Joel Witherspoon, LCMHC

More Clinicians

Dr. Jessica Matthews is a board-certified general psychiatrist. She earned her medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and completed her psychiatry residency at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, HI. After her training, she was stationed at Fort Hood, TX, where she worked as a staff physician in the inpatient unit at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center and later became the inpatient medical director. She subsequently transitioned to outpatient care, serving as a staff physician and later as clinic chief in the outpatient embedded behavioral health clinics. She continued working as a staff physician after leaving the military.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Matthews specializes in medication management, often incorporating supportive and cognitive-behavioral-focused therapy into treatment. Follow-up visits typically last 30 minutes, during which she evaluates progress and adjusts treatment as needed. She takes a collaborative approach and may recommend additional therapy when she believes it will optimize patient outcomes. Her primary areas of focus include treating adults with depression, anxiety, and stress/trauma-related disorders.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive evaluation where Dr. Matthews takes the time to understand their symptoms, history, and treatment goals. She prioritizes a structured yet patient-centered approach, discussing medication management options while considering therapeutic interventions tailored to individual needs. If necessary, she may recommend additional therapy as part of a well-rounded treatment plan.

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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.

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Cody Zaiontz, LPC

Staff Therapist

Cody Zaiontz is an LPC in the state of Texas. He has been providing counseling services to a variety of clients, who have sought help for many different types of mental health conditions, for over 5 years. Cody completed his undergraduate education in San Marcos, Texas at Texas State University and earned his bachelor's degree in psychology. He went on to complete his graduate school training in Counseling & Guidance at Texas A&M University San Antonio. His practicum training took place at the UT Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas where he was trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and crisis management. Upon graduating with his master's in counseling, Cody worked for 2 years helping individuals diagnosed with a serious mental illness (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, etc.) in an inpatient psychiatric hospital. He then learned how to provide outpatient counseling services, both in-person and through a secure telehealth platform. In his private practice, he worked with adults dealing with substance abuse, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and family issues. He also helped his clients work towards weight loss goals, learn ways to improve sleep, learn ways to increase their social support system, and learn other skills that will help them live a happier, more fulfilled life. Cody operated his private practice until he joined Talkiatry in the fall of 2024.

Lawrence Stansberry IV, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Stansberry holds the position of staff psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He is board-certified in Adult Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Stansberry's practice focuses on medication management and also incorporates supportive therapy techniques, typically in 30-minute follow-up visits. In some cases, Dr. Stansberry may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team. Dr. Stansberry received his medical degree from the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. He completed his residency training through the Louisiana State University/Ochsner Health Foundation Psychiatry Residency program. He has experience working in inpatient, emergency, and consult-liaison psychiatry but particularly enjoys the opportunity to work longitudinally with patients in the outpatient setting.**THIS PROVIDER CANNOT PRESCRIBE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES FOR LOUISIANA PATIENTS**

Elizabeth Faust, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Elizabeth Faust is board-certified in Psychiatry with a fellowship in Integrative Psychiatry. She started in Family Medicine while in the Navy, where she also was a Flight Surgeon. She has practiced medicine since 1999, focusing on Psychiatry since 2007. Dr. Faust practices with an integrative approach to see what medical factors contribute to symptoms, unhealthy thought or relationship patterns, and lifestyle factors that maintain dysfunction. Unexamined, medications will only work briefly. While medications are part of treatment to acutely improve symptoms, she also brings in lifestyle changes, nutrition, spirituality, and social connection as resources to recover function and maintain wellness. 1995-1999 MD from Texas A&M University, US Navy 1999-2004; Family Medicine Internship, Aerospace Medicine training/Flight Surgeon; 2004-2007 the Psychiatry Residency University of Wisconsin. Dr. Faust worked at Iowa City VA, out of residency, treating fellow veterans and training residents at the University of Iowa. She then worked for Group Health in Washington, followed by independent work in telepsychiatry long before the pandemic. Most recently, she worked for Virginia Mason Franciscan to establish a Collaborative Care model of practice to provide expert consultation and support for primary care physicians to continue to care for their patients' mental health within the primary care setting. She enjoys working with patients who are ready to make a change that leads them to their better selves.

Fang Yang, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Background and credentials

Dr. Yang is board-certified in both General Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry. She received her medical degree from the Medical School of Nanjing University in China and completed her Ph.D. in Neuroscience at the State University of New York in Buffalo. She conducted neuroscience research at Tufts University and Columbia University. Dr. Yang completed her residency in Psychiatry at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston – McGovern Medical School (UTHealth) and a fellowship in Addiction Psychiatry at Baylor College of Medicine. She has held academic positions at Baylor College of Medicine, supervising medical students, residents, and physician assistant students.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Yang specializes in treating depressive disorders, bipolar disorders, anxiety, substance use disorders, ADHD, and trauma-related disorders. She employs medication management combined with supportive therapy and motivational interviewing techniques. Dr. Yang emphasizes building strong therapeutic relationships, tailoring treatment to each patient's unique goals and needs.

