Emily Patricia Hutchison, MD

Dr. Lindsay Legnon is board-certified in Psychiatry and has 15 years of experience in outpatient clinical psychiatry. Her focus is primarily on medication management, but she does incorporate brief cognitive behavioral therapy and supportive therapy when appropriate. If more extensive psychotherapy is felt to be beneficial, she will recommend a therapist and collaborate with them for optimal care. She completed her medical degree at Louisiana State University in Shreveport and her residency at Tulane University in New Orleans, where she served as Chief Resident. After completing her residency, she worked primarily in outpatient clinics treating a wide range of mental health disorders. She has extensive experience treating major depressive disorder, a variety of anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD, and bipolar disorder, among others. Medication is felt to be an important tool for many in achieving wellness, and she encourages a holistic approach to improve outcomes. Her hope is to provide relief and help people achieve their goals in their journey back to wellness.

Dr. Shaily C. Desai, MD is a board-certified psychiatrist who treats adults. She graduated Magna Cum Laude and with General Honors from University of Miami. She completed medical school at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in the prestigious Honors Program in Medicine. She continued her medical education at Jackson Memorial Hospital & University of Miami Hospital for her 4-year psychiatry residency training program. After completing her training, Dr. Desai held an academic appointment at the University of Miami while working at the Miami Veterans Affairs Hospital initially as a behavioral health consultant in the Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PCMHI) model and later as a Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) psychiatrist in the Mental Health Treatment Coordinator (MHTC) role.

Dr. Desai’s background spans clinical care, academic research, and community service, giving a comprehensive understanding of mental healthcare delivery across different settings. Dr. Desai developed expertise in quickly building rapport with patients, conducting medication management assessments, and implementing effective interventions. These experiences taught Dr. Desai how to maintain clinical excellence while showing patience and respect for each patient's unique circumstances. She understands the delicate balance of providing thorough care within the constraints of virtual sessions and she has developed strategies to ensure patients feel supported and understood, even though a screen.

By combining clinical expertise with genuine empathy and persistence, Dr. Desai helps her patients navigate their treatment journey with confidence and hope. Dr. Desai’s practice focuses on medication management and supportive psychotherapy in typically 30-minute follow up visits. At times, additional psychotherapy is needed, and a therapist may be added to provide the best outcome.

Dr. Shalini Dutta is a medical doctor with experience working across outpatient, inpatient, and community mental health settings. She has extensive experience caring for underserved and diverse populations and was a recipient of the SAMHSA Minority Fellowship Program Grant. Her fellowship training included a focus on Seeking Safety, an evidence-based, trauma-informed treatment model. Dr. Dutta has a strong clinical interest in trauma, trauma-informed care, and integrating psychotherapy principles with medication management. Her clinical work includes treating mood disorders, anxiety, trauma-related conditions, and substance use disorders.

Dr. Dutta values open, collaborative communication and takes a warm, respectful, and nonjudgmental approach to care. She emphasizes partnership and shared decision-making, ensuring patients feel heard and actively involved in their treatment. She brings a trauma-informed lens to her work and collaborates closely with patients to clarify goals and align care with their values. Dr. Dutta takes a holistic view of mental health, considering biological, psychological, and social factors.

Dr. Dutta begins care with a thorough assessment of psychiatric history, current concerns, and treatment goals. She prioritizes understanding how past experiences and trauma may influence present symptoms. Treatment plans are individualized and evidence-based, integrating medication management with therapeutic principles and psychoeducation. She collaborates with therapists and other providers as needed and regularly reviews progress, adjusting treatment based on patient feedback.

Background and credentials

Dr. Robert Whelpley, M.D., is board-certified in both Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Adult Psychiatry. He completed his undergraduate studies at Binghamton University and earned his medical degree from Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York. He then went on to complete his residency and fellowship training at the University of Rochester. Throughout his career, he has worked with patients and families across the lifespan in inpatient, outpatient, and emergency psychiatric settings.

‍

Treatment approach

Dr. Whelpley believes in collaborative care, working closely with treatment providers, patients, and families to ensure that mental health concerns are addressed as a team. His approach integrates talk therapy techniques, including motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and supportive psychotherapy, alongside medication management. He customizes treatment to maximize each patient’s mental health and overall wellness, sometimes incorporating a therapist into the care plan when beneficial.

‍

What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive evaluation where Dr. Whelpley takes time to understand their symptoms, background, and treatment goals. His approach is patient-centered and team-oriented, ensuring that care is personalized and collaborative. He works with patients to develop a treatment plan that balances medication management with therapeutic interventions, fostering long-term mental wellness.

‍

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.

‍

Dr. Pilar Bare is an adult psychiatrist who completed her psychiatry residency at TriStar Centennial Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, where she served as Chief Resident. She earned her medical degree from Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Northwest in Oregon, where she studied osteopathic medicine which shaped her holistic view of health. She completed an intern year in Family Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences West. She holds a bachelor's degree in chemistry and biology from the University of Arkansas, where she graduated with honors.

Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, backpacking, visiting national parks, and spending time with her senior dog.

Dr. Bare believes that each individual's background plays a significant role in their mental health, and understanding a patient's personal story is critical to their healing journey. She believes in a respectful, collaborative relationship built on trust and open communication. While Dr. Bare integrates evidence-based medication management when clinically appropriate, she also emphasizes the therapeutic benefit of addressing lifestyle, relationships, and internal narratives.

Dr. Bare begins care with a thorough evaluation, exploring developmental history, impactful life events, and emotional patterns. From there, she develops a comprehensive treatment plan that may include medications, wellness strategies, and therapist collaboration. She considers each patient's strengths and challenges to guide care that promotes long-term recovery and personal growth.

‍

Dr. Erica Mark is a board-certified psychiatrist with experience in both inpatient and outpatient care. She formerly served as a Staff Psychiatrist at a VA Medical Center, where she specialized in the mental health needs of veterans. Dr. Mark earned her B.S. in Biological Sciences, Summa Cum Laude, from Hampton University, received her MD from the University of Texas Medical Branch, and completed her psychiatry residency at Tulane University School of Medicine, serving as Chief Resident in 2017.

Dr. Mark fosters a warm, supportive environment where patients feel heard and respected. She values open communication and works collaboratively to set clear, personalized treatment goals. Deeply committed to service, she has supported underserved and marginalized communities through various nonprofit initiatives.

During initial sessions, Dr. Mark takes time to understand each patient’s history, concerns, and goals. She then creates individualized treatment plans aligned with each patient's unique needs and preferences. Dr. Mark encourages ongoing dialogue to adapt care plans and support long-term progress.