Cecilia Fitz-Gerald, MD

Dr. Erica Mark is a board-certified psychiatrist with experience in both inpatient and outpatient care. She formerly served as a Staff Psychiatrist at a VA Medical Center, where she specialized in the mental health needs of veterans. Dr. Mark earned her B.S. in Biological Sciences, Summa Cum Laude, from Hampton University, received her MD from the University of Texas Medical Branch, and completed her psychiatry residency at Tulane University School of Medicine, serving as Chief Resident in 2017.

Dr. Mark fosters a warm, supportive environment where patients feel heard and respected. She values open communication and works collaboratively to set clear, personalized treatment goals. Deeply committed to service, she has supported underserved and marginalized communities through various nonprofit initiatives.

During initial sessions, Dr. Mark takes time to understand each patient’s history, concerns, and goals. She then creates individualized treatment plans aligned with each patient's unique needs and preferences. Dr. Mark encourages ongoing dialogue to adapt care plans and support long-term progress.

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.

Dr. Bryce Toburen is a board-certified psychiatrist dedicated to compassionate, collaborative care across the lifespan. His training includes an MD from the Medical College of Wisconsin, residency at The Ohio State University where he served as Chief Resident, and a fellowship in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at Nationwide Children's Hospital. Outside the clinic, he enjoys sports, tennis, exploring nature, traveling, and spending time with loved ones.

Each patient brings a unique story, and he strives to create a safe, respectful space where you feel heard and supported. His interest in psychiatry stems from a desire to maximize the well-being of patients and their families through strong therapeutic relationships. Compassion and curiosity guide his work, along with a strong belief in the power of connection and collaboration. You can expect open communication and a focus on your personal goals throughout your time together.

Treatment is personalized using evidence-based approaches that include psychotherapy, medication management, and lifestyle strategies. He specializes in addressing anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, and trauma-related concerns. Collaboration and trust are central to his approach, with an emphasis on empowering patients to take an active role in their healing and well-being.

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Background and credentials

Dr. Kristina Schnitzer is a board-certified psychiatrist. She earned her medical degree from the New York University School of Medicine and completed her residency in Adult Psychiatry at the Massachusetts General Hospital/McLean Adult Psychiatry Residency Program. She further specialized by completing a one-year clinical and research fellowship in Public and Community Psychiatry through Massachusetts General Hospital and the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health. In addition to her medical training, she holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. She has over three years of experience practicing psychiatry across inpatient, emergency, and outpatient settings.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Schnitzer focuses on medication management as the foundation of her treatment approach, typically combining it with supportive or emotionally focused therapy during 30-minute follow-up visits. She takes a collaborative and individualized approach to patient care and, when needed, may recommend additional therapy by integrating a therapist into the care team to ensure the best possible outcomes. She has experience treating a broad range of psychiatric disorders in various clinical settings.

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What you can expect in a first visit

Patients can expect a thorough and structured evaluation in their first visit, where Dr. Schnitzer carefully assesses their symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals. She emphasizes open communication and collaboration, ensuring that patients are fully involved in shaping their treatment plans. Follow-up visits typically last 30 minutes, during which she monitors progress, adjusts treatment as needed, and may recommend additional therapeutic support for comprehensive care.

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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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Dr. Emily Hutchison is a psychiatrist who earned her medical degree at the University of Washington School of Medicine. She brings over 20 years of experience treating patients with chronic illnesses and integrates whole health practices into her clinical approach. In addition to her medical training, she holds a master’s degree in Adult Fitness and Cardiac Rehabilitation, which informs her focus on the connection between physical and mental health. Dr. Hutchison’s practice is grounded in promoting well-being through a holistic lens that considers the whole person.

Dr. Hutchison prioritizes creating a collaborative relationship with every patient, tailoring treatment to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual. She believes in the importance of open communication, mutual trust, and shared decision-making as the foundation for effective care. Patients can expect a supportive and respectful environment where their experiences are valued, and treatment is approached as a partnership.

In her work, Dr. Hutchison begins by exploring each patient’s personal experiences and symptoms in depth, with the goal of understanding the whole picture of their health. She develops holistic treatment plans that integrate both medical and lifestyle considerations to support long-term wellness. Known for her punctuality, excellent communication, and genuine regard for every patient, Dr. Hutchison strives to ensure that care is not only effective but also compassionate and individualized.

Dr. McGowan is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with over 14 years of experience, during which time he primarily treated active-duty US Navy sailors, their family members, and military retirees in the outpatient setting. His practice focuses on medication management in addition to supportive and cognitive-behavioral therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. He is a strong advocate of multiple treatment modalities and, in certain situations, may suggest that therapy and/or regular physical exercise be included in your treatment plan to provide the best outcome. He received his B.S. in Physics from the United States Naval Academy. After serving as an Intelligence Officer in the Navy for eight years, he transitioned to medicine and earned his medical degree from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, MD. After completing an intern year in Family Medicine, Dr. McGowan completed residency training in Psychiatry at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, VA, where he remained on staff for the next ten years and was primarily involved in resident training and education. He held academic appointments at the Uniformed Services University and Eastern Virginia Medical School and served as the Psychiatry Residency Program Director for six years. He served his final four years in uniform running the behavioral health department at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, WA. He recently retired from the Navy after a 30-year career. Dr. McGowan has extensive experience in outpatient psychiatric care. In addition to the full spectrum of mood and anxiety disorders, he has treated a very large number of patients with PTSD stemming from combat, natural disasters, and sexual trauma. He believes that, like his service to the country, working alongside others in their journey to better mental health is an incredible privilege.