Psychiatric & Psychological
Associates of Durham, PLLC
Serving Our Community for over 40 years
Your Subtitle text
Clinicians

Pamela J. Trent, Ph.D., Executive Director
Licensed Psychologist, HSP-P


Dr. Trent is Executive Director of Psychiatric & Psychological Associates of Durham, PLLC, which she joined in 1986, after an active academic career in medical psychology, program development and outcome research.  She received her original doctorate at Northwestern University, a Post-Doctoral Degree at Baylor College of Medicine, and a Post-Doctoral Degree in Counseling Psychology at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill.  She completed her Psychology Internship at the VA Medical Center in Durham.  As a licensed psychologist, Dr. Trent’s clinical work addresses the needs of adults in the treatment of anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, psychological components of medical illness, relationship difficulties, and career change.  She treats individuals, as well as couples, and has a particular expertise in working with dying individuals and their families.  Her clinical method is eclectic with an emphasis on insight and problem solving.

Prior to joining PPAD, Dr. Trent served on medical center faculties at the University of Illinois, Duke University, and visiting faculty at UNC-Chapel Hill.  She conducted research, published, and obtained grant funding for the training of health professionals in the psychosocial concepts of general health care.  She continues these efforts in private practice through her consulting to health care organizations.  She has presented at international, national and statewide conferences and has served on the Boards of non-profit organizations and professional associations.

Peter W. Hampton, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist,  HSP-P


Dr. Hampton is a clinical psychologist with over fifteen year’s experience treating individual, families, and children. He works with patients of all ages and with the full spectrum of mental health problems.  His approach to treatment is pragmatic and draws heavily on the use of cognitive behavioral and solution-focused interventions as well as on biopsychosocial diagnostic formulations.  He provides individuals, marital and family therapy as well as psychological testing.  He is fluent in Spanish. Dr. Hampton began his private practice at Psychiatric & Psychological Associates of Durham in December of 1999.

Prior to starting private practice, Dr. Hampton worked for nine years as a psychologist in general practice with Kaiser Permanente in North Carolina.  At the time he left Kaiser, Dr. Hampton had served two years as the Associate Regional Chief of Mental Health.  Before going to Kaiser he worked as Psychologist and Director of Residential Services with the Wake County Mental Health “Willy M” treatment program for violent children in need of mental health services.  Dr. Hampton worked as a staff psychologist at Catholic Family Services in Miami Florida for three years prior to moving to North Carolina.  He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Abilene Christian University and received his master’s degree in clinical psychology at the University of Tulsa.  Dr. Hampton's doctoral degree in clinical psychology is from the University of Miami and included a sub-specialty in behavioral medicine.  He completed his internship at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York.

Scott A. Rule, Psy.D.
Licensed Psychologist, HSP-P


Dr. Rule is a clinical psychologist and works with patients of all ages, specializing in child, adolescent and family psychological assessment and psychotherapy.  His therapeutic approach may be described as eclectic, with emphases on family/systems, cognitive-behavioral, and interpersonal therapeutic modalities.  Whether working with children or adults, Dr. Rule believes it is important to identify individual and systemic strengths and points of resiliency in order to help individuals and families build on their strengths to adopt healthy, adaptive coping and attachment strategies.

Dr. Rule joined Psychiatric & Psychological Associates of Durham in July of 2001.  He provides assessment and psychotherapy services to children, adolescents, adults, older adults, couples and families who may be struggling with a variety of emotional and behavioral issues including: Mood and Anxiety Disorders; Parenting Strategies; Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; and situational and developmentally related Adjustment Disorders.

Prior to joining PPAD, Dr. Rule has provided assessment and psychotherapy services in a variety of inpatient and outpatient mental health settings including: state psychiatric hospital, community mental health center, child/adolescent inpatient wards, group homes, residential centers, schools and nursing homes.  Dr. Rule earned his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Communication Studies from Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL.  He earned his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology / Argosy University, specializing in child, adolescent, and family psychological assessment and psychotherapy.  He completed his doctoral internship at the St. Cloud Hospital Behavioral Health Clinic, St. Cloud, MN.

Mark D. Heine, M.D.
Adult Psychiatrist


Dr. Heine has practiced with Psychiatric & Psychological Associates of Durham since January of 2000.  He specializes in the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders.  He provides psychotherapy services, as well as medication evaluation and management.  He also enjoys working the clients in regard to their reactions to life stresses. Dr. Heine attended Oberlin College and Case Western University School of Medicine.  He did his Psychiatry Residency at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, graduating in 1989.  He is Board Certified in Psychiatry. Prior to joining Psychiatric & Psychological Associates of Durham, Dr. Heine worked for ten years at Kaiser Permanente in Durham.  He served as the Kaiser Durham Chief of Mental Health and later as the Assistant Regional Chief of Mental Health for Kaiser Permanente in North Carolina.

