Mental Healthcare in Washington, D.C.
Staff Information
We feel that certain characteristics are indispensable in our staff. The most important of these is that the professional performs this work because she or he truly cares about people. A good medical doctor or therapist must have the ability to truly empathize with the problems of each patient, must be willing to go the extra mile when necessary, and must demonstrate the same degree of concern for each patient that the doctors or therapists themselves would like to receive if she or he was the one seeking help. Our staff does not view their work as just a business, but as a passion; they each derive their
satisfaction from helping people .
The second important characteristic is that
our staff members be knowledgeable in their particular subspecialty . We expect each staff member to be on the cutting edge of advances in this rapidly growing field. Continued self-education is essential. Our ability to use treatment techniques must be equal to the best that the mental health field has to offer.
The third characteristic that you will find in each staff member is conscientiousness. Attention to details, investigation of all diagnostic and treatment possibilities, and responsible follow-up to meet the needs of a patient promptly are key components of being “conscientious.”
In order to provide a treatment plan that can address the individual complexities, the Center assembled a comprehensive range of medical doctors, therapists, and services. Each staff member not only has an excellent general knowledge of the mental health field and the work of other practitioners at the Center, but each doctor and therapist also has an area of expertise. This allows a patient to be treated by a doctor or therapist with an in depth knowledge in a particular type of therapy or problem and a range of experience dealing with that problem that usually cannot be equaled by a general practitioner. We therefore try to match you with an expert in the field. Since some individuals may have several types of problems or benefit from several different approaches, at times several staff members may be working together on a case.
We have an appreciation for the importance of team work and the ingredients that make it successful, such as a mutual respect for each team member's strengths and frequent communication among the staff.
To learn more about some of our staff members, please continue reading or contact our office to learn more about our services.
Psychiatrists
Alvaro Guzman, M.D.
DIRECTOR
Voted Washingtonian's Top Doctor 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021
Click here for Curriculum Vitae
Dr. Alvaro Guzman is a compassionate and effective psychiatrist highly skilled in treating mental health patients. He is knowledgeable and capable in the psychopharmacology and psychotherapy of Mood and Anxiety Disorders. His interpersonal and communication skills are a plus. These assets allow him to work efficiently and empathically with his patients. He continually adds to his knowledge base by staying on top of established and evolving biological, psychological and social sciences, and the application of this knowledge to patient care. Dr. Guzman has demonstrated a commitment to carrying out his professional responsibilities. His reliability, ethical principals, sensitivity and curious mind make him a warm and caring therapist.
Dr. Guzman's rich and varied clinical experience goes well beyond his formal Psychiatry training at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Washington D.C. His interest in research began at the NIH and continues now at the School of Medicine at the University of Maryland. His commitment to clinical work with minorities and his studies in social issues has helped him to gain a better and deeper understanding of the human condition.
Dr. Guzman was the Deputy Director of Andromeda Transcultural Mental Health Clinic, a multicultural center that focuses on an under-served population in Washington D.C. Also, he is Clinical Assistant Professor of the Psychiatry Program at University of Maryland in Baltimore.
Dr. Guzman is a Board eligible diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He is fluent in English and Spanish.
Founder of The National Center
Bernard J. Vittone, M.D.
(Retired)
Voted Washingtonian's Top Doctor 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021
Click here for Curriculum Vitae
Dr. Vittone was born and raised in a small town in Western Pennsylvania. His father was a coal miner for ten years before working his way out of the mines to become a judge and then president of a bank. His mother was a professional artist. Dr. Vittone attended Georgetown University where he majored in Psychology and was inducted into Psi Chi, the Psychology Honor Society. From there he attended Georgetown University School of Medicine where he was in the top ten percent of his class, was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha (the National Honor Society of Medicine), and received an award for Outstanding Achievement in Microbiology. He then did a year of postgraduate training in Internal Medicine, another year of training in Ophthalmology, and completed a Psychiatric residency at St. Vincent's Hospital and Medical Center in New York City. He went on to a two year Fellowship in the research of Anxiety Disorders and Bipolar Disorder at the National Institute of Mental Health. Upon completion he became a Guest Researcher at NIMH for eleven more years. Dr. Vittone is Board Certified in Psychiatry and Neurology, and is also a Board Certified Forensic Examiner.
Dr. Vittone started the National Center for the Treatment of Phobias, Anxiety, and Depression in 1985. As its Director, he has guided it into becoming a clinic known for its top quality clinical care. Dr. Vittone has published many articles in medical literature and has frequently appeared on TV, radio, newspapers, and magazines as a nationally recognized expert. He has been repeatedly recognized as a Washingtonian Magazine Top Doctor and Top Therapist.
Dr. Vittone's philosophy emphasizes compassion and cutting-edge expertise. He truly cares about his patients and individualizes care to their needs and preferences. He treats his patients with great respect, is non-judgmental, warm, down-to-earth, and tries to inject a little humor when appropriate. He collaborates with his patients, attaching great importance to their preferences as to treatment options. He feels that every individual is special and he does his best to make them feel that way.
Therapists
Camrey Oczkowski, LPC
Hi, I’m Camrey! I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Art Therapist, and Intuitive Coach for those seeking to reconnect with their inner strength, deepen their presence with self and others, and restore hope and joy to the heart. I can help you learn to peacefully release what is no longer serving you, develop your passions, and navigate the space between where you are and where you want to be with a sense of deepest-knowing, rather than fear.
With me, you can expect a safe and validating space filled with deep empathy, soulful laughter, and wholehearted acceptance as you make powerful self-discoveries and uncover your innate ability to create meaningful, lasting change.
If you…
· Struggle with compassion fatigue, ADHD, chronic illness, relationship concerns, life transitions, or school/career related stress
· Are ready to step out of fear-based patterns and into your personal power
· Believe healing and growth cannot occur at the expense of another… then keep reading!
As a trauma-informed clinician, I specialize in helping clients reconnect with their bodies, heal old wounds, and dislodge subconscious blocks and fears that are often difficult to identify, understand, and express. In addition to traditional talk therapy, I support client growth through holistic and transformative approaches including somatic processing, attachment rupture and repair work, lightwork and energy coaching, expressive arts and, most recently, equine assisted therapy (available in SC location). Whether you’re embodying authentic expression through movement, connecting with the elements in nature, or learning to grow and trust your intuitive powers, we’ll find what works best for you and co-create your healing journey.
Remember, a connected, vibrant, and balanced life is not only possible…it is your birthright.
If you’d like to learn more about me or my work, you can follow me on YouTube or Instagram at #Camreyco
Stephanie Preller, LICSW
Stephanie Preller is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in the District of Columbia. Stephanie is a graduate of New York University’s Social Work program. She has extensive experience working with culturally diverse clients in a variety of clinical settings, including inpatient and outpatient mental health clinics, as well as a partial hospitalization program for individuals suffering from eating disorders and other co-occurring mental health issues. Stephanie has experience conducting individual, group, and family therapy with clients struggling with stress/anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, eating disorders, body image issues, and relationship and adjustment concerns. She truly believes in the power of the mind-body connection and she is also a certified yoga instructor. Therefore, when clients are interested, Stephanie incorporates yoga and mindfulness/meditation into her therapy sessions.
Stephanie takes a strengths-based and integrative counseling approach and works collaboratively with each client to help them identify and work towards their personal goals. She modifies her therapeutic interventions, incorporating principles from psychodynamic theory, cognitive- behavioral and dialectic-behavioral therapy, and mindfulness, to meet each individual’s needs. Stephanie strives to create a calm and non-judgmental environment where clients can explore and work through clinical issues in a safe place.