intertwined.  I am especially proud to partner with families as they strive to recover together.

 

Throughout my career, I have worked with children, adults, and families facing a wide range of complex challenges. My practice is rooted in evidence-based interventions, which I use to help clients process trauma, build resilience, and develop healthier coping strategies. With a deep commitment to culturally responsive and trauma-informed care, I strive to create a safe, supportive space for healing and growth.

Erica Freeborn, LMSW

I am a dedicated mental health professional with extensive experience working with adolescents across a variety of settings, including residential programs, outpatient clinics, and school-based services. I offer both in-office and telehealth therapy sessions during evenings and weekends, with expanded availability during school breaks to better accommodate busy families.

My training includes specialized sexual abuse services to support families impacted by sexual abuse and problematic sexualized behaviors, as well as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Person-Centered Therapy. While my primary focus is on adolescent care, I also welcome adult clients seeking support and personal growth.

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Amber Doody, LMSW

Amber Doody, LMSW is a licensed master-level social worker at Daskalakis Psychological Services, serving Oswego County. Amber works mostly with children.

Our Other Clincians-

Bios Coming Soon!

Tori Kroll, LMSW- Therapist

Victoria Arthor, NP- Medication Provider

Chanel Beard, LCSW- Therapist

Kathleen Busco, LMSW

Sabrina Fields, LMSW

Mercedes Maldonado, LMSW- Therapist

Emma Hyde- Intern

Amy Boots- Proctor

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Daskalakis Psychological Services, PC

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