Caitlin Meyer, MD

Angelica Luciano, PMHNP, has been dedicated to health care for over 22 years. Her journey began in 2003 when she enlisted in the Air Force as a medic and later served as a nurse in the Department of Defense. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Indiana State University, was commissioned as a Nurse Officer in the U.S. Public Health Service, and went on to complete her master’s at Gonzaga University. Inspired by her work as a psychiatric RN, Angelica pursued her calling in mental health and became board certified as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in 2017.

Angelica provides care through a warm, direct, and nonjudgmental style. She takes a biopsychosocial approach, recognizing the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors in mental health. By combining psychopharmacology, patient education, and brief supportive therapy, she offers care that is accessible, collaborative, and authentic. Patients can expect to feel heard, respected, and actively involved in their treatment decisions.

Angelica begins with a comprehensive consultation to understand each patient’s history, concerns, and goals. This may take several appointments before finalizing a treatment plan. Plans may include lab work, collaboration with a patient’s broader health care team, and involvement of supportive family members if desired. Her goal is to create individualized care tailored to patient needs while ensuring comfort, advocacy, and trust. She emphasizes that patients are never defined by a diagnosis but valued as whole individuals.

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.

Background and credentials

Dr. Schaefer is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with over 16 years of experience. She earned her medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, NE, and completed her adult psychiatry residency at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, OR. She then specialized further by completing a forensic psychiatry fellowship at Yale University. She has worked as a staff psychiatrist at Atrium Health System for over 16 years.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Schaefer’s practice primarily focuses on medication management, which she offers in conjunction with supportive therapy and elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). She takes a patient-centered and collaborative approach, ensuring that treatment is tailored to each individual’s needs. If additional therapy is required, she may recommend working with a therapist as part of a comprehensive care plan. Her primary focus areas include depression, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a thorough psychiatric evaluation, where Dr. Schaefer carefully assesses their symptoms, treatment history, and mental health goals. She works collaboratively with patients to develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include medication management and therapy recommendations. Follow-up visits are typically 30 minutes and focus on monitoring progress, adjusting treatment as needed, and ensuring the best possible patient outcomes.

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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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Gary Etter, MD is a board-certified psychiatrist with experience across outpatient, inpatient, and emergency settings, including many years within the John Peter Smith Healthcare System. He has also practiced in federal correctional psychiatric settings and outpatient care through Tarrant County MHMR. Dr. Etter has been extensively involved in psychiatric education for medical students and psychiatry residents. He has participated in organized psychiatry for many years through the Texas Society of Psychiatric Physicians, serving on multiple committees and previously as President of the Texas Psychiatric Society. He earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and completed his psychiatry residency at Timberlawn Psychiatric Hospital in Dallas. He is a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association.

Dr. Etter values ongoing patient input and strives to create a collaborative treatment environment where patients are actively involved in decision-making. He emphasizes a warm, supportive approach that helps patients feel heard, respected, and understood throughout their care.

Dr. Etter begins by developing a thorough understanding of each patient’s psychiatric, medical, family, developmental, and substance use history, while also exploring the patient’s concerns and goals. He then works collaboratively with the patient to develop an individualized treatment plan tailored to their unique needs and objectives.

Dr. Lauren Miller earned her medical degree from Loma Linda University and completed her psychiatry residency at the University of Miami. She has experience working in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatry, caring for individuals from diverse backgrounds and with a wide range of clinical needs. Dr. Miller has a special clinical interest in lifestyle and integrative psychiatry, particularly the role of nutrition, exercise, sleep, and mind-body practices in supporting mental health.

Dr. Miller strives to create a warm, collaborative, and non-judgmental environment where patients feel truly heard and supported. She values whole-person care, addressing not only mental and emotional health, but also physical and spiritual well-being. She believes in partnering with patients to create treatment plans that reflect their values, goals, and strengths. Her approach emphasizes accessibility, practicality, and empowerment, providing patients with tools they can integrate into daily life.

Dr. Miller begins with a thorough, compassionate evaluation, taking into account both medical and psychiatric history as well as personal goals. She develops personalized treatment plans that may include a blend of medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle approaches. Dr. Miller encourages small, sustainable steps in areas such as nutrition, sleep, movement, and stress management, with the goal of not only reducing symptoms but also building resilience and long-term wellness.

Svetlana Schwartz, PMHNP, is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with 18 years of experience in outpatient psychiatry. She provides care for individuals with a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, schizoaffective disorder, and schizophrenia.

Her practice focuses on medication management, often combined with supportive or cognitive behavioral therapy. Svetlana earned her Master of Science in Nursing with a specialty in adult psychiatry from the University of Massachusetts Lowell and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Massachusetts Boston. She is trained in psychiatric diagnosis, medication management, and both psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral therapies.

Over the past 18 years, Svetlana has gained extensive experience evaluating and treating adults in outpatient settings. She previously worked at Arbour HRI Outpatient Clinic in Massachusetts and, for the past decade, has served patients at Memorial Healthcare System in Florida.

Svetlana believes that addressing mental health is just as important as addressing physical health. At Memorial Healthcare System, she collaborated with the Mind-Body Wellness Clinic to support both the medical and psychiatric needs of her patients. She has also contributed to the training of psychiatric and internal medicine residents in outpatient psychiatry. Her approach emphasizes the integration of medication management with individual therapy to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care.

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