About Us.
ACTNow for Mental health (ANMH) is a non-profit (501(c)(3)) organization dedicated to expanding access to mental health services and support, while fighting mental & behavioral health stigma for all young adults (ages 17-32). ANMH focuses on communities that have been historically underserved by the health system including LGBTQIA+ and POC populations, people with physical and/or intellectual disabilities, and people who are uninsured or underinsured.
Through the pillars of Advocacy, Compassion, and Treatment, ANMH advocates for systemic policy reforms, implements stigma free campaigns and partnerships with local schools and universities, and provides free telehealth services to young adults in the D.C., Maryland, Virginia areas (DMV) and free support groups to young adults nationwide.

HOW WE GET THERE.

Advocacy
Establishing national awareness and mental health literacy campaigns. Synthesizing and disseminating research and resources. Educating and working with policymakers
Compassion
Encouraging peers to lead their peers. Engaging national spokespeople, celebrities, and partners in educational speaker series on compassion. Promoting stigma free social media campaigns.
treatment
Establishing a national network of low-cost or free mental health professionals. Developing and tailoring innovative mental health technologies and programs.
Board of directors
Edward Q Garcia III, MPH
Founder and Board Chair of the Foundation for Social Connection, Vice-Chair to the Coalition to End Social Isolation and Loneliness
Patrick J. Kennedy
Former U.S. Representative (D-RI), Founder of The Kennedy Forum, Mental Health Advocacy Leader
Sharday Lewis, MPH
Public Health Analyst at the HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD and TB DC Department of Health
tom koutsoumpas, jr.
CEO of the National Partnership for Hospice and Healthcare Innovation
Stephen Reese
President and CEO of the Health Education Network
Our Clinical Team
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Joyce Montgomery, LCSW, LICSW, LCSW-C
Joyce is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia and has been practicing for over 20 years. She has a Masters in Social Work from Catholic University and is certified as a supervisor mentoring social workers to get licensure and Master’s level interns. She works with adults of all ages who are dealing with grief and loss, life transitions, relationship issues, depression and anxiety and health related concerns. She also has extensive experience working with children and teens addressing grief, loss and health issues. Joyce believes that an authentic therapeutic relationship based on collaboration and trust is crucial to change. She uses CBT, DBT, ACT, along with other therapeutic tools, to help her clients overcome life’s challenges. Joyce has experience as a hospice social worker and has helped individuals and families facing end of life issues. Joyce has been the Director of Clinical Services at ANMH since its inception and is passionate about mental health advocacy and access to services. When appropriate, Joyce incorporates spirituality and mindfulness in her practice to help her clients achieve well-being.
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Nicole Kitchen, MSW
My name is Nicole, and I am dedicated to providing accessible mental health care to young adults and those who might otherwise face barriers to receiving services. I earned my master’s degree in clinical social work from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2021. For three years, I worked with youth and families involved in the foster care system, and I now serve as a senior therapist with the City of Alexandria’s coordinated specialty services program, supporting individuals who have recently experienced their first episode of psychosis. I specialize in working with anxiety, trauma, childhood abuse, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. I believe that healing begins with a safe, supportive therapeutic relationship, and I incorporate a range of evidence-based interventions, including dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and somatic practices.
My approach is person-centered, recognizing that every individual’s journey is unique and requires tailored care. My goal is to foster a warm, empathetic environment where individuals can explore their challenges and experiences. I volunteer with ANMH because I am passionate about reducing barriers to mental health care and making services more accessible. Life can be difficult, but getting support shouldn’t be. I’m so glad you’re here!
