Dr. Erene Soliman

Dr. Erene Soliman graduated from the Adler School of Professional Psychology in 2007 and has been a Licensed Psychologist since 2009. She has experience in treating a wide variety of mental health disorders. She is culturally well rounded and works with many minorities as she knows that culture plays a major role in coping. She utilizes the ADDRESSING framework by Pamela Hays to conceptualize and treat her clients. She is committed to addressing the systemic barriers that prevent different racial and minority groups from seeking out help. She is also an ally and advocate for sexual minority groups. She believes in the process of change and will help guide her clients to move in a positive direction.

Dr. Soliman has received her Postpartum Support International Certificate Training in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder with hopes to help this particular population with managing symptoms. In addition to her Postpartum Support Certificate, she is also a member of Postpartum Support International (PSI) and a Co-Chair for the Maternal Wellness Coalition of Fresno County. Her passion is to help support our mothers, fathers, partners, and children to function adaptively in a socially purposeful way.

She also conducts psychological testing to help with treatment planning and to provide additional support within an academic or occupational setting. She is also a qualified Peace Officer Psychological Screening Psychologist that can complete appeal evaluations for local and federal law enforcement agencies.

Clinical Supervisors

Dr. Luz Vargas

Dr. Vargas assists as a clinical supervisor at Dr. Soliman's Psychological Practice. She understands that seeking psychological treatment can be a difficult and intimidating process so she utilizes a welcoming and collaborative approach with clients she works with and guides her supervisees to do the same. Her goal is to help each client feel relief through learning about themselves, gaining useful coping skills, and finding their most authentic self even during difficult life situations.

Dr. Vargas is a bilingual (Spanish) psychologist that provides therapy to children and adults at a community health center. She utilizes cognitive behavioral interventions, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness approaches to treatment. She is also adjunct professor of psychology at Reedley College. Her interests include bridging the gap between minorities and access to mental health care and as such focuses on diversity and cultural factors that can limit or improve progress in treatment.

Dr. Vargas has prior experience working in the forensic field including prisons, juvenile detention centers, probation office, county jails, and court mandated programs. She previously held a position as suicide prevention specialist and training coordinator at a state prison where she provided weekly classes and trainings to custody, medical, administrative, and mental health staff. This is where she learned how much she enjoyed teaching and started supervising practicum students and is happy to continue supervising interns, practicum students, and psychological assistants at Dr. Soliman’s practice.

Dr. Maria Stevens

Fresno native, Dr. Maria Stevens has been working in mental health and social services for the past sixteen years. A graduate from California State University, Fresno and California School of Professional Psychology, she has a prominent education in the behavioral sciences. This includes earning two masters degrees in the disciplines of social work and clinical psychology, and a doctorate in clinical psychology. Dr. Stevens carries this breadth of knowledge into her work and strives to remain a life long learner to better serve her clients.

Dr. Stevens has wealth of experience working with individual clients and groups, in a variety of settings including inpatient hospitals and outpatient, community based mental health. Her current practice is primarily focused on providing individual psychotherapy to a wide variety of clientele.

Areas of specialized practice include integrated treatment of complex trauma with adolescents and adults, treatment for substance use and behavioral addictions, treatment of bipolar and psychotic disorders, and cognitive behavioral treatment for anxiety and depressive disorders.

She has special interest and expertise in the area of psychotherapy with adolescents/teens, young adults, women, persons of color, and those who identify as LGBTQ.

*Supervisors do not see clients and are only responsible for supervision of clinicians*

Mental Health Clinicians

Dr. Alexandra Addo-Boateng

Tiffany Richards

Tia Hartsock

Roger Zaldivar, AMFT #117086

Roger Zaldivar is currently an associate in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) and is a student at Alliant International University-Fresno working towards his doctoral degree in clinical psychology at the California School of Professional Psychology. He is currently under the direct supervision of Dr. Luz Vargas. Roger has experience working with multicultural issues and working with clients from their cultural perspectives. He has worked with individuals affected by anxiety, depression, substance abuse, anger management, trauma, adjustment issues, and grief/loss. Roger is bilingual (Spanish) and has also worked with adolescents and families. He utilizes a systems-based approach to therapy and utilizing collaboration to build a foundation of trust and respect and improve functioning.

Jonisha Damon

Jonisha completed her Bachelors at California State University, Fresno in Sociology with emphasis on working with At-Risk youth. She is currently completing her last semester of her Masters in Science in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling at California State University, Fresno with the goal of becoming a Professional Clinical Counselor. She utilizes Person-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Adlerian, Motivational Interviewing, and Strength-Based Therapy. She believes cultural humility is important when understanding clients from diverse backgrounds. Jonisha also believes in strong collaborative relationships that assist clients in recognizing their value and potential. She has a passion for working with diverse populations and equipping clients with community resources that assist them in being self-sustaining.

Carina L. Rodriguez

Carina L. Rodriguez is a Professional Clinical Counselor Intern and works under the direct supervision of Dr. Soliman. Carina retrieved her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from California State University, Fresno in 2018. She is currently completing her Master of Science degree in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling at California State University, Fresno. Carina has experience in working with an array of clients, from children to the elderly, with intellectual, physical, and behavioral disabilities as well as mental health, dual diagnosis, and crisis. Carina believes in meeting clients’ where they are, with an empathic and patient approach. Carina believes in an eclectic approach to suit the clients’ therapeutic needs and will use varied methods and theories, such as Person-Centered Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Art Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Adlerian Therapy, and Existential Therapy.