Sandra J. Preissler, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Sandee is a clinical social worker who has been with this group since 1998.  She has practiced as a psychotherapist in the triangle area for over 20 years. She received her Bachelors of Social Work degree in 1976 from the University of Illinois and later, in 1980 got her Masters of Social Work degree from the University of North Carolina.

Prior to joining the PPAD group, Sandee worked at Wake County Mental Health Center, Durham Regional Hospital Behavioral Health Center and in a self-employed private practice. She currently works with adults, ages 18 and up, either individually or as a couple.  She has treated a variety of problems including depression, anxiety, life transitions, relationship problems and grief.  Her style is generally supportive, gentle and practical.

Nancy L. Costello, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist, HSP-P


Dr. Costello is a licensed clinical psychologist who joined PPAD in the spring of 2002.  Dr. Costello has broad training in several areas of academia.  She began her formal education at LeMoyne College (Syracuse, NY) in 1983 where she obtained a BS in Biology and minors in Psychology and Philosophy.  She obtained her first Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Toxicology in 1989 at Albany Medical College (Albany, NY), where she conducted research investigating the relationship between different types of stress and the effectiveness of anxiety reducing drugs.  Her postdoctoral work, at the University of Rochester (Rochester, NY), was an extension of this interest and was focused in the area of mind-body interactions and behavioral medicine research.  Dr. Costello continued her education in the area of behavioral medicine at the University of Miami (Coral Gables, Florida) and received her second Ph.D. in Clinical Health Psychology in 1997.   Her clinical internship at the Durham VA Medical Center encompassed working with inpatients, the chronically medically ill, as well as with individuals coping with PTSD, depression, anxiety and sexual dysfunctions.

Dr. Costello spent 5 years on the faculty of the UNC-Chapel Hill where she conducted research, published, taught classes, and obtained grant funding in the area of health psychology.  Clinically, Dr. Costello continued to see patients at the War Trauma Counseling Center, the Durham VA Medical Center and in Nursing Home facilities throughout the state of North Carolina.

Dr. Costello’s approach to treatment is eclectic in nature and focuses on understanding the individual’s direct experience across the life span.  She treats adolescents, adults and older adults with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain, sexual dysfunction, sexual addiction, as well as those coping with medical illness, grief and loss or the need for stress and/or anger management.  Dr. Costello is also very committed to treating couples who are dealing with problems in communication, goal setting, life transitions, parenting, time management, sexual dysfunction and infidelity.

Hansen Su, M.D.
General Psychiatry


After graduating from Johns Hopkins University with a degree in engineering, Dr. Su obtained his medical degree at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Jersey.  He then relocated to North Carolina where he completed his residency training in psychiatry at Duke University Medical Center.  He has rotated through various clinical setting including the VA Medical Center, John Umstead Hospital and the Duke Family Studies Program.  He currently works in community mental health in addition to providing psychotherapeutic and medication management services at PPAD.

Al Haskell, MA, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor


Al Haskell is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over twenty-five years of counseling and treatment experience in the areas of child and family therapy, individual therapy and couples therapy. He joined PPAD in 2009. Al also provides counseling to individuals for workplace adjustment and conflict, depression, mood and anxiety disorders; and relationship issues impacting families and couples.

Al has a Master of Arts degree in Counseling from Liberty University in Virginia and a Master of Arts degree in Philosophy from the University of Florida. Al has a diverse and wide range of treatment experience providing counseling to clients in both public and private practice settings. This experience includes 22 years practice in community and systems-based interventions for children and families at Chesterfield County Community Service Board on the Child and Adolescent Services Team (CAST), family and children’s therapy in social service settings in FL and VA, and forensic treatment at a hospital in FL.  He is trained in both evidence-based treatments for depression and anxiety disorders, structural family therapy and solution-focused therapy.

Al is happily married and lives in Raleigh with his family. He is an animal lover and his hobbies and leisure interests include spending time with his family, hiking, and studying local history.


