Get To Know Us

At Cleveland Psychiatry, we strive to provide compassionate and thorough psychiatric evaluation and treatment.

Syed E. Ahmed, MD

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Dr. Syed Ahmed is an experienced psychiatrist with a rich background in the field of mental health. With three decades of practice, he has honed his skills and expertise in diagnosing and treating a wide range of mental health disorders. His dedication to his patients and commitment to their well-being have made him a trusted name in the field. As a testament to his expertise, Dr. Syed Ahmed is Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN), and the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons (NBPAS), demonstrating his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professional excellence. Dr. Ahmed holds an academic appointment as Associate Professor of Psychiatry at The Northeast Ohio Medical University, which underscores his devotion to the field of psychiatry. His affiliation with the renowned Cleveland Clinic Marymount Hospital further highlights his dedication to collaborating with a reputable healthcare institution that shares his vision for exceptional patient care.

Dawn Whitehair, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Dawn Whitehair is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). She is Board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and is dual boarded in both pediatric and adult psychiatry. Prior to her career as a nurse practitioner, she received the DAISY Award, a national recognition of extraordinary, compassionate nurses. She received her Master’s degree in nursing and PMHNP certificate from Northern Kentucky University, her Bachelor’s degree in nursing from Ohio University, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Cleveland State University.
Dawn has experience in outpatient and inpatient settings, as well as having dedicated 10+ years to cancer research. Dawn sees patients of all ages (5 - 65+) and specializes in mood and anxiety disorders, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Bipolar Disorder, and is very passionate about perinatal mental health. As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, Dawn Whitehair brings empathy, an easygoing communication style, and a sweet sense of humor, making it easy for her to engage with her patients and their family members.

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Steve Pessefall, CNP

Certified Nurse Practitioner

Steve Pessefall is a Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP) focusing on providing treatment for a broad spectrum of mental health disorders. He earned his Master of Science in Nursing Degree from The University of Akron and is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He has experience in inpatient, outpatient, and community mental health settings as a Nurse Practitioner and over 25 years of experience as a registered nurse in psychiatric/behavioral health hospitals. Steve also earned his Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) credential from The University of Maryland. Steve’s area of specialization includes mood and anxiety disorders, PTSD, schizophrenia, ADHD, childhood behavioral disorders, and various other disorders. He is licensed and certified to treat and provide individualized medication management services across the lifespan, from childhood to older adults, and has full prescriptive authority.

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Matthew D. Johnson, LPCC-S

Matthew Johnson, LPCC-S, NCC, has over forty years of experience providing individual, family, and group counseling with adolescents and adults. He is a practitioner of mindfulness meditation, and his areas of expertise include recovery from substance abuse and other addictions, treatment of depression, anxiety, social phobia, ADHD and other learning disabilities, damaged relationships, anger management, social skills building, damaged self-worth; coping with stress, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, and surviving trauma, sexual abuse, and divorce. He uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness-based methodologies in his practice.

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Carla J. Kastanis, LPCC-S

Every journey begins with taking your first step towards your destination. This first step may be your most challenging. By taking this first step, you must feel comfortable and safe in a non-judgmental environment. You may be experiencing anxiety, sadness, anger, or highs and lows because of chemical dependency, trauma, a mood disorder, or relationship issues. You may feel that you need to be heard and your feelings validated. Whatever you are experiencing, you may feel that you want to be a better you and be able to function more effectively. I am here to assist you in accomplishing your goals and take this journey with you.
I am a licensed clinical counselor who completed the Master’s program at Cleveland State University. My work experience as a dual diagnosis counselor in behavioral health agencies allowed me to advance my skills and gain experience in addiction, anxiety/depression, panic, trauma (PTSD), mood disorders, and anger. I have advanced training in EMDR, an intervention I use for trauma. My focus is on the adult population. I can help you understand different perspectives and teach you how to manage your thoughts and feelings to achieve what we all strive for – happiness and a sense of well-being.

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Jacqueline Glaros, LPCC-S

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Jacqueline Glaros, LPCC-S earned her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Youngstown State University and also has a supervisory endorsement in Ohio. She has been working in the field since 2002 and licensed as therapist since 2008 in a variety of settings from intensive home based programs, community mental health outpatient services, PHP/IOP mental health and Drug/Alcohol Rehabilitation programs, and other private practice groups throughout the years. Jacqueline’s main focus is with the adult population in treating a broad range of mental health conditions including anxiety/panic attacks, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, trauma-stress related disorders and adjustment disorders. She is very Person Centered in her therapeutic style in sessions and integrates CBT, Mindfulness-based interventions, Solution-Focused, Strength-Based, Structured Problem-Solving and Trauma Informed Therapy to help clients meet their own individualized goals.
Jacqueline can also integrate traditional talk therapy interventions with Expressive Arts therapeutic interventions such as use of music and brief (1-3 songs) movement exposure in sessions. She is a Certified Dancing Mindfulness Facilitator (2013 Certification training) and can implement mindful meditation movement to music if desired in sessions for client’s to practice a deeper somatic awareness of the Mind and Body connection in their mental health recovery journey. The goal would then be for clients to take these skills learned and use them outside in their own lives for positive coping/relaxation strategies to use moving throughout whatever life presents.

