Jessica Brusgul, LMHC

Melissa Medina, LCSW, began her journey in mental healthcare with a Bachelor’s in Psychology followed by a Master of Social Work degree. From 2015 to 2018, she completed her clinical hours at a community mental health agency in Los Angeles, where she gained experience working with diverse populations facing complex challenges. Melissa’s therapeutic approach integrates psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, interpersonal, strengths-based, dialectical behavioral, and EMDR modalities. She is dedicated to providing culturally sensitive, neurodivergent-friendly, person-centered care to support individuals and families navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, panic attacks, grief, family conflict, and life transitions.

Melissa believes therapy is both a journey and a destination. She takes an eclectic approach, tailoring interventions and communication to best fit each patient’s needs and preferences. Patients can expect an atmosphere of warmth, empathy, and collaboration. Through motivational interviewing and narrative techniques, Melissa helps individuals articulate their stories, identify strengths, and reframe challenges as opportunities for growth. She is committed to meeting patients where they are while supporting them in reaching their goals.

Melissa’s process begins with building rapport, listening to each patient’s story, and understanding their unique needs and hopes for therapy. Early sessions focus on creating a safe, supportive space while developing a treatment plan tailored to the individual. Patients can expect to gain fresh perspectives, practical coping strategies, and deeper self-awareness. Melissa’s goal is for patients to feel heard, understood, and empowered as they strengthen relationships, build resilience, and move toward a greater sense of fulfillment.

Taylor Cortez is a licensed professional counselor with extensive experience in treating diverse populations and diagnoses. She earned her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of West Georgia. Taylor has served as a primary therapist and assessor at Willowbrooke at Tanner inpatient facility, a primary therapist at the University of West Georgia Counseling Center, and as a primary virtual therapist at Connected Minds in Atlanta, Georgia. Using a warm and humanistic approach, Taylor creates a safe and empathetic space for clients to explore and process difficult emotions and traumas. She employs an interdisciplinary theoretical approach, customizing therapeutic interventions to meet the unique needs and preferences of each client. Taylor is dedicated to providing unwavering support to clients as they navigate life's challenges. Taylor is trained in various therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed approaches. She specializes in working with clients diagnosed with ADHD, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and body dysmorphia. Committed to offering the best counseling experience possible, Taylor helps her clients heal from past experiences and flourish in the present. She approaches each client with compassion, empathy, and a commitment to their overall well-being and growth.

Meredith McMillan is a Licensed Mental Health Therapist with 9 years of experience working in mental health. She specializes in working with individuals who experienced trauma and toxic stress, as well as those with addiction issues, relationship challenges, and adjustment disorders. Ms. McMillan's therapy practice focuses on providing person-centered encouragement and support. She utilizes a trauma-focused cognitive behavioral approach to help you to develop your understanding of yourself and your challenges and enable you to utilize your strengths to facilitate your healing. She received a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology from Palm Beach Atlantic University in Orlando, Florida, and established herself as a therapist working in community mental health in the Lakeland, Florida area. She spent several years working at Tri-County Human Services providing co-occurring outpatient substance abuse therapy. Later, she shifted to providing services to children through Tri-County's B-Net program and Children's Home Society. She went on to become the Clinical Supervisor at the Children's Home Society providing care to children and adolescents impacted by trauma and the child welfare system. Before joining Talkiatry, she also served as the clinical supervisor and therapist at The Mary Welsh Foundation, providing care to individuals of all ages and specializing in trauma and family issues. Ms. McMillan has worked with individuals dealing with a variety of mental health issues throughout her years of experience as a therapist. She has worked with people of all ages and has experience working with families and couples. She has had additional training to serve individuals dealing with addictions and with processing trauma. She has had extensive experience working with individuals dealing with mood disorders and anxiety, as well as relationship and parenting issues.

Chad McDaniel, LPC-MHSP, is an experienced mental health professional with a background in both outpatient and inpatient settings. He has worked extensively with clients navigating mental health and substance use challenges. Chad earned his master’s degree in counseling from Southern Adventist University and completed his clinical internship at Parkridge Valley Psychiatric Hospital, where he developed a strong foundation in evidence-based care and client-centered practice.

Chad values open communication and collaboration in every therapeutic relationship. He works alongside clients to establish clear treatment goals and realistic expectations, ensuring that care is both purposeful and personalized. His approach is grounded in empathy and respect, creating a safe and supportive environment where clients feel accepted, heard, and empowered to make meaningful change.

In the initial session, Chad takes time to thoroughly understand each client’s personal history, current concerns, and long-term goals. He then develops an individualized treatment plan that reflects their unique needs and aspirations. Throughout the therapeutic process, Chad regularly reassesses progress, adjusting interventions as needed to help clients achieve lasting growth and improved well-being.

Carly Frix-Rhyne is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), in both Texas and Arkansas, who has extensive experience working in the mental health field. She has worked directly with clients of various demographics, living with a variety of mental health conditions. Carly attended undergraduate and graduate school in her hometown of Texarkana, Texas at Texas A&M University - Texarkana. She completed her practicum and internship working as a therapist in therapeutic foster care, with children, teens, foster parents, and biological families. Carly has been practicing for 7 years as a LPC, focusing on individuals working to cope with trauma, stressful life events, anxiety, depression, and issues coping with and communicating their own needs. Carly has worked for community mental health agencies, non-profit agencies, and private practice organizations. Much of Carly's past work involves providing therapy services to children, teens, and adults who survived abuse/trauma. Carly enjoys working with clients of all ages and with a variety of different presenting mental health needs. She uses different techniques including cognitive behavioral approaches and attachment-based approaches, while maintaining a person-centered theoretical orientation with all clients. Carly utilizes a range of therapeutic tools in hopes of providing clients with practical skills they can begin using immediately. She believes in meeting clients exactly where they are and helping them understand their own needs.

Ernest Smith, LPC, specializes in supporting adolescents, young adults, adults, and older adults as they navigate grief, anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. With a compassionate and client-centered approach, he creates a safe, nonjudgmental space for individuals to explore their experiences and build the skills necessary for healing, growth, and resilience.

Ernest draws from a range of evidence-based modalities—including solution-focused therapy, person-centered therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). He tailors each session to meet the unique needs of his clients, whether helping adolescents manage emotional regulation and identity development or supporting older adults in coping with grief and life changes.

Ernest provides trauma-informed care and recovery-focused strategies that foster emotional safety, self-awareness, and long-term well-being. His goal is to walk alongside each person with empathy, understanding, and practical tools that promote lasting change and inner strength.