Anxiety Psychiatrists in Texas

Dr. Gulati is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who has been in practice for over 10 years. She has worked in inpatient units, private practice, and community mental health, as well as served as Chief Medical Officer of a large psychiatric hospital. In 2018 she was awarded the Charleston Choice Award for Best Psychiatrist in Charleston, South Carolina. She currently resides in South Florida. Dr. Gulati's practice centers around treating the whole patient: mind, body, and spirit. She believes the judicious use of psychiatric medications, coupled with psychotherapy and alternative treatments such as meditation and yoga, can bring about transformative changes in the lives of those suffering from depression, anxiety, and other mental conditions and life issues. Dr. Gulati graduated with Honors in Psychology from The University of Florida, received her medical degree from The University of South Alabama School of Medicine, completed a clinical postdoctoral research fellowship at Boston University School of Medicine, and completed her Psychiatry residency training at The University of North Carolina. She is currently obtaining her MBA. After residency, she worked as a psychiatric hospitalist at Trident Medical Center in Charleston and has also worked in private practice. Most recently she served as Chief Medical Officer for an 80-bed psychiatric hospital, Coral Shores Behavioral Hospital in Stuart, FL. In addition to general adult psychiatry, Dr. Gulati received extensive training in one of the nation's largest women's mood disorder programs at The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and enjoys treating peripartum and postpartum mood and anxiety disorders. She is also well trained in addiction medicine and received additional training in buprenorphine use for opioid addiction.

Maria-Anne Duncan, LCSW-R holds the position of psychotherapist at Talkiatry. She has over twenty years of experience working with individuals, families, and groups addressing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma. Before joining Talkiarty, Ms. Duncan worked as a Director of Clinical Services for a not-for-profit in the Hudson Valley Region of New York State. Prior to that, Ms. Duncan worked for a local hospital in the psychiatric department providing treatment to the Inpatient and Outpatient units. She has held several positions as a clinician and program director. Additionally, Ms. Duncan has taught parenting classes, Mental Health First Aid and provides training on Trauma-Informed Care. Ms. Duncan started her career as a clinician in a Crime Victims' Assistance Program funded by New York State. Through this experience she began to explore the effects of trauma on individuals, their families, and the community. Ms. Duncan has been trained in both EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and SE (Somatic Experiencing). She utilizes these body-focused therapies to help her clients be released from years of painful energies locked in their systems. Ms. Duncan received her Bachelor's Degree from Marist College and her Master's from Fordham University. She has been trained to supervise Social Work Students in their field placements. Ms. Duncan appeared in the Vassar College student-developed training video, "He said, She said" which is used to train peer sexual assault counselors. In April of 2022, she became a trainer for LivingWorks "SafeTALK" program. Additionally, Ms. Duncan has a trained therapy dog, Monkey, who goes with her to local hospitals and nursing homes to provide comfort and affection.

Dr. Zhou is a board-certified psychiatrist who has more than 4 years of experience practicing in various clinical settings with an emphasis on mental health care in outpatient settings. She practices a holistic approach to developing an individualized plan to work toward a patient's goals. Dr. Zhou is experienced in treating depression, bipolar spectrum disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety, and other related psychiatric disorders. Dr. Zhou received her medical degree from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine and completed her adult psychiatry residency training at LSU Health Shreveport. Dr. Zhou's background and experiences have broadened her understanding of cultural stigmas and the relationship it plays in psychiatric care. She incorporates a multitude of treatment modalities such as supportive therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness practices as an adjunct to pharmacotherapy. Dr. Zhou recognizes the value of a multifaceted approach to wellbeing and may recommend treatment modalities that are complementary to medication management.

Dr. Sarah Ramos, MD, has experience practicing in a variety of outpatient settings, including community mental health and military care, serving active-duty service members, their families, and veterans. She earned her medical degree from Vanderbilt School of Medicine and completed psychiatry residency training at the University of California San Diego and Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia.

