Carly Frix-Rhyne, LPC

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Maria-Anne Duncan, LCSW

Staff Therapist, Clinical Lead

Maria-Anne Duncan, LCSW-R holds the position of psychotherapist at Talkiatry. She has over twenty years of experience working with individuals, families, and groups addressing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma. Before joining Talkiarty, Ms. Duncan worked as a Director of Clinical Services for a not-for-profit in the Hudson Valley Region of New York State. Prior to that, Ms. Duncan worked for a local hospital in the psychiatric department providing treatment to the Inpatient and Outpatient units. She has held several positions as a clinician and program director. Additionally, Ms. Duncan has taught parenting classes, Mental Health First Aid and provides training on Trauma-Informed Care. Ms. Duncan started her career as a clinician in a Crime Victims' Assistance Program funded by New York State. Through this experience she began to explore the effects of trauma on individuals, their families, and the community. Ms. Duncan has been trained in both EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and SE (Somatic Experiencing). She utilizes these body-focused therapies to help her clients be released from years of painful energies locked in their systems. Ms. Duncan received her Bachelor's Degree from Marist College and her Master's from Fordham University. She has been trained to supervise Social Work Students in their field placements. Ms. Duncan appeared in the Vassar College student-developed training video, "He said, She said" which is used to train peer sexual assault counselors. In April of 2022, she became a trainer for LivingWorks "SafeTALK" program. Additionally, Ms. Duncan has a trained therapy dog, Monkey, who goes with her to local hospitals and nursing homes to provide comfort and affection.

Deborah Edelman, DO

Staff Psychiatrist

Background and credentials

Dr. Edelman is Board Certified in Psychiatry and Board Eligible in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She completed her psychiatry residency training at the Medical College of Georgia and SUNY Downstate, followed by a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at SUNY Downstate. Throughout her career, Dr. Edelman has practiced in various clinical environments, including inpatient child and adolescent psychiatric units, academic outpatient treatment clinics for adults and children, emergency psychiatric settings, and community psychiatry. She has over seven years of experience.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Edelman utilizes a collaborative, supportive, and patient-centered approach, combining pharmacotherapy with therapeutic modalities such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, supportive therapy, and interpersonal therapies. She treats a wide variety of conditions, including depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, learning disorders, substance use disorders, PTSD, and schizophrenia. Her goal is to partner closely with patients to meet their specific needs, achieve their personal goals, and enhance their overall quality of life.

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What you can expect in a first visit

Patients can expect their initial visit with Dr. Edelman to include a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, during which she takes the time to understand each patient's individual concerns, goals, and history. She emphasizes collaborative planning of treatment, carefully integrating medications and tailored therapeutic interventions. Patients will experience a compassionate and supportive atmosphere designed to set clear expectations and foster progress toward their personal mental health 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.

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Leslie Sullivan, LMHC

Staff Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Leslie Sullivan is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 15 years of counseling experience. Leslie received her B. A. in Psychology from Boston University and continued her education at Fordham University where she received her M. S. Ed. in Counseling. Leslie began her career in community mental health services helping the most vulnerable New Yorkers rebuild their lives after a diagnosis of serious mental illnesses. Leslie's other focus is private practice where she works with individuals in need of support for depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, addiction, and general life stressors. Leslie's focus of treatment is a person-centered approach utilizing Cognitive Behavioral techniques. Leslie has trained with Dr. Christopher Shea in the "Chronological Assessment of Suicide Events (CASE Approach)". She is also trained in SafeTalk Suicide Awareness and Commitment To Living: Understanding and Responding to Suicide Risk. Leslie is certified in Integrated Mental Health/Addictions Treatment Training (IMHATT). Leslie believes that talk therapy in conjunction with medication therapy can have a very successful outcome for those seeking mental health counseling.

LaTria Rogers, LCPC

Staff Therapist

LaTria Rogers is a proud graduate of Bowie State University. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Bowie State University in 2003, and in 2008, obtained her master’s degree in counseling psychology. She became a mental health therapist for the state of Maryland and later license in Washington DC. LaTria worked for DC Department of Correction/Unity Healthcare as a Lead Therapist and currently work as a Lead Mental Health Therapist for Prince Geroges's County Public Schools. LaTria firmly believes that her views on behavioral and mental health will provided an positive impact on the community.

