John Bardugon, MD

Dr. Helms is a graduate of the University of Arizona College of Medicine. He completed his General Psychiatry and Child/Adolescent fellowship training at the University of Texas, Health Science Center at San Antonio. He has over 25 years of experience as a psychiatrist treating patients of all ages (child, adolescent, and adult�including geriatric) while working in a multitude of treatment settings including outpatient clinics and psychiatric hospitals. He also has several years of experience working as a psychiatric consultant for medical-surgical hospitals, seeing an extensive variety of patients on all floors of the hospital from mother-baby to pediatrics, as well as adult patients on the medical and surgical floors. Dr. Helms takes with him into each patient encounter, his wide breadth of experience and his genuine care and concern for each and every individual patient. He provides both medication treatment and talk therapy. He understands that many patients greatly benefit from either short or long term medication treatment; however, he also understands that talk therapy can oftentimes lead to significant, long lasting positive change, personal growth, and improvements in occupational and relationship success. Moreover, patients will always find Dr. Helms encouraging and supportive as they search for greater meaning and purpose in their lives.

Background and credentials

Dr. Tyler Josephs is a staff psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He earned his medical degree from Kansas City University in 2017 and completed his psychiatric residency at the University of Kansas Medical Center in 2021. During his residency, he served as Chief Resident at both the University of Kansas Medical Center and the Kansas City VA Medical Center. Most recently, Dr. Josephs worked at the Kansas City VA Medical Center, where he was the psychiatric director of the outpatient mental health clinic and served as Psychiatry Executive for behavioral health services.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Josephs believes in a holistic approach to mental health treatment, integrating medication management, supportive psychotherapy, and collaboration with therapists and support staff. He tailors treatment to each patient's unique needs, ensuring a comprehensive and individualized approach to care. His expertise includes treating a variety of psychiatric diagnoses, such as depression, anxiety disorders (including OCD), ADHD, and PTSD.

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What you can expect in a first visit

In a first visit, patients can expect a thorough evaluation, where Dr. Josephs takes the time to understand their medical history, symptoms, and treatment goals. He emphasizes open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring that patients feel heard and supported. Based on this initial assessment, he will develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include medication management and referrals to therapy or other supportive services as needed.

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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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Dr. Mann is a double board-certified psychiatrist specializing in the care of adults, with additional expertise in the care of older adults. Her practice focuses on medication management for a wide range of psychiatric conditions. It incorporates various therapeutic modalities in order to optimize symptomatic improvement and enhance quality of life. Dr. Mann received her medical degree from St. George's University School of Medicine. She completed her residency training in psychiatry at Maimonides Medical Center, and fellowship training in geriatric psychiatry at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Dr. Mann's approach is rooted in empathy. She believes in the importance of a strong therapeutic relationship in facilitating the healing process. She strives to empower patients on their journey to recovery by partnering with them in their care.

Dr. Christopher DeBernard is a board-certified psychiatrist with extensive clinical leadership experience. He earned his MD and completed a combined residency in Internal Medicine and Psychiatry at Tulane University School of Medicine. Previously board certified in Internal Medicine, he is especially comfortable caring for patients with medical comorbidities. Dr. DeBernard has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings and held leadership roles as Chief Medical Officer at Arisa Health and Lotic.ai. He also brings a systems-thinking perspective to clinical care from earlier careers in engineering and consulting. He holds active medical licenses in Louisiana and Arkansas.

Dr. DeBernard strives to create a warm, collaborative environment where patients feel respected, understood, and supported. His approach combines evidence-based medicine with an appreciation for each patient’s unique story, values, and motivations. Patients can expect open, direct communication, shared decision-making, and treatment plans that align with their personal goals. Trust, empathy, and authenticity form the foundation of his therapeutic relationships.

Dr. DeBernard begins by listening closely to each patient’s history, concerns, and hopes for treatment. Together, he works with patients to establish clear goals and develop individualized care plans that may include therapy, medication management, and lifestyle approaches. His focus is on both symptom relief and building long-term resilience, helping patients develop strategies that sustain well-being. Over time, he collaborates with patients to adapt treatment as their needs evolve, ensuring care remains effective and personalized.

Dr. Atkins is a staff psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He is board-certified in adult psychiatry and has been in practice for the past 2 years. He has received several awards for teaching and the treatment of chronically ill patients, including Stony Brook University's "William Turner Award" for excellence in education and leadership. Dr. Atkins has focused his practice primarily on medication management. He combines medication management with a therapeutic style that is a blend of supportive therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing. Follow‐up appointments with Dr. Atkins typically last 20‐30 minutes. While Dr. Atkins is trained in a variety of therapeutic techniques, he works collaboratively with therapists and may recommend their inclusion as part of your treatment team, depending on your individualized treatment plan .Dr. Atkins attended the University of Connecticut School of Medicine where he received his medical degree. He completed his psychiatry residency at Stony Brook University Hospital in New York. Post residency, he worked with general adult patients as well as older adults at Manchester Memorial Hospital where he served as both an outpatient psychiatrist and Director of the Geriatric Intensive Outpatient Program. Although Dr. Atkins does not treat child or adolescent patients, he has experience working with people of all ages, from young adults to adults. He has experience treating mood disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, patients in the perinatal period, and patients with co‐co-occurring substance use disorders. He has regularly managed behavioral problems in adults with autism spectrum disorders as well as dementia. He particularly enjoys working with patients dealing with life or role transitions, older adults, and patients with bipolar or other affective disorders.

Dr. Vanessa Valdes is an adult psychiatrist specializing in medication management and psychotherapy, with a strong focus on nutrition, wellness, and mindfulness. She earned her combined MD/MPH degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and completed her psychiatry residency at the University of Miami/Jackson Health System, one of the nation's leading public healthcare systems.‍During her residency, Dr. Valdes gained broad experience in diverse areas of psychiatry, including inpatient psychiatry, emergency psychiatry, outpatient care, psychotherapy, hypnosis, child and adolescent psychiatry, consultation-liaison psychiatry, psycho-oncology, and addiction psychiatry.‍Dr. Valdes primarily provides supportive psychotherapy and acceptance and commitment therapy to help patients better understand and address their stressors. She takes a holistic approach to care, emphasizing the emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being of her patients. Her goal is to inspire meaningful, sustainable changes in patients' lives through compassionate, comprehensive treatment.