Cherese Allen, LPC

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Susana Deltoro is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) with over a decade of experience in mental health and substance use disorders (SUD). She specializes in delivering culturally sensitive, client-centered therapy and is passionate about empowering individuals to overcome challenges and achieve long-term stability. Susana holds a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from the University of the Southwest in Hobbs, New Mexico. Over the years, she has worked in diverse settings, including private practice, employee assistance programs, and leadership roles in clinical care. As the Chief Operating Officer for a non-profit agency, she developed innovative programs, supervised multidisciplinary teams, and collaborated with community organizations to support individuals in their recovery journeys with Mental Health and substance use disorders. Susana is dedicated to creating tailored treatment plans that seamlessly integrate into her clients' daily lives. She specializes in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness therapy, and solution-focused modalities, adhering to a humanistic, person-centered approach. Her practice emphasizes holistic care, helping clients explore their strengths and establish healthy coping mechanisms. Your well-being is Susana's priority. If you have any questions, she encourages you to reach out. While she may not have all the answers, she is committed to helping you find them. Fluent in English and Spanish, Susana excels at building trust with diverse populations. Outside of her clinical work, she enjoys facilitating workshops on stress management and self-care, reflecting her commitment to fostering resilience and well-being in her clients and the community.

Devin Cromartie Bodrick, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Devin Cromartie Bodrick, M.D., M.P.H., is a board-certified adult psychiatrist based in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Cromartie Bodrick earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Howard University, graduating summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa. She went on to receive her Doctor of Medicine and Master of Public Health from Harvard University. After completing her psychiatry residency at Boston Medical Center, Dr. Bodrick stayed on as an Attending Psychiatrist and Associate Professor, where she gained valuable experience in trauma-informed care and culturally responsive treatment, particularly for African Americans and other marginalized communities. With a patient-centered approach, Dr. Cromartie Bodrick tailors her methods to fit each client's unique needs, drawing on cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, and spiritual insights when relevant. She is known for her warm, structured treatment style, which balances evidence-based practices with respect for each individual's background and values. Her dedication to client growth, self-empowerment, and resilience continues to define her impactful work as a psychiatrist.

Anastasia Ruiz, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Background and credentials

Dr. Ruiz is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in psychiatric diagnosis and treatment for anxiety disorders, mood disorders, trauma and stressor-related disorders, ADHD, and pregnancy-related psychiatric conditions. She received her bachelor's degree in chemistry, graduating Magna Cum Laude from the Honors College. Dr. Ruiz completed medical school at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, followed by four additional years of psychiatric residency training. Her diverse professional experience includes working in psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), partial hospitalization programs (PHP), emergency rooms, and academic teaching environments. Dr. Ruiz has authored research publications and received multiple awards, including the AWP International Fellowship Award and the ADMSEP Innovations Award.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Ruiz emphasizes an integrated approach, combining medication management and therapy. This method is supported by research indicating improved patient outcomes. She remains current with the latest literature and treatment guidelines to ensure evidence-based care.

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What you can expect in a first visit

Patients can anticipate a thorough initial evaluation during their first visit with Dr. Ruiz. She conducts a comprehensive assessment to understand the patient's symptoms, history, and personal circumstances. This session sets the foundation for collaboratively developing an individualized treatment plan focused on the patient’s specific needs 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 speciualize in medication management and collaborate with you on a treatment plan that fits your needs and comfort level.

