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.
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.
