Ciara Styles, MD

Amy Bichsel Pacheco Piña is a compassionate and experienced psychotherapist dedicated to helping individuals navigate the complexities of life with resilience and confidence. Amy holds a Master's in Social Work from the University of Nebraska-Omaha in 2008 and is licensed as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). With 16 years of experience in the mental health field, Amy specializes in anxiety, depression, trauma (including Narcissistic Abuse), and grief. Amy prides herself on creating a non-judgmental and healing environment that allows for self-discovery and assists clients in identifying their authentic selves. She has experience in many methods and techniques, ensuring that her approach integrates evidence-based practices with experiential techniques which are tailored to each client's unique needs to allow for nervous system regulation and a sense of safety within themselves. She believes in fostering a collaborative therapeutic relationship where clients feel empowered to set and achieve meaningful goals. From a holistic perspective, Amy incorporates techniques such as identifying strengths, mindfulness, polyvagal techniques, challenging core belief systems, early childhood, and attachment types to heal the mind, body, and spirit. When not working with clients, Amy enjoys being outdoors, reading, and spending time with her husband, son, and two dogs.

Dr. Scott Masters is a Board-Certified psychiatrist and psychoanalyst with over 30 years' experience in medication management and therapy. He is living in Hawaii after a 20-year training and working in New York City.

Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons

Columbia University Psychiatry Residency Program, Chief Resident

Columbia University Public Psychiatry Fellowship

Columbia University Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research

Dr. Masters offers an integration of medication management and various psychotherapy. He is certified in supportive psychotherapy, prolonged exposure therapy for PTSD, motivational interviewing, CBT for chronic pain, Integrated Behavioral Couples Therapy and Whole Health.  With the right combination of treatments, patients can achieve their potential and relieve suffering.

In an initial visit, patients can expect a thorough, collaborative discussion with shared decision making to understand their symptoms, life goals, and clinical needs. Dr. Masters will evaluate the patient's condition to determine appropriate medication interventions and discuss personalized treatment recommendations including integrated psychotherapy.  Typical follow-up visits are approximately 20-30 minutes in length. Depending on the severity and complexity of a patient's situation, referrals to additional counseling or therapy may also be suggested.

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Kevin Seske is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who specializes in Sport and Health Psychology. His approach to therapy is collaborative, empowering, nonjudgmental, trauma informed, and goal-focused. He sees therapy as a method to find the individual's strengths to help overcome any hardships.‍Kevin integrates treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, Existential Therapy, and mindfulness techniques. In addition, he incorporates Sports Psychology in sessions where appropriate as he believes physical activity can empower us and teach us life skills that boost self-esteem, promote team building, and aid in relaxation. These methods are proven to show reduction in anxiety and depression.‍Kevin specializes in treating PTSD among young adults, adults, and/or immigrant populations. He is also skilled in treating mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, grief, emotional abuse, and life transitions. Kevin has been told by clients and colleagues that he has a calming presence and is a good listener.‍Kevin's 10 years of experience as a counselor has included providing trauma-informed care for undocumented minors who arrived at the US border seeking refuge from their home countries, including ones experiencing Adjustment Disorder, PTSD, and ODD. Additionally, Kevin served in a FQHC on the Southwest side of Chicago, in their clinical setting and school-based health center.

Paul Pennington is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 15 years of mental health experience in a variety of settings ranging from schools, private practice, residential facilities, and crime scene crisis counseling. Paul has had the privilege of helping people with various situations including depression, anxiety, stress, anger, trauma, abuse, life transitions, relationships, integration, existential issues, and other obstacles that have caused an imbalance in their lives. Paul specializes in working with teachers, first responders, young parents, and individuals that just want to be seen as who they truly are.‍Paul earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Texas State University and a Master of Education in Guidance and Counseling from Angelo State University. A few of the certifications Paul has earned over the years are: Residential Staff from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Certified Anger Resolution Therapist (C.A.R.T.), AgriSafe Farm Response, Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) Practitioner Trainer, Texas Education Agency: EC-12 SpEd, 4-8 Generalist, EC-12 School Counselor, SAFE EMDR, Mental Health First Aid, and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy.‍Paul believes everyone is different and takes an individualized approach with each client. He operates from a foundation in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trust-Based Relational Intervention, Solution Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness.

Dr. Richard Rise has created a successful career as a psychiatrist over the past 30 years. He has participated in a variety of treatment settings and has developed a wealth of experience at both prescribing medications, providing therapy, counseling, and even coaching. He takes an individual approach to treating others, recognizing individuals as unique and worthy of love, respect, and acceptance. He is compassionate, non-judgmental, and truly enjoys helping others. He tends to gravitate towards a combination of medication management (if indicated) and psychotherapy where he treats all facets of the individual. Dr. Rise believes that we are all unique and should be treated as such. He spent most of his career in private practice until deciding to retire in 2014. After this he spent the next 3 1/2 years, reading, studying, traveling, and spending time with his loved ones. In 2018 he was offered a position as a consultant overseeing Ketamine infusion therapy for treating treatment-resistant depression. When the pandemic hit in March of 2020, Dr. Rise was asked to assist a local psychiatric hospital deal with the unique and often deadly consequences of the virus. This proved to be a wonderful opportunity for personal growth and to improve the quality of life of many others. After working at the hospital for the 2 years, Dr. Rise joined Talkiatry to continue providing high-quality psychiatric care to others in a very loving, supportive, creative, and collaborative environment.

Dr. Erica Cusick is a board-certified psychiatrist at Talkiatry. She completed her undergraduate training at the University of Rochester and medical school at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. She is committed to treating a wide range of mental health disorders and addressing the psychological and emotional challenges faced by adults of all ages. During her residency training at Allegheny General Hospital, Dr. Cusick developed a keen interest in the nuances of medication management, including drug interactions and side effects, ensuring accurate diagnoses, the mental health needs of women, identification of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adults, and addressing mental health issues that may arise with concussions, traumatic brain injuries, strokes, Parkinson's Disease or dementia. Dr. Cusick approaches patient care collaboratively by actively listening to patients and involving them in their treatment planning while providing evidence-based care.