Kimberly Ford, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Kimberly Ford completed her psychiatry residency training at Harvard University in Boston, Massachusetts. She has enjoyed treating patients for over 25 years in a variety of settings such as inpatient, outpatient mental health clinics, emergency room, and multidisciplinary clinics. She is talented in her ability to connect, understand, and empathize with her patients.‍She has expertise in treating patients with mood disorders, anxiety, PTSD, and incorporates psychopharmacology when needed, psychodynamic and supportive psychotherapy. She wholeheartedly believes that treating her patients holistically is of high importance, with a focus on their physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Bih Bikelle, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Bih Bikelle is a compassionate psychiatrist based in Florida, dedicated to creating a warm and welcoming environment for her patients. She focuses on empowering individuals to actively participate in their healing journey. Specialized in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, she combines medication management with psychotherapy techniques during 30-minute sessions. She utilizes evidence-based practices tailored to meet each individual's unique needs. Dr. Bikelle is an experienced psychiatrist in Florida, bringing over 11 years of dedicated service to adults and children facing emotional disturbances. Central to her practice is the creation of a warm, trusting, and welcoming environment where every patient feels heard and empowered to engage actively in their healing process. Dr. Bikelle treats a wide variety of mental health conditions, offering medication management in conjunction with psychotherapy techniques during typically 30-minute appointments. She has a particular passion for women's health and trauma-related issues. Dr. Bikelle earned her medical degree from the Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in Cameroon, followed by residency training at the University of Nevada School of Medicine in Reno. After completing her residency in 2013, she became board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Her commitment to excellence has earned her the distinguished title of Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and recognition as a 'Top Doctor' in 2022. Throughout her career, Dr. Bikelle has served as an attending psychiatrist in various settings, including inpatient facilities, consult-liaison services, outpatient clinics, substance abuse treatment centers, and community behavioral centers, where she also held a role as medical director. Her approach is evidence-based and tailored to meet each individual's unique needs, ensuring that every patient receives the personalized care they deserve.

Jill Sinnott, LCSW

Staff Therapist

Jill Sinnott is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has practiced in Tennessee for over ten years, in a variety of roles including comprehensive child and family therapy, mobile crisis, and group-based Alcohol and Drug treatment. Most recently, she worked in community mental health for five and a half years. In this role, she focused on individual therapy with clients of all ages. Jill obtained her Bachelor's Degree from Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, NC, and her Master's of Science in Social Work from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN before settling in Johnson City, TN with her family. Jill's areas of interest include working with the LGBTQIA+ community and incorporating play therapy techniques while working with children. She uses a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy to develop a treatment plan addressing the client's own goals using specific, obtainable steps and recognizing each individual's strengths.

Vanessa Valdes, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Vanessa Valdes is an adult psychiatrist specializing in medication management and psychotherapy, with a strong focus on nutrition, wellness, and mindfulness. She earned her combined MD/MPH degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and completed her psychiatry residency at the University of Miami/Jackson Health System, one of the nation's leading public healthcare systems.‍During her residency, Dr. Valdes gained broad experience in diverse areas of psychiatry, including inpatient psychiatry, emergency psychiatry, outpatient care, psychotherapy, hypnosis, child and adolescent psychiatry, consultation-liaison psychiatry, psycho-oncology, and addiction psychiatry.‍Dr. Valdes primarily provides supportive psychotherapy and acceptance and commitment therapy to help patients better understand and address their stressors. She takes a holistic approach to care, emphasizing the emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being of her patients. Her goal is to inspire meaningful, sustainable changes in patients' lives through compassionate, comprehensive treatment.

David Zhang, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. David Zhang is a board-eligible Psychiatrist specializing in general adult psychiatry, with a keen focus on treating depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, and ADHD in individuals aged 18-65. His practice emphasizes a comprehensive approach, integrating medication management with supportive therapy typically during 30-minute follow-up visits. Dr. Zhang attended Rice University for his bachelor's degree in Psychology and attended Baylor College of Medicine for his medical degree. He completed psychiatry residency at Ohio State University. Dr. Zhang's fascination with psychiatry stems from his interest in understanding patients' narratives and his commitment to guide, educate, and empower his patients to actively participate in their healing journey. He adopts a holistic approach, collaborating closely with patients to address their concerns and priorities through a blend of medication management and lifestyle interventions. With a strong belief in the therapeutic value of long-term relationships, Dr. Zhang values continuity of care and endeavors to build trusting, supportive connections with his patients. Beyond his professional endeavors, Dr. Zhang enjoys playing sports, including volleyball, rock climbing, and soccer as well as playing the piano.

