Roots Behavioral Health

Heather Panozzo (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Master Social Worker and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor Intern practicing under the supervision of Andrea Turnipseed, LCSW-S. Heather completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Nevada Las Vegas with a degree in Interdisciplinary-Multidisciplinary Studies infusing social work, substance abuse, and sociology. Heather completed her Master of Science in Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin. She was selected into the Integrated Behavioral Health Scholars program with Dell Medical School where she concentrated on addiction and recovery. Heather is passionate about supporting others as they unearth and meet all their parts. Her clinical work is rooted in and honors the client being the expert in their own life, coupled with preserving autonomy in the therapy space. Her approach to therapy is warm, eclectic, non-directive, relational, and collaborative. Heather operates out of a trauma-informed and strengths-based lens where safety and pacing are a priority. Heather extracts from influences of parts work, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and psychodynamics. She embraces and welcomes all in their seasons of healing and has experience supporting clients with substance abuse and misuse, trauma, attachment wounds, anxiety, and depression. Heather is also psychedelic-friendly and can assist in pre and post-journey work with the exploration of identifying intentions and meaning-making of the ineffable landscapes of altered consciousness. When Heather is not supporting clients in session, you can find her chasing live music, trying new food spots around town, hiking, and spending time with her beloved partner, puppy Huxley and cat Binx.Fees for individual therapy with Heather are $125 per 50-minute session. To schedule, please contact Heather directly at: heatherp@rootsbehavioralhealth.com.

Dr. Turnipseed, or “Dr. T”, is a native Austinite, board-certified psychiatrist, and co-founder of Roots Behavioral Health. He and Andrea founded Roots with the initial goal of making psychiatric care more accessible to central Texans. In a short amount of time, Roots needed additional providers to help even more people in need. By working with physician assistants, Dr. T and his team have been able to meet the community’s demand for superior behavioral healthcare. As Roots’ Medical Director, Dr. T is continually striving to elevate our standard of care. Innovative approaches on Dr. T’s radar: psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, gut-brain health and the microbiome, inflammation as it relates to brain health, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, pro-brain diets, and exercise for optimal brain health

Andrea Turnipseed, LCSW-S, is Co-Founder and Executive Director of Roots Behavioral Health. As Executive Director Andrea supports the 40+ employees who serve the mental health needs of over 8,000 central Texans. As a therapist Andrea has training and a background in adult mental health and has worked with clients in acute inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings, facilitating both group and individual therapy. She is trained in providing ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) and she utilizes techniques from psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral (CBT), acceptance & commitment (ACT), solution-focused, and strengths-based therapy models to help identify the resources within the client to move past negative thoughts and behaviors. Driven by principles of affordability, accessibility, and innovation in mental healthcare Andrea is an advocate for the use of ketamine and other non-traditional medicines. As a business owner and therapist, she regularly speaks in the community to increase awareness of alternative treatments and decrease barriers to mental health care.

Dave Wofford is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a background in education and meditation. He has worked with adults and adolescents in community agencies as well as private practice. He is eclectic in his approach and incorporates mindfulness-based methods, somatic awareness, and neurodharma in his work. Dave’s current focus is on Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy and multi-modal integration strategies for depression, anxiety, and personal growth. As Director of Operations, Dave is responsible for the nuts and bolts of bringing our mission to life, coordinating the KAP program, and the occasional dad-joke. Dave is a husband and father of three, and spends his free time playing music and hiking.

Megan is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate (LPC-A), supervised by Cynthia Netting, LPC-S. Megan completed her undergraduate studies at Ithaca College, majoring in Applied Psychology before receiving her Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Texas State University where she was awarded the Lesley Jones Fellowship. Megan approaches working with clients from a person centered lens, bringing genuine empathy and compassion to her psychotherapy work and tailoring treatment to each individual’s unique needs. Megan is passionate about creating a safe, non-judgmental, and caring environment in which her clients can most comfortably share their stories and concerns. Areas of focus for Megan’s clinical work include trauma, anxiety, depression, relational concerns, and life transitions. When she is not working with clients, Megan enjoys hiking, horseback riding, and tending to her houseplants. Fees for individual therapy with Megan are $125 per 50-minute session. To schedule a free 15-minute consultation, please contact megan@rootsbehavioralhealth.com.

