Meena Shah, MD

Lance Briggs is a dedicated Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of clinical and leadership experience. A graduate of the University of North Dakota, Lance began as a psychiatric RN in acute inpatient settings before becoming a psychiatric RN supervisor in a major Houston hospital while pursuing advanced practice.

After becoming a PMHNP, Lance initially worked with outpatient addiction treatment and severe mental illness populations, later expanding into bariatric psychiatry to support patients preparing for weight-loss surgery. When the COVID-19 pandemic paused bariatric procedures, Lance founded a private practice—Grey Matters Mental Health—in Seattle, which was later sold to a larger healthcare organization in Minnesota. Lance then transitioned into correctional mental health, serving underserved populations within the criminal justice system. Currently, Lance is working at Talkiatry, providing compassionate, high-quality care informed by experience across diverse and challenging environments.

Lance understands that every patient is unique. His approach is grounded in Carl Rogers’ principle of unconditional positive regard, creating a safe, calming space where patients feel heard and valued. Lance takes time to explore developmental history, family background, and major life events, recognizing how past experiences shape present challenges. He aims to understand each symptom fully and offers thoughtful, collaborative treatment options.

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.‍

Dr. Emily Hutchison is a psychiatrist who earned her medical degree at the University of Washington School of Medicine. She brings over 20 years of experience treating patients with chronic illnesses and integrates whole health practices into her clinical approach. In addition to her medical training, she holds a master’s degree in Adult Fitness and Cardiac Rehabilitation, which informs her focus on the connection between physical and mental health. Dr. Hutchison’s practice is grounded in promoting well-being through a holistic lens that considers the whole person.

Dr. Hutchison prioritizes creating a collaborative relationship with every patient, tailoring treatment to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual. She believes in the importance of open communication, mutual trust, and shared decision-making as the foundation for effective care. Patients can expect a supportive and respectful environment where their experiences are valued, and treatment is approached as a partnership.

In her work, Dr. Hutchison begins by exploring each patient’s personal experiences and symptoms in depth, with the goal of understanding the whole picture of their health. She develops holistic treatment plans that integrate both medical and lifestyle considerations to support long-term wellness. Known for her punctuality, excellent communication, and genuine regard for every patient, Dr. Hutchison strives to ensure that care is not only effective but also compassionate and individualized.

Dr. Vanessa Valdes is an adult psychiatrist specializing in medