Clinical Team
Dr. Joseph H. Lucas is the Executive Director, Chief Executive Officer, and Clinician at ACTS. He is a seasoned professional that has utilized “Advanced Counseling” and therapeutic techniques and provided clinically proven treatments to those who are suffering. He is known for his “down to earth” personality and placing the utmost importance on developing strong relationships with those he serves. Dr. Lucas utilizes “Advanced Testing” and interpretation techniques in providing Independent Educational and School Neuropsychological Evaluations, which culminates into “Solutions” for clients, based on a deep understanding of their cognitive processing. Dr. Lucas believes that the relationships with those we service are critical to their progress. "I am a big proponent of evidenced-based practice and that is why I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to treat my clients." Dr. Lucas completed his Doctorate in Psychology (PsyD) from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine; specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and School Neuropsychology. Dr. Lucas completed his Post Doctoral Fellowship and remains the resident in clinical psychology at ACTS.
I firmly believe that those of us in the psychological/counseling field need to place the utmost importance on helping others. I firmly believe that helping others is my calling or my "mission." I have found great joy and pride in treating others and helping them achieve success and reduce suffering in their lives. I have been very fortunate to have received a phenomenal educational and training base from Duquesne University and The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). I specialized and completed the certification program in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) from PCOM, which including a training with Drs. Aaron Beck (the founder of CBT) and Judith Beck, Art Freeman and Rosemary Menutti and School Neuropsychology from Dr. George McCloskey and Dr. James B. Hale. I took great pride in being a part of that same program as a Professor. I completed the Diplomate from the American Board of School Neuropsychology under direction of Dr. Steven Feifer and Dr. Daniel Miller in 2006.
Insights Into What I Do and Why I do it
There has been no greater accomplishment and at the same time, humbling experience in developing and working in a tremendous practice like Advanced Counseling and Testing Solutions (ACTS). ACTS is a unique practice offering counseling, testing and adjunctive treatments like Neurofeedback and Alpha Stim (CES), but we buck the normal trend of having a large group practice. We strive to provide a private and comfortable experience in an environment that is inviting and accepting; that is what an exclusive practice provides; all of the many benefits but limited "comfortability." Your counseling or testing and all forms of treatment will be done respectfully, comfortably and conducted by clinicians that care about you and the progress and investment you make in therapy. ACTS, also has team members with a broad spectrum of specialties in treatment and age range domains. So, if you are considering any of my/our services, please give us a call and you will understand the message we are sending.
Dr. Benns-Suter is a licensed psychologist in the state of Pennsylvania. She earned her Ph.D. from Michigan State University. Dr. Benns-Suter retired as an associate professor from Millersville University with the esteemed recognition of Emeritus. Dr. Benns-Suter treats children, adolescents and adults. In her free time, Dr. Benns-Suter enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and she is very involved in the musical arts in Lancaster County.
Dr. Gary Lord is an experienced licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in facilitating learning, good health and optimal effectiveness in individuals, couples/families, and organizational teams. The focus of his practice through the years has been on relationships, problems with intimacy and sexuality, and anything that prevents individuals (of all developmental ages),
couples/families, and work teams from achieving healthy, effective, fulfilling lives. Dr. Lord’s most effective work has been with couples in helping them to get past their conflicts and obstacles hindering the fulfillment of a deep, rich, satisfying intimate love relationship. Dr. Lord has also worked with the elderly facilitating their “successful aging”, doing retirement planning seminars and consulting with assisted living and nursing homes. He has worked as a school psychologist for many years with much satisfaction identifying the spectrum of difficulties that prevent children and adolescents from learning and achieving rich, fulfilling lives and relationships, as well as helping parents, teachers and school staff develop effective ways to improve these students’ learning and development. In addition to his clinical work, Gary has done executive coaching and consulting with businesses and organizations (e. g., person-position matching personnel assessments, security assessments, team building). Dr. Lord has also taught and conducted research at several Universities and colleges.
Dr. Lord has always been fascinated with the functioning of the brain! More recent research in neuroplasticity has demonstrated how our brains can adjust itself to compensate for problems in one area by rerouting neuropathways, “neurons that fire together, wire together.” (a quote from Change Your Brain Change Your Life) By helping individuals develop different habits of thinking and behaving using neurofeedback and Cognitive Behavior Therapy techniques. We at Advanced Counseling and Testing Solutions, have demonstrated the ability to change neuropathways, facilitating better learning and more rich satisfying lives. I am also – continuously – excited about the integrated, interactive nature of our spiritual, emotional, mental and physical being – how we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” I get great satisfaction helping individuals realize their integrative capacity. For example;
Dr. Lord worked with individuals and done workshops on stress management using the Derogatis Integrative Model and Test of stress that involves the interaction of life events, personality mediators and emotional reactions. Research demonstrates a strong connection between stress and health/disease processes, so by identifying key sources of stress and providing effective ways to manage/minimize these clearly helps individuals led better quality lives.
Another example of this interacting, integrative nature of our beings is the rich value of regular exercise. I have convinced many of my clients through the years that regular exercise (and meaningful satisfying activities and relationships) is the best anti-depressant on the market!
