Geoffrey Edelstein, LCSW

Dr. Rachel Bennett is a double board-certified physician in General Adult and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.  She graduated magna cum laude from Rosemont College, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology with dual minors in Biochemistry and English Literature.  She earned her medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine with a concentration in Medical Humanities.  Dr. Bennett completed residency training at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.  Her areas of research interest and publication during undergraduate and medical study and training have included pediatric palliative care, caregiver burden, autism spectrum disorders, and attachment-based family therapy.

Before joining Talkiatry, Dr. Bennett worked for nearly 12 years as a staff psychiatrist for Prospect Crozer Keystone Health System.  Her extensive clinical experience includes providing in-person and telepsychiatric care in a variety of settings including outpatient psychotherapy and community mental healthcare practices, hospital-based clinics, and school-based treatment programs, as well as emergency, consultation-liaison, and inpatient psychiatry.

Dr. Bennett’s treatment approach features an appreciation of the power of narrative in pursuit of deep self-understanding and meaningful personal progress.  She offers thorough assessment in an approachable, warm, and authentic manner, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle factors, the mind-body connection, relationships, and therapeutic rapport in collaboratively empowering her patients to achieve positive change, recovery, and resilience.  She has training and experience in a wide range of therapeutic modalities, including supportive, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and family psychotherapy as well as positive psychology, and Dr. Bennett’s strong systems-oriented perspective facilitates her provision of evidence-based care both as an individual psychiatrist and in collaboration with specialized medical and therapeutic care providers when appropriate.

Gretchen attended James Madison University for her undergraduate studies and graduate school at Virginia Commonwealth University and Boston University. She has practiced for three years in various settings, including residential facilities for children, acute care facilities, and private practice, where she successfully supported clients with neurodiversity in improving executive function, emotional regulation, and interpersonal relationships. Recognizing the complexities of neurodiversity beyond traditional clinical frameworks, Gretchen collaborates with medical professionals, educators, and families to create inclusive environments that foster success for individuals with neurodivergent traits.

Clients can expect to gain a deeper understanding of their thought patterns and uncover the underlying meanings behind their reactions. Through a collaborative and reflective process, they’ll develop greater self-awareness, challenge limiting beliefs, and gain clarity in their personal growth journey. This approach empowers clients to make more informed, intentional choices in their lives.

Gretchen takes a direct yet supportive approach, evident from the very first session. She integrates psychoeducation, somatic techniques to enhance body awareness, and strategic reframing to help clients uncover core beliefs that may be contributing to their challenges.

Juanette Plato, LMHC, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with experience providing inpatient, outpatient, and telehealth services. She earned her Master of Arts from Liberty University and holds certifications in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (C), Cognitive Processing Therapy, Certified Mood Disorder Professional (PESI), and Advanced EMDR Therapy Skills. She supports clients navigating mood disorders, trauma, and life stressors.

Juanette is a warm, direct, and non-judgmental therapist who uses an eclectic blend of body-based and mind-centered techniques. She values open communication and collaborates with patients to set clear, meaningful treatment goals. Her approach fosters a supportive space where individuals feel heard, respected, and empowered.

Juanette begins by thoroughly understanding each patient’s history, concerns, and goals during the initial session. She develops individualized treatment plans aligned with patient goals and works collaboratively in each session to support measurable progress and lasting change.

‍

Amber Durham, LCSW, has six years of experience practicing in outpatient settings. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee at Martin in 2018 and her Master’s degree in Social Work from Union University in 2020. In 2023, she became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Amber’s background allows her to provide compassionate, evidence-based care that supports patients through a variety of mental health challenges.

Amber values open communication and believes in working collaboratively with patients to establish clear, achievable treatment goals. She creates a warm and supportive environment where patients feel genuinely heard, respected, and empowered to explore their thoughts and emotions without judgment. Her approach centers on building trust and fostering personal growth throughout the therapeutic process.

Amber begins each therapeutic relationship by taking time to understand the patient’s unique history, concerns, and goals during the initial session. She develops individualized treatment plans tailored to align with those goals, ensuring that care remains patient-centered. Recognizing that trust takes time to build, Amber prioritizes creating a strong therapeutic alliance that supports meaningful progress over time.

Ana Castro, LMHC received a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Queens College, City University of New York. She completed training at F.E.G.S and has worked in community mental health and outpatient hospital-based settings. Ana has 7 years of experience working with individuals as well as with children and families treating anxiety, depression, family and relationship issues, and other mental health issues. Ana uses methods from psychoanalysis, CBT, DBT, along with light supportive therapy in order to provide a person-centered approach. She began by working at New York Psychotherapy and Counseling Center, working with individuals, as well as children and families in a high-risk area, providing family therapy, psychodynamic and behavioral therapy, and assisting with the coordination of care with outside agencies. Ana has worked at St. Joseph's Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic treating patients with various psychiatric illnesses. She has also worked at St. Vincent's- Westchester Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic, providing intake, diagnosis, and individual therapy to a population ranging from adolescents to late adults. Ana continues to work towards expanding her knowledge of evidence-based approaches in order to provide the best outcomes.

Mariechia Palmer, PhD, LMFT, LPC, LADC, is a dedicated clinician committed to empowering individuals and families through compassionate, insight-driven care. She is also licensed in Texas as a Marriage and Family Therapist, allowing her to support a broad and diverse community. Her work reflects a lifelong calling to help heal broken homes, relationships, and hearts.

Dr. Palmer believes meaningful change comes from understanding how past pain shapes present patterns. She creates a supportive space where patients feel safe to explore their experiences, uncover the origins of their struggles, and develop a deeper awareness of themselves. Her approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in genuine partnership.

Her process centers on helping patients retrace the wounds of their past so they can heal their present. Dr. Palmer guides individuals and couples through structured self-exploration, reframing old narratives, and identifying the tools needed for long-term growth. Her goal is to build resilience, clarity, and lasting emotional well-being.

‍