April Groff, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist, HSP-P


Dr. Groff is a licensed clinical psychologist with specialty training in neuropsychology who joined Psychiatric & Psychological Associates of Durham, PLLC in 2010. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and her Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology from Boston University. She completed her Psychology Internship & Postdoctoral Fellowship at the VA Medical Center in Palo Alto, CA specializing in neuropsychology, rehabilitation psychology, medical psychology, family therapy and trauma intervention.
Prior to joining PPAD, Dr. Groff worked as a clinical psychologist in a medical rehabilitation setting providing care to active duty service members catastrophically injured in combat. In that role she also conducted neuropsychological evaluations, provided cognitive rehabilitation, and counseled caregivers and family members of injured individuals. She also served as the Director of the Polytrauma Transitional Rehabilitation Program at the VA Palo Alto.
As a licensed psychologist in practice, Dr. Groff’s clinical work addresses the needs of adults, adolescents, couples and families in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, and adjustment to disability, medical illness or neurological impairment. She has specialized therapy experience working with individuals and family members of individuals who have learning disabilities, ADHD, dementia, cognitive disabilities, and acquired or traumatic brain injury.
Dr. Groff’s clinical practice draws on a broad range of theoretical orientations and clinical interventions. She takes a strength-based approach to assessment and treatment and believes in assisting individuals in identifying and utilizing their strengths to increase adaptive coping and problem-solving.


Mike Butler, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist, HSP-P
Dr. Butler has worked in various settings for over 10 years, including medical facilities, schools, community mental health facilities, university counseling centers, hospitals, and private practice.  These settings have provided him valuable experience with people of different ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, cultural, and economic backgrounds as well as presenting concerns.

Dr. Butler views therapy as a unique opportunity to connect with our own capacity for growth and change.  He consistently strives to offer collaborative, compassionate care.  Because we all have unique ways of being, Dr. Butler tailors his treatment approach for each person by drawing from multiple theoretical perspectives in order to best facilitate progress.  Occasionally, Dr. Butler may draw from his specialized training in mindfulness, biofeedback, or hypnosis if it is appropriate and welcomed.

While Dr. Butler has experience with a wide range of presenting concerns, he specializes in: anxiety ― depression ― medical conditions (chronic pain, chronic diseases, terminal illness, etc.) ― grief & loss ― stress reduction ― relationships & couples counseling ― men’s & women’s issues ― mind-body wellness ― spiritual issues.

Dr. Butler received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Miami University (in Ohio) and earned his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from The University of Memphis.  He completed his internship at the University of Florida Counseling Center.  He also completed a Post-Doctoral Fellowship with Behavioral Medicine specialty at the University of Georgia Counseling and Psychiatric Services.  Being in nature (especially backpacking and kayaking) re-energizes him, and he also enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with his family.    


Candace Patterson, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist, HSP-P

 

Dr. Patterson is a clinical psychologist who provides individual therapy to adults (ages 18 and older).  She enjoys working with a variety of clients, including those who are diverse in terms of ethnicity, sexual orientation, economic status, nationality, and cultural background.  She works with individuals who are addressing a variety of issues, including coping with and managing chronic medical illness (e.g., heart disease, chronic pain), mood disorders (e.g., depression, dysthymia), anxiety problems (e.g., generalized anxiety, phobias), hoarding problems, stress management, relationship issues, and changing health behaviors, such as smoking or overeating. Dr. Patterson has particular expertise and interest in working with people who have diabetes.


Dr. Patterson’s approach to therapy can best be described as cognitive behavioral, which means that she works in a fairly structured manner to help clients reach their goals by addressing their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) requires active participation of both the therapist and client. Dr. Patterson teaches concrete skills and she works with clients to determine which skills can be used by the client both in and out of therapy sessions.


In addition to a cognitive behavioral approach to therapy, she believes in the importance of the relationship between therapist and client (the alliance), and the value of approaching therapy as a collaborative endeavor. This belief stems from a large body of research demonstrating that a strong alliance improves therapy outcome.  Dr. Patterson has contributed to this area of research by publishing articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals and by giving presentations at national conferences. Although she adheres to an evidence-based practice approach to treatment, she also values the individuality of each of her clients. Therefore, she delivers cognitive behavioral therapy in a flexible manner that best meets each client’s background, personality style, and therapy goals.

 

Regarding training/work and educational history, Dr. Patterson has worked in a variety of outpatient and inpatient settings, including hospital clinics, medical and psychiatric inpatient units, a primary care office, and college counseling centers.  Also, she has served as a therapist in several grant-funded studies examining the outcomes of manualized therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy for adults with depression and type 2 diabetes, and coping skills training for people with lung disease and their caregivers.


Dr. Patterson earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Emory University. She received her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Connecticut College, and she received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Ohio University. Also, she completed a yearlong predoctoral internship at Duke University Medical Center (cognitive behavioral track). She remained at Duke another year to complete a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Medical Psychology before joining Psychiatric and Psychological Associates of Durham.

return to clinician list

Content copyright . PPAD. All rights reserved.
Web Hosting Companies