Ekaterini Telonis, MD

Dr. Dave Kopacz studied psychology, medicine, and psychiatry at the University of Illinois. He has over 25 years of clinical experience, most recently 11 years at the Seattle Veterans Affairs and as a national VA Whole Health Education Champion, teaching holistic self-care to staff and veterans. Prior to that, Dr. Kopacz was Clinical Director of a psychiatric rehabilitation center in New Zealand. He has worked in private practice, rural community mental health, and ran a VA tele-health program for Native American/Alaskan and Pasifika veterans.

Dr. Kopacz is board certified in Psychiatry & Integrative Medicine, a certified yoga instructor and a certified iRest (Integrative Restoration) meditation teacher. He is an author and international speaker on topics of burnout, well-being, medical humanities, creativity and health, and cross-cultural approaches to healing. His books include Caring for Self & Others: Transforming Burnout, Compassion Fatigue, and Soul Loss, and Re-humanizing Medicine. He has also co-authored four books with Joseph Rael (Beautiful Painted Arrow), including Walking the Medicine Wheel: Healing Trauma & PTSD.

"What is your typical process for working with patients?"

Dr. Kopacz combines psychiatric diagnosis with a collaborative and holistic focus on your strengths and personal growth. Combining a psychiatric and self-care assessment, he will help you find a plan for medication, psychotherapy, and well-being work that feels right for you.

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Mu Xu, MD is a Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He obtained his medical doctorate degree from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and PhD from New York University. He completed his psychiatry residency at New York University. Dr Xu is licensed to practice in California, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. Dr. Xu provides both medication management for a variety of psychiatric conditions. Dr. Xu is fluent in English and Mandarin. Dr. Xu is a general adult psychiatrist specializing in medication management. He values building strong connections with patients from all walks of life and tailoring treatments to their unique needs. His working style is characterized by attentive listening, detailed follow-up questions, and straightforward communication, fostering a collaborative and empathetic environment.

Dr. Mark Varela is a board-certified psychiatrist joining Talkiatry directly out of residency. He focuses primarily on medication management, often accompanied by brief cognitive, motivational, or supportive therapy. He may request that you also meet with a therapist regularly for your benefit. Dr. Varela received his medical degree and general psychiatric residency training both from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in West Texas. He treats young adults and adults with a wide variety of mental health concerns, including ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD.

Dr. Akhtar is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in compassionate and comprehensive mental health care. She focuses on medication management for a wide range of psychiatric conditions, providing supportive therapy to help individuals navigate life's challenges and enhance their overall well-being, while emphasizing lifestyle changes and the development of coping skills. Dr. Akhtar completed her medical degree at the American University of Antigua, gaining a profound understanding of the biological, psychological, and social aspects of mental health. Following her residency at Bergen, Newbridge Medical Center, where she was appointed Chief Resident in her fourth year, she worked for several years in both inpatient and outpatient hospital settings. Committed to holistic wellness, Dr. Akhtar believes in empowering individuals to make positive changes in their lives and offers guidance on nutrition, exercise, sleep hygiene, and stress management techniques. She is dedicated to fostering a therapeutic alliance built on trust, empathy, and collaboration. Her approach is rooted in evidence-based practices and tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual under her care.

Virginia Hogan, PMHNP, is a dedicated psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with experience in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care. She began her career in general surgery and primary care before pursuing her passion for mental health. Virginia earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology, a BSN in Nursing, and a Master of Science in Nursing from Northern Kentucky University. She is board-certified through the ANCC as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

Virginia is deeply committed to patient-centered care, always taking into account and respecting each individual’s unique needs and experiences. She emphasizes patient strengths when setting treatment goals and fosters a supportive, empathetic environment. Patients can expect someone who listens attentively, values collaboration, and works to build a positive and mutually respectful therapeutic relationship.

During the initial session, Virginia encourages patients to share their stories in order to gain a full understanding of their history, concerns, and goals. Together, she and her patients develop individualized treatment plans that align with those goals. Follow-up appointments are designed to track progress, celebrate growth, and make thoughtful adjustments as needed.

Dr. Crump is a board-certified psychiatrist at Talkiatry. She is from Kentucky and completed her undergraduate studies at Murray State University. She obtained her medical degree from University of Kentucky College of Medicine and completed her psychiatry residency training at University of Louisville School of Medicine. Afterwards, she completed a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at Medical University of South Carolina.

Dr. Crump has experience in a wide range of diagnoses and patient populations, with particular interest in anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance use disorders as well as the child and adolescent, college, BIPOC, and LBGTQIA+ populations.

Dr. Crump believes in the importance of getting to know each patient as a whole and of understanding the unique experiences that bring them to treatment. She collaborates with her patients to create personalized treatment plans and considers both medication and non-medication options.

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