Catherine Derys, LMHC

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Valene Gifford, LMHC

Staff Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Valene, pronounced (Val-leen), is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who has worked in the mental health field for 7 years. During this time, she has worked with clients from various backgrounds and cultures with a variety of mental health conditions. Valene's experience ranges from an inpatient psychiatric facility to private practice to telehealth. Valene attended the University of South Florida for her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Florida International University for her graduate degree in Mental Health Counseling.‍Valene believes each therapeutic interaction should be individualized and client-centered, thus she uses an eclectic therapy approach. An eclectic approach means assisting clients by drawing from various therapeutic approaches and techniques, thus tailoring treatment to each client's needs. Valene considers the therapeutic relationship to be extremely important and strives to be a collaborative, empathetic, non-judgmental, person-centered therapist. Valene's professional interests include working with young adults, Caribbean Americans, and the BIPOC community. Within mental health she enjoys working with anxiety, depression, women's issues, adjustment disorders, and relationship issues, just to name a few.

Ethan Bardell, LMHC

Staff Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Ethan Bardell holds the position of Psychotherapist at Talkiatry. He completed both his undergraduate and graduate training at Clarion University of Pennsylvania. Ethan obtained his BS in Rehabilitative Sciences and Human Services with a concentration in developmental disabilities. Ethan then completed his MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Ethan has a strong background in community mental health work, where he has worked with individuals, couples, families, and groups using a client-centered approach that is both gentle and supportive. In sessions, Ethan works to create a welcoming space where individuals can both process and make sense of their unique experiences, while using a combination of modalities to best fit the needs of each individual. Ethan has a true passion and interest in treating a wide array of psychiatric disorders including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, dual disorder, and substance use issues, and various personality disorders.‍

Brittany Bridges, LMHC

Staff Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Brittany Bridges received her Bachelor's of Science (BS) in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, as well as her Master's (MS) in Mental Health Counseling, from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Ms. Bridges is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) for the state of North Carolina as well as a National Certified Counselor (NCC). Ms. Bridges utilizes an array of therapeutic modalities and techniques based on the needs of the clients, including but not limited to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and Solution-focused Therapy. ‍Ms. Bridges' prior experience entails working in a clinical outpatient setting and on a North Carolina college campus where she's treated a variety of mental health conditions. She leads with openness and empathy as she strives to provide a safe and respectful environment in which clients from various backgrounds and cultures can explore a myriad of issues. Ms. Bridges enjoys working with a broad range of clients and concerns. Her professional interests include working with young adults, women's issues, diversity, and multicultural experiences

Ana Castro, LMHC

Staff Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Ana Castro, LMHC received a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Queens College, City University of New York. She completed training at F.E.G.S and has worked in community mental health and outpatient hospital-based settings. Ana has 7 years of experience working with individuals as well as with children and families treating anxiety, depression, family and relationship issues, and other mental health issues. Ana uses methods from psychoanalysis, CBT, DBT, along with light supportive therapy in order to provide a person-centered approach. She began by working at New York Psychotherapy and Counseling Center, working with individuals, as well as children and families in a high-risk area, providing family therapy, psychodynamic and behavioral therapy, and assisting with the coordination of care with outside agencies. Ana has worked at St. Joseph's Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic treating patients with various psychiatric illnesses. She has also worked at St. Vincent's- Westchester Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic, providing intake, diagnosis, and individual therapy to a population ranging from adolescents to late adults. Ana continues to work towards expanding her knowledge of evidence-based approaches in order to provide the best outcomes.

