Emily Sykes, MD

Dr. Mullenix is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who strives to form strong therapeutic and collaborative environments with patients and values patient empowerment. Dr. Mullenix received his medical degree from the Chicago Medical School and then went on to complete his residency in psychiatry at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. His interests and expertise are in helping patients struggling with depression, anxiety, including social/obsessive compulsive and generalized anxiety disorders, and ADHD. He provides psychiatric medication management along with supportive, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other modalities of therapeutic treatment. Dr. Mullenix's practice focuses primarily on medication management, or pharmacotherapy. He routinely incorporates supportive therapy into his 30-minute follow-up visits. Dr. Mullenix may occasionally recommend that a therapist be part of the care team to provide optimal outcomes. The philosophy of his practice is to actively involve patients in the decision-making process to improve adherence to treatment and build trusting relationships with all patients.

Gabrielle Kull is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a strong foundation in mental health care. She earned her undergraduate degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2017 and went on to complete her Master's degree at West Virginia University in 2019. Since then, Gabrielle has gained experience working with diverse populations and age groups while working for a non-profit organization that served victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and other violent crimes. She has a genuine interest in treating a vast array of psychiatric disorders including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders, Depression, Anxiety, and Obsessive-Compulsive related disorders. Gabrielle became licensed in 2022. She has been trained extensively in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy since 2019 and achieved her EMDR certification in 2025. She takes a trauma-informed, client-centered approach, meeting individuals where they are in their healing journey. Her practice incorporates evidence-based modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and mindfulness techniques, to support her clients in achieving their goals. Gabrielle is committed to ongoing education and continuous learning to ensure she provides the most effective and up-to-date care for her clients. She is currently expanding her specialties to include mental performance counseling with athletes.

Background and credentials

Dr. Diane Lewis is board-certified in general psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She earned both her undergraduate and medical degrees at Texas A&M University (College Station and Temple, TX) before completing her general psychiatry residency at UT Southwestern - Austin Programs (now Dell Medical School residency programs). After her residency, she practiced for eight years as a staff psychiatrist at the University of Texas' student counseling center. She also has experience working in hospital admissions and emergency department settings.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Lewis employs a medication-management-focused approach typically paired with supportive therapy during 30-minute follow-up visits. She strongly values a collaborative treatment approach, frequently encouraging patients to incorporate additional therapy for the best outcomes. Her primary specialty is college mental health, treating patients aged 18-45 with a range of mental health conditions from mild to complex. Dr. Lewis emphasizes authenticity, compassion, and recognizing patients beyond their diagnoses, providing care tailored to individual circumstances and goals.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During a first visit, patients can expect Dr. Lewis to conduct a thorough evaluation, carefully listening to their concerns, and considering their symptoms within the broader context of their lives. Her patients appreciate her down-to-earth and compassionate communication style. She aims to create an environment where patients feel understood, respected, and actively involved in shaping their personalized treatment plan, often recommending additional therapy support when beneficial for achieving optimal outcomes.

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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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Zakiyyah Weatherspoon is a dual-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of experience. Since 2011, she has worked in family medicine, and since 2013, she has focused on mental health care across the lifespan. Her background includes treating children, teens and adults in hospitals, private practices, and community settings.

Since 2017, Weatherspoon specialized in helping individuals manage depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, ODD, eating disorders, and substance use. She uses supportive therapy, solution-focused therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy to help clients feel heard, understood, and empowered.

Weatherspoon is passionate about breaking the stigma around mental health. She encourages her clients to speak up, get help, and take control of their mental wellness. Her approach is based on the Mental Health Recovery Model, which focuses on hope, healing, and building a life beyond diagnosis.

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Lily Mudry is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Supervisor, a Certified Clinical Supervisor with the Substance Abuse Board, a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist, a Master in Addictions Counselor, and a National Certified Counselor. Lily specializes in mental health practice and addictions counseling, with a particular focus on trauma-informed care. She offers individual, couples, and family counseling, utilizing a variety of evidence-based treatment interventions, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing.

Lily has extensive training in trauma-related therapies, including Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Polyvagal Theory, Emotional Freedom Technique, Brain Spotting and Mindfulness-Based Strategies. She believes in a holistic approach to therapy, recognizing the importance of understanding the brain and the autonomic nervous system, as well as the role of symptom management and prevention. Lily’s therapeutic philosophy emphasizes body awareness and the cyclical patterns of thoughts and emotions that influence overall well-being. Her focus is not only on healing and stability but also on inspiring and empowering clients to continue growing and evolving into their true authentic selves.

Lily’s approach integrates trauma-focused therapy, CBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, Reality Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and EMDR to help clients make meaningful progress in their therapeutic journey. She works primarily with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and trauma-related issues. Lily strongly believes in empowering clients through psychoeducation, self-advocacy, and collaboration, ensuring that therapy is driven by motivation, direction, and progress.

Her first sessions with clients are focused on establishing a safe and comfortable environment, building rapport, and understanding each client’s challenges and goals. By creating a space for open communication, Lily works alongside clients to identify their needs and develop a personalized approach to therapy.

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.