Meet Our Clinicians

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Cara Schmid is a Virginia licensed clinical psychologist. She has specialized in the treatment of eating disorders and borderline personality disorder and has worked with both adolescent and adult clients. She has extensive experience in conducting individual, group, and family therapy along with comprehensive training in both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). 

Dr. Schmid received her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania and her Psy.D. from Long Island University/C.W. Post.

Dr. Schmid will be joining our practice in mid-September, 2024.

 Racheal Machaka is a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than 10 years of experience providing direct mental health service.  She earned a Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from University of Nebraska Omaha. She has experience working with children, young adults, and adults across a number of clinical settings including residential treatment, Intensive In-home, Therapeutic Day Treatment, University setting, community settings and Crisis Response. She has worked with clients with a range of psychological issues to include depression, anxiety, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, mood disorders, low self-esteem, suicidal ideation, self-harm, trauma, and family relationship problems.  She utilizes Mode deactivation therapy, cognitive-behavior therapy, strength-based therapy, client centered approach and positive psychology to aid in stabilization and promote skill building and positive growth. Racheal is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Racheal is a Board approved Supervisor to provide supervision to LPC and LMFT residences. 

Emily Rakosi is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with five years of experience providing psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and young adults. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Virginia, and her Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Michigan. Emily’s experience includes working in two outpatient psychiatric clinics for children and adolescents, as well as providing counseling and social work services in an international school. Through these experiences, Emily has developed a specialty in treating anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and depression in children and adolescents. She utilizes evidence-based interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing, along with family and systems theory to support families and young people in their healing journeys. 

Caitlin Durney is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience of over 13 years working with diverse client populations and over 9 years providing direct clinical services to children, adolescents and adults ranging from ages 18-late 90s.  Focusing on her passion for serving & empowering others, Caitlin earned both her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and her Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC.  She has worked in a variety of clinical settings including psychotherapy private practices, child advocacy volunteer programs, child welfare agencies, adult outpatient community mental health centers.  

As a clinician, Caitlin focuses on building rapport with clients to establish a safe & trusting therapeutic environment.  She utilizes a trauma-informed, person-centered and integrated approach, working collaboratively with clients to guide their own therapeutic process.  Caitlin implements a myriad of therapeutic techniques/modalities such as skill building (conflict-resolution, communication, social skills), strengths/value-based, solution-focused therapy, positive psychology, motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, mindfulness, etc.  She addresses symptom management for clinical concerns including, but not limited to, chronic stress, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, adjustment disorders, trauma, PTSD, grief & loss, compassion fatigue/burn-out, ADHD, executive functioning, activities of daily living, etc. 

 Amy Dahmann is a Nationally Certified Counselor and Resident working to become a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia. She graduated from Vanderbilt University with a Master’s Degree in Applied Child Development and a Master’s Degree in Human Developmental Counseling.  Amy has worked in both school settings as well as outpatient clinics.  For the past 6 years, Amy lived and worked abroad at U.S. Embassies in Jordan and Bahrain supporting Foreign Service, military professionals and their families through the stress, anxiety, and uncertainty that often accompanies large transitions.  Additionally, she has worked with individuals on parenting, communication within relationships, boundary setting, and executive-functioning skills for ADHD.  Amy aligns with post-modern counseling methods such as solution-focused therapy, narrative therapy, and incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy techniques into her client care. 

Ruthie Simone is a two-year-old labradoodle rescue and an American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen. She loves long walks, riding in the passenger seat, eating treats, and seeking attention. Ruthie spends her time giving snuggles, lounging on the couch, stealing laundry and pretending she’s a lapdog. She is very excited to be working as a therapy dog and to hold space for everyone at BHWA of Nova.  Amy Dahmann is Ruthie's handler.