Kimberly Taylor, LPC

Michael McNeill, LCSW, is an accomplished and creative therapist with a reputation for achieving positive outcomes. He has experience working with adults, children, families, and couples across the lifespan, from early childhood through end of life. Licensed in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, he is trained in EMDR and trauma care, and blends CBT, DBT, and other evidence-based approaches to support healing, strengthen relationships, and build resilience.

Michael provides a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space where clients can feel heard and understood. He collaborates with clients to reframe challenges and focuses not on what is “wrong,” but on building skills and achieving meaningful goals that enhance daily life and overall well-being.

Michael begins by helping clients identify their goals and desired outcomes, then works together with them to create a clear path toward achieving those objectives. He honors each person’s perspective as the true expert of their own life, ensuring that therapy is guided by their unique experiences, values, and needs.

Richard "Rick" States is a Licensed Professional Counselor, with broad and varied professional work experience in behavioral health (inpatient and outpatient, individuals and families, children and adults, direct service and program administration). Rick earned his B.A. in Psychology at Gannon University and his M.A. in Clinical Psychology at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.

He's earned a Post-Master's Certificate in General Psychology from Northcentral University and has completed many doctorate credits in Psychology. Since 1999, Rick has taught university courses in Psychology, Sociology, and Human Services, most recently at Gannon University and Penn State University.

Rick's greatest area of clinical interest and skill centers around self-regulation or "how we manage" our thoughts, feelings, emotions, behaviors, etc. Rick appreciates the challenges related to anxiety, stress, depression, substance use, and trauma, and he employs various tools to help folks manage (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, humanism, mindfulness/somatic psychology, etc.).

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Amanda Favretto is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who holds certificates as a Nationally Certified Counselor as well as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. Working with military service members and faith-based counseling are two of Amanda's passions. Amanda has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings with individuals struggling with concerns such as low-self esteem, adjustment, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and relationship and communication issues, utilizing such treatment modalities as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), EMDR, as well as others. Amanda believes in the importance of meeting each individual where they are at, focusing on all aspects of a person: heart, mind, body, and spirit. It has been Amanda's experience that focusing on each layer leads to long-lasting, deeper healing and growth. Believing that each person has it in them to heal and grow, Amanda considers it a unique privilege to assist people on that journey. At each individual's pace, striving to promote a comfortable environment, Amanda will gently encourage deeper self-reflection, mindfulness, challenging oneself, and skill-building. She would like you to feel free to reach out to set up an appointment and answer any questions you may have.

Akili’s approach is centered around the individual. His goal is to help people embrace their authentic self. He believes that counseling and the therapeutic process is experiential. He has been through most of the life struggles we all have been through. Akili has also written several books - the latest of which, “Be an Anomaly”, is about the autism spectrum. Beyond his passion for helping others, Akili is passionate about his family, drawing, music, and basketball.

Akili utilizes multimedia resources, oftentimes with an emphasis on writing and creativity. He works to create a warm atmosphere of welcoming energy and connection. Therapeutic modalities used include REBT, CBT, Positive Psychology, ACT, and Gottman Method.

The tools that Akili uses are those hidden within you. He uses creative therapy and behavioral techniques to help you get where you want to be. Your collaboration is a trip that you will embark on together. Akili will help you find the best solutions to the answers you have.

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.

Ms. Ellen Ortiz is fully licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in multiple states. She has decades of life experience to support her 3 years of full licensure. Ms. Ortiz sees individuals from the perspective of the various environments they interact in and how it impacts them. Ms. Ortiz is enthusiastic about collaborating with clients under the care of one of our psychiatric experts in order to allow for a more complete and personalized approach for each individual's needs.
Ms. Ortiz began her education later in life at Elgin Community College then continued to acquire her bachelor’s degree from Argosy University with honors. Ms. Ortiz forged ahead and completed her Master’s in Family Counseling at the CACREP accredited graduate school, Northeastern Illinois University. Her training included the externship for Emotion Focused Therapy with Dr. Sue Johnson.

Ms. Ortiz incorporates therapy from a Solution Focused perspective including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness and Attachment theory.  Ms.Ortiz has been trained in Crisis Intervention and Trauma Informed therapy. Her life experience and clientele have spanned all life cycles, races, and medical needs as well as honoring all varieties of human beings. She has also supported clients through medical diagnosis and end of life as well as grief.

Ms. Ortiz brings enthusiasm for each client based on the belief that each person has unique purpose, strengths and abilities on which to draw on. The client's abilities paired with tools and support acquired in therapy will lead each of her clients to a life they choose to enhance.