Grace Smith, LCSW

Background and credentials

Dr. Jessica Matthews is a board-certified general psychiatrist. She earned her medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and completed her psychiatry residency at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, HI. After her training, she was stationed at Fort Hood, TX, where she worked as a staff physician in the inpatient unit at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center and later became the inpatient medical director. She subsequently transitioned to outpatient care, serving as a staff physician and later as clinic chief in the outpatient embedded behavioral health clinics. She continued working as a staff physician after leaving the military.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Matthews specializes in medication management, often incorporating supportive and cognitive-behavioral-focused therapy into treatment. Follow-up visits typically last 30 minutes, during which she evaluates progress and adjusts treatment as needed. She takes a collaborative approach and may recommend additional therapy when she believes it will optimize patient outcomes. Her primary areas of focus include treating adults with depression, anxiety, and stress/trauma-related disorders.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive evaluation where Dr. Matthews takes the time to understand their symptoms, history, and treatment goals. She prioritizes a structured yet patient-centered approach, discussing medication management options while considering therapeutic interventions tailored to individual needs. If necessary, she may recommend additional therapy as part of a well-rounded treatment plan.

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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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Dawn is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. She has over 18 years of experience in the field of mental health including Outpatient, Community Mental Health and Assertive Community Treatment. Dawn works with adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, self-esteem, and PTSD using an eclectic approach to suit your individual needs. Other modalities used are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Positive Psychology. Dawn is easy to talk to and her number one priority is to help provide a safe, open, non-judgmental place to share your personal experiences. She focuses on providing the skills to help manage your symptoms while working in tandem with your psychiatrist to provide the best outcome for you. Dawn received her Master of Social Work degree at Eastern Michigan University and is Certified as a Clinical Trauma Professional. While in Michigan, Dawn worked extensively with the Community Mental Health. Initially, she worked as an advocate working with clients who were diagnosed with a serious and persistent mental illness or with a dual diagnosis. She facilitated psychoeducation groups, provided crisis intervention and case management services. At Henry Ford Allegiance Health, Dawn played an integral role in implementing the integration between physical and mental health. Combining a Psychiatric Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic with a Primary Care Practice utilizing General Medical Education Resident Psychiatrists. Moving on to Florida, Dawn worked at the Marion County Jail assessing suicidal risk of inmates and provided brief supportive therapy. Ultimately, Dawn began her own virtual private practice, continuing her passion of helping others find the skills to begin to live again regardless of their imperfections.

Jennifer Hewitt is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, credentialed through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). She earned her master’s degree in nursing from Gonzaga University and has extensive experience treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Her passion for psychiatry and dedication to patient care are rooted in her background as an emergency room nurse and her experience in emergency medical services (EMS). This foundation has given her a unique perspective on the critical role mental health plays in overall well-being.

Jennifer provides compassionate care to adults, children, and adolescents, recognizing that each individual’s path to mental wellness is unique. She believes that while medication can be an important part of treatment, self-care and therapy are equally essential components of a holistic approach.

She is known for her empathetic listening and genuine connection with patients. Through collaboration, she helps individuals set realistic goals and empowers them to take an active role in their recovery. Her kindness and commitment create a supportive environment where patients can thrive on their journey toward mental wellness

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Dr. Carolyn Benson has 21 years of experience in treating adults, adolescents, and children. After graduating medical school at Brody School of Medicine in Greenville, North Carolina, she moved to Rochester, NY to complete her residency and fellowship at University of Rochester School of Medicine. Her focus over the last ten years has been on working with young adults, children/adolescents, and their families. Her expertise covers a wide array of therapeutic modalities and mental health diagnoses. The primary focus of her sessions is to provide medication management with education on treatment options. She will provide therapy models that are appropriate within that 20�30 minute medication session. If longer therapy time frames are indicated, she will discuss the need to add a therapist to your treatment team to achieve optimal care. Her successful treatment outcomes are based on experience, staying current on psychiatric treatments, and having open communication with patients and families of children/adolescents so they can choose the most effective treatments. Prior to medical school, she worked in both marine and biochemical research venues and was coauthor in several research papers. She has an avid interest in the emerging field of neuroscience and frequently gives talks to colleagues and students on current research topics. Her primary objectives in her work are to help patients achieve success in both treatment and life goals and to always take time to truly listen to her patients.

Dr. La Haie is board certified in adult psychiatry and has been in practice for over 15 years.  She completed her residency at Banner Good Samaritan (now Banner University) Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona.  After completing her residency training, Dr. La Haie worked with the severely mentally ill population for several years, then transitioned to a private practice setting that offered the interventional options of transcranial magnetic stimulation and ketamine infusion.  Most recently, Dr. La Haie has worked at the Phoenix VA treating veterans, with focus on PTSD, depression and anxiety.  Dr. La Haie has held an academic appointment at the University of Arizona Medical School and has spent her professional career supervising/teaching medical students and psychiatry residents.

Dr. La Haie's practice focuses on medication management and providing psychoeducation to her patients. However, if indicated, Dr. La Haie may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome.

Dr. La Haie has experience treating a large variety of mental health conditions across a variety of populations. She strongly believes in tailoring treatments through a holistic and patient-centered approach based on individual and multi-faceted histories. Dr. La Haie looks forward to working with you.

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Dr. Candice Hacker is a board-certified Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. She completed her Psychiatry residency and a fellowship in Consultation Liaison Psychiatry at Mount Sinai/St. Luke's Hospital. She is passionate about a holistic approach to patient care, trained in psychosomatic medicine, and she has a deep appreciation for the intricate connection between the mind and body. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Hacker has facilitated excellent outcomes in the treatment of various mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and trauma-related conditions. Dr. Hacker believes in creating a safe, nurturing and non-judgmental environment where patients can openly explore their emotions and experiences. By integrating evidence-based psycho-pharmacological modalities with mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral techniques, she empowers her patients to challenge a negative mindset and reach their goals. Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Hacker is deeply committed to community mental health advocacy and the destigmatization of mental illness.