Aegis comes from the ancient Greek word meaning shield, protector, guardian. We chose this name because mental health care should feel exactly like that — supportive, stabilizing, and safe. Aegis Behavioral Health Group was founded to provide evidence-based, compassionate psychiatric care for adults across Hawaiʻi and Delaware.
Our mission is to combine clinical expertise, cultural understanding, and accessible telehealth to help individuals regain clarity, stability, and confidence in their lives.
We specialize in medication management, trauma-informed and recovery-oriented care, substance use treatment, older adult psychiatry, and continuity-focused telehealth for busy individuals and families.
At Aegis, you’re not just a patient — you’re a partner in your care.
Our goal is simple: to support your mental health with the same strength, safety, and protection that the name Aegis represents.
Founder & Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Dr. Jason Eala is the founder of Aegis Behavioral Health Group and a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of nursing experience in Hawai‘i. He earned his Doctor of Nursing Practice from Chaminade University of Honolulu and brings a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to psychiatric care grounded in clinical excellence and cultural understanding.
Dr. Eala specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and substance use disorders. His practice emphasizes evidence-based medication management, thorough diagnostic evaluation, and collaborative treatment planning tailored to each individual’s goals and clinical needs.
He has worked across a wide range of clinical settings, including inpatient psychiatry at Hawai‘i State Hospital and The Queen’s Medical Center, as well as community mental health programs and outreach services serving vulnerable populations. His background includes extensive experience in integrated and multidisciplinary care models, particularly in the treatment of complex psychiatric and substance use conditions.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Eala is dedicated to advancing the psychiatric nursing profession. He served as a faculty member at Kapiʻolani Community College, where he taught psychiatric nursing and helped prepare the next generation of mental health professionals. He is deeply committed to expanding access to high-quality mental health care through education, innovation, and compassionate clinical practice.
Founding Member & Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Lisa Hartwell is a licensed clinical psychologist and registered nurse with over 25 years of experience in mental health, behavioral health, and forensic psychology. She brings a uniquely integrative approach to care, combining clinical psychology, nursing expertise, and trauma-informed practice to support individuals across diverse life stages and clinical settings.
Dr. Hartwell specializes in anxiety disorders, trauma-related conditions, grief, and high-functioning anxiety, with extensive experience in both outpatient and institutional settings. Her clinical work emphasizes evidence-based treatment approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, and strength-based interventions tailored to each patient’s lived experience.
She has served in a variety of roles across healthcare and correctional systems, including work with the Hawaii Department of Health and the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, where she conducted comprehensive psychological evaluations and supported individuals with complex psychiatric and psychosocial needs. Her background also includes extensive experience in forensic psychology and clinical assessment.
Dr. Hartwell is deeply committed to supporting individuals navigating high stress, professional burnout, and life transitions. She brings a thoughtful, compassionate, and structured approach to care—helping patients build resilience, gain insight, and move toward sustainable emotional well-being.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Caroline Buisson is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a diverse clinical background spanning psychiatry, critical care, and correctional health. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Hawai‘i Pacific University and holds additional degrees in Nursing from the University of Miami and Dietetics from Florida International University. She is fluent in English and French, with conversational proficiency in Spanish.
Caroline provides comprehensive psychiatric care for individuals experiencing mood disorders, anxiety, ADHD, psychotic disorders, and substance use disorders. Her clinical approach emphasizes thorough psychiatric assessment, evidence-based medication management, and individualized treatment planning tailored to each patient’s needs.
Her professional experience includes work in high-acuity and complex clinical environments, including Queen’s Medical Center, Kendall Regional Medical Center, NYU Langone, and the Oʻahu Community Correctional Center. Through these roles, she has developed strong expertise in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and the treatment of underserved and justice-involved populations.
Caroline is deeply committed to culturally responsive, patient-centered care. She focuses on building therapeutic rapport, supporting emotional stability, and helping patients develop the tools needed for long-term mental wellness.
Office Administration & Patient Coordination
Ferleen Cuaresma serves as the Office Administrator for Aegis Behavioral Health Group, where she supports the operational, administrative, and patient-facing functions that allow the clinical team to deliver high-quality psychiatric care. She is a certified healthcare virtual assistant and holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Saint Louis University.
Ferleen brings over five years of experience in therapeutic and educational support settings, with a strong foundation in behavioral health services. Her professional background includes work as a Behavior Technician and Shadow Therapist, where she implemented Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) interventions, supported individualized treatment and learning plans, and maintained detailed clinical documentation across both center-based and home-based environments.
In her role at Aegis, Ferleen specializes in patient intake coordination, appointment scheduling, provider support, and HIPAA-compliant healthcare administration. She plays a key role in ensuring smooth workflows between patients, providers, and administrative systems, helping reduce barriers to care and improve the overall patient experience.
Ferleen is known for her strong communication skills, attention to detail, and compassionate approach to patient interaction. She is deeply committed to supporting both patients and clinicians with professionalism, empathy, and reliability, and she takes pride in being a steady, organized presence within the Aegis care team.
