Jillian Saad, MD

Alysha Wilbanks is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. After completing her Master's internship with Lutheran Social Services working with families, children, and adults with mental health concerns, Alysha worked with adults with addiction and mental health concerns in an inpatient detox and rehabilitation hospital. She then transitioned to working at Mayo Clinic as an outpatient psychotherapist working with all ages. Alysha has been providing psychotherapy through telehealth online since the beginning of the pandemic. Alysha specializes in working with teens, people with addiction, and people with a trauma history. Her style is laid-back and approachable when treating individuals who suffer from various diagnoses. She provides supportive psychotherapy and utilizes psychodynamic therapy skills to address the patient's current stressors and identify the root of their concern.

Background and credentials    

Dr. Catherine Cashman is triple board-certified by the American Board of  Psychiatry and Neurology in Adult Psychiatry, Child & Adolescent  Psychiatry, and Forensic Psychiatry. She holds two Bachelor’s degrees: one in  Finance from New York University, and another in Biology from the University  of New Orleans. She earned her medical degree from Nova Southeastern  University and completed an Adult Psychiatry residency at LSU Health Sciences  Center in New Orleans. Dr. Cashman subsequently completed two fellowships:  the first in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at LSU New Orleans, along with  a certification in Infant Mental Health (working with children ages 0–6 years  and their caregivers); the second fellowship was in Forensic Psychiatry at  the University of Rochester and the Rochester Regional Forensic Unit.    

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Treatment approach    

Dr. Cashman brings an extensive and specialized skillset to psychiatry,  informed by her triple board-certifications. Her treatment approach  integrates clinical expertise from adult, child and adolescent, and forensic  psychiatry, emphasizing accurate diagnosis, risk assessment, and  evidence-based care. With specialized expertise in forensic psychiatry and  competency assessments, she employs rigorous evaluation methods to accurately  inform treatment planning and risk management, particularly in complex or  legally-involved cases.    

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What you can expect in a first visit    

Patients visiting Dr. Cashman for the first time can expect a detailed and  comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. Given her forensic and clinical  experience, initial assessments are thorough, focusing on clear diagnostic  understanding, individualized risk assessment, and appropriate treatment  planning. Patients can anticipate a collaborative, professional, and  structured environment aimed at clarifying diagnoses and addressing their  unique mental health needs effectively.    

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Why Talkiatry?    

We’re a virtual mental health practice that makes it easy to find great  care. We combine quality and convenience to help you thrive—faster. Our  providers, like this one, are highly trained experts who specialize in  medication management and collaborate with you on a treatment plan that fits  your needs and comfort level.

Background  and credentials    

Dr. Ruiz is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in psychiatric  diagnosis and treatment for anxiety disorders, mood disorders, trauma and  stressor-related disorders, ADHD, and pregnancy-related psychiatric conditions.  She received her bachelor's degree in chemistry, graduating Magna Cum Laude  from the Honors College. Dr. Ruiz completed medical school at Texas Tech  University Health Sciences Center, followed by four additional years of  psychiatric residency training. Her diverse professional experience includes  working in psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, intensive outpatient  programs (IOP), partial hospitalization programs (PHP), emergency rooms, and  academic teaching environments. Dr. Ruiz has authored research publications  and received multiple awards, including the AWP International Fellowship  Award and the ADMSEP Innovations Award.    

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Treatment approach  

Dr. Ruiz emphasizes an integrated approach, combining medication management  and therapy. This method is supported by research indicating improved patient  outcomes. She remains current with the latest literature and treatment  guidelines to ensure evidence-based care.    

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What you can expect in a first visit    

Patients can anticipate a thorough initial evaluation during their first  visit with Dr. Ruiz. She conducts a comprehensive assessment to understand  the patient's symptoms, history, and personal circumstances. This session  sets the foundation for collaboratively developing an individualized  treatment plan focused on the patient’s specific needs and goals.    

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Why Talkiatry?    

