Ashley Harmon, MD

Dr. Patricia Michel-Garrison is a board-certified psychiatrist by the American Osteopathic Board of Neurology and Psychiatry (AOBNP) with over a decade of experience in inpatient psychiatry. She completed her undergraduate training in Chemistry in Florida, having moved there from Chicago in 2000, followed by medical school at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM). She completed her residency in Psychiatry in Largo, Florida. Dr. Michel-Garrison specializes in treating adults aged 18 and over, addressing a wide range of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, mood disorders, and personality disorders. She is known for her holistic approach, integrating both traditional and osteopathic principles to provide comprehensive care. Her treatment style is patient-centered, emphasizing individualized care plans tailored to each patient's unique needs. Dr. Michel-Garrison fosters a collaborative therapeutic relationship, promoting open communication and trust with her patients. Throughout her career, Dr. Michel-Garrison has remained committed to staying current with the latest advancements in psychiatric care. She is dedicated to helping her patients achieve optimal mental health and well-being through a combination of evidence-based practices and empathetic support.

Dr. Jennifer Ruch is a board-certified psychiatrist who strives to understand her patients' lived experiences and aspirations to develop supportive therapeutic relationships through empathetic listening, mutual trust, and respect. She collaboratively creates individualized care plans that align with personal treatment goals in a safe and judgment-free environment. After completing her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Biology with a focus in psychology from the University of California, Merced, she earned her medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Ruch completed her General Psychiatry Residency at Arnot Ogden Medical Center in New York. Her clinical experience involves treating individuals of all age groups from diverse populations and socioeconomic backgrounds suffering from anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, and neurocognitive disorders. She has provided care in inpatient and outpatient psychiatric facilities, the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, emergency rooms, state facilities, and an inpatient chemical dependency center. She also performed pre-procedure psychological evaluations for bariatric and spinal cord surgeries, and psychiatric consult liaison services on medical units and has clinical training in inpatient and outpatient neurology. Her clinical experience incorporated treatment modalities such as pharmacotherapy and interventional psychiatry, including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Spravato. Dr. Ruch integrates a wide array of psychotherapy as needed; however, her practice primarily focuses on medication management while utilizing referrals to therapists and providing collaborative care for optimal outcomes.

Dr. Steve Paschos is a board-certified Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He attended Loyola University Chicago on the Lake Shore campus, completing a bachelor's degree in science and a Degree in Classical Studies. He then attended Medical School at Rush Medical College in Chicago and completed a 5-year combined Internal Medicine & Psychiatry residency in 2011. Dr. Paschos subsequently completed a 1-year fellowship in Geriatric Medicine at Rush University Medical Center. He has spent the last 12 years fulfilling his passion for integrating Internal Medicine & Psychiatry, working with a diverse range of patients suffering from severe mental illnesses. ‍Dr. Paschos' years of experience have included working at Cook County Health Services � Cermak Health Services at Cook County Department of Corrections with an extremely diverse patient population with varying psychiatric illnesses. He has also worked as an inpatient psychiatric hospitalist and as the director of the Intensive Care Unit at Chicago Behavioral Hospital in Illinois. Dr. Paschos also acted as a medical director of an IOP and established an outpatient psychiatric practice in conjunction with the Intensive Outpatient Program. He has had the opportunity and privilege of treating individuals who suffer from various diagnoses, especially challenging patients who have suffered from integrated or Med-Psych concerns involving primary mood disorders, Bipolar Affective disorders, prior trauma, severe medical problems/diagnoses along with concurrent personality pathology. ‍Dr. Paschos utilizes supportive psychotherapy, brief cognitive behavioral therapy, and at times psychodynamic therapy to address his patients' current complaints and to identify the locus of their symptoms. He believes in utilizing an all-encompassed approach using mindfulness and various psychotherapies along with comprehensive medication management. To quote Hippocrates "Where there is love for the art of medicine there is a love of humanity.”

Megan is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in medication management and various therapeutic techniques. She earned a Master of Science in Nursing as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner from Regis College and has board certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Megan has extensive experience in psychiatric settings, including private practice, inpatient facilities, and substance use treatment programs. She has worked on community initiatives, such as the Mobile Suboxone Van program, which provides treatment to individuals in high-need areas.

She utilizes evidence-based practices in treating clients with mood and anxiety disorders, ADHD, trauma, and substance use disorders, among other mental health disorders.

The first priority is establishing a therapeutic relationship and providing adequate support, which can substantially impact outcomes. The combination of medication management and therapy can effectively reduce symptoms and contribute to the remission of mental health symptoms.

The first session will involve a 60-minute psychiatric evaluation to gather history and discuss current symptoms and goals. Clients starting medication will need more frequent 30-minute follow-up appointments for medication management and therapy, ensuring a positive response to treatment.

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Diana Rojas Luna, LCSW, is a Latina therapist who views therapy as a transformative journey that honors each individual's complexities and empowers them on their unique path. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she earned her Master's in Social Work from Fordham University. She specializes in helping adult women navigate anxiety, trauma, childhood abuse, depression, grief, and significant life transitions with compassion and strength.

New clients often feel that working with Diana is like having a heartfelt conversation with someone who truly understands them, their challenges and their strengths. Diana creates a compassionate space where clients can develop coping skills and enhance their lifestyles, fostering growth and healing together.

Diana's approach is collaborative and flexible. She focuses on building trust and understanding what matters most to you. From there, she utilizes an integrative therapeutic modality drawing on evidence-based practices while using a trauma-informed and culturally sensitive approach. Her goal is simple: to help you reconnect with yourself in ways that feel empowering, meaningful, and genuinely yours.

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Background and credentials

Dr. Vansickle is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with over 25 years of clinical experience. She earned her medical degree from the University of Texas Health Sciences Center San Antonio and completed her internship at UAB. She then completed her psychiatry residency at the University of Louisville Hospital, where she served as chief resident and received a national award in community psychiatry. Throughout her career, she has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings as a staff psychiatrist, primarily in Texas and Alabama.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Vansickle places a strong emphasis on establishing trust and building therapeutic relationships to help patients achieve their goals. Her practice focuses on medication management, often combined with supportive or emotionally focused therapy during 30-minute follow-up visits. If she believes additional therapy would be beneficial, she may recommend that patients work with a therapist as part of their care team. She has extensive experience treating patients in various settings, including community mental health centers, VAMC-affiliated clinics, and hospital-based psychiatric units. She also has expertise in psychiatric consultations for medically ill patients, as well as guardianship and competency evaluations.

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What you can expect in a first visit

Patients can expect a thorough initial evaluation, where Dr. Vansickle takes the time to understand their symptoms, history, and treatment goals. She provides a structured yet compassionate approach to care, ensuring that each patient feels heard and supported. Follow-up visits typically last 30 minutes, during which she monitors progress and adjusts treatment as necessary. If additional therapy is needed, she collaborates with therapists to ensure comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s needs.

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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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