Kristina Kurtz, DO

Nekeisha Hutchinson, LPC, earned her Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Post University in 2017 and has worked with a diverse demographic in a clinical capacity including outpatient and in-home settings conducting both individual and family therapy, within the Department of Corrections with clients struggling with substance use challenges and crisis services over the past seven years. Prior to becoming a therapist, Nekeisha spent 10 years working in early childhood education and seven years working as a Family Support Specialist in homes with both prenatal and postnatal mothers providing support in attachment building and assisting them in securing community resources. Nekeisha has experience working with adolescents, adults, senior citizens and families. Nekeisha uses a variety of evidence-based interventions including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Solution Focused Therapy (SFT) to help clients develop appropriate tools to address their challenges and live more fulfilling lives.

Nekeisha Hutchinson has experience working with youth, adolescents, adults, the elderly and families. She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, parenting challenges, stress management and conflict resolution. Nekeisha utilizes evidence-based practices such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI) and solution focused therapy (SFT) to enable clients to develop effective coping skills to overcome their challenges. She provides a safe and judgement free environment that supports exploration and healing. Please allow me to assist you in your journey of self-discovery and wellness.

I believe that establishing a healthy therapeutic alliance begins with communication and establishing trust. My communication style is direct and assertive, and I use open-ended questions and active listening so that clients can express themselves freely. I enjoy providing a safe environment for clients so that they can share their narratives while receiving empathy and positive regards. I place great effort in fostering collaboration in an effort to gain understanding of the situation and the symptoms in order to form an appropriate diagnosis, identifying goals, working together in treatment planning and monitor progress. I encourage clients to participate in their care through commitment, shared decision-making and reflective listening.

Dr. Julie Rodriguez is an ABPN boarded adult psychiatrist with over 15 years of clinical experience. Dr. Rodriguez's practice focuses on medication management, which is offered in conjunction with supportive therapy. Dr. Rodriguez obtained her medical degree from the Universidad Cat�lica Madre y Maestra Dominican Republic. She then completed her residency in adult psychiatry at the University of Florida, in Gainesville. After completing training, Dr. Rodriguez became a Clinical Assistant Professor for the University of Florida Department of Psychiatry. In this role she served students at UF Student Mental Health at the Counseling and Wellness Center. She also provided treatment to adults in inpatient services and other settings. While doctor Dr. Rodriguez treats a variety of age ranges and diagnoses, she is most passionate about college student mental health with a clinical expertise in the area of mood and anxiety disorders.

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.

Alaina Ables is a Manhattan-based mental health counselor with a wide range of experience with different populations and diagnoses. She has worked with children, adolescents, adults, and couples in both addiction and traditional mental health settings. Alaina is also licensed in Virginia and is available for virtual sessions. Alaina specializes in working with teenagers, college students, and the LGBT Community. Alaina also focuses on treating Anxiety, BPD, ADHD, Trauma, and General Life Stressors.

Alaina operates from a Person-Centered Lens which means the client is the expert in their own life, therefore, she will collaborate with you to find the best possible approach.

Alaina provides a comfortable, non-judgmental, and multicultural lens to ensure the ability of tacking each issue in a safe and healthy way.

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Dr. Lucky Ly is a board-eligible psychiatrist who received his medical degree at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed training in the psychiatric residency program at Millcreek Community Hospital. He has experience treating various psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and other related disorders. Dr. Ly uses evidence-based treatments and supportive psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy to help his patients. He encourages open communication and active participation as he believes they are key to successful treatment.

Dr. Sumbal Akhter graduated from the University of Nevada at Las Vegas Psychiatry residency program. She has a wide range of experience, having worked at the VA, consult liaison psychiatry, and multiple inpatient/outpatient settings. She provides supportive psychotherapy and takes an integrative approach to her practice.