Kevin DiCesare, MD

Dr. Richard Rise has created a successful career as a psychiatrist over the past 30 years. He has participated in a variety of treatment settings and has developed a wealth of experience at both prescribing medications, providing therapy, counseling, and even coaching. He takes an individual approach to treating others, recognizing individuals as unique and worthy of love, respect, and acceptance. He is compassionate, non-judgmental, and truly enjoys helping others. He tends to gravitate towards a combination of medication management (if indicated) and psychotherapy where he treats all facets of the individual. Dr. Rise believes that we are all unique and should be treated as such. He spent most of his career in private practice until deciding to retire in 2014. After this he spent the next 3 1/2 years, reading, studying, traveling, and spending time with his loved ones. In 2018 he was offered a position as a consultant overseeing Ketamine infusion therapy for treating treatment-resistant depression. When the pandemic hit in March of 2020, Dr. Rise was asked to assist a local psychiatric hospital deal with the unique and often deadly consequences of the virus. This proved to be a wonderful opportunity for personal growth and to improve the quality of life of many others. After working at the hospital for the 2 years, Dr. Rise joined Talkiatry to continue providing high-quality psychiatric care to others in a very loving, supportive, creative, and collaborative environment.

Dr. Bernard is a board-certified Psychiatrist from New Orleans, LA, with fellowship training in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry at Stanford University. His career has spanned both academic medicine and clinical leadership, including serving as Medical Director of a hospital-based C-L Psychiatry service and teaching medical students and residents. His background in academics, leadership and subspecialty training allows him to bridge all aspects of his patient's health. His hobbies include yoga, meditation, martial arts, snowboarding and inline hockey.

Patients can expect a thoughtful, respectful, and collaborative approach. He works to understand both the biological and psychological aspects of each person’s experience, and he believes in creating individualized treatment plans that are practical and evidence-based. His style emphasizes open communication, setting clear goals together, and making sure patients feel heard and supported throughout their care.

He begins with a comprehensive assessment to understand each patient’s medical, psychological, and social background. From there, he partners with patients to identify their goals and tailor a treatment plan that may include psychotherapy, medication, lifestyle modifications or coordination with other healthcare providers. He regularly checks in on progress, adjusts as needed, and strives to create a therapeutic relationship that feels safe, structured, and effective.

Dr. Rachel Sherhart is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who has been in practice for over 4 years. She specializes in medication management with 30-minute follow-up visits. This may be accompanied by elements of supportive therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and psychodynamic therapy. If more in-depth work is needed, she may refer patients to a collaborating psychotherapist. ‍Dr. Sherhart received her medical degree from Texas A&M Health Science Center and completed her psychiatry residency training at the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas, Texas. She has served as faculty at Texas A&M University College of Medicine, providing education and supervision for psychiatry residents and medical students. ‍She has experience treating adult patients from many walks of life with a broad range of diagnoses, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and trauma-related disorders. Dr. Sherhart has a passion for providing excellent patient care and education. Her goal is for patients to feel heard and find a safe place to discuss their concerns. She is motivated to work collaboratively with patients to find a solution that best fits their treatment goals and improves their overall quality of life.‍

Dr. Catherine Shim is a board-certified psychiatrist and completed her training at the University of Washington, where she received additional certifications in Psychotherapy and Community Psychiatry.  Prior to joining Talkiatry, she spent years serving the mental health needs of underserved communities as well as our Veteran population.  Dr. Cat is excited to bring that same dedication and selfless service to her Talkiatry patients!

Dr. Cat is experienced in managing a multitude of mental health conditions, but her specialty is providing behaviorally oriented trauma-informed care.  Her approach is to treat primarily through psychotherapy and behavioral change, with medication management serving as an important (and often essential) adjuvant to optimizing mental health.

Dr. Cat tends to have a very casual engagement style, so expect a frank but open conversation during your first meetings with her.  Following that initial screening, anticipate a candid discussion about her approach to your condition and an initial treatment plan.  Please feel free to bring up any questions or concerns at any time during this process, and note-taking is highly encouraged!

‍

Megan is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in medication management and various therapeutic techniques. She earned a Master of Science in Nursing as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner from Regis College and has board certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Megan has extensive experience in psychiatric settings, including private practice, inpatient facilities, and substance use treatment programs. She has worked on community initiatives, such as the Mobile Suboxone Van program, which provides treatment to individuals in high-need areas.

She utilizes evidence-based practices in treating clients with mood and anxiety disorders, ADHD, trauma, and substance use disorders, among other mental health disorders.

The first priority is establishing a therapeutic relationship and providing adequate support, which can substantially impact outcomes. The combination of medication management and therapy can effectively reduce symptoms and contribute to the remission of mental health symptoms.

The first session will involve a 60-minute psychiatric evaluation to gather history and discuss current symptoms and goals. Clients starting medication will need more frequent 30-minute follow-up appointments for medication management and therapy, ensuring a positive response to treatment.

‍

Dr. John Weller, MD, is a psychiatrist with a strong foundation in science and clinical care. He earned his undergraduate degree in molecular genetics from the University of Vermont and conducted neuroscience research in both academic and industry settings. A graduate of St. George’s University School of Medicine, he completed his psychiatry residency at Mather Hospital, Northwell Health, where he was honored as Resident of the Year in 2025 and inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.

Dr. Weller is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care that considers the full spectrum of biological, psychological, and social factors. He builds therapeutic relationships on empathy, respect, and trust. By tailoring treatment plans to each patient’s personal and cultural context, he helps individuals take control of their mental health and work toward long-term recovery and resilience.

In the first session, Dr. Weller takes time to listen carefully and gather a thorough understanding of each patient's concerns, history, and current functioning. He uses empathy and active listening to foster open communication and develop personalized treatment plans that may include therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes, with the goal of restoring wellness and stability.