Hassan M. Minhas MD is a board-certified psychiatrist with training in Adult Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Forensic Psychiatry.
In addition to serving as the Medical Director of Turnbridge, Dr. Minhas is also the Chief of Autism Services at the Hospital for Special Care, and an Assistant Clinical Professor at the Yale University School of Medicine Department of Law and Psychiatry.
He graduated medical school from Rawalpindi Medical College in Pakistan, then completed his internship, residency, and pediatric psychiatry fellowship at Brown University. Following his clinical training, he completed a fellowship in forensic psychiatry at Yale University.
Dr. Minhas has been the recipient of many awards and fellowships. Some of these include the APA Leadership Fellowship, the Brain Conference Travel Award, the Martin B. Keller Award, and the Haffenreffer Family Resident Award. Most recently, he was recognized by the Hartford Business Journal as one of their 40 under Forty honorees.
Achievements
Education and Training
- M.B.,B.S., Rawalpindi Medical College, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
- The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI
- Yale University, New Haven, CT
- Harvard-Macy Program for Post-Graduate Trainees
Honors and Recognition
- 2011 – 2013 Brown Psychiatry Residency Research Track Awardee
- 2011 Second Prize Psychiatry Residency Research Poster, Fourteenth Annual Research Symposium on Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
- 2011 Runner-up to the Weinshilboum Prize (invited to attend the 10th Annual Psychiatric Genomics Course), Department of Psychiatry, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
- 2012 Second Prize Psychiatry Residency Research Poster, Fifteenth Annual Research Symposium on Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
- 2012 Travel Fellowship awardee, 17th Annual Research Colloquium for Junior Investigators, American Psychiatric Association
- 2012 – 2014 American Psychiatric Leadership Fellow, American Psychiatric Association
- 2013 Brain Conference Scholar Travel Award, American Association of Directors of Psychiatric Residency Training
- 2013 International Medical Graduate Fellow, American Association of Directors of Psychiatric Residency Training
- 2013 Society of Biological Psychiatry, 68th Annual Convention, Mentor-Mentee Program Participant
- 2013 Martin B. Keller Award for the Outstanding Resident in the General Psychiatry Residency Graduating Class, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
- 2015 Haffenrefer Family House Staff Excellence Award; awarded to 5 graduating house staff across specialties for demonstrating excellence in clinical service, professionalism, leadership and scholarly activities, Rhode Island Hospital
State and National Organization Committees
- American Psychiatric Association
- Rhode Island Council for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law
Hospital and Training Program Committees
- Brown University
- Bradley Hospital
- Butler Hospital
Publications
- Minhas HM, Pescosolido MF, Schwede M, Piasecka J, Gaitanis J, Tantravahi U, Morrow EM. An unbalanced translocation involving loss of 10q26.2 and gain of 11q25 in a pedigree with autism spectrum disorder and cerebellar juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A. April 2013;161(4):787–791
- Minhas HM, Vahabzadeh A. Autism Spectrum Disorder in DSM-5. The Residents’ Journal, American Journal of Psychiatry, May 2013;8(5):4-6
- Banerjee R, Liu JJ, Minhas HM. Lyme Neuroborreliosis Presenting with Alexithymia and Suicide Attempts. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. October 2013;74(10):981
- Minhas HM, Lowenhaupt EA. Oppositional Defiant Disorder. Ferri’s Clinical Advisor, 2015 edition.
- Minhas HM, Philip N. Antipsychotics. The Encyclopedia of Clinical Psychology, First Edition, 2015.
- Minhas HM, Lowenhaupt EA, Xavier, SL. Conduct Disorder. Ferri’s Clinical Advisor, 2016 edition.
