No wait lists — appointments available days, evenings & weekends. Direct billing available through most insurance providers.
HomeAboutServicesFeesFAQBlog
About the practice

Care that meets you where you are

Therapy at Optima is a partnership — a safe, warm space to slow down, be honest, and begin to heal.

Three people laughing together while looking at a tablet

Our registered therapists draw on evidence-based, trauma-informed approaches and tailor every treatment plan to your story, culture, and goals. There's no one-size-fits-all here — only care that's genuinely yours.

Whether you're navigating anxiety, healing from trauma, strengthening a relationship, or supporting your child, we're here to walk alongside you.

✦
Trauma-informed
Safety and trust first.
✦
Inclusive & affirming
Every identity welcome.
✦
Personalized plans
Built around you.
✦
Culturally sensitive
Care that honors context.
Our team

Meet our therapists

Registered professionals who bring experience, warmth, and cultural understanding to every session.

Tara Syed

Tara Syed, MSW, RSW

Clinical Director | Registered Social Worker & Psychotherapist

With over 20 years of experience supporting individuals and families across the Greater Toronto Area, Tara is passionate about creating a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space where clients feel genuinely heard, understood, and empowered to heal.

As a Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), Tara works with children, adolescents, adults, and families facing a wide range of emotional, behavioural, and life challenges. She believes that every person's story is unique and tailors therapy to meet each client's individual needs, goals, and strengths.

Tara has advanced training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Family Therapy. Her trauma-informed and collaborative approach helps clients process difficult experiences, build resilience, and develop practical tools for lasting growth and well-being.

Whether you are navigating anxiety, trauma, relationship concerns, parenting challenges, or significant life transitions, Tara is committed to walking alongside you with empathy, warmth, and evidence-based care.

Areas of practice
AnxietyDepressionSelf-harm BehavioursSuicidalitySelf-esteemSocial Skills & RelationshipsParenting & Parent CoachingAttachment IssuesTrauma & PTSDGender IdentityADHD & ADDAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)Anger ManagementGrief, Loss & BereavementLearning DisabilitiesSchool-Related Challenges
Languages
EnglishUrduHindiGujarati
Mansureh Khatam

Mansureh Khatam, MSW, RSW

Registered Social Worker & Psychotherapist

Mansureh is a Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life's challenges. She believes that healing begins in a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to move forward.

She holds a Master of Social Work in Clinical Social Work from the University of Toronto and is a member in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). Mansureh provides trauma-informed therapy using evidence-based approaches, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness-based interventions.

Mansureh has extensive experience supporting clients experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, grief, workplace stress, and perinatal mental health concerns, including prenatal and postpartum depression and anxiety. She is committed to helping clients build resilience, strengthen self-compassion, and create meaningful, lasting change.

Areas of practice
AnxietyDepressionAnger & AggressionSelf-esteemRelationship ChallengesWorkplace StressAttachment IssuesTrauma & PTSDADHD & ADDFamily ConflictGrief, Loss & BereavementPrenatal & Postpartum Counselling
Languages
EnglishFarsi
Nabila Al-Dobaye

Nabila Al-Dobaye, MSW, RSW

Registered Social Worker & Psychotherapist

Nabila is a Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist with extensive experience supporting youth and adults. Drawing on more than a decade of experience across community mental health, primary care, education, and settlement sectors, she brings a deep understanding of the diverse experiences and challenges that shape people's lives. Her clinical work is rooted in a humanistic, client-centred philosophy.

Nabila's approach is grounded in the understanding that meaningful therapy begins with a trusting and authentic therapeutic relationship. Therapy is guided by your values, goals, and lived experiences, so the work reflects what matters most to you. Your experiences are honoured, your perspective is respected, and each session is thoughtfully tailored through an integrative, trauma-informed approach to support greater self-understanding and help you develop practical strategies to navigate life's challenges with confidence and resilience.

Areas of practice
Anxiety & DepressionTrauma & Complex TraumaGrief & LossLife TransitionsRelationship ChallengesRefugee, Newcomer & Cross-Cultural ExperiencesWork-Related Stress & BurnoutSelf-esteem & ConfidenceIdentity Exploration & Personal GrowthEmotional Regulation & Coping Skills
Languages
EnglishArabic
Kajan Thevendran

Kajan Thevendran, MSW, RSW

Registered Social Worker & Psychotherapist

Kajan is a Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist with over 10 years of experience supporting individuals facing mental health, addiction, and behavioural challenges. He believes in creating a safe, compassionate, and culturally sensitive environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives.

He holds a Master of Social Work from York University and has extensive experience providing clinical assessments, crisis intervention, case management, individual and group therapy, and treatment planning. Kajan understands the stigma surrounding mental health in many communities and is committed to helping clients build a healthier relationship with themselves while developing practical skills to navigate life's challenges.

His therapeutic approach is collaborative, flexible, and tailored to each individual's goals, drawing from evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Narrative Therapy, and Strengths-Based Therapy. Whether you're managing anxiety, addiction, life transitions, or relationship with technology, Kajan is dedicated to helping you take meaningful steps toward lasting well-being.

Areas of practice
AnxietyDepressionSelf-esteemSubstance Use & AddictionSmoking CessationGambling AddictionTechnology Use (Video Games, AI, Social Media & Internet)Immigration & Cultural AdjustmentGrief & LossStress ManagementMen's Mental HealthHealth-Related ConcernsLife TransitionsSchool-Related ChallengesSocial IsolationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Relapse PreventionADHD & ADD
Languages
EnglishTamil
Somasree Acharjee

Somasree Acharjee, MSW, RSW

Registered Social Worker & Psychotherapist

Somasree ("Soma") is a Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist dedicated to providing compassionate, client-centred care in a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment. She believes that everyone deserves to feel heard, respected, and empowered as they navigate life's challenges and work toward meaningful change.

Soma provides culturally responsive therapy and is fluent in English, Bengali, and Hindi, allowing her to connect with clients from diverse backgrounds while honouring their unique experiences, values, and identities. She supports individuals experiencing anxiety, trauma, workplace stress, relationship and family concerns, and life transitions through a collaborative and evidence-based approach.

Drawing from Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Soma works alongside her clients to build resilience, develop practical coping strategies, and foster lasting emotional well-being. Whether meeting in person or virtually, she is committed to helping clients move forward with confidence, hope, and self-compassion.

Areas of practice
AnxietyTrauma & PTSDWorkplace StressRelationship ChallengesFamily ConflictLife TransitionsStress ManagementSelf-esteemCultural & Identity ConcernsEmotional Regulation
Languages
EnglishBengaliHindi
Affiliated With

Members & verified professionals

Ontario Association of Social Workers
Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
Verified by Psychology Today
Book a free consultation