CENTER FOR COUNSELING, HEALTH AND WELLNESS STAFF

Anita Sahgal, Psy.D., Clinical Director, Psychologist 

Dr. Sahgal, a licensed clinical psychologist, has worked at the Center for Counseling, Health, & Wellness since January 2008 and became Clinical Director in January 2009. Dr. Sahgal received her degree in Clinical Psychology from the Florida Institute of Technology.  She has trained and worked with people of all backgrounds and in many different settings, including: community mental health centers, hospitals, university counseling centers, and private practice. Dr. Sahgal approaches her clinical work from an integrative and holistic perspective, emphasizing developmental and cultural dynamics.  Her areas of interest are: mind-body wellness, gay / lesbian issues, relationship concerns, women’s issues, group therapy, and training.

Leila Durr, Ph.D., Psychologist

Dr. Leila Durr is a Licensed Psychologist who joined the staff at the USF St. Petersburg’s Center for Counseling, Health and Wellness in August 2010.  She received her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Durr has worked with individuals, couples, and groups presenting with a variety of concerns.  She approaches her work from an integrative perspective that includes humanistic, interpersonal, and cognitive-behavioral theories.  Dr. Durr’s areas of interest include diversity issues, identity and relationship concerns, stress and anxiety, disordered eating, adjustment-related issues, and working with international students. She also enjoys training and supervision as well as conducting outreach to the campus community. Dr. Durr speaks Spanish and Arabic.

Margaret Higgs, M.D. Psychiatrist

Dr. Higgs is a Licensed Psychiatrist and has been part of the USFSP Center for Counseling, Health and Wellness staff since 2009.  She has a BS from the University of Florida and an MD in Psychiatry from the University of South Florida.  Dr. Higgs did her residency in San Mateo County in CA and has been working in private practice in St. Petersburg since 2006.  Dr. Higgs is fully licensed to prescribe medication and is committed to an integrated and comprehensive approach to the wellness of her patients: treating mental, developmental, and emotional issues and their physical manifestations.  Dr. Higgs’ areas of particular expertise are in treating depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, panic attacks, eating disorders/body image issues, and sleep issues.  In addition, Dr. Higgs is particularly adept at working with students and young adults. 

Kadife Koyuncu, Administrative Specialist

Kadife received her B.A. in teaching English from abroad. She is working on a second bachelors degree in University of South Florida.  She is responsible for the daily operations of the Counseling Center office including: web-site editing, travel, purchasing, budgeting, client scheduling, correspondence, special projects, and supervising support personnel.

Mandy Hines, LMHC, Victim Advocate

Mandy Hines is a licensed mental health clinician in the state of Florida.  She began working with the Center for Counseling, Health & Wellness in 2005 as our on-call Victim Advocate.  Since then, Mandy has also provided consultation and training services for our staff.  In addition to her work with USFSP, Mandy also works as the clinical supervisor for "The Family Reunification Team" of PEMHS. FRT is an intensive outpatient program that provides an array of services to families involved in Dependency Court.  Mandy also has extensive experience in the areas of crisis management, trauma, and grief.  Mandy also provides individual, family, and group counseling at The Life Center of Tampa.   Mandy is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR); Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT); and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.