Jennifer Ruch, DO

Dr. Catherine Shim is a board-certified psychiatrist and completed her training at the University of Washington, where she received additional certifications in Psychotherapy and Community Psychiatry.  Prior to joining Talkiatry, she spent years serving the mental health needs of underserved communities as well as our Veteran population.  Dr. Cat is excited to bring that same dedication and selfless service to her Talkiatry patients!

Dr. Cat is experienced in managing a multitude of mental health conditions, but her specialty is providing behaviorally oriented trauma-informed care.  Her approach is to treat primarily through psychotherapy and behavioral change, with medication management serving as an important (and often essential) adjuvant to optimizing mental health.

Dr. Cat tends to have a very casual engagement style, so expect a frank but open conversation during your first meetings with her.  Following that initial screening, anticipate a candid discussion about her 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!

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LaTreece Ross is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas who has been practicing for 4+ years in a variety of settings including mental health clinics, school settings, foster homes & resident treatment care centers (RTC). She also has 3 + years of trauma experience at the Children's Advocacy Center of Collin County (CACCC) for her practicum, internship, and post grad clinical hours.LaTreece is dedicated to helping clients find new ways to cope with everyday life as they reframe their thought patterns. During therapy, she incorporates multiple modalities of treatment into her practice to give each client a unique experience that meets their specific needs. LaTreece offers cognitive behavioral therapy, client-centered therapy, Solution-focused Therapy, and trauma-informed therapy. She specializes in working with clients dealing with depression, anxiety, life transitions, adolescent and peer issues, relationship and family distress, and grief and loss. During the initial sessions, LaTreece will collaborate with the client to create a treatment plan and set goals for therapy.

Tony Gunn II is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Alabama and Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California. He is the Founder and Clinical Director of PULSE Counseling and Consulting, LLC, providing telehealth and in-person services. His background includes outpatient therapy, community mental health, and behavioral health leadership. He is EMDR-informed, a board-certified specialist in transgender-affirming care, a Substance Abuse Professional, and is pursuing a PhD in Clinical Sexology. He works with adolescents, adults, couples, and families using CBT, ACT, trauma-focused, and relapse prevention approaches.

Tony Gunn II provides care grounded in dignity, respect, and cultural humility. He offers a structured, goal-oriented approach balanced with warmth and authenticity. He values direct, honest communication and encourages conversations that may feel uncomfortable but necessary for growth. Sessions focus on measurable progress and meaningful change. He integrates trauma-informed and EMDR-informed principles when appropriate and supports clients navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, identity development, relationship concerns, and life transitions.

Tony Gunn II begins with a comprehensive intake to understand each client’s history, strengths, stressors, and goals. He collaborates to establish clear, measurable objectives and develops an individualized treatment plan aligned with the client’s values. Using evidence-based interventions, he provides practical tools for use between sessions, monitors progress regularly and adjusts care as needed. When appropriate, he coordinates with other providers to promote long-term stability, resilience, and sustainable change.

Dr. Amanda Kerr is a board-certified Psychiatrist. Her practice focuses on medication management, though she passionately believes in a holistic approach. She attended Boston University for her undergraduate studies and Loyola Marymount University for graduate school. She then completed her training at Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine for medical school and Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine for residency, where she was selected to serve as Chief Resident during her final year. After completion of her residency in 2016, she dedicated seven years to serving a wide range of patients in a community mental health setting, both in-person and via telepsychiatry. She also serves as a provider at an Intensive Outpatient Program. She has experience treating patients with depressive and bipolar disorders, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and OCD. She also has extensive teaching experience in various settings. Dr. Kerr has a gentle and approachable style when providing medication management in conjunction with supportive psychotherapy, and at times Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques to more fully address each individual's needs. She utilizes mindfulness approaches as well, which she finds personally meaningful in her practices of meditation and yoga. If Dr. Kerr feels you would benefit from working with a therapist as well, she may recommend and values a collaborative approach.

Dr. Shaily C. Desai, MD is a board-certified psychiatrist who treats adults. She graduated Magna Cum Laude and with General Honors from University of Miami. She completed medical school at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in the prestigious Honors Program in Medicine. She continued her medical education at Jackson Memorial Hospital & University of Miami Hospital for her 4-year psychiatry residency training program. After completing her training, Dr. Desai held an academic appointment at the University of Miami while working at the Miami Veterans Affairs Hospital initially as a behavioral health consultant in the Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PCMHI) model and later as a Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) psychiatrist in the Mental Health Treatment Coordinator (MHTC) role.

Dr. Desai’s background spans clinical care, academic research, and community service, giving a comprehensive understanding of mental healthcare delivery across different settings. Dr. Desai developed expertise in quickly building rapport with patients, conducting medication management assessments, and implementing effective interventions. These experiences taught Dr. Desai how to maintain clinical excellence while showing patience and respect for each patient's unique circumstances. She understands the delicate balance of providing thorough care within the constraints of virtual sessions and she has developed strategies to ensure patients feel supported and understood, even though a screen.

By combining clinical expertise with genuine empathy and persistence, Dr. Desai helps her patients navigate their treatment journey with confidence and hope. Dr. Desai’s practice focuses on medication management and supportive psychotherapy in typically 30-minute follow up visits. At times, additional psychotherapy is needed, and a therapist may be added to provide the best outcome.

Marie Thompson, PMHNP, has over a decade of experience practicing in outpatient settings. She earned her undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate degrees from Ursuline College in Pepper Pike, Ohio. Marie is dual certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, allowing her to provide well-rounded, holistic care to her patients.

Marie uses a team-based approach to help patients meet their treatment goals. She is dedicated to creating a trusting, non-judgmental environment where individuals feel safe, heard, and supported. Her goal is to enhance daily functioning and improve each patient’s overall quality of life.

Marie creates individualized treatment plans to meet each patient's unique needs. She works collaboratively to develop patient-centered goals and uses a thoughtful, compassionate approach to guide treatment. Her process prioritizes open communication, shared decision-making, and long-term wellness.