THE UNFOLD PSYCHOLOGY TEAM
Unfold Psychology: A Heafey Practice, P.C. is a trusted provider of mental health services in California. Our team of licensed therapists and psychologists is dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families overcome life's challenges and achieve their goals.
We offer a range of evidence-based treatments, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, and more. At Unfold Psychology, we believe in creating a safe and supportive environment where our clients can unfold their true potential.
Meet the Team
This is your Team section. Briefly introduce the team then add their bios below. Click here to edit.
Dr. R. Austin Heafey, PsyD, MA, MA
Dr. R. Austin Heafey is a licensed clinical psychologist who works with children, adolescents, parents, and families to provide support and treatment for various social, domestic, personal, and psychological concerns. Regardless of who he is working with, his primary focus is improving self-esteem, building self-confidence and working to enrich his patients’ self-worth. The more faith a person has in their own abilities and innate uniqueness, the more they are able to engage with the world they live in, the family they belong to and the life they deserve to experience. Dr. Heafey aims to improve his patients’ quality of life.
Dr. Heafey has experience using a number of treatment modalities including, but not limited to, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Interpersonal Therapy, Developmental Theory and Logo Therapy. Only after he has met with and had a chance to listen to his clients’ specific needs, and, most importantly, gain a sense of who he is working with, does he discuss which therapeutic technique he believes would be of greatest value towards achieving their goal. Dr. Heafey is both comfortable and familiar with both short and long term treatment modalities, and welcomes input from collateral sources, or when it is indicated, to work with other clinicians as part of treatment team.
Sammy, the Support Hero
Our trusted companion is here to support you in fostering a deep sense of safety and comfort during stressful situations that can arise during sessions and help alleviate fear and anxiety.
You can find Sammy in our office two days a week; happy to be here and eager to improve your day. Please get in touch with our Care Team if you would like Sammy to join your session.
Dr. Rachel Eelkema, MA, MD, APCC
Associate Professional
Clinical Counselor
Dr. Rachel Eelkema, MD, MA
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor
A graduate of Harvard University, the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, and St. Mary’s University, Dr. Rachel Eelkema provides individual and group therapy to adults, focusing on Women’s Health, Substance Abuse, and Psychobiology.
Quality of life is the main treatment goal in Dr. Rachel’s approach. Whether discussing difficult emotions related to women’s experience of pregnancy, relationships, or menopause; identifying possible strategies to achieve freedom from addiction; or working with clients to understand and manage acute or chronic illnesses, Dr. Rachel aims to meet clients where they’re at and allow a safe and comfortable space for them to express needs and concerns.
Dr. Rachel specializes in cognitive-behavioral, existential, schema, and interpersonal therapeutic modalities. She enjoys working with clients to find meaning in their experiences and take control of their lives' narratives, with the aim of minimizing suffering and moving toward greater happiness.
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Dr. Vihn Ngo, MD
Board Certified in Family Medicine
Specializes in Addiction Medicine
Dr. Vinh Ngo, MD
For 20 years, Dr. Vinh Ngo has dedicated himself to improving patients' overall health and well-being throughout San Francisco and beyond. Dr. Ngo and his staff offer a range of services, notably addiction medicine, psychiatric interventions, ADHD treatment, as well as a host of other integrated, evidence-based medical interventions. Dr. Ngo completed his University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Sutter Santa Rosa residency. He is licensed by the Medical Board of California, specializing in psychopharmacological interventions for addictions and other mental health diagnoses. With his knowledge and expertise, Dr. Ngo can utilize a multimodal approach to treatment. Dr. Ngo can consult and administer hormone therapies to promote health, wellness, and proper development throughout an individual's life. Ngo considers each patient's total health and well-being to be paramount! Rather than focusing on a specific symptom or complaint, Dr. Ngo looks at his patients through a biopsychosocial perspective – ensuring the most comprehensive diagnostic and appropriate medical care. Unfold Psychology is blessed to have Dr. Ngo on the team!
Dr. Gerard Chambers, PsyD, PhD
Dr. Gerard Chambers is a clinical neuropsychologist who assesses children, adolescents, and adults with neurodevelopmental and neurocognitive disorders. He has spent a great deal of his clinical experience evaluating children and adolescents who possess significant behavioral issues in both inpatient and outpatient forensic settings. Dr. Chambers trained under renowned behavioral psychologist and Autism Expert Dr. Charles Stevens. Dr. Stevens is the psychologist who worked with the original “Rainman,” the basis of the 1980s ′s movie that highlighted the life of the Autistic Savant.
To become a clinical neuropsychologist, Dr. Chambers completed two years of HCG-approved didactic training at Palo Alto University and two years of post-doctoral neuropsychological supervision with Neuropsychological Associates in Santa Rosa, California, and Highland Public Hospital, part of Alameda Health Systems.
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Dr. Gerard Chambers, PsyD, PhD
Clinical Psychologist
Talia Prince, MS
Talia Prince has over 17 years of experience teaching and serving as an administrator. With a Master of Science in Administration, Talia has the expertise to support families as their students navigate their educational journey. Students of all ages benefit from Talia's training in education services for students with ADHD and behavior disorders, as well as high-achieving students who experience anxiety and depression.
Talia provides executive functioning services to students and adults, addressing challenges with time management, organization, attention, and perseverance. Having served in school administration roles, Talia possesses unique and valuable insights. She can help families navigate the process of obtaining student accommodations, developing an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), and tracking particular education goals for grades K-12.
As a respected and knowledgeable educator and parent, Talia understands family dynamics and the unique needs of students. Under Talia's guidance, students receive individualized educational and behavioral support to increase their success and self-confidence.
Talia Prince, MS
Education Specialist
Jelipsa Francis
Jelipsa is a seasoned billing and insurance specialist with twelve years of dedicated experience in the customer care industry. She is adept at managing the complexities of insurance claims and billing processes. Her meticulous attention to detail ensures accuracy in all client-related matters, while her proactive approach streamlines workflows, maximizing reimbursement and minimizing denials.
Jelipsa is committed to providing supportive and exceptional service to patients, both new and established. It navigates insurance intricacies with professionalism and efficiency. Trust Jelipsa to handle your insurance, billing, and scheduling needs seamlessly, allowing you to focus on what matters most—taking care of you and your individual needs.
Jelipsa Francis
Billing and Insurance Specialist
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Rachel Budnick, MA, AMFT
Rachel Budnick, MA, AMFT
Rachel is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT#138484). She addresses common mental health issues such as relationship struggles, divorce, depression, anxiety, PTSD, Trauma (acute, chronic, and complex), Bipolar disorder, ADHD, OCD, and other mood-related disorders. She works with children, teenagers, young adults, and adults struggling with general stress, overwhelms, sexuality, non-confirmative relationships/poly-versed, self-harm, communication, boundaries, life transitions and endings, eating disorders, addiction struggles, family dynamics, and conflict.
She works with therapeutic modalities such as Formative Psychology, various approaches to trauma release, and Somatic Experiencing, along with evidence-based CBT and mindfulness practices.
Ashley Lynn, MA
Ashley's treatment philosophy is that healing begins with empowering individuals to recognize their control and strengths in life. We are all humans doing the best we can in our current circumstances. As an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC), her approach is integrative, empathetic, warm, collaborative, and inclusive. She is dedicated to providing a safe space for individuals, couples, and families to feel supported, validated, and heard throughout their therapeutic journeys.
Ashley utilizes cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, humanistic, systems, and trauma-informed treatment techniques to offer a comprehensive and highly tailored treatment to address her client's biopsychosocial concerns.
Ashley Lynn, MS, AMFT, APCC
