Anxiety Psychiatrists in Texas

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.

Giulia Ferrero earned her Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Sociology, Ethnic Studies, and Women & Gender Studies at the University of Colorado in Boulder, and received her Master of Social Work from Columbia University with an emphasis in children, youth, and families. Giulia is licensed by the State of Texas as a master social worker (LMSW), and is dedicated to helping people who struggle with mental health concerns. She believes that change happens when people are given the support they need to draw on their own strengths and realize their potential to live fulfilling, happy lives. Giulia advocates a holistic approach when working with her clients and incorporates various treatment styles including, but not limited to, cognitive-behavioral, family systems, solution-focused, and psychodynamic. During her graduate program, Giulia worked extensively with children, utilizing play therapy techniques alongside a trauma-focused treatment approach. She specializes in individual therapy with an emphasis on issues such as PTSD, autism, stress, anxiety and depression, grief and loss, women's issues, family/relationship issues, life transitions, and personal growth. Giulia especially enjoys working with young adults and is committed to working with each person in a confidential, effective manner to help the individual accomplish his/her/their goals.

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.

Dr. Ruiz is a compassionate psychiatrist specializing in adult and maternal mental health. She develops personalized treatment plans to address anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, PMDD, and perinatal conditions. Her goal is to help patients reconnect with their values and live balanced, fulfilled, and meaningful lives.

Her passion for medicine began in childhood, inspired by curiosity about the mind and body. She earned an Honors Chemistry degree with  magna cum laude and completed her medical training and psychiatry residency at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. With a strong scientific foundation, Dr. Ruiz understands the role of medications, and embraces holistic healing through connection, gratitude, and spirituality.

Dr. Ruiz has experience in diverse clinical settings and has received national awards including the AWP International Fellowship and ADMSEP Innovations Award. She is dedicated to advancing maternal mental health screening and treatment through clinical care and education.

Dr. Ruiz combines pharmacotherapy (medication) with psychotherapy to create individualized treatment plans. Therapy provides powerful tools to manage thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that support balanced brain chemistry. Research shows that medication helps restore this balance more quickly and effectively, especially in moderate to severe cases.  

Dr. Ruiz likens medication for the brain to fertilizer for a garden. Imagine your mental health as a vibrant garden—when well-nourished, it can thrive with resilience, beauty, and balance. But when symptoms like depression, anxiety, ADHD, or mood instability take hold, they act like invasive weeds, crowding out healthy growth and making it hard to enjoy the space. Medication acts like fertilizer, strengthening the garden’s natural systems so the healthy parts can reclaim their place and flourish. Just as some gardens need only seasonal care while others require more consistent tending, medication plans are personalized to support each person’s long-term mental wellness. When the garden is healthy, there's more room to grow, connect, and fully enjoy life.

With a strong background in chemistry and pharmacology, Dr. Ruiz prioritizes educating her patients about how medications work and why they can be helpful. She believes patients should take an active role in understanding their diagnosis and treatment. Her approach emphasizes diagnostic clarity, medication management, patient education, and brief psychotherapy based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).

Your first appointment is a supportive, in-depth conversation to share your story, challenges, and goals. Dr. Ruiz will review your medical and psychiatric history and assess symptoms using a whole-person approach that considers biological, psychological, and social factors.

Together, you’ll develop a personalized plan that may include lab work, medication, and therapy. Initial visits last 60 minutes for thorough evaluation; follow-ups typically last 20–30 minutes, focusing on medication management and brief therapy. If needed, Dr. Ruiz can refer you to in-house or community therapists for add-on therapy support.  

Throughout your care, Dr. Ruiz prioritizes shared decision making to ensure you feel informed, empowered, and supported.

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Dr. Miranda Morgan is a board-certified psychiatrist licensed in New York and Texas. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and a member of the American Psychiatric Association. She earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from The University of Texas at San Antonio and her medical degree from the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed her residency in psychiatry at Texas A&M University - Temple/Baylor Scott & White Hospital, where she was Recruitment Chief Resident.

