Christine Truman, MD
Psychiatrist
Dr. Truman is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with expertise in psychopharmacology, psychiatric diagnosis, and disease management. For nearly two decades her clinical focus has been treating mood and anxiety disorders during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Dr. Truman graduated from Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons and did her psychiatric residency at Yale-New Haven Hospital and the New York Presbyterian Hospital of the Weill Medical College of Cornell University. Dr. Truman's training in reproductive psychiatry began during residency at the Payne Whitney Clinic Women’s Program and continued at Rhode Island Hospital before moving to Virginia more than 15 years ago. She is a professional member of the Marce Society of North America (MONA), Postpartum Support International (PSI) and Postpartum Support Virginia (PSVA) where she was a board member from 2012 - 2016. Dr. Truman has provided training in women's mental health topics in a variety of educational settings including professional meetings, medical grand rounds, peer support trainings and is a community faculty member of Eastern Virginia Medical School in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.
Patricia M. Fuss, PsyD
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Fuss is a clinical psychologist who has been licensed in the state of Virginia since 1999. She has worked with many patient groups over the years, including children, adolescents, adults and families. For the past several years she has been specializing in the treatment of women’s mental health, particularly as it relates to difficulties that arise during pregnancy and the postpartum period. She is a professional member of Postpartum Support International (PSI) and Postpartum Support Virginia (PSVA). Dr. Fuss is trained in EMDR, and Phase One Brainspotting, as well as other therapeutic approaches to trauma. She uses a mixture of insight-oriented, cognitive behavioral and relationship-based therapy approaches to help her patients overcome their difficulties and reach their goals. Dr. Fuss completed her undergraduate education in Psychology at Brown University, and received her PsyD from Baylor University. Her pre-doctoral internship was completed through Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) and her post-doctoral work was completed at the DeJarnette Center in Staunton, VA.
Deborah Balak, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Deborah Balak is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 30 years experience helping families, individuals and children face life challenges and learn skills to function better and live more fulfilled lives. Ms. Balak earned her undergraduate degree in Social Work from East Carolina University and Master's degree in Social Work from Norfolk State University. She has advanced training in family systems, play therapy, and EMDR. She has worked in public, private and non-profit settings with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and loss, life transitions, ADHD, trauma, and family/child relationship difficulties. Ms. Balak has collaborated with members of our team for more than 10 years and is excited to be joining Partners in Women's Mental Health where she can focus more on perinatal mental health and early parent-child relationships.
Denise Williford, LCSW, PMH-C
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Denise Williford is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who has been providing evidence-based, trauma-informed care to children, adolescents, adults, and families since 1997. Ms. Williford earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology through Plymouth State University and a master’s degree in Social Work through Simmons University. She has worked in medical settings and outpatient mental health clinics with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief and loss. Her work in Neonatal Intensive Care Units, with parents of premature and sick infants and parents who experienced perinatal loss, led to her interest in perinatal mental health. She has served as a volunteer for Postpartum Support Virginia, as a support group leader, and for Postpartum Support International, as a HelpLine volunteer. Ms. Williford is certified in perinatal mental health, and has advanced training in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, attachment, and parent-child relationships. Ms. Williford is excited to join Partners in Women’s Mental Health, continuing to provide mental health care during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Partners in Women's Mental Health strives to treat all individuals in a fair and respectful manner. We accept patients regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, or nationality, and we hope that all individuals find a safe haven with our clinicians.