- Minhas HM, Elliot MB, Price LH. Altered mental status due to hand sanitizer ingestion. British Journal of Psychiatry, December 5 2011. bjp.rcpsych.org/letters/
- Aoun EG, Minhas HM, Hunt JI. Synthetic Marijuana: a serious emerging substance use problem in adolescents. The Brown University Child and Adolescent Behavior Letter (CABL). January 2014; 30(1)
Dr. Cutter is one of the world’s foremost behavioral healthcare researchers and clinicians in the fields of psychotherapy development, behavioral medicine, and addiction medicine in urban and rural environments. He received his PhD in Counseling Psychology from Northeastern University, his Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from University of Southern California, and his BA in Psychology from California State University. He has held teaching and/or research positions at Yale University, Harvard University, Northeastern University, and University of Hartford. Dr. Cutter is currently a tenure-tracked faculty member at Yale School of Medicine’s Child Study Center.
Previously, Dr. Cutter was a clinical program developer within some of Harvard’s teaching hospitals, and directed the Pain Treatment Services Units for Yale’s Department of Psychiatry and Silver Hill Hospital. A former assistant dean of Yale College and a Beck Institute Scholar, Dr. Cutter has received numerous professional honors over the course of his career and his work has been widely cited in peer-reviewed manuscripts and continues to direct a highly active and prolific behavioral science clinical research laboratory out of Yale’s Child Study Center.
Dr. Cutter hopes to one day leverage the exceptional outcomes produced at Turnbridge to lobby congress to support legislation that will increase access to long-term dual diagnosis treatment for all populations.
Turnbridge is a leader in adolescent care where young people become better and caregivers become their best. Compassion for each young person and family we are privileged to help is at the center of everything we do.
Achievements
Education and Training
- Postdoctoral Fellow, Yale University School of Medicine (School of Arts and Sciences), 2009
- Predoctoral Fellow, Harvard Medical School, 2007
- Ph.D. Counseling Psychology, Northeastern University, 2007
- M.A. Marriage and Family Therapy, University of Southern California, 2002
- B.A. Psychology, California State University, Long Beach, 1998
Honors and Recognition
- 2017 Eastern Pain Association, Outstanding poster presentation
- 2013 Beck Institute Scholar at the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy
- 2011 National Institute on Drug Abuse Travel Award co-sponsored with the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and American Psychological Association Division 28 (Psychopharmacology and Drug Abuse) and 50 (Addictions)
- 2010 National Institute on Drug Abuse Psychotherapy Development Center Pilot Project Grant
- 2010 National Institute on Drug Abuse Junior Investigator Travel Award
- 2010 Psi Chi National Psychology Honors Society Summer Internship Teaching Grant
- 2009-14 National Institute of Health Clinical Loan Repayment Program by National Institute on Drug Abuse
Awards and Grants
- National Institute on Drug Abuse
- 1 R01 DA019511-03: “Counseling for primary care office-based buprenorphine”
- 1 RO1 DA020576-01A1: “Buprenorphine maintenance vs. detoxification in prescription opioid dependence”
- 1 R01 DA019511-03: “Pain and Opioid Dependence”
- 2 P50DA009241: “Psychotherapy Development Center Pilot Program”
- 5 R01 AA01892303: “Reducing Heavy Drinking to Optimize HIV/AIDS Treatment and Prevention”
- 1 R01 DA034678: “Automated Recovery Line for Medication Assisted Treatment”
Select Publications
- Moore, B.A., Barry, D.T., Cutter, C.J., Sullivan, L.E., O’Connor, P.G., Schottenfeld, R.S., & Fiellin, D.A. (2012). Counseling and directly observed medication for primary care buprenorphine/naloxone maintenance: A pilot study. Journal of Addiction Medicine. 6(3):205-211.
- Beitel, M., Savant, J. D., Cutter, C. J., Peters, S., Belisle, N., & Barry, D.T. (2012). Psychopathology and pain correlates of dispositional optimism in methadone-maintained patients. The American Journal on Addictions, 21, S56-62.
- Moore, B.A., Fazzino, T., Garnet, B., Cutter, C.J., Barry, D.T. (2011). Computer-based treatments for drug abuse and dependence: A Systematic Review. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 40: 215-223
- Garnet, B., Beitel, M., Cutter, C.J., Savant, J.D., Peters, S., Schottenfeld, R.S., Barry, D.T. (2011) Pain catastrophizing and pain coping among methadone maintained patients. Pain Medicine; 12: 79-86.
