Caitlin Gardiner, MD

Background and credentials

Dr. John Whittier is a board-certified psychiatrist. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology from the University of Colorado at Boulder and went on to obtain a master’s degree in Medical Science from Loyola University Chicago. He completed his medical training at the Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at The University of Vermont and returned to Colorado for his psychiatry residency at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. While in residency, he specialized in the Psychotherapy Scholars Program and has since gained four years of experience treating psychiatric conditions through telehealth.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Whittier primarily focuses on medication management for general psychiatric conditions. His approach is individualized, ensuring that each patient receives a treatment plan tailored to their unique needs. He integrates supportive therapy, medications, and evidence-based alternative therapies to provide a flexible and comprehensive approach. In addition to his general practice, he maintains a psychodynamic psychotherapy panel where he helps patients explore developmental and relational patterns that contribute to their symptoms. His specialties include treating depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, PTSD, insomnia, bipolar disorder, and ADHD.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a one-hour comprehensive intake during which Dr. Whittier thoroughly evaluates their symptoms, medical history, and personal goals. He provides treatment options that prioritize flexibility, allowing patients to take an active role in their care. Follow-up visits typically last 20 to 30 minutes, focusing on assessing treatment progress and making necessary adjustments. For those engaged in psychodynamic psychotherapy, longer one-hour sessions are available for in-depth exploration of underlying psychological patterns.

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Why Talkiatry?

We’re a virtual mental health practice that makes it easy to find great care. We combine quality and convenience to help you thrive—faster. Our providers, like this one, are highly trained experts who specialize in medication management and collaborate with you on a treatment plan that fits your needs and comfort level.

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Dr. Meena Shah is a board-eligible psychiatrist and has been practicing for over 16 years. She specializes in child and adolescent psychiatry. Dr. Shah's practice focuses on medication management in conjunction with supportive and emotionally focused therapy in 30-minute follow up visits. Dr. Shah believes in the importance of building a therapeutic relationship with her patients and families to help achieve their emotional goals. Dr. Shah completed her residency training through Richmond University Medical Center with NY Medical College and completed her fellowship at Brookdale University Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY. Dr. Shah has extensive experience with the child and adolescent population and worked with foster care programs as well as juvenile residential facility programs .Dr. Shah served as Children's Associate Medical Director at Directions for Living Mental Health Clinic and went on to become Medical Director at Sequel Care of Florida. In addition, Dr. Shah also received her Master's degree in Hyperbaric Medicine. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Florida with a major in psychology. Dr. Shah's primary clinical focus has been treating children, and young adults with ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety, and helping them establish coping skills to overcome any life obstacle.

Background  and credentials    

Dr. Christa DeFries is a board-certified Adult Psychiatrist. She earned her  medical degree from UT Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Texas, and  completed her residency in Adult Psychiatry at Baylor Scott & White in  Temple, Texas. Following residency, Dr. DeFries gained additional experience  treating homeless and formerly homeless populations in New York City,  particularly focusing on individuals with histories of trauma and substance  addiction, prior to joining Talkiatry.    

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Treatment approach    

Dr. DeFries practices Adult Psychiatry, employing an integrative treatment  approach combining medication management, psychotherapeutic methods, and  lifestyle modifications. She recognizes that each patient benefits from a  personalized mix of these three aspects of care. Dr. DeFries specializes in  treating diverse psychiatric conditions, including those related to trauma,  substance addictions, and various mental health disorders.    

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What you can expect in a first visit    

In a first visit with Dr. DeFries, patients can expect a comprehensive  evaluation aimed at understanding their individual mental health history,  specific concerns, and overall treatment goals. Dr. DeFries emphasizes an  individualized approach, carefully exploring the best combination of  medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments tailored specifically to each  patient's needs. Patients can anticipate an empathetic and collaborative  environment focused on their personal experiences and goals.    

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Why Talkiatry?    

We’re a virtual mental health practice that makes it easy to find great  care. We combine quality and convenience to help you thrive—faster. Our  providers, like this one, are highly trained experts who specialize in  medication management and collaborate with you on a treatment plan that fits  your needs and comfort level.

Denise White, PMHNP, has worked in the mental health field for over 30 years following the completion of her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Suffolk University in Boston. She began her career as a mental health technician in a geriatric residential program and later pursued additional education in nursing, earning an Associate Degree in Nursing from Quincy College, a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from South University, and a Master’s in Nursing from Eastern Kentucky University. Over the years, she has held diverse roles in adult and children’s case management, residential and intensive outpatient programs, inpatient psychiatric care, and crisis stabilization. Denise has provided care in both inpatient and outpatient settings as well as through hospital consult services across the country.

Denise prides herself on her ability to empathize with her patients and meet them exactly where they are in their journey. She believes that trust is the foundation of the therapeutic relationship and works diligently to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel safe, heard, and respected.

In the initial evaluation, Denise focuses on gathering comprehensive information to form a complete understanding of each patient’s unique background and needs. From there, she develops an individualized treatment plan that aligns with the patient’s prioritized goals. Each session begins from that foundation, allowing her to support patients at their own pace as trust deepens and progress unfolds.

Dr. Thistlethwaite is a board eligible adult psychiatrist and internal medicine physician. He completed his medical education at West Virginia University School of Medicine. Following completion of medical school, Dr. Thistlethwaite completed residency training at WVU/Charleston Area Medical Center with a dual specialization in internal medicine and psychiatry. Dr. Thistlethwaite's training included treatment of patients both in the inpatient and outpatient setting as well as management of patients with comorbid medical conditions. During his training Dr. Thistlethwaite became passionate about approaching patients in a holistic manner that addressed both their physical and mental health. He is especially passionate about ensuring that patients with mental health disorders are provided with appropriate general medical care as they are a marginalized and underserved group. Dr. Thistlethwaite's practice focuses on medication management for a wide array of conditions including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, tic disorder/Tourette's, and post traumatic stress disorder. Dr. Thistlethwaite incorporates supportive psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy interventions, and some psychodynamic therapy skills in his practice as well. Dr. Thistlethwaite believes in a collaborative and holistic approach to mental healthcare that incorporates the patient as well as all members of the healthcare team in every aspect of care.

Ashlyn Tellers is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She earned her nursing degree with an emphasis in psychiatry in 2020 from the University of Arizona. With over twelve years of experience, she has cared for mental health patients across long-term care, inpatient, residential, and outpatient settings.

Ashlyn specializes in treating adults with depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and OCD through medication management and supportive therapy. She emphasizes patient education and works collaboratively to build therapeutic and safe treatment plans. She encourages open discussions about past mental health history and current stressors to help identify root causes and develop healthy coping strategies. When appropriate, she refers patients to therapists for more specialized care.

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