Our Practice
Benefits of a Group Practice
Research shows that the most effective treatment for many psychiatric problems is a two-pronged approach which includes both psychotherapy or counseling and medication.
Because the Affiliates in Behavioral Health state-of-the-art practice offers both counseling and psychiatric care in one location, treatment is carefully coordinated to allow optimal levels of communication while avoiding costly duplication of services.
At Affiliates in Behavioral Health, LLC (“Affiliates”), the same clinicians will routinely treat you. Our clinical counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists collaborate to develop an integrated, evidence based treatment plan which can be implemented in our comfortable and confidential office setting conveniently located in the center of Greater Cleveland.
Because all services are coordinated within the same treatment setting, communication between treating providers is maximized.This prevents gaps in information and improves the quality of care which you receive.
Who We Are
Founded in 2004, Affiliates in Behavioral Health is an independent, full-service multidisciplinary behavioral health practice. Our team is comprised of culturally diverse and seasoned, independently licensed clinicians and board-certified psychiatrists who meet strict credentialing standards.
We are committed to the diagnosis and effective treatment of psychiatric and behavioral health problems within an interdisciplinary outpatient environment. We believe quick access for behavioral health services helps patients to recover quickly and to prevent relapses in the future.
Located in Independence and directly off of two major highway systems, we offer convenient access to patients in five northeastern Ohio counties. We are within a 20-minute drive of patients in Cuyahoga, Medina, Lorain, Summit and Portage counties.
Who We Help
Our seasoned therapists and psychiatrists provide quality behavioral health services to children, adolescents, adults and seniors for a wide variety of problems and issues including (but not limited to):
- Alcohol & Drug Problems
- Anger & Stress Management
- Anxiety & Panic Attacks
- Attention Deficit Disorders/ADHD
- Behavior Problems
- Bipolar Disorder
- Body Image Distortion
- Career Concern
- Crisis Intervention
- Depression
- Divorce
- Domestic Violence
- Eating Disorders
- Family & Parenting Issues
- Fears & Phobias
- Gay & Lesbian Issues
- Grief & Loss
- Marital Problems
- Mood Swings
- Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
- Psychiatric Medication
- Relationship Issues
- School Problems
- Self-Esteem Difficulties
- Sexuality Issues
- Survivors of Abuse
- Work Problems
Meet Our Clinicians
CLINICAL COUNSELING STAFF
Linda Besunder, LISW
Education: coming soon!
Licensure/Certifications: Licensed Independence Social Worker (LISW)
Areas of Interest/Specialty: coming soon!
Availability: In-person and telehealth appointments available Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
Karolina Boc, LPCC
Education: Masters of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (2020) Bachelors of Science in Psychology and Anthropology from Cleveland State University (2017)
Licensure/Certifications: Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) from the State of Ohio CSWMFT Board.
Areas of Interest/Specialty: Karolina is passionate about working with children, adolescents, and adults who are struggling with a variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, self-esteem difficulties, job/school-related stress, and relationship/family issues. Her focus is on creating a therapeutic relationship that is filled with warmth, compassion, acceptance, and empathy – she believes in creating an individualized therapy experience that is customized to the needs of each client and family. Karolina values the fact that each client is unique, and has unique needs in therapy.
Availability: In person and telehealth appointments available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Cathy Castro, LPCC
Education: Cathy Castro has a Master’s degree from Kent State University, as well as a certificate in a clinical studies postgraduate program at John Carroll University.
Licensure/Certifications: Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
Areas of Interest/Specialty: Cathy’s specialties include treatment of emotional issues, behavioral issues, mood and anxiety disorders, stress management, divorce, and relationship issues of adults, children, adolescents, and their families. She approaches therapy using the client-centered approach along with motivational interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Areas of competence include diagnosis of mental and emotional disorders and group and individual counseling. She has experience in the field of adoption, providing counseling and behavioral interventions to parents and children experiencing attachment issues. Her view of therapy is to aid the person in developing realistic and manageable goals that foster an opportunity to build self-esteem and find success in specific areas of growth. Her positive attitude, energy, and ability to relate to and empathize with others has allowed her much success in helping others become more successful in life. Cathy feels that trust is essential to fostering the therapeutic environment.
