Jana Poole-McLain, LPC

Heidi is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with 15 years of professional experience teens, adults, and seniors with concerns and challenges related to divorce, family conflict, parenting challenges, dysfunctional relationships, low self-esteem, sexuality, and addiction. Heidi earned her Master's degree in Human Services, Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy from Capella University.

Heidi uses theories that include Relational, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Brief (SFBT), Humanistic / Rogerian, Psychoanalytic / Psychodynamic, Mindfulness-Based (MBCT), Attachment-Based, Adlerian, Positive Psychology, Person-Centered, Christian Counseling, Family Systems, CBT / Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Gottman Trained, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Narrative, Emotionally Focused, DBT / Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Our first session will be about getting to know each other and developing a sense of understanding and connection. We will establish rapport and develop a picture of your personal and family history. Heidi strives to represent authentic self, work affectively, giving assignments, providing tools and teach techniques.

Heidi enjoys working with married couples and individuals experiencing pressing issues who are wanting to quickly move towards their goals and are driven towards change. Her approach to therapy is collaborative and flexible; Heidi strives to encourage her clients to improve their relationships and personal experiences by being their authentic selves. She can help you navigate life transitions, heal from traumatic experiences, and improve communication skills. Heidi seeks to provide a warm, trusting, nonjudgmental environment where you'll know that you are deeply listened to, and can safely and freely discuss your challenges, concerns, and vulnerabilities. Heidi is here to offer you her honest and supportive feedback.

‍

Deborah Bearman, PMHNP, is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner dedicated to helping individuals facing mental health challenges live more fulfilling lives.

She earned her Master of Science in Nursing with a specialty in psychiatry from SUNY Upstate Medical University. Deborah is trained in psychiatric diagnosis, medication management, and both psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral therapies. Over the past 10 years, she has gained valuable experience in a variety of settings, including inpatient and outpatient facilities, community mental health clinics, and private practice.

Deborah approaches adult mental health from a holistic perspective, combining medication management with supportive counseling, which she offers during 30-minute follow-up sessions. While her primary focus is medication management, she believes most individuals benefit from therapy as well. She has extensive experience in both psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral therapies and is committed to providing psychoeducation to patients, families, and caregivers.

As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, Deborah values the therapeutic relationship and its positive impact on daily functioning. By working collaboratively with patients to create comprehensive and effective treatment plans, she supports them in achieving healthier, more satisfying lives.

‍

Dr. Megan Tusken is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. She received her undergraduate degree from Brown University and her medical doctorate at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. Prior to joining Talkiatry, Dr. Tusken completed residency training in general psychiatry at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Dr. Tusken provides evidence-based, patient-centered care and considers a trusting doctor-patient relationship integral to helping her patients achieve their treatment goals. During training, Dr. Tusken gained extensive experience in inpatient, consult, emergency room, and outpatient practice settings with culturally and socioeconomically diverse patient populations. She also elected to acquire additional experience with specific patient populations, including patients with treatment-resistant depression, substance use disorders, and sleep disorders, as well as LGBTQ+ individuals and older adults. Tusken's treatment approach is collaborative and holistic. She provides medication management for a variety of mental health conditions, with particular interest in mood and anxiety disorders. In addition to psychopharmacologic interventions, she firmly believes in the mind-body connection, and she incorporates psychotherapeutic techniques into her visits to provide the best, individualized care for each patient.

Dr. Anil Joseph (AJ) Kulangara completed additional training in Psychiatry at the University of Washington after working primarily in women’s health, primary care, and military medicine as a Battalion Surgeon in the United States Army.  Following his military service, he trained in Psychiatry and served the mental health needs of our Veteran population. He is excited to now bring his unique expertise and experiences to Talkiatry, as well as his additional training in Women’s Mental Health, Reproductive and Perinatal Psychiatry, PTSD, and trauma-informed ADHD evaluation and treatment.

Dr. AJ’s approach focuses on behavioral change, with medication management and supportive therapies serving as important (and often essential) adjuvants to optimizing mental health.

During your first meetings with Dr. AJ, you should expect a thorough evaluation of your clinical and social histories, as well as some introductory psychoeducation.  Following that screening, anticipate a discussion about his approach to your condition and an initial treatment plan.  Please feel free to bring up any questions or concerns at any time during this process, and note-taking is highly encouraged!

‍

Melissa Sims, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who is passionate about delivering high-quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health care. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2022 and has since worked in both community mental health and correctional settings.

Melissa takes a collaborative approach to care, working closely with other mental health professionals, medical providers, families, and relevant support systems to ensure well-rounded treatment. She emphasizes a patient-centered, individualized approach, combining medication management with psychotherapy to meet each person’s unique needs.

Patients working with Melissa can expect a thorough evaluation, accurate diagnosis, and a personalized treatment plan tailored to their mental health goals. One of her core priorities is to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their care by providing education grounded in research, evidence-based practices, and clinical experience.

‍

Dr. Theresa Colberg is a board certified adult psychiatrist. She offers guidance with navigating difficult and painful emotions that may result from stressful life situations, such as the loss of or separation from a loved one, work related stressors, burn out, adult and childhood trauma, OCD and mood disorders including major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and various anxiety disorders. Within a safe, and supportive working relationship, Dr. Colberg will strive to reach an understanding of your unique situation, identify the issues that are interfering with progress, and develop a plan to better identify and achieve your goals.

Previous to joining Talkiatry, Dr. Colberg served as a clinical psychiatrist for the VA Healthcare System, providing care for veterans with a predominant focus on treatment of post traumatic stress disorder. She has also worked collaboratively as an integrated psychiatrist for a primary care FQHC, treating primarily trauma and stressor related disorders within a primary care setting.

Dr. Colberg completed her Psychiatry Residency from Mount Sinai-Beth Israel in New York City and obtained her medical degree from Temple Medical School in Philadelphia. She offers 60-minute initial appointments and 30-minute follow-up appointments, and she won't hesitate to collaborate with other mental health experts as necessary to better support your needs.