Bryce Thacker, PMHNP

Dr. Mark Varela is a board-certified psychiatrist joining Talkiatry directly out of residency. He focuses primarily on medication management, often accompanied by brief cognitive, motivational, or supportive therapy. He may request that you also meet with a therapist regularly for your benefit. Dr. Varela received his medical degree and general psychiatric residency training both from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in West Texas. He treats young adults and adults with a wide variety of mental health concerns, including ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD.

Dr. Shalini Dutta is a medical doctor with experience working across outpatient, inpatient, and community mental health settings. She has extensive experience caring for underserved and diverse populations and was a recipient of the SAMHSA Minority Fellowship Program Grant. Her fellowship training included a focus on Seeking Safety, an evidence-based, trauma-informed treatment model. Dr. Dutta has a strong clinical interest in trauma, trauma-informed care, and integrating psychotherapy principles with medication management. Her clinical work includes treating mood disorders, anxiety, trauma-related conditions, and substance use disorders.

Dr. Dutta values open, collaborative communication and takes a warm, respectful, and nonjudgmental approach to care. She emphasizes partnership and shared decision-making, ensuring patients feel heard and actively involved in their treatment. She brings a trauma-informed lens to her work and collaborates closely with patients to clarify goals and align care with their values. Dr. Dutta takes a holistic view of mental health, considering biological, psychological, and social factors.

Dr. Dutta begins care with a thorough assessment of psychiatric history, current concerns, and treatment goals. She prioritizes understanding how past experiences and trauma may influence present symptoms. Treatment plans are individualized and evidence-based, integrating medication management with therapeutic principles and psychoeducation. She collaborates with therapists and other providers as needed and regularly reviews progress, adjusting treatment based on patient feedback.

Dr. Michelle Hornbaker-Park is a board-certified General and Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with over nine years of experience. Her practice focuses on medication management, which is founded not only on evidence-based medicine but also on the understanding that a trusting therapeutic relationship is the cornerstone of behavioral health healing. She incorporates CBT, supportive therapy, and psychoeducation into her medication management appointments and may refer patients for additional psychotherapy to improve outcomes. Dr. Hornbaker-Park received her Bachelor of Science degree from Ursinus College, with a dual major in Biochemistry/Molecular Biology and Neuroscience. After receiving a Health Professions Scholarship from the Army, she obtained her medical degree from Jefferson Medical College. She went on to enter active duty military service and complete General Psychiatry residency training and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship training at Tripler Army Medical Center before completing active duty service as a staff psychiatrist and 101st Airborne Division psychiatrist at Fort Campbell, KY. There she cared for active duty service members and their families to manage depression, anxiety, trauma, and the unique stressors of military service. She later transitioned to federal civilian service and served as a preceptor for Phase II Physician Assistant trainees and Army Social Work interns, reinforcing a passion for education that carried her to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC). During her time at WRNMMC, she served in several roles including Deputy Medical Director of Inpatient Psychiatry, core faculty for the National Capital Consortium Psychiatry Residency Program, Associate Program Director, and associate faculty at the Uniform Services University for Health Sciences (USUHS). Prior to transitioning out of federal service to join Talkiatry, she was repeatedly recognized for excellence in academics and mentorship and received multiple teaching awards. This zeal for education and mentorship, as well as humility, personal growth, and learning, translates directly into her philosophy for patient care. She believes a whole-person approach with open, collaborative teamwork is the key to progress.

Dr. Gamberino is a board certified adult psychiatrist who has been in practice for over 25 years. He has always been fascinated by how the brain works, especially in the setting of stress, anxiety, and trauma. He completed his training at the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine MD/PhD program and earned his PhD in Neuroscience. He subsequently completed a Residency in Adult Psychiatry including an Anxiety Disorder Research Fellowship at the University of Florida. Dr. Gamberino had a private practice for over 10 years with a focus on providing psychotherapy integrated with pharmacological management. He worked for 25 years with adult and geriatric Veterans at Department of Veterans Affairs with focus on treating PTSD, as well as a full range of anxiety and mood disorders including 7 years of providing care through telehealth treatment. Dr. Gamberino also has 10 years of experience working with adolescents in the juvenile justice system.

Dr. Gamberino is experienced and comfortable treating a wide variety of psychiatric conditions including PTSD, mood disorders such as major depression and bipolar disorder, and all anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia, panic disorder, and OCD. He enjoys sharing knowledge with patients to help them better understand the origins of their symptoms and a range of strategies to manage them.

Dr. Gamberino utilizes a non-paternalistic approach respecting the autonomy of his patients while helping them gain insight into their presenting problems utilizing a collaborative shared decision making approach to help reduce symptoms and optimize functioning. His practice combines evidence-based medication management with psychotherapy utilizing elements of supportive, cognitive behavior, and insight-oriented therapy. Dr. Gamberino utilizes a patient, caring approach, meeting patients where they are to empower them with making changes that lead toward improvement and optimization of their wellness.

Dr. Madiha Halim, MD, has experience practicing psychiatry in both Pakistan and the United States, giving her a well-rounded understanding of mental health across diverse cultures. She earned her medical degree from Army Medical College in Pakistan and completed her psychiatry residency at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, where she also served as Chief Resident Physician. In this role, she gained extensive academic and administrative experience while mentoring junior residents and contributing to program development.

Dr. Halim values open communication and strives to create a therapeutic environment rooted in empathy, warmth, and respect. She collaborates with patients to develop individualized treatment plans that integrate cultural, biological, psychological, and social factors. While her primary focus is on medication management, she often incorporates supportive therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing for a holistic and patient-centered approach.

Dr. Halim begins by taking time to understand each patient’s background, concerns, and goals during the initial session. She emphasizes collaboration, ensuring patients are informed and involved in their treatment decisions. Her process fosters empowerment and partnership, helping patients gain insight, build coping strategies, and achieve long-term mental wellness.

Dr. Dominic Adams earned his medical degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School and completed his residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. He has experience treating a broad range of mental health conditions using both medicinal and psychotherapeutic interventions. Dr. Adams works with children, adolescents, and adults, and has training in cognitive behavioral and psychodynamic psychotherapy.

Dr. Adams strives to create a cooperative therapeutic experience that fosters open and empathetic communication. He values patient choice in treatment and prioritizes empowering patients through psychoeducation. Drawing on a variety of psychotherapeutic techniques, he tailors care to meet the unique needs of each individual.

Initial appointments with Dr. Adams include a thorough review of the patient’s concerns and the development of both patient and physician treatment goals. He discusses treatment options in detail, providing education on any medications, therapies, or interventions. Together, he and the patient select a dynamic treatment plan and set a follow-up schedule to monitor progress.