Meet our Providers

Dr. Kati Duncan

Dr. Kati Duncan has worked in bariatrics conducting pre-surgical psychological assessments and pre- and post- operative treatment since 2005. She currently serves on the IH Executive Council for the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, serves on several committees and task forces, and is a regular speaker at the ASMBS and Virginia Bariatric Society meetings. Dr. Duncan has been an adjunct faculty member at Eastern Virginia Medical School since 2007, where she completed her internship and residency training in neuropsychology. She is the owner and director of Assessment & Therapy Associates. Dr. Duncan loves working with bariatric patients both pre- and post- surgery and feels fortunate to support patient's on their journey.

Dr. Duncan is licensed in Virginia and holds a PSYPACT license mobility passport, meaning she is able to practice in the following states: https://psypact.org/mpage/psypactmap

Dr. Duncan sees patients 14 and older.

Dr. Duncan can be reached at:

Office: (757) 206-2772
Fax: (757) 296-2263

Dr. Ashley Laws

Ashley Laws is licensed in Virginia, North Carolina, and California. She also holds a telehealth license in Florida. She completed her Ph.D. In Counselor Education and Supervision at the University of the Cumberlands and her Masters in Counseling at Regent University. She is a member of the American Counseling Association and American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). Ashley specializes in working with adults and adolescents (ages 14 and up) struggling with anxiety, depression, mood issues, grief, self esteem and life transitions in the therapy space. In addition, Ashley completes pre-surgery evaluations for those individuals seeking bariatric surgery.

Ashley sees patients 14 and older.

Ashley can be reached at:

Office: (757) 206-2772

Dr. Karen Stewart

Dr. Stewart specializes in care of bariatric surgery patients. She completed her doctoral and postdoctoral studies at Virginia Commonwealth University and internship/residency training at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. Prior to joining ATA, she has served as faculty in the Psychiatry departments of Virginia Commonwealth University Medical School and Vanderbilt University Medical Center and worked in the Surgery department at Carilion Clinic. She provides bariatric surgery assessments, brief individual surgical preparation support, and bariatric surgery groups.

Dr. Stewart is licensed in Virginia, Tennessee, and Alabama, and holds a PSYPACT license mobility passport, meaning she is able to practice in the following additional states: https://psypact.org/mpage/psypactmap 

She sees patients 16 and older.

Dr. Stewart can be reached at: 

Office: (757) 206-2772

Dr. Denise Hall

Dr. Denise Hall received her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Walden University. She received her master's and bachelor’s degrees in social work from Washburn University. She has over twenty-one years of experience working in the mental health field. Dr. Hall has worked with
diverse populations and in diverse settings including Sentara Comprehensive Weight Loss Solutions, private practice, community mental health, and providing in-home therapy in rural and suburban areas.

Dr. Hall is licensed in the state of Virginia. She also holds a telehealth license in Florida. She currently specializes in pre-surgical evaluations for individuals pursuing weight loss surgery and has over twenty years of experience conducting pre-surgical evaluations. She takes pleasure in helping patients before and after their surgeries to achieve optimal outcomes. She is a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).

Dr. Hall sees patients 14 and older.

Dr. Hall can be reached at:

Office: (757) 206-2772

Dr. Dan Paulus

Dr. Dan Paulus completed his doctoral degree at the University of Houston and his internship at The Charleston Consortium Psychology Internship Program (Medical University of South Carolina and Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center). He completed postdoctoral fellowships at the Medical University of South Carolina and the University of Pittsburgh. He specializes in pre-surgical assessments for individuals pursuing bariatric surgery and spinal cord stimulator surgery and provides acceptance and mindfulness-based therapy for people struggling with health issues (weight, pain) and anxiety/depression. He is a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).

Dr. Paulus is licensed in Pennsylvania and holds a PSYPACT license mobility passport, meaning he is able to practice in the following states: https://psypact.org/mpage/psypactmap 

Dr. Paulus sees patients 18 and older.