Availability: In-person and telehealth appointments available Tuesday and Thursday
Note: Appointments with Cathy are located in our satellite office at:
19 Public Square
Brecksville, OH 44141
(office suite located above Renee’s Salon on the Square)
Please contact the office for any questions about our locations.
Alex Corcoran, LISW-S
Education: Masters of Science in Social Administration (Case Western Reserve University, 2016), Master of Arts in Psychology (Cleveland State University, 2013) Bachelors of Arts in Psychology (Cleveland State University, 2008)
Licensure/Certifications: Licensed Independent Social Worker with Supervisory Designation (LISW-S) from the State of Ohio CSWMFT Board.
Areas of Interest/Specialty: Alex has worked in numerous settings, including hospitals, residential buildings, community case management, and outpatient services. He has been performing psychotherapy services with adolescents (ages 12+) and adults (ages 18+) since 2016. He works with clients with various concerns, up to and including mood disorders, generalized and social anxiety, ADHD, issues with esteem, adjustment and acute stressor issues, employment difficulties, and interpersonal/family issues. Alex additionally performs ADHD assessments and referrals for med management services. Alex values that each client has a unique set of needs and approaches to best facilitate growth and life progress, and utilizes cognitive-behavioral, strength-based, and client-centered approaches to therapy. The primary goal is to empower the client to succeed and overcome issues on their terms and at their pace.
Availability: In-person appointments available Tuesday through Saturday. Telehealth appointments can be arranged upon request.
Marina Forkosh, LISW
Education: Masters of Science in Social Administration from Case Western Reserve University School of Applied Sciences, Bachelors of Social Work from Cleveland State University
Licensure/Certifications: Licensed Independence Social Worker (LISW) from State of Ohio NASW, Member of National Association of Social Workers
Experience: Marina has a wealth of experience working in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She provides psychotherapy to adolescents, adults, and their families, and works with individuals with a wide variety of diagnoses and clinical issues including depression, anxiety, personality disorders, substance abuse recovery, eating disorders, trauma, bereavement and parenting issues. She has specialized training in crisis intervention, trauma and school-related issues. Marina has also evaluated and treated individuals with addictions (including dual diagnosis and gambling).
Availability: Telehealth appointments available on Wednesdays, In-person availability on Fridays.
Charel Khol, Ph.D.
Education: Ph.D., Counseling Psychology, Kent State University M.S., Education, Ohio University B.S., Ohio State University
Licensure/Certifications: Certificate of Professional Qualification in Psychology, Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards Registered Psychologist: Council for the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology Certificate of Achievement – Crisis Intervention Training, Child Guidance Centers
Areas of Interest/Specialty: Dr. Khol has provided therapy to adults, children, and families on an inpatient and outpatient basis. She has provided child and adolescent counseling services, therapy specific to sexual abuse, treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, physical disabilities, genetic and neurological disorders. She has consulted with family physicians and specialists in ADHD and on Early Childhood Intervention teams.
Availability: Telehealth appointments only, available for most weekdays, flexibility determined by patient need.
Georgene Kohlbacher, LISW-S CEAP
Education: Masters in Social Work from The Ohio State University, Bachelors in Science in Psychology from Bowling Green State University
Licensure/Certifications: LISW-S CEAP -certified employee assistance professional.
Areas of Interest/Specialty: Georgene specializes with adults counseling for anxiety, depression, mood disorders as well a couples counseling. Specialties include Employee Assistance Program (EAP) counseling – conflicts in the workplace, formal mandatory referrals for counseling, work life balance .. and change in life events such as retirement. Georgene also has years of experience working in healthcare dealing with chronic medical conditions, trauma and grief counseling. She has been in the field for 34 years.
Availability: In-person and telehealth appointments available on Mondays and Wednesdays, telehealth-only appointments available on Thursdays.
Nick Palumbo, LISW
Education: Masters in Social Administration with Mental Health Specialty from Case Western Reserve University (1980), Bachelors of Science in Psychology, University of Akron
Licensure/Certifications: Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) from the State of Ohio ACSW, Diplomat in Clinical Social Work (ACSW)
Areas of Interest/Specialty: Nick has been practicing for more than 30 years, and his experience in the treatment of adolescents and adults includes special interest in marital, couples and family therapy , anxiety and depression, sexuality issues, and recovery from childhood trauma.
