Ellen Grant, LCSW

Background  and credentials    

Dr. Christa DeFries is a board-certified Adult Psychiatrist. She earned her  medical degree from UT Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Texas, and  completed her residency in Adult Psychiatry at Baylor Scott & White in  Temple, Texas. Following residency, Dr. DeFries gained additional experience  treating homeless and formerly homeless populations in New York City,  particularly focusing on individuals with histories of trauma and substance  addiction, prior to joining Talkiatry.    

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Treatment approach    

Dr. DeFries practices Adult Psychiatry, employing an integrative treatment  approach combining medication management, psychotherapeutic methods, and  lifestyle modifications. She recognizes that each patient benefits from a  personalized mix of these three aspects of care. Dr. DeFries specializes in  treating diverse psychiatric conditions, including those related to trauma,  substance addictions, and various mental health disorders.    

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What you can expect in a first visit    

In a first visit with Dr. DeFries, patients can expect a comprehensive  evaluation aimed at understanding their individual mental health history,  specific concerns, and overall treatment goals. Dr. DeFries emphasizes an  individualized approach, carefully exploring the best combination of  medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments tailored specifically to each  patient's needs. Patients can anticipate an empathetic and collaborative  environment focused on their personal experiences and goals.    

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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.

Jackie LaVe' is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She is also dually certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She received her master’s degree and post-master’s certificate from Vanderbilt University. Jackie has 12 years of experience as a nurse and over 7.5 years of experience as a Nurse Practitioner. Jackie is licensed to practice in Montana, Arizona and New York.

Jackie LaVe’ offers a patient centered approach, working with individuals aged 18-65. She believes in engaging patients in the decision-making process. Jackie has professional interests in treating a wide range of adult psychiatric conditions including depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, OCD, panic, autism and bipolar disorder.

She provides psychiatric assessments and medication management along with brief supportive psychotherapy. She believes in educating patients, so they are empowered to work together to create treatment plans that improve their health and quality of life. Jackie has additional education and experience in cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness and motivational enhancement. Jackie can also review if adding a therapist to your care team could improve outcomes.

Background and credentials

Dr. Jenny Joseph is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. She earned her medical degree from St. George's University School of Medicine and completed her adult psychiatry residency at New York Medical College at Metropolitan Hospital Center. She has experience working with diverse patient populations and treating a range of psychiatric conditions.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Joseph specializes in medication management for various psychiatric conditions, including mood, anxiety, and psychotic disorders. She employs a patient-centered approach that emphasizes empathy, open communication, and collaboration. In addition to pharmacological treatment, she incorporates psychoeducation and supportive therapy to help patients better understand and manage their conditions. When beneficial, she may recommend additional therapy and coordinate care with a therapist to ensure comprehensive treatment.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a thorough evaluation that explores their symptoms, treatment history, and personal goals. Dr. Joseph takes the time to listen and understand each patient's needs, ensuring that their treatment plan is tailored to their specific concerns. She provides a compassionate and structured approach to medication management while fostering a collaborative environment where patients feel supported in their mental health journey.

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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.

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Gabrielle Delarose is a dually boarded Psychiatric Mental Health and Family nurse practitioner with over ten years of clinical experience. Gabrielle is dedicated to providing culturally competent and evidence-based medication management and psychotherapy to assist individuals in achieving their goals to live their best life. I believe in holistic treatment of individuals, and focus on the individual’s overall well-being, including how they are functioning socially and professionally. In addition to medication and psychotherapy, she is a proponent of incorporating research-supported alternative modalities, including dietary changes, exercise, social interaction, and yoga. She also advocates of forest bathing (“shinrin-yoku”), a practice of spending time in nature that yields both medical and mental health benefits as discovered in research trials from around the world. As a professionally trained cellist, she also frequently incorporates art and music into appointments and treatment plans with patients. Her goal for all her patients is to improve all facets of a person’s life with treatment. Gabrielle is an LGBTQ+ affirming provider and has extensive experience working with diverse populations.

New patients should know that the initial appointment will consist of obtaining their social history in addition to their medical history. This is an important part of establishing a therapeutic relationship in addition to obtaining health information to use in formulating treatment plans. A person’s identity and life experiences are a significant influence on a person’s health and well-being, and Gabrielle believes in discussing these experiences in order to best understand a patient’s background and incorporate that into their care. Patients are encouraged to write down any questions they may have prior to the appointment, as well as any significant points they want to discuss. This is encouraged because, as patients, we may forget to address these points without a prompt from the provider. Gabrielle also encourages patients to actively participate in their care and firmly believes in a patient’s right to autonomy and agency. This patient-centered approach empowers patients to help guide treatment plans that best fit the patient’s needs and abilities at any given time. Patients are also encouraged to discuss any concerns about medications or treatment, particularly if there are concerns about side effects.

Gabrielle works collaboratively with patients to determine appropriate and preferred treatment plans, including medication and therapy. She uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as the primary therapy modality, in conjunction with existential therapy, depending on the patient’s needs and preferences. She prefers to allow patients flexibility in their treatment, so the process may look less structured depending on the immediate needs of the patient. Other times, particularly while working through a specific problem in therapy, appointment agendas may be planned out for several weeks. If at any time, however, a need arises to deviate from preplanned appointment agenda, patients are encouraged to discuss this at the beginning of the appointment. Above all, patients’ needs will guide the agenda.

Dr. Amanda Kerr is a board-certified Psychiatrist. Her practice focuses on medication management, though she passionately believes in a holistic approach. She attended Boston University for her undergraduate studies and Loyola Marymount University for graduate school. She then completed her training at Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine for medical school and Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine for residency, where she was selected to serve as Chief Resident during her final year. After completion of her residency in 2016, she dedicated seven years to serving a wide range of patients in a community mental health setting, both in-person and via telepsychiatry. She also serves as a provider at an Intensive Outpatient Program. She has experience treating patients with depressive and bipolar disorders, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and OCD. She also has extensive teaching experience in various settings. Dr. Kerr has a gentle and approachable style when providing medication management in conjunction with supportive psychotherapy, and at times Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques to more fully address each individual's needs. She utilizes mindfulness approaches as well, which she finds personally meaningful in her practices of meditation and yoga. If Dr. Kerr feels you would benefit from working with a therapist as well, she may recommend and values a collaborative approach.

Dr. Michael Fiori is Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. He has practiced general psychiatry for 37 years, and has also sub-specialized in Addiction Psychiatry for the past 20 years. Dr. Fiori's practice emphasizes Diagnostic Clarification, which is an ongoing process. He is highly trained and experienced in the biological and psychosocial underpinnings of psychiatric problems. He typically follows diagnostic evaluations with 30-minute follow up visits for medication adjustments and brief therapy. Dr. Fiori often enjoys collaborating with outside therapists when needed. Dr. Fiori graduated from Amherst College and received his medical degree from NY Medical College. He subsequently completed his residency in psychiatry at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in NYC. He excelled in Academic Psychiatry as both a teacher and a mentor. His practice has always combined medications with evidence-based therapies to alleviate suffering and maximize functioning. In addition to his work as a Board Certified Adult Psychiatrist, he has specialized in helping patients suffering from Substance Use Disorders. Dr. Fiori is Board Certified in Addiction Medicine, and helps patients understand the interrelationships between their Substance Use Disorders and their Psychiatric illnesses.