Astrude Octavius-Zamor, DHSc, LMHC, LPC, is a member of Summit Health’s Behavioral Health team as an Intake Clinician. Ms. Octavius-Zamor pursued a career in health care because she grew up in a community where mental health was considered taboo. Those who struggled mentally were automatically classified as “crazy.” As such, she decided to pursue a career in the mental health field to normalize and bring an awareness of mental health problems to those around her to reduce the stigma.

“I am trained in various modalities and my specialties are anxiety, depression, trauma-intimate partner violence, and relationship issues, including family relationships and group therapy,” she explained.  Her past experiences include providing individual, family, group counseling, and crisis intervention through in-home therapy, clinic and emergency settings, and telehealth. Her broader-focused work has extended to preventive services in partnership with the child welfare system and with those impacted by abusive partner behavior and survivors of gender-based violence.

Ms. Octavius-Zamor's philosophy to patient care is to use her extensive background on serving culturally diverse populations. She believes everyone deserves the best quality of care regardless of social status. Most important to her when treating a patient is to use an eclectic approach and meet patients where they are. She is hopeful that all patients leave each session feeling heard, challenged positively, centered, empowered, and cared for.

The ability to instill hope in her patients and bring awareness about mental illness especially in the underserved communities brings Ms. Octavius-Zamor great fulfillment. She is passionate about violence against women, child labor/human trafficking and human rights among refugees.

Outside of treating patients in the office, Ms. Octavius-Zamor and her husband facilitate a monthly family meeting with couples and others interested in discussing challenging issues that are impacting relationships. She also teaches biological/physiological psychology and self-development as an adjunct faculty member. On a personal note, she loves to sing, journal, watch a good TV show, read, and travel to see family in different states.