Dr. Ramos values open communication, privacy, and a collaborative approach with her patients. She creates a warm, supportive environment where individuals feel heard, respected, and empowered to participate in their care.

In initial sessions, Dr. Ramos thoroughly assesses patients’ history, concerns, and goals to ensure care is personalized and effective. She develops comprehensive treatment plans that align with each patient’s objectives, providing ongoing support to help them achieve meaningful outcomes.

Paul Pennington is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 15 years of mental health experience in a variety of settings ranging from schools, private practice, residential facilities, and crime scene crisis counseling. Paul has had the privilege of helping people with various situations including depression, anxiety, stress, anger, trauma, abuse, life transitions, relationships, integration, existential issues, and other obstacles that have caused an imbalance in their lives. Paul specializes in working with teachers, first responders, young parents, and individuals that just want to be seen as who they truly are.‍Paul earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Texas State University and a Master of Education in Guidance and Counseling from Angelo State University. A few of the certifications Paul has earned over the years are: Residential Staff from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Certified Anger Resolution Therapist (C.A.R.T.), AgriSafe Farm Response, Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) Practitioner Trainer, Texas Education Agency: EC-12 SpEd, 4-8 Generalist, EC-12 School Counselor, SAFE EMDR, Mental Health First Aid, and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy.‍Paul believes everyone is different and takes an individualized approach with each client. He operates from a foundation in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trust-Based Relational Intervention, Solution Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness.

Thomas Ittoop, MD is a psychiatrist with experience practicing in both academic and community settings. He earned his medical degree from Central Michigan University and completed his psychiatry residency at Baylor College of Medicine. His clinical work is grounded in thoughtful, patient centered care that combines medical rigor with a deep respect for the complexity of each individual’s life.

Dr. Ittoop fosters a warm, collaborative environment grounded in genuine human connection. He values exploring the deeper patterns that shape emotional life and the meaning beneath symptoms. Patients can expect transparency, clear communication, and shared decision making that honors their strengths, goals, and long-term well-being while helping them cultivate resilience and greater self-understanding.

Treatment begins with a thorough evaluation exploring symptoms, personal and family history, personality patterns, and the changes patients hope to achieve in their lives. From there, Dr. Ittoop works with each patient to develop a personalized treatment plan that includes thoughtful psychiatric medication management, supportive psychotherapy, and ongoing follow up. While he frequently works with patients experiencing anxiety and related conditions, his practice does not include prescribing benzodiazepines such as Xanax, Ativan, or Klonopin. Care instead focuses on evidence-based treatments that support lasting stability and deeper psychological understanding.

Dr. Malone is an adult psychiatrist with a passion for the patient-centered nature of psychiatry, specializing in treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder and women’s health.

Dr. Malone maintains a holistic approach that considers the whole person. Their treatment philosophy centers on empowering patients to take charge of their mental health journey, incorporating comprehensive wellness strategies that help patients actively feel their progress toward better mental health. Dr. Malone completed both medical school and residency training at UT Houston McGovern Medical School, along with additional training in psychotherapy.

Dr. Malone integrates therapeutic techniques with medication management, recognizing that meaningful healing often requires both approaches working together to support each patient’s unique path to wellness.

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Dr. Garrick Gaffney is board certified in psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN). He earned his medical degree from Kansas City University and completed his psychiatry residency at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas. A combat veteran, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps, including a tour in Iraq, and was honored with the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and a Certificate of Commendation for exemplary leadership.

During medical school, Dr. Gaffney pursued advanced training as an Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine fellow. As a resident, he served as Chief Academic Resident and earned accolades such as Intern of the Year and Outstanding Educator of the Year twice consecutively.

Dr. Gaffney specializes in treating complex psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, and insomnia. He has presented case studies and quality improvement projects at national conferences, including the American Psychiatric Association (APA), Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, and Association for Academic Psychiatry.

A proponent of holistic care, Dr. Gaffney integrates psychotherapy into medication management and emphasizes lifestyle modifications and evidence‑based integrative medicine.

