Dr. Scardino is board certified in General Psychiatry. He has 39 years of experience treating the full spectrum of psychiatric disorders, using a comprehensive biopsychosocial approach to expedite patients’ recovery. He has received multiple awards and recognitions in Harris County for his service excellence.

Dr. Scardino began practicing psychiatric medicine in 1986, and has been chosen as the head of interdisciplinary treatment teams numerous times. He has served as a medical director at the Harris County Mental Health and Mental Retardation Authority and Mid City Community Service Center. Dr. Scardino has a deep passion for psychiatric medicine and specializes in chronic and severe psychiatric disorders, psychopharmacology, mind-body medicine, cultural aspects of psychiatry, & sexual dysfunctions.

Anand Balasubramanian, MD, PA, is a Notary Public and also a Board-Certified Internal Medicine Physician focused on providing his patients with preventive and value-based medicine, Dr. Balasubramanian is a true resource to those in his care.

Coming from a long line of physicians, Dr. Balasubramanian has been a physician since 2007. He specializes in adult primary care and internal medicine.

Before starting his professional career, he pursued a formal education at Thanjavur Medical College (TMC) in Tamil Nadu, India, where he received a degree in doctor of medicine (MD).

After completing a three-year internship in internal medicine at Coney Island Hospital (NYC Health + Hospitals) in Brooklyn, New York, he became certified to practice medicine through the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM).

Outside of his primary trade, Dr. Balasubramanian maintains involvement with numerous organizations related to his field. He is affiliated with the American College of Physicians (ACP) and the Harris County Medical Society (HCMS).

Dr. Balasubramanian was selected for inclusion in the 71st edition of Who’s Who in America in light of his accomplishments. He has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Doctors for his dedication, achievements, and leadership in internal medicine.

Moving forward, he intends to work within his community and develop relationships with the older population.

Patients can rely on Anand Balasubramanian MD PA for personable and personalized care.

Alissa Carver, APRN-CNP, PMHNP-BC

MENTAL HEALTH NURSE PRACTITIONER

Alissa Carver began her career in mental health as a music therapist, and then as a licensed professional counselor. She provided counseling and rehabilitative services for patients with co-occurring mental health and neurological needs, specializing in recovery from TBI and stroke. During this time, she saw first-hand how medications coupled with therapy helped her patients achieve more fully their treatment goals, and decided to return to school. She returned to school, obtained her RN, and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, becoming a psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner.

Alissa has clinical experience with patients as young as 5 and across the lifespan, and strives to collaborate with other providers in order to achieve best practice for her patients, appreciating the value of each mode of treatment and how they play specific roles in holistic care for mental health needs.

Alissa has been married for 13 years, with 3 children. She spends her spare time making music, cooking, and going on adventures with her family.

My name is Kristen Brown and I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner living in Dallas, Texas. 

I have been a registered nurse for about 6 years and spent most of that time working with psychiatric patients. This is where my love for psychiatry began. I work with patients of all ages, and specifically love to work with children. I have experience working with a range of psychiatric illnesses in children. However, most often I see children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder. 

In my experience treating adults and older adults, I have most often treated illnesses such as Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Schizophrenia, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Generalized Anxiety, and a range of other psychiatric illnesses as well. 

I have seen so many tremendous improvements in patients with the use of psychiatric services and am so excited to be a resource for those in need!

Deborah Ferguson is a Board-Certified Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with education and training in treating individuals with various mental health disorders across the lifespan. Her training and nursing experience expands 28 years, working in various nursing settings.

Training includes Registered Nurse Bachelor of Science degree (BSN) from Indiana University in 1994, Master of Science in Nursing degree (MSN) from Indiana Wesleyan in 2020, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate (PMHNP) across the lifespan from American Nurses Credentialing Center in 2021.

Deborah has been married for 28 years, has to sons, a daughter in law and grandson.

Andrew Mattern

CLINICAL THERAPIST & MANAGING PARTNER

Andrew is a native Houstonian, graduated from University of Houston with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology, and a Masters of Arts specializing in Clinical Psychology from the University of Houston – Clear Lake. While in school, he volunteered at the Crisis Intervention of Houston as a Crisis Counselor and a research assistant for a depression and suicide laboratory.