Nick is the owner and Practice Director for Affiliates in Behavioral Health, LLC.
Availability: Telehealth appointments available on Wednesdays, In-person available on Thursdays and Fridays.
PSYCHIATRIC STAFF
Jenna Bennet, PMHNP (Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner)
Education: Walden University, 2022
Licensure/Certifications: MSN-Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Areas of Interest/Specialty: Jenna is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who takes an integrated approach in treatment. She offers treatment based on the need of the individual such as medication management, psychotherapy, collaboration and education on wellness. She also reviews labs with her patients to identify any potential imbalance that may be contributing to behavioral health symptoms. She believes vitamin deficiency, hormonal imbalances and thyroid imbalances can be
linked to many mental health symptoms, and is a strong believer that a healthy mind exists in a healthy body.
Availability: In-person and telehealth appointments available Monday, telehealth availability Tuesday and Wednesday.
Location: Jenna practices from her office at:
5248 Cobblestone Rd, Suite A
Sheffield Village, OH 44035
She will soon be practicing in our Independence office as well, please contact the office for details.
Note: Intake requires referral from a therapist on staff – Jenna also offers a free phone consultation to determine placement with her as a clinician, as an alternative
Mary Canonico, PMHNP (Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner)
Education: Chamberlain University, 2020
Licensure/Certifications: MSN-Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Areas of Interest/Specialty: Mary Canonico is a certified nurse practitioner specializing in psychiatry. She is accepting new patients and sees children, adolescents, and adults. Mary has experience treating patients with serious mental illnesses, in addition to depression and anxiety disorders. Mary treats attention deficit hyperactivity disorders in children and adolescents only. Mary is also an assistant professor at the University of Akron School of Nursing and teaches in the graduate and undergraduate nursing programs.
Availability: In-person and telehealth appointments available Tuesday from 9am-4pm
Note: Intake requires referral from a therapist on staff.
Shura Hegde, MD
Education: M.D. – LVOV State Medical Institute, with Honors
Licensure/Certifications: Board Certified, Psychiatry and Neurology
Areas of Interest/Specialty: Psychiatric assessment and medication management of adults. Dr. Hegde is a seasoned psychiatrist with experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings, as well as community mental health and private practice. Internship training: MetroHealth Medical Center Residency training: MetroHealth Medical Center, Chief Resident, 1995-1996, Recipient of the Hegde Award, 1999 for outstanding contribution to the Dept. of Psychiatry. Dr. Hegde is a frequent guest lecturer for various pharmaceutical companies, and is fluent in Russian, Ukrainian, Hindi, Marathi, and Kannada.
Availability: In-person and telehealth appointments available on Mondays and Thursdays.
Note: Intake requires referral from a therapist on staff.
Renattie Martin, PMHNP (Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner)
Education: coming soon!
Licensure/Certifications: coming soon!
Areas of Interest/Specialty: Renattie is a passionate psychiatric nurse practitioner committed to providing comprehensive mental health care to individuals struggling with mental health disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and ADHD. She strives to empower patients in their individual journey towards improved well-being, utilizing a holistic treatment with consideration to biological, social, and psychological factors that may influence mental health. Her approach to care is rooted in a genuine commitment to each patient’s well-being, and she provides a safe non-judgmental environment in which individuals can discuss their concerns and emotions and move forward in their journey towards wellness.
Availability: In-person and telehealth appointments available Monday, telehealth availability Tuesday and Wednesday.
Note: Intake requires referral from a therapist on staff – Renattie also offers a free phone consultation to determine placement with her as a clinician, as an alternative.
Sara Zuchowski, MD
Education: Doctor of Medicine – Medical College of Ohio, Toledo OH Bachelor Of Arts – University of Toledo
Licensure/Certifications: Board Certified in Psychiatry (State of Ohio)
Areas of Interest/Specialty: Dr. Zuchowski has extensive experience in the treatment and medication of adults with Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, OCD, Post Partum Mood Disorder, Psychotic Disorders, and Bipolar Disorders.
Availability: In person and telehealth appointments available on Mondays and Thursdays.
Note: Intake requires referral from a therapist on staff.
