
Dr. Brandon Ho, DO
Brandon Ho, MD, earned a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree and a Master of Medical Science degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed psychiatry residency training at LSU Health Shreveport, where he served as Chief Resident. Dr. Ho has experience providing comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and treatment planning for diverse patient populations.
Dr. Ho values building strong rapport and meaningful connections with patients to create a supportive, collaborative treatment environment. He strives to ensure patients feel heard, respected, and actively involved in their care through open communication and individualized treatment aligned with each patient’s goals and priorities.
Dr. Ho begins appointments with thorough history gathering to better understand each patient’s background, symptoms, and treatment goals. He develops individualized treatment plans focused on optimizing outcomes while minimizing side effects whenever possible, and works collaboratively with patients to monitor progress and adjust care as needed.

Brendalyn Iweh, MD
Dr. Brendalyn Iweh, MD, is a board-eligible psychiatrist with experience providing care in outpatient, inpatient, emergency, consultation-liaison, and community settings. She earned her medical degree from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, completed psychiatry residency training at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and received specialized training and certification in women’s mental health. Dr. Iweh treats adolescents and adults with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma-related disorders, bipolar disorder, and women’s mental health concerns, with particular interests in reproductive psychiatry and the connection between mental and physical wellness.
Dr. Iweh values open communication and collaborative decision-making. She creates a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where patients feel heard and respected. Believing that effective treatment begins with trust, she takes time to understand each patient’s experiences, values, and goals while developing treatment plans that reflect their individual needs and preferences. She emphasizes education and empowerment to help patients better understand their mental health.
Dr. Iweh begins by gaining a thorough understanding of each patient’s history, current concerns, strengths, and treatment goals. She explores emotional, medical, social, and lifestyle factors that may affect mental health and develops individualized treatment plans. Treatment options may include medication management, lifestyle modifications, psychoeducation, and therapy referrals when appropriate. Through follow-up visits, she monitors progress, adjusts treatment as needed, and provides ongoing support so patients feel informed, empowered, and supported throughout their care.

Dr. Brett Abernethy, MD
I utilize a collaborative and patient-centered approach to psychiatry, focusing primarily on medication interventions that align with each patient's unique treatment goals and clinical needs. I emphasize cooperation with patients to effectively treat and reduce mental health-related symptoms. My practice centers around medication management, supplemented by supportive treatments tailored to individual needs. Depending on each patient's circumstances, I may recommend additional support from individual, family, or group counselors and therapists to achieve optimal outcomes.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist who received my medical degree from the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. I completed my internship at UT Southwestern in Dallas and earned a Master's of Public Health in Epidemiology and Occupational and Environmental Health from Texas A&M. I completed my psychiatry residency training at the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center. I have over 12 years of experience practicing psychiatry in various outpatient settings, including private practice and community mental health centers in Texas and Oklahoma, specifically reaching underserved communities. I have treated a broad spectrum of mental health symptoms among diverse populations, addressing issues ranging from mood and anxiety disorders to behavioral manifestations of Autism and other developmental disorders.
In an initial visit, patients can expect a thorough, collaborative discussion focused on understanding their symptoms, goals, and clinical needs. I will evaluate the patient's condition to determine appropriate medication interventions and discuss personalized treatment recommendations. Typical follow-up visits are approximately 20-30 minutes in length. Depending on the severity and complexity of a patient's situation, referrals to additional counseling or therapy may also be suggested.

Dr. Cecilia Fitz-Gerald, MD
I am a board-certified psychiatrist trained in adult psychiatry and consultation-liaison psychiatry, formerly known as psychosomatic medicine. I specialize in working with patients with acute and chronic medical conditions that may be affecting their mental health, such as cancer, stroke, or a heart condition. I provide patient-centered care utilizing a collaborative approach to help my patients reach their goals. My other areas of clinical interest include ICU delirium and cardiac psychiatry.
I have been practicing for over five years and have extensive experience working in a variety of clinical settings, including inpatient, outpatient, and emergency psychiatry. I am a native of Louisiana and a graduate of the LSU School of Medicine in Shreveport. During my fourth year of medical school, I was elected to the prestigious medical honor society, Alpha Omega Alpha, and was awarded the John W. Bick Excellence in Psychiatry award. I completed my psychiatry residency training at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, where I served as Chief Resident and was a PRITE Fellow. Afterwards, I completed a fellowship in consultation-liaison psychiatry at Yale-New Haven Hospital. I have multiple scholarly publications, particularly in the fields of emergency psychiatry and hospital delirium, and have presented at the annual conference for the Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry.
I am passionate about academic medicine and enjoy teaching medical students and residents.