Robert Whelpley, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Background and credentials

Dr. Robert Whelpley, M.D., is board-certified in both Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Adult Psychiatry. He completed his undergraduate studies at Binghamton University and earned his medical degree from Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York. He then went on to complete his residency and fellowship training at the University of Rochester. Throughout his career, he has worked with patients and families across the lifespan in inpatient, outpatient, and emergency psychiatric settings.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Whelpley believes in collaborative care, working closely with treatment providers, patients, and families to ensure that mental health concerns are addressed as a team. His approach integrates talk therapy techniques, including motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and supportive psychotherapy, alongside medication management. He customizes treatment to maximize each patient’s mental health and overall wellness, sometimes incorporating a therapist into the care plan when beneficial.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive evaluation where Dr. Whelpley takes time to understand their symptoms, background, and treatment goals. His approach is patient-centered and team-oriented, ensuring that care is personalized and collaborative. He works with patients to develop a treatment plan that balances medication management with therapeutic interventions, fostering long-term mental wellness.

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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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Alicia Lakin, LPC

Staff Licensed Professional Counselor

Alicia Lakin has been counseling for over 20 years. She possesses an LPC-MHSP license. Alicia earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology at the University of Tennessee. She then went on to earn her Master's Degree, with a focus on Guidance and Counseling, at Lincoln Memorial University. Alicia has been trained in Trauma Focused � Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Motivational Interviewing. Alicia's professional career has provided her with the opportunity to work with individuals in a variety of settings. She has provided treatment in residential care programs for children and adolescents, in the family home, community-based mental health center, and substance abuse treatment outpatient services. In these settings, Alicia has been afforded the opportunity to treat all ages, dealing with a wide range of issues including trauma, substance abuse and recovery, and mood disorders such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Therapeutically, Alicia describes her approach as "person-centered”, strength-based, and collaborative. She believes in providing a safe space for individuals to be able to express themselves openly, as well as explore any changes they desire to make in their lives. She believes in building a trusting relationship so that she and the individual can work together to help create change. Her style is reality-based, and she views herself as having many roles as a therapist, including that of a support, teacher, advocate, facilitator, and listener in the treatment relationship.

Robin Lawson, LCSW

Staff Therapist

Robin Lawson is a LCSW with 14 years of clinical experience, who has extensive experience with adults ages 18 and older who are experiencing anxiety, depression, and grief/loss. Robin earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Carolina and her Master’s degree from the University of South Florida. Robin has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings and has specialized experience with those facing chronic or serious medical illnesses. Robin finds joy in connecting with her clients and creating a safe space for them to gain insight on themselves, their strengths and their opportunities for growth.

Robin has been practicing as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for 14 years, with an emphasis on Depression, Anxiety Disorders and Grief/Loss. Robin primarily utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy in her practice as well as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

Jennifer Garner, PMHNP

Staff Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Jennifer Garner is a board-certified Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with Talkiatry. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 2009 and a master's degree from Vanderbilt University in 2011. Jennifer enjoys treating all adults and has outpatient experience with community mental health, corrections, and private practice. Besides outpatient care, she has worked in crisis stabilization and ambulatory detox for adults with primary psychiatric and dual diagnosis illnesses. Jennifer is skilled in treating a wide range of conditions including ADHD, bipolar disorder, substance misuse, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD. She is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment, ensuring all gender identities feel safe and respected. With a focus on patient-centered care, her approach is carefully tailored to each person's individual needs and goals, promoting a collaborative therapeutic relationship. During appointments, she combines medication management with therapy techniques to empower patients with the skills for their well-being. Appointments are as unique as each individual that she meets with. If you're ready (and even if you're not so sure) take the first step and let's talk.

Cherese Allen, LPC

Education and training

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