Dr. Paulus can be reached at:

Office: (757) 206-2772

Dr. Julie Oliveira-Payton

Dr Julie Oliveira-Payton is a licensed clinical social worker, specializing in care of Bariatric Surgery patients. After completing a specialized fellowship training and education program in bariatric science, she is a Board-Certified Bariatric Counselor (CBC). She is the first from Hawaii to attain this certification. Dr. Julie Oliveira-Payton earned her Doctorate in Social Work from the University of Southern California (USC), along with Masters degrees in both Business Administration and Social Work from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She is the Clinical Supervisor and Manager for the Kaiser Permanente Hawaii Bariatric Clinical Services. Under her guidance and leadership, the Bariatric Surgery Department has been awarded Bariatric Surgery Comprehensive Center Accreditations for three successive term cycles. In addition to leading the bariatric surgery multi-disciplinary team, she continues to specialize in bariatric surgery assessment and counseling, including binge eating, food addiction, and the impact of Adverse Childhood Events (ACE). She has 18 years of experience in helping patients prepare for bariatric surgery. 

Dr. Oliviera-Payton is licensed in Virginia and Hawaii. She provides bariatric surgery assessments, brief surgical individual readiness & preparation, and bariatric surgery peer support groups. Dr. Oliveira-Payton is a member of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). She sees patients 18 years old and older. 

Dr. Oliveira-Payton can be reached at:

Office: (757) 206-2772

Dr. Patchawan “Por Por” Phunwutikorn

Dr. Por Por is a licensed psychologist in Michigan and holds a PSYPACT license mobility passport as well as a Thai clinical psychologist license. She is able to practice in Thailand, the state of Michigan, and the following states:

https://psypact.org/mpage/psypactmap

Dr. Por Por obtained her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from California School of Professional Psychology and completed her postdoctoral training in Clinical Health Psychology.

She currently works as a clinical health psychologist at a medical center, serves as a faculty member of a clinical psychology postdoctoral fellowship program, supervises psychology fellows, and provides medical education for resident physicians.

Within the area of Clinical Health Psychology, Dr. Por Por is particularly passionate about
working with bariatric patients. She is a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).

Dr. Por Por provides pre-surgical psychological evaluations as well as pre- and post-surgical interventions. Dr. Por Por utilizes approaches and techniques from Narrative Therapy to support her bariatric patients in re-authoring their journeys and pursuing their preferred ways of being.

Dr. Por Por sees patients 18 years and older. She can be reached at:

Office: (757) 206-2772
Fax: (757) 296-2263

Alicia Hyatt, LPC

Alicia Hyatt is licensed in South Carolina and Virginia, and holds a telehealth license in Florida. She completed her Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling at the University of South Carolina.

She has over 12 years of experience working in weight loss and specializes in the care of bariatric patients, providing therapy pre and post-bariatric surgery. She provides pre-surgery psychological evaluations. Alicia also works with adults (ages 18 and up) struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and life transitions.

Alicia is a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).

Alicia sees patients 18 and older.

Alicia can be reached at:

Office: 757-206-2772
Fax: 757-296-2263

Dr. Cathy Buksar

Dr. Buksar earned her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Adler University, with additional pre-surgical assessment training through Regional Health Systems and Rush University Hospital in Chicago. She has extensive experience in performing psychological evaluations for patients seeking bariatric surgery as well as surgical options for treatment of chronic pain. She teaches pre-surgery education classes and provides individual short-term therapy for co-morbid conditions such as depression, anxiety, and problematic eating behaviors.

Dr. Buksar is a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).

Dr. Buksar is licensed in Indiana and Illinois. She also holds a PSYPACT license mobility passport, meaning she is able to practice in the following states: https://psypact.org/mpage/psypactmap

Dr. Buksar sees patients 16 and older.

Dr. Buksar can be reached at:

Office: 757-206-2772
Fax: 757-296-2263

Dr. Allyson Wright

Dr. Allyson Wright (Diggins) received her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Florida. She completed an Underserved Medical Psychology internship at the University of Florida’s Health Sciences Center and a postdoctoral fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic. Prior to joining ATA, Dr. Wright served as a staff psychologist in the Bariatric and Metabolic Institute (BMI) at the Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Wright is a member of several professional societies including the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and the American Psychological Association (APA).  She is published in the areas of psychological assessment, physical activity, substance use, and implementing eating disorder treatment.  Her research and clinical interests include the interaction between culture and health, disordered eating behaviors, body image, depression, anxiety and cognitive behavioral treatment. Dr. Wright is offering pre- and post-op therapy to enhance bariatric surgical outcomes.

