Danielle Gelfond, MD

More Clinicians

Dr. Steve Paschos is a board-certified Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He attended Loyola University Chicago on the Lake Shore campus, completing a bachelor's degree in science and a Degree in Classical Studies. He then attended Medical School at Rush Medical College in Chicago and completed a 5-year combined Internal Medicine & Psychiatry residency in 2011. Dr. Paschos subsequently completed a 1-year fellowship in Geriatric Medicine at Rush University Medical Center. He has spent the last 12 years fulfilling his passion for integrating Internal Medicine & Psychiatry, working with a diverse range of patients suffering from severe mental illnesses. ‍Dr. Paschos' years of experience have included working at Cook County Health Services � Cermak Health Services at Cook County Department of Corrections with an extremely diverse patient population with varying psychiatric illnesses. He has also worked as an inpatient psychiatric hospitalist and as the director of the Intensive Care Unit at Chicago Behavioral Hospital in Illinois. Dr. Paschos also acted as a medical director of an IOP and established an outpatient psychiatric practice in conjunction with the Intensive Outpatient Program. He has had the opportunity and privilege of treating individuals who suffer from various diagnoses, especially challenging patients who have suffered from integrated or Med-Psych concerns involving primary mood disorders, Bipolar Affective disorders, prior trauma, severe medical problems/diagnoses along with concurrent personality pathology. ‍Dr. Paschos utilizes supportive psychotherapy, brief cognitive behavioral therapy, and at times psychodynamic therapy to address his patients' current complaints and to identify the locus of their symptoms. He believes in utilizing an all-encompassed approach using mindfulness and various psychotherapies along with comprehensive medication management. To quote Hippocrates "Where there is love for the art of medicine there is a love of humanity.”

Valerie King-Ernst, DO

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Valerie King-Ernst is a board-certified psychiatrist trained in Adult Psychiatry. She earned her medical degree at Western University of Health Sciences and completed psychiatry residency training at Loyola University Medical Center. Dr. King-Ernst has a wealth of experience working in private practices, hospital settings, the State of IL � Elgin Mental Health Center, and telepsychiatry services. She has had the opportunity to serve in leadership positions, serving as a medical director twice and serving as president of her own medical practice for 10 years. Dr. King-Ernst has a wide range of experience in anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, geriatric depression, trauma, personality disorders and ADHD. Her clinical approach is holistic, collaborative, supportive, patient-centered and prefers to focus on the overall health and well-being of the patient.

Danielle Jackson, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Danielle Jackson is a board certified Adult Psychiatrist by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She is a graduate of Yale University's Psychiatry Residency and Howard University College of Medicine. Dr. Jackson's practice focuses on a combination of psychopharmacology (medication) and psychotherapy techniques including supportive therapy, motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy. She approaches care from an individualized, patient-centered, collaborative perspective. She often integrates evidence-based lifestyle recommendations in areas such as nutrition, sleep hygiene, exercise, and stress management tools in treatment to help patients achieve their wellness goals. Her interests include adjustment disorder, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD and trauma-related disorders. In addition, she enjoys helping patients navigate the challenges that can accompany changes in life (careers, parenthood, relationships, chronic illness). Prior to joining Talkiatry, Dr. Jackson served as medical director for substance use and co-occurring disorders at Sunset Terrace Family Health Centers at NYU Langone. She has experience caring for a diverse patient population including those with perinatal mood disorders (postpartum anxiety/depression), substance use disorders and those from minoritized and marginalized communities.

Sarah Debrey, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Debrey is board-certified in adult psychiatry. Her approach is client-centered, individualized, and collaborative. She focuses on building a strong therapeutic alliance with each client to work towards achieving enhanced functioning and meaning in their lives. She works with individuals experiencing a wide range of mental health concerns, including depression and other mood concerns, bipolar spectrum illnesses, OCD, PTSD, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders. Though she specializes in medication management, she believes in an integrative and comprehensive treatment program that incorporates multiple aspects of an individual's health and wellness. Along with discussing physical health concerns, diet, exercise, personal connection, and stress management, she incorporates various therapeutic modalities, including CBT, DBT, ACT, and mindfulness, into her work. In some instances, Dr. Debrey may recommend more intensive psychotherapy with a collaborating therapist in order to help facilitate the best care possible. Dr. Debrey received her medical degree from Rush Medical College. She also holds a graduate degree in epidemiology from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Following medical school, she completed her residency in psychiatry at Emory University School of Medicine. During her final year of residency, she served as chief resident at Grady Memorial Hospital. Prior to joining Talkiatry, Dr. Debrey was an assistant professor at Emory University Department of Psychiatry, where she worked as an attending psychiatrist at Grady Behavioral Health. While at Grady, Dr. Debrey worked primarily as a community psychiatrist with a focus on working with individuals experiencing psychosis. She also frequently worked on the inpatient psychiatry service at Grady. As an Emory faculty member, teaching and mentorship were an especially meaningful part of her work.‍

Kaycia Vansickle, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Background and credentials

