Jennifer Murdock, PMHNP

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Jennifer DeSetto, RN, MSN, PMHNP-BC is a dedicated and compassionate Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience in a variety of settings, including inpatient psychiatry, private practice, and emergency psychiatry. Since beginning her practice in 2013, she has been committed to providing exceptional care for individuals facing mental health challenges.

She holds a Master of Science in Nursing as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, and she is board-certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Over the years, Jennifer has honed her skills in treating a broad spectrum of mental health conditions, with a special focus on adolescents, postpartum depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Jennifer is deeply passionate about empowering her patients and believes in a non-judgmental, laid-back approach that ensures a welcoming and comfortable space for healing. Her treatment style is individualized and tailored to each person’s specific needs, providing a thorough and holistic approach to care. She emphasizes building strong, trusting relationships with her patients, ensuring that each individual feels heard, respected, and supported on their mental health journey.

Her diverse background working across various healthcare environments has equipped her with a broad understanding of mental health care and a flexible approach to treatment, allowing her to adapt her strategies to meet the unique challenges faced by those she serves. With her wealth of experience and commitment to individualized care, Jennifer DeSetto, PMHNP-BC continues to be a trusted provider in the mental health field, dedicated to helping her patients lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Kenneth Kavanagh, PMHNP

Staff Nurse Practitioner

Kenneth Kavanagh is board certified as both a Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and an Adult Nurse Practitioner. His career has spanned 30 years with the last 17 years devoted exclusively to psychiatry. He integrates his knowledge of psychiatry and primary care into evidence-based medication management strategies. He also possesses a good working knowledge of alternative treatments and integrating alternative treatments into more traditional approaches. When needed to enhance patient care outcomes, he frequently works collaboratively with psychotherapists, primary care providers, and/or medical specialists.

Kenneth currently focuses on managing depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, adjustment disorders, ADHD, somatic disorders, OCD, and bipolar disorders. Kenneth has significant experience in working with diverse groups, including urban and rural populations across socioeconomic spectrums, professionals and college students on all levels, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals confronting life stage transitions, and people living with chronic medical conditions.

Kenneth’s psychotherapeutic methods are diverse and evolve to meet collaboratively developed treatment goals. Kenneth’s interaction style is always empathic and respectful but can range from comforting and supportive to more directive and therapeutically confrontational strategies to maximize treatment goals, often with significant doses of humor throughout the therapeutic relationship.

Neena Mathew, PMHNP

Staff Nurse Practitioner

Neena Tressa Mathew has forged an impressive career in the medical field, with a pivotal focus on extensive mental health expertise. She is dually board certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC), for care across all ages. She is fluent in English, Hindi, and Malayalam languages. Licensed in Florida, New York, Texas, and Georgia, she offers a patient-centered approach blending her experience and certifications. Her profound dedication in addressing mental health issues is evident through her hands-on experience in assessing, treating, and evaluating patients across a spectrum of psychiatric disorders including (but not limited to) ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, OCD, Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorders. She has excelled her services at Mindful Behavioral Healthcare, Advent Health Hospital as well as Park Place Behavioral Health care. Neena's international experience includes roles in Canada, enhancing expertise in gero-psychiatric care. She had the privilege of working in many practice areas, including, addictions medicine, grief counseling, and primary care.

Her academic credentials include a Post Master’s Certification from Florida State University and a Master of Science from D’Youville College, Buffalo NY. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Delhi University and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the Delhi School of Social Work. Professional affiliations with organizations like the American Nurses Association underscore her commitment to the profession. With the academic, leadership and research abilities Neena, was invited to be a member at the Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) as a graduate nursing student for demonstrating excellence in scholarship and exhibiting exceptional achievements in nursing. Neena has authored in several US Nursing Journals and Nursing Magazines. She has published / presented various research articles in international peer reviewed journals and has an active profile on Google scholar and Research Gate.

Neena's style of practice can be traditional (prescribing up to date psychiatric medications) or alternative medicine (natural treatments including but not limited to vitamins, supplements, lifestyle modification, nutrition, exercise and stress management). She believes in the mind/body/spiritual connection, and that, we are made up as a whole person and not a series of parts, just as Hippocrates "The Father of Medicine." Her holistic approach to mental health care shines through her adept management of psychotropic medications and integration of psychotherapy including supportive psychotherapy, CBT and psychodynamic therapy. Her main area of interest is the mind, body, and spiritual connection pertaining to their relationship and its role in one's health and healing. Neena has always enjoyed helping people and finds her work very rewarding. Going beyond mere diagnosis and treatment, Neena conducts meticulous examinations and mental health assessments to ensure precise identification of psychiatric illnesses. What sets her apart is his commitment to patient education is that she empowers individuals and their families with comprehensive knowledge about their conditions and treatment plans, encompassing the prescription of medications within a broader care strategy. Neena’s extensive mental health experience is complemented by her role as a clinical instructor, where she shares her insights and knowledge. This dual commitment to clinical practice and education underscores her multifaceted contribution to healthcare, emphasizing not only in treatment but also in the empowerment and education of individuals navigating their mental health journey makes her a versatile healthcare provider.

