Katharine Childress, LPC

Brittany Stef is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in New York and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). With extensive experience in education and various clinical settings, she has supported individuals and families of all ages in overcoming diverse mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, self-esteem issues,   and significant life changes.

Brittany is passionate about therapy and employs empowerment-driven, holistic approaches. Her techniques include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy.

Kia Morgan, LCSW, earned social work degrees from the University of Georgia and the University of South Carolina and has over 15 years of experience in the mental health field across inpatient and outpatient settings. Kia utilizes evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing to support patients in achieving meaningful and lasting change.

Kia values an in-depth exploration of each patient’s background and personal history to identify root concerns and establish specific, person-centered treatment goals. She fosters a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where patients feel heard, respected, and safe. Kia provides thoughtful feedback to help patients discover their own solutions and offers education about diagnoses to empower patients to better understand and manage daily symptoms.

Kia begins care with a comprehensive assessment that explores a patient’s history, current concerns, strengths, and goals. In collaboration with the patient, she develops an individualized treatment plan that aligns with the patient’s needs and priorities, adapting the approach as progress is made.

Kristen Soukup, LCSW is a mental health therapist at Talkiatry. Kristen completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Rochester where she studied Psychology and Brain & Cognitive Science. She then went on to pursue her Master's degree in Social Work at the State University of New York at Buffalo. After completing her Master's degree, Kristen began working at an outpatient cancer center where she provided care coordination and therapeutic support to patients and their families enduring cancer diagnoses, treatments, and end of life. She then worked to pursue her clinical license in working with adults with significant and persistent mental illness in an outpatient setting. Kristen functioned not only as a primary therapist but also as the crisis team leader, providing supervision to other clinicians and assisting clients both in the clinic and the community. Kristen believes in looking at the whole person in their environment when working with her patients. She comes from a nonjudgmental and empathetic standpoint and genuinely wants to put the patient's goals and values first. Kristen has experience in treating patients with anxiety, depression, OCD, Bipolar disorder, and personality disorders. Kristen is trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and tends to utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques in treatment. She has knowledge and interest in human motivation and performance related issues, and utilizes Motivational Interviewing and mindfulness skills to assist her patients with these concerns. Kristen also has training in treating anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive disorders and uses exposure therapy to assist patients in overcoming these struggles.‍

Juanette Plato, LMHC, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with experience providing inpatient, outpatient, and telehealth services. She earned her Master of Arts from Liberty University and holds certifications in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (C), Cognitive Processing Therapy, Certified Mood Disorder Professional (PESI), and Advanced EMDR Therapy Skills. She supports clients navigating mood disorders, trauma, and life stressors.

Juanette is a warm, direct, and non-judgmental therapist who uses an eclectic blend of body-based and mind-centered techniques. She values open communication and collaborates with patients to set clear, meaningful treatment goals. Her approach fosters a supportive space where individuals feel heard, respected, and empowered.

Juanette begins by thoroughly understanding each patient’s history, concerns, and goals during the initial session. She develops individualized treatment plans aligned with patient goals and works collaboratively in each session to support measurable progress and lasting change.

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Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and Adrian Simmons, LMFT, congratulates you on taking it. Adrian specializes in supporting individuals navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, and self-esteem challenges. She takes a client-centered, collaborative approach, tailoring sessions to your unique needs in a safe and supportive environment.

Adrian prioritizes clear communication, active listening, and a non-judgmental, culturally sensitive approach. She is calm and patient, helping you feel understood while providing guidance. She believes therapy is a partnership, working together to set meaningful goals and adapt them as insights develop.

Adrian uses cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and may integrate mindfulness and other strategies based on your needs. Together, you’ll identify challenges, develop practical coping skills, and work toward your goals. The first session focuses on understanding your background, what brings you to therapy, and creating a plan to support ongoing growth.

Carly Frix-Rhyne is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), in both Texas and Arkansas, who has extensive experience working in the mental health field. She has worked directly with clients of various demographics, living with a variety of mental health conditions. Carly attended undergraduate and graduate school in her hometown of Texarkana, Texas at Texas A&M University - Texarkana. She completed her practicum and internship working as a therapist in therapeutic foster care, with children, teens, foster parents, and biological families. Carly has been practicing for 7 years as a LPC, focusing on individuals working to cope with trauma, stressful life events, anxiety, depression, and issues coping with and communicating their own needs. Carly has worked for community mental health agencies, non-profit agencies, and private practice organizations. Much of Carly's past work involves providing therapy services to children, teens, and adults who survived abuse/trauma. Carly enjoys working with clients of all ages and with a variety of different presenting mental health needs. She uses different techniques including cognitive behavioral approaches and attachment-based approaches, while maintaining a person-centered theoretical orientation with all clients. Carly utilizes a range of therapeutic tools in hopes of providing clients with practical skills they can begin using immediately. She believes in meeting clients exactly where they are and helping them understand their own needs.