Dr. Vansickle is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with over 25 years of clinical experience. She earned her medical degree from the University of Texas Health Sciences Center San Antonio and completed her internship at UAB. She then completed her psychiatry residency at the University of Louisville Hospital, where she served as chief resident and received a national award in community psychiatry. Throughout her career, she has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings as a staff psychiatrist, primarily in Texas and Alabama.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Vansickle places a strong emphasis on establishing trust and building therapeutic relationships to help patients achieve their goals. Her practice focuses on medication management, often combined with supportive or emotionally focused therapy during 30-minute follow-up visits. If she believes additional therapy would be beneficial, she may recommend that patients work with a therapist as part of their care team. She has extensive experience treating patients in various settings, including community mental health centers, VAMC-affiliated clinics, and hospital-based psychiatric units. She also has expertise in psychiatric consultations for medically ill patients, as well as guardianship and competency evaluations.

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What you can expect in a first visit

Patients can expect a thorough initial evaluation, where Dr. Vansickle takes the time to understand their symptoms, history, and treatment goals. She provides a structured yet compassionate approach to care, ensuring that each patient feels heard and supported. Follow-up visits typically last 30 minutes, during which she monitors progress and adjusts treatment as necessary. If additional therapy is needed, she collaborates with therapists to ensure comprehensive 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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Geoffrey Edelstein, LCSW

Staff Therapist, Clinical Lead

Geoffrey Edelstein, LCSW, is a Licensed Certified Social Worker. His practice is informed by the latest neuro-cognitive sciences, emphasizing anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions. In addition to working with children, adolescents, and adults, he also works with couples and families. Geoffrey also has experience working with LGBTQ+ clients. Geoffrey received his Master's in Social Work from New York University Silver School of Social Work. Before that, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature at Drew University. Geoffrey's experience includes Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and psychodynamic psychotherapy, but his unique approach to therapy also integrates music, writing, drawing, and origami. In crafting a treatment plan, Geoffrey draws on his years of clinical experience from Four Winds Hospital. There, Geoffrey served as the Coordinator of Children's Services and facilitated care for children ages 8-13 in a Dialectical Behavior Therapy group setting. Geoffrey also worked with adults and adolescents in Four Winds' inpatient units. Prior to this, Geoffrey worked in respite services at Family Services of Westchester and the Federally Qualified Health Center of the Hudson Valley Cerebral Palsy Association. Geoffrey is committed to delivering quality mental health services to his patients and is passionate about helping them reach their goals.

Wayne McIntosh, PMHNP

Staff Nurse Practitioner

Wayne R. McIntosh, DNP, PMHNP-BC, is a dedicated mental health professional with over a decade of experience in psychiatric care. A graduate of Arizona State University, where he earned his Doctor of Nursing Practice with distinction, Wayne also holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Grand Canyon University and an Associate of Science in Nursing from Harry S. Truman College. He is certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and has been actively practicing since 2015.

Wayne specializes in family-centered care, working with individuals aged 18 to 65. Whether navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, or life changes, he guides patients through tailored diagnostic and treatment plans that may include therapy, coping strategies, and, when appropriate, medication. With a focus on clear communication and collaboration, he empowers patients in their mental health journey, helping them understand their challenges, implement practical tools for improvement, and create lasting change.

Throughout his career, Wayne has served as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Associate Director of Medical Services, managing multidisciplinary teams and fostering accessible, high-quality care. As a Faculty Associate at Arizona State University, he has mentored future nurse leaders, emphasizing clinical excellence and patient advocacy. His military background and volunteer efforts further highlight his commitment to serving diverse populations with compassion and dignity.

Maria-Anne Duncan, LCSW

Staff Therapist, Clinical Lead

Maria-Anne Duncan, LCSW-R holds the position of psychotherapist at Talkiatry. She has over twenty years of experience working with individuals, families, and groups addressing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma. Before joining Talkiarty, Ms. Duncan worked as a Director of Clinical Services for a not-for-profit in the Hudson Valley Region of New York State. Prior to that, Ms. Duncan worked for a local hospital in the psychiatric department providing treatment to the Inpatient and Outpatient units. She has held several positions as a clinician and program director. Additionally, Ms. Duncan has taught parenting classes, Mental Health First Aid and provides training on Trauma-Informed Care. Ms. Duncan started her career as a clinician in a Crime Victims' Assistance Program funded by New York State. Through this experience she began to explore the effects of trauma on individuals, their families, and the community. Ms. Duncan has been trained in both EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and SE (Somatic Experiencing). She utilizes these body-focused therapies to help her clients be released from years of painful energies locked in their systems. Ms. Duncan received her Bachelor's Degree from Marist College and her Master's from Fordham University. She has been trained to supervise Social Work Students in their field placements. Ms. Duncan appeared in the Vassar College student-developed training video, "He said, She said" which is used to train peer sexual assault counselors. In April of 2022, she became a trainer for LivingWorks "SafeTALK" program. Additionally, Ms. Duncan has a trained therapy dog, Monkey, who goes with her to local hospitals and nursing homes to provide comfort and affection.

