Get To Know Our Mental Health Care Providers
Medication Management Providers
Krishnaswamy Gajaraj, M.D. – Medical Director
M.B.B.S. (India), M.D. (USA), D.P.M. (Diploma in Psychological Medicine, University of West Indies), Medical Director at Starr Psychiatric Center (Brockton, MA), Medical Director at Arbor HRI Hospital (Brookline, MA)
- More than 45 years of psychiatric experience
- Worked in Barbados, Jamaica, Bahamas, and India
- Specializing in:
- Adult Psychiatry
- Geriatric Psychiatry
- All Forms of Major Mental Illness (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance abuse, and opioid maintenance treatment).
Offering in-person visits – new patients are seen within two to three weeks.
Syed Jafery, M.D.
Dr. Syed Jafery attended Medical School at Army Medical College, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Completed internship and residency training in psychiatry at Harvard South Shore Psychiatry Residency Program out of the VA Boston Healthcare System.
He is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Jafery has been active primarily in the realm of community-based psychiatry in Brockton and adjacent communities.
He has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings and has been a consultant psychiatrist at community hospitals and ERs in Southeastern MA.
Offering telehealth visits only.
Telehealth Link: https://doxy.me/drjafery
Claire DiIlio, N.P.
As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental-Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), I provide psychiatric evaluations and medication management to individuals across the lifespan.
I graduated from the MGH Institute of Health Professions with a BS in Nursing in 2015 and, after gaining experience as a registered nurse, attained a master's from Northeastern University in 2020.
I have been practicing with Starr Psychiatric Center since September 2020, where I continue to provide comprehensive care with the goal of optimizing my clients' mental health and helping them achieve their highest potential.
By combining evidence-based practice with a patient-centered focus, I aim to create a supportive and judgment-free space for those seeking mental health treatment and guidance.
Offering telehealth visits only.
Telehealth Link: https://doxy.me/clairepmhnp
Lorraine “Lori” Taylor, N.P.
My goal as a PMHNP-BC, or board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, is as it was the many years I worked as a registered nurse in rehab and long-term care: to help people to live to the very best of their ability, no matter their circumstances.
I have been an RN since 1998, and a PMHNP since graduating from Regis College in 2021. I enjoy talking with people about their lives and challenges and helping decrease distress, regardless of diagnosis.
Despite most of my experience being with older generations, I am comfortable with all ages.
Offering both in-person and telehealth visits.
Telehealth Link: https://doxy.me/Loritaylornp
Onyinye Osuagwu, NP
I am Onyinye Osuagwu, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I have extensive experience working as a nurse in multiple settings.
I found my passion for mental health early in my nursing career. A few years ago, I made providing mental healthcare one of my life's missions and decided to advance my career by obtaining a master's degree in nursing.
I obtained my Bachelor's degree in Nursing at the University of Massachusetts Boston and my Master's Degree at Regis College of Nursing. My goal is to provide client-centered, conscientious, and holistic care to my patients.
I serve the adult population (age 18 and above) by providing evidence-based and patient-centered care that addresses each patient's individual needs. My approach to care is through kindness, empathy, collaboration, and being forthright with each patient.
An initial assessment with me will include a comprehensive assessment of current symptoms and a review of your history from a non-judgmental lens. You can expect to feel safe. We will work together to create a personalized plan that would best suit your individual needs.
Offering both in-person and telehealth visits.
Telehealth Link: https://doxy.me/Onyinyenp
Alcina Corbett, NP
I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I specialize in providing psychological assessments medication services to Adults with mental health conditions and substance use disorders.
I enjoy working with patients to improve their overall mental health. I believe that when we improve mental health, we improve our physical health as well. My education includes an Associate’s Degree in Nursing from Massasoit Community College and a Master in Science of Nursing from Regis College.
I worked in different roles as an RN before obtaining the Nurse Practitioner license. My passion for improving mental health led me to working with many people with different mental health needs. I strive to provide individualized care in a setting that is therapeutic and person centered.
Offering both in-person and telehealth visits.
Telehealth Link: https://doxy.me/corbettnp
Nnemeka Okpala, NP
I am Nnemeka Okpala, a compassionate and dedicated Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, driven by my profound desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals struggling with mental health challenges.
With over a decade of experience in Psych in various capacity, my work is marked by a genuine commitment to providing high-quality care within a nurturing, collaborative, and judgment-free atmosphere for my Clients. Throughout my career, I've focused on assisting individuals dealing with a wide range of psychiatric issues, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, and various other mental health disorders.
My journey has taken me through diverse roles within esteemed healthcare institutions, and various outpatient clinics. My dedication to improving the mental well-being of my clients is not just a profession; it's a calling that I wholeheartedly embrace.
My approach to mental health care is holistic and patient-centered, grounded in empathy and collaboration. This approach has allowed me to positively impact countless lives, and I am truly passionate about making a difference.
Offering both in-person and telehealth visits.
Telehealth Link: https://doxy.me/okpalanp
Temitope Obasekola, NP
I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, recognized for my compassionate and patient-centered approach. With over a decade of experience in behavioral health, I specialize in psychiatric services, particularly in inpatient adult psychiatry. I hold a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Regis College and a Bachelor of Science in Statistics from Olabisi Onabanjo University. My combined background in nursing and statistics enables me to deliver a holistic care strategy. Additionally, my extensive clinical experience and positions at various institutions, including Boston Medical Center and various inpatient settings, have enriched my skills and knowledge. This diverse experience has driven my versatility and commitment to improving the lives of my patients in a holistic manner.