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Carol E. Story, LPCC

Carol E. Story is a licensed professional clinical counselor. Carol started her career working in community mental health as a Multisystemic Therapist. Multisystemic therapy is a type of therapy that works with children, with behavior problems, and their families, schools and other systems that impact the child. She then worked as an IHBT (Intensive Home Based Therapist) which serves severely emotionally disturbed children. Carol has been trained as a Trauma Focused CBT therapist. She works with children and adults on the autism spectrum.
Carol works with children and adults with anxiety, depression, PTSD and adjustment disorders, ADHD, anger management, Family and Couples counseling. She uses CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy), ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy).

Maeve Ours, LPC

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Maeve is a Licensed Professional Counselor, who has earned both her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling and her bachelor’s degree in psychology from John Carroll University. Maeve has worked in a variety of settings, including community agencies and hospitals, and has experience working with clients of all ages who are suffering from trauma, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, substance use, psychosis, and homelessness. Maeve strives to create a warm, safe, non-judgmental atmosphere in order to allow clients to process their emotions, as she believes the therapeutic relationship is of upmost importance. Maeve utilizes an integration of solution-focused and strengths-based therapy, as well as cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness. Maeve believes in client autonomy and working alongside clients to help them accomplish their goals.

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Debbie Jackson, LISW-S

I am a licensed independent social worker with over 30 years of experience, specializing in trauma informed care. I work collaboratively with individuals and couples to support them in the achievement of their goals. I am certified in Cognitive Processing Therapy and Prolonged Exposure, with additional training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. I utilize mindfulness and meditation to support clients struggling with emotional dysregulation, and the Grief Recovery Method to assist clients in moving forward with their grief. I have extensive experience in working with trauma survivors, including combat warriors, survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. It is my privilege to hold space with compassion while my clients work through their issues. When I am not helping people heal, you can find me in my kitchen, with my nose in a book, or playing with my beloved pets.

Our Philosophy

Unlike cancer or heart disease, there are no medical tests to diagnose mental illness accurately. Skilled assessment of feelings and behaviors is key to uncovering and treating disorders that don’t always fit into a specific set of criteria. We aim to formulate evidence-based diagnoses, educate the patient, make recommendations, and create a collaborative treatment plan tailored to your needs. With the help of cognitive restructuring and lifestyle changes, our focus is on having you return to your highest level of functioning with the least amount of medication burden possible.

Why Choose Cleveland Psychiatry Associates ?

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    Virtual or In-person Evaluations

    We take care of patient’s virtually if in case they are unable to visit in person.

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    Quick Turnaround Appointments

    We ensure that you get your appointments done quickly and smoothly.

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    Late hours/Saturday Appointments

    We are there for you even if you are contacting us in late hours or on Saturdays.

Our Process

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Appointment

The first step is to book in-person or online video appointments with the best Doctors

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Diagnosis

We ensure the provision of timely, cost-effective, and high quality diagnostic care in safe and secure environments.

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Treatment

After the therapist reviews your file, we start planning the treatment process.

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Our Happy Clients say

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I've seen Carla, Matt, and Dawn all of whom have been great and very helpful. I'll also note Ive never had anything but good experiences with the front desk. Been going there for about a year.
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Dawn and her incredible staff are truly exceptional! If I could, I would give them a 100 stars. Their unwavering support and genuine care for your well-being make all the difference.
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Carla is my therapist. She is so easy to talk to, time flies. I am comfortable talking with her about anything. She listens and cares. I don't get vibe I did with previous therapists, I really look forward to our sessions.
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I have been seeing Dr. Ahmed for about 6-7 years now and have nothing but great things to say about him and my experience with him and could rave all day about him! Last year he introduced me to Maeve who I’ve been working with almost weekly. Working with Maeve as my therapist has been a transformative experience. Her approach is refreshingly authentic and unfiltered, allowing for an environment where real, meaningful progress can occur. Maeve possesses a rare ability to cut through superficialities, encouraging a depth of exploration that is both challenging and empowering. Her candor, paired with a profound understanding of the human psyche, makes every session feel like a step forward! Maeve doesn't just listen; she engages, questions, and, most importantly, cares!!! If you're seeking a therapist who values honesty and raw, unvarnished truth, Maeve is an exceptional choice.
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Stephen Pessefall. He is amazing. He truly listens to all my concerns and makes suggestions based on what I WANT, not just what he thinks is best. Out of all the providers I’ve tried, he is the only one who I feel like listens to me and what I want and my concerns, and comes up with options of treatment based on not just my perceived problems but also my personal concerns. He truly wants his patients to feel well mentally. Thank you so much. I refer all my friends and family here when they ask who I go to that actually listens to me! Thank you Dr Pessefall! And the receptionists and staff are able to squeeze me in sometimes when I really need to see someone. Most comfortable mental health office I’ve been to. Everyone takes care of you and truly cares.So thankful for this place.
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I have been seeing Dr. Ahmed for a while now. He is the best all around. Extremely patient, great personality. Most importantly he figures out what you need and he is very thorough. Also, he has a very big heart and truly cares about his patients. I feel very lucky to have found him.