As a post graduate, Andrew went on to work as a psychology consultant with a Geriatric Psychology Company at multiple nursinig homes. Andrew then worked for HopeBridge Hospital in the Pediatric Psychology Department, as well as the Outpatient Partial Hospitalization program. When HopeBridge Hospital dissolved, Andrew became Lead Program Therapist at St. Joseph Medical Center. In January 2020, he then transitioned to as Managing Partner at Psych Matters, while also consulting for Gulf Bend Services as a Behavior Support Specialist and acts as a Support Specialist at City of Houston Human Health Department.

Brittney A. Cloudy, MA, 
LPC-A, NCC

PROVISIONAL LICENSED COUNSELOR

Born in Saint Louis, Missouri, Brittney completed her Bachelors of Elementary Education at Saint Louis University while receiving Hall of Fame Honors in Track & Field. After six years in the classroom educating First and Third Graders, Brittney continued her education and obtained her Masters in Counseling. Since then, she has worked in the private practice setting working with children, teens and adults. Additionally, Brittney has experience providing group and meal support for patients with Eating Disorders.

Brittney loves traveling, finding new music, creating and living an active lifestyle. After ending her athletic pursuits in basketball and Track & Field, she ventured in to the Martial Arts. Brittney is now an active Professional Mixed Martial Artist with aspirations to compete in the UFC. Fighting has taught her many lessons. One of which Buddha expressed, "It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles. Then the victory is yours." Brittney is motivated to help others to achieve their personal victories. She is relationship focused and strives to meet clients where they are, provide support, gain and develop skills for their individual needs. 

Kelson Furman, LPC-A

THERAPIST INTEGRATING MUSIC

Born and raised in Pagosa Springs Colorado, Kelson Furman moved to Texas in 2020. He first received a Music performance degree from Adams State University. While Studying this, he became curious about the therapeutic benefits of music. He later received a masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. Kelson is still inspired by the benefits of music and integrates it within therapy.

While in school, Kelson did the majority of his work within the children's advocacy center. This experience as well as being trained in EMDR therapy makes trauma an area of focus for him. He also has experience counseling couples and has a passion for helping a stuck marriage move forward. Kelson is currently under supervision (LPC-A) working to attain hours for his licence.

In his personal time, Kelson enjoys playing music, tending to his many plants, working on projects that might not be finished, and most importantly exploring the Houston area with his beautiful wife Jessica.

Zhanna Bukshan, LMSW

THERAPIST

Zhanna Bukshan earned her Bachelors in Psychology from Long Island University in Brooklyn, NY and her Masters in Clinical Social Work from Fordham University in New York City, NY.

Zhanna has three years of experience working with adult and geriatric population in outpatient SUD clinics and outpatient Community Mental Health clinics conducting groups and individual counseling utilizing various evidence based practices including Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy and Supportive Counseling.

Zhanna’s approach is client-centered, always tailored to address each client’s unique need. Zhanna’s goal is to provide the support to achieve the best possible outcome for a client. Zhanna Bukshan specializes in treating Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, ADHD, and Substance Use Disorders. Furthermore, Zhanna is bilingual (English/Russian) and she also can provide Therapy to Russian-speaking clients.

Jennifer Muschweck, LPC-A

ASSOCIATE

Jennifer is a native Houstonian who knew from the age of 4 that she wanted to be a teacher. With a passion for education her undergraduate degree is from Lamar University. The education field sparked the interest in counseling and helping even more students, parents, and the community through counseling- so back to school for a graduate degree in counseling from University of Houston- Clear Lake. After almost 20 years in education, she is now helping people in the private sector. Her school background is varied and provides many topics of knowledge including trauma and grief. During her sessions you will see that she has a calming presence and you can relax and be yourself while enjoying her quirky sense of humor. She is currently under the supervision of Andrew Mattern, LPC-S here at Psych Matters.

During her spare time she enjoys her family, visiting with friends, traveling, playing with her dogs, baking, crafts, and floating naps in the pool. Her organized personality will often find her cleaning or preparing for "the next event". 

Monica has a demonstrated history of Professional Medical Developments, Team Building, Marketing, Business Operations and Sales Management, as well as Strategic Planning Consultation, and utilizes her expertise to oversee Psych Matters. Monica is committed to our growth, facilities effective care for our patients through organized processes and efficient scheduling. She ensures Psych Matters continues to provide the highest quality of service to our city, community and individuals.

Monica is dedicated single mother of two who enjoys painting and traveling with her children. Her love of family is key to her career growth and commitment of support to those in need, families and the diverse communities of Houston, Texas.

Prior to joining Psych Matters, Monica successfully managed and operated over thirty-three medical practices, including hospitals and long-term acute care facilities. She is motivated to build and grow the practice and provide top tier care to our patients.