Aleena Vargas, MD

Dr. Monica Badillo is double board-certified in child and adolescent psychiatry and adult psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She received additional training and certification in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy at the New York Medical College Psychoanalytic Institute. Dr. Badillo is bilingual and speaks Spanish and English to deliver quality care for patients and parents. She provides medication management while incorporating psychoeducation, supportive, and psychodynamic psychotherapies. Generally, she employs 30-minute follow up sessions, and she may request a psychotherapist to participate in treatment. She listens and builds rapport with patients and families, while utilizing a trauma-informed, patient-centered, comprehensive, and collaborative approach. She completed her undergraduate degree at Fordham University in New York, and subsequently received her medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine in Dominica. She then completed general psychiatry residency and child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, BronxCare Health System. She excelled in her program and was awarded honors as Chief Fellow in achievement and professionalism. After completing training, Dr. Badillo continued to work at the institution as an attending psychiatrist in the Child and Adult Outpatient Services, Pediatric Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP), and Pediatric Consultation Liaison services. She has held leadership roles, and instructed medical students, fellows, and resident physicians. Dr. Badillo has treated patients of all age ranges and diverse backgrounds in community mental health settings. Her primary focus is treating children, adolescents, and young-early adults for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, ADHD, trauma-related disorders, disruptive behavior disorders, and other psychiatric conditions.

Dr. Michael Locher completed Adult Psychiatry Residency Training at Los Angeles County, University of Southern California in which he focused two years of training in conducting Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy. Dr. Locher received his Bachelor of Science Undergraduate degree in 3 years with Phi Beta Kappa honors at University of Miami, Florida. In medical school at Stony Brook School of Medicine in New York, Dr. Locher was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society while earning his Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. Dr. Locher has held academic appointments at University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Western University of Health Sciences, and Ventura Community Memorial Health System Psychiatric Residency Training Program. He has an in interest working with immigrants and LGBTQ+ communities.  

Dr. Locher’s approach to medication management is that it is one tool to be used in the broader context of a multi-modal evidence-based treatment approach that draws upon psychotherapy, mindfulness skills, Buddhist psychology, psychedelic AKA “mind manifesting” studies, yoga philosophy, and other integrative practices. He understands that healing is an individualized process that cannot unfold without a safe space. Dr. Locher is dedicated to holding an approachable, empathic space where you can feel empowered to write the next chapter of your life.  

Dr. Locher is well versed in treating the full spectrum of mental illness. Having worked on multidisciplinary teams in acute inpatient psychiatric hospital settings, psychiatric emergency rooms, and mental health urgent cares for the better part of 10 years, he is comfortable helping with not just mild to moderate illness, but also the most severe cases of mental illness. Dr. Locher is especially motivated to work with you to maintain stability, avoid hospitalization, and more broadly, to achieve wellness.

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Emily-Rose Virden, PMHNP-BC, earned her advanced nursing degree at the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions and has many years of experience as both a psychiatric nurse and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She has practiced across a wide range of mental health settings, including inpatient, outpatient, partial programs, and Emergency Room care.

She strives to build trusting relationships with her patients and values open, honest communication throughout the treatment process. Emily-Rose creates an inclusive, supportive environment where every patient feels heard, respected, and genuinely cared for.

During initial appointments, she explores each patient’s history and current concerns to determine the most appropriate treatment plan. She works collaboratively with patients to set meaningful goals and encourages ongoing participation in each session to support strong, successful outcomes.

Background  and credentials    

Dr. Christa DeFries is a board-certified Adult Psychiatrist. She earned her  medical degree from UT Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Texas, and  completed her residency in Adult Psychiatry at Baylor Scott & White in  Temple, Texas. Following residency, Dr. DeFries 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.    

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Treatment approach    

Dr. DeFries practices Adult Psychiatry, employing an integrative treatment  approach combining medication management, psychotherapeutic methods, and  lifestyle modifications. She recognizes that each patient benefits from a  personalized mix of these three aspects of care. Dr. DeFries specializes in  treating diverse psychiatric conditions, including those related to trauma,  substance addictions, and various mental health disorders.    

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What you can expect in a first visit    

In a first visit with Dr. DeFries, patients can expect a comprehensive  evaluation aimed at understanding their individual mental health history,  specific concerns, and overall treatment goals. Dr. DeFries emphasizes 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.    

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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.

Dr. Wharton-Mohammed is double board certified in General Psychiatry as well as Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She has worked in various settings with culturally diverse populations. Her primary focus has been caring for children in the outpatient programs. Dr. Wharton-Mohammed has spent over ten years as an administrative leader. She has chaired and co-chaired committees overseeing the practice of fellow Psychiatrists and served as the Discipline Chief. She has been teaching/ supervising Nurse Practitioner students and Physician assistant students.

Dr. Wharton-Mohammed is experienced with a wide variety of psychiatric diagnoses and therapeutic modalities. She is a dedicated clinician who looks out for her patients. She views each patient and their caregivers circumstance as unique. She takes a holistic approach with a collaborative approach to help patients understand their options. While the focus may be on psycho education and medication management with supportive and psychodynamic therapeutic interventions there may be a need for additional therapy.  She may ask that a therapist be added to your treatment team. She works towards establishing a meaningful trusting relationship and looks forward to working with you to help you achieve your goals.

Dr. Bryce Toburen is a board-certified psychiatrist dedicated to compassionate, collaborative care across the lifespan. His training includes an MD from the Medical College of Wisconsin, residency at The Ohio State University where he served as Chief Resident, and a fellowship in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at Nationwide Children's Hospital. Outside the clinic, he enjoys sports, tennis, exploring nature, traveling, and spending time with loved ones.

Each patient brings a unique story, and he strives to create a safe, respectful space where you feel heard and supported. His interest in psychiatry stems from a desire to maximize the well-being of patients and their families through strong therapeutic relationships. Compassion and curiosity guide his work, along with a strong belief in the power of connection and collaboration. You can expect open communication and a focus on your personal goals throughout your time together.

Treatment is personalized using evidence-based approaches that include psychotherapy, medication management, and lifestyle strategies. He specializes in addressing anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, and trauma-related concerns. Collaboration and trust are central to his approach, with an emphasis on empowering patients to take an active role in their healing and well-being.

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