Meet Our Team
We're Happy You're Here!
We deliver empathetic, all-encompassing counseling, testing, and neurofeedback services designed to support each client’s individual needs.
You can count on our team to provide compassionate, personalized care for every stage of life. Whether supporting children through challenges, guiding adolescents toward growth, empowering adults, or fostering well-being in seniors, our expert team is here to help. Together, we’ll navigate life’s complexities and create a path to healing and resilience.
Our friendly and knowledgeable front desk staff, at both our Lancaster and Wyomissing locations, is here to help match you with the clinician best suited to your needs. From the moment we answer your call, we are dedicated to ensuring that you and your family receive the highest level of care in a warm, safe, and compassionate environment. ACTS is ready to help!
Who We Treat
We provide care for patients of all ages, from young children as young as 3 to geriatric adults, offering support and treatment tailored to every stage of life.
- Toddler
- Children (6-10)
- Preteen
- Teen
- Adults
- Elders (65+)
ACTS is a unique practice offering counseling, testing, and adjunctive treatments like Neurofeedback and Alpha Stim (CES). We strive to provide a private and comfortable experience in an inviting and accepting environment. All forms of your treatment will be done respectfully, comfortably, and conducted by clinicians who care about you and your progress. We have team members with diverse specialties, offering a wide range of treatment options and expertise across all age groups.
Get Started With Us Today!
Our Mission
Advanced Counseling and Testing Solutions, LLC (ACTS) is committed to providing only the best behavioral health services to educate and advocate for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors within the Lancaster and Reading communities. ACTS delivers superior mental health services for the purpose of well-being.
Helping clients is our mission, not only our profession!
Evidence-Based Treatment
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy
- Psychological Evaluations
- Neuropsychological Evaluations
- Neurofeedback
Meet The Advanced Counseling and Testing Solutions Team
Our team consists of highly trustworthy and deeply compassionate professionals—including clinicians, technicians, and administrative staff—alongside a group of experienced providers, including doctors of psychology and master’s-level licensed professionals such as licensed psychologists, LPCs, LSWs, and LCSWs, all dedicated to supporting and assisting you every step of the way.
Clinical Staff
Our clinical staff is composed of highly trained professionals with diverse expertise, dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.
Joseph H. Lucas, PsyD, ABSNP, LPC
Executive Director, Chief Executive Officer, Clinician
Dr. Joseph H. Lucas is a seasoned professional that has utilized "Advanced Counseling" and therapeutic techniques and provided clinically proven treatments to those who are in need and 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 Neuropschological 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 evidence-based practice and that is why I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to treat my clients."
"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."
Top specialties include (but not limited to): Anxiety, Martial and Premarital, Testing and Evaluation.
Education / Training / Experience
- Received a phenomenal educational and training base from Duquesne University and The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM).
- Specialized and completed the certification program in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) from PCOM, which included a training with Doctors Aaron Beck (the founder in CBT) and Judith Beck, Art Freeman, and Rosemary Menutti.
- Specialized and completed the certification program in School Neuropsychology from Dr. George McCoskey and Dr. James B. Hale. Also took great pride in being part of that same program as a Professor.
- Completed his Doctorate in Psychology (PsyD) from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine; specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and School Neuropsychology.
- Completed his Post Doctoral Fellowship and remains the resident in clinical psychology at ACTS.
- Completed the Diplomate from the American Board of School Neuropsychology under direction of Dr. Steven Feifer and Dr. Daniel Miller in 2006.
Insight Into Who 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.
Mia Megan-Foo, MA, LAPC
Mia was born in Malaysia and is a recent graduate from Penn State University where she completed rigorous training. During her academic journey, Mia developed a strong foundation in both clinical practice and research, which has equipped her with the skills necessary to support individuals in their mental health journeys. During services, Mia builds strong rapport with clients and focusing on fostering positive changes in their overall well-being; she is committed to providing compassionate and effective care to all.
Education / Training / Experience
- A recent graduate of the Clinical Psychology program at Penn State University.
