Does Ward Halverson work with a team?

Within the world of mental health, over the years, professionals develop specialties, even though they are originally trained as generalists who can address a variety of challenges. Ward Halverson has two specialties, in addition to his training and experience working with virtually any mental health concern. The first is helping parents manage out-of-control children, oftentimes using the SimpleThree system, but not necessarily. The second is working closely with combat veterans and their families, who struggle with a number of unique challenges that are usually best-addressed by a fellow combat veteran. Ward knows that the most effective way to help everyone else is to connect them to the best available specialist, which is why his practice incorporates a team approach. Although they work their own hours, manage their own caseloads, have their own offices, and connect through different phone numbers, every specialist is closely supervised by Ward Halverson and is part of the same practice. Here are brief summaries of each team member and their unique roles:

Nora Staring

Nora specializes in the treatment of anxiety, as well as depression, adjustment issues, trauma, and all varieties of child-related difficulties. Nora is widely-regarded in the Mohawk Valley community - especially in Little Falls - as kind, intelligent, and attentive. She often uses solution-focused treatment approaches and Ward describes her approach as "where the rubber meets the road, very down-to-earth and driven by common sense". Nora has a full-time position at the DDSO and sees patients usually Monday and Wednesday evenings. Her direct number is 868-4443.

Diane Sardella

Diane specializes in the treatment of both depression and anxiety, with particular interest in adult and adjustment concerns, as well as parenting, child management, and recovery from past trauma. Diane is from the Johnstown area and sees patients three or four days per week, usually in the afternoons and evenings. A traditional psychodynamic therapist, Diane is not afraid, according to Ward, to "dig deep into someone's past, their relationships, and their behavioral patterns" to help them end longstanding negative thought processes and improve the quality of their lives in remarkable ways. Diane works closely, as well, with children and adolescents, particularly girls. Her direct number is (518) 848-6577.

Andre Cuda

Andre specializes in the treatment of substance abuse and addiction, working especially within the Suboxone agonist therapy approach with several local area doctors. Andre also works with children and adolescents, particularly boys. According to Ward, Andre "bring the unique substance abuse treatment specialty to the practice, plus kids can completely relate to him." Andre is laid-back, easy to talk with, and empathic; for a younger clinician, Andre is unusually knowledgeable and intellectual, holding forth equally on topics like philosophy or local area football. He works full-time but usually sees patients later in the day, as well as most afternoons and evenings. His direct number is 985-5950.

Anne Walters

Anne specializes in combining her sensitivity and clinical skills with Reiki therapy, the use of healing energy in a form of complementary or alternative medicine. Interested in outside-the-box approaches and work within challenging family dynamics, Anne sees patients who may be struggling in a variety of contexts, and often works with adolescents. Ward describes her approach as "unique, very much alternatively-driven, and deeply-attuned to patients' spiritual and physical challenges." Since Anne lives an hour away and works full-time in a specialized school for teenagers, she sees patients on Saturdays and the occasional weekday. Her direct number is (607) 226-1739.

Deidra Broadbent

Deidra is not a therapist but a case manager. Although she supports the other therapists and their patients, most of Deidra's abundant energy goes into working closely with Ward to help families regain control of their children and their homes, especially as an expert on the SimpleThree treatment system. Deidra also helps combat veterans rebuild their lives, find work, connect to local resources, and otherwise improve their daily functioning. Indispensible to the practice, Ward describes Deidra as "the get-everything-done lady who'll sit down with you, draw up a list of things to do, and help you start crossing each one off line by line". Her direct number is 794-7013.

Jennifer Johnson

Jennifer is the practice's office manager. Funny, friendly, and unusually-competent in her work with insurance companies, Jennifer handles all aspects of the complex paperwork associated with billing and management and answers the phone during office hours. She is often called upon for help by patients and family members struggling to figure out the world of insurance, and makes sure that files are organized, confidential information is protected, and each staff member makes the necessary connections to remain effective.

Kimberly Halverson

Kimberly is the practice's business manager. Kind and cheerful, she makes all decisions regarding day-to-day management of the practice, finances, and long-term planning. Kimberly is particularly focused on the development and nationwide marketing of the SimpleThree treatment system. She works in the administrative office with Jennifer, communicates with patients and their families, answers the phone, and keeps things organized.