Paulina Bollat Orbea, LCSW

Staff Therapist

Paulina Bollat Orbea is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida and Colorado. She earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work at Florida International University and has worked in a variety of clinical settings including outpatient clinic, psychiatric hospital, correctional facility, community mental health, university counseling and research and private practice environments.

Paulina has experience working with individuals who experience depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, family conflict, LGBTQ+ related concerns, substance use disorders and other mental health concerns. Paulina has worked with people of diverse ethnicities, cultures and identities. As a Guatemalan native, she is also able to offer therapy in Spanish.

Paulina’s therapeutic approach is dependent on the patient’s needs. She largely follows a Cognitive Behavioral approach, while also implementing psychodynamic, Internal Family Systems, Person-Centered and Solution-Focused orientations. Her treatment style prioritizes evidence-based practice and a therapeutic alliance built through empathy, collaboration and cultivating a safe, judgement-free space for the patient.

Kenneth Kavanagh, PMHNP

Staff Nurse Practitioner

Kenneth Kavanagh is board certified as both a Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and an Adult Nurse Practitioner. His career has spanned 30 years with the last 17 years devoted exclusively to psychiatry. He integrates his knowledge of psychiatry and primary care into evidence-based medication management strategies. He also possesses a good working knowledge of alternative treatments and integrating alternative treatments into more traditional approaches. When needed to enhance patient care outcomes, he frequently works collaboratively with psychotherapists, primary care providers, and/or medical specialists.

Kenneth currently focuses on managing depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, adjustment disorders, ADHD, somatic disorders, OCD, and bipolar disorders. Kenneth has significant experience in working with diverse groups, including urban and rural populations across socioeconomic spectrums, professionals and college students on all levels, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals confronting life stage transitions, and people living with chronic medical conditions.

Kenneth’s psychotherapeutic methods are diverse and evolve to meet collaboratively developed treatment goals. Kenneth’s interaction style is always empathic and respectful but can range from comforting and supportive to more directive and therapeutically confrontational strategies to maximize treatment goals, often with significant doses of humor throughout the therapeutic relationship.

Dung Truong, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

* THIS PROVIDER CANNOT PRESCRIBE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES FOR MN PATIENTS * Dr. Dung ("Young”) Truong is board-certified in both psychiatry and family medicine. Prior to joining Talkiatry, he worked in a busy Minneapolis emergency room for 20 years. He cared for patients presenting in mental health crisis, treating their acute presentation and helping find solutions to their concerns, ranging from starting and adjusting medications to identifying and addressing contributing factors such as medical illness, substance use, and life stressors. Dr. Truong has extensive experience and can comfortably manage a wide range of illnesses and problems. He sees patients of all ages and ethnicities, including LGBTQ+ populations. He has interests in mood disorders during and after pregnancy, and immigrant and refugee mental health. Dr. Truong's approach is to help you ultimately feel better and move forward with a hopeful plan involving medication management, education about your illness, and therapy to manage your emotional and environmental stressors. He is known for his calm demeanor and his excellent instincts. He strives to meet your expectations. Recognizing the challenges and complexities of the mental health condition, he also encourages input from your established care provider, therapist, and loved ones who want to be involved in your care. He feels such collaboration provides optimal treatment .Dr. Truong has also worked as a psychiatrist in an integrated primary care clinic. He has taught and supervised medical students, psychiatric residents/fellows and family medicine residents. He has collaborated extensively with social workers, therapists, and other health care providers to achieve the best outcomes for his patients. He works on staying current with the latest evidence-based care and mental health treatments.

Anita Rosenberg, LPC

Staff Licensed Professional Counselor

Anita Rosenberg is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), with over 15 years of experience as a therapist. She graduated from Arcadia University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and received a Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling Psychology from La Salle University in 2010. Following the completion of her education, Anita spent a decade providing direct patient care and clinical leadership in an inpatient co-occurring disorders treatment facility. She continues to have a passion for working with those navigating struggles with substance use and recovery efforts through the use of person-centered and strengths-based modalities, as well as incorporating 12 step programming. Anita provides care to both adolescents and adults using an eclectic approach based in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and trauma informed care approaches to assist with challenging negative thoughts and beliefs that interfere with experiencing joy in daily life. This allows her to create a safe and comforting environment to serve diverse populations, including individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community. She is also well versed in assisting individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, grief and loss, eating disorders, chronic mental and or physical health issues, and unexpected life changes. Through treatment, Anita works along with the individual to explore personal thoughts, beliefs, and values that influence one's reactions to their lived experiences. Her approach allows for the exploration and building of healthy coping skills, positive thought replacements, and processing of past and current life events that lead to struggles with daily distress. Through her warmth, compassion, and strong sense of empathy, she strives to provide her clients with an open, positive, and affirming therapeutic relationship.

Danielle Gelfond, MD

Education and training

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