Alana Ward, PMHNP

LMHCNudedrose Guirand, also known as Rose Guirand, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York City who has been practicing since 2017. Rose has worked directly with clients of various demographics such as people with disabilities and neurodivergent people living with a variety of mental health conditions for 6 years. She graduated with a Master of Science in Education, Mental Health Counseling at Hunter College of The City University of New York. During her studies, she attended an internship at Boston Road Medical Center, Psychiatry Department in Bronx, New York. Rose's central approach to therapy is eclectic and based on the needs of each client. She frequently uses person-centered, Strength-based, and collaborative therapy. Also, she enjoys using CBT, ACT and DBT which draw upon the whole person and their intrinsic qualities and talents to forge a thriving way of life. Essentially, Rose likes to empower clients to find their passion and set their goals not only to survive but also to thrive in life. Rose enjoys helping people on their journey and sees the rewards of clients winning themselves back. Rose's work as a therapist comes from the heart and holistic space, and being there for her clients truthfully and inspiring them to become the expert of their lives.

Vanessa is a licensed psychotherapist who specializes in forensics, ADHD and anxiety disorders. Vanessa received her Master's in Clinical Social Work from Barry University and her Bachelor's degree in Human Services from Indian River State College. Vanessa has experience working with patients that are in dialysis, individuals that have co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, and individuals that are navigating the court system.

When working with patients; Vanessa provides a safe and warm therapeutic environment for the patient to express themselves. Vanessa engages in a non-judgmental approach and offers appropriate support as well as resources. Vanessa provides compassion, empathy, unconditional positive regard and empowerment tools to assist her patients. Vanessa believes in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and kindness. Vanessa has experience in helping clients who have issues related to stress and anxiety, coping with life changes, & compassion fatigue. Vanessa also has experience working with concentration, memory, and focus (ADHD).

Vanessa believes that the patient is the expert in their respective lives and works with the patient towards unlocking their potential. Vanessa utilizes mindfulness, person-centered therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, narrative therapy, art therapy, and reality-based therapy as clinical approaches.

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Dr. Mark Varela is a board-certified psychiatrist joining Talkiatry directly out of residency. He focuses primarily on medication management, often accompanied by brief cognitive, motivational, or supportive therapy. He may request that you also meet with a therapist regularly for your benefit. Dr. Varela received his medical degree and general psychiatric residency training both from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in West Texas. He treats young adults and adults with a wide variety of mental health concerns, including ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD.

Dr. Erica Linnell is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. Her practice focuses on medication management and supportive therapy. Dr. Linnell is a graduate of Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, from which she graduated with Alpha Omega Alpha honors and earned the Glasgow-Rubin Certificate of Commendation for Academic Achievement Award. Dr. Linnell trained in psychiatry residencies at Brown University/Butler Hospital and at Harvard University/Mass General Hospital.

During medical school and residency, Dr. Linnell volunteered in community outreach programs that provided preventive health education and clinical services to homeless and under-served populations, taught elementary school children about the importance of healthy eating and physical activity, and hosted monthly support meetings for adolescents living with chronic diseases and their parents to foster connections and mentorship.

Dr. Linnell uses a compassionate, affable treatment style in her practice that specializes in psychopharmacology with conjuctive psychotherapy. She has experience in treating patients with depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, ADHD, and OCD.

Kathleen Francois, LCSW, brings a rich background in outpatient, community mental health, crisis intervention, and behavioral health settings. She holds a degree in psychology and a master’s degree in clinical social work and addiction, allowing her to support individuals through a wide range of challenges with expertise and compassion.

Kathleen values authenticity, deep connection, and creating a safe space where people feel truly seen and supported. She approaches care with warmth, curiosity, and compassion, fostering a collaborative environment where clients feel empowered to explore and grow.

Kathleen’s approach is rooted in trauma-focused care and holistic wellness, honoring the mind-body connection and the influence of social wellbeing. She integrates evidence-based practices with a holistic lens to promote lasting healing, balance, and personal growth.

Background and credentials

Dr. Kristina Schnitzer is a board-certified psychiatrist. She earned her medical degree from the New York University School of Medicine and completed her residency in Adult Psychiatry at the Massachusetts General Hospital/McLean Adult Psychiatry Residency Program. She further specialized by completing a one-year clinical and research fellowship in Public and Community Psychiatry through Massachusetts General Hospital and the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health. In addition to her medical training, she holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. She has over three years of experience practicing psychiatry across inpatient, emergency, and outpatient settings.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Schnitzer focuses on medication management as the foundation of her treatment approach, typically combining it with supportive or emotionally focused therapy during 30-minute follow-up visits. She takes a collaborative and individualized approach to patient care and, when needed, may recommend additional therapy by integrating a therapist into the care team to ensure the best possible outcomes. She has experience treating a broad range of psychiatric disorders in various clinical settings.

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What you can expect in a first visit

Patients can expect a thorough and structured evaluation in their first visit, where Dr. Schnitzer carefully assesses their symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals. She emphasizes open communication and collaboration, ensuring that patients are fully involved in shaping their treatment plans. Follow-up visits typically last 30 minutes, during which she monitors progress, adjusts treatment as needed, and may recommend additional therapeutic support for comprehensive care.

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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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