Jannise McKamey-Bruell, LPC

Dr. John "Will” Banks is a board-certified psychiatrist who completed his General Psychiatry residency training at Stony Brook University Hospital in Stony Brook, NY. During his residency training at Stony Brook University Hospital, Dr. Banks was selected by faculty to serve as an administrative chief resident based on his leadership qualities and integrity. He received numerous awards during his residency training including the Excellence in Compassionate Care Award, Academic Achievement Award, and Harold Pass Excellence in Psychotherapy Award. He also served as an Outpatient Senior Resident to help junior residents acclimate to the outpatient treatment setting and telehealth format. Dr. Banks implements an integrative approach to his practice that primarily utilizes medication management and various psychotherapy disciplines such as cognitive-behavioral, supportive, and psychodynamic techniques. While Dr. Banks is trained in a variety of therapeutic fields, he works collaboratively with therapists and may recommend their inclusion as part of your treatment team to provide you with the level of care you deserve. The duration of follow-up appointments with Dr. Banks is typically 20-30 minutes. He received his master's degree from the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth, TX. He then completed medical school at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine Seton Hill in Greensburg, PA where he served as president of his medical school's chapter of Sigma Sigma Phi Honorary Service Fraternity and co-founder of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Campus Club. Upon graduation from medical school, Dr. Banks completed his residency training in General Psychiatry at Stony Brook University Hospital in Stony Brook, NY.

Richard Chase is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Supervisor (LPCC-S), Board Certified through the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). He holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Counseling and Human Development.

For over 10 years, Richard has provided a safe, welcoming space to help clients address a wide range of mental health challenges. He views therapy as a journey of personal discovery and is passionate about guiding individuals through life’s difficulties. His approach integrates evidence-based methods to tailor treatment to each person’s unique needs and preferences.

In sessions, Richard focuses on fully understanding the concerns a patient is experiencing before collaborating to create a personalized treatment plan. Together, they work toward building confidence, managing difficult emotions, and creating meaningful change that supports a more balanced, hopeful, and fulfilling life.

Dr. Hyewon Choi earned her medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX, and an MBA from Rice University. She completed her psychiatry residency at Northwestern University in Chicago, IL, and has practiced in both outpatient and inpatient settings, including the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, TX.

Dr. Choi values open communication and a collaborative approach. She works with patients to set clear, achievable goals and develop treatment plans that reflect their priorities, fostering a warm, supportive environment where patients feel heard and respected.

Dr. Choi begins with a comprehensive review of each patient’s history, concerns, and goals. She then creates an individualized treatment plan tailored to the patient, which is continually updated as progress is made, ensuring care remains aligned with evolving needs.

Lance Briggs is a dedicated Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of clinical and leadership experience. A graduate of the University of North Dakota, Lance began as a psychiatric RN in acute inpatient settings before becoming a psychiatric RN supervisor in a major Houston hospital while pursuing advanced practice.

After becoming a PMHNP, Lance initially worked with outpatient addiction treatment and severe mental illness populations, later expanding into bariatric psychiatry to support patients preparing for weight-loss surgery. When the COVID-19 pandemic paused bariatric procedures, Lance founded a private practice—Grey Matters Mental Health—in Seattle, which was later sold to a larger healthcare organization in Minnesota. Lance then transitioned into correctional mental health, serving underserved populations within the criminal justice system. Currently, Lance is working at Talkiatry, providing compassionate, high-quality care informed by experience across diverse and challenging environments.

Lance understands that every patient is unique. His approach is grounded in Carl Rogers’ principle of unconditional positive regard, creating a safe, calming space where patients feel heard and valued. Lance takes time to explore developmental history, family background, and major life events, recognizing how past experiences shape present challenges. He aims to understand each symptom fully and offers thoughtful, collaborative treatment options.

Background and credentials

Dr. Sabera Saklayen is a board-certified psychiatrist licensed in Adult Psychiatry. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University and her medical degree from Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine. She completed her psychiatry training at Stony Brook University Hospital, where she served as chief resident and was awarded the William Turner Award for outstanding performance in psychiatry residency. She has extensive experience treating diverse populations, including vulnerable and underserved communities, having worked as an outpatient psychiatrist at Bellevue Hospital for two years.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Saklayen specializes in medication management but takes a holistic, patient-centered approach that integrates supportive therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and motivational interviewing (MI). She has extensive experience treating depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety, OCD, insomnia, and substance use disorders. She is particularly skilled in treating college students and individuals navigating difficult life transitions. If more in-depth therapy is needed, she may refer patients to a therapist as part of a comprehensive care plan.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a thorough and compassionate evaluation, where Dr. Saklayen carefully assesses symptoms, history, and treatment goals. She prioritizes collaboration and individualized treatment planning, ensuring that patients feel comfortable and supported in their mental health care. Follow-up visits are typically 30 minutes and focus on medication management and therapy integration, with referrals to additional therapy when needed for the best possible outcome.

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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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Ethan Bardell holds the position of Psychotherapist at Talkiatry. He completed both his undergraduate and graduate training at Clarion University of Pennsylvania. Ethan obtained his BS in Rehabilitative Sciences and Human Services with a concentration in developmental disabilities. Ethan then completed his MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Ethan has a strong background in community mental health work, where he has worked with individuals, couples, families, and groups using a client-centered approach that is both gentle and supportive. In sessions, Ethan works to create a welcoming space where individuals can both process and make sense of their unique experiences, while using a combination of modalities to best fit the needs of each individual. Ethan has a true passion and interest in treating a wide array of psychiatric disorders including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, dual disorder, and substance use issues, and various personality disorders.‍