Carolyn Benson, MD

Dr. Harmeeta Singh was born and raised in St. Louis, MO and is board certified with ABPN (American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology). Dr. Singh has been in practice for 15 years and focuses on an individualized treatment plan, not only using pharmacotherapy when needed, but also implementing insight-oriented, supportive, motivational, and brief psychotherapy. Dr. Singh is a firm believer in combining psychotherapy with medication management when warranted to manage and treat a wide variety of mental health conditions including, but not limited to - Depressive Disorders, Bipolar Disorders, Psychotic Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Trauma related disorders, Substance use disorders, Personality disorders, Sleep Disorders and Eating Disorders. Her dynamic approach is client focused, involving the client throughout their treatment and care plan, taking careful consideration to the individual's needs and goals. ‍Upon completion of her residency through St. Louis University, St.Louis, Dr. Singh joined her parents' Internal Medicine practice. She learned firsthand that implementing mental health awareness, screening, and education into a primary medically focused practice led to more favorable outcomes. Many mental health conditions can manifest as and/or exacerbate a variety of medical/physical conditions and thereby go undiagnosed and untreated. Dr. Singh has worked closely and coordinated care within the medical field and with other specialists in treating and diagnosing comorbid mental health conditions. While in private practice for over 10 years, she was also an attending and consultant for inpatient mental health care and provided mental health services for residents in various residential care facilities, group homes, and skilled nursing facilities. Over the past 5 years she has consolidated her practice and presently is employed with Compass Health Network in Missouri helping bridge the gap in mental health care by coordinating and providing care to the underserved community.

Dr. Gregory Marc Varhely is a board-certified general adult psychiatrist. He grew up in Austin, Texas, and attended Texas State University, where he earned a BA in Psychology and a Master's degree in Biology/Biochemistry. After graduating from medical school at Ross University, he completed his residency in Psychiatry at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Dr. Varhely has served as an outpatient psychiatrist at the Department of Veterans Affairs and acted as an attending physician for resident psychiatrists at Texas A&M and UT Dell Medical Schools. He then acted as a sole proprietor of an outpatient psychiatric medication management and psychotherapy practice in Georgetown, Texas and later started contracting for North Central Health Care Mental Health Clinic, applying psychotropic medication management expertise to community-based treatment facilities in Wisconsin. Dr. Varhely's approach is rooted in forming meaningful connections with his patients. He wholeheartedly believes that psychological suffering stems from a blend of biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors. Dr. Varhely works together with his patients to uncover these factors and create treatment plans tailored to their specific needs using an eclectic blend of the latest in psychopharmacology, as well as psychodynamic, supportive, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Shannon McElhone is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York and Massachusetts. She has over ten years' experience working in the mental health field. Shannon has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults seeking assistance in managing their experiences with depression/mood challenges, anxiety, life transitions, self-esteem, trauma, attention focus, and relationship issues. Shannon utilizes humanistic, person-centered, collaborative, strength based, cognitive behavioral, mindfulness based, solution focused and emotionally focused approaches to therapy while maintaining an open, flexible, creative atmosphere to remain aware of the unique and individual needs of each client. Shannon seeks to create a non-judgmental and safe environment where a caring relationship can be built with her clients to utilize and add to their strengths. Through her practice, a collaboration can bring her clients towards achieving their goals and living the life they desire. Shannon completed her Bachelor of Arts in Human Relations from St. Joseph's College and received her Master of Science in School Counseling and Extended Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Long Island University. Shannon's years of experience include working as a Rehabilitation specialist/therapist at a Pros program, a psychotherapist at an outpatient clinic, a Child and Youth Behavioral Military Family Life counselor working with children and families on a Military base in New York. More recently, Shannon has held a role as a psychotherapist on an online platform that provides virtual therapy and continues to engage in this role at Talkiatry. Shannon's specialties include: Depression, Anxiety, OCD- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, ADHD, Trauma, Grief & Loss, Stress management, Life transitions, Self-esteem issues and Relationship issues.

Dr. Noor Zayed is a dedicated board-certified adult psychiatrist committed to improving mental health and empowering individuals to achieve their goals. After completing her undergraduate studies at The Ohio State University, Dr. Zayed earned her medical degree from Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine, where she was inducted into the Sigma Sigma Phi Honorary Osteopathic Service Fraternity. She then completed her residency at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, where a significant focus was treating veterans at the Edward Hines VA Hospital. Dr. Zayed's experience spans both rural and urban settings, providing her with a comprehensive approach to mental health care. During her training, she received awards for Excellence in Professionalism and COVID Surge efforts. Her therapeutic style is characterized by empathy, respect, active listening, and collaborative relationships with patients, fostering a safe space for healing. Her practice focuses on medication management combined with psychotherapy, utilizing evidence-based approaches to provide personalized care. Dr. Zayed's clinic interests include treating depressive and anxiety disorders, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders.

Dr. Mordukhaev believes individuals are more than a diagnosis and considers each patient’s biology, emotions, relationships, culture, and life circumstances to understand each human as a whole. She offers individualized, well-rounded care blending medication and psychotherapy. In a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space, she partners with patients to foster greater insight into themselves, walking alongside them with compassion in their mental health journey.

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Dr. Velda Pugh-Kinsey is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist with over three decades of experience in both outpatient and inpatient settings. She earned her medical degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine and completed her psychiatry residency at University Hospital. She has previously served as Chief of Mental Health at a VA Hospital and has maintained a successful private practice focused on medication management and supportive therapy.

Dr. Pugh-Kinsey values open communication and believes in building a warm, respectful environment where patients feel heard. She works collaboratively with patients to set clear treatment goals and tailors her approach to meet each person’s unique needs. Her practice emphasizes both medication management and supportive therapy to promote long-term well-being.

During initial sessions, Dr. Pugh-Kinsey takes time to understand each patient’s history, concerns, and goals. She uses a team-based approach, partnering with patients in treatment planning and decision-making to ensure care is both effective and aligned with their values.