Skip to main content

Alexandra Starmer, LMHC

Staff Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Languages
English
SPECIALTIES
Talk Therapy

Education and training

  • University of Maryland , BS
  • Syracuse University, MS

Get to know

Alexandra Starmer, LMHC

Meet Alex Starmer, LMHC, your friendly mental health counselor here at Talkiatry. She's not just a counselor; she's your partner on your mental health journey. Alex earned her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Syracuse University in 2020 and has been in the field since January 2021, working closely with clients facing mental health and substance use challenges. Alex believes in the power of the mind-body connection, and she loves to share polyvagal exercises and mindfulness techniques to help you better understand yourself. She's always learning and growing, with ongoing training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Her go-to tools for therapy are Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). With her, you can expect a compassionate and comprehensive approach to your mental well-being. You're in good hands with Alex.‍

Get matched with a clinician like this one

Ready to book your first appointment? Take our 10-minute assessment. We’ll match you with a clinician who meets your needs, has availability, and takes your insurance.

Get started
More Clinicians

Taylor Cortez, LPC

Staff Therapist

Taylor Cortez is a licensed professional counselor with extensive experience in treating diverse populations and diagnoses. She earned her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of West Georgia. Taylor has served as a primary therapist and assessor at Willowbrooke at Tanner inpatient facility, a primary therapist at the University of West Georgia Counseling Center, and as a primary virtual therapist at Connected Minds in Atlanta, Georgia. Using a warm and humanistic approach, Taylor creates a safe and empathetic space for clients to explore and process difficult emotions and traumas. She employs an interdisciplinary theoretical approach, customizing therapeutic interventions to meet the unique needs and preferences of each client. Taylor is dedicated to providing unwavering support to clients as they navigate life's challenges. Taylor is trained in various therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed approaches. She specializes in working with clients diagnosed with ADHD, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and body dysmorphia. Committed to offering the best counseling experience possible, Taylor helps her clients heal from past experiences and flourish in the present. She approaches each client with compassion, empathy, and a commitment to their overall well-being and growth.

Leslie Davis, LCSW

Staff Therapist

Dr. Leslie Davis became a psychotherapist because she believes that mental health shapes and influences various aspects of life. Mental health is considered vital! She has been a Doctor of Social Work since 2021 and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2019, with experience supporting children, adolescents, young adults, and adults with concerns such as trauma, substance abuse, intimate partner violence, depression, anxiety, PTSD, mood disorders, marital issues, and more. She has extensive experience in various settings including inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), school settings, community-based settings, and emergency departments.‍Dr. Leslie Davis does not see her role as a therapist as needing to "save the world” or "empower” clients. Instead, she believes in working alongside clients to help them identify tools within themselves and community resources to successfully achieve their goals. The types of therapy offered include, but are not limited to, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Culturally Sensitive Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Multicultural Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. Alongside the use of evidenced-based practices and culturally informed care, Dr. Leslie Davis has developed a proven approach for helping clients (a) identify the root cause of their challenges and (b) create a tailored plan that leads to measurable progress.

Jennifer Maguire, LPC

Staff Therapist

Jennifer Maguire is a Licensed Professional Counselor in New Jersey with over 25 years of experience supporting individuals through life’s most complex challenges. She holds degrees from Rutgers University, Rowan University, and the University of Phoenix.

Jennifer Maguire approach is warm, interactive, and client-centered, guided by empathy, respect, and collaboration. Jennifer draws from evidence-based practices such as CBT, DBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, and trauma-informed care. She works closely with each client to identify strengths, clarify goals, and create a personalized treatment plan that fosters healing and growth.

Jennifer Maguire supports clients in understanding how their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors connect, and teaches skills like mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotional regulation. Jennifer believes therapy is a partnership where clients feel heard, empowered, and respected. Her goal is to help individuals move toward a life of greater peace, connection, and fulfillment.

Diana Sun, LMHC

Staff Therapist

Diana Sun, LMHC, is a licensed mental health counselor with over five years of counseling experience in outpatient settings. She earned her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Nyack College Alliance Graduate School of Counseling in 2020. Diana has experience working with Asian Americans, Christians, LGBTQ+ individuals, and young adults ages 18 and older. Her clinical interests include inter-generational trauma, women’s issues, stress, anxiety, and depression.

Diana believes communication is essential when setting goals and boundaries within the counseling relationship. She uses fun ice-breaker questions to help patients feel comfortable and to build a strong therapeutic connection. Diana strives to create a safe and supportive environment where patients feel heard, seen, and understood, and she welcomes feedback as an important part of the healing process.

Diana begins by understanding each client’s presenting concerns, personal history, and goals during the initial session. She then collaborates with patients to develop a treatment plan tailored to their individual needs. Her work is grounded in core counseling values such as active listening, self-awareness, and unconditional positive regard to support growth and change.

Avedon Elliott, LPC

Staff Therapist

Avedon is an LPC with vast experience working in the mental health counseling field. Avedon has experience working with people of various backgrounds, which she believes is essential in a world of diverse communities with diverse cultures. She has 13 years of experience working with adults learning how to navigate and manage various behavioral health issues. Avedon received an undergraduate degree at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, GA; and her master's degree at Hodges University in Ft. Myers, FL. Avedon has been practicing for 8 years as a licensed clinical mental health counselor, and is a firm believer in the person-centered therapy philosophy of "meeting the client where they are at.” She believes in creating a safe environment for all of her clients in order for them to feel secure in expressing their present conflicts, while at the same time gaining and learning coping skills to improve their overall daily functioning. Avedon's preferred theoretical approach with her clients is Humanistic. She believes in being a resource of support for her clients while they are navigating through interruptions that have induced disorder in their daily lives. Avedon uses an integrative therapy approach tailored to each individual's concerns with the basis of CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and a variety of supportive psychotherapy techniques to aid in creating a therapeutic alliance, which leads to the client building skills to help manage emotional distress.

Jason Mcdaniel, LPC

Staff Therapist

Chad McDaniel, LPC-MHSP, is an experienced mental health professional with a background in both outpatient and inpatient settings. He has worked extensively with clients navigating mental health and substance use challenges. Chad earned his master’s degree in counseling from Southern Adventist University and completed his clinical internship at Parkridge Valley Psychiatric Hospital, where he developed a strong foundation in evidence-based care and client-centered practice.

Chad values open communication and collaboration in every therapeutic relationship. He works alongside clients to establish clear treatment goals and realistic expectations, ensuring that care is both purposeful and personalized. His approach is grounded in empathy and respect, creating a safe and supportive environment where clients feel accepted, heard, and empowered to make meaningful change.

In the initial session, Chad takes time to thoroughly understand each client’s personal history, current concerns, and long-term goals. He then develops an individualized treatment plan that reflects their unique needs and aspirations. Throughout the therapeutic process, Chad regularly reassesses progress, adjusting interventions as needed to help clients achieve lasting growth and improved well-being.

Ready to get matched?

Start our short assessment
Specialties
Talk Therapy
States
New York
Washington
Languages
English
Takes insurance
Virtual visits
3 years experience