- Completed rigorous training in evidence-based therapeutic techniques and psychological assessment.
- Working towards obtaining licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
- Holds an Associate Licensed Professional Counselor licensure in the state of Pennsylvania.
Specializations
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Human-Centered Approach
Ruth Benns-Suter, PhD
Dr. Benns-Suter is a licensed Psychologist in Pennsylvania, treating children, adolescents, and adults at ACTS. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and traveling, as well as being very involved in the musical arts in Lancaster County, PA.
Education / Training / Experience
- Licensed Psychologist in the state of Pennsylvania.
- Earned her Ph.D. from Michigan State University.
- Retired as an Associate Professor from Millersvile University with the esteemed recognition of Emeritus.
Gary Lord, PhD
Dr. Gary Lord is an experienced licensed clinical psychologist specializing 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 is preventing individuals (of all developmental ages), couples/families, and work teams from achieving healthy, effective, fulfilling lives. His most effective work has been helping couples overcome their conflicts and obstacles hindering the fulfillment of a deep, rich, satisfying intimate love relationship.
Dr. Lord has always been fascinated with the functioning of the brain! More recent research in neuroplasticity has demonstrated how our brains can adjust themselves 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 from helping individuals realize their integrative capacity; an 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 have 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.
Education / Training / Experience
- Licensed Clinical Psychologist for many years.
- Has done executive coaching and consulting with businesses and organizations.
- Dr. Lord has also taught and conducted research at several Universities and colleges.
- 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
- Has worked with the elderly facilitating their “successful aging”, doing retirement planning seminars and consulting with assisted living and nursing homes.
- Conducted workshops on stress management using the Derogatis Integrative Model.
Specializations
- Works with individuals on relationships, intimacy, sexuality issues, overcoming barriers, and achieving fulfilling lives.
- Expertise in neurofeedback and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to develop healthier thinking and behavior patterns.
- Helps clients with stress management using the Derogatis Integrative Model and Test of stress that involves the interaction of life events, personality mediators and emotional reactions. Research shows there is a strong connection between stress and health/disease processes; through providing effective ways to manage/minimize helps individuals better their quality of life.
- Helps couples resolve conflicts and achieve deep, satisfying intimate relationships.
- Works with families to improve communication, problem-solving, and relationship dynamics.
- Incorporates biblical principals to strengthen relationships and faith walks.
- As a former school psychologist, can help children and adolescents with learning difficulties and developmental challenges. Has also worked with parents, teachers, and school staff to improve students' learning and development.
- Executive coaching and consulting for businesses and organizations (person-position matching personnel assessments, team building, security assessments)
- Has a passion in brain functioning and neuroplasticity. Focuses on habit formation and changing neuropathways for better learning and quality of life.
- Facilitates "successful aging" and retirement planning seminars.
- Consults with assisted living and nursing homes to improve quality of life for seniors.
Natalie Hetrich, PsyD
Dr. Natalie Hetrich has over 10 years of experience working in the field, with her current specialties being psychological and neuropsychological assessment, plus individual therapies. When not at work, she enjoys spending her time with family and friends, traveling, and doing yoga.
Specializations
- Psychological Assessments with children, adolescents, and adults.
- Neuropsychological Assessments with children, adolescents, and adults.
- Individual Therapy to adolescents and adults.
Education / Training / Experience
- Earned her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Millersville University.
- Obtained her Master's and Doctoral Degrees in Clinical Psychology from Chestnut Hill College.
- Has over 10 years of experience working in the field.
- Prior to ACTS, Dr. Hetrich worked with 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 were experiencing significant medical issues. • Has experience supervising psychology trainees.
Paula Bellavance, LPC, NCC, BSL
Over the course of the last 11 years, Paula has had a great deal of experience working with trauma victims, individuals who identify on the Autism Spectrum, LGBTQ individuals, as well as the transgender population. She has helped clients with a variety of conditions between the ages of 5 to 79, and it is important to her that all clients feel safe with no fear of judgment or reprisals.
"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!"
