Marc Whaley, MD

More Clinicians

Eva Sleczka LCSW has a wealth of experience and a passion for integrated patient care. Eva Sleczka, LCSW brings a unique blend of expertise and compassion that is sure to benefit psychotherapy patients. Eva Sleczka, LCSW is a broadly accomplished social worker with years of experience in hospital health-based and community-based human services environments. Eva Sleczka LCSW has an impressive background in the behavioral health field, holding an MSW, LCSW from New York University and specializing in behavioral health psychotherapy with adults, children and families. They have spent 30 years working in various healthcare settings, including health and hospital systems, emergency room and screening center for psychiatric emergency services, school-based and community-based outpatient treatment settings, where they have honed their skills and gained valuable experience in patient care. Their commitment to staying abreast of the latest advancements in behavioral health science ensures that our patients receive the highest quality of psychotherapy care. One of the key strengths Eva Sleczka, LCSW, brings to our team is their expertise in integrative care and trauma-informed psychotherapy, skilled with adults and families with mental health needs. They have a proven track record of clinical supervision of social work students in the field, experience as a Clinical Director of a community mental health setting, psychotherapist for adults, children, and families with mental health needs, making them a valuable resource for both our patients and our staff. Whether it's managing complex cases, providing preventive care, or offering specialized treatments, supervision of social work students Eva Sleczka, LCSW is dedicated to delivering comprehensive and personalized care to each patient. At the core of Eva Sleczka, LCSW's practice is a patient-centered approach that prioritizes the individual needs and preferences of each patient. They believe in fostering strong clinician-patient relationships built on trust, empathy, and open communication. By involving patients in their own care decisions and providing education about their health, Eva Sleczka, LCSW, empowers patients to take an active role in their well-being. Eva Sleczka, LCSW utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), focusing mainly on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and incorporating mindfulness into a wellness-based approach.

Christa DeFries, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

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.

‍

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.

‍

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.

‍

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.

Kevin White, LMHC

Staff Therapist

Kevin K. White is a licensed Mental Health Therapist, who has been working in the counseling field for over 20 years. He has continually worked with individuals and couples from all demographics and ethnic backgrounds, living with a variety of mental health conditions. Kevin attended Medaille University in Buffalo, New York for his undergraduate and graduate studies. Kevin has been practicing as a Mental Health Therapist, focusing on stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, anger management, trauma, and depression. Treatment with Kevin is tailored to building the therapeutic relationship and is customized to the individual, using person-centered treatment with the purpose of making the patient feel whole. He also focuses on issues related to abuse, intimacy, career difficulties, codependency, divorce and separation, family problems, forgiveness, infidelity, jealousy, life purpose, and men's issues, midlife crisis, and self-love. Kevin employs several therapeutic methods such as: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Mindfulness Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy.

Ethan Bardell, LMHC

Staff Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Ethan Bardell holds the position of Psychotherapist at Talkiatry. He completed both his undergraduate and graduate training at Clarion University of Pennsylvania. Ethan obtained his BS in Rehabilitative Sciences and Human Services with a concentration in developmental disabilities. Ethan then completed his MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Ethan has a strong background in community mental health work, where he has worked with individuals, couples, families, and groups using a client-centered approach that is both gentle and supportive. In sessions, Ethan works to create a welcoming space where individuals can both process and make sense of their unique experiences, while using a combination of modalities to best fit the needs of each individual. Ethan has a true passion and interest in treating a wide array of psychiatric disorders including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, dual disorder, and substance use issues, and various personality disorders.‍

Justin Jones, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Justin Jones is a board-certified adult psychiatrist based in Las Vegas, NV. Originally a Mississippi native, he completed undergraduate studies at the University of Mississippi. He subsequently completed medical school and post-graduate residency training at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. His practice focuses on making progress towards therapeutic goals by utilizing a specifically tailored combination of medication management and psychotherapy depending on any given individual's needs. He understands how difficult it can be to begin seeing a new psychiatrist, and does his best to create a safe, welcoming environment that patients can feel comfortable in.

Joy James, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Background and credentials

Dr. James is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with 32 years of clinical experience. She earned her medical degree from Tufts University, Boston’s affiliated program and completed her residency training at Steward St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Boston, where she initiated the residency program and received the Resident Teaching Award for excellence in teaching. Throughout her career, she has served in various leadership roles, including as Chief of Psychiatry at Pro Medica Healthcare Company.

‍

Treatment approach

Dr. James specializes in community adult psychiatry and is deeply invested in providing comprehensive care for individuals and families. She has extensive experience working in outpatient, inpatient, consult-liaison, and emergency room settings, allowing her to tailor treatment to diverse patient needs. Her approach prioritizes holistic, patient-centered care, ensuring that each treatment plan aligns with a patient’s specific challenges and goals.

‍

What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a thorough psychiatric evaluation where Dr. James carefully reviews their symptoms, medical history, and treatment objectives. She fosters a compassionate and collaborative environment, ensuring that patients feel supported in their journey toward better mental health. Her extensive experience allows her to provide personalized treatment strategies, which may include medication management and therapeutic interventions tailored to each individual’s needs.

‍

Why Talkiatry?

‍

Valerie King-Ernst, DO

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Valerie King-Ernst is a board-certified psychiatrist trained in Adult Psychiatry. She earned her medical degree at Western University of Health Sciences and completed psychiatry residency training at Loyola University Medical Center. Dr. King-Ernst has a wealth of experience working in private practices, hospital settings, the State of IL � Elgin Mental Health Center, and telepsychiatry services. She has had the opportunity to serve in leadership positions, serving as a medical director twice and serving as president of her own medical practice for 10 years. Dr. King-Ernst has a wide range of experience in anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, geriatric depression, trauma, personality disorders and ADHD. Her clinical approach is holistic, collaborative, supportive, patient-centered and prefers to focus on the overall health and well-being of the patient.