Dr. Morgan is passionate about collaborative care and telemedicine, and has held positions in primary care mental health and collaborative care settings. She previously worked as staff psychiatrist at the Department of Veterans Affairs, and held an academic appointment as Clinical Instructor for the Department of Psychiatry at New York University Grossman School of Medicine.

Dr. Morgan describes her practice style as, “patient-centered, compassionate care tailored to each individual's unique mental health needs. As a psychiatrist, I am dedicated to helping my patients overcome their mental health challenges and achieve their goals.

Amy Bichsel Pacheco Piña is a compassionate and experienced psychotherapist dedicated to helping individuals navigate the complexities of life with resilience and confidence. Amy holds a Master's in Social Work from the University of Nebraska-Omaha in 2008 and is licensed as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). With 16 years of experience in the mental health field, Amy specializes in anxiety, depression, trauma (including Narcissistic Abuse), and grief. Amy prides herself on creating a non-judgmental and healing environment that allows for self-discovery and assists clients in identifying their authentic selves. She has experience in many methods and techniques, ensuring that her approach integrates evidence-based practices with experiential techniques which are tailored to each client's unique needs to allow for nervous system regulation and a sense of safety within themselves. She believes in fostering a collaborative therapeutic relationship where clients feel empowered to set and achieve meaningful goals. From a holistic perspective, Amy incorporates techniques such as identifying strengths, mindfulness, polyvagal techniques, challenging core belief systems, early childhood, and attachment types to heal the mind, body, and spirit. When not working with clients, Amy enjoys being outdoors, reading, and spending time with her husband, son, and two dogs.

Background and credentials

Dr. Lisa Ekeanyanwu is a board-eligible psychiatrist who completed her psychiatry residency training at Stanford University. She has gained experience in a wide range of clinical environments, including inpatient and outpatient care, community mental health settings, emergency rooms, telehealth services, and international clinical fieldwork.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Ekeanyanwu’s practice is centered on pharmacotherapy, which she integrates with supportive therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and psychodynamic therapy to provide comprehensive psychiatric care. She takes a collaborative and individualized approach, tailoring treatment to meet each patient’s unique goals and improve their overall quality of life. She has a special interest in cultural and micro-cultural influences on mental health and strives to provide culturally competent care that respects each patient’s life experiences and values. When she believes additional therapy may be beneficial, she may recommend incorporating a therapist into the care team.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a thorough evaluation where Dr. Ekeanyanwu carefully assesses their symptoms, medical history, and personal treatment goals. She fosters a collaborative and patient-centered environment, ensuring that each treatment plan aligns with the patient’s individual needs. She provides medication management along with therapeutic support and, when appropriate, may recommend additional therapy to optimize outcomes. Her approach prioritizes safe, effective, and culturally sensitive care that evolves to support patients throughout different stages of their lives.

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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. Troy Grantham is a board-certified staff psychiatrist who treats adult patients. A former engineer, Dr. Grantham has developed a passion for guiding patients along the road to recovery. He completed his undergraduate studies at The University of Texas at Austin and later completed medical school and residency in General Psychiatry at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. Dr. Grantham's practice focuses on medication management. He utilizes a systematic approach to ensure diagnoses are accurate and treatment plans are optimized to each individual patient. His approach is also holistic in nature, often incorporating therapy and lifestyle modification into the treatment plan. Dr. Grantham employs multiple therapeutic approaches in his practice depending on the needs of the patient including supportive therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). He places great emphasis on psychoeducation so that patients are aware of the nature and prognosis of their conditions as well as the treatment options available. When multiple treatment options are reasonable, Dr. Grantham takes patient preference into account, offering flexibility to the patient experience. He treats a variety of psychiatric disorders with a particular focus on mood disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and trauma-related disorders.

Please note: Dr. Grantham does not prescribe long-term, daily benzodiazepine medications, however he is happy to help you taper off of these medications and transition to a safer, long-term medication regimen.

