Lori Peppers, MD

Background and credentials

Dr. Lillian Cole is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. She completed her undergraduate education at the University of North Carolina Wilmington and went on to earn both a master’s in biomedical sciences and a medical degree from Texas Tech University. She completed her psychiatry residency training at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, where she gained experience working with a diverse range of patient populations across different ethnic, socioeconomic, and clinical backgrounds.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Cole emphasizes a holistic, patient-centered approach that integrates evidence-based medicine, psychotherapeutic techniques, lifestyle interventions, and psychoeducation. She believes that listening, collaboration, and compassion are essential to guiding patients toward recovery. Her practice primarily focuses on psychiatric medication management, and she has extensive experience treating mood disorders, anxiety, trauma-related disorders, and substance use disorders. When additional therapy is necessary for the best outcome, she may recommend integrating a therapist into the treatment plan.

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What you can expect in a first visit

Patients can expect a thorough and compassionate initial evaluation, where Dr. Cole takes the time to understand their symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals. She focuses on fostering a strong doctor-patient relationship and collaborates with each patient to create a personalized treatment plan that may include medication management, therapy, and lifestyle interventions. If additional therapy is indicated, she will coordinate with other providers to ensure comprehensive care tailored to the patient’s needs.

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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.

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Dr. Zhou is a board-certified psychiatrist who has more than 4 years of experience practicing in various clinical settings with an emphasis on mental health care in outpatient settings. She practices a holistic approach to developing an individualized plan to work toward a patient's goals. Dr. Zhou is experienced in treating depression, bipolar spectrum disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety, and other related psychiatric disorders. Dr. Zhou received her medical degree from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine and completed her adult psychiatry residency training at LSU Health Shreveport. Dr. Zhou's background and experiences have broadened her understanding of cultural stigmas and the relationship it plays in psychiatric care. She incorporates a multitude of treatment modalities such as supportive therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness practices as an adjunct to pharmacotherapy. Dr. Zhou recognizes the value of a multifaceted approach to wellbeing and may recommend treatment modalities that are complementary to medication management.

Dr. Yaejin Park is a board-certified adult psychiatrist at Talkiatry. She received her medical degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Medicine and completed her psychiatry residency training at Mount Sinai Morningside West.

Dr. Park has professional interests in treating a wide range of psychiatric conditions including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and eating disorders.  She strives to provide compassionate and holistic care with the integration of supportive psychotherapy and medication management.

Dr. Kevin Lu is a board certified adult psychiatrist. In addition to medication management, he integrates elements of psychotherapy, psychoeducation, lifestyle changes, and relationship skills into his approach. He enjoys working with a variety of individuals and conditions, with particular experience with veterans, immigrants, and university students. He has a friendly and casual style, and prioritizes strong therapeutic relationships in his work. Dr. Lu completed his undergraduate studies at New York University's Stern School of Business, and after a short career in finance, he made a transition into medicine. He received his medical degree from the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, and completed residency training in psychiatry at the University of Arizona in Tucson.

Dr. Kirk Carruthers is a board-certified psychiatrist with experience in both outpatient and inpatient psychiatry, as well as addiction medicine. He completed his medical degree at Morehouse School of Medicine and trained at University Hospitals – Case Medical Center, where he completed general psychiatry residency and fellowships in addiction and community psychiatry. His experience includes roles in community mental health, academic teaching, and the VA system. Outside of work, he enjoys music production, soccer, spending time with loved ones, and all dogs.

Dr. Carruthers brings a casual, easygoing communication style to create a comfortable space where patients feel at ease. He emphasizes forming strong therapeutic bonds based on trust, and combines supportive therapy with medication management. He encourages collaboration with therapists and uses evidence-based treatment approaches tailored to each individual’s needs.

Dr. Carruthers begins with a thorough understanding of each patient's concerns, history, and goals. He then creates a personalized treatment plan and works collaboratively with the patient to reach their goals, adjusting care as needed for ongoing progress.

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Dr. Kathryn Bertacchi is board-certified in both adult and child & adolescent psychiatry. Originally from California, she earned her medical degree from University College Cork in Ireland and completed residency and fellowship at Emory University. She has practiced in varied settings, including developing specialized clinics in eating disorders and gender-affirming care. She is a member of several professional organizations including AACAP, APA, and WPATH.

Dr. Bertacchi fosters an inclusive, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel safe to be themselves. She approaches care with curiosity, compassion, and deep respect for each person’s unique story, aiming to help individuals feel genuinely heard and supported throughout their treatment journey.

In early sessions, Dr. Bertacchi works collaboratively to understand patients' lives, goals, and challenges. While her focus is medication management, she integrates cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and supportive techniques. She may recommend additional therapy as needed and particularly values working with youth and adults from diverse backgrounds.