We’re a virtual mental health practice that makes it easy to find great  care. We combine quality and convenience to help you thrive—faster. Our  providers, like this one, are highly trained experts who speciualize in  medication management and collaborate with you on a treatment plan that fits  your needs and comfort level.

Dr. Danielle Lopez is an Adult Psychiatrist. She received her doctorate of medicine at the University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine in 2007, where she later completed residency training in 2012 at Los Angeles County Medical Center. Dr. Lopez has extensive experience with high risk and challenging patient populations. Early in her career she engaged in multidisciplinary outreach (FSP) for those experiencing homelessness and severe mental illness or substance use disorders. Later transitioning to inpatient work and rehabilitation of those individuals with severe and persistent mental illnesses, Dr. Lopez gained vast experience in complicated medication regimens, and agility in deescalating psychiatric emergencies. In 2017, Dr. Lopez moved to Santa Barbara, California, where she gained experience in emergency psychiatry, consultation liaison and inpatient psychiatry, working for the county regional trauma center. Inadvertently transitioning to private practice and telehealth due to COVID restrictions in 2020, Dr. Lopez found her niche in outpatient psychiatric treatment of individuals with mood disorders, trauma, anxiety, ADHD, psychotic disorders, and substance use disorders. Today, she enjoys forging personal connections with her patients, thereby tailoring their medication regimen to suit their individual needs. Education, supportive and motivational therapies, and cognitive behavioral techniques are often employed not only to provide insight and reassurance, but to also impart confidence and skills for patient success. Prior to her medical studies, Dr. Lopez was a high school science teacher and collegiate softball coach. She grew up in Los Angeles and currently resides in Long Beach, California, with her spouse, and English Mastiff named Ella. She enjoys photography, coastal trail walking, and dog training excursions. She and her spouse are avid gardeners; they love to grow and maintain lush succulent and floral gardens.

Janee Stokes is a highly experienced and skilled dual-certified nurse practitioner specializing in adult gerontology and psychiatry. With over 20 years of experience as a registered nurse, she has a comprehensive background in healthcare, working with diverse patient populations ranging from three years old to 70+ years of age. In 2015, she earned her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and became certified as an adult gerontology nurse practitioner. Building on her expertise, she obtained a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in 2018, with a dissertation focused on palliative care. Further advancing her skills, Janee achieved certification in psychiatry, equipping her to deliver holistic care to individuals with mental health concerns. Her leadership experience includes roles as lead nurse practitioner and associate director of psychiatry at a federally qualified healthcare center, where she played an instrumental part in guiding and managing healthcare teams to deliver quality care to underserved populations.

Janee prioritizes education as a key part of her approach to care. She focuses on building rapport through clear communication and trust while incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing techniques to support their needs. This approach helps patients feel empowered and engaged in their treatment journey

Janee's typical process involves guiding treatment based on the patient's goals of care while incorporating evidence-based practices. This ensures that each patient receives personalized, effective support that aligns with their needs and aspirations.

Giulia Ferrero earned her Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Sociology, Ethnic Studies, and Women & Gender Studies at the University of Colorado in Boulder, and received her Master of Social Work from Columbia University with an emphasis in children, youth, and families. Giulia is licensed by the State of Texas as a master social worker (LMSW), and is dedicated to helping people who struggle with mental health concerns. She believes that change happens when people are given the support they need to draw on their own strengths and realize their potential to live fulfilling, happy lives. Giulia advocates a holistic approach when working with her clients and incorporates various treatment styles including, but not limited to, cognitive-behavioral, family systems, solution-focused, and psychodynamic. During her graduate program, Giulia worked extensively with children, utilizing play therapy techniques alongside a trauma-focused treatment approach. She specializes in individual therapy with an emphasis on issues such as PTSD, autism, stress, anxiety and depression, grief and loss, women's issues, family/relationship issues, life transitions, and personal growth. Giulia especially enjoys working with young adults and is committed to working with each person in a confidential, effective manner to help the individual accomplish his/her/their goals.