Derek Miller, LCSW

Shannon McElhone is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York and Massachusetts. She has over ten years' experience working in the mental health field. Shannon has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults seeking assistance in managing their experiences with depression/mood challenges, anxiety, life transitions, self-esteem, trauma, attention focus, and relationship issues. Shannon utilizes humanistic, person-centered, collaborative, strength based, cognitive behavioral, mindfulness based, solution focused and emotionally focused approaches to therapy while maintaining an open, flexible, creative atmosphere to remain aware of the unique and individual needs of each client. Shannon seeks to create a non-judgmental and safe environment where a caring relationship can be built with her clients to utilize and add to their strengths. Through her practice, a collaboration can bring her clients towards achieving their goals and living the life they desire. Shannon completed her Bachelor of Arts in Human Relations from St. Joseph's College and received her Master of Science in School Counseling and Extended Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Long Island University. Shannon's years of experience include working as a Rehabilitation specialist/therapist at a Pros program, a psychotherapist at an outpatient clinic, a Child and Youth Behavioral Military Family Life counselor working with children and families on a Military base in New York. More recently, Shannon has held a role as a psychotherapist on an online platform that provides virtual therapy and continues to engage in this role at Talkiatry. Shannon's specialties include: Depression, Anxiety, OCD- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, ADHD, Trauma, Grief & Loss, Stress management, Life transitions, Self-esteem issues and Relationship issues.

Stephorna Barnes-Patterson, LCSW, brings over 15 years of experience working in community and outpatient settings with individuals across all age groups. She utilizes various treatment modalities to meet diverse needs. Stephorna earned her degree from Adelphi University School of Social Work and is a licensed clinical social worker committed to compassionate, effective care.

Stephorna offers flexible, client-focused, and culturally competent treatment. She tailors every session to meet the individual’s unique needs, creating a space where patients feel heard, understood, and empowered in their healing journey.

During the initial session, Stephorna takes time to understand each patient’s history, concerns, goals, and existing strengths. She collaborates with clients to develop personalized treatment plans aimed at providing both immediate relief and long-term healing.

Jacqueline Bowling began her counseling career in 2013, and for the past 7 years, she has worked in Outpatient Services, working with people of all ages and with all mental illnesses as well. Prior to outpatient services, she worked with in-home services, providing counseling services to individuals as well as their natural support system. Jacqueline got her Undergraduate and Master's degree in Education and Human Services, completed in December 2013, at the University of Lindsey Wilson, Columbia, Kentucky. In June of 2021, she became Clinic Coordinator, and in October 2021 she completed training for Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Supervisor. She is currently a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Texas and Kentucky. Her areas of professional focus are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and Solution-focused, along with integrating other clinical modalities to fit the needs of clients/patients as they work towards meeting goals/objectives.

Dr. Latori Griffin is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 10+ years' experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy related issues, and personality distress. Her specialty areas include seeing clients from underserved backgrounds with challenging life circumstances, racial/cultural traumas, substance use/abuse, career and educational planning, and relational traumas. Her goals are to offer a holistic approach to therapy that is concerned with the whole person and is conducive to growth and healing. Considering the spiritual, emotional, physical, psychological, social, and societal aspects of a client's experiences are of the utmost importance in creating an environment of warmth and support. Dr. Griffin works with clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment, and she will tailor the treatment plan to meet the clients' unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. Dr. Griffin is here to support & empower clients on that journey.

Bel Gueron is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 10 years of experience supporting adolescents and adults in both residential and community settings. She specializes in culturally sensitive and trauma-informed care, helping individuals navigate anxiety, depression, grief, and life transitions. With a strong foundation in evidence-based practices, Bel is dedicated to fostering resilience and meaningful growth in her patients.

Bel believes that thriving begins with feeling heard, validated, and understood. She prioritizes building a safe, supportive space and a collaborative therapeutic relationship where clients feel empowered. Raised in New York City, she brings a warm, down-to-earth approach that is tailored to each individual’s needs. Bel welcomes clients from all walks of life, offering culturally sensitive care while encouraging insight, self-compassion, and personal empowerment.

Bel works collaboratively with patients to understand their concerns, explore their background, and set meaningful, individualized goals. Together, progress and growth are identified and tracked over time. She integrates evidence-based therapies such as CBT, DBT, and mindfulness while centering each client’s unique story. Through a person-centered approach, Bel is committed to compassionate support, empowerment, and advocacy as clients move toward greater well-being.

Valerie Stern, LCSW, has extensive experience in hospital outpatient settings, nonprofit agencies, and private practice. She is trained in CBT, ACT, DBT, MI, and IP, and is certified in equine-assisted psychotherapy, having led groups for veterans, at-risk youth, and individuals in recovery. Valerie holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science and a master’s degree in clinical social work. She began her career working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals and co-founded the Hearing Loss Association of Los Angeles, serving as its first president. Fluent in English, French, and American Sign Language, she brings a deep cross-cultural understanding from her time living in Europe and Asia.

Valerie approaches therapy with curiosity, kindness, and a commitment to creating a supportive, open environment. She helps clients challenge misconceptions and develop healthier thought patterns while fostering honesty, respect, and open communication. When appropriate, she uses humor to build connection and lighten moments in the therapeutic process.

In the first session, Valerie takes time to fully understand each client’s history and experiences to determine the best level of care. She collaborates with clients to create realistic, achievable treatment plans focused on positive behavioral and emotional change. She may incorporate homework, videos, and handouts for later reference, and uses appropriate self-disclosure to strengthen rapport and trust.