Neena's hobbies include reading, writing, beach activities, hiking and traveling with family. Her longtime hobby has always been to involve in charitable activities through the Lion’s club. “Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shake together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:32). It is in giving that we truly receive!

Catherine Sheahan, PMHNP

Staff Nurse Practitioner

Cate Sheahan, nurse practitioner, is dual certified in psychiatry and family medicine. She completed her masters in nursing education at East Carolina University, her post graduate training in family medicine at Duke University and her post graduate training in psychiatry at the University of St. Joseph. Cate has practiced in a variety of settings including clinics, skilled nursing and assisted living facilities, hospitals and community outreach. She appreciates how her years of varied experience have enriched her practice and compassion for others. She enjoys teaching and assisting others to build on their unique experiences and strengths.

Cate believes we are each unique in our experiences and our expression of those experiences. Using a collaborative approach, she seeks to discover, along with you, her patient, what is going on in your life and deciding together what treatment is best suited for you. Cate believes medication can be a solid foundation or a transitional step toward improved mental health. She also believes in 'less is more' when it comes to medications.

During each 30-minute session, Cate will employ supportive, motivational and reframing among other therapeutic techniques to foster confidence, insight and healing as you navigate your mental health journey. She believes the mind, body and spirit are an integrated whole and therefore encourages holistic self-care such as healthy eating, good sleep hygiene, regular exercise and mindfulness practices as part of your treatment. If more intensive therapy is needed, Cate will work with your therapist or make appropriate referrals as needed.

Jennifer Garner, PMHNP

Staff Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Jennifer Garner is a board-certified Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with Talkiatry. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 2009 and a master's degree from Vanderbilt University in 2011. Jennifer enjoys treating all adults and has outpatient experience with community mental health, corrections, and private practice. Besides outpatient care, she has worked in crisis stabilization and ambulatory detox for adults with primary psychiatric and dual diagnosis illnesses. Jennifer is skilled in treating a wide range of conditions including ADHD, bipolar disorder, substance misuse, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD. She is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment, ensuring all gender identities feel safe and respected. With a focus on patient-centered care, her approach is carefully tailored to each person's individual needs and goals, promoting a collaborative therapeutic relationship. During appointments, she combines medication management with therapy techniques to empower patients with the skills for their well-being. Appointments are as unique as each individual that she meets with. If you're ready (and even if you're not so sure) take the first step and let's talk.

Rebecca Jarrell, LPC

Staff Therapist

Rebecca Jarrell is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in California and New Mexico. She has been in the mental health field for over 24 years in a variety of clinical settings. Early in her career, she worked in an inpatient psychiatric hospital on the child and adolescent unit. Most recently, Rebecca has spent over a decade in the private practice setting working with adults and specializing in anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief and loss issues. While she provides a holistic, individualized treatment approach, she has a strong background in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and a Certified Grief Educator. She feels strongly about treating each client as a unique individual and meeting them wherever they are on their mental health journey. Rebecca is committed to creating a supportive and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives. Clients looking for a therapist will find Rebecca to be compassionate and direct, encouraging clients to challenge and reframe distorted thoughts while reinforcing positive adaptive behaviors.

Mark Varela,MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Mark Varela is a board-certified psychiatrist joining Talkiatry directly out of residency. He focuses primarily on medication management, often accompanied by brief cognitive, motivational, or supportive therapy. He may request that you also meet with a therapist regularly for your benefit. Dr. Varela received his medical degree and general psychiatric residency training both from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in West Texas. He treats young adults and adults with a wide variety of mental health concerns, including ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD.

Andrea Roth, LCSW

Staff Therapist

Andrea Roth is an LCSW in New York. Her recent work was at a community-based mental health clinic, where she worked with people of all ages and with various goals for counseling. She has 18 years of experience in human service and nonprofit organizations. She previously worked at a community organization in Syracuse that provides support to people with sensory loss, to maintain or establish independence. Additionally, she worked as a therapist with a Mobile Crisis team. Andrea received a Master's Degree in Social Work and a BA in Psychology from Syracuse University. She has also completed training in Conflict Resolution. Her therapeutic approach is client-centered and strengths-based, emphasizing collaboration and empowerment. She believes in creating a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their concerns, gain insight, and develop skills to cope effectively with life's challenges. Her clinical approach is to utilize the treatment model that best fits the unique needs of each individual. She strives to be sensitive to the various factors that might impact a person's identity, such as culture, ethnicity, disability, neurodivergence, or being part of the LGBTQ+ community. Andrea's work is informed by several different modalities, including CBT, DBT, IFS, and Mindfulness-based interventions. She has experience treating many mental health conditions such as Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar disorder, Trauma, Anger, Grief, and PTSD.

