A Practice Built on Compassion and Courage
Alternative Awakenings Psychiatry was created from the belief that healing begins the moment a person feels truly heard. We saw how many individuals struggled in silence—held back by stigma, cultural expectations, or the fear of not being understood. This practice became a reality with one central mission:
to help individuals reclaim their voice and navigate life’s challenges with support, dignity, and empowerment.
Our Mission: Empowerment Through Understanding
Our mission is more than a statement—it guides every conversation, every treatment plan, and every connection we make. We are here to help people rediscover their strength, regain clarity, and move through life with tools that support emotional resilience. Whether someone is facing depression, anxiety, or the complexities of pregnancy and postpartum transitions, we want them to feel that they are not facing these challenges alone.
Our Approach to Care
We understand that healing is not linear—and it is never one-size-fits-all. That’s why we take a holistic approach to mental health care. We offer evidence-based treatments, including medication management, but also embrace natural, non-pharmaceutical therapies to support balance in mind and body.
Our goal is simple: to provide care that feels thoughtful, personalized, and empowering. We honor the whole person—their culture, their story, their values, and their hopes for the future.
Accessible and Flexible Care
We know that life is busy, unpredictable, and demanding. That’s why we offer both cash-based and insurance-based services, along with flexible scheduling options that fit into real lives and real routines. Whether through virtual visits or carefully coordinated follow-ups, we aim to make high-quality mental health care as accessible as possible.
A Space Where You Are Free to Be Yourself
At Alternative Awakenings Psychiatry, we believe that emotional wellness grows in environments rooted in safety and acceptance. Our practice is intentionally designed to be inclusive and nonjudgmental—a place where patients can show up exactly as they are.
We recognize the weight of personal struggles, the courage it takes to ask for help, and the transformative power of empathy. Here, every patient is valued, respected, and supported at their own pace.
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.
Sudha Kumar is an experienced physician executive with a strong track record in the managed behavioral healthcare industry. She brings extensive expertise in psychiatry, healthcare management, disease management, and public health, with a particular focus on Medicaid and Medicare populations.
Dr. Kumar is a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. Her background in epidemiology and behavioral health policy further supports her commitment to improving access, outcomes, and quality of care in diverse healthcare settings.
Sudha Kumar, MD, MPH, FAPA
MD Collaborator
Marvin M. Aguinaldo
Admin Assistant
Marvin M. Aguinaldo is a dedicated professional with a background in Computer Science from Emilio Aguinaldo College and a deep commitment to the healthcare industry. He brings a unique blend of technical expertise and compassionate service, driven by his passion to make a positive impact on people’s lives.
His professional journey was significantly shaped by his time at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, where he was professionally cross-trained to assist both providers and members. This valuable experience not only strengthened his communication and support skills but also solidified his understanding of the healthcare landscape from a patient-centric perspective.
With a clear mission to help others, Marvin is a versatile professional who continues to build his knowledge and expertise. He is dedicated to leveraging his unique skillset to provide compassionate support and contribute to a more accessible and effective healthcare system for all.