The pandemic has produced many behaviors in adults as while as children/youth. Our youngest and most vulnerable have suffered the most. As a result, we have seen an uptake in areas like crime, lack of employment, public safety, education, social behaviors, politics, and overall well-being. LaTria feels as a community we need to listen and pay attention to what's happening. LaTria can relate as a mother of a teen and toddler, she understands how the school and community need to provide as many services as they can to children and youth.

As a therapist LaTria prefers to meet people where they are in the treatment process. LaTria leads with cognitive behavioral therapy and person-centered approach. LaTria enjoys helping people become mentally healthy and live a holistic lifestyle.

Paula Bennett, LPC

Staff Licensed Professional Counselor

Paula Bennett, LPC, has been in practice for over 20 years. She specializes in CBT and individual therapy. Paula strives to provide a client-centered approach based on the individual's needs. Paula has a specific passion for victims of trauma. As a teen and young adult, she struggled with depression. There weren't many treatment options at that time, but she found a counselor who inspired her to help others with mental health issues. Outside of work, Paula is known to enjoy reading, swimming, and watching animals, spending time with family, and watching movies. She also loves being able to help people and watch them grow.

Brandi Cihlar, LPC

Staff Therapist

Dr. Brandi Cihlar is a Licensed Professional Counselor in 6 states and the District of Columbia, who has been in the mental health field for 18 years. Brandi has worked in community mental health, substance abuse treatment, as well as psychiatry practices performing psychotherapy. Brandi attended graduate school in Cincinnati, OH, and attended The George Washington University for her PhD. Brandi believes that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Brandi uses a multitude of approaches to help you find the answers to your questions. Working with Brandi means you will gain cognitive and behavioral techniques to regain power in your life and address the mental health concerns that you face. Brandi uses an eclectic approach and interventions learned through many years of treating individuals of all backgrounds.

Tony Tu, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Tony Tu is a board certified adult psychiatrist who emphasizes patient education and a psychodynamic approach to outpatient psychiatry. His passion for empowering patients with knowledge stems from his academic experience in psychiatry residency training. Dr. Tu's practice focuses on blending medication management together with psychotherapy. He also prioritizes collaboration with your therapist and encourages working together as a team. Dr. Tu is a graduate of the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine where he completed an MD and PhD combined program which helped develop his "doctors as teachers” style of practice. Dr. Tu completed his psychiatry residency training at Loyola University Medical Center in Illinois. Dr. Tu served as an Associate Program Director of Loyola's Psychiatry residency training program for two years, and now maintains an Affiliate Assistant Professor of Psychiatry role with Loyola. He continues to contribute to residency training, as well as mentorship of medical students and psychology externs. Over the years, Dr. Tu has received several awards that demonstrate his affinity for teaching, including the Educator of the Year Award in 2022 from the Loyola Psychiatry Residency Program. Areas of specialization include psychopharmacology, patient-centered medicine, and combination treatment of psychiatry and psychotherapy. Dr. Tu understands that medications are not the end-all-be-all of treatment, but just the beginning. For trauma and acute stress, he understands that the journey starts at the tip of the iceberg, with much to explore as you feel more ready.

Amrish Pipalia, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Pipalia is board-certified in both adult psychiatry and internal medicine. Since graduation from residency, he gained specialized experience in treating veterans with terminal illness, specifically Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (aka Lou Gehrig's Disease), at the VA Medical Center in Portland, OR. He combines both psychotherapy and medication treatment to provide holistic care that addresses not only your mental health but also the parts of your life that surround and are deeply intertwined with your mental health. When more intensive psychotherapy is warranted, he collaborates with an experienced psychotherapist to serve you better. With his experience of internal medicine, he is also comfortable with navigating complex medical issues that may interact with your mental health. Dr. Pipalia is a graduate of St. George's University School of Medicine. He completed a combined Psychiatry & Internal Medicine residency training program at East Carolina University. He went on to complete a fellowship in Clinical Informatics at Oregon Health & Science University, learning how to use modern digital technologies and patient data to improve patient care. His academic activities include a presentation he has given multiple times on Illness Identity, teaching other clinicians how having an illness can change how we perceive our place in the world and how to help patients manage their relationship with illness.

