ABOUT US

Welcome to Psych4U, Psychiatry with You in Mind

OUR VISION

Psych4u started as a subdivision of Therapies 4 Kids, the leader across South Florida in pediatric intensive therapy for children with neurological and developmental disorders. The psychiatric unit was added, first to help children with autism, then it became evident that their parents, relatives, and caregivers would greatly benefit from our services.

We expanded and grew into our Pembroke Pines clinic, while also servicing all of Florida through Telehealth. Eventually, our psychiatric clinics opened to patients from all walks of life experiencing mental illnesses and mental health disorders.

Our psychiatrists and nurse practitioners evaluate, and possibly prescribe medication, while our psychologists and counselors, provide the required therapies and education.

Staff

Meet our experts

Anna Binder, MD

Anna Binder, MD is a board-certified psychiatrist and an esteemed Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and a Fellow of American Psychiatric Association. Dr. Binder is fully trained in Adult, Child and Adolescent, Geriatric, Emergency and Addiction Psychiatry. She received her general and adult psychiatry training at University of Maryland/ Sheppard Pratt and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry training from Johns Hopkins Medical Institution.

In 2014 Dr. Binder was selected as a Top Psychiatrist in Stamford, CT by the International Association of Health Care Professionals (IAHCP) and spotlighted in the publication The Leading Physicians of the World 2014 Edition. In addition, she is a Recipient of Roger Coleman Memorial Award Service to Patients for exemplary devotion to patients and commitment to quality care as evidenced by volunteer efforts in the Sandy Hook tragedy by Connecticut Psychiatric Society.

Dr. Binder has extensive experience in Emergency Psychiatry providing crisis services and an advocate in treating a broad range of psychiatric and behavior disorders, including depression, Autism (ASD), Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), Schizophrenia, substance abuse, Asperger’s disorder, developmental disorders and more.

Dr. Binder offers an array of psychiatric services including medication management, individual therapy, family therapy, behavior planning for children and adolescents. She provides guidance to families of children in need of specialized academic services within the school system. Her practice specializes in the medication management of adults and children with mood, anxiety and attentional disorders. She also has expertise in treating individuals who are pregnant/post-partum and in need of medication support as a component of their care.

Approaches

Autism
Depression
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
All Ages
Qualifications

Qualifications

Years in Practice: 15+
Licensed in Florida, Connecticut, and Maryland
Fluent in English and Russian

Education

University of Maryland
Johns Hopkins Medical Institution
Year Graduated: 2003

Ingrid Duran PMHNP

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Ingrid Tatiana Duran is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a strong foundation in nursing and advanced training in psychiatric care. She evaluates, diagnoses, and treats a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, and mood disorders. Her approach is patient-centered, holistic, and tailored to each individual’s unique goals and needs.

Ingrid brings a warm, compassionate presence to every interaction. She is deeply committed to creating a safe, respectful space where patients feel heard and empowered. Whether working in person or via telehealth, she strives to build collaborative relationships rooted in trust and understanding.

Since joining Psych4U, Ingrid has found immense personal and professional fulfillment. The practice’s supportive, team-based environment has allowed her to grow as a clinician while continuing to deliver high-quality, individualized care. She considers it a true honor to support patients on their journey toward improved mental health and well-being.

Approaches

Mood Disorders
Anxiety Spectrum
Neurodevelopmental Conditions
Personality Disorders
Behavioral & Impulse Control Disorders
Dual Diagnosis & Co-occurring Conditions
Eating and Weight-Related Issues
Relationship and Life Transitions
Cognitive and Thought Disorders

Qualifications

Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner PMHNP
Licensed to practice in the state of Florida
Bilingual: English and Spanish

Education

Purdue University Global
Year Graduated: 2019

Bertha Victoria Legra, LMHC, CMHC, MCAP

Bertha is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 23 years of experience providing compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals, couples, and families. She specializes in treating anxiety and mood disorders, trauma, relationship challenges, and behavioral conditions in both adolescents and adults.

Her integrative therapeutic approach draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Interpersonal Therapy, mindfulness practices, and dual diagnosis treatment. She offers individual, couples, and group therapy tailored to each patient’s unique needs—available through both in-person sessions and teletherapy for added flexibility and comfort.

Bertha has extensive experience working with critical populations, including the LGBTQ+ community, active-duty military members, veterans, and their families. She is a proud provider with the Star Behavioral Health Provider network and has worked closely with diverse communities such as the Seminole Tribes of Florida. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she is deeply committed to culturally responsive and inclusive care.

Bertha creates a warm, supportive space where patients feel empowered to heal, grow, and navigate life’s transitions with confidence.

Approaches

Cognitive behavioral therapy
Psychotherapy existential
dual diagnosis
Mindful cognitive behavioral
Mindfulness
Dialectical
Interpersonal
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Individual therapy
Family Therapy
Group therapy

Qualifications

Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida
Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Utah
Master’s Level Certified Addiction Professional
Qualified Supervisor for RMHC
Years in Practice: 23 Years

Education

Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. Year graduated: 2004
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Florida International University. Year Graduated: 2001

Susi Blitman LMHC

Susi Blitman is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, who earned her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University in 2007. Blitman counts on over 15 years of experience helping clients overcome their struggles, improve their lives and the lives of their families.

