Kristina Eipl, MD

Dr. Ahmed Valdes is a board certified adult psychiatrist and burgeoning Geriatric Psychiatrist. After completing his undergraduate education at Florida State University, he attended medical school at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine where he graduated with a combined M.D./M.S. in Genomic Medicine. He subsequently completed psychiatry residency at Jackson Health System/University of Miami and further subspecialized with a fellowship in Geriatric Psychiatry. Dr. Valdes has had the opportunity of working with a diverse array of patients including veterans, inmates, the severely mentally ill, geriatric, and cancer patients across three distinct hospital systems. Dr. Valdes has had varied clinical experiences in specialty inpatient psychiatry units (detox, geriatric, mood disorder), emergency psychiatry, consultation liaison psychiatry, psycho-oncology, and outpatient specialty clinics (HIV, dementia, integrative and collaborative care) via telemedicine and face to face interactions .Dr. Valdes has experience working with adults of all ages, particularly those with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, substance use disorders, PTSD, and more. Dr. Valdes employs empathic listening, supportive psychotherapy techniques, and a comprehensive and methodological approach to his visits. Given his broad and diverse training experiences, he enjoys problem solving and working collaboratively with patients to navigate their complex issues and jointly focusing on simple solutions to work towards improving their mental health.

Dr. Anthony Finch is a graduate of the New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center General Psychiatry residency and the Duke University Geriatric Psychiatry fellowship programs; he is board certified in Psychiatry by the ABPN. Dr. Finch was born and raised in New York and now lives in North Carolina. Dr. Finch specializes both in psychiatric medication management and various forms of psychotherapy. He believes that effective psychiatric treatment requires attention to multiple domains, including the establishment of a strong doctor/patient relationship, the development of a sound understanding of who the patient is as an individual, and a comprehensive assessment of spiritual and biological factors contributing to mental health. As such, Dr. Finch's practice includes both pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions that aim to treat the whole person on an individualized basis. He sees patients of all ages, specializing in older adults, and treats all psychiatric conditions. Dr. Finch received the 2023 Distinguished House Staff Award from the New York Weill Cornell Medical Center Alumni Council; this is awarded to one graduating house staff member from each department annually for excellence during training. He has conducted research on depression and PTSD, published a number of papers in peer-reviewed journals, presented posters at conferences, and written a chapter for a book on medical education. He practices in both English and German.

Paula Bennett, LPC, has been in practice for over 20 years. She specializes in CBT and individual therapy. Paula strives to provide a client-centered approach based on the individual’s needs.

Paula has a specific passion for victims of trauma. As a teen and young adult, she struggled with depression. There weren’t many treatment options at that time but she found a counselor who inspired her to help other with mental health issues.

Outside of work, Paula is known to enjoy reading, swimming, animals, spending time with family and watching movies. She also loves being able to help people and watch them grow.

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Dr. Allison Holt is an experienced, board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist who has worked in mental health care in a variety of settings, including health care administration, academia, inpatient psychiatry, private practice outpatient care, forensic and disability evaluations, correctional psychiatry, eating disorder care, and ECT. Dr. Holt is dedicated to providing patients with a relaxed, trusting environment that encourages dialogue and instills the freedom to pursue healing and growth. With empathy, patience and an approachable style, she helps patients see their future with fresh eyes � and develop a plan that will accomplish their goals for change. While medical expertise forms the foundation of Dr. Holt's treatment, her warmth and a sense of compassion are often key motivating factors for patient change and success. Dr. Holt treats a wide variety of needs and illnesses in children, adolescents, and adults, including depressive disorders, bipolar disorders, anxiety disorders, substance-related and addictive disorders, attention disorders, trauma related disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Through a patient-centered mix of evidence-based treatments, including medication, psychotherapy, and patient education, she helps her patients understand their options and create appropriate treatment plans that empower them to move toward positive change. Dr. Holt received her medical degree from Ohio State University. She completed a General Psychiatry Residency Program (with extra emphasis in addiction and forensic psychiatry), and a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship, at the University of Minnesota. Prior to joining Talkiatry, Dr. Holt was the Physician Chief of the Mental Health and Addiction Service Line at M Health Fairview, the largest provider of mental health care in Minnesota. At the same time she was the Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs at the University of Minnesota Department of Psychiatry. Dr. Holt has been awarded "Top Doctor" by Minneapolis-St. Paul Magazine every year from 2014 to 2022. She was president of the Minnesota Psychiatric Society 2020-2021, and was also the co-editor of the Minnesota Psychiatric Society's newsletter, Ideas of Reference, from 2010-2019.

Background  and credentials    

Dr. Columban Heo is a board-certified psychiatrist. He earned his medical  degree from Touro University Nevada and completed his residency at Unity  Health White County Medical Center. Dr. Heo further specialized by completing  a fellowship in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry at the Cleveland Clinic,  where he gained extensive experience working within multidisciplinary  healthcare teams, particularly focused on psychiatric care for patients with  complex medical conditions.    

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Treatment approach  

Dr. Heo specializes in treating a broad range of psychiatric conditions,  notably mood and anxiety disorders. He integrates medication management with  a holistic, personalized approach to treatment, emphasizing the  interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. Dr. Heo believes in tailoring  treatment plans individually, combining therapy and medications to suit each  patient’s unique needs, and highlights the importance of healthy  relationships in achieving overall mental health.    

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What you can expect in a first visit    

Patients visiting Dr. Heo for the first time can expect a comprehensive and  personalized assessment that explores not just their psychiatric symptoms but  their overall well-being and personal relationships. Dr. Heo prioritizes a  holistic evaluation, carefully balancing medication considerations and  therapeutic interventions tailored specifically to each patient’s situation  and goals. He creates an empathetic, collaborative atmosphere to discuss and  develop personalized plans for mental and emotional wellness.  

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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.

Thomas Ittoop, MD has experience practicing in both academic and community settings. He earned his medical degree from Central Michigan University and completed his psychiatry residency at Baylor College of Medicine. His background reflects a commitment to comprehensive, patient-centered care grounded in clinical rigor and human understanding.

Dr. Ittoop fosters a warm, collaborative environment rooted in genuine human connection. He values uncovering core patterns, meaning, and the story beneath symptoms. His approach emphasizes curiosity, emotional insight, and self-understanding. Patients can expect transparency, clear communication, and shared goal-setting that honors their strengths, long-term vision, and capacity for resilience and wholeness.

He begins with a thorough initial evaluation exploring symptoms, personal and family history, personality patterns, and desired life changes. Together, he and his patients identify core goals and develop a personalized treatment plan. His integrative therapeutic style includes thoughtful medication management, regular check-ins, and a focus on long-term transformation—building clarity, resilience, and a grounded sense of self that extends beyond treatment.