Jessica Mars, LCSW

Kierra is a licensed mental health therapist and received her BS in Criminal Justice Leadership from Urbana University and M.Ed in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Dayton. Kierra has 20 years of experience working in the field of social services, and 7 years of experience as a licensed clinician.

Kierra has maintained positions in a wide array of environments including corrections, juvenile detention, CPS, psychiatric hospitals, schools, and in-home/community-based settings. Kierra has experience servicing adolescents, adults, and the elderly populations.

Kierra understands how intimidating therapy can be and commends you for taking the first step towards enhancing your life. Kierra asks that you are patient with yourself as you are embarking down a new path and reward yourself with gratitude as you reach new milestones in your life.

Kierra utilizes a holistic approach and provides talk therapy through the use of multiple treatment modalities including but not limited to, CBT, Solution Focused Therapy, Supportive therapy, and DBT techniques. Kierra is a Christian and may apply Christianity based principles to support your preferences and unique circumstances.

Your success in therapy is contingent upon your progress and commitment to attend and participate in sessions, as well as being open minded and willing to facilitate change from your past behaviors. In working together, Kierra will initiate the best treatment regimen designed for you and provide ongoing support for all your treatment needs.

Thank you for investing in your happiness, and Congratulations on taking the first steps to create a better you!!

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Meet Alex Starmer, LMHC, your friendly mental health counselor here at Talkiatry. She's not just a counselor; she's your partner on your mental health journey. Alex earned her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Syracuse University in 2020 and has been in the field since January 2021, working closely with clients facing mental health and substance use challenges. Alex believes in the power of the mind-body connection, and she loves to share polyvagal exercises and mindfulness techniques to help you better understand yourself. She's always learning and growing, with ongoing training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Her go-to tools for therapy are Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). With her, you can expect a compassionate and comprehensive approach to your mental well-being. You're in good hands with Alex.‍

Richard "Rick" States is a Licensed Professional Counselor, with broad and varied professional work experience in behavioral health (inpatient and outpatient, individuals and families, children and adults, direct service and program administration). Rick earned his B.A. in Psychology at Gannon University and his M.A. in Clinical Psychology at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.

He's earned a Post-Master's Certificate in General Psychology from Northcentral University and has completed many doctorate credits in Psychology. Since 1999, Rick has taught university courses in Psychology, Sociology, and Human Services, most recently at Gannon University and Penn State University.

Rick's greatest area of clinical interest and skill centers around self-regulation or "how we manage" our thoughts, feelings, emotions, behaviors, etc. Rick appreciates the challenges related to anxiety, stress, depression, substance use, and trauma, and he employs various tools to help folks manage (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, humanism, mindfulness/somatic psychology, etc.).

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Morgan Glaessgen is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 15 years of experience working in different levels of care including Intensive Outpatient, Outpatient, Medication Assisted Therapy, residential treatment as well as private practice. She received her undergraduate degree in Springfield, MA and her Master's Degree in New Britain, CT.

Morgan has experience working with substance abuse disorders, depression, anxiety, ADHD/ADD management, and trauma. Morgan provides a supportive, safe, open space for those traveling down the path of change and growth. She also believes that having a few laughs along the way is essential because humor is an important part of healing and connecting.

Diana Murray, LCSW, is licensed in New Jersey and South Carolina and has provided comprehensive mental health services to adolescents and adults for over 10 years. A 2009 Fordham University MSW graduate, she specializes in Solution-Focused and Person-Centered treatment. Diana has supported clients with a variety of challenges, including ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, self-injury, school refusal, and trauma, guiding them toward healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Diana offers a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel empowered and heard. She engages with humor, practical solutions, and unconditional positive regard, validating each individual’s experience while collaborating on personalized treatment plans. Her goal is to help clients change their narrative, reduce burdens, and maximize their potential.

Diana partners with clients to create individualized treatment plans that guide therapy from start to finish. She uses innovative, evidence-based approaches to address each client’s unique needs, ensuring therapy is effective, engaging, and solution-oriented. Her work combines empathy, skill, and creativity to help clients overcome challenges and thrive.

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Katrina Canady is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy from Chaminade University in Hawaii. She has experience working in both inpatient and outpatient settings, and provides therapy to individuals, couples, families, and groups. As an Army Brat, combat veteran, and retired military spouse, she brings a global perspective and deep understanding of diverse life experiences.

Katrina uses an eclectic communication style and therapeutic approach, tailoring sessions to each individual’s needs. She fosters a respectful, nonjudgmental environment and values collaborative communication to build trust, autonomy, and strong therapeutic rapport. Katrina believes therapy is a joint effort where clients are viewed as the experts of their lives, and success stems from shared commitment and courage.

Katrina begins with a thorough assessment to understand each patient’s background, needs, and goals. She encourages open dialogue, including between sessions, and ensures clients are actively involved in the treatment planning process. Her individualized plans are inclusive, goal-driven, and informed by training in evidence-based methods such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).