Dr. Charlena Melnyk, MD
Dr. Charlena Melnyk is a compassionate psychiatrist specializing in adult mental health care for patients ages 18–64. She has experience in academic, consultation and liaison, and outpatient psychiatry, with expertise in diagnostic evaluation and individualized treatment planning. Dr. Melnyk values trauma-informed, nonjudgmental care and enjoys getting to know each patient’s unique goals. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, cooking, Zumba, spending time outdoors, and playing with her dog, Nezzy.
Dr. Melnyk believes strong therapeutic relationships are built through empathy, collaboration, and open communication. She integrates supportive therapy, behavioral activation techniques, and pharmacotherapy to create personalized treatment plans. She treats conditions including depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, and bipolar disorders, while focusing on each patient’s overall wellness and quality of life.
Dr. Melnyk begins by learning about each patient’s history, concerns, and mental health goals while considering biological, psychological, and social factors that may affect wellbeing. She works collaboratively to develop thoughtful treatment plans, adjust care as needed, and provide ongoing support throughout each patient’s mental health journey.

Dr. Chelsea Karson, MD
I am a board-certified psychiatrist who is passionate about patient care, believing in caring for the whole person.
I completed my residency training at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, where I served as Chief Resident of my program. During my residency, I led an interprofessional team to bring miniature therapy horses to the inpatient psychiatry unit, forging a relationship between the organization and all of Advocate Aurora Healthcare. I also partnered with a mental health counselor to create a virtual therapy program of resources, the Bridge Project, to close the gap between inpatient and outpatient care; it is now used throughout the Advocate Aurora network. At graduation, I received the 2024 Advocate Lutheran General Hospital Ruggie Humanitarian Award. The Ruggie Award selects and honors a graduating resident or fellow who displays academic excellence, commitment to the education of others, professional bearing, and a concern for the patient within the light of Human Ecology.
I attended Elmhurst University for my undergraduate education, majoring in biology with minors in chemistry and medical humanities. I went on to medical school at Rosalind Franklin University, where I was chosen to join the Gold Humanism Honor Society for my dedication to compassionate patient care.

Dr. Chhavi Chaudhary, MD
My style is warm, curious, and collaborative. I emphasize understanding each individual in the context of their psychosocial development, life experiences, and cultural and societal stressors. I believe mental health cannot be separated from the challenges faced at school, work, within families, and in society at large. I listen carefully, ensuring patients and families feel understood, and work together to create practical, personalized treatment plans. I integrate psychopharmacology with therapy, coping strategies, and resilience-building, aiming for patients to feel supported, empowered, and actively engaged in care that evolves with their needs.
I am a dual board-certified psychiatrist with subspecialty certification in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. I completed my fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis, where I also served as Chief Fellow, and my general psychiatry residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler. Over the past year, I have provided telehealth psychiatric consultations across emergency rooms and inpatient settings, gaining extensive experience across state hospitals, outpatient clinics, college mental health, preschool, mood disorder, and community health clinics.

Dr. Christa DeFries, MD
I practice Adult Psychiatry, employing an integrative treatment approach combining medication management, psychotherapeutic methods, and lifestyle modifications. I recognize that each patient benefits from a personalized mix of these three aspects of care. I specialize in treating diverse psychiatric conditions, including those related to trauma, substance addictions, and various mental health disorders.
I am a board-certified Adult Psychiatrist. I earned my medical degree from UT Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Texas, and completed my residency in Adult Psychiatry at Baylor Scott & White in Temple, Texas. Following residency, I 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.
In a first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive evaluation aimed at understanding their individual mental health history, specific concerns, and overall treatment goals. I emphasize 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.

Dr. Columban Heo, DO
I specialize in treating a broad range of psychiatric conditions, notably mood and anxiety disorders. I integrate medication management with a holistic, personalized approach to treatment, emphasizing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. I believe in tailoring treatment plans individually, combining therapy and medications to suit each patient's unique needs, and I highlight the importance of healthy relationships in achieving overall mental health.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist. I earned my medical degree from Touro University Nevada and completed my residency at Unity Health White County Medical Center. I further specialized by completing a fellowship in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry at the Cleveland Clinic, where I gained extensive experience working within multidisciplinary healthcare teams, particularly focused on psychiatric care for patients with complex medical conditions.
Patients visiting me for the first time can expect a comprehensive and personalized assessment that explores not just their psychiatric symptoms but their overall well-being and personal relationships. I prioritize a holistic evaluation, carefully balancing medication considerations and therapeutic interventions tailored specifically to each patient's situation and goals. I create an empathetic, collaborative atmosphere to discuss and develop personalized plans for mental and emotional wellness.

Dr. Connie Hsiao, MD
I value open communication, collaboration, and building a safe, supportive environment where patients feel heard and respected. I treat a wide range of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, and life transitions, in children, adolescents, and adults. I emphasize trust and mutual understanding in the therapeutic relationship. In the initial visit, I conduct a comprehensive evaluation to understand each patient's unique history, concerns, and goals, and I utilize evidence-based medication management alongside therapeutic strategies to create personalized treatment plans that reflect and support my patients' needs and aspirations.
I am a double board-certified Adult and Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist. I earned my medical degree from Texas A&M College of Medicine, completed my Adult Psychiatry Residency at UT Health San Antonio, and pursued my Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine. I have extensive experience treating diverse patient populations across various clinical settings.
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Dr. Consuelo M Reddick, MD
I work collaboratively with patients, ensuring they feel heard, respected, and informed. I emphasize psychoeducation to empower patients in their treatment journey and encourage open communication to build trust and partnership. I treat a range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, and ADHD, in both children and adults. An initial assessment with me includes a thorough review of personal and medical history, identification of concerns, and the development of treatment goals. I often integrate supportive therapy with medication management to provide individualized, effective care that promotes both symptom relief and long-term well-being.
I completed my medical degree and adult psychiatry residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, followed by fellowship training in child and adolescent psychiatry at Harvard Medical School's Cambridge Hospital. I am double board-certified in general psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry. My career has included roles in inpatient and outpatient care, academic settings, consulting, and telepsychiatry across multiple states.