- Barry, D.T., Beitel, M., Cutter, C.J., Garnet, B., Joshi, D., Rosenblum, A., Schottenfeld, R.S. (2011). Exploring relations among traumatic, posttraumatic, and physical pain experiences in methadone-maintained patients. Journal of Pain,12: 22-28.
- Barry, D.T., Beitel, M., Breuer, T., Cutter, C.J., Savant, J.D., Peters, S., Schottenfeld, R.S., Rounsaville, B.J. (2011). Group-Based Strategies for Stress Reduction in Methadone Maintenance Treatment: What Do Patients Want? Journal of Addiction Medicine, 5: 181-187.
- Barry, D.T., Beitel, M., Breuer, T., Cutter, C.J., Savant, J.D., Schottenfeld, R.S., Rounsaville, B.J. (2011). Conventional and unconventional treatments for stress among methadone-maintained patients: Treatment willingness and perceived efficacy. American Journal of Addiction, 20: 137-142.
- Barry, D.T., Beitel, M., Cutter, C.J., Joshi, D., Falcioni, J., Schottenfeld, R.S. (2010). Conventional and non-conventional pain treatment utilization among opioid dependent individuals with pain seeking methadone maintenance treatment: A needs assessment study. Journal of Addiction Medicine, 4: 81-87.
- Barry, D.T., Beitel, M., Cutter, C.J., Garnet, B., Joshi, D., Schottenfeld, R.S., Rounsaville, B.J. (2009). Allopathic, complementary, and alternative medical treatment utilization for pain among methadone-maintained patients: An exploratory study. The American Journal on Addictions, 18: 379-385.
- Weinberg, I., Gunderson, J.G., Hennen, J., Cutter, C.J. (2006). Manual-Assisted Cognitive Treatment for the Deliberate Self-Harm for Borderline Personality Disorder Patients. Journal of Personality Disorders, 20: 482-492.
Dr. Mark Beitel is a practicing clinical psychologist, researcher, and professor. Dr. Beitel holds degrees in psychology from the University of Michigan, Fordham University, and the New School for Social Research. Beitel completed post-doctoral work at the Yale University School of Medicine.
Beitel serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor at the Yale School of Medicine, where he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses, trains students and conducts clinical research. Beitel is a prolific author who has contributed more than 40 research papers and peer-reviewed articles on psychotherapy, substance use, chronic pain, and connections between culture and psychology.
Dr. Beitel brings a passion for helping people understand and manage their mental health conditions and in-depth knowledge of the theory and practice of effective, evidence-based therapy to Turnbridge clients and families.
Achievements
Education and Training
- Ph.D. Fordham University, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, 2003
- MA New School for Social Research, The Graduate Faculty, 1996
- BA University of Michigan, Psychology Honors Program, 1994
Professional Affiliations
- American Psychoanalytic Association, Research Associate (2004-08)
- American Psychological Association, Member (2003-08)
- Connecticut Psychological Association, Member (2004-present)
- Mind, Brain, Consciousness & Culture Faculty Group, Yale University, Member (2003-07)
- Society for Psychotherapy Research, Member (2003-present)
- The Diversity Initiative, Fordham University, Founding Member (2000-03)
- University of Michigan Alumni Association (2004-present)
- Yale Group for the Study of Native American (2013-present)
Select Publications
- Oberleitner, D.E., Marcus, R., Beitel. M., Muthulingam, D., Oberleitner, L., Madden, L. M., Eller, A., Barry, D. T. (in press). “Day-to-day, it’s a roller coaster. It’s frustrating. It’s rewarding. It’s maddening and it’s enjoyable:” A qualitative investigation of the lived experiences of addiction counselors. Psychological Services.
