Derek Miller, LCSW

Joel Witherspoon is a licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with over 20 years of clinical experience working in various mental health settings, working directly with clients from diverse backgrounds living with a broad range of mental health conditions. Joel earned his Undergraduate degree at California State University Long Beach, Graduate School at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, and completed his internship in Raleigh, NC. Joel has been practicing for 19 years as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, focusing on mood disorders, trauma, situational adjustment disorders, and any life challenge that interferes with a client's happiness. Working with Joel, treatment is specific to the individual with the focus on modalities that are specific to each person's challenges. Joel uses an eclectic approach with a foundation in person-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and trauma therapy combined with somatic interventions such as mindfulness.

Chaniece Taylor is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Therapist in Michigan (LCSW) and South Carolina (LISW-CP). Chaniece studied at the University of Michigan to obtain her B.A. in Gender and Health and her Master's degree in Social Work from Wayne State University. Chaniece has experience working with adolescents and adults in various practice settings including nonprofit organizations, community mental health, and outpatient agencies.

Chaniece specializes in working with individuals challenged with Anxiety, Depression, Grief and Loss, Stress, Relationship challenges, Life transitions, and Coping Skills.

As a therapist, Chaniece provides a personalized and evidence-based approach. She has experience utilizing Solution Focused Therapy, Mindfulness Techniques, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Chaniece's approach is empowering, compassionate, collaborative, and solution focused. She will meet you where you are at and work with you at your pace.

Chaniece aims to help individuals gain a new perspective and lead them toward a future that fills them with hope and excitement!

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Lisa Mazzotti is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado, and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Addiction Professional in Florida. She earned her bachelor’s in Psychology and a master’s in Human Development Counseling from the University of Illinois. With more than 30 years of clinical experience, she has worked with adolescents, adults, and older adults in individual, couple, family, and group settings. Lisa also served as an adjunct professor, teaching psychology and sociology courses for over a decade in high schools, colleges, and correctional facilities. Her extensive background includes treating addictions, trauma, mood and anxiety disorders, OCD, ADHD, self-harm, and eating disorders.

Lisa meets each person where they are, creating a safe space where clients feel heard, valued, and respected. She emphasizes open communication, collaboration, and mutual trust, encouraging patients to share what feels most comfortable and meaningful to them. Lisa’s goal is to empower clients to identify and pursue their personal goals at their own pace, fostering lasting growth. She brings compassion, positivity, experience, and humor to her sessions, reminding patients that change begins with understanding and acceptance.

Lisa tailors her approach by exploring each patient’s history, strengths, and priorities to create an individualized treatment plan. Drawing on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy, she adapts her methods to meet each client’s needs. Lisa has facilitated Intensive Outpatient (IOP), Partial Hospitalization (PHP), and inpatient group therapy for co-occurring disorders. She supports clients with a broad range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief, self-harm, abuse, and both physical and psychological addictions.

Chad McDaniel, LPC-MHSP, is an experienced mental health professional with a background in both outpatient and inpatient settings. He has worked extensively with clients navigating mental health and substance use challenges. Chad earned his master’s degree in counseling from Southern Adventist University and completed his clinical internship at Parkridge Valley Psychiatric Hospital, where he developed a strong foundation in evidence-based care and client-centered practice.

Chad values open communication and collaboration in every therapeutic relationship. He works alongside clients to establish clear treatment goals and realistic expectations, ensuring that care is both purposeful and personalized. His approach is grounded in empathy and respect, creating a safe and supportive environment where clients feel accepted, heard, and empowered to make meaningful change.

In the initial session, Chad takes time to thoroughly understand each client’s personal history, current concerns, and long-term goals. He then develops an individualized treatment plan that reflects their unique needs and aspirations. Throughout the therapeutic process, Chad regularly reassesses progress, adjusting interventions as needed to help clients achieve lasting growth and improved well-being.

Helen Fitzpatrick, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals and families through life’s challenges. She earned her Master’s in Social Work from Loyola University–Chicago and has worked in diverse settings, including crisis centers, hospitals, senior services, and the VA. Helen has extensive experience with adults and children with disabilities, caregivers, and veterans, as well as those managing trauma, medical recovery, or ongoing health issues.

Helen believes that therapy should be a collaborative and supportive process. She takes time to truly listen and understand her clients’ experiences, helping them identify goals that feel meaningful and attainable. Helen creates a space where clients can speak freely—especially when it feels difficult to open up to family or friends—and she brings compassion, patience, and understanding to every session.

Helen begins by exploring what her clients would like to focus on and works together with them to develop realistic and personalized goals. She values open communication and mutual respect, adjusting her approach to meet each person’s unique needs and pace. Her process emphasizes healing, empowerment, and helping clients build confidence as they move toward greater emotional well-being.

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.