Dr. Wright is licensed in Ohio and holds a PSYPACT license mobility passport. 

Dr. Wright can be reached at:

Office: 757-206-2772
Fax: 757-296-2263

Dr. Phoebe McCutchan

Dr. Phoebe McCutchan received her doctoral degree in clinical psychology from American University. She joined ATA in September 2023 and is enthusiastic about the opportunity to support bariatric patients. Previously, Dr. McCutchan has worked with diverse clients in a variety of clinical settings, including outpatient community health clinics, the US Naval Academy, the DC VA Medical Center, and several university counseling centers. She specializes in working with adults navigating relationship issues, health issues, depression, anxiety, and suicidality. In addition, Dr. McCutchan provides pre-surgical evaluations for those individuals seeking bariatric surgery. She is a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).

Office: 757-206-2772
Fax: 757-296-2263

Dr. Tangenilla Fry-Riggins

Dr. Tangenilla Fry-Riggins is a licensed psychologist in the state of Michigan, with a PSYPACT license mobility passport, meaning she is able to practice in the following states:

https://psypact.org/mpage/psypactmap

Dr. Fry-Riggins has provided mental health services to patients seeking bariatric surgery and support since 2015. She has been practicing psychology for over 20 years in a variety of roles. Dr. Fry-Riggins completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology at Wayne State University and completed post- doctoral internship at Henry Ford Hospital including rotations in consultation liaison and clinical psychology. She enjoys assisting patients to be prepared for bariatric surgery and post-surgical adjustment.  

She sees patients 18 years and older. 

Dr. Fry-Riggins can be reached at: 

Office: (757) 206-2772

Fax: (757) 296-2263

Dr. Jamie Rodriguez

 Dr. Jamie Rodriguez completed her Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2011.

She has worked in a variety of settings and with diverse populations since that time. Most important is the emphasis on both physical and mental health and wellness throughout her career.

Dr. Rodriguez works with both acute and chronic medical conditions in adults and older adults. She is familiar with assessments to determine appropriateness for various treatments and understanding of a client's current circumstances/conditions and long-term options. Dr. Rodriguez received training in bariatric evaluations and surgical readiness within her graduate training and returned to this practice in 2022. She is a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).

In addition to bariatric evaluations, she is offering both pre- and post-op therapy to enhance surgical outcomes. Dr. Rodriguez is licensed in Pennsylvania, Virginia and Arkansas and holds a PSYPACT License Mobility Passport.

Dr. Rodriguez can be reached at: 

Office: (757) 206-2772

Fax: (757) 296-2263

Dr. Joshua Hrabosky

Dr. Joshua Hrabosky completed his doctoral degree at the Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology, his internship at McLean Hospital, and his postdoctoral fellowship at Yale University School of Medicine. He has over 15 years of clinical and research experience in obesity, bariatric surgery, binge eating, body image, depression, anxiety, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. He is a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and The Obesity Society.

Dr. Hrabosky provides pre-surgical psychological evaluations, as well as pre- and post-surgical interventions for weight management and disordered eating.

Dr. Hrabosky is licensed in CT, NY, VA and holds a PSYPACT license mobility passport, allowing him to practice in the following states: https://psypact.org/mpage/psypactmap

Dr. Hrabosky sees patients 18 and older.

Dr. Hrabosky can be reached at:

Office: (757) 206-2772

Dr. Alyssa Mineo

Dr. Mineo is a licensed clinical psychologist in Texas and Pennsylvania, and holds a PSYPACT license, allowing her to practice across participating states. She earned her Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology, with an emphasis in Neuropsychology, from Carlos Albizu University in Miami, FL. Dr. Mineo completed her pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral residency with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center- Hamot and Northshore Neurosciences.

Dr. Mineo has spent much of her career working alongside various interdisciplinary teams with the UPMC Bariatric Surgery and Organ Transplant programs, where she conducted group psychotherapy, pre-surgical evaluations, and individual psychotherapy for both surgical and non-surgical weight loss patients. Her therapy specializations include women’s issues, eating disorders, and adjustment to life changes.

