About Alternative Awakenings Psychiatry
Who We Are
At Alternative Awakenings Psychiatry, our mission is to empower individuals to reclaim their voice and navigate life’s challenges with the tools and support they need. Led by a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of healthcare experience, we offer compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care to adults and the perinatal population facing mood and anxiety disorders. We believe in a holistic approach that includes not only pharmaceutical treatments but also natural, non-pharmaceutical therapies to support mental health and well-being. Rooted in a deep understanding of diverse cultural backgrounds, personal struggles, and the transformative power of empathy, we provide a supportive, inclusive environment where every patient is valued and free to be themselves. Through both cash-based and insurance-based services, we offer flexible care options designed to help our patients achieve emotional balance, healing, and fulfillment.
Meet the Team
Julie Ann Therese De Los Santos, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Founder, CEO
Julie Ann Therese, is a dedicated board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience in healthcare. Beginning her career as an LVN in 2010, she later earned her BSN with a scholarship from the Veterans Affairs Hospital. Julie’s passion for mental health led her to pursue a master’s degree in nursing at West Coast University, and specialize as a PMHNP, providing compassionate care to diverse populations, including veterans facing complex mental health challenges.
Julie’s personal experiences have shaped her empathetic approach to care. Born in the Philippines and raised under strict guardianship, she overcame a challenging childhood before moving to the U.S. at 15, deepening her understanding of cultural influences on mental health. As a Filipino-American, she prioritizes cultural sensitivity and holistic support in mental health care.
She is the founder of Alternative Awakenings Psychiatry, where she provides evidence-based, patient-centered care and is receptive to holistic and non-medication treatments when appropriate. Julie tailors her approach to each individual, empowering them to navigate life’s challenges with personalized, integrative care.
With her blend of clinical expertise, personal resilience, and commitment to holistic care, Julie is dedicated to advancing mental health services and improving access to quality care for all.
Dr. Shaheen Lakhan, MD, PhD, FAAN
MD Collaborator
Dr. Shaheen Lakhan is an innovative physician-scientist and entrepreneur democratizing access to high-quality therapeutics and healthcare. Board-certified in neurology and pain medicine, he brings over 20 years of experience, successfully advancing novel drugs, medical devices, digital medicine, and clinical services to market.
As Chief Medical & Scientific Officer at Click Therapeutics and Board Director at Franelle Pharma, Dr. Lakhan leads
AI-enabled clinical development and drug-delivery platforms, driving the future of precision medicine. A regular contributor to esteemed media outlets—including HuffPost, US News, Fox News, Medscape, and HealthCentral, Dr. Lakhan shares his insights at the intersection of science, technology, and medicine.
John Michael M. Sunga, SN
Admin Assistant
John Michael M. Sunga, SN is a passionate and driven Bachelor of Science in Nursing student at Adamson University in the Philippines. With a strong foundation in healthcare and a deep commitment to making a meaningful impact, John has consistently demonstrated a heart for service and an eagerness for growth within the nursing profession.
While pursuing his nursing degree, John previously worked as a healthcare advocate with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. This experience not only strengthened his communication and patient support skills but also deepened his understanding of the importance of accessible, compassionate healthcare—further fueling his desire to be on the frontlines of patient care.
Dedicated, curious, and service-oriented, John continues to build his knowledge and clinical expertise with the goal of becoming a well-rounded, empathetic nurse, ready to meet the evolving needs of today’s healthcare landscape.