More dr syed ahmed reviews and Steve Pesefall/Elizabeth Holmes are below. Also reading reviews you can analyze Dr Syed Amed Psychiatrist.

More dr syed ahmed reviews and Steve Pesefall/Elizabeth Holmes are below. Also reading reviews you can analyze Dr Syed Amed Psychiatrist.

Steve Pesefall reviews
I've only seen Mr. Pessesall once so far however I am very pleased. I felt very understood. I love the fact that as soon as something wasn't right with my treatment, I became Steve's priority and he got me in as soon as possible. Great place great guy.
Steve Pesefall reviews
I had a great experience with Steve. He really listened to my concerns and made me feel like I was a priority. Highly recommended.
Dr. Holmes Reveiws
Dr. Holmes is an intelligent and caring individual. She treated us with respect at all times.
dr syed ahmed reviews
He (Dr. Ahmed) is a very intelligent and caring psychiatrist. His office staff is very warm and welcoming as well.
Steve Pessefall Reviews
I've only seen Dr. Pessesall once so far, however I am very pleased. I felt very understood. I love the fact that as soon as something wasn't right with my treatment, I became Steve's priority and he got me in as soon as possible. Great place great guy.
Dr. Syed Ahmed Reveiws
I highly recommend Dr. Ahmed.
Cleveland Psychiatry Associaties Reveiws
I’m so glad I found Carla at Cleveland Psychiatry Associates. I was really struggling to find someone who could truly help me through my anxiety/depression and trauma and it has been a great experience for me. She is very kind and compassionate and really listens to me. The staff has been very friendly as well. Highly recommend!
Dawn Whitehair Reveiws
Dawn is amazing. Her knowledge is so advanced in this area. She’s super kind, considerate, and easy to talk to. One of the best physicians I’ve ever been to. She has a better understanding of new ways to help people than your average doctor and it’s matched with her love and compassion for her field. Highly recommend.
Cleveland Psychiatry Associates Reveiws
I've been seeing a therapist here only for a few months and I feel so free here. I specifically see Kelly and she makes me feel so at home and like I can talk about absolutely anything. (I also like the free water) I look forward to understanding myself more while coming here :)
Cleveland Psychiatry Associates Reveiws
Cleveland Psychiatry Associates has been an incredible resource for my mental health journey. From my very first appointment, their team displayed a remarkable level of professionalism, empathy, and expertise. The psychiatrists take the time to truly understand their patients, tailoring treatments to individual needs. The supportive and welcoming environment of the practice immediately puts you at ease. Their commitment to holistic well-being is evident in every aspect of their care.
Dr Ahmed Reveiws
Coming here was the best experience,, Dr Ahmed is patient and kind he listens to what you have to say. He involves you in your treatment options.
Carla Reveiws
Carla and Dawn are the absolute best mental health professionals/providers I have ever been to. I have gone through many but I'm so glad I finally have somewhere I can stay long term. They both listen to me and are so caring and helpful. I will ALWAYS go to Cleveland Psychiatry Associates!
Dr Syed Ahmed Psychiatrist Reveiws
Dr. Ahmed is the third psychiatrist I have worked with, and I have been seeing him for several years now. I find him very easy to talk to as he is a kind and understanding person. The support staff are always pleasant and helpful!
Dr Syed Ahmed Psychiatrist Reveiws
Dr. Ahmed is genuinely the most caring, calm, intelligent psychiatrist. I spent most of my teens and early twenties on the wrong medications, feeling depressed and incredibly anxious because I couldn’t function as a regular teen/adult. I have seen countless Psychiatrists, some good, some bad but when I met Dr.Ahmed, he listened to me- tried to understand me the best he could and got down to the root of my problems. I can confidently say I have never felt better mentally in my entire life than I do now in his care and it’s because of him. He gives great advice and motivation in addition to medication. If that’s not enough recommendation for those reading this, I drive an hour to see him (not right now because of Covid but before) and he switched practices and I followed him right along! Seriously, see Dr. Ahmed if you are struggling and TRUST him
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At first, I had reservations about Dr. Syed Ahmed. I sometimes left his office feeling unassured, but I knew he was astute and competent. I decided today that I wholeheartedly trust him, his intelligence, his methods, and his recommendations. I think I had a pre-misconception about what was wrong with me, but I genuinely feel that he is setting me on the right path and direction. I hope that I will feel much better by continuing to see him and trying to implement his suggestions, advice, and wisdom. I am beginning to see that he is not only brilliant and knows what he is doing and why, but he also has a clear plan and intended outcome for my psychiatric care.

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