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What you can expect in a first visit

In the initial visit, patients can expect a detailed, personalized evaluation by Dr. Yang. She will explore symptoms, medical history, personal goals, and treatment preferences to design an individualized care plan. Patients can expect a compassionate, collaborative approach with clear communication about medication management options and supportive therapeutic strategies aimed at improving their overall well-being.

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Why Talkiatry?

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Michele Schaefer, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Background and credentials

Dr. Schaefer is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with over 16 years of experience. She earned her medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, NE, and completed her adult psychiatry residency at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, OR. She then specialized further by completing a forensic psychiatry fellowship at Yale University. She has worked as a staff psychiatrist at Atrium Health System for over 16 years.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Schaefer’s practice primarily focuses on medication management, which she offers in conjunction with supportive therapy and elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). She takes a patient-centered and collaborative approach, ensuring that treatment is tailored to each individual’s needs. If additional therapy is required, she may recommend working with a therapist as part of a comprehensive care plan. Her primary focus areas include depression, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a thorough psychiatric evaluation, where Dr. Schaefer carefully assesses their symptoms, treatment history, and mental health goals. She works collaboratively with patients to develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include medication management and therapy recommendations. Follow-up visits are typically 30 minutes and focus on monitoring progress, adjusting treatment as needed, and ensuring the best possible patient outcomes.

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Why Talkiatry?

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Kelly Vandivert, LPC

Staff Licensed Professional Counselor

Kelly Vandivert, LPC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over twenty-seven years of diverse experience in the mental health field. Her career has spanned a variety of settings, from residential facilities to outpatient community services, in-home, school, and private practice. Her passion for people and love of experience has afforded her the chance to work with people of all ages from a variety of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. Kelly has been licensed since 2008, focusing much of her time since then working together with adolescents and adults regarding the treatment of mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety, adjustment-related concerns and life transitions, as well as trauma and abuse. Kelly has a client-centered and comprehensive approach to therapy, drawing from a variety of treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Her approach emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic relationship for a safe place to share and engage in self-discovery and personal growth. She values an evidence-based approach utilizing the latest research for effective treatment incorporating her experience with each individual's own values and preferences.

Nina Jaffarzad, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Jaffarzad is a board eligible adult psychiatrist who completed her undergraduate training at the University of Texas at Austin and earned her medical degree at the American University of the Caribbean. She completed her psychiatry residency at Louisiana State University Our Lady of the Lake Psychiatry Residency Program. After completing residency, she worked in an outpatient setting and provided consultation liaison services at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital. Moreover, she held volunteer academic positions supervising and instructing residents and medical students. She has experience treating culturally diverse patient populations with a variety of mental health conditions. Dr. Jaffarzad primarily offers medication management in conjunction with supportive therapy during follow-up visits. She values the importance of open communication and a strong doctor-patient therapeutic alliance.

Neena Mathew, PMHNP

Staff Nurse Practitioner

Neena Tressa Mathew has forged an impressive career in the medical field, with a pivotal focus on extensive mental health expertise. She is dually board certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC), for care across all ages. She is fluent in English, Hindi, and Malayalam languages. Licensed in Florida, New York, Texas, and Georgia, she offers a patient-centered approach blending her experience and certifications. Her profound dedication in addressing mental health issues is evident through her hands-on experience in assessing, treating, and evaluating patients across a spectrum of psychiatric disorders including (but not limited to) ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, OCD, Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorders. She has excelled her services at Mindful Behavioral Healthcare, Advent Health Hospital as well as Park Place Behavioral Health care. Neena's international experience includes roles in Canada, enhancing expertise in gero-psychiatric care. She had the privilege of working in many practice areas, including, addictions medicine, grief counseling, and primary care.

Her academic credentials include a Post Master’s Certification from Florida State University and a Master of Science from D’Youville College, Buffalo NY. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Delhi University and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the Delhi School of Social Work. Professional affiliations with organizations like the American Nurses Association underscore her commitment to the profession. With the academic, leadership and research abilities Neena, was invited to be a member at the Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) as a graduate nursing student for demonstrating excellence in scholarship and exhibiting exceptional achievements in nursing. Neena has authored in several US Nursing Journals and Nursing Magazines. She has published / presented various research articles in international peer reviewed journals and has an active profile on Google scholar and Research Gate.

