Lucky Ly, DO

Dr. Amber Blue is a board-certified psychiatrist trained in Adult Psychiatry. She completed her residency at Yale University. She offers medication management in 30-minute follow-up visits informed by her psychotherapy experience. Occasionally, she may believe additional therapy would be beneficial, and therefore, she recommends that you add a therapist to your care team for the best results. She has received specialized training in psychoanalytic psychotherapy at Columbia University and NYU. Over the past three years, Dr. Blue has worked in college student health centers and private practice. She has a wide range of experience in treating various mental illnesses including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and OCD. Her approach is to educate clients on their mental health, available pharmacologic and psychotherapeutic options, and to collaborate with them in formulating an evidence-based treatment plan.

Background and credentials

Dr. Joyln Ferrell is a board-certified psychiatrist with specialized training in treating depression and anxiety disorders. She earned her medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine and also holds a doctorate in pharmacy from the University of Georgia. She completed her residency training in psychiatry at VA Boston/Harvard Medical School and gained significant clinical experience at McLean Hospital. Additionally, she completed a fellowship in psychoanalytic psychotherapy at Columbia University Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Ferrell focuses on providing patient-centered care, emphasizing improving quality of life and helping patients reach their specific treatment goals. Her approach integrates medication management with supportive therapy. She believes in a collaborative treatment process and may recommend additional therapy support when necessary to optimize outcomes. She takes a cautious and limited approach to the use of controlled medications, ensuring responsible medication management.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive assessment of their symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals. Dr. Ferrell takes a thoughtful and individualized approach to care, working with patients to develop a treatment plan that incorporates medication management and supportive therapy. Follow-up visits typically last 20-30 minutes and focus on monitoring progress and adjusting treatment as needed. In some cases, she may recommend involving an additional therapist to further enhance the effectiveness of the treatment plan.

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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. Candice Hacker is a board-certified Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. She completed her Psychiatry residency and a fellowship in Consultation Liaison Psychiatry at Mount Sinai/St. Luke's Hospital. She is passionate about a holistic approach to patient care, trained in psychosomatic medicine, and she has a deep appreciation for the intricate connection between the mind and body. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Hacker has facilitated excellent outcomes in the treatment of various mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and trauma-related conditions. Dr. Hacker believes in creating a safe, nurturing and non-judgmental environment where patients can openly explore their emotions and experiences. By integrating evidence-based psycho-pharmacological modalities with mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral techniques, she empowers her patients to challenge a negative mindset and reach their goals. Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Hacker is deeply committed to community mental health advocacy and the destigmatization of mental illness.

Dr. Jacobs is board-certified in Adult Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She specializes in medication management for adult patients across a range of psychiatric conditions, with a focus on treating depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, and ADHD. Dr. Jacobs employs a therapeutic approach to medication management, incorporating supportive and psychodynamic psychotherapies into her sessions. She selects psychopharmacological treatments and therapies tailored to each patient's individual needs and symptoms. Dr. Jacobs earned her Bachelor of Science in Science and Business from the University of Notre Dame. She graduated from medical school at the University of Mississippi, where she was honored with membership in the Gold Humanism Honor Society for her exceptional clinical skills, interpersonal abilities, and dedication to patient care. She then returned to Texas to follow her passion for mental health, completing her residency in Psychiatry at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Dr. Jacobs developed a strong enthusiasm for enhancing mental health care within communities and completed a fellowship in Community Psychiatry through the UT Southwestern Altshuler Center for Education and Research in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Over the years, she has worked with major community mental health organizations across Texas and has recently focused on leveraging telemedicine to coordinate mental health support with primary care providers. Throughout her career, Dr. Jacobs has been committed to psychiatric research, educational initiatives, and organizational efforts to advance mental health care education and patient care in communities. She is an active member and leader in several medical and psychiatric organizations. Dr. Jacobs takes great pleasure in connecting with patients via telemedicine, focusing on meeting them where they are in their mental health journey and supporting their needs and goals.

Alana Ward is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). Alan has been practicing since 2018 and has experience with individuals of all ages. Prior to becoming a PMHNP, Alana worked as a registered nurse in critical care and psychiatry. As a PMHNP, she has experience working on inpatient adult and geriatric psychiatric units, as well as providing psychiatric evaluations and consultations to individuals on medical units and emergency rooms at hospitals. Alana is very experienced working in outpatient settings managing various psychiatric diagnoses. She has also helped manage individuals in long term care facilities and assisted living facilities. When Alana is not providing direct patient care, she will on occasion help with instructing future nurses at Kent State University. Alana graduated with her Master's of Science in Nursing from Kent State University, and is board certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner through the American Nurse Credentialing Center. Alana enjoys treating a variety of mental health diagnoses including depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, and various psychotic disorders. She believes in client-centered care, where clients get a say in their treatment in order to help make them feel their best. Alana truly believes that therapy is a crucial part of successfully treating any mental health diagnosis, in combination with medication management when warranted. Alana likes to add mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to her medication management appointments to help individuals receive effective, quality care.

Dr. Alejandra Vivas is board-certified in adult psychiatry and board-eligible in child and adolescent psychiatry. She completed her general psychiatry residency at Montefiore Medical Center and a child and adolescent fellowship at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Dr. Vivas brings extensive experience from outpatient, emergency, and telepsychiatry settings. She has advanced training in CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Psychodynamic Therapy. Fluent in English and Spanish, she is committed to culturally sensitive, individualized care.

Dr. Vivas fosters a warm, respectful, and professional space where patients feel seen and empowered. She values open communication and builds collaborative relationships to align treatment with each person’s values, goals, and lifestyle. Her approach is integrative and flexible, grounded in evidence-based methods to support lasting, meaningful change.

Dr. Vivas begins with a thorough evaluation to understand each patient’s history and goals. She creates customized treatment plans that may include therapy, medication, or both. Drawing on CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Psychodynamic Therapy, she adapts care to meet evolving needs, aiming to relieve symptoms, foster resilience, and support long-term well-being.

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