Dr. Darius Stephens, MD
Darius Stephens, MD, is a psychiatrist trained at Morehouse School of Medicine with residency at Howard University Hospital in Washington, D.C. He has experience across adult inpatient and outpatient settings, including acute care, medication management, and administrative psychiatry alongside hospital leadership. His work centers on general adult outpatient care with a focus on evidence-based treatment, patient education, and shared decision-making. He is a member of the APA, AMA, and ASAM.
Dr. Stephens takes a direct, collaborative approach, offering honest conversations about diagnoses, options, and expectations. He creates a respectful, nonjudgmental space where patients feel comfortable discussing sensitive topics. Dr. Stephens prioritizes understanding the whole person, incorporating cultural background and life context, and is committed to serving minority and underserved communities.
Dr. Stephens begins with a thorough psychiatric evaluation to understand history, concerns, and goals. He develops individualized plans that may include medication, lifestyle strategies, and therapy referrals. He explains the reasoning behind decisions so patients stay informed and engaged, and he adjusts care collaboratively based on progress and feedback.
Find a psychiatrist in Texas
Getting a psychiatrist appointment in Texas can mean a long drive and an even longer wait. Talkiatry connects you with a licensed psychiatrist in Texas for online appointments, so you can be seen from anywhere in the state without leaving home. Many patients get their first visit within days rather than waiting months for a local opening.
How online psychiatry works in Texas
You start with a short online assessment, then get matched with a psychiatrist licensed in Texas based on your needs. Visits happen by secure video from home, so there is no commute and no waiting room. Your first appointment lasts 60 minutes, which gives you time to talk through your symptoms, ask questions, and build a treatment plan with your psychiatrist. Follow-ups are usually about 30 minutes. Your psychiatrist has to be licensed where you are during the visit, so you can meet with a Texas-licensed doctor whether you live in Houston, El Paso, or a small town in between.
What a psychiatrist in Texas can help with
An online psychiatrist in Texas can help with a wide range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Psychiatrists are medical doctors, so they can evaluate your symptoms, prescribe medication, and manage it over time. Medication is one possible part of a plan, not an automatic result of a visit. Depending on your needs, your psychiatrist may also recommend therapy as part of your care. The goal is a plan built around you, not a one-size-fits-all script.
Does insurance cover a psychiatrist in Texas?
Talkiatry is in-network with major insurers, so you can use your mental health benefits for online care. You check your coverage during the free assessment, before you ever schedule a visit, so there are no surprises. What you pay out of pocket depends on your specific plan, so it is a good idea to confirm the details with your insurer.
Getting mental health care in Texas
Finding a psychiatrist in Texas is genuinely hard for a lot of people, and the numbers show why. Texas has 393 designated mental health Health Professional Shortage Areas covering about 13.44 million people, and only about 32.2% of the need for psychiatric care is currently met. The federal government estimates it would take about 606 more practitioners to lift those shortage designations (according to KFF as of 12/31/25). For you, that shortage often means long waits or a drive to another town. Online psychiatry helps by connecting you with a licensed psychiatrist anywhere in Texas, rather than limiting you to the few providers near your home.
Cities we serve in Texas
Talkiatry works with patients across Texas by video, including these metro areas:
Start with a free assessment
Ready to get started? Take the free online assessment, get matched with a psychiatrist licensed in Texas, and schedule your first video visit. Take our free online assessment.
Can I see a psychiatrist online in Texas?

Yes. Talkiatry matches you with a psychiatrist licensed in Texas, and you meet by secure video from home. You do not need to visit an office, since all care is online.
Do I need to live in Texas to be seen?

Your psychiatrist must be licensed in the state where you are physically located during the visit. To see a Texas-licensed Talkiatry psychiatrist, you need to be in Texas at the time of your appointment.
Does insurance cover online psychiatry in Texas?

Often, yes. Talkiatry is in-network with major insurers, and your coverage is checked during the free assessment before you schedule. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan, so confirm the details with your insurer.
Can a psychiatrist prescribe medication online in Texas?

Yes, when it is clinically appropriate and legally permitted. Your psychiatrist evaluates your symptoms and decides whether medication fits your treatment plan. A prescription is never guaranteed, and medication is only one possible part of your care.
How soon can I be seen?

Many patients have a first visit within days rather than waiting months, though the exact timing depends on availability. You can check the soonest openings when you complete the free assessment.