dr. VIVIAN K. Ballah-Swaray, Psy.D., LP

Vivian Ballah-Swaray, PsyD, LP, is a Licensed Psychologist, the co-owner and CEO of VEEMAH Consulting. Dr. Ballah-Swaray is trained in Adaptive Internal Relational (AIR) Network therapy, and has over 15 years of experience in providing mental health services to children, adolescents, and adults. She holds an undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus, and  a master's and doctoral degrees respectively from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. She's also an assistant professor in the master’s and doctoral programs in counseling psychology at  Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.

Dr. Ballah-Swaray areas of expertise include individual, family, couples, and group psychotherapy. She also conducts psychological assessments and Comprehensive Multidisciplinary Examination (CMDE). She specializes in working with children who have emotional and behavioral issues and have experienced trauma. Additionally, she provides therapeutic support to those who present with symptoms of depression, anxiety, severe and persistent mental illnesses (SPMI), Post Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD), childhood disorders, autism spectrum disorder, and other mental conditions. 

Dr. Ballah-Swaray provides Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services (ARMHS) to the community. In her work, Dr. Ballah-Swaray utilizes the strength-based model to support client through their recovery journey. She facilitates a process wherein clients are empowered to identify their stressors and challenges, and learn skills and strategies to cope with the issues of daily living. 

Prior to becoming a psychologist, Dr. Ballah-Swaray worked as a medical assistant and a practical nurse. As a medical assistant and a nurse, she enjoyed helping people; however, she felt that her patients needed additional services and interventions, thus leading her to further explore the field of psychology. 

Edwin Nyumah Swaray, MA, LADC, CBIS is the co-owner, program manager, and consultant at VEEMAH Consulting. Edwin attained a master’s degree in health and human services administration and a graduate certificate in addiction studies from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota. He is a Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS) and a Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy (BBHT) approved supervisor for LADC professionals. Edwin is also an adjunct faculty in the graduate studies program at St. Mary's University of Minnesota and a member of the Racial Justice and Healing Commission of the Episcopal Church of Minnesota (ECMN). Edwin has worked in the field of behavioral health for 10 years. His interest in the fields of human services and substance use disorder comes from his strong belief that when empowered and given the right support and encouragement, individuals can overcome adversities to change their circumstances. 

Edwin draws from his experiences living as a refugee in West Africa and as an immigrant living in the United States. Those experiences cultivated his belief that the ability of the human spirit to achieve a life of peace and serenity must begin in an environment that nurtures and develops confidence and hope. Edwin’s approach to treatment is holistic, focusing on the mind-body-spirit. He is a constant force in helping others recognize the needs of diverse populations in the field of behavioral health. Exploring opportunities and thinking outside the box are continual motivators for Edwin in his practice, and he nurtures these strengths in other people.

Edwin also has a strong interest in field of ethics. He currently serves on the Ethics Committee of Minnesota Association of Resources Recovery and Chemical Health (MARRCH), the trade association for organizations and professionals with interest in addiction care. 

Prior to working in behavioral health, Edwin had attained a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Minnesota. At the university, he worked at the Minnesota Daily, the student-run newspaper, covering stories about international students and their activities on campus. After graduation, he worked for various newspapers and online publications before publishing his own magazine: Afro Magazine. The goal of Afro Magazine was to bridge the gap among Africans, African Americans, and African Caribbeans in the Twin Cities by sharing cultures, celebrating differences, and finding solutions to mutual challenges. Edwin continues to pursue his interest in writing.