Dennis Valerstain, MD

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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.

Ahmed Valdes, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Ahmed Valdes is a board certified adult psychiatrist and burgeoning Geriatric Psychiatrist. After completing his undergraduate education at Florida State University, he attended medical school at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine where he graduated with a combined M.D./M.S. in Genomic Medicine. He subsequently completed psychiatry residency at Jackson Health System/University of Miami and further subspecialized with a fellowship in Geriatric Psychiatry. Dr. Valdes has had the opportunity of working with a diverse array of patients including veterans, inmates, the severely mentally ill, geriatric, and cancer patients across three distinct hospital systems. Dr. Valdes has had varied clinical experiences in specialty inpatient psychiatry units (detox, geriatric, mood disorder), emergency psychiatry, consultation liaison psychiatry, psycho-oncology, and outpatient specialty clinics (HIV, dementia, integrative and collaborative care) via telemedicine and face to face interactions .Dr. Valdes has experience working with adults of all ages, particularly those with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, substance use disorders, PTSD, and more. Dr. Valdes employs empathic listening, supportive psychotherapy techniques, and a comprehensive and methodological approach to his visits. Given his broad and diverse training experiences, he enjoys problem solving and working collaboratively with patients to navigate their complex issues and jointly focusing on simple solutions to work towards improving their mental health.

Bryan Morales, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Morales is a board-certified psychiatrist who is dedicated to the bio-psycho-sociocultural model. This has been reflected in Dr. Morales' pursuit of treating patients suffering from diverse medical and psychiatric conditions, respective psychological mindedness, and varied socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. As an individual, Dr. Morales is fascinated by the human mind, its mechanisms to pursue goals, and the cyclical patterns seen in maladaptation and suffering. He believes in understanding patients' experiences and developing comprehensive treatment plans towards reconciliation. After completing his medical education at the East Carolina Brody School of Medicine, as a Brody Scholar, he subsequently completed psychiatry residency at Jackson Health System/University of Miami. Dr. Morales has had the opportunity to work with a diverse array of patients including high-functioning patients, veterans, trafficking victims, the severely mentally ill of low socio-economic status, and cancer patients across three distinct hospital systems via telemedicine and face-to-face interactions. His experience includes working with patients suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, adjustment disorder, mood disorders, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and more. He honors active listening, analytic understanding, supportive psychotherapy techniques, and evidence-based and methodological treatment for patient care and actualization. His goal is to assist patients in navigating short- and long-term goals as well as improved quality of life. As a result, Dr. Morales focuses on medication management, which is offered in conjunction with supportive therapy, which is offered in 1-hour initial and 30-minute follow-up visits. Dr. Morales believes that appropriate patients can benefit from additional exploratory and self-actualizing therapy from other valued and specialized therapists to support targeted goals. He will not hesitate to recommend and promote consultations with therapists for such patients who are ready to pursue. Ultimately, Dr. Morales seeks to understand, validate, and treat patients in a collaborative therapeutic alliance.

Ana Rodriguez, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Rodriguez is an adult psychiatrist, who is fluent in Spanish and English. She completed residency at St Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital in New York City via Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons followed by a Fellowship in Forensic Psychiatry in a combined Cornell University - Columbia University program with the New York State Psychiatric Institute. She obtained her medical degree at the Pontificia Universidad Catolica Madre y Maestro in the Dominican Republic. Dr. Rodriguez is an adult psychiatrist and has worked with a wide array of patients across various medical settings including extensive experience in Telehealth. Her experience includes Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn, New York, in addition to outpatient experience in both clinics and correctional facilities. Dr. Rodriguez has experience treating patients with psychiatric illness who may also be suffering from medical comorbidities, such as obesity, hypertension, pain, and diabetes. She has been deeply involved with teaching and emphasizes psychoeducation while working in collaboration with her patients to help tailor their personalized treatment plan. Her primary focus has been on treating adults with depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, and PTSD. Dr. Rodriguez has an approachable, patient-centered style, combined with a passion for optimizing sleep as it pertains to management of a psychiatric illness and overall well-being. She offers supportive therapy as part of her medication management visits, and at times may also offer cognitive behavioral therapy to address underlying stressors which may be contributing to one's presenting ailments. She may also recommend including a therapist in your care team to optimize outcomes.