Education / Training / Experience
- Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania.
- Holds a Behavioral Specialist License and is Nationally Certified.
- Trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Trauma, as well as being a trained Disaster Therapist.
- Also has 6 years of experience as a Supervisor.
- Has extensive experience working with: Bipolar Disorder (BPD), Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), Anxiety, Depression, Trauma and emotional issues, Gender Identity and Transgender populations, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), family and couple conflicts, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and behavioral issues with children.
Specializations
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Trauma Therapy and Trained Disaster Therapist
- Is a Trained Disaster Therapist
Jennifer Irizarry, MS, Ed.S, LAPC
Jennifer has years of experience working with children and adolescents from a variety of backgrounds. She is bilingual and speaks both Spanish and English fluently. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.
Specializations
- Motivational Interviewing
- Trauma-informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Mindfulness Strategies
- Conducts Psychoeducational Evaluations in both English and Spanish
Education / Training / Experience
- Graduated with her Ed.S. in School Psychology from Millersville University of Pennsylvania.
- Completed her Master of Science in Psychology at Millersville University.
- Received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Troy University in the state of Alabama.
- Currently working toward her Licensed Professional Counselor Certification.
- A member of the National Association of School Psychologists.
- Is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist.
Veronica Petrillo, PsyD
Dr. Veronica Petrillo brings extensive experience in supporting children, teens, young adults, and their families, utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) alongside a variety of other effective strategies and techniques. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys quality time with her family, taking peaceful walks along nature trails by the river.
Specializations
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Parenting Strategies
- Mindfulness Techniques
- Works primarily with children, teens, young adults, and their parents
- Treatment of Anxiety Disorders
- Comprehensive evaluations for Autism, ADHD, CBT, and more
Education / Training / Experience
- Holds a Doctoral and Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology from LaSalle University.
- Has 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.
- Has training in completing comprehensive evaluations for Autism and ADHD.
- Her clinical experiences have involved trainings in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), parenting strategies, and mindfulness techniques.
Psychological Technicians
Our Psychological Technicians are skilled professionals who play a vital role in supporting clinical services by assisting with assessments, gathering data, and helping to implement therapeutic interventions, all while ensuring a smooth and effective treatment process for each of our clients.
Nicole Sundin, BA
Nicole is one of our psychological technicians. Outside of work, she loves exploring nature on hiking adventures, getting creative with baking and makeup artistry, and soaking up the sun on trips to the Jersey Shore.
Education / Training / Experience
- Graduated Magna Cum Laude from Duquesne University, earning her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and a Minor in Sociology.
- Well-versed and trained in Neurofeedback, working closely with BrainMaster Technologies Inc. and qEEg-Pro.
Alexis Elliott, BS
Alexis is a dedicated psychological technician at ACTS, bringing her expertise and knowledge gained from earning her Bachelor's degree to support our clients and clinical team.
Education / Training / Experience
- Graduated with her Bachelor's of Science Degree.
Administration Staff
Dedicated to providing seamless support, managing appointments, handling client inquiries, and much more—our administration staff allows our clinical team to focus on delivering high-quality care to those in need.
Kristy Lucas, BS, RDH
Chief Operating Office
Kristy Lucas, the proud wife of Dr. Lucas, has made it her personal goal to not only consistently support him in his practice, but also to ensure that ACTS is successful in helping families and children and that all clinicians are positively impacting them every day. When not at the practice, she enjoys caring for their three children, as they keep the family lively and full of laughter.
Education / Training / Experience
- 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.
- Certified as a Biofeedback and Neurofeedback Practitioner.
Amber Ackerley, BS
Amber is a valued member of our administrative team, bringing expertise and dedication to her role. With a Bachelor's degree and exceptional organizational skills, she effectively oversees numerous aspects of our office operations.
Education / Training / Experience
- Received her Bachelor's of Science Degree
Two Great Locations
Find Us Here
Advanced Counseling and Testing Solutions proudly serves the community with two exceptional office locations—one in Berks County and the other in Lancaster County.