The quality of our relationships also is closely related to our health and the quality of our lives. Perhaps the most satisfying experiences of my lengthy clinical practice has been helping couples and families remove the tensions and conflicts in their relationships and faith walks (i.e., relationship with our Lord). There are some very sound and
powerful principles of healthy relationships in the Bible which I have regularly used with clients. I have seen couples and families communicate
better, problem solve together, grow closer and more intimate with each other,and stronger in their faith walks.
Dr. Natalie Hetrich earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Millersville
University and obtained her master’s and doctoral degrees in clinical psychology from
Chestnut Hill College. She has over 10 years of experience working in the field and her
current specialties include psychological and neuropsychological assessment with
children, adolescents, and adults. She also provides individual therapy to adolescents
and adults. Prior to coming to ACTS, Dr. Hetrich worked within a large health system
where much of her time was devoted to neuropsychological assessment, as well as
working within a hospital setting with patients who are experiencing significant medical
issues. In addition to her clinical work with patients, Dr. Hetrich also has much
experience supervising psychology trainees. When not at work, she enjoys spending
time with her family and friends, traveling, and doing yoga.
I am a Licensed professional counselor in Pennsylvania. I also hold a Behavioral specialist license and am nationally certified.
I am trained in DBT, CBT, as trauma and as well as being a trained disaster therapist. I also have 6 years of experience as a supervisor.
Over the course of the last 11 years I have had a great deal of experience working with trauma victims, individuals who identify on the Autistic Spectrum, LGBTQ individuals as well as the transgender population. I have experience working with BPD, DID, anxiety, depression, trauma and emotional issues, gender identity and transgender populations, OCD, bipolar disorder, family and couple conflicts, ASD, and behavioral issues with children. I've counseled individuals from age 5 to 79.
I believe each individual deserves to be treated with respect and dignity and that the therapeutic bond between client and therapist should be based on trust and understanding. It is important to me that my clients feel safe with no fear of judgment or reprisals.
I treat each client with unconditional acceptance and I strive to provide a genuine, authentic atmosphere while providing compassion and guidance, in order for clients to feel comfortable sharing their most personal experiences.
I look forward to guiding you as you begin your journey toward becoming a happier, healthier YOU!
Jen Irizarry graduated with her Ed.S. in School Psychology from Millersville University of
Pennsylvania. She also completed her M.S. in Psychology at Millersville. Jen completed
her B.S. in Psychology at Troy University in Alabama. She is bilingual and speaks both
Spanish and English. She is currently working towards her Licensed Professional
Counselor certification and uses motivational interviewing, trauma-informed cognitive
behavior therapy and mindfulness strategies, among others, in her counseling practice.
Jen also conducts psychoeducational evaluations in both English and Spanish. She has
years of experience working with children and adolescents from a variety of
backgrounds. She enjoys spending time with her family and traveling in her spare time.
Jen is a member of the National Association of School Psychologists and is a Nationally
Certified School Psychologist.
Dr. Veronica Petrillo holds a doctoral and masters degree in clinical psychology from LaSalle University and a masters degree in counseling and mental health services from the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to joining ACTS, she completed an APA accredited internship and postdoctoral residency through Wellspan/Philhaven in York, Pennsylvania. She works primarily with children, teens, young adults and their parents and specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders. She also has training in completing comprehensive evaluations for autism and ADHD. Her clinical experiences have involved training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), parenting strategies and mindfulness techniques. When not at work, she enjoys spending time taking family walks on the nature trails by the river.
Psychological Technicians
Nicole graduated Magna Cum Laude from Duquesne University, earning her bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in sociology. She is well-versed and trained in Neurofeedback, working closely with BrainMaster Technologies Inc. and qEEG-Pro. She enjoys hiking, baking, makeup artistry, and taking trips to the Jersey Shore in her free time
Administration
Kristy is the Chief Operating Office at Advanced Counseling and Testing Solutions. She
received her bachelor's degree in health management from the University of Pittsburgh
while obtaining her dental hygiene degree at the School of Dental Medicine. Kristy is
also certified as a Biofeedback and Neurofeedback practitioner. Being the wife of Dr.
Lucas, she has made it her personal goal to not only support her husband but to ensure
that the practice is successful in helping the families and children that our clinicians
positively impact every day. When she is not at the practice, she enjoys caring for their
three children, as they keep the family lively and full of laughter.
Mia was born in Malaysia and is a recent graduate from the Clinical Psychology program at Penn State University, where she completed rigorous training in evidence-based therapeutic techniques and psychological assessment. During their academic journey, Mia developed a strong foundation in both clinical practice and research, equipping them with the skills necessary to support individuals in their mental health journeys.
With a keen interest in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and human-centered approach, Mia is committed to providing compassionate and effective care. Mia is currently working towards obtaining licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and holds an Associate Licensed Professional Counselor licensure in Pennsylvania, and is eager to apply their knowledge and skills in a clinical setting.
Mia's dedication to the field is reflected in the rapport she builds with her clients and seeing a positive change in their overall well-being. She is excited to continue their professional development and make a positive impact in the mental health community.