Kelvin McMorris, LISW

Staff Therapist

Kelvin is an experienced Licensed Independent Social Worker who has worked in a variety of clinical and non-clinical settings. Kelvin's years of experience include work as a case manager, mental health therapist, substance use and mental health group facilitator, a lead clinician for a school-based services program and coordinator for adventure-based programming. This experience has allowed Kelvin to serve in a variety of settings, including: schools, homes, hospitals, and outpatient clinics, as well as working with individuals from nearly every age range; anywhere from kindergarten-aged school children to adults in a nursing home and almost everywhere in between. ‍Kelvin places great importance on making treatment a unique experience for every individual, strongly believing that there is no single uniform answer to an individual's problems and solutions should be tailored to that person's specific life circumstances. Kelvin has a foundation in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, but utilizes practices as appropriate from a variety of treatment styles, including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Informed Care, Behavioral Activation, Play Therapy and many more.

Tim Kelly, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Tim Kelly is a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in adult psychiatry. His practice focuses primarily on medication management but often incorporates aspects of supportive, psychodynamic, and cognitive behavioral therapies into his 30-minute follow-up visits. Dr. Kelly also strongly believes in working in conjunction with therapists to achieve the best possible outcomes for his patients. He feels it is important to create strong therapeutic relationships with his patients in order to help patients achieve their treatment goals. Dr. Kelly received his undergraduate degrees in Human Biology and Spanish from Michigan State University. He then completed his medical education and a master's degree in medical humanities and bioethics at Northwestern University. He completed his adult psychiatry residency at the University of Washington. He has authored papers in medical education and LGBTQ advocacy. Dr. Kelly now lives in Pennsylvania with his husband, Kevin, and three dogs: Taquito, Fergie and Mimi. While Dr. Kelly treats adults of all backgrounds, he has a particular interest in working with young adults, students, and LGBTQ individuals.‍

Catherine Cashman, DO

Staff Psychiatrist

Background and credentials

Dr. Catherine Cashman is triple board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in Adult Psychiatry, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, and Forensic Psychiatry. She holds two Bachelor’s degrees: one in Finance from New York University, and another in Biology from the University of New Orleans. She earned her medical degree from Nova Southeastern University and completed an Adult Psychiatry residency at LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. Dr. Cashman subsequently completed two fellowships: the first in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at LSU New Orleans, along with a certification in Infant Mental Health (working with children ages 0–6 years and their caregivers); the second fellowship was in Forensic Psychiatry at the University of Rochester and the Rochester Regional Forensic Unit.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Cashman brings an extensive and specialized skillset to psychiatry, informed by her triple board-certifications. Her treatment approach integrates clinical expertise from adult, child and adolescent, and forensic psychiatry, emphasizing accurate diagnosis, risk assessment, and evidence-based care. With specialized expertise in forensic psychiatry and competency assessments, she employs rigorous evaluation methods to accurately inform treatment planning and risk management, particularly in complex or legally-involved cases.

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What you can expect in a first visit

Patients visiting Dr. Cashman for the first time can expect a detailed and comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. Given her forensic and clinical experience, initial assessments are thorough, focusing on clear diagnostic understanding, individualized risk assessment, and appropriate treatment planning. Patients can anticipate a collaborative, professional, and structured environment aimed at clarifying diagnoses and addressing their unique mental health needs effectively.

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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.

Riddhi Kothari, DO

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Kothari's treatment approach begins with establishing a good therapeutic rapport with her patients and listening to her patients so that they feel heard. Dr. Kothari likes to spend time providing psychoeducation on medications when discussing the treatment plan. Dr. Kothari's practice focuses on medication management primarily, but may incorporate supportive psychotherapy during medication visits. Dr. Kothari may recommend additional psychotherapy if she feels a patient may benefit from this. Dr. Kothari's current practice does not include the use of any controlled substance medications, such as stimulants, benzodiazepines, and certain sleep aids.

