Luis Espinosa, MD

Dr. Thomas Crane is a board-certified psychiatrist who practices general adult psychiatry, with a special interest in managing depression, anxiety, OCD, and ADHD. He attended Calvin College for his Bachelor's Degree and Michigan State University College of Human Medicine for his Medical Degree. He then completed his Residency in Psychiatry at Ohio State University.‍After spending six months serving the prison population, he is back to doing what he finds most rewarding, which is one-on-one outpatient psychiatry. Dr. Crane places special emphasis on a triple-pronged approach to treating conditions, using medication, therapy, and lifestyle guidance. He enjoys building a therapeutic relationship with his patients, and he values longer-term continuity of care when appropriate. Dr. Crane recognizes that psychiatric conditions can hinder someone from enjoying their life in a way that they otherwise could, and his focus is on helping his patients obtain more happiness, while reducing frustration/pain.

Dr. Ellis is a graduate of Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in Piscataway, NJ. He completed his psychiatric residency at Cooper Hospital/University Medical Center in Camden, NJ, where he served as Chief Resident his senior year. Dr. Ellis has served as Assistant Medical Director of the community mental health center of Gloucester County for 28 years, providing care to a diverse population. Additionally, Dr. Ellis maintained a private practice for 15 years, treating individuals and their families with ongoing collaboration with therapists and other health care providers

Dr. George Han is an adult psychiatrist who earned his undergraduate degree in Materials Science and NanoEngineering from Rice University, his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and completed his psychiatry residency training at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. He is certified by the International Society for Sports Psychiatry (ISSP), reflecting his expertise in mental health care for athletes. Now based in New York City, Dr. Han brings a broad geographic and cultural perspective, having previously lived in China, Canada, Illinois, California, Texas, and Mississippi.

Drawing on these diverse experiences, Dr. Han is committed to providing culturally responsive and identity-affirming care, with a particular focus on immigrant communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and high-performance professionals. He uses a collaborative, narrative-informed approach that centers each patient’s lived experience and values. His integrative method helps individuals recognize emotional and behavioral patterns shaped by cultural, relational, and systemic factors.

In clinical practice, Dr. Han combines evidence-based medication management with appropriate psychotherapy techniques and elements of executive coaching. This comprehensive approach supports patients navigating high-pressure environments, helping them achieve greater clarity, resilience, and confidence across both personal and professional domains

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Background and credentials    

Dr. Catherine Cashman is triple board-certified by the American Board of  Psychiatry and Neurology in Adult Psychiatry, Child & Adolescent  Psychiatry, and Forensic Psychiatry. She holds two Bachelor’s degrees: one in  Finance from New York University, and another in Biology from the University  of New Orleans. She earned her medical degree from Nova Southeastern  University and completed an Adult Psychiatry residency at LSU Health Sciences  Center in New Orleans. Dr. Cashman subsequently completed two fellowships:  the first in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at LSU New Orleans, along with  a certification in Infant Mental Health (working with children ages 0–6 years  and their caregivers); the second fellowship was in Forensic Psychiatry at  the University of Rochester and the Rochester Regional Forensic Unit.    

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Treatment approach    

Dr. Cashman brings an extensive and specialized skillset to psychiatry,  informed by her triple board-certifications. Her treatment approach  integrates clinical expertise from adult, child and adolescent, and forensic  psychiatry, emphasizing accurate diagnosis, risk assessment, and  evidence-based care. With specialized expertise in forensic psychiatry and  competency assessments, she employs rigorous evaluation methods to accurately  inform treatment planning and risk management, particularly in complex or  legally-involved cases.    

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What you can expect in a first visit    

Patients visiting Dr. Cashman for the first time can expect a detailed and  comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. Given her forensic and clinical  experience, initial assessments are thorough, focusing on clear diagnostic  understanding, individualized risk assessment, and appropriate treatment  planning. Patients can anticipate a collaborative, professional, and  structured environment aimed at clarifying diagnoses and addressing their  unique mental health needs effectively.    

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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.

Dr. Pipalia is board-certified in both adult psychiatry and internal medicine. Since graduation from residency, he gained specialized experience in treating veterans with terminal illness, specifically Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (aka Lou Gehrig's Disease), at the VA Medical Center in Portland, OR. He combines both psychotherapy and medication treatment to provide holistic care that addresses not only your mental health but also the parts of your life that surround and are deeply intertwined with your mental health. When more intensive psychotherapy is warranted, he collaborates with an experienced psychotherapist to serve you better. With his experience of internal medicine, he is also comfortable with navigating complex medical issues that may interact with your mental health. Dr. Pipalia is a graduate of St. George's University School of Medicine. He completed a combined Psychiatry & Internal Medicine residency training program at East Carolina University. He went on to complete a fellowship in Clinical Informatics at Oregon Health & Science University, learning how to use modern digital technologies and patient data to improve patient care. His academic activities include a presentation he has given multiple times on Illness Identity, teaching other clinicians how having an illness can change how we perceive our place in the world and how to help patients manage their relationship with illness.

Background  and credentials    

Dr. Christa DeFries is a board-certified Adult Psychiatrist. She earned her  medical degree from UT Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Texas, and  completed her residency in Adult Psychiatry at Baylor Scott & White in  Temple, Texas. Following residency, Dr. DeFries gained additional experience  treating homeless and formerly homeless populations in New York City,  particularly focusing on individuals with histories of trauma and substance  addiction, prior to joining Talkiatry.    

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Treatment approach    

Dr. DeFries practices Adult Psychiatry, employing an integrative treatment  approach combining medication management, psychotherapeutic methods, and  lifestyle modifications. She recognizes that each patient benefits from a  personalized mix of these three aspects of care. Dr. DeFries specializes in  treating diverse psychiatric conditions, including those related to trauma,  substance addictions, and various mental health disorders.    

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What you can expect in a first visit    

In a first visit with Dr. DeFries, patients can expect a comprehensive  evaluation aimed at understanding their individual mental health history,  specific concerns, and overall treatment goals. Dr. DeFries emphasizes an  individualized approach, carefully exploring the best combination of  medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments tailored specifically to each  patient's needs. Patients can anticipate an empathetic and collaborative  environment focused on their personal experiences and goals.    

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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.