Offering telehealth visits only.
Telehealth Link: https://doxy.me/v2/check-in/temitopeobasekolanp/
Therapy Providers
Franklin Galvin, Ph.D.
I was a Peace Corps volunteer in Iran in the 70s and have worked at a wide variety of mental health facilities mostly in the Boston area and received my Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Boston University in 1993. My dissertation topic focused on nightmares and lucid dreams.
I have been a psychotherapist at Starr Psychiatric Center for 23 years. I am a long-term member and conference presenter with the Association for the Study of Dreams from 1988 to the present.
I am very knowledgeable about Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung. I agree with Freud that “Dreams are the royal road to the Unconscious,” and I think there is much merit to Jung’s notion of the Collective Unconscious. I am also currently working on a book about the use of dreams in clinical psychotherapy.
I am also good at teaching anxious people how to breathe for relaxation.
Offering both in-person and telehealth visits.
Telehealth Link: https://doxy.me/franklinjgalvin
Melissa Batista, L.M.F.T.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with over ten years of experience. I work with adolescents, adults, couples as well as families. I specialize in relational work which is effective for anyone when you think about all of the different kinds of relationships we are in.
The most important relationship of all is the one we have with ourselves. You are in charge of therapy and your life. At times, we can feel that life is getting out of control, which can make us feel uncertain and uncomfortable.
I want to create a therapeutic setting that makes you feel empowered in finding the best you possible. Allow me to support you on that journey.
Offering telehealth visits only.
Telehealth Link: https://doxy.me/mbatistalmft
Kathleen A. Burns, LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Licensed Social Worker/Registered Nurse, BSW, BSN, M.Ed.
I am a seasoned mental health/healthcare professional who has spent many years in community and clinical/educational/institutional settings working as a professional Nurse, Therapist and Social Worker.
I work with adolescents and adults suffering from chronic and acute behavioral health conditions including bipolar, schizophrenia, autism/ASD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, substance abuse and LGBTQ concerns.
My expertise also envelops those clients suffering from issues of loss, separation and chronic physical disabilities, due to many years in the hospice/medical world and being a leg amputee myself over the past 21 years of my life.
Navigating the post covid health care arena I have seen 1st hand as an inpatient psychiatric/detox. RN challenges clients in acute and chronic distress and I believe strongly in advocating for those who the present health care system has not assisted effectively. This is why I feel strongly at this juncture of my career path to return to a counseling model professionally to assist clients with their holistic health care needs therapeutically and sensitively so we can work together to reach their potential.
Offering both in-person and telehealth visits.
Telehealth Link: https://doxy.me/KathyBurnsLMHC
Mark Burrowes, LMHC, LMFT
Mark Burrowes is an experienced Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with 30+ years in the field. Over the years Mark has worked in a variety of settings including Massachusetts Correctional Facilities, Community Mental Health, School-Based Programs, Child and Family Services, Inpatient and Outpatient hospital settings, including Adolescent, Adult and Geri-Psychiatric Units. Mark received his Master of Education from Cambridge College and has an undergraduate degree in Biology and Philosophy from Boston College. Mark was born and raised in the Caribbean, is culturally competent on Afro West Indian issues and have worked closely with socio-economic deprived and marginalized communities here. He is also an LGBTQ+ friendly counselor who began his training through the Fenway, while working in Corrections. Mark has worked and specialized in the treatment of psychotic disorders, mood disorders, adjustment disorders, gender dysphoria, trauma, OCD, PTSD, ex-offender related issues. He has incorporated varying methodologies to therapy to best meet the needs of each client, these include, but not limited to: CBT, Motivational Interviewing, REBT (Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy), Solution-Focused Therapy, Guided-Imagery, Mindfulness and Narrative Therapy. No matter the methodology, Mark has always encompassed and embraced a client-centered and strength-based approach that seeks to empower the client for optimal healing and growth.
Offering both in-person and telehealth visits.
Telehealth Link: https://doxy.me/mburrowes
Karen Blinder, LICSW, MPH
Hi. I want to congratulate you in recognizing and taking a big step by reaching out to Starr Psychiatric Center and getting help. I am a seasoned Licensed Independent Certified Social Worker who has been practicing for several decades. I started out with a specialty in geriatrics including counseling nursing home residents. I went to Columbia University and Wurzweilur for most of my graduate training. I went to Boston University for college.
As time went on my interests grew and over the last three decades my practice expanded to ages 12 years old and up. I have enjoyed providing support, insight, problem solving solution focused treatment, motivational, cognitive treatment, assistance with life transitions and adjustments, help with work and school issues, family struggles, relationship issues, adolescents and aiding clients in communicating effectively with their significant others. I will help you feel empowered, manage and cope with your stress better, and help you get “unstuck”. You will be happier overall. This is not only a place to air your frustrations to my listening ears, while getting support and insight, but I will also be interactive.
Come join me on a telehealth session.
Offering telehealth visits only.
Telehealth Link: https://doxy.me/karensblinderlicsw