New patients receive comprehensive evaluations to rule out medical causes of symptoms, followed by tailored treatment plans combining therapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments. Follow‑up visits focus on symptom management through supportive, brief dynamic, or cognitive behavioral therapy, with frequent appointments until stabilization is achieved.

Dr. Gaffney is committed to collaborative, patient‑centered care that addresses both mental and physical well‑being.

Michelle is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Licensed Independent Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in the mental health field. Michelle has worked in a variety of settings including community mental health, crisis management, outpatient treatment, inpatient treatment, and the private practice setting. Michelle has experience working with patients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma symptoms. Michelle’s passion is working with women who are struggling with managing healthy coping mechanisms in the perinatal/postpartum period.

Michelle has received extensive training from the Postpartum Support International focusing on treating patients struggling with infertility, postpartum anxiety and depression, and pregnancy loss/grief. She utilizes a variety of treatment modalities ranging from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Mindfulness Based Therapy.

Michelle’s approach to therapy is compassionate, collaborative, and warm. She considers it an honor to walk alongside you during this difficult journey. Let’s talk to see how Michelle can best support you.

Dr. Farias is a board-certified physician in both adult and child & adolescent psychiatry, with a focus on the diagnosis and treatment of depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma- and stressor-related disorders, and ADHD. Dr. Farias graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Houston, majoring in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. She then pursued her medical education at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, earning her Doctor of Medicine degree. Dr. Farias completed a three-year psychiatric residency at TTUHSC, followed by fellowship training in child and adolescent psychiatry. She completed her first year of fellowship at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and her second year at TTUHSC. With a diverse clinical background, Dr. Farias has gained experience in a variety of settings, including academic psychiatry, consult liaison psychiatry, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), partial hospitalization programs (PHP), emergency psychiatry, and outpatient psychiatry. This broad range of experience allows her to provide comprehensive, individualized care to patients at all stages of life. Dr. Farias takes a holistic approach to treatment, incorporating both medication management and psychotherapy. She utilizes principles from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and supportive psychotherapy, recognizing that a combined approach leads to better outcomes for patients.

Gregory Miller, DO, is an adult psychiatrist who prioritizes understanding his patients by first listening to their stories. He collaborates with them to develop both pharmacological and non-pharmacological solutions aimed at improving their functionality. Dr. Miller emphasizes that functioning better often leads to feeling better. Whenever possible, he approaches treatment within the context of the family system surrounding the individual. Raised in South Carolina, and now residents of Florida, Dr. Miller and his wife of 31 years have six children. He enjoys outdoor activities and team sports and is an avid fan of Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. He at times incorporates analogies from their works into therapy if appropriate.

Nisha Saintelus Deratus, LPC, is a proud HBCU graduate of Prairie View A&M University with a Master’s in Counseling and over eight years of experience in the mental health field. She has provided care in inpatient psychiatric hospitals, partial and intensive outpatient programs, community mental health, and private telehealth practice. Nisha supports clients facing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, bipolar disorder, life transitions, anger management, and relationship challenges.

Nisha offers a warm, approachable, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel seen and supported. She believes in a collaborative approach to therapy, working alongside clients to identify the root of their struggles and develop a personalized plan for growth and healing. Her personable nature and tailored care help clients feel comfortable and empowered throughout the process.

In the first session, Nisha reviews teletherapy expectations and confidentiality, and conducts a psychosocial assessment to better understand your background and goals. Together, you’ll explore current challenges, create a vision for your future, and build a practical plan. Using CBT and ACT, she helps you develop tools and insights to apply between sessions for continued progress.

Dr. Jylia Lobanova is a board-certified psychiatrist who began her medical career in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where she worked at the Central Psychiatric Hospital. After moving to the U.S., she completed her residency at MetroHealth Medical Center, affiliated with Case Western Reserve University. She has treated diverse populations in both inpatient and outpatient settings, including work at Portage Health Clinic in Ohio, Harris Health in Houston, and Legacy Community Health, where she focused on LGBTQ and HIV-positive patients.