Abí Steinsiek (she/they) is a Licensed Masters of Social Work (LMSW) practicing under the supervision of Andrea Turnipseed, LCSW-S. She holds an undergraduate degree in psychology and neuroscience from Elon University and a master of science in social work from the University of Texas at Austin. Abí has a warm and playful therapeutic approach that combines sensory and somatic methods with a trauma-centered and relational perspective. She integrates techniques like Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (SP), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Attachment Theory, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) with mindfulness practices to create holistic, organic and personalized experiences. Areas of focus for Abí include anxiety, depression, stress, grief and loss, aging, life transitions, relationship concerns, neurodiversity, psychedelic integration, spirituality and trauma. She has past experience supporting and creating inclusive spaces for non-monogamous and LGBTQIA+ populations. Outside of therapy containers, Abí can be found connecting with nature, strumming musical notes, cruising on a mountain bike, and participating in local Austin community events. At Roots, Abí offers one-on-one therapy, KAP, and psychedelic integration sessions that can focus on journey preparation, intention setting, building regulation techniques, and making meaning of the experience. Fees for individual therapy with Abí are $125 per 50-minute session. To schedule a free 15-minute consultation, please contact abigail@rootsbehavioralhealth.com.

Emily Freihart (she/her) is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) practicing under the supervision of Andrea Turnipseed, LCSW-S. Emily was born and raised in Northern New Jersey and received her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Applied Psychology from New York University. Emily also holds a Master’s of Science degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin. During her academic career, Emily gathered extensive experience working with individuals, families, and groups in a variety of settings, including schools, where she served as a health educator and mentor, and at a psychiatric hospital where she counseled individuals suffering from acute mental illness. Most recently, Emily worked as a psychotherapist intern for Roots Behavioral Health where she helped support clients through individual counseling and psychedelic integration. Emily’s clinical approach is warm and encouraging as she is both strengths-based and client-centered. She leads with empathy, incorporates humor, and invites collaboration at every stage of the therapeutic process. Emily strives to create a relaxing and supportive environment for her clients so they can comfortably express themselves and share their experiences. She incorporates various modalities and influences into her work such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness. Areas of focus for Emily’s clinical work include anxiety, OCD, phobias, depression, trauma, relational concerns, and life transitions. In her spare time, Emily enjoys watching movies, singing Beatles songs, and playing with her two dogs, Milo and Reginald. Fees for individual therapy with Emily are $125 per 50-minute session. To schedule a free 15-minute consultation, please contact emily@rootsbehavioralhealth.com.

Christina Franklin (she/her) is a Licensed Master Social Worker practicing under the supervision of Andrea Turnipseed, LCSW-S. Christina is a Longhorn through and through, holding an undergraduate degree in Social Work and a Masters of Science in Social Work from The University of Texas at Austin. Christina has practiced in a variety of settings, working with individuals and families at various points throughout the lifespan. Her clinical approach is both strengths-based and systems-focused. Christina utilizes an eclectic approach to therapy, drawing from various modalities including Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Trauma-Informed Approach. Christina’s therapeutic approach meets clients where they are and supports them in addressing their individualized needs and goals. She assists clients in working through grief and loss, anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma, and relationship challenges. Christina is also available to support clients through the psychedelic integration process. In her free-time, you can find Christina horseback riding, trying out new restaurants around Austin, and spending time with her cat, Kiwi. Fees for individual therapy with Christina are $125 per 50-minute session. To schedule, please contact Christina directly at: cfranklin@rootsbehavioralhealth.com

Carolina de Jongh is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). She received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Texas State University. Carolina’s dedication to culturally competent therapy, especially for the Latinx community, creates an inclusive space for healing and growth. As a native Spanish speaker, she is dedicated to delivering quality therapy to Spanish-speaking and bilingual clients. Her specializations include Sex Therapy, Psychedelic Integration Therapy, and Relational-Cultural Therapy. In her role as Psychotherapy Program Manager, Carolina plays a pivotal part in guiding our psychotherapy team. Her strategic vision and collaborative leadership ensure the team delivers the highest quality of care. Through mentorship and continuous professional development, Carolina fosters a dynamic and cohesive environment, contributing to the overall growth and success of our clinic. Please note, that Carolina’s schedule has limited availability for KAP and individual psychotherapy sessions due to her dual role. Outside the therapy room, Carolina’s passion for reading spans a diverse array of genres, from high fantasy to physics. She is also a devoted fan of classic cinema

