Clinical Staff

Dr. Akpan is a highly skilled and dynamic psychotherapist dedicated to providing exceptional professional care for children, adolescents, and adults experiencing mental health disorders, addiction disorders, and marriage and family discords. Demonstrate track records of success working with diverse populations with unparalleled graduate training emphasis on family systems, psychodynamic theories, and addiction treatment programs. An effective motivator, communicator, advocate and a defender of those who are spiritually abused. He is driven and commissioned to helping emotionally wounded people.

CORE COMPETENCES

• Mental Health Psychotherapist
• Addiction Specialist
• Relationship Builder
• Group Facilitator
• Grief/Bereavement Therapist
• S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Evaluation
• Christian/Pastoral Counseling

FORMAL TRAINING & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Julia is the Executive Director for MTOCC, and a Clinical Supervisor for substance abuse treatment. She earned her MBA degree in Global Management & Marketing from Centenary College, and MA in Human Service from Liberty University. She is a Licensed Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor, and a Certified Clinical Supervisor approved by the Alcohol & Drug Counselor Committee in the state of New Jersey. Julia espouses evidence-based and holistic (biopsychosocial) concept in her practice. Her philosophy is rooted in the belief that all people have an inherent ability to heal. She has helped people understand that they are not alone and that there is hope in any of life’s challenges, which is approached with compassion, empathy and encouragement.

In addition to her work at MTOCC, she is an Adjunct Professor who teaches Information System Management and Organization Business Management at both undergraduate and graduate levels at various colleges. She prides herself in her ability to propel, impact and empower individuals who are eager to learn “Climbing Toward a Better Tomorrow”.

Do you need Clinical supervision in order to get your CADC or LCAD? Her objective is to provide qualitative, warm and supportive supervision, and/or professional development sessions to both individual and group. She offers consultation for both oral and written examinations in compliance with the requirements of the certified Board.

Kathleen Kohaut is a graduate from the University of South Dakota with a BS in Addiction Studies. She is currently pursuing her CADC at MTOCC.

Kathleen has passion for the client’s welfare and uses a Client Centered Approach incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and faith-based treatment approaches. Kathleen’s desire is to create a safe nurturing atmosphere in which individuals can be supported in their efforts to engage and grow on their journey towards healing and wholeness.

Joanna D’Agosta, LCSW-earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh and her Masters of Social Work degree from Syracuse University. She also completed requirements to earn her New Jersey State certification as a School Social Worker and her New Jersey License in Clinical Social Work. She has performed out-patient psychotherapy, in-community crisis intervention, case management and administrative responsibilities.  For nearly 20 years, Mrs. D’Agosta has worked diligently with adults, adolescents, children and their families creating measurable treatment goals, coordinating appropriate service linkages and collaborating with essential mental health team members to facilitate consumers’ successful outcomes. Areas of therapeutic specialty include largely cognitive behavioral strategies to help treat depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, grief/loss, domestic violence/abuse and various interpersonal and behavioral conflicts.

Dr. Wassef is specialized in addiction psychiatry, skilled board-certified psychiatrist, particularly interested in the mind-body connection and utilizing a creative and cooperative pathway to wellness. While providing an expert opinion, Dr. Wassef very much is interested in working together with you. So, in a caring fashion, a careful assessment of your symptoms is conducted, including a full medical history, to then devise a treatment plan. Dr. Wassef is available either as a sole provider for mental health issues or as a compliment to your already existing psychotherapy or counseling.

Special areas of experience and interest are addiction psychiatry, depression, anxiety, adult ADD, PTSD, relationships, and stress management. Dr. Wassef has lived in various metropolitan cities providing a unique exposure and understanding of diverse cultural backgrounds and religions.

Dr. Wassef has over 15 years’ experience in addiction medicine and is certified as an addiction psychiatrist by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN). He also has the distinction of being a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Dr. Wassef had his Psychiatry training at Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN and his addiction psychiatry training at the University of Pennsylvania. That allowed him to offer his patients the opportunity to try new and effective medications and leading edge clinical care.

He served as medical director of several programs, including an acute inpatient psychiatry unit and medical detox unit at Christ Hospital, Jersey City. He serves the medical director for MTOCC.

Ms. Anderson graduated from Midwestern University – Glendale as a physician assistant where she completed 3/10 rotations in psychiatry.  In addition to obtaining her physician assistant training she also received her master’s of medical science with a focus in bioethics.  After graduation Ms. Anderson went to work in psychiatry, helping to assist in the opening of Oasis Behavioral Health in Chandler, Arizona.  Oasis received the full JCAHO certification within 3 months of opening and Ms. Anderson assisted in medical director duties as her supervising physician was the medical director of the facility.  While opening the hospital, Ms. Anderson trained students, staff, and incoming residents as well as served on the Quality Council, Medical Records Committee, Credentialing committee, and Committee on Medical Services.  Since moving to New Jersey, Ms. Anderson has been working with Care First Medical Group in psychiatry.  Ms. Anderson has been trained in adolescent, adult, and geriatric psychiatry as well as has certifications for co-occuring disorders (substance abuse and mental health).  She is currently in the process of obtaining her certificate of added qualification in psychiatry.  Ms. Anderson specializes in treating depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, as well as substance abuse disorders.  At Mount Olive, Ms. Anderson performs psychiatric evaluations and follow ups as well as medication management services.  She works in conjunction with the therapy staff to ensure patients are receiving cohesive treatment while under the care of Mount Olive. Counseling & Clinic.