Jessica Fairchilds, PMHNP

Staff Nurse Practitioner

Jessica Fairchilds is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with over 8 years of experience in many psychiatric settings and populations. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Mississippi Medical Center and is passionate about providing high quality, comprehensive mental health services. Jessica prides herself in her patient-centered approach by fostering strong provider-patient relationships to achieve optimal treatment outcomes. In her free time, Jessica enjoys spending time with her husband and young daughters, traveling the globe, or getting lost in a historical fiction novel.

Jessica is highly focused on building a strong therapeutic relationship with her clients while making them feel heard and validated. She strives to provide the highest level of care while exploring different treatment options to find what works best for each individual.

Jessica will focus on learning about the client as an individual and learning the concerns of the client while working to develop an individualized treatment plan. She uses her extensive knowledge of medications and therapy techniques to guide treatment options for the best outcomes.

Michelle Scott, PMHNP

Staff Nurse Practitioner

Michelle Scott is a dual board certified Psychiatric, Family, and Emergency Nurse Practitioner with 16 years experience. Michelle Scott has extensive experience working in Psychiatry across the lifespan, Emergency Medicine, and Internal Medicine. Psychiatric experience specifically includes a focus on adult outpatient and inpatient psychiatry. Michelle Scott has additionally provided care as an acute care hospitalist and as an Assistant Medical Director, in multiple acute care psychiatric facilities. Michelle has additional experience in addiction treatment, CBT, motivational, and problem focused therapy. She provides holistic care, addressing the needs of mood disorders, anxiety disorders, autism, genetic disabilities, and adult mood, anxiety, and adult addiction issues. With 16 years of experience treating all ages in the areas of acute and chronic medical conditions and psychiatry, I have seen the difference the right provider can make in the lives of patients. Her goal is positive and sustainable outcomes, with an emphasis on combined treatment modalities, treating the whole person, and concurrent issues.

Amy Mattern, DO

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Mattern is board certified in Adult psychiatry. Her approach to mental health is integrative, with the utilization of complementary and alternative treatments such as yoga, lifestyle changes, and nutritional interventions in addition to traditional medication management and therapy. Dr. Mattern prefers to focus on the overall health and well-being of an individual, rather than just treating symptoms.

Dr. Mattern’s practice focuses on medication management along with elements of therapy from different modalities, such as supportive and cognitive behavioral therapy that are patient-tailored. Dr. Mattern understands the importance of psychotherapy and may ask to bring in a therapist into your treatment team to provide the best care and outcome. Her clinical interests include depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, OCD, and ADHD.

After completing her undergraduate degree in Biology at Ohio Northern University, Dr. Mattern received her medical degree from Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. She went on to complete her residency in psychiatry at The Ohio State University Medical Center. She also completed yoga teacher training and presented nationally at the APA in 2019 regarding the benefits of yoga for depression. Dr. Mattern is a member of the American Psychiatric Association, Ohio Psychiatric Physician’s Association, and Psychiatry Society of Central Ohio.

Dr. Mattern is board certified in Adult psychiatry. Her approach to mental health is integrative, with utilization of complementary and alternative treatments such as yoga, lifestyle changes, and nutritional interventions in addition to traditional medication management and therapy. Dr. Mattern prefers to focus on the overall health and well-being of an individual, rather than just treating symptoms. Dr. Mattern’s practice focuses on medication management along with elements of therapy.

Marla Richard, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Marla Richard is a Stanford-trained board-certified psychiatrist and is board-eligible for geriatric psychiatry from UCSD. She has been practicing in a variety of settings for the last 30 years. Dr. Richard uses an integrated health paradigm with general and geriatric patients using traditional psychopharmacology, interpersonal neurobiology practices, and personality assessments to look at root motivations for behaviors to address core issues and with medication management as needed. Dr. Marla believes that you need to take a whole-person approach to both mental and physical health. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota, Duluth, and then attended medical school at Stanford Medical School to complete her MD. With visions of becoming a general surgeon, she went to the University Hospitals of Cleveland and completed two years of general surgery training before seeing the light and transferring to psychiatry. She completed her psychiatry training at Stanford University and geriatric training many years later at UCSD. Her focus includes an integrated approach to the consideration of mental and physical health while incorporating mindfulness tools to teach skills of stress and anxiety management in everyday life. In conjunction with medication management, she uses interpersonal neurobiology to help clients understand triggers as well as methods to calm overactive stress responses and reactivity.

Jennifer Murdock, PMHNP

Education and training

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