Camille Mendez-Maldonado, MD

Background and credentials

Dr. Nereida Gonzalez-Berrios is a general psychiatrist fluent in English and Spanish. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from the University of Puerto Rico and her medical doctorate from Ponce School of Medicine (now Ponce Health Sciences University). She completed her General Psychiatry Training Program at the University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, graduating in 2008. After practicing privately in Puerto Rico, she relocated to Texas, where she worked for over five years at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Health System, providing mental health care to veterans. She has also gained extensive experience in telemedicine, working both within the VA system and as a locum tenens provider.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Gonzalez-Berrios has extensive experience treating a wide range of psychiatric conditions, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, intellectual impairment, ADHD, eating disorders, PTSD, and personality disorders. She integrates traditional psychiatric treatment with a holistic wellness approach, drawing on her background as a motivational speaker, wellness coach, certified personal fitness trainer, nutrition coach, and weight-loss specialist. Her approach emphasizes improving overall mental and physical well-being through personalized treatment plans that incorporate psychiatric care, wellness strategies, and lifestyle modifications.

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What you can expect in a first visit

Patients can expect a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation where Dr. Gonzalez-Berrios carefully assesses their symptoms, medical history, and personal wellness goals. She takes a collaborative and patient-centered approach, ensuring that treatment is tailored to each individual’s mental and physical health needs. As an experienced telemedicine provider, she offers accessible and flexible mental health care, combining medication management and holistic wellness strategies to help patients achieve lasting well-being.

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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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Jessica Brusgul is a LMHC with over nine years of experience working with individuals with a wide range of mental health challenges. She attended Oswego State and completed her undergraduate degree as an older, non-traditional student. She then pursued graduate school at SUNY Oswego, which she completed in 2016. During this time, Jessica has gained a great deal of experience with clients from various backgrounds who are faced with numerous life challenges. This includes anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and those in need of anger management. Jessica has also worked with those faced with substance abuse related problems, life transitions, career counseling, and parenting education. Her approach is to get to know her clients, their presenting concerns, and some history as well. Through these conversations, Jessica helps her clients feel comfortable in a non-judgmental setting and express themselves freely. Jessica also incorporates a sense of humor, when appropriate, as well as assisting people in identifying their inner strengths and skills. Jessica believes that everyone can overcome their obstacles and make positive changes for themselves. She incorporates such modalities as encouraging clients to maintain a journal and share entries during session, exercise regularly, and begin their journey towards overall wellness. Jessica has found that an eclectic approach, depending upon the needs of the individual, and the client's adherence to this between sessions, can be highly beneficial.

Alysha Wilbanks is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. After completing her Master's internship with Lutheran Social Services working with families, children, and adults with mental health concerns, Alysha worked with adults with addiction and mental health concerns in an inpatient detox and rehabilitation hospital. She then transitioned to working at Mayo Clinic as an outpatient psychotherapist working with all ages. Alysha has been providing psychotherapy through telehealth online since the beginning of the pandemic. Alysha specializes in working with teens, people with addiction, and people with a trauma history. Her style is laid-back and approachable when treating individuals who suffer from various diagnoses. She provides supportive psychotherapy and utilizes psychodynamic therapy skills to address the patient's current stressors and identify the root of their concern.

Dr. Melody Stupey is a board-certified psychiatrist with over 26 years of experience treating adults in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She earned her medical degree from Oregon Health Sciences University and completed her residency at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Dr. Stupey is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Dr. Stupey believes in a collaborative approach to treatment, emphasizing active listening, compassion, and respect. She strives to create a warm, supportive environment where patients feel safe and empowered to speak openly without fear of judgment.

Her treatment process is holistic, considering physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors. She evaluates diet, physical activity, sleep habits, and thought patterns alongside medication needs. Dr. Stupey prioritizes using the lowest effective dose of medication to meet treatment goals while supporting the patient’s overall well-being.

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. Perington is a Staff Psychiatrist with Talkiatry. She previously served in the US Air Force, where she completed her residency training in psychiatry (Lackland AFB) and was the medical director for a small-sized mental health clinic (Hill AFB). Dr. Perington uses a person-centered approach to tailor treatment to the individual, with an emphasis on shared decision making. She prefers to focus on psychotherapy and behavioral interventions as a primary part of the treatment plan, in addition to any indicated medication.

Motivation for change is a large part of the healing process, and for many people recovery doesn't happen with medication alone. Dr. Perington asks all her patients to play an active role in their treatment.

A thorough diagnostic assessment with discussion of the best treatment setting and modality, then regular follow up visits with emphasis on psychotherapy in addition to medication management (if indicated).