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Hannah A. Hayden, MSW, LCSW
I'm Hannah, the proud owner and founder of Sapphire Counseling. But fear not, I am the farthest thing away from being a business woman and my passion will always and forever be for counseling. I have a habit of going above and beyond for my clients which is why I had to start my own practice - I needed to practice the way I wanted to. I'm not just a counselor though... I'm a human, just like everyone else. So I support my clients in the way I would want a professional to support me: authentically, nonjudgmentally, and with unconditional positive regard. I obtained my master's degree from VCU in 2016 and have since dipped my toes in providing support to a variety of populations. This includes working with individuals struggling with substance use, who are incarcerated, and who are living with serious mental illness, just to name a few. Now, as an outpatient counselor, I find myself working with individuals struggling with mental illness all over the spectrum. My go-to strategies come from Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Behavior Therapy; and I sprinkle in some mindfulness and somatic practice. I am volunteering with ANMH because in addition to my passion for counseling, I love teaching and guiding others to becoming the best providers they can be by fostering their ability to think clinically and critically, and to begin mastering the art of counseling.
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Stella Campbell, MSW, QMHP-A
My name is Stella, and I am dedicated to providing quality, individualized care to all those who come to me for help. I earned my master’s degree in social work from George Mason University in 2023, and my bachelor’s degree in International Politics from Westminster College in 2012. I am passionate about social work at every level of society and believe that structural change is necessary for the betterment of all. I am proud to be part of the ANMH team working to put those beliefs into practice, and believe now more than ever that compassionate care, anti-racism, and equity are crucially important to the field of social work and to society.
I have been with ANMH since its inception, first as a social work intern, and now as the Clinical Coordinator and staff therapist. In my role as Clinical Coordinator I have the pleasure of training and educating our clinical interns on various therapy modalities, ethical practice and behavior, and many other important topics. I also coordinate ANMH’s participation in community events, connect new clients with our clinical interns, and serve as a resource for clients who need to be referred for higher levels of care, medication, or other services.
One-size-fits-all may work for socks, but it doesn’t work for therapy! Each of us are unique people that deserve individualized care, which is why my work is integrative—meaning that instead of using just one type of therapy, I use multiple types to meet the unique needs of my clients. Because of this, I frequently utilize aspects of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Art Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Internal Family Systems Therapy in my work with my clients. My work is predominantly with queer young adults, providing a safe, loving, and accepting space where they are given the unconditional support they need to explore their experiences and challenges.
Healing can be hard, and it takes time, but you are not alone in this journey!
Our Clinical Interns
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Delaney Gilfoyle, Intern Therapist
My name is Delaney (she/her), and I am an intern therapist with ACTNow for Mental Health. As a Master of Social Work (MSW) student at George Mason University, I provide evidence-based, individualized, and compassionate care to young adults. My goal is to create a safe, empathetic space where clients can process their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
I take an integrative approach to therapy, incorporating elements of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Psychodynamic Therapy to meet each client’s unique needs. Having earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Women and Gender Studies from the University of Delaware, I am especially passionate about supporting young women and LGBTQ+ people, ensuring they have access to affirming services. Everyone deserves access to a space dedicated to exploring their experience, and I’m honored to offer that space to those seeking support, growth, and healing.
My chapter with ACTNow for Mental Health will conclude on May 14th, 2025. Upon graduating from my MSW program, I’m looking forward to continuing to provide therapy to vulnerable populations to minimize gaps in access for those seeking support.
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Deonna Perry, Intern Therapist
Deonna Perry is a dedicated social work professional passionate about helping underserved communities achieve stability and self-sufficiency. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Social Work, with the goal of becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and establishing her own counseling agency. Her long-term vision includes expanding her impact through clinical social work, program development, and policy advocacy, striving for sustainable change that enhances economic and mental well-being for vulnerable populations.
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Julianne Joyce, Intern Therapist
Julianne began working at ANMH in January of 2025 and will be graduating and (reluctantly) leaving the agency in August of the same year. She obtained her undergraduate degree at Virginia Tech and is now pursuing her master’s degree in social work at Virginia Commonwealth University. In her previous internship, she worked with adult men with Substance Use Disorder to navigate finding employment, reconnecting with family and loved ones, and obtaining housing following prolonged inpatient treatment. She has a keen passion for supporting individuals who are struggling with substance use and abuse and is a strong proponent of harm reduction, as opposed to abstinence, for people struggling in these areas. In this same internship, Julianne worked with people with comorbid mental health disorders and utilized CBT, DBT, ACT, and motivational interviewing therapeutic approaches with her clients.
