Matthew Deise, PMHNP

Background  and credentials    

Dr. Ruiz is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in psychiatric  diagnosis and treatment for anxiety disorders, mood disorders, trauma and  stressor-related disorders, ADHD, and pregnancy-related psychiatric conditions.  She received her bachelor's degree in chemistry, graduating Magna Cum Laude  from the Honors College. Dr. Ruiz completed medical school at Texas Tech  University Health Sciences Center, followed by four additional years of  psychiatric residency training. Her diverse professional experience includes  working in psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, intensive outpatient  programs (IOP), partial hospitalization programs (PHP), emergency rooms, and  academic teaching environments. Dr. Ruiz has authored research publications  and received multiple awards, including the AWP International Fellowship  Award and the ADMSEP Innovations Award.    

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Treatment approach  

Dr. Ruiz emphasizes an integrated approach, combining medication management  and therapy. This method is supported by research indicating improved patient  outcomes. She remains current with the latest literature and treatment  guidelines to ensure evidence-based care.    

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What you can expect in a first visit    

Patients can anticipate a thorough initial evaluation during their first  visit with Dr. Ruiz. She conducts a comprehensive assessment to understand  the patient's symptoms, history, and personal circumstances. This session  sets the foundation for collaboratively developing an individualized  treatment plan focused on the patient’s specific needs 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 speciualize in  medication management and collaborate with you on a treatment plan that fits  your needs and comfort level.

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. Danielle Gelfond is an Adult Psychiatrist and a graduate from Loyola University Medical Center's residency program in Chicago, IL. Prior to attending residency, Dr. Gelfond graduated from Rush Medical College at Rush University. Throughout residency, Dr. Gelfond spent time focusing on her clinical interests which include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, and women's mental health. During her training, Dr. Gelfond spent several years working with the Perinatal population and completed a year-long program focusing on Women's Mental Health through the National Curriculum in Reproductive Psychiatry organization. She held the role of Chief Resident of her program during the last two years of her training and received several awards commending her leadership style and rapport with patients through her program. Dr. Gelfond takes on a holistic and "patient-centered" approach in her treatment style. She incorporates both medication management, supportive psychotherapy, and discussions surrounding lifestyle and wellness into her appointments and emphasizes patient education and autonomy, which she believes helps support the therapeutic relationship, improve clinical outcomes, and helps treatment align with the patient's goals of care.

Dr. Shaughnessy is boarded in adult psychiatry and has over 30 years of experience. Dr. Shaughnessy practices medication management in a supportive collaborative environment. Treatment recommendations may include psychotherapy with another professional in addition to medication management .Dr. Shaughnessy has worked with individuals having the spectrum of psychiatric disorders but is particularly interested in working with those with mood and anxiety disorders.

LANGUAGES

English

CONDITIONS TREATED

ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, PTSD/Trauma

Education and Training:

University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson, MD

University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, Residency

Dr. Stoddard earned his medical degree from the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson and completed his residency at the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix. He is board-certified in psychiatry and provides care for adult patient populations. Prior to his career in medicine, he proudly served in the U.S. Air Force.

Although Dr. Stoddard specializes in medication management of psychiatric conditions, supportive psychotherapy is often incorporated into his visits, as he believes a combined approach leads to a more robust treatment response. Additionally, he aims to enhance wellness through discussion of lifestyle modifications that emphasize quality sleep, a healthy diet, and regular exercise.

Initial appointments consist of a psychiatric evaluation and discussion of evidence-based treatment options. If telehealth is deemed to be an appropriate modality and pharmacotherapy is recommended, discussion will consist of selecting a suitable medication to address target symptoms while minimizing adverse effects. Follow-up visits focus on assessing treatment response and adjusting regimens to optimize outcomes.

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Dr. Wilt is board certified in adult psychiatry. She earned her medical degree from Louisiana State University in New Orleans, where she also completed her four-year residency in psychiatry. Dr. Wilt takes a biopsychosocial approach to mental health and has over 13 years of experience with an array of mental health diagnoses including Depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and sleep disorders. Dr. Wilt enjoys spending time getting to know her patients and working hand in hand with them to accurately diagnose and treat the symptoms they are experiencing. Dr. Wilt employs a holistic approach to mental health with a focus on incorporating medication management and supportive therapy to improve her patients' quality of life.‍