“Emotional pain is not something that should be hidden away and never spoken about. There is truth in your pain, there is growth in your pain, but only if it’s first brought out into the open.”
— Steven Aitchison
“Take your time healing, as long as you want. Nobody else knows what you’ve been through. How could they know how long it will take to heal you?” — Abertoli
Duckett & Charleston Psychological Associates, LLC (DCPA) is a private practice organization that provides a range of psychological services including individual, group, and family therapy, as well as psychological testing and assessment. Our staff are trained to work with individuals who present with a variety of clinical concerns including emotional, behavioral, social, and familial challenges. At DCPA, our psychologists partner with individuals to gain clarity, obtain empowerment, and access healing within a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment.
Dr. Joy A. Duckett is a clinical psychologist who earned her degree from Chestnut Hill College in 2011. She specializes in the assessment and treatment of behavioral issues, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, and emotional issues, including depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Dr. Duckett also has experience in providing drug and alcohol counseling, marriage and family therapy, premarital counseling, and group therapy. She utilizes cognitive behavioral techniques to promote changes in her clients’ maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors. As a trained family therapist, however, she also considers the ways in which families and other systems impact the individuals with whom she works. Although much of her work with clients is considered “present-centered”, Dr. Duckett understands that, oftentimes, individuals’ current struggles are rooted in unresolved issues from earlier stages of life. As such, she supports her clients in gaining awareness of such issues -and the recurring patterns that have developed because of them- to help them see the ways in which they can avoid further distress. Finally, Dr. Duckett, considers the therapeutic relationship as central to her work with clients, and she believes that it is through this alliance that self-exploration is encouraged, insight is gained, and positive change occurs.
Dr. Robin J. Charleston is a family psychologist who graduated from Seton Hall University in 2009. She has over 15 years experience providing individual, group, and family therapy to adolescents and their families in a variety of mental health settings including residential treatment centers, outpatient agencies, and a partial hospital program. Dr. Charleston specializes in the treatment of emotional and behavioral issues that include, oppositional-defiant disorder, conduct disorder, depression, anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, as well as a range of other disorders that undermine individuals' functioning. She works primarily from family systems and cognitive-behavioral theoretical frameworks. Consistent with a family systems perspective, Dr. Charleston believes that many of the problems with which individuals present originate in their families of origins. As such, much of the therapy time is utilized exploring family dynamics, early childhood experiences, and the ways in which these have contributed to an individual's current functioning. Prior to her transition into private practice full-time, she worked for eight years with adolescent boys who experienced a range of emotional and behavioral disturbances. In addition to her private practice work, she consults with an agency providing psychological evaluations to children, adolescents, and adults in the Philadelphia metropolitan area.
Deserie Thomas, LCSW-MSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker delivering over 20 years of experience working with a variety of clientele. As a clinician, she strives to create a safe space for clients to share and grow. Her experience includes counseling with children and families in the areas of mental health, and adolescents with behavior challenges, including student counseling (K-12), as well as counseling in private practice. Additionally, her personal experience includes working with clients who struggle to resolve trauma, grief/loss, relationship issues, substance abuse, anxiety and depression. Deserie believes that building a strong client/therapist relationship is vital, so as to engage clients as they work towards reaching wellness goals. Modalities often used are CBT, Solution Focused Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Integrative Therapy, all of which encourage and empower clients to utilize their own strengths to reach effective changes in their own lives.
Amanda Coinbert - Office Manager
1.
Individual
Psychotherapy
We offer individual therapy to address a range of challenges that include, but are not limited to, anxiety, depression, stress, anger, adjustment concerns, relationship stressors, and loss and grief.
2.
Couples & Family
Therapy
We offer support to couples and families struggling with issues including, but not limited to, communication, conflict-resolution, and relationship building.
3.
Group
Therapy
Group therapy is often a good option as it provides a sense of community within which various issues can be processed. Topics are determined based on the needs of our clients.
4.
Evaluations and Assessment
Our psychologists conduct a range of evaluations and assessments to determine emotional functioning, treatment needs, and suitability for employment as a police officer.
Getting Started
If you would like to make an appointment, please contact our office at (609) 251-6947 to speak with our office manager. Please have your insurance information available.
We accept the following insurances:
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Aetna
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AmeriHealth
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Highmark
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Horizon Blue Cross/Blue Shield
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Independence Blue Cross/Blue Shield
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Magellan
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Medicaid
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United Healthcare
There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t. — John Green
Hours of Operation:
Monday: 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Thursday: 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.