Julianne also volunteers for a domestic violence hotline focused on the LGBTQ+ community, where she helps survivors of domestic violence, hate speech, sexual violence, and other forms of violence and persecution, safety plan for the future, and navigate their thoughts, feelings, and emotions, during moments of extreme distress.
In therapy, Julianne believes that people who decide to begin therapy are already in an infinitely better position than they were prior to that decision. Acknowledging that there are things you want to change in your life is no small feat, but doing something about it is brave. Julianne believes every client is exceptional, and if they are willing to take the plunge with her into therapy, they will begin to see and feel that themselves.
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India Lewis Hernandez, Intern Therapist
India is a graduate intern. She is getting her Master's in Social Work from The University of Oklahoma. She received her undergraduate degree from Norfolk State University in Sociology with a minor in criminal justice. India will graduate from OU in May and will no longer be with ANMH. Before interning at ANMH she interned at another mental health agency where she worked with clients of all ages. India has interned at a harm reduction organization. She also has experience working with children and teens. After graduation she plans to continue to provide young adults therapy. She believes that the client is the expert in their life and she is there to help clients process what is happening in their lives. India is very excited about interning at ANMH. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Person-centered therapy. She believes in the therapeutic process and is happy to work with our clients.
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Dasia' Carreras-Myrick, Intern Therapist
My name is Dasia' Carreras-Myrick, and I am an intern therapist with ACTNow for Mental Health. I'm thrilled to join the ACTNOW For Mental Health team and share my passion for empowering individuals, families, and communities to thrive. As a proud alumna of Virginia State University, I hold a Bachelor's degree in Social Work, which ignited my desire to create positive change in the lives of others. Currently, I'm pursuing my Master's in Social Work at George Mason University, with a focus on becoming a school social worker and continuing to serve the mental health community.
My experience as an intensive in-home counselor has given me the privilege of working with children and adults in both therapeutic settings and virtually, allowing me to witness firsthand the transformative power of therapy. I firmly believe that therapy is a sacred space where individuals can explore, grow, and heal, and I'm committed to creating a safe, non-judgmental environment for my clients. As a future school social worker, I'm excited to incorporate modalities such as trauma-informed care, mindfulness, and cognitive-behavioral therapy to support students' social-emotional growth and academic success. My heart beats for serving marginalized populations, particularly children and families from diverse backgrounds, who often face unique challenges in accessing mental health resources. In the future, I envision myself working in schools, community centers, and private practice, using my skills to uplift and empower those who need it most. When I'm not studying or working, you can find me practicing yoga, sipping coffee, or laughing with loved ones.
I'm honored to be part of the ACTNOW For Mental Health team and look forward to collaborating with you on your journey towards healing, growth, and self-discovery.
Our Operational Team
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Lindsay Smith
Lindsay is a graduate student at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, specializing in public mental health and pursuing a certificate in Global Digital Health. She discovered ANMH through a volunteer call in Trust for America's Health newsletter and is passionate about supporting its mission to advance accessible mental health care.
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Elizabeth Larky-Savin
Elizabeth is a graduate student at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health working towards her Masters in Public Health with a focus in Health Policy. Elizabeth received her Bachelors degree from the University of Michigan College of Literature, Science, and the Arts with a double major in Philosophy and Biology, Health, & Society. She stumbled upon ANMH in a public health email newsletter and immediately connected to the work. Elizabeth is passionate about young adults’ mental wellness and ensuring equitable access to culturally responsive and inclusive health care. In her very limited free time, Elizabeth enjoys trying new coffee shops, reading, and going to the movie theater.