Danielle LaBarre, LMHC

Staff Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Danielle LaBarre is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor (LMHC and LPC) in New York, Virginia, and Georgia. Danielle has over 6 years of experience working with adults seeking help with anxiety, depression, stress, grief, life transitions, LGBTQ+ issues, and trauma. Danielle received her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Long Island University, followed by a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Mount Saint Mary College. She wholeheartedly believes in person-centered care, and focuses on meeting you where you are and taking you where you want to be. Her treatment approaches include mindfulness techniques, cognitive/ dialectical behavioral skills (CBT, DBT), psychodynamic, as well as compassion and strength-based approaches. She believes these approaches in conjunction with person-centered care will assist each unique individual in meeting their personal goals. Danielle understands that seeking therapy can be an uncomfortable experience. But seeking therapy can also be brave, exciting, and empowering! She is dedicated to establishing a collaborative, culturally inclusive working relationship with individuals to help achieve their goals while living a fulfilled and balanced life.

Krista Alexander , MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Krista Alexander is a board-certified psychiatrist who loves equipping her fellow human beings to feel and function better. She studied medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and completed her residency at Duke University. She has worked in both private practice and integrated primary care/behavioral health care settings. She is a member of the American Psychiatric Association and the North Carolina Psychiatric Association. Krista offers medication management and supportive psychotherapy for mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma, ADHD, substance use disorders, and other mental health issues. She strives to embody "relational prescribing” and believes that med management is most effective in the context of a relationship of mutual trust, emotional safety, and shared decision-making between provider and patient. She has trained in psychodynamic psychotherapy and various forms of cognitive behavioral therapy, and tailors her approach to each patient's individual strengths and needs. Krista understands that the needs of the whole person must be addressed in order to facilitate growth and healing. She enjoys collaborating with fellow medical/mental health providers to address a patient's complex needs as an integrated team.

Saria El Haddad, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Saria El Haddad is double boarded in general psychiatry and addiction psychiatry. She previously held the leadership role of medical director for the dual diagnosis partial hospitalization program at the Brigham and Women's Faulkner hospital, where she helped create and establish this program, and she also worked as an outpatient addiction psychiatrist. She has been involved in teaching and currently maintains academic affiliation with the Harvard Medical School. In addition, she has appeared in numerous professional publications and authored several research papers. Dr. El Haddad received her medical degree from the American University of Beirut, Lebanon and completed her psychiatry residency program at the University of Virginia. She completed a fellowship in addiction psychiatry through Boston University, after which she started working at the Brigham and Women's Hospital. Dr. El Haddad's approach to treatment focuses on adopting a holistic approach through behavioral change, medication management, and brief psychotherapy.

Marnie Stefan, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Background and credentials

Dr. Stefan is a psychiatrist with extensive experience in outpatient care, inpatient care, and assertive community treatment. She has served as a medical director for large institutions, overseeing the treatment of individuals with complex mental illnesses. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, she is fluent in both English and Spanish. She earned her medical degree from the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine and completed her psychiatry residency at the University of Florida, where she received recognition for her skills as a psychotherapist.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Stefan is deeply committed to patient-centered care, adapting her role to the individual needs of each patient. She believes in treating the whole person, rather than just a diagnosis, recognizing that each patient has unique psychosocial circumstances. She has a strong foundation in psychotherapeutic interventions and is dedicated to providing engaging, compassionate, and meaningful therapy in every patient interaction. With over 10 years of experience as a psychiatrist, she has worked extensively in telemedicine since 2013, ensuring that remote care is as effective and personal as in-person visits.

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What you can expect in a first visit

Patients meeting Dr. Stefan for the first time can expect a comprehensive and holistic evaluation that considers their symptoms, personal history, and life circumstances. She takes the time to build strong therapeutic relationships, fostering a caring and engaging environment where patients feel understood and supported. Whether through telemedicine or in-person care, she prioritizes personalized treatment plans that integrate medication management and psychotherapy, ensuring the highest quality of 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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Dana-Jean La Haie, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. La Haie is board certified in adult psychiatry and has been in practice for over 15 years. She completed her residency at Banner Good Samaritan (now Banner University) Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. After completing her residency training, Dr. La Haie worked with the severely mentally ill population for several years, then transitioned to a private practice setting that offered the interventional options of transcranial magnetic stimulation and ketamine infusion. Most recently, Dr. La Haie has worked at the Phoenix VA treating veterans, with focus on PTSD, depression and anxiety. Dr. La Haie has held an academic appointment at the University of Arizona Medical School and has spent her professional career supervising/teaching medical students and psychiatry residents.

