Skip to main content

Alexandra Starmer, LMHC

Staff Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Languages
English
SPECIALTIES
Talk Therapy
EMDR
Substance Use

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

Erica Boncella, LPC

Staff Therapist

With a lifelong commitment to helping others, Erica Boncella, LPC, began her career in Law Enforcement, focusing on Protection from Abuse cases. This experience inspired her to specialize in therapeutic practices that support healing. Symbolized by the lotus flower, her practice emphasizes resilience and transformation. Erica brings over 18 years of combined clinical and forensic experience, specializing in trauma recovery, PTSD, domestic violence, disordered eating, addiction, and support for Veterans and Law Enforcement professionals. She holds certifications as a CCTP, in Dual Disordered Eating/Trauma & Shame, and in Addictions.

Erica provides a compassionate, non-judgmental environment where clients feel understood and empowered. She treats everyone with respect and sensitivity, recognizing the courage it takes to pursue change. Her approach is individualized, helping clients cultivate healthier relationships with themselves. As she often says, “You don’t have to do it alone. I am here to support and empower you every step of the way.”

Erica begins each session with an open dialogue to understand clients’ questions and concerns. She collaboratively establishes preliminary goals, emphasizing that these may evolve naturally. She creates a safe space where clients are never pressured to discuss topics prematurely. Her practice is grounded in empathy, sensitivity, and individualized care, guiding clients toward a more fulfilling and empowered life.

Brian Lann, LPC

Staff Therapist

Brian F. Lann, MA, LPC, LPC-S, LAC, is a licensed mental health professional with over 23 years of experience across outpatient, inpatient, and telehealth settings. He specializes in substance use disorders and complex conditions including OCD, anxiety disorders, and Major Depression. Brian is trained in CBT, ERP, HRT, DBT, and trauma-focused therapies, and has completed extensive specialized training in evidence-based interventions for OCD and related disorders.

Brian provides a structured, compassionate, and collaborative approach to care. He believes in meeting patients where they are while offering practical tools that create meaningful change. He emphasizes accountability, skill-building, and measurable progress, particularly in treating addiction, OCD, anxiety, and trauma-related concerns.

Brian begins with a comprehensive assessment to clarify goals and develop an individualized treatment plan. He integrates evidence-based modalities such as CBT, ERP, and trauma-focused therapies, with ongoing evaluation of progress. Treatment includes clear goal setting, skill practice between sessions, and coordinated care when appropriate.

Andrea Hamilton, LPC

Staff Therapist

Andrea Hamilton, LMHC, MBA is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 20 years of experience providing compassionate and effective therapeutic care to individuals, families, and groups. Throughout her career, she has worked across diverse settings, including educational institutions, foster care systems, group homes, government agencies, and healthcare organizations. This extensive background has equipped her to address a wide range of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and life transitions.

She holds a Master of Education and an MBA from Florida Atlantic University, along with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. She is CFARS Certified, and a Qualified Supervisor in the State of Florida. Her commitment to professional growth is evident in her numerous certifications and specialized training in ethics, trauma processing, domestic violence, and online counseling.

In addition to her clinical expertise, Andrea Hamilton has served as an adjunct professor and leader in clinical operations, further demonstrating her dedication. She is committed to delivering accessible, high-quality care tailored to the unique needs of her clients.

Tikita Ficklin, LPC

Staff Therapist

Tikita Ficklin, LPC, has over 10 years of experience practicing in outpatient and inpatient settings, utilizing modalities such as CBT and Solution-Focused Therapy. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences/Human Services and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, both from Mercer University, and is completing a Doctorate in Marriage & Family Therapy from North Central University, expected in 2026.

Tikita values open and honest communication and partners with clients to set clear treatment goals that support their personal growth. She creates a warm, supportive environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Tikita begins by thoroughly understanding each client’s history, concerns, and goals during the initial session to foster a trusting relationship. She then develops individualized treatment plans that align with clients’ objectives, guiding them toward their best possible self.

Nancy Clayton, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Nancy Clayton is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with over 25 years of experience in military and civilian settings. She earned her MD from Saint Louis University School of Medicine through the Naval Health Professions Scholarship Program and completed residency at Naval Medical Center San Diego. She served as an active-duty U.S. Navy psychiatrist and later as a civilian contractor, working across outpatient, emergency, consultative, and telepsychiatry settings. She also holds an MA in English Literature and a BA in International Relations.

Dr. Clayton takes a collaborative, integrative, and patient-centered approach to care. She considers medical, psychological, relational, and environmental factors when making recommendations. She values clear communication and shared decision-making, creating a respectful, supportive space where patients feel heard. Her expertise includes trauma, anxiety, mood disorders, and adult ADHD, and she provides culturally responsive, affirming care grounded in psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral principles.

Dr. Clayton begins with a comprehensive evaluation to understand each patient’s symptoms within their life context. She explores contributing factors and uses practical education to explain the nervous system and treatment options. She provides clear expectations around medications and progress. Treatment plans are individualized, and follow-ups focus on monitoring progress, refining goals, and addressing barriers to improvement.

Jannise McKamey-Bruell, LPC

Staff Licensed Professional Counselor

Jannise McKamey-Bruell began her career working in the field of education after she completed both a Bachelor of Liberal Arts and a Master of Liberal Arts at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with an emphasis on Psychology, Women's Studies, and Child and Family Studies. After relocating to Georgia, Ms. McKamey-Bruell attended Argosy University where she completed an additional Master of Arts Degree, with honors, in Community Counseling in addition to receiving a Marriage and Family Therapy Certification. Ms. McKamey-Bruell is a National Certified Counselor (NCC), a Distance Certified Counselor (DCC), a Board Certified Tele-Mental Health Provider (BC-TMH), and holds a Crisis Worker Certification from the American Association of Suicidology. Ms. McKamey-Bruell is also a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for Cobb County Juvenile Court. Prior to private practice, her clinical experience included working as a therapist at the YWCA, providing domestic violence and sexual assault counseling, facilitating domestic violence support and therapy groups, working with children and families at several community mental health agencies, and working at a mental health crisis line. In addition to her private practice, Ms. McKamey-Bruell also provides online therapy to clients through a secure website and texting platform. Ms. McKamey-Bruell believes in helping others to help themselves. She provides therapy to individuals with an emphasis on crisis intervention, skill-building, self-esteem, attachment issues, relationship problems, and communication repair. She creates a close, supportive relationship in the counseling setting to assist each person in moving forward through open discussion, developing personal insight, and offering workable suggestions. Her specialties include working with those who are experiencing anxiety or depression. When not working, Ms. McKamey-Bruell regularly participates in professional training, enjoys volunteering and participating in community and sorority events, collecting Disney paraphernalia, traveling, sewing, attending sci-fi conventions, and spoiling her nieces and nephews.

Ready to get matched?

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