Dr. Lobanova values building a trustful and respectful therapeutic relationship. She creates a welcoming space for open communication and mutual understanding, which she believes is the cornerstone of effective treatment. She is especially passionate about supporting patients from diverse cultural backgrounds and has a special interest in women’s mental health across the lifespan.

Dr. Lobanova takes a holistic approach to care, combining medications, psychotherapy, psychoeducation, proper nutrition, and physical activity. She partners closely with each patient to develop an individualized treatment plan tailored to their unique goals and needs, always striving to empower them in their journey toward mental wellness.

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Dr. He is board-certified in adult psychiatry and addiction medicine. She is passionate about providing quality and accessible mental health care while considering each patient's concerns, values, and life circumstances. She received her medical doctorate degree from State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Medical Center, and completed her psychiatry residency at George Washington University Hospital in DC. Prior to medical school, she completed a Master of Public Health from Yale School of Public Health. Dr. He has special clinical interests in providing trauma-informed and culturally competent care in the treatment of mental health conditions. She has experience working with special populations, such as minorities, immigrants, perinatal women, and LGBTQ+ communities. She holds a certificate from Harvard in Global Mental Health: Trauma and Recovery Program. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for a non-profit organization in Washington DC to prepare people recovering from mental illness to improve their quality of life. Although Dr. He's practice primarily focuses on medication management, she looks forward to getting to know you and incorporating her experiences with insight-oriented therapy in 20 or 30 minute follow-up visits.

Background and credentials

Dr. Vansickle is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with over 25 years of clinical experience. She earned her medical degree from the University of Texas Health Sciences Center San Antonio and completed her internship at UAB. She then completed her psychiatry residency at the University of Louisville Hospital, where she served as chief resident and received a national award in community psychiatry. Throughout her career, she has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings as a staff psychiatrist, primarily in Texas and Alabama.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Vansickle places a strong emphasis on establishing trust and building therapeutic relationships to help patients achieve their goals. Her practice focuses on medication management, often combined with supportive or emotionally focused therapy during 30-minute follow-up visits. If she believes additional therapy would be beneficial, she may recommend that patients work with a therapist as part of their care team. She has extensive experience treating patients in various settings, including community mental health centers, VAMC-affiliated clinics, and hospital-based psychiatric units. She also has expertise in psychiatric consultations for medically ill patients, as well as guardianship and competency evaluations.

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What you can expect in a first visit

Patients can expect a thorough initial evaluation, where Dr. Vansickle takes the time to understand their symptoms, history, and treatment goals. She provides a structured yet compassionate approach to care, ensuring that each patient feels heard and supported. Follow-up visits typically last 30 minutes, during which she monitors progress and adjusts treatment as necessary. If additional therapy is needed, she collaborates with therapists to ensure comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s needs.

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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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Eyerusalem Mulatu practices as a Licensed Professional Counselor, Chemical Dependency Counselor, and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. She has provided over a decade of experience in treating clients with mental health, trauma, and substance abuse addiction in a residential, PHP and IOP level of care. Eyerusalem's passion is providing education on how childhood trauma impacts daily life, coping skills to maintain sobriety, confronting the past, and living a healthy life. Eyerusalem's goal is to ensure clients feel heard, safe, and secure with their right to confidentiality. She has identified creative ways to build therapeutic rapport in a telehealth platform to strengthen the virtual care experience. Eyerusalem is qualified in caring for the family as a whole and identifying underlying issues such as unresolved trauma that exacerbate feelings of depression and anxiety. She empowers individuals on their road to healing. Eyerusalem is a Master's level clinician with over a decade of experience in treating Adults and Adolescents. Eyerusalem is also a post-induction therapist trained in the Meadows Model. In addition, Eyerusalem is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional specializing in treating childhood trauma. Eyerusalem uses a variety of modalities to help treat patients from CBT, Narrative, and DBT.