Dr. La Haie's practice focuses on medication management and providing psychoeducation to her patients. However, if indicated, Dr. La Haie may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome.

Dr. La Haie has experience treating a large variety of mental health conditions across a variety of populations. She strongly believes in tailoring treatments through a holistic and patient-centered approach based on individual and multi-faceted histories. Dr. La Haie looks forward to working with you.

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Juliet Nichols-Nicolescu, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Juliet Nichols has been a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology since 2002 and has been practicing psychiatry for over 25 years. While an expert in psychopharmacology, Dr. Nichols has an integrative approach to treatment and she often incorporates psychotherapeutic techniques when appropriate, tailoring every treatment to each patient's individual needs. She completed her Psychiatry residency at Stony Brook-SUNY and Geriatric Psychiatry Fellowship at the Albert Einstein School of Medicine. Over the last two decades, Dr. Nichols served as an attending psychiatrist at JT Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson, NY, where she became proficient in delivering stellar psychiatric care in a variety of settings. She specializes in treating adult and geriatric mental illnesses, including: Depression, Anxiety Disorders (eg, OCD, Panic Disorder, GAD, PTSD), ADHD, and Cognitive Disorders in the elderly. Dr. Nichols strives to help her patients gain insights into their inner conflicts, unveil their strengths, accept their limitations, and build their coping skills. Her approach is dynamic, straightforward, and empathic so patients always feel safe, understood, and at ease. She engages the patient to be an active participant in treatment decision-making, creating a strong therapeutic alliance.‍

Carly Moskowitz, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Moskowitz (she/her) is a licensed adult psychiatrist. She earned her medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine and completed her psychiatry residency at the University of Arizona. She has extensive experience treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, and psychotic disorders. Dr. Moskowitz is especially passionate about working with transgender and other LGBTQ+ patients, offering inclusive, identity-affirming care tailored to each individual’s experience and needs.

Dr. Moskowitz takes a warm, collaborative approach grounded in empathy and trust. She believes in meeting patients where they are and working together to build a therapeutic relationship that supports healing, self-understanding, and personal growth. Patients can expect a nonjudgmental, respectful environment where their goals and concerns are genuinely heard and addressed.

Dr. Moskowitz integrates elements of psychodynamic, supportive, and cognitive-behavioral therapy into her work and offers medication management when appropriate. She emphasizes a personalized treatment plan for each patient, designed to align with their unique values, history, and goals. Her process includes thorough assessment, open dialogue, and flexible adjustments as needs evolve over time.

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Sofia Pineda Ochoa, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Pineda Ochoa is a board-certified psychiatrist with a deep commitment to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care. She completed her medical degree at the University of Guadalajara, a pediatrics internship at the University of Tennessee, and a psychiatry residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch. Before her psychiatric training, she served as a general physician in the emergency department of the county hospital in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Dr. Pineda Ochoa approaches each patient holistically, combining evidence-based practices with a psychodynamically informed understanding of emotional and psychological challenges. She values collaboration and seeks to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where patients feel heard and empowered.

Dr. Pineda Ochoa has a special interest in mood disorders (like depression and anxiety), substance use disorders, and psychiatric conditions co-occurring with medical illnesses, such as brain injuries. She typically combines medication management with therapy principles, tailoring each treatment plan to the individual's unique needs. She has extensive experience working with diverse populations, including outpatient community mental health and correctional settings, and is dedicated to helping patients build resilience and thrive. Her care is grounded in empathy, clinical knowledge, and a deep respect for each patient’s unique story.

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Catherine Derys, LMHC

Education and training

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