Lindsay Legnon, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Lindsay Legnon is board-certified in Psychiatry and has 15 years of experience in outpatient clinical psychiatry. Her focus is primarily on medication management, but she does incorporate brief cognitive behavioral therapy and supportive therapy when appropriate. If more extensive psychotherapy is felt to be beneficial, she will recommend a therapist and collaborate with them for optimal care. She completed her medical degree at Louisiana State University in Shreveport and her residency at Tulane University in New Orleans, where she served as Chief Resident. After completing her residency, she worked primarily in outpatient clinics treating a wide range of mental health disorders. She has extensive experience treating major depressive disorder, a variety of anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD, and bipolar disorder, among others. Medication is felt to be an important tool for many in achieving wellness, and she encourages a holistic approach to improve outcomes. Her hope is to provide relief and help people achieve their goals in their journey back to wellness.

Giulia Ferrero, LCSW

Staff Licensed Master Social Worker

Giulia Ferrero earned her Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Sociology, Ethnic Studies, and Women & Gender Studies at the University of Colorado in Boulder, and received her Master of Social Work from Columbia University with an emphasis in children, youth, and families. Giulia is licensed by the State of Texas as a master social worker (LMSW), and is dedicated to helping people who struggle with mental health concerns. She believes that change happens when people are given the support they need to draw on their own strengths and realize their potential to live fulfilling, happy lives. Giulia advocates a holistic approach when working with her clients and incorporates various treatment styles including, but not limited to, cognitive-behavioral, family systems, solution-focused, and psychodynamic. During her graduate program, Giulia worked extensively with children, utilizing play therapy techniques alongside a trauma-focused treatment approach. She specializes in individual therapy with an emphasis on issues such as PTSD, autism, stress, anxiety and depression, grief and loss, women's issues, family/relationship issues, life transitions, and personal growth. Giulia especially enjoys working with young adults and is committed to working with each person in a confidential, effective manner to help the individual accomplish his/her/their goals.

Robert Werner, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Blake Werner is an adult and addiction psychiatry board certified physician who has been in practice for the past 4 years. He received his medical degree from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, TX, before moving to charming Charleston, SC to complete his residency in adult psychiatry. Following residency, Dr. Werner navigated his way to the northeast to complete a fellowship in addiction psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine. Post-fellowship, Dr. Werner joined the Yale faculty as an assistant professor and was employed through the Veterans Affairs, treating substance use disorders in an outpatient clinical setting. Through his clinical practice, Dr. Werner has worked with a variety of patients across the northeast via telemedicine to treat their general mental health concerns, substance use disorders, as well as behavioral addictions. While Dr. Werner's clinical practice post residency has primarily focused on substance use disorders, he has spent the last couple of years on the inpatient psychiatric setting, assisting patients with a wide variety of mental health conditions as well as enjoying time working with residents and medical students. In his role as a psychiatrist, Dr. Werner enjoys working collaboratively with patients to develop a beneficial and effective treatment plan aimed at fostering emotional well-being. While primarily utilizing medications as tools to assist patients in achieving their desired level of functioning, he is well versed in motivation enhancement therapy and prefers psychodynamic and supportive therapeutic processes. He is looking forward to meeting and working with you as you progress along your path of wellness.

Christa DeFries, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Background and credentials

‍

Treatment approach

‍

What you can expect in a first visit

‍

Why Talkiatry?

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr Marc Whaley is a Board Certified Psychiatrist in Adult Psychiatry, with extensive clinical experience over the past 50 years, mostly in outpatient treatment, and some in-patient settings, in addition to Forensic (legal) ones. He received his undergraduate degree at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore and his medical degree at Tufts Medical School in Boston, and then went on to train at Tufts New England Medical Center in Boston, for his psychiatry residency. He has held leadership roles, Chief of Department of Psychiatry in a community hospital, President of the local Psychiatric Chapter of the Massachusetts Psychiatric Society, and founder of a private group outpatient psychiatric practice on Cape Cod called The Psychiatric Collaborative. In 2018, he closed his private practice, seeking more free time in the later years. It did not take long, however, to get back to active practice, first by reviewing files for insurers around the issue of medical necessity, disability, and other psychiatric determinations. He got his first experience in Telepsychiatry when working remotely for a community hospital, far from his home, evaluating patients presenting to their busy ER; He experienced this as a practical and efficient way of delivering psychiatric services. When that contract ended after 3.5 years, he learned about and joined Talkiatry to work as a Staff Psychiatrist, in their well-organized comprehensive program. Dr. Whaley has been recognized by his peers for his career achievement, and he was the 2022 recipient of the Outstanding Psychiatrist Award for Clinical Psychiatry from the MA Psychiatric Society. He has also been a regular panel member, over the past 13 years, for a monthly NPR Radio Talk Show, ( WGBH Cape Cod affiliate, WCAI), The Point with Mindy Todd, focusing on multiple mental health topics.

Marc Whaley, MD

Education and training

Get to know

Marc Whaley, MD

Get matched with a clinician like this one

Eva Sleczka, LCSW

Staff Therapist

Christa DeFries, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Kevin White, LMHC

Staff Therapist

Ethan Bardell, LMHC

Staff Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Justin Jones, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Joy James, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Valerie King-Ernst, DO

Staff Psychiatrist

Lindsay Legnon, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Giulia Ferrero, LCSW

Staff Licensed Master Social Worker

Robert Werner, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Christa DeFries, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Marc Whaley, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Ready to get matched?

Solutions

Resources

Company