Steven Wilkening, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Steven Wilkening is a board-certified adult psychiatrist.He completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Cornell University followed by a neuroscience researchfocused Masters degree at the University of Mississippi. He then attended medical school at theUniversity of Mississippi School of Medicine, graduating with his MD degree as a Medical StudentResearch Scholar and member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. He completed adultpsychiatry residency training at the University of Cincinnati and has since been working primarily intelepsychiatry.He has experience treating a wide variety of psychiatric conditions and also recognizes that lifestylefactors such as sleep, physical activity and stress-reduction are foundations of good mental health.Alongside medication management, he provides brief supportive psychotherapy, psychoeducation, aswell as elements of cognitive behavioral and solution-focused therapies to assist patients in meetingtheir goals. He often encourages patients to see a therapist in addition to a psychiatrist.

Patricia Michel-Garrison, DO

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Patricia Michel-Garrison is a board-certified psychiatrist by the American Osteopathic Board of Neurology and Psychiatry (AOBNP) with over a decade of experience in inpatient psychiatry. She completed her undergraduate training in Chemistry in Florida, having moved there from Chicago in 2000, followed by medical school at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM). She completed her residency in Psychiatry in Largo, Florida. Dr. Michel-Garrison specializes in treating adults aged 18 and over, addressing a wide range of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, mood disorders, and personality disorders. She is known for her holistic approach, integrating both traditional and osteopathic principles to provide comprehensive care. Her treatment style is patient-centered, emphasizing individualized care plans tailored to each patient's unique needs. Dr. Michel-Garrison fosters a collaborative therapeutic relationship, promoting open communication and trust with her patients. Throughout her career, Dr. Michel-Garrison has remained committed to staying current with the latest advancements in psychiatric care. She is dedicated to helping her patients achieve optimal mental health and well-being through a combination of evidence-based practices and empathetic support.

Kimberly Williams, LPC

Staff Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor

Dr. Kimberly Williams is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, with more than 17 years of experience in the mental health field. She holds a master's degree in mental health counseling and a doctoral degree in mental health supervision and education. Her professional experience includes working with populations of diverse demographics, varying circumstances, an array of mental health conditions and challenges, and many other unique living experiences of individuals, families, and couples. Dr. Williams has worked extensively with many presenting issues including diagnoses related to mood disorders, bipolar disorders, anxiety disorders, psychoses, spectrum disorders, trauma and other challenging life changes. In order to provide culturally informed care and meet clients where they are, Dr. Williams has worked with people in many environments, including but not limited to personal homes or shelters, community settings, medical facilities, outpatient settings, and inpatient settings. Dr. Williams embraces humanistic and psychodynamic approaches to help clients acclimate to the counseling space and find the courage to explore, integrate and nurture one's true self throughout the counseling process. Additionally, Dr. Williams utilizes elements of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and Systemic and Multicultural Therapies, to help clients further their growth and achieve success toward therapeutic goals.

Gira Borad, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Borad is a Board Certified Psychiatrist and has specialized in Addiction Psychiatry. She finished her residency at the WVU campus of Charleston, WV, and finished the Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship at UPMC/Western Psychiatry Institute in Pittsburgh, PA. She has previously worked as an Assistant Professor at WVU of Charleston, where she was involved in working with residents in inpatient and outpatient settings, provided psychiatric consult services to hospitalized patients, and was part of the Outpatient Comprehensive Opioid treatment program where she provided Medication Assisted Treatment for patients with substance use disorders. She has an interest in treating patients with mood, anxiety, and psychotic disorders. Dr. Borad has a special interest in treating individuals having a substance use history and struggling to quit, and has expertise in treating patients with a dual diagnosis of substance use with other psychiatric conditions. She primarily does medication management, in addition to providing some supportive therapy and motivational interviewing to her patients in her 30-minute follow-up appointments. In addition, she may suggest bringing in a therapist to add to your care if clinically necessary.

Dennis Valerstain, MD

Education and training

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