Leslie is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has been working in the mental health field for 25 years. She works from an attachment perspective and has extensive experience working with trauma and PTSD, as well as anxiety, mood disorders and addictions. With a background in community mental health leading up to opening her own private practice in 2007, Leslie’s work has brought her in touch with those with chronic and severe mental health conditions, abuse survivors of all ages and walks of life and even violent offenders …treating abusers as well as the abused. Leslie is a Certified Approved Consultant in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and integrates this with deeply focused somatic awareness to assist clients in moving past issues that prevent them from fully participating in their lives. Utilizing mindfulness in all of her work, her mantra is “just notice that.” Leslie believes that Roots Behavioral Health’s Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is at the leading edge of innovative, evidence-based behavioral health treatment and feels very excited and privileged to be a part of it. In her leisure time, Leslie volunteers at Austin Pets Alive! and practices yoga.

Amelia is a Physician Assistant certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Biology and completed her Master of Physician Assistant Studies at the University of North Texas Health Science Center. She believes that it is important to look comprehensively at factors that shape the connection between mind and body. Amelia takes an individualized approach to developing relationships with patients of all ages and backgrounds, and is particularly equipped to help young adults navigate life transitions. She encourages patients to be open and ensures their concerns are heard. In her free time, she enjoys fitness, playing with her dog, Basil, reading, and going to the beach.

Joaquin is an NCCPA certified Physician Assistant and is licensed by the Texas States Board of Medical Examiners. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies both from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Joaquin believes in providing collaborative and evidence-based mental health care that helps his patients to become the best versions of themselves. Compassion, empathy, and honesty are three qualities he works to implement for each patient encounter. When Joaquin is not at work, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, improving his physical health and fitness, and traveling.

Annette has a passion for mental health care and believes optimal wellness is achieved with a combination of traditional and alternative approaches to holistic psychiatric care. As the Clinical Manager at Roots Behavioral Health, she strives to ensure every patient that engages with our Ketamine clinical practice receives exceptional, personalized care. Annette is a graduate of Austin Community Colleges’ special admissions program with a bachelor’s degree in the science of nursing. She maintains a Texas Board of Nursing license as a qualified Registered Nurse. Additionally, she maintains an aesthetics license awarded by the Texas Board of Cosmetology. After moving to Austin, Texas in 2012 from her home state of Louisiana, Annette began to pursue a fruitful career in psychiatric nursing. Since 2016, she has worked directly with patients receiving traditional mental health care, specializing in acute inpatient psychiatric care, medication management, and forensic competency restoration. Outside of holistic, person-centered care, Annette is passionate about her own growth and development as well. She enjoys dedicating herself to close personal relationships and engaging in activities such as Qigong, cooking, kayaking, and cosmic star-gazing with friends.

Kayla is a Physician Assistant certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Pre-Medicine from the University of Dayton in Ohio and her Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Dominican University in River Forest, Illinois. She believes in the importance of improving accessibility to psychiatric care and works to foster a relationship of compassion and mutual trust with all of her patients. Kayla prioritizes holistic, individualized treatment plans that incorporate patient’s goals, cultural beliefs and personal preferences. In her free time, Kayla enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants and cheering on her favorite football team, the Cleveland Browns.

Emma is a Physician Assistant certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Health Education and Behavior from the University of Florida. She earned a Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Nova Southeastern University. Emma believes in providing mental health care from a holistic, individualized, and evidence-based approach. Emma strives to create a comfortable and open environment for her patients. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, cooking, and hiking.

Tracy Hill is a Physician Assistant certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and is licensed by the Texas State Board. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas and then earned her Master of Physician Assistant Studies at The University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio Texas. Tracy believes in a collaborative approach with her patients, ensuring that each individual is an active participant in their own treatment plan. She uses evidence-based practice as the groundwork of treatment with a commitment to providing compassionate care. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking with her 2 dogs, watching baseball, bird watching and photography.

Abby is a Physician Assistant certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and is licensed in the state of Texas. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and her Master of Physician Assistant Studies both at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. Abby believes in personalized care and desires to build relationships with her patients through creating a compassionate, open, and healing environment. She is passionate about the importance of mental health and wants to work in collaboration with her patients to help them fulfill their goals. In her free time Abby enjoys traveling, trying new foods, reading, cooking and spending time with family and friends.

