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Teletherapy and in person counseling to fit your journey and schedule
650 Boulevard Ave, Dickson City, PA
3218 Pittston Ave. Suite 8, Scranton, PA 18505
Meet The Team
Founder, Ps
Dr. Carrie Johanson
Thank you for taking the time to look at my page and I’m honored you are considering me as you look to start therapy. I mostly work with individuals in the helping field (LEO, first responders, medical or mental health professionals), however, as caregivers, parents, or from the other hats that we can wear, sometimes your needs align with my typical client population.
As a therapist, former federal law enforcement officer, and past psychologist for the VA system, I have found that our career paths can often isolate us due to the expectations we put on ourselves, and what we hear from others in our field. We start to believe that we must be invincible, mentally tough, and that work should not affect us outside of our shifts. We start to build an outer shell to not show weakness. We often do not share what happens at work with loved ones; either for privacy related issues, or because we do not want to burden our family with the trauma or horror that we may see at work. As our burden grows, we try to keep the cracks from showing and fear judgement from others if we allow others to realize that our job is bringing us down. We start to worry that to admit we are struggling indicates that we are not good enough, at work, at home, at life. We start to hide our feelings, distance ourselves from our loved ones, stop sharing with coworkers, and go down the path of poor coping strategies, such as drinking, gambling, or overeating. The more we distance ourselves from others, the more resentful we become toward them, and the harder relationships become. You start to feel like the distance between you and everyone else is growing but are unsure of how to mend the distance, as you feel continually pulled to hide your daily stressors.
This is where I come in. Therapy is a place where you can confidentially share your daily stressors at work. It is the place where you can talk about how work and your daily responsibilities are dragging you down and isolating you from the people you love. Therapy is where we talk about the feelings that you have been trying to push so far down that no one will see them. But most of all, therapy is the place where I can give you new tools, like coping skills, ways to challenge your thinking, and motivation to help make changes in your life to improve how you feel and function. I am kind and I will sit with you through hard feelings and memories, helping you open up and be heard. However, I am not just going to sit there with you. I am a straight shooter, and I will also push you to find what will make your life better and empower you to make the changes you need to make.
When you feel that you must be the rock every day, I know it can be hard to open up and be vulnerable. I applaud you for taking the first step in considering therapy and encourage you to give us a call.
Dr. Johanson accepts most Geisinger, Lyra, and Modern Health insurance plans. She also provides superbills for clients preferring out of network or private pay.
Psychologist
Michele Vella-Healey, Ph.D.
Michele Vella-Healey, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist with degrees from Lehigh University (Ph.D.& M.Ed.), The City College of New York, (M.A.), The Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism (M.S.), and Middlebury College (B.A.) She completed her doctoral internship at Mt. Sinai St. Luke’sRoosevelt Hospital (New York, NY) and her post-doctoral fellowship in health psychology at the VA Manhattan. In addition, she was awarded a fellowship from the American Psychological Association in Mental Health and Substance Abuse Policy. She has worked with individuals affected by the mental health impact of chronic health conditions; chronic pain; trauma; depression; anxiety disorders; and the intersections of culture and behavioral health. She believes that the individual serves as the expert of her/his healing and that provider and client are on a journey to harness that healing together. She tailors evidenced based approaches with psychodynamic interventions to provide the best client-centered care.
Therapist
Lori A. Villano, LCSW, CAADC
Lori is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor with over 30 years of experience in counseling and supervision. She received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Marywood University in 1990 and has been a licensed clinician since 1991. Lori is one of our Medicare Providers at the Dickson City office.
Specific Treatment Issues Include:
Addiction
Co-dependency
Medication Assisted Recovery
Anxiety
Stress
Depression
Grief and Loss
Relationship Issues
Adjustment to Life Situations
Separation/ Divorce
Therapist
Tracy DiMattia, LSW
Hello, My name is Tracy DiMattia. I am a Licensed Social Worker, with a bachelors degree from Cedar Crest College and a masters degree from Marywood University. I have 18 years experience working with children, adolescents and adults in various settings. My areas of specialty include trauma, chronic illness, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and substance abuse. I am an eclectic therapist, utilizing psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and humanistic therapies. I also utilize a strengths-based approach to therapy, which allows my clients to build upon their positive attributes. My goal is to make therapy and safe and welcoming space. My approach is client centered. Together we will address your goals and needs and work towards creating postive change. I am honored to work with my clients and watch them grow through out the process.
Office Administrator
Annette Perez
Owner of AP SOLUTIONX Annette is a multifaceted Virtual assistant and administrative specialist, with 20+ years' experience in business management and administration. With extensive experience in remote work, Annette takes pride in providing exceptional administrative support to help small businesses stay organized and efficient. From managing emails to administrative tasks, billing, A/P, A/R, and streamlining business operations.
Efficient, organized, and passionate about helping individuals succeed, Annette is here to simplify the workload for both therapist and clients.
