Albert Luong, MD

Dr. Samuel Russell is a psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He is board certified in Addiction Psychiatry and Adult Psychiatry. His particular clinical focus is on the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and behavior addictions, as well as trauma, mood, and anxiety disorders. Dr. Russell's practice focuses on evidence-based treatments for psychiatric illness that utilizes a combination of medications and psychotherapy modalities best suited for an individual patient and their needs. He offers this in conjunction with supportive or emotionally focused therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. Weekly hour-long psychotherapy may be available if indicated. However, occasionally, Dr. Russell may believe that different therapies are also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome. He received his medical education at the University of Washington in Seattle after completing undergraduate studies in psychology and later a post-baccalaureate at Boston University. After residency at the University of Chicago where he specialized in addiction psychiatry and psychotherapy, he completed an Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of Washington in Seattle.

Dr. Emily Sykes is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree with Magna Cum Laude distinction from Carleton College, where she majored in biology. Dr. Sykes completed her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Toledo. She completed her psychiatry residency at the University of Cincinnati and was the outpatient chief resident physician. Dr. Sykes' specialty interests include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and holistic wellness. She is a certified Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) provider for PTSD. Dr. Sykes provides compassionate, evidence-based, individualized, holistic care for patients suffering from a variety of mental health diagnoses and concerns. She incorporates supportive therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and solutions-focused therapy into her sessions.

Dr. Karla Garcia is a board-certified psychiatrist trained in Adult Psychiatry. She graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Education. She then went on to complete her medical education and residency training at the University of Chicago. She is board certified in Adult Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Dr. Garcia believes in patient-centered care, seeking to care for the whole person.  She values the therapeutic relationship, working to guide patients in their treatment while also encouraging patients to take an active role in their care. Dr. Garcia cares about getting to know you as a person and helping you reconnect with your values. Her clinical approach is holistic, collaborative, and supportive.

Dr. Garcia focuses on evidence-based treatments for psychiatric illness that utilize a combination of medications and psychotherapy. Using a range of skills and interventions, Dr. Garcia believes in a multi-faceted approach to treatment.

Dr. Garcia has experience working in a wide variety of inpatient, emergency, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient psychiatric settings and in treating a broad spectrum of psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, substance use disorders, personality disorders, ADHD, and OCD. She treats patients in English and Spanish.

Amanda Rivera, PMHNP, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner through the lifespan, certified by the ANCC in 2020. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a biology minor from Clarkson University, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing from St. John Fisher College. Amanda has over 15 years of experience in mental health, beginning in 2010 as a Therapy Aide at Rochester Psychiatric Center. She has practiced across inpatient hospitals, state psychiatric facilities, outpatient community clinics, correctional settings, group homes, and telehealth/private practice. She works with patients ages 16 and older and is highly experienced in trauma, mood and anxiety disorders, ADHD, autism, psychotic and personality disorders, substance use, and parenting challenges. She values working with families to strengthen the family unit.

Amanda values open communication and collaborates with patients to establish clear, meaningful treatment goals. She provides a warm, supportive environment where patients feel heard, respected, and empowered to take ownership of their mental wellness. Treatment is individualized, with medication decisions guided by a careful balance of safety and symptom relief. Appointments are conversational in nature, allowing care to be more personalized as patients share openly.

Amanda begins each visit by ensuring privacy and safety, then explores the concerns prompting care before gathering a biopsychosocial history through collaborative discussion. She provides education throughout sessions to help patients understand diagnoses and lived experiences. Medication options are discussed based on comfort level and clinical need. Follow-ups are scheduled at the end of each visit, with frequency adjusted as stability is achieved.

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Dr. Kyle Baird, DO, earned his medical degree from A.T. Still University – Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his psychiatry residency at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. He has practiced in diverse academic outpatient settings, using a multidisciplinary approach to understand clients and develop personalized treatment plans. He also served as medical director of a large academic outpatient clinic, overseeing psychiatrists, residents, psychology students, and advanced practitioners.

Dr. Baird values a holistic perspective in care, emphasizing empathy, understanding, and patient-centered treatment. He fosters open, clear communication and collaborates with clients to explore the causes of symptoms, as well as the strengths and behaviors that support resiliency and well-being. He also considers daily routines and life contexts that influence mental health.

During the initial appointment, Dr. Baird conducts a thorough evaluation of concerns, history, and functioning, completing any necessary screenings. He then develops a personalized treatment plan collaboratively, reviewing potential therapeutic interventions. Follow-up visits typically combine medication management, if appropriate, with brief psychotherapeutic support, adjusting intervals based on client needs, monitoring, and treatment progress.

Background and credentials    

Dr. Abernethy is a board-certified psychiatrist who received his medical  degree from the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. He completed  his 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. He completed his psychiatry residency training at the University of  Oklahoma Health Science Center. Dr. Abernethy has 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. He has 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.    

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Treatment approach    

Dr. Abernethy utilizes 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. He emphasizes  cooperation with patients to effectively treat and reduce mental  health-related symptoms. His practice centers around medication management,  supplemented by supportive treatments tailored to individual needs. Depending  on each patient’s circumstances, he may recommend additional support from  individual, family, or group counselors and therapists to achieve optimal outcomes.    

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What you can expect in a first visit

In an initial visit, patients can expect a thorough, collaborative  discussion focused on understanding their symptoms, goals, and clinical  needs. Dr. Abernethy 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.    

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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 speciualize in  medication management and collaborate with you on a treatment plan that fits  your needs and comfort level.