Cyndia Choi, MD

Dr. Michael Locher completed Adult Psychiatry Residency Training at Los Angeles County, University of Southern California in which he focused two years of training in conducting Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy. Dr. Locher received his Bachelor of Science Undergraduate degree in 3 years with Phi Beta Kappa honors at University of Miami, Florida. In medical school at Stony Brook School of Medicine in New York, Dr. Locher was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society while earning his Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. Dr. Locher has held academic appointments at University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Western University of Health Sciences, and Ventura Community Memorial Health System Psychiatric Residency Training Program. He has an in interest working with immigrants and LGBTQ+ communities.

Dr. Locher’s approach to medication management is that it is a one tool to be used in the broader context of a multi-modal evidence-based treatment approach that draws upon psychotherapy, mindfulness skills, Buddhist psychology, psychedelic AKA “mind manifesting” studies, yoga philosophy, and other integrative practices. He understands that healing is an individualized process that cannot unfold without a safe space. Dr. Locher is dedicated to holding an approachable, empathic space where you can feel empowered to rewrite the next chapter of your life.

Dr. Locher is well versed in treating the full spectrum of mental illness. Having worked on multidisciplinary teams in acute inpatient psychiatric hospital settings, psychiatric emergency rooms, and mental health urgent cares for the better part of 10 years, he is comfortable helping with not just mild to moderate illness, but also the most severe cases of mental illness. Dr. Locher is especially motivated to work with you to maintain stability, avoid hospitalization, and more broadly, to achieve wellness.

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Dr. Luna Sanchez Rivera holds the position of Staff Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. After completing residency in 2016 at the Ponce Medical School Psychiatry Residency in Puerto Rico, she then moved to North Carolina to complete a subspecialty in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Duke University Health System. There, she transitioned into an assistant professor position, focused on structuring pediatric emergency psychiatric services, and helped support the consult and liaison pediatric service. Her years of experience have included working as an integrated care child psychiatrist within outpatient clinics at Duke University Health System, and she trained and worked as a staff psychiatrist at the Inpatient State Facility in North Carolina. She also served in the Dayton Children's Hospital outpatient clinics in Dayton, Ohio, the Appalachian Health System outpatient clinics in Linville, North Carolina, and more recently has been serving the Child and Adolescent inpatient population in Bangor, Maine. Dr. Sanchez Rivera has an approachable style aimed at providing a comprehensive evaluation for all age ranges and is comfortable managing various levels of diagnostic complexities. She provides supportive psychotherapy while using psychodynamic therapy skills to clarify her patient's constellation of symptoms, identify unifying themes and provide thorough psychoeducation throughout the process to drive positive outcomes. She integrates psychodynamic medication management approaches and is adept at family therapy interventions.

Dr. Nicole Martinez received her Master's and Doctorate from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology and completed her pre-doctoral and post-doctoral fellowship at Gateway Foundation in Lake Villa, Illinois. She earned a double major in Psychology and Therapeutic Recreation at the University of St. Francis. Dr. Martinez has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in individual, family, and group treatment. Her therapeutic approach is integrative, combining Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy (CBT) with holistic methods, emphasizing Solution Focused Therapy, Reality Therapy, and Positive Psychology. She believes in the mind-body connection and that exploring various areas of an individual's functioning is essential for optimum physical and emotional health. Dr. Martinez emphasizes a collaborative therapist-client relationship, where both act as partners in designing treatment goals. She values identifying ineffective past modalities to avoid frustration and ensure personalized care. Recognizing that each person is unique, she adapts to the patient's evolving needs, ensuring they feel heard and supported for positive outcomes. Her areas of expertise include health psychology, complex trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, social anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, LGBTQIA populations, bereavement, forensics, substance abuse, couples work, MISA, co-occurring disorders, domestic violence, sex offenders, special needs populations, and chronic medical issues and rare diseases. She is skilled in the evaluation and assessment of these populations.

Maria Conklin, a licensed professional counselor, graduated with a master's degree in counseling from Seton Hall University in 2006. With 15 years of experience in community mental health, Maria now specializes in Telehealth, offering compassionate care for anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and grief. Drawing from her background as a registered nurse, she addresses both mental and physical issues, integrating CBT and DBT into her supportive psychotherapy practice. Maria is also NCC certified, ensuring quality care for her clients.

Akili’s approach is centered around the individual. His goal is to help people embrace their authentic self. He believes that counseling and the therapeutic process is experiential. He has been through most of the life struggles we all have been through. Akili has also written several books - the latest of which, “Be an Anomaly”, is about the autism spectrum. Beyond his passion for helping others, Akili is passionate about his family, drawing, music, and basketball.

Akili utilizes multimedia resources, oftentimes with an emphasis on writing and creativity. He works to create a warm atmosphere of welcoming energy and connection. Therapeutic modalities used include REBT, CBT, Positive Psychology, ACT, and Gottman Method.

The tools that Akili uses are those hidden within you. He uses creative therapy and behavioral techniques to help you get where you want to be. Your collaboration is a trip that you will embark on together. Akili will help you find the best solutions to the answers you have.

Cherese Allen is a Licensed Professional Counselor with extensive experience working with adolescents, teens, and adults. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Houston and earned her master's degree from Houston Christian University. Additionally, she completed an internship at a private practice in Texas. Upon obtaining her license, she achieved certifications in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Shame-Informed Therapy, and Eating Disorders. With years of experience in both education and private practice, Cherese has helped individuals, couples, and families overcome a wide range of mental health challenges. Her expertise includes, but is not limited to, addressing depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, mood disorders, career changes, and major life transitions. Cherese employs a holistic approach that integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy. She believes that with the right tools, you can conquer many obstacles and reach your desired destination. Cherese looks forward to supporting you on your journey!