Additionally, Dr. Mineo specializes in provision of neuropsychological evaluations in addition to psychotherapy, on an outpatient bases. Areas of specialization for administration of neuropsychological evaluations to assess for various neurocognitive disorders including dementia, Parkinson’s, MS, and stroke. Dr. Mineo utilizes a solution-focused, person-centered approach to her clinical work, assessing, diagnosing, and offering neuropsychological and psychological consultation services in diverse settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, and outpatient clinics. She is dedicated to helping her patients achieve their personal goals through compassionate, evidence-based care.

Dr. Mineo is licensed in TX and PA, and holds a PSYPACT license mobility passport, allowing her to practice in the following states: https://psypact.org/mpage/psypactmap

Dr. Mineo sees patients 18 and older.

Dr. Mineo can be reached at:

Office: (757) 206-2772

Dr. Lisa West-Smith, PhD LCSW FASMBS-IH

Dr. Lisa West-Smith joins our practice as Associate Professor Emerita in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine where she also served as Director of Behavioral Health Services in Bariatrics. In over three decades of practice in the behavioral treatment of obesity, Dr. West-Smith has conducted thousands of pre-surgical psychosocial assessments, provided post-surgical care and program leadership in several MBSAQIP Centers of Excellence. From November 2019 through June 2021, she also served as President of Integrated Health Section of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).

In addition to her numerous invited presentations and peer reviewed publications in bariatrics, Dr. West-Smith is co-author of the ASMBS Recommendations for the Pre-surgical Psychosocial Evaluation of Bariatric Surgery Patients. With training and licensure in psychology and clinical social work and extensive experience in Bariatric Behavioral Health, she brings a wealth of knowledge to assist patients and programs in their goal of successful outcomes.

Dr. West-Smith is licensed in Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and Virginia.

Dr. West-Smith sees patients 18 and older.

Dr. West-Smith can be reached at:

Office: (757) 206-2772

Dr. Margarita Cossuto

Dr. Cossuto is a licensed clinical psychologist with nearly 20 years of combined experience in
developmental and clinical psychology. She earned her doctorate in Applied Developmental
Psychology from Fordham University and later respecialized in Clinical Psychology at Fielding
Graduate University. Her clinical training includes completing an internship at Geisinger
Medical Center and a postdoctoral fellowship at a private practice in Connecticut.

Dr. Cossuto provides evidence-based treatment for sleep disorders, anxiety, OCD and related
conditions, ADHD, chronic pain, trauma, and medical adjustment. With a background in health
behavior change and lifestyle medicine, she integrates CBT, DBT, and ACT to promote lasting
well-being. She also conducts pre-surgical psychological evaluations for bariatric, organ
transplant, and spinal procedures, and offers therapy to support bariatric patients through
behavioral, emotional, and lifestyle transitions.

Dr. Cossuto is licensed in Connecticut and holds a PSYPACT license mobility passport,
allowing her to practice in participating states: https://psypact.org/mpage/psypactmap

She sees patients ages 14 and up and is fluent in Spanish.

Dr. Cossuto can be reached at (757) 206-2772

Dr. Anna Leigh Robison

Dr. Anna Leigh Robison is a fellowship trained Clinical Health Psychologist. She has worked on numerous multi-disciplinary teams providing presurgical assessment and evidence-based interventions to various medical populations including advanced heart failure, liver and kidney disease, and bariatric/weight management clinics. In 2023, she transitioned to a position that allowed her to pursue full time practice in bariatrics and weight management.

Clinically she enjoys conducting pre-bariatric surgery evaluations and supporting the unique needs of surgical candidates both pre- and post-operatively. She focuses on sustainable lifestyle behavior changes, and in therapy addresses some of the common roadblocks, including perfectionism, anxiety, depression, and body image dissatisfaction, to promote physical and emotional well-being and quality of life.

Dr. Robison is involved in several professional organizations including American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and Society for Health Psychology/Division 38 of American Psychological Association, where she currently serves as Chair of the Early Career Professionals Council.

She is licensed in Florida, Virginia, and South Carolina. She also has PSYPACT privileges and can work with patients in any PSYPACT state.

Dr. Robison works with individuals 18 years and older.

Dr.Robison can be reached at (757) 206-2772