Brendan is an NCCPA certified Physician Assistant. He received his bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Minnesota before pursuing his master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies at Idaho State University. After graduating, he moved to Austin where he has been practicing outpatient psychiatry since. Brendan believes strongly in a shared decision-making model of care and aims to collaborate with patients to develop personalized treatment plans that consider their needs, wishes, and comfort levels. In his spare time, Brendan enjoys reading, playing with his cat Meelo, and playing the trumpet.

Christine is a Physician Assistant certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry at San Francisco State University. She received her Masters of Physician Assistant Studies from Touro University Nevada. Christine believes that individualized care for each and every patient is what strongly builds close relationships where their values and concerns are the center of care. She utilizes evidence-based medicine along with holistic approaches to create a compassionate and healing environment. In her free time, Christine enjoys traveling, trying out new foods, and doing escape rooms with her friends and family.

Dr. McKay is a board-certified psychiatrist and a graduate of the University of Alabama School of Medicine. Additionally, he completed his residency in general psychiatry at UT’s Dell Medical School. He has been practicing medicine in Austin since 2011. He was the recipient of the Thayer Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2012. Dr. McKay is passionate about serving Austinites in need and practiced as a community psychiatrist with the local mental health authority for years before joining the Roots Behavioral Health team in 2020. Dr. McKay’s mission is to provide compassionate, evidenced-based care to those in need. He takes a patient-centered approach to the practice of medicine and prioritizes the physician-patient relationship. Dr. McKay has extensive experience treating mood and anxiety disorders, as well as other serious mental health conditions. In his free time, he enjoys reading, music, and spending time with family.

Sara is a Physician Assistant certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia in 2014 and completed her Master of Physician Assistant Studies in 2017. She feels that mental and emotional health are equally as important as physical. She is compassionate and empathetic towards all ages and backgrounds. She looks forward to developing personal and trusting relationships with her patients. She would describe herself as an avid foodie, sight-seer, and fitness enthusiast.

Neda is a Physician Assistant certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Science from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and completed her Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. After graduating, she stayed in the Philadelphia area and spent time working in addiction medicine. She recently relocated to Austin, TX. Neda has a passion for providing holistic care and supporting patients on their mental health journey. In her free time, she enjoys going to workout classes, trying new restaurants, going to stand-up comedy shows, traveling, and playing with her rescue pup, Koa.

Katie is a Physician Assistant certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Katie has always had a passion for understanding mental health and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Minnesota with a double major in Neuroscience and Psychology. She then obtained a Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tennessee. After graduating she went back to her hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota and spent time working in a clinic providing IV ketamine therapy to patients suffering from a variety of mental illnesses and neuropathic pain disorders before recently moving to Austin, Texas. Katie has a strong passion for helping others and providing evidence based care with a patient centered approach. In her free time she enjoys reading, yoga, learning new crafts, spending time outdoors and seeing live music.

Melissa is a Physician Assistant certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physical Assistants. She is licensed by the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners. Melissa holds a Masters of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of St. Francis and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of New Mexico. She has taken courses with Institute for Functional Medicine. Melissa believes integrating conventional and functional medicine offers a multifaceted approach to assist and empower her patients to move closer to optimal health and wellbeing. In her leisure time she enjoys traveling, viewing art, enjoying slow food, resting, archery and Qigong.

Kristin is a Physician Assistant certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. In addition, she is licensed by the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners. Kristin holds a Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from Keiser University and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Florida State University. Kristin is fluent in English and Spanish. She is compassionate and enjoys helping patients achieve the best medical treatments possible. On her off time she enjoys hiking, trivia, and traveling.

Lo is a Physician Assistant certified by the National Commission for Certification of Physician Assistants and is licensed by the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners. Lo graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a degree in Zoology and Latin American, Caribbean and Iberian Studies as well as a Masters in Physician Assistant Studies. With a Path of Distinction in Global Health, Lo is passionate about providing culturally sensitive medicine and addressing social determinants of health. As member of the LGBTQIA community, Lo seeks to make every patient feel comfortable in their own skin and empowers her patients with shared decision making. Lo has a medical certification in Spanish and she values a patient-centered approach. In her free time Lo enjoys swimming, biking, sewing, and traveling.