Mona Afshar

Mona's experience working at various clinical forensic practices have afforded her the opportunity to develop extensive therapeutic skills and expand on personal attributes vital to the therapeutic process. She has over five years of experience in individual and family counseling and forensics from her origin country, Iran. Her previous experience has enabled her to assist at-risk youth through individual, family, and group counseling. In addition, her experience has helped to develop skills in objectivity, setting proper boundaries, treating personality disorders, and motivational interviewing. As an immigrant student, cultural and diversity factors have stayed important to Mona. In this regard, she has become more competent in helping people with diverse cultural backgrounds, especially underserved populations. She is interested in working with multicultural clients and helping them to learn to manage their anxiety, depression, anger, stress, and substance abuse issues.

Office Administration

Luis Garibay

Joselyn Gonzalez

Luis is serving as the Administrative Lead and is enthusiastic to support his team in anyway he can. He graduated from California State University, Fresno with his Bachelor's degree in Psychology. Luis has a passion for helping the people in his community and making a positive impact for Fresno. He hopes that mental health can be made more accessible to those in need. He plans on pursuing a master's in counseling to become a school counselor. His interests include music, animals, and being outdoors. Se habla espanol!

Specialization

We specialize in a variety of services including but not limited to the following:

* Anxiety * Depression

* Coping Skills * Parenting

* Anger Management * Behavioral Issues

* Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders * Racial Identity

* Sexual Identity * Sleep Disruptions

* Relationship Issues * Career Counseling

* Chronic Pain * Self-esteem

* Domestic Violence * Grief

* PTSD * EMDR

* Chronic Medical Concerns * Suicidal Ideation

Dr. Alexandra Addo-Boateng has received her doctoral degree in Education Counseling Psychology, a Masters in Marriage-Family Counseling, and a B.A. in Business Management. She serves as an adjunct psychology professor at Fresno Pacific University, a board member at Neighborhood Industries, a local social enterprise; as well as, the Board President of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Fresno-Madera County.

Over the past seven years, Dr. Alexandra Addo-Boateng has provided clinical individual and couples therapy addressing perinatal and paternal wellness, preterm birth, traumatic birthing experiences, and adverse childhood trauma that resurfaced during the perinatal phase of parenthood. Also, Dr. Addo-Boateng serves on the Fresno County Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors (LOSS) team, offering grief support services to families and friends after a suicide loss.

Dr. Addo-Boateng serves on four patient-driven projects at California Health Collaborative; thus, encompassing complex case management and perinatal mental health. As the Director of Perinatal Mental Health Services, Dr. Addo-Boateng's area of expertise is educating community providers and leaders on the multigenerational impact of perinatal mental health disparities, social and cultural implications, diagnosis, and treatment, in addition to program development. At California Health Collaborative, Dr. Addo-Boateng continues to focus on systems change; therefore, closing the gaps in maternal, paternal, and infant mental health.

Dr. Addo-Boateng also oversees maternal mental wellness coalitions throughout the Central Valley and a statewide collaborative, the Maternal Wellness Collaborative of California. As a result of these partnerships, Dr. Addo-Boateng took part in developing universal wellness screening protocols for perinatal women within obstetrician and pediatrician offices, hospitals; and, community-based organizations, and first responders that interface with moms, babies, and families.

Dr. Addo-Boateng believes that addressing childhood trauma and mental wellness among parents and families is a multi-pronged approach, and when done well, the children within the community will benefit substantially.

Tiffany Richards is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (#13623) and works under the direct supervision of Dr. Erene Soliman. She received her Bachelor of Arts from University of California, Berkeley as a double major in Political Science and Cultural/Psychological Anthropology. She received her Masters in Science in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling at California State University, Fresno. She believes in an eclectic integrative approach to fit the client’s needs and employs methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Strength Based Therapy, Existential Theory, and Gestalt. Because of her educational background, Tiffany has a natural appreciation for diversity and an understanding of how systems impact clients. She has experience working with a range of age groups and diverse populations including couples, families, immigrants, persons with disabilities (i.e. autism, intellectual/learning, physical, etc.), intensive outpatient programs, and LGBT+ to name a few. Tiffany believes the key to transformative therapy is collaboration, honesty, and actively working toward productive outcomes.

Tia Hartsock is an Associate Practicing Clinical Counselor and works under the direct supervision of Dr. Maria Stevens. She received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from California State University, Fresno and Her Master's in Clinical Psychology from Capella University. She has experience working with individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and has a strong desire to work with individuals experiencing hardships in their day-to-day lives. She believes real change comes from hard work and determination and she aims to meet the client at whatever stage they may be at to help facilitate successful healing and ascertain positive change.

Joselyn is currently attending California State University, Fresno pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and intends on pursing a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. Her interests include volunteering in her community, outdoor activities, and creative design and art. She is also bilingual.

Hablo inglés y español!

Mary Tisdale

Mary has over twelve years experience as an administrator and is currently working toward her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology at Regent University. She joined the U.S. Navy after graduating high school and proudly served for eight years. Mary has the desire to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She enjoys taking trips with her family and can be found watching crime dramas in her spare time.

Shoua Lee

Shoua Lee is currently in the Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling program at Fresno State in hopes of becoming a mental health counselor. She is passionate about serving others and believes that the power of collective healing in marginalized communities can change the world. Her background is in leadership where she has spent her career helping others reach their potential. Also, as a mother of 2 beautiful children, she spends her free time laughing and dancing with her babies and reads when she can. Currently, she serves as our Hmong interpreter and helps us cultivate an inclusive environment where all our clients can feel seen, heard, and valued.

Dr. Erene Soliman's Psych​ological Practice