- Mun, C. J., Beitel, M., Oberleitner, L., Oberleitner, D.E., Madden, L. M., Bollampally, P., & Barry, D. T. (2019). Pain catastrophizing and pain acceptance predict pain severity and interference among methadone-maintained patients. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 75, 2233-2247.
- Barry, D. T., Beitel, M., Cutter, C. J., Fiellin, D. A., Kerns, R. D., Moore, B. A., Oberleitner, L., Madden, L. M., Liong, C., Ginn, J., & Schottenfeld, R. S. (2019). An evaluation of the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy for opioid use disorder and chronic pain. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 194, 460-467.
- Beitel, M., Wald, L., Hutz, A., Green, D., Cecero, J.J., Kishon, R., & Barry, D. T. (2015). Humanistic experience and psychodynamic understanding: Empirical associations among facets of self-actualization and psychological mindedness. Person-Centered and Experiential Psychotherapies, 14, 137-148.
- Beitel, M., Bogus, S., Hutz, A., Green, D., Cecero, J.J., & Barry, D. T. (2014). Stillness and motion: An empirical investigation of mindfulness and self-actualization. Person-Centered and Experiential Psychotherapies, 13, 187-202.
- Barry, D. T., Savant, J. D., Beitel, M., Cutter, C. J., Moore, B. A., Schottenfeld, R. S., & Fiellin, D. A. (2013). Pain and associated substance use among opioid dependent individuals seeking office-based treatment with buprenorphine-naloxone: A needs assessment study. American Journal on Addictions, 22, 212-217.
- Beitel, M., Hutz, A. E., Hopper, K. M., Gunn, C., Cecero, J. J., & Barry, D. T. (2009). Do psychologically-minded clients expect more from counseling? Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, and Practice, 82, 369-383.
- Barry, D. T., Bernard, M. J., Beitel, M. (2009). East Asian child rearing attitudes: An exploration of cultural, demographic, and self-disclosure factors among U.S. immigrants. International Journal of Psychology, 44, 342-350.
- Cecero, J. J., Beitel, M., & Prout, T. (2008). Examining the relationships among early maladaptive schemas, psychological mindedness, and adjustment to college. Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, and Practice, 81, 105-118.
- Hutz, A. E., Martin, W., & Beitel, M. (2007). Ethnocultural person-environment fit and college adjustment in light of relevant demographics: Some implications for college counselors. Journal of College Counseling, 10, 130-141.
- Beitel, M. (1997). Nuances before dinner: Exploring the relationship between peer counselors and delinquent adolescents. Adolescence, 32, 579-591.
Jack grew up in Dallas, Texas, where he earned B.B.A. and master’s degrees in accounting from S.M.U. and started work with a Big Four firm, auditing hedge funds and energy companies. Getting sober in 2007 led Jack to consider other professions that he might enjoy more, and in 2010 he moved to rural Minnesota where he completed a master’s in counseling from Hazelden. Not a fan of blizzards, in 2011 Jack left for Lubbock, Texas, where he worked as a counselor at a residential treatment program for young adults and developed a passion for helping families. In 2015 he briefly lived in Austin to help a college friend open a counseling office. Over time, Jack saw first-hand how quality of life improves the most when a person engages in long-term treatment, a truth supported by decades of research, and so in 2016 he moved to Connecticut to work in Turnbridge’s young adult program.
Since then, Jack has held roles in all our service offerings. He started as a primary clinician and later a family therapist. In 2017 Jack helped open and was director of Turnbridge’s community outpatient services, which started in New Haven in the evenings and have since shifted to our Westport clinic. In 2020 Jack co-developed and -launched Turnbridge’s first adolescent residential treatment center in Woodbury, serving as clinical director. In 2021 he shifted to non-client care to work on a variety of projects ranging from program analysis and enhancement to hiring and training.
As Vice President of Clinical Services, Jack ensures the ethos of Turnbridge’s mission is carried to and thrives within all our programs. He also recruits and hires superb clinical talent from around the country. Additionally, Jack builds and develops relationships with Turnbridge partners through tours, conferences, and speaking engagements. Jack loves spending his time with his wife and their daughter, golf, and travel.