As a mother of two, Blitman has a special interest in helping families, children, and teens with difficult behaviors, self-esteem issues, ADHD, depression, and academic performance issues. Born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Blitman is trilingual speaking English, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Aside from being able to communicate with a wide range of clients, Blitman places her focus on the solution, instead of the problem while treating her clients. Some of Blitman’s approaches to therapy include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Positive Psychology, and Art Therapy. Blitman offers flexible hours.

Approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Solution Focused Therapy
Positive Psychology
Art Therapy

Qualifications

Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Years in Practice: 15 Years

Education

Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling
Nova Southeastern University
Year Graduated: 2007

Saru Bhattarai, APRN, PMHNP

Saru Bhattarai is a board-certified Advanced Practice Registered Nurse specializing in psychiatric mental health and licensed in the state of Florida. With over 18 years of nursing experience across India, Nepal, and the United States—and more than 15 years dedicated to behavioral health—she brings a culturally sensitive, compassionate, and client-centered approach to care.

At Psych4U, Saru provides comprehensive psychiatric services including evaluations, medication management, crisis intervention, and supportive psychotherapy in both outpatient and community settings. Her work is rooted in evidence-based care, clinical expertise, and a deep respect for each patient’s unique story.

Saru’s background spans inpatient psychiatry, outpatient services, and academic roles in nursing education. This diverse experience informs her strengths in patient education, advocacy, and mentorship, helping patients feel empowered and supported.

Fluent in English, Nepali, and Hindi, Saru is committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming space for individuals from all backgrounds. She believes in meeting people where they are and partnering with them to build thoughtful, personalized treatment plans that promote stability, healing, and long-term well-being.

Approaches

Mood Disorders
Anxiety Spectrum
Trauma and PTSD
Psychotic Disorders
Crisis Stabilization
Cross-Cultural Mental Health
Dual Diagnosis & Co-ocurring Conditions
Community Psychiatry
Patient Education and Advocacy

Qualifications

Broad Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC)
License Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), Florida
Years in Practice: 15+ years
Languages: English, Nepali, Hindi

Education

Masters of Science in Psychiatric Nursing
St. Thomas University
Year Graduated: 2024

Carlos M. Gomez, PMHNP-BC

Carlos M. Gomez is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a strong background in the comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions. He brings over five years of experience in psychiatric care and serves individuals ages 8 and up, including adolescents and adults.

Carlos provides evidence-based treatment that includes medication management, therapeutic counseling, and supportive interventions tailored to each patient’s needs. His clinical practice integrates a compassionate, person-centered approach, empowering patients to better understand their symptoms and take an active role in their care.

Originally trained as a medical doctor in his home country of Cuba in 2001, Carlos later earned his post-master’s certification in psychiatric mental health from Wilkes University. He is certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and has a deep commitment to delivering accessible, culturally informed mental health care.

Carlos works with patients managing a broad range of psychiatric conditions—from anxiety and depression to complex mood and psychotic disorders—and strives to create a supportive environment where healing can begin.

Approaches

Moo
DisordersAnxiety Spectrum
ADHD
Bipolar Disorder
PTSD and Trauma
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Psychotic Disorders (including Schizophrenia)
Child & Adolescent Mental Health

Qualifications

Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC)
Certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
Years in practice: 5+

Education

Post-Master’s Certification in Psychiatric Mental Health, Wilkes University
Year Graduated: 2020

Hector Payares ARNP

Hector R. Payares is a ANCC licensed Board-Certified Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and AANP licensed Board-Certified Adult and Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, with training and experience treating patients with psychiatric disorders across the lifespan and across practice settings, from Dade Correctional Institution, Krome Detention Center, and several outpatient clinics in South Florida. He also has a Master of Science in Nursing – Education with teaching experience in different nursing schools, including Fortis College, Miami Regional University, and Florida Career College.

Approaches

Autism
Depression
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Adults
Telehealth Sessions

Qualifications

Licensed Board-Certified Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Licensed Board-Certified Adult and Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Years in practice: 3 years

Education

Master of Science in Nursing/Health Care Education (MSN-ED)
University of Phoenix
Year Graduated: 2013

Xochil Echeona ARNP

Xochil Echeona is a dual-licensed Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a Doctoral degree. She has training and experience with broad experience treating child and adult medial issues as a hospitalist and in outpatient clinics and psychiatric disorders across the lifespan in outpatient therapy clinics.

She treats a variety of mental health illnesses, including anxiety, thought and mood disorders, substance abuse, neurocognitive disorders and ADHD. Xochil with her dual license offers a more focused and collaborative approach to each and every patient by educating them about their symptoms and how to treat their symptoms on medication