Psychologists

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Dr. Louis Mateus, Psy.D.
Dr. Louis Mateus, Psy.D.

  • Philosophy: Dr. Mateus believes that the aim of therapy is to assist patients to feel better and to be empowered with increased awareness of themselves and their life situation. This leads to the gaining of skills which can lead result in a more satisfying life. Dr. Louis Mateus’ style of therapy is person centered and draws from evidence-based treatments: Cognitive Therapy, Rational Emotive Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Psychodynamic and Family Systems Orientations.
  • Education and Training: Dr. Louis Mateus’ clinical background includes training and work experience conducting psychotherapy, evaluations and psychological testing in inpatient and outpatient settings (including both clinical and forensic settings), and involving diverse clinical populations from adolescents to older adults.  He has treated patients with severe and persistent mentally illness, anxiety and depressive disorders, adult survivors of prolonged childhood abuse and survivors of single incident trauma, patients dealing with grief/bereavement, recovering from substance abuse, and those with behavioral problems.  He has also treated couples and conducted family therapy.
  • Clinical Areas of Expertise: Dr. Louis Mateus’ interests and specialties are: treating adults and adolescents (starting at age 13) dealing with depression and anxiety disorders, trauma (abuse and single incident), anger, grief, relationship difficulties, the impact of family of origin relationships in patients’ current functioning and how to overcome them, adjustment difficulties during life transitions across the life span, managing symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and alcohol abuse appropriate for an outpatient setting.  He does some couples and family therapy.  He does psychological evaluations to clarify diagnosis, inform course of treatment, and assist in setting up accommodations in education and work settings.  In addition, Dr. Mateus is of Portuguese background and speaks fluent Portuguese. He is interested in conducting therapy in both Portuguese and English with patients from diverse Portuguese speaking backgrounds.
  • Services offered: Dr. Mateus provides individual, couples, and family psychotherapy. He does psychological evaluations to clarify diagnosis, inform course of treatment, and to assist in setting up accommodations in education and work settings when and where indicated. Dr. Mateus sees adults and adolescents starting at age 13.
  • Favorite quote: "I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow. I learn by going where I have to go." - Theodore Roethke
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Dr. Karena Wilson-Plater, Psy.D.
Dr. Karena Wilson-Plater, Psy.D.

  • Philosophy: Every client is a unique individual. Dr. Wilson-Plater believes in creating a safe and nurturing environment where individuals can feel safe to explore their unique challenges. She also believes in empowering individuals to recognize their strengths in order to take control over their lives and to achieve personal growth. Dr. Wilson-Plater utilizes an integrative therapeutic approach incorporating strategies and techniques from various theoretical orientations to fit the client’s individual needs.
  • Education and Training: Dr. Wilson-Plater is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. She received her doctorate and master's degrees in Clinical Psychology from the American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University in Washington, DC. She completed training at a children’s trauma center, a state psychiatric hospital, a community mental health center, and a correctional facility. Dr. Wilson-Plater also has experience completing diagnostic assessments and developing behavior intervention plans for those with developmental, psychological, and intellectual disabilities. She is trained in the use of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and is passionate about working with victims of trauma. In addition to her role at DCBHS, she serves as a psychologist with DC Public Charter Schools. Dr. Wilson-Plater also teaches courses in Theories, Assessment, and Diagnosis & Treatment at one of the local universities.
  • Clinical Areas of Expertise: Dr. Wilson-Plater has extensive experience providing clinical services to children, adolescents, adults, and families. She specializes in psychological evaluations and testing, behavioral problems, trauma, marital problems & family discord, depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. She utilizes various therapeutic approaches to include psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, family systems, play therapy, EMDR, trauma-focused therapy, and dialectical-behavior therapy.
  • Services offered: Dr. Wilson-Plater conducts comprehensive psychological evaluations and testing for children, adolescents, and adults to clarify diagnosis, facilitate treatment, and aid in the development of treatment recommendations. She also provides individual and family therapy to children, adolescents, and adults.