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Therapist
James "Jim" Roberts, MS, LPC, NCC
Hello! My name is Jim Roberts and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). I am also a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) and hold a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The University of Scranton. I work with persons of all ages and incorporate a variety of evidence-based treatment modalities into my practice, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). I have experience working with a variety of therapeutic concerns, including anxiety, depression, grief, trauma/PTSD, anger, impulsivity, and life transitions. Clients can expect a safe environment that promotes the thoughtful exploration of personal needs and challenges, the identification individualized treatment goals, and movement towards meaningful change. I believe that each of us possesses the ability to change, grow and live happier, healthier, more fulfilling lives. Sometimes we just need a little help along the way. I look forward to working with you as you take the next step in your personal wellness journey.
Therapist
Joseph Monczewski, MS, CAADC, CCS, LPC
Hello and welcome to Turning Tides Psychological Services. I have been in the field of counseling since 1983. As always, I provide a respectful and safe space, with the opportunity for you to discuss information as well as the freedom to express yourself without judgement. It is my responsibility and ethical duty to provide honest feedback and guidance, within the counselor-client dynamic and within the therapeutic atmosphere. I offer individual and couples counseling, age 17 and older, male or female.
My educational background includes master’s degree (MSRC), Rehabilitation Counseling, University of Scranton, and bachelor’s degree (BS-Double Major), Psychology and Sociology, Wilkes University. Myprofessional credentials include Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
The areas of counseling focus are Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Chemical Dependency & Recovery, Family Functional Issues, Co-Dependency, Adult Children Issues (ACOA), Marital-Separation-Divorce, Greif, Loss, and Adjustment to Life Situations.
I enjoy meeting people of various backgrounds and as always look forward to the opportunity to assist you through your personal journey. I accept all major Insurance Plans as well as participate in many Employee Assistance Programs (EAP). Looking forward to assisting you through your journey.
Thank You,
Joseph Monczewski, LPC
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Therapist
Lori Chieffallo, LCSW
Hello, my name is Lori Chieffallo. I joined Turning Tides Psychological Services in January 2023. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have over 35 years of experience working with children and families in
various settings. I am honored that you are reading my page.
My therapy approach is to provide a safe, supportive and welcoming environment. I believe in the therapeutic relationship, and feel it is key to helping you. I would love to assist you in your life journey.
Together we will explore any issues you are experiencing. Together we will gain insights, identify strengths, and create and achieve your goals. You will have someone who believes in you, supports you, and helps you on your path of healing. I utilize an eclectic approach to meet the unique needs of my clients. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused Therapy , and Solution Focused Therapy.
If you are having interpersonal struggles, relationship issues, family system issues, anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, peer relationship issues, impulsivity, life transition and symptoms of grief, I can help you.
Together we will identify your strengths, your resiliency, your gifts, your needs, and make a difference in your life!
Lori accepts various insurances, out of network payments, and cash preferred client. Lori is one of our Medicare Providers!
Therapist
Peggy Cummiskey, MA, LPC, NCC
Hello and welcome to Turning Tides Psychological Services. My name is Peggy Cummiskey and I have my Masters Degree in Professional Counseling. I am currently working towards completing licensure for Professional Counseling in Pennsylvania. I am a veteran and was a military family member. I have experience with addiction, PTSD, grief, long term illness, anxiety, depression, building up positive self-esteem, relocation, divorce, empty nest, and change in career. I work with adults, couples, and families.
I utilize person centered therapy in which I build a therapeutic relationship with my client(s) by providing a safe space in which trust and respect are built. I believe in meeting my client's where they are at in their life journey and assisting in helping them accomplish their goals and vision for themselves. Depending on the needs and goals of the client's we build a treatment plan focusing on specific accomplishments and direction of change the client desires to achieve. My modalities are chosen based on the treatment plan in which Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Impact Therapy approaches can be utilized.
I believe counseling to be a dynamic alliance that allows a client to grow stronger mentally and emotionally. I am honored to have the privilege of assisting you to meet your goals for mental wellness and look forward to meeting you.
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Therapist
Kristen Tratthen, MS
Kristen graduated from The University of Scranton, in May, 2012 with a Master's Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. She has over 13 years experience in the areas of behavioral health, providing therapy and support to individuals of all ages in both the community mental health and private practice setting.
Are you facing the emotional challenges of chronic illness, struggling with anxiety, or navigating the heartbreaking journey of grief and loss? You do not have to do this alone. Clients work with me to learn how to respond to their most challenging situations—whether it’s adapting to the profound changes brought by a chronic or terminal illness, reclaiming control over persistent anxiety, or finding ways to rebuild after a massive loss. With over 13 years of experience, I am dedicated to helping my clients navigate these overwhelming challenges and emerge with grace and a deeper sense of self-awareness and healing.
In our sessions together, my hope is that you'll find a safe, supportive space where you can express yourself freely and explore the thoughts and feelings that matter most to you. We'll work collaboratively to understand your experiences, identify your strengths, and develop new strategies to navigate life's challenges using an evidence-based approach.
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and it's perfectly normal to have a mix of feelings—excitement, uncertainty, hope. Your goals and well-being are at the heart of our work, and I'm here to support you every step of the way. Many have busy lives with frequent travel, and the time constraints of "the day-to-day hustle and bustle", leaving some experiencing barriers and limitations with traditional therapy. With flexible scheduling and the opportunity to offer virtual counseling sessions, I adapt to demanding schedules. Whatever you're facing, I'm here to support you according to your needs.
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