Michael Chase is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner licensed in Connecticut and New York, specializing in treating adolescents and young adults. At Turnbridge’s Woodbury, Connecticut adolescent residential facility, Michael provides comprehensive psychiatric care within a highly structured, therapeutic environment designed to support lasting recovery.
Michael delivers diagnostic evaluations, psychopharmacologic management, and ongoing clinical monitoring for adolescents with complex psychiatric and substance use presentations. He works closely with therapists, families, and the multidisciplinary treatment team to ensure coordinated, individualized care that addresses both mental health and substance use needs. His approach emphasizes trauma-informed, strengths-based treatment and meaningful family involvement—key elements in supporting sustainable change for young people.
In addition to his work at Turnbridge, Michael brings diverse experience across inpatient geriatric psychiatry, acute care settings, residential substance use treatment, and outpatient private practice. He has managed high-acuity cases, overseen crisis stabilization, and treated co-occurring disorders across the lifespan. Earlier in his career, he provided trauma-informed care to adolescents in residential and hospital-based psychiatric programs, further shaping his understanding of youth development and behavioral health.
Michael earned his Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Saint Joseph. His clinical philosophy centers on compassionate engagement, clinical rigor, and empowering adolescents and families to build resilience, insight, and long-term recovery.
Melissa Rayment attended Johns Hopkins University, where she graduated with both her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees. She subsequently obtained board certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). During her time at Johns Hopkins, she led a quality improvement initiative focused on suicide prevention within the community.
Prior to her graduate training, she attended the University of Connecticut, where she earned dual undergraduate degrees in Psychological Sciences and Human Developmental Sciences. During this time, she engaged in research focused on supporting individuals with trauma histories and mental illness, including participation in the ACT (Act, Contribute and Thrive) program funded by The Village. She also contributed to published work presented at the Society for Research in Child Development’s 2019 Biennial Meeting.
Melissa is committed to working with individuals experiencing complex mental health conditions through a holistic, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive approach. Her clinical practice is grounded in current evidence-based research to ensure the delivery of high-quality, up-to-date care.
In her free time, she enjoys exercising, hiking, reading, and spending meaningful time with friends and family.
Dr. Ficko is a Licensed Family Nurse Practitioner, completing his undergraduate degree at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine and post-graduate work at Fairfield University. He has spent 10+ years working in emergency medicine both in the hospital and in the field, developing various programs designed to deliver reliable, evidence-based care to underserved communities. Dr. Ficko joins our team at Turnbridge to provide clients with individualized medical evaluation and management.
Nick Anderson grew up in New York City and attended Ithaca College in upstate New York. He first came to Turnbridge in 2013 as a client in the adult program and later began working as a chef in the kitchens. Over time, he held several roles at Turnbridge, including Life Skills Coordinator and Case Manager, and currently serves as a Care Team Director. Nick draws on both his personal experience in recovery and his family’s experience navigating treatment to support clients and their families in a practical and relatable way. He enjoys helping teens build confidence, strengthen family relationships, and move toward long-term stability.
Mary is a Licensed Practical Nurse with experience across acute rehabilitation and hospice care, bringing a steady, compassionate presence to every setting she serves. She is especially passionate about supporting individuals on the autism spectrum, drawing from both her professional background and personal connection to the community. Mary approaches her work with deep empathy, patience, and respect, creating meaningful connections with those in her care. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her beloved huskies.
Justin Alter draws on both professional expertise and his lived experience with addiction and recovery to support families and clients as they navigate the complex challenges of healing. In his role as Care Team Director, Justin equips parents with practical tools and strategies to better support their child’s recovery, while also working directly with clients to address problematic behaviors and foster meaningful personal growth. His approach centers on empathy, accountability, and collaboration, helping families strengthen communication and build resilience. Dedicated to bridging the gap between clients and their loved ones, Justin brings guidance, hope, and perspective to every stage of the recovery process.