Harmeeta Singh, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Harmeeta Singh was born and raised in St. Louis, MO and is board certified with ABPN (American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology). Dr. Singh has been in practice for 15 years and focuses on an individualized treatment plan, not only using pharmacotherapy when needed, but also implementing insight-oriented, supportive, motivational, and brief psychotherapy. Dr. Singh is a firm believer in combining psychotherapy with medication management when warranted to manage and treat a wide variety of mental health conditions including, but not limited to - Depressive Disorders, Bipolar Disorders, Psychotic Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Trauma related disorders, Substance use disorders, Personality disorders, Sleep Disorders and Eating Disorders. Her dynamic approach is client focused, involving the client throughout their treatment and care plan, taking careful consideration to the individual's needs and goals. ‍Upon completion of her residency through St. Louis University, St.Louis, Dr. Singh joined her parents' Internal Medicine practice. She learned firsthand that implementing mental health awareness, screening, and education into a primary medically focused practice led to more favorable outcomes. Many mental health conditions can manifest as and/or exacerbate a variety of medical/physical conditions and thereby go undiagnosed and untreated. Dr. Singh has worked closely and coordinated care within the medical field and with other specialists in treating and diagnosing comorbid mental health conditions. While in private practice for over 10 years, she was also an attending and consultant for inpatient mental health care and provided mental health services for residents in various residential care facilities, group homes, and skilled nursing facilities. Over the past 5 years she has consolidated her practice and presently is employed with Compass Health Network in Missouri helping bridge the gap in mental health care by coordinating and providing care to the underserved community.

Thy Vo, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Thy Vo is a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in the treatment of adults, adolescents, and children. Dr. Vo approaches patients as whole human beings with the goal of providing a safe therapeutic space that will help patients understand and address their suffering as well as fostering healthy emotional expression and self-awareness. Dr. Vo is collaborative with treatment needs, which may include medication and/or supportive or insight-oriented psychotherapy in 30 or 45 minute follow-up visits. She received a Master's in Global Health Systems and Development at Tulane University and then received her medical degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine. Afterwards, she completed her adult psychiatry residency and child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship training at Western Psychiatric Hospital of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. During her training, Dr. Vo has treated patients of all ages and diverse backgrounds with particular interest in immigrants and refugees. She works with people dealing with trauma, mood and anxiety disorders, ADHD, relationship conflicts, life transitions, and existential concerns. She has also received additional training in psychodynamic psychotherapy.

Surinderpal Kahlon, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Kahlon is an experienced Psychiatrist who spent the last 24 years of his career working in Veterans Affairs, where he was able to treat a wide variety of patients. Dr. Kahlon provides medication management along with supportive therapy. In some cases Dr. Kahlon may refer you to a counselor or therapist for further care and collaboration. He has experience treating a wide range of conditions, including major depressive disorder, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and PTSD. Dr. Kahlon utilizes a well-rounded approach to treat the whole person, through medication, active listening, and recommending talk-centered counseling programs. Dr. Kahlon was trained in the VA system associated with Chicago Medical School (Finch University), which is located in North Chicago, Illinois. At the conclusion of his training, he was hired at the VA in Danville, Illinois until 2021. He also had a part-time private practice, which enhanced his experience in adult psychiatry. Dr. Kahlon graduated from a prestigious medical school that has consistently held a high position (4th) among the top 100 medical schools in the world.‍

Celeste Boyd, PMHNP

Staff Nurse Practitioner

Ms. Celeste Boyd is a dual board certified Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner. She is the CEO and Founder of Metamorphosis Psyche, a psychiatric mental health resource platform. She has practiced in family medicine since 2011 and psychiatric mental health medicine since 2013. She has clinical experience and expertise in substance use disorders, addiction rehabilitation, sleep medicine, general psychiatry, and serious mental illness (SMI) in both private and public sectors. In Academia, she has extended her knowledge and experience as Adjunct Clinical Faculty at School of Nursing Graduate Programs.

Since 2017, Ms. Boyd has been practicing general psychiatry in the outpatient private sector. Ms. Boyd provides medication management and psychotherapy for acute, chronic, and comorbid psychiatric conditions that include Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Mood Disorders, ADHD, OCD, and PTSD. Her clinical treatment modalities include supportive therapy, solution-focused therapy, motivational enhancement, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

As a clinician, she promotes mental health awareness to reduce stigmatization and empower those suffering and struggling with mental illness. Ms. Boyd clinical practices are oriented towards the Mental Health Recovery Model, which permits individuals to go through an active process of change, being in control, strengthening, and empowering themselves to improve their mental health and well-being.

Carly Frix-Rhyne, LPC

Education and training

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