Huong Phan, LPC

Christy Caric-Ball, LPC, earned her undergraduate degree in Philosophy from The University of Texas at Austin and her MA in Clinical Psychology from The University of Texas Pan American. She has worked with underserved girls and women at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine and completed internships in diverse settings, including an intimate partner violence diversion court, a shelter for undocumented minors, and a behavioral health center. Her clinical interests include women’s health, LGBTQIA+ issues, teen adjustment counseling, and trauma-informed care.

Christy’s style is supportive and solution-focused, using evidence-based approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Interpersonal Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. She values empowering patients to focus on what they can change while letting go of what is beyond their control. Patients can expect to feel heard, supported, and encouraged as they work toward their wellness goals.

Christy begins by developing rapport and gaining a thorough understanding of each patient’s history. Together, they identify where the patient is now and where they want to be. She creates individualized treatment plans, revisiting and adjusting them as needed to align with evolving goals and promote lasting progress.

Melinda Morris is a dedicated and compassionate LCSW with over 6 years of experience in the field of mental health. She holds a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Tennessee and has been a practicing counselor since 2018. Melinda specializes in helping individuals navigate life's challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, transitional periods, and relationship issues. Her approach isclient-centered and integrative, combining techniques from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), and solution-focused therapy to tailor treatment plans to each client's unique needs and identifying their personal strengths to enhance theirprogress in becoming and feeling the best version of themselves in any new chapter they maybe experiencing. Throughout her career, Melinda has worked primarily in nonprofit and private practice settings. She is known for her empathetic listening, non-judgmental attitude, and ability to build rapport and trust to create a safe and supportive environment for her clients so they can find their voice and be truly heard and understood. Melinda is committed to ongoing professional development and regularly attends workshops and conferences to stay current with the latest advancements in mental health treatment. She is also an active member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). When she's not working, Melinda enjoys traveling, hiking, painting/drawing, and spending time with her awesome kiddo and fur babies.

Dr. Robert Dugger is a board-certified psychiatrist in General Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Born and raised in Miami to a Virginian father and Cuban mother, he is bilingual in English and Spanish. He earned a B.A. in Biology and Political Science from the University of Miami, a Master of Public Health in Health Policy from New York Medical College, and his M.D. from Stony Brook University School of Medicine. He completed residency and fellowship training in New York through the Northwell Health System and BronxCare Health System, where he served as Chief Fellow in Child Psychiatry. He has also worked as a researcher at institutions including Columbia University. Outside of work, he enjoys gaming, sci-fi fantasy, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, hiking, sailing, and sportfishing.

Dr. Dugger strives to create a supportive and respectful environment where patients feel genuinely heard and understood. He values careful listening, curiosity, and follow-through, and takes a practical, individualized approach to care. Rather than relying on one-size-fits-all solutions, he collaborates with patients to clarify goals, track progress, and focus on changes that meaningfully improve daily life.

Dr. Dugger begins by developing a thorough understanding of each patient’s history, current concerns, strengths, and goals. Early visits focus on understanding context—what is happening now, what has been tried, and what the patient hopes to change. Treatment plans are developed collaboratively and adjusted over time, with follow-up visits emphasizing steady, sustainable improvement through integrated and comprehensive care.

Dr. Irene Pastis is a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in adult psychiatry.  She completed residency training at East Carolina University in both internal medicine and psychiatry.  After residency, she pursued her passion in psychiatry and stayed on as a clinical assistant professor in the department of psychiatry at East Carolina University.  In this role she specialized in treating adults with mental illness in both the inpatient and outpatient settings.  She has spent a considerable amount of time teaching residents and medical students and has published several papers focusing on the neuroscience pathways of mental health conditions.  In her daily practice, Dr. Pastis focuses on evidence-based treatments utilizing the latest clinical guidelines and current approved treatments.  In addition to medication management, she also incorporates psychotherapy in the treatment of mental health conditions.  Dr. Pastis is passionate about taking a collaborative approach with her patients to help them reach their potential.

Dr. Kerry O'Leary is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who joined Talkiatry after she completed her psychiatry residency. Dr. O'Leary provides patient-centered care and understands the importance of actively involving patients in their treatment journey. She believes that every patient deserves personalized care tailored to their unique needs and circumstances. She utilizes evidence-based treatments combined with a comprehensive approach to address not only the symptoms but also the underlying factors contributing to her patients' distress. Although her practice focuses on medication management, she also provides supportive therapy and may recommend more intensive therapy when indicated. Dr. O'Leary approaches each patient with empathy and understanding, fostering a supportive and nonjudgmental environment. Dr. O'Leary completed her undergraduate training at The University of Texas at Austin and pursued her medical degree at The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. She also graduated with a Master's in Public Health from Columbia University in New York. She went on to complete her general adult psychiatry training at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. Dr. O'Leary focuses on treating the adult population from ages 18+. She utilizes both pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatment interventions and has experience in treating a variety of diagnoses including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, insomnia, PTSD, OCD, and psychotic disorders.

Matthew is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and received his education in this specialty at Maryville University of St. Louis, Missouri.  He has been working in the mental health field for over 20 years and has provided care to patients in diverse care settings including psychiatric hospitals, outpatient mental health centers, psychiatric home health, and telepsychiatry.  Matthew is passionate about expanding access to high quality mental health care to all in need and greatly enjoys collaborating with patients from diverse backgrounds.  In his free time, he enjoys hiking, camping, reading, traveling, and searching for the best Mexican food around.  

Patients working with Matthew should know that he utilizes a very collaborative approach to patient care.  He does not assume that he knows what's best for patients but works closely with them to find the most appropriate and effective treatment plan for the unique individuals that he treats.  For Matthew, safety is always the first priority, but he does not believe in a "one size fits all" approach to mental health care and is focused on tailoring the treatment to the patient.  Matthew utilizes an empathic approach to mental health treatment and patients will feel heard and valued.  

Matthew's process for working with patients includes a thorough psychiatric evaluation at the initial appointment to make sure we are getting to the right diagnosis and remaining on track to improve the patient's mental health. Follow-up appointments are focused on monitoring for progress or regression and working collaboratively to meet mutually agreed upon goals. Collaboration is key!

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