Jessica Brusgul, LMHC

Chelsea is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 7 years of experience in the field of mental health. Chelsea studied Sociology at the University of North Carolina in Charlotte North Carolina and obtained a master’s degree in social work at Norfolk State in Virginia. She has experience working with adolescents, adults, seniors, and families in various practice settings, such as psychiatric facilities, crisis stabilization/ substance abuse units, and outpatient agencies.

She specializes in working with individuals challenged with PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Self-defeating thoughts, Communication, Boundary setting, Coping Skills, Parenting, and Life transitions. Chelsea is passionate about providing holistic modalities of treatment to assist clients to manage mental health. She has experience using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered, Solution Focused, and Mindfulness Techniques, Person-Centered and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Chelsea's approach is empowering, direct, collaborative, and solution-focused, and she uses treatment modalities specific to the client's needs and goals. She believes in meeting clients where they are, advocating for clients’ needs, and creating a safe space for individual healing.

Chelsea is aware of the stigma created surrounding mental health in vulnerable communities. Chelsea believes that seeking therapy is a sign of strength and resiliency. Chelsea is honored to be able to support you on your journey toward healing and evolving.

Nicole Murphy, LMHC, earned her Bachelor's Degree from the University at Albany in 2018. She then went on to earn her Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling in 2019. Nicole has worked in various settings where she has gained experience working with adolescents and adults. Nicole has worked in an outpatient program for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness. She has also worked in a school setting, teaching tools and healthy coping strategies to adolescents.

Nicole will always meet a client where they are at. She will always lend a compassionate ear and empower clients to make positive changes in their lives.

Nicole takes a person-centered approach to working with clients and believes in providing a safe space to process thoughts and emotions without fear of judgement. Nicole’s approach to therapy includes utilizing cognitive behavioral interventions and solution focused strategies to address symptoms and overcome obstacles.

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Dr. Nieves-Alvarado is a board-certified psychiatrist who completed medical training at Duke University Psychiatry Program. Originally from Puerto Rico, she is fluent in both English and Spanish, which allows her to connect deeply with a diverse patient population. Her practice combines medication management with insight-oriented therapy during every visit, promoting a comprehensive approach to mental health care. She advocates for her patients to engage in therapy alongside medication management, as she believes this integrated approach leads to better outcomes and sustained improvement. Dr. Nieves-Alvarado's practice is rooted in a collaborative, team-based approach, working closely with her patients to achieve long-term mental wellness. Dr. Nieves-Alvarado earned her medical degree from the Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine in Bayamon, PR. Afterward, she moved to North Carolina, where she completed her residency at Duke University Hospital. During her training, she was nominated for a fellowship in psychodynamic practice by the Psychoanalytic Center of the Carolinas, showcasing her expertise in this area. She is also a dedicated advocate against childhood sexual trauma. Her diverse training includes significant experience in jail and forensic psychiatry, as well as the treatment of military veterans under the Veterans Affairs health care system. She has experience in medically assisted treatments (MAT) for substance use disorders, Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and family therapy, enabling her to care for patients with complex needs. Dr. Nieves-Alvarado treats patients across a wide age range, from young adults to the elderly. Passionate about improving access to mental health care, she joined Talkiatry to help patients facing time or transportation challenges receive the care they need. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Nieves-Alvarado remains involved with her alma mater's Behavioral Health Department, contributing to academic education and maintaining a connection with the next generation of medical professionals. She continues to seek ongoing improvement in her field, remaining engaged with medical associations including North Carolina Psychiatric Association, American Psychiatric Association, and Alpha Omega Alpha national medical honor society. Dr. Nieves-Alvarado is committed to working hand-in-hand with her patients to achieve mental wellness.

Khalilah is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) licensed in the states of Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, Alabama, and Georgia. Khalilah received an Associate degree in Arts and Sciences, Magna Cum Laude, from John Tyler Community College Chester, VA; a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, from Virginia State University Petersburg, VA; and a Master's degree in Clinical Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VA. Khalilah is known for a warm, relaxed, and comfortable approach to therapy. Khalilah's approach involves genuine caring, acceptance, and non-judgment. Khalilah also works with clients from a strengths-based, positive, and affirming perspective. Khalilah has been providing Mental Health Treatment and Services to include program coordination/management, psychotherapy, coaching, and case management for 20+ years. Khalilah specializes in treating individuals with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, co-occurring disorders (mental health and substance use disorders), and unresolved emotional issues. Khalilah's therapeutic techniques include individual counseling for personal and emotional growth, creating more meaning and purpose in one's life, and therapy to increase self-esteem and self-empowerment. Khalilah assists adults, couples and families with developing coping strategies, mental health/interpersonal skills, and techniques to mitigate life stressors and mental health symptomology that negatively impact personal functioning and quality of life. Khalilah is a trauma treatment specialist and focuses on the effective treatment for those that have endured sexual, physical, emotional, childhood, and domestic abuse. Khalilah utilizes evidenced-based psychotherapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Attachment Theory, Psychodynamic Theory and Family Systems Theory.

Dr. Thomas Crane is a board-certified psychiatrist who practices general adult psychiatry, with a special interest in managing depression, anxiety, OCD, and ADHD. He attended Calvin College for his Bachelor's Degree and Michigan State University College of Human Medicine for his Medical Degree. He then completed his Residency in Psychiatry at Ohio State University.‍After spending six months serving the prison population, he is back to doing what he finds most rewarding, which is one-on-one outpatient psychiatry. Dr. Crane places special emphasis on a triple-pronged approach to treating conditions, using medication, therapy, and lifestyle guidance. He enjoys building a therapeutic relationship with his patients, and he values longer-term continuity of care when appropriate. Dr. Crane recognizes that psychiatric conditions can hinder someone from enjoying their life in a way that they otherwise could, and his focus is on helping his patients obtain more happiness, while reducing frustration/pain.

Dr. Diane Edgar completed her psychiatry residency at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in Piscataway, NJ. She received her bachelor's degree in Chemistry at Florida International University in Miami, FL, and stayed to complete medical school at their Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. As a South Florida native, she is fluent in English and Spanish and has experience in treating individuals from a variety of cultural backgrounds. Dr. Edgar provides psychiatric care to adults ages 18 and older and is trained in the treatment of several psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, ADHD, OCD and substance use disorders. She believes in a patient-centered approach and working collaboratively with individuals to create a holistic treatment plan that is in alignment with their values and preferences. Treatment will include a combination of medication management, psychoeducation and therapy. She will provide supportive therapy and utilize elements of cognitive behavioral therapy and psychodynamic therapy when applicable. She may offer therapy rooted in mindfulness and the mind-body connection, stemming from her personal yoga practice. Treatment might also involve guidance in implementing life-style changes such as exercise, nutrition, and sleep hygiene. Dr. Edgar is passionate about providing a safe space where individuals can work towards healing and increasing their overall wellness while finding fulfillment in their lives.