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

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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

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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

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tom koutsoumpas, jr.

CEO of the National Partnership for Hospice and Healthcare Innovation

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Stephen Reese

President and CEO of the Health Education Network

Our Clinical Team

  • Stella Campbell, MSW, QMHP, Assistant Clinical Director

    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!

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • 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. 

  • Sharon Looney

    Sharon Looney

    I’m Sharon! As a Supervisee in Social Work (SISW) Resident in Virginia, I collaborate with my clients to promote healing in a safe and affirming space. I provide treatment for anxiety and panic disorder, depression, neurodivergence including OCD, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and PTSD/trauma; I also provide care for major life stressors including domestic and relationship issues, gender dysphoria, and grief, among other concerns.

    I completed my Bachelor of Arts in psychology and sociology at Emory & Henry College (now University) in 2019. In 2024, I completed my Master of Social Work (MSW) at Virginia Commonwealth University and worked as a clinical intern with ANMH. I have experience conducting care in different settings including telehealth, in-home outpatient, and center-based care providing behavioral health interventions, crisis stabilization, case management, and individual psychotherapy. Because I’ve worn so many hats, my preferred approach is eclectic, incorporating techniques from dialectic behavioral therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, somatic experiencing, and other evidence-based practices to create a personalized experience.

    Beginning therapy may not be the first step in your healing journey, but it will ensure you don’t have to walk the next part alone. I look forward to seeing how I can be a part of your recovery.

Our Clinical Interns

  • Kenyanna Haggans

    Kenyanna Haggans

    Kenyanna is originally from Raleigh, North Carolina and relocated to Northern Virginia in 2021. She earned her bachelors degree in Psychology in December 2023 from Liberty University and is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work at George Mason University. In January 2025, Kenyanna became a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) in Virginia and serves as a Behavioral Health Specialist with Arlington County. As an African American woman and member of the LGBTQ+ community, Kenyanna brings both lived experience and professional dedication to her work. She has a heartfelt passion for advocating for marginalized groups and is committed to creating inclusive spaces where all individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered. Through her role at ANMH, Kenyanna aspires to continue helping people navigate their mental well-being with compassion and care.

  • Abby Barb

    Abby Barb

    My name is Abby Barb and I am currently working towards my Masters in Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University. I began working with ANMH as an intern therapist in May 2025 and love being part of a nonprofit for such a diverse range of clients. I currently run the Dialectical Behavioral Therapy group at ANMH and encourage any interested people to participate.

    I have an extreme passion for mental health care and want to participate in the advancement of the field and combat societal stigmatization of mental illness. I believe we can improve the education of mental health professionals, ensure the availability of mental health services for all, and cultivate widespread awareness and acceptance of mental health issues.

    In the past, I’ve worked with the aging adult population, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and people struggling with addiction. Further, I’ve volunteered as a call center listener for my local crisis hotline for several years. I adore working with marginalized populations particularly those who struggle with misunderstood diagnoses, neurodivergence, eating disorders, addiction, and other mental illnesses. To meet my clients where they are at, my therapeutic approach is integrated, meaning that I borrow from numerous therapeutic modalities. More specifically, I have an affinity for person-centered and strengths-based approaches.

  • Morgan Parker

    Morgan Parker

    Morgan grew up in New York and moved to Virginia in 2020 to attend George Mason University. She earned her Bachelor of Art in psychology with a concentration in forensic psychology and double minored in social work and American Sign Language. She is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work at the same university and hopes to specialize in trauma and recovery once completing her degree. Morgan has experience working as a Registered Behavioral Technician with young children on the autism spectrum. She has also worked on Mason’s campus at Disability Services, focusing on students with executive dysfunction. At ANMH, Morgan plans to combine her lived experience as a Black American LGBTQ+ woman and professional experience to connect and work with diverse clients.

    “The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction not a destination.”-Carl Rogers 

Our Operational Team

  • Elizabeth

    Elizabeth Larky-Savin

    Elizabeth is passionate about young adults’ mental wellness and ensuring equitable access to culturally responsive and inclusive health care. She believes that the design of physical, administrative, and political environments significantly impact an individual’s ability to invest in and achieve their optimal health.

    Elizabeth obtained her Master of Public Health from The George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health with a concentration on Health Policy. She earned her Bachelor of Science with a double major in Biology, Health, & Society and Philosophy from the University of Michigan College of Literature, Science, and the Arts.

  • Andrew Spicer

    Andrew Spicer

    Andrew Spicer is a health policy professional with several years of experience in federal and state health policy, qualitative and quantitative research, and health system transformation. He is dedicated to using health policy innovation to drive equity in the Medicaid program, and to make health care more accessible to those who need it most.

    Andrew holds a Master of Public Policy and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy, both from Michigan State University.

  • Lindsay

    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.

  • Shelby

    Shelby is a public health practitioner located in Kansas. She is passionate about improving access to mental health services after she was diagnosed with PTSD in 2020. Shelby has a Masters degree in Public Administration and a certificate in Public Health Policy and Management, both from the University of Kansas.

CONTACT US

Our day to day team

Tom koutsoumpas III.
director of external engagement
tomkoutsoumpas@anmh.info

Joyce montgomery, LCSW, LICSW, LCSW-C
Director of clinical services
joyce@anmh.info

stella campbell, msw, QMHP
Assistant Clinical Director
stella@anmh.info