Dr. Jennifer Ruch is a board-certified psychiatrist who strives to understand her patients' lived experiences and aspirations to develop supportive therapeutic relationships through empathetic listening, mutual trust, and respect. She collaboratively creates individualized care plans that align with personal treatment goals in a safe and judgment-free environment. After completing her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Biology with a focus in psychology from the University of California, Merced, she earned her medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Ruch completed her General Psychiatry Residency at Arnot Ogden Medical Center in New York. Her clinical experience involves treating individuals of all age groups from diverse populations and socioeconomic backgrounds suffering from anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, and neurocognitive disorders. She has provided care in inpatient and outpatient psychiatric facilities, the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, emergency rooms, state facilities, and an inpatient chemical dependency center. She also performed pre-procedure psychological evaluations for bariatric and spinal cord surgeries, and psychiatric consult liaison services on medical units and has clinical training in inpatient and outpatient neurology. Her clinical experience incorporated treatment modalities such as pharmacotherapy and interventional psychiatry, including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Spravato. Dr. Ruch integrates a wide array of psychotherapy as needed; however, her practice primarily focuses on medication management while utilizing referrals to therapists and providing collaborative care for optimal outcomes.

Kehinde Adelusi is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with experience in both outpatient and inpatient hospital settings, including roles as a Behavioral Health Associate and Psychotherapist at a State University Counseling Center. They earned a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Albany State University and help individuals navigate anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, anger management, and substance use toward healing and personal growth.

Kehinde creates a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment where patients feel heard, understood, and respected. They guide patients to gain insight through friendly conversation and reflective questioning, tailoring treatment plans to each patient’s unique personality and needs.

Kehinde uses active listening, empathy, and validation to understand a patient’s history, strengths, concerns, and desired outcomes. They work collaboratively to develop individualized treatment plans that address specific goals and promote lasting growth.

Dr. Coy Bolton was born and raised in South Texas, and was a teacher before becoming a physician. He completed medical school training and residency at Texas Tech Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, TX. Dr. Bolton has wanted to be a Psychiatrist for as long as he could remember. He will do his best to thoroughly and carefully work with his patients to determine the most accurate Psychiatric diagnosis/diagnoses possible.

While working together, Dr. Bolton may ask sensitive questions, but will do so in a nonjudgmental way with the only goal of helping his patients. He will also work in psychotherapy techniques during the sessions together. Dr. Bolton takes a holistic approach when working with patients, that focuses on multiple aspects of their lives.

Dr. Bolton prides himself on creating a safe and nonjudgmental space where the focus is simply on helping patients. He strives to work collaboratively with his patients, to ensure that he and the patient are both on the same page when it comes to their mental healthcare.

Dr. Jency Cynthia Sachidanandam completed her Residency and Fellowship at Texas Tech University Health Science Center in El Paso, gaining extensive training in diagnosing and treating various psychiatric conditions. As a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at Texas Tech, she works with a diverse patient population, addressing psychiatric disorders like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, PTSD, and OCD. Dr. Sachi emphasizes the importance of addressing both physical and mental health to achieve a good quality of life. She believes that mental health is interconnected with physical well-being and that treating one aspect without the other leads to incomplete care. Her holistic approach involves medication management, psychotherapy, and lifestyle modifications to promote overall health. Dr. Sachi is skilled in providing supportive psychotherapy and using psychodynamic therapy techniques to help patients understand and address their current stressors and underlying issues. Dr. Sachi has shown a genuine commitment to her patients and a passion for helping them achieve their best possible outcomes. She is dedicated to staying current with the latest advancements in psychiatry and continuously improving her skills to provide the highest standard of care. Her compassionate and patient-centered approach has earned her the respect and trust of her patients and colleagues alike.

Dr. Rabia Choudhry, DO, became a psychiatrist with one mission: to provide compassionate, high-quality mental health care accessible to anyone, anywhere. Originally from Pakistan, she pursued her undergraduate degree at Benedictine University in Illinois, medical school at Des Moines University in Iowa, and psychiatry residency at Trinity Health Livonia Hospital/Wayne State University in Michigan. She has experience in inpatient, outpatient, forensic, and community mental health settings.

Dr. Choudhry is committed to meeting patients where they feel most comfortable, whether at home, work, or elsewhere. She offers the same compassion, attentiveness, and expertise as in-person care while removing barriers like travel, time constraints, and distance. Her approach emphasizes that patients are more than a diagnosis, focusing on the whole person—their story, struggles, and strengths.

