Maria-Anne Duncan, LCSW

Nisha Saintelus Deratus, LPC, is a proud HBCU graduate of Prairie View A&M University with a Master’s in Counseling and over eight years of experience in the mental health field. She has provided care in inpatient psychiatric hospitals, partial and intensive outpatient programs, community mental health, and private telehealth practice. Nisha supports clients facing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, bipolar disorder, life transitions, anger management, and relationship challenges.

Nisha offers a warm, approachable, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel seen and supported. She believes in a collaborative approach to therapy, working alongside clients to identify the root of their struggles and develop a personalized plan for growth and healing. Her personable nature and tailored care help clients feel comfortable and empowered throughout the process.

In the first session, Nisha reviews teletherapy expectations and confidentiality, and conducts a psychosocial assessment to better understand your background and goals. Together, you’ll explore current challenges, create a vision for your future, and build a practical plan. Using CBT and ACT, she helps you develop tools and insights to apply between sessions for continued progress.

Dr Mark Giordano is a board-certified psychiatrist with over ten years of experience in adult psychiatry, addiction medication, pregnancy and post-partum care, complex medical consultation, and military health. Dr G practices psychodynamic psychotherapy as well as evidenced based medication management. Dr G has extensive experience working with culturally diverse populations, and is an Army veteran who deployed to Korea and Afghanistan.

Patients often describe Dr G as caring, providing clear explanations, and responsive to concerns.   Dr G highly values his patients trusting him to listen and respect them, as well as in his clinicial skills.  He works hard at helping his patients understand his approach to treatment, and what is happening along the way and why. He may be the medical expert, but he and his patients are partners working together in the process of achieving better health and functionality for them so they can live their best lives.

Dr G starts by explaining his overall approach to medication management and his goal of helping his patients live a better life free of disability. He conducts a detailed evaluation of your concerns, your experiences, and your priorities in treatment.  Dr G develops a unique treatment plan based on your unique needs. He emphasizes positive developments over the course of your work together and makes sure you always have a chance to discuss any questions or concerns you want him to know and answer.

Therapist Kim Heath has decades of experience collaborating with patients providing mental health care and interventions to facilitate health and wellness. Kim has worked in all aspects of mental health ranging from crisis care to rehabilitation. Kim has a great depth of community service connections and resources to link individuals in the community and an opportunity to extend support networks for greater health. Kim received her bachelor’s from the University of Kansas and master’s from the University of Missouri and continues educational opportunities in counseling/therapy and theology. Kim is a Christian counselor and believes people have need of mind/body/spirit balance to address the emotional pain, psychological turmoil, and physical challenges in life. Kim meets individuals where they are and with the focus of accomplishing the wellness goals of the individual answers the need for therapeutic interventions. Kim Heath uses a variety of modalities dependent on the needs of the patient to include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person Centered Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy and Christ Centered Christian Counseling Intervention.

Patients should be aware that Kim specializes in straight forwardness and application of the structure of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in sessions. Patients are of the utmost importance when receiving therapy with Kim Heath and are the key to mental health intervention and thereby change. Kim Health respects the wishes of patients with target goals, behaviors as well as providing support, care, and help. Kim acknowledges and is knowledgeable about getting to the heart of problems, issues, and concerns and identifying what is best in the patient’s opinion to address, then addressing them.

Kim Health typically will address the dynamics of a therapeutic relationship with patients   along with asking and assessing what patients hope to obtain or accomplish in therapy. Kim will discuss each clinical step taken to get to the accomplishments of the patient. Kim has worked with a wide range of diagnoses including Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, Marital, Grief, Alcohol and Substance Use, Addictions, Workplace Issues, Relationship and Social Issues, Multicultural Issues, Faith Crisis, and Adjustment Issues.

Dr. Amy Prince is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who graduated from SUNY Downstate Medical Center and completed her residency training at UMass Medical Center, where she served as chief resident during her final year. Dr. Prince has worked with patients in a variety of treatment settings, including inpatient, partial hospital programs, community mental health centers, and outpatient. Dr. Prince believes that integrating therapy, psychopharmacology and lifestyle modifications can lead to the greatest gains in emotional wellness. She believes that working collaboratively with patients leads to the best outcome. Dr Prince has worked with a diverse patient population, but especially enjoys working with patients with mood disorders, anxiety, and ADHD. Dr. Prince offers supportive therapy in conjunction with psychopharmacology. In cases in which a patient would benefit from more intensive therapy than what could be done in 20-25 minute visits, Dr Prince may recommend adjunctive therapy with a licensed therapist.

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.

Dr. Elizabeth Foote is a board-certified addiction and general psychiatrist practicing medicine for over 15 years.  

Dr. Elizabeth Foote focuses on providing integrated care for those with co-occurring disorders, depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and other forms of mental illness in the outpatient setting.  

She provides medication management as well as psychotherapy which includes drug and alcohol counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and cognitive processing therapy for trauma.  When combining these treatment approaches, patients receive more comprehensive mental health care.  Treatment begins with an initial assessment and a comprehensive treatment plan developed in coordination with the patient to best meet their needs.

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