The Center For Focused Care offers therapy services through an eclectic team of psychologists, social workers, and licensed professional counselors. Our experienced therapists bring a wealth of expertise in mental health, and they’re dedicated to helping a diverse range of patient populations thrive
Melanie Dunbar, Ph.D., LPC
Melanie Dunbar is a licensed psychologist and licensed professional counselor with over 21 years of experience in the mental health field. She obtained her B.A. in Psychology from Gannon University, MS in Clinical Psychology from Edinboro University, and Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Gannon University.
Dr. Dunbar has worked in community, school, and family-based intervention, community mental health, and private practice with all age groups. Her areas of specialty and training have been personality disorders (particularly Dialectical Behavior Therapy), anxiety disorders, trauma and grief as well as psychological assessment.
She is heavily involved with Animal-Assisted Interventions. Dr. Dunbar and her mixed breed dog Casimir are a therapy team for Alliance of Therapy Dogs and she is also a Tester/Observer. They are also a certified Animal-Assisted Crisis Response Team with HOPE Animal-Assisted Crisis Response. She also has a baby Border Collie girl named Kaja who competes in Disc Dogs (with Erie Ultimate Disc Dogs) and is also involved in trick training, scentwork, and rally obedience.
Dr. Dunbar accepts Highmark, Aetna and UPMC insurance.
Richard Sekula, Ph.D.
Dr. Sekula is a PA-licensed psychologist who holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. He has worked in the field for over 30 years, primarily conducting psychological and neuropsychological assessments of children, adolescents, adults, and senior citizens. He also conducts lethal weapons and pre-bariatric surgery psychological examinations. Dr. Sekula is a member of the Pennsylvania Psychological Association. He relaxes by playing the trumpet, listening to jazz and classical music, and reading mystery books.
Nicole Fesmire, LCSW
Nicole is a licensed clinical social worker who has been partnering with people to help them achieve their best selves since 2005.
The decision to start therapy is one that is very personal. By making that phone call, you are saying that you want to change something in your life. Change can be scary. However, it can also be empowering. She believes that we are the only ones who are fully aware of the things in our lives that need to be different. Together, she partners with her clients to work to achieve their goals.
As a therapist she utilizes a variety of treatment techniques that are customize for each individual or family including: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), cognitive processing therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (approved provider cptforptsd.com), mindfulness, and family therapy.
In particular, Nicole has a wealth of experience and interest in addressing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, mood disorders, life adjustments, and parenting skills. She currently works with both adolescents and adults.
Julie Mannarino, LCSW
Julie is a licensed clinical social worker with 13 years of experience in assisting people with mental wellness needs. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Edinboro University and then completed her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Edinboro University in 2013.
Since 2017 she has been a practicing licensed clinical social worker. Julie provided case management services to geriatrics, children, adults, and families in a hospital setting as a mental health social worker. She has also provided one-on-one and group therapy at a crisis residential unit, served on multiple interdisciplinary teams, and supervised other social workers in the mental health field.
At the Center For Focused Care, she serves as the intake coordinator for TMS, is a certified TMS technician, and also provides therapy services. She believes in the power of the therapeutic relationship and values the importance of building rapport with clients.
As a therapist Julie strives to support her clients based on their individual treatment needs and goals. I like to focus on a real life approach to develop goals and interventions strategies that will best meet the needs of the individual, including motivational interviewing, the person-centered approach, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and psychoanalytical approaches.
Julie enjoys traveling, warm weather, and being outdoors especially on the beach. If you are seeking more information on the specialized treatment options that we currently offer, don’t hesitate to call and ask for Julie!
Tina Cardot, LPC, NCC
Making a decision to start therapy can cause mixed emotions. You may feel some relief about making a decision to change things that aren’t working in your life. Likewise, you may feel overwhelmed with the journey before you and wondering about how the process will go. Since 2005, Tina has been both; a licensed professional counselor and board-certified in counseling. She understands how to work through those feelings and thoughts that may be getting in your way. First, it’s necessary to know that you are the most important instrument for your wellness. Secondly, she uses an eclectic approach that encompasses techniques that are individualized for you and your concerns.
Tina has extensive experience helping individuals and families, addressing a wide range of issues including: depression, anxiety, trauma, poor self-concept, stress management, parenting skills, and grief/loss. She uses a wide range of therapeutic orientations including: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution focused brief therapy, trauma focused therapy, attachment parenting, and cognitive processing therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (approved provider cptforptsd.com).
She strongly believes that people can solve their own problems when they are able to talk about them and organize their thoughts in a supportive environment. Tina also knows that people can feel stuck at times and that is when she teaches therapeutic approaches for continued movement in treatment.
Erie's premier psychiatric clinic offering progressive treatment options, and compassionate care, in a comfortable environment.
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