Neena's style of practice can be traditional (prescribing up to date psychiatric medications) or alternative medicine (natural treatments including but not limited to vitamins, supplements, lifestyle modification, nutrition, exercise and stress management). She believes in the mind/body/spiritual connection, and that, we are made up as a whole person and not a series of parts, just as Hippocrates "The Father of Medicine." Her holistic approach to mental health care shines through her adept management of psychotropic medications and integration of psychotherapy including supportive psychotherapy, CBT and psychodynamic therapy. Her main area of interest is the mind, body, and spiritual connection pertaining to their relationship and its role in one's health and healing. Neena has always enjoyed helping people and finds her work very rewarding. Going beyond mere diagnosis and treatment, Neena conducts meticulous examinations and mental health assessments to ensure precise identification of psychiatric illnesses. What sets her apart is his commitment to patient education is that she empowers individuals and their families with comprehensive knowledge about their conditions and treatment plans, encompassing the prescription of medications within a broader care strategy. Neena’s extensive mental health experience is complemented by her role as a clinical instructor, where she shares her insights and knowledge. This dual commitment to clinical practice and education underscores her multifaceted contribution to healthcare, emphasizing not only in treatment but also in the empowerment and education of individuals navigating their mental health journey makes her a versatile healthcare provider.

Neena's hobbies include reading, writing, beach activities, hiking and traveling with family. Her longtime hobby has always been to involve in charitable activities through the Lion’s club. “Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shake together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:32). It is in giving that we truly receive!

Dawn Feldpausch, LCSW

Staff Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Dawn is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. She has over 18 years of experience in the field of mental health including Outpatient, Community Mental Health and Assertive Community Treatment. Dawn works with adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, self-esteem, and PTSD using an eclectic approach to suit your individual needs. Other modalities used are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Positive Psychology. Dawn is easy to talk to and her number one priority is to help provide a safe, open, non-judgmental place to share your personal experiences. She focuses on providing the skills to help manage your symptoms while working in tandem with your psychiatrist to provide the best outcome for you. Dawn received her Master of Social Work degree at Eastern Michigan University and is Certified as a Clinical Trauma Professional. While in Michigan, Dawn worked extensively with the Community Mental Health. Initially, she worked as an advocate working with clients who were diagnosed with a serious and persistent mental illness or with a dual diagnosis. She facilitated psychoeducation groups, provided crisis intervention and case management services. At Henry Ford Allegiance Health, Dawn played an integral role in implementing the integration between physical and mental health. Combining a Psychiatric Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic with a Primary Care Practice utilizing General Medical Education Resident Psychiatrists. Moving on to Florida, Dawn worked at the Marion County Jail assessing suicidal risk of inmates and provided brief supportive therapy. Ultimately, Dawn began her own virtual private practice, continuing her passion of helping others find the skills to begin to live again regardless of their imperfections.

Pamela Shay, DO

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Shay is a board-certified psychiatrist practicing adult general psychiatry since 2014, most recently in the outpatient clinic at VA St. Louis Healthcare System. She earned her bachelor's degree in business at the University of Iowa and worked for years in the insurance industry managing medicolegal issues before deciding to pursue medicine as a second career. Embracing principles of holistic medicine, Dr. Shay completed her medical degree at Midwestern University/Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and her residency in general psychiatry at Loyola University Medical Center in the bio-psycho-social model of care. Her broad range of training in university, VA, and state hospital settings and significant life and work experiences prepared Dr. Shay to practice across the diagnostic spectrum. She especially enjoys helping patients with disorders of adjustment, anxiety, attention, mood, and sleep. In her practice, Dr. Shay utilizes medication management along with collaboration, education, motivational interviewing, and other brief psychotherapy interventions during 30-minute follow-up visits to support her patients in achieving their health and wellness goals. Dr. Shay advocates for therapy if needed to enhance recovery, is serious about safe prescribing, and believes teamwork is key.‍

Kimberly Van Wuffen, LPC

Staff Therapist

Kim Van Wuffen, LPC, holds the position of therapist for Talkiatry. After completing her education from Ottawa University, she has spent a majority of her work in both community mental health and private practice. Her years of experience has included working as a therapist in diverse settings. Kim Van Wuffen holds certifications as a clinical trauma specialist, sex trafficking and sexual exploitation with Arizona Trauma Institute and a brain health coach with Amen clinics. She is also an Arizona Board certified clinical supervisor. Kim has a passion for exploring the neurophysiology of trauma.

Most recently, she has been serving as a clinical supervisor for Recovery In The Pines and helps with various recovery groups. Kim Van Wuffen has a client centered approach to treating clients. She considers herself an eclectic therapist who utilizes various modalities for treating clients who suffer various diagnoses, such as EMDR, Attachment Theory, DBT, CBT, Art Therapy, and Somatic Experiencing. Kim values incorporating mindfulness and holistic treatments into therapy. And enjoys collaborating with other providers to optimize the therapeutic process and effectiveness. She also considers herself a roots based therapist who is interested in empowering clients to discover their own healing path and not just focusing on symptoms.

Joel Witherspoon, LCMHC

Education and training

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