Diane Edgar, MD

Cassandra Thomas-Jingles is a dedicated board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, who also holds dual certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She is very passionate about helping others, she takes a holistic and evidence-based approach to mental healthcare, empowering her patients to live life to their fullest potential. Her practice specializes in medication management and supportive therapy, offering 30-minute follow-up sessions. She recommends incorporating a therapist into the care team to ensure the best possible outcomes if additional therapy is needed. With extensive experience in both outpatient and inpatient settings, Cassandra has worked with adults and children facing a range of mental health conditions, including ADHD, anxiety, depression, and psychotic disorders. She strongly believes in prioritizing the client’s involvement and interprofessional collaboration.

Your mental health journey is unique, and Cassandra is here to listen with compassion and without judgment. Our conversations are confidential, and Cassandra's goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and concerns. During our first appointment, Cassandra will go over your mental health history, current symptoms, lifestyle factors, and any previous treatments to get a full picture of your needs. We will develop a treatment plan that may include therapy, medication, or other supportive strategies. Cassandra believes in shared decision-making, meaning your input is important in every process step. If medication is part of your treatment, Cassandra will provide clear information about its benefits and potential side effects and how we will monitor your progress. Adjustments can be made as needed to ensure the best possible outcome. Healing takes time, and Cassandra will support you throughout the process. Follow-up appointments help us track progress, make any necessary adjustments, and ensure you receive the care you need.

Your mental health journey is unique, and Cassandra is here to listen with compassion and without judgment. Our conversations are confidential, and Cassandra's goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and concerns. During our first appointment, Cassandra will go over your mental health history, current symptoms, lifestyle factors, and any previous treatments to get a full picture of your needs. We will develop a treatment plan that may include therapy, medication, or other supportive strategies. Cassandra believes in shared decision-making, meaning your input is important in every process step. If medication is part of your treatment, Cassandra will provide clear information about its benefits and potential side effects and how we will monitor your progress. Adjustments can be made as needed to ensure the best possible outcome.
Healing takes time, and Cassandra will support you throughout the process. Follow-up appointments help us track progress, make any necessary adjustments, and ensure you receive the care you need.

Dr. Candice Hacker is a board-certified Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. She completed her Psychiatry residency and a fellowship in Consultation Liaison Psychiatry at Mount Sinai/St. Luke's Hospital. She is passionate about a holistic approach to patient care, trained in psychosomatic medicine, and she has a deep appreciation for the intricate connection between the mind and body. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Hacker has facilitated excellent outcomes in the treatment of various mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and trauma-related conditions. Dr. Hacker believes in creating a safe, nurturing and non-judgmental environment where patients can openly explore their emotions and experiences. By integrating evidence-based psycho-pharmacological modalities with mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral techniques, she empowers her patients to challenge a negative mindset and reach their goals. Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Hacker is deeply committed to community mental health advocacy and the destigmatization of mental illness.

Deborah Bearman, PMHNP, is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner who is dedicated to helping those struggling with mental health concerns to live a more fulfilling life. Deborah received her Master of Science in Nursing with a specialty in psychiatry from SUNY Upstate Medical University. She is trained in psychiatric diagnosis, medication management, and psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral therapies. Over the past 10 years, she has gained valuable experience in a number of settings, including inpatient and outpatient facilities, community mental health clinics, and private practice. Deborah is devoted to addressing adult mental health from a holistic perspective, utilizing a combination of medication management with supportive counseling, which she offers during 30-minute follow up sessions. While she focuses on medication management, she believes most people benefit from therapy as well and has extensive experience in psychodynamic and cognitive behavior therapies. She also believes in providing psychoeducation to patients, families, and caregivers. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, Deborah understands the value of the therapeutic relationship and the positive impact it can have on daily function. By working with patients to create comprehensive and effective treatment plans, Deborah supports her patients in living healthier and more satisfying lives.

Nicole Murphy, LMHC, earned her Bachelor's Degree from the University at Albany in 2018. She then went on to earn her Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling in 2019. Nicole has worked in various settings where she has gained experience working with adolescents and adults. Nicole has worked in an outpatient program for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness. She has also worked in a school setting, teaching tools and healthy coping strategies to adolescents.

Nicole will always meet a client where they are at. She will always lend a compassionate ear and empower clients to make positive changes in their lives.

Nicole takes a person-centered approach to working with clients and believes in providing a safe space to process thoughts and emotions without fear of judgement. Nicole’s approach to therapy includes utilizing cognitive behavioral interventions and solution focused strategies to address symptoms and overcome obstacles.

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Dr. Mendez obtained his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical School in Houston. He subsequently completed his Psychiatry residency training at the same institution, UT Medical School in Houston. Dr. Mendez has extensive training in the field and is board certified in Adult Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. After professional training, Dr. Mendez has had vast experience of 15 years primarily in the outpatient setting including ample experience with telemedicine services to patients. He has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating adult patients dealing with attention deficit disorders and a wide spectrum of adjustment and anxiety disorders. Dr. Mendez has a special interest in the treatment of mood disorders from Major Depression to Bipolar spectrum disorders. Dr. Mendez prioritizes the development of great communication, mutual understanding and trust with his patients as he finds these elements to be key to a successful treatment. He establishes his treatment plans upon evidence-based guidelines and encourages a holistic approach for optimal well-being. Through effective medication management and supportive psychotherapy, Dr. Mendez leads his patients to optimal mental health. He encourages patients to strive to develop fulfillment and optimal functionality in their life's roles.

Margaret Ngumi, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, is a dual board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of experience in healthcare. She began her career as a Family Nurse Practitioner before recognizing the urgent need for accessible mental health services. This led her to pursue a post-master’s certification in psychiatry, allowing her to provide comprehensive psychiatric care. Margaret has extensive experience treating patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings, addressing conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, mood disorders, and substance use disorders.

Margaret believes in a collaborative, patient-centered approach to mental health care. She strives to create a safe and supportive space where patients feel heard and empowered to take an active role in their treatment. With a strong emphasis on holistic care, she considers all aspects of a patient’s well-being, including lifestyle, relationships, and overall health. Whether through medication management, therapy, or lifestyle modifications, she is committed to helping patients achieve meaningful and lasting improvements in their mental health.

Margaret begins with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to understand each patient’s history, concerns, and treatment goals. She then works closely with them to develop an individualized care plan that may include medication management, therapy, and evidence-based lifestyle interventions. She prioritizes open communication, patient education, and ongoing collaboration to ensure that treatment remains effective and evolves with each patient's needs. Through her compassionate and evidence-based approach, Margaret is dedicated to helping patients find balance and improve their overall quality of life.