Dr. Choudhry partners with patients to create individualized therapeutic plans that may include medication management and holistic strategies. Her goal is to promote mood stability, balance emotions, reduce anxiety, quiet overwhelming thoughts, resolve interpersonal conflicts, and strengthen resilience. She believes healing is best achieved through collaboration, open dialogue, and empowering patients to make informed choices about their care.

Dr. Osaji is an Adult Psychiatrist who completed her psychiatry training at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas. She served her program as a chief resident, which helped to build her leadership and interpersonal skills. She also dedicated herself to leading her resident team and fostering a supportive learning environment. She received the award of excellence in psychiatry knowledge during her residency training. She also has a Master's in Public Health from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and is a Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society member.

Dr. Osaji is an adult outpatient psychiatrist who provides care via telehealth. She strives to create a supportive, collaborative space where patients can explore what's bringing them in and work together to determine the best path forward. Whether someone is new to mental health care or returning after some time away, Dr. Osaji recognizes that it's normal to feel a mix of emotions at the start. She takes a thoughtful, personalized approach to treatment that may include medication, therapy recommendations, or simply creating space to talk. While telehealth offers flexibility and convenience, Dr. Osaji is committed to building a meaningful connection with each patient. She does not provide emergency services between sessions but ensures patients can access the appropriate resources when needed. As someone early in her career, Dr. Osaji brings fresh training and a strong commitment to transparency, lifelong learning, and evidence-informed care. She values open communication and believes deeply in each person's capacity for meaningful change.

Dr. Osaji creates a supportive, collaborative space to help patients explore their mental health concerns and goals. She takes a personalized approach that may include medication, therapy referrals, or check-ins, always valuing patient input. Follow-up visits are 20 to 30 minutes, focusing on monitoring progress and adjusting care as needed. She offers convenient access through telehealth while building meaningful, transparent relationships rooted in respect and growth. Dr. Osaji also values collaborative care and often coordinates with therapists or refers patients to therapy when additional support can enhance outcomes.

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Brenda Keirns, LPC, NCC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor recognized by the National Board for Certified Counselors. She earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling from Bellevue University and has extensive experience across inpatient, outpatient, and telehealth settings. Brenda is trained in EMDR through an EMDRIA-approved program and brings over six years of licensure experience. With a multicultural upbringing and more than 18 years as a military spouse, including Command Team involvement, she has a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by diverse individuals and families. Brenda also serves as a Committee Member for Integratus, the academic journal of the Catholic Psychotherapy Association.

Brenda values open communication and creates a warm, non-judgmental environment where patients feel respected and supported. She tailors treatment to each patient’s unique needs and utilizes an eclectic, evidence-based approach drawing on CBT, EMDR, SFBT, REBT, DBT, attachment-based theory, trauma-informed care, and faith-based therapy rooted in Thomistic Psychology. Brenda helps patients address depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, relational challenges, personality disorders, and life transitions.

Brenda partners with patients to develop practical coping tools while building on strengths and resilience. She emphasizes collaboration to ensure that patients actively shape their therapeutic goals. With a balance of compassion and clinical expertise, Brenda integrates evidence-based practices with individualized strategies to promote emotional well-being, personal growth, and improved daily functioning.

Dr. Stuart Hedgpeth is a board-certified psychiatrist. While Dr. Hedgpeth primarily focuses on medication management, he understands that mental health often requires approaches from multiple perspectives. Psychodynamic and supportive therapies are offered on an as-needed basis in addition to medication management. New patients are provided 60 minutes for initial visits, and follow-ups are given 30 minutes. Dr. Hedgpeth graduated from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill, NC. He completed his adult psychiatry residency training at Virginia Commonwealth University Health System in Richmond, VA. Dr. Hedgpeth's training has positioned him to care for adults of all ages with a wide spectrum of mental health disorders and related conditions. In his residency he sought out additional experience working with patients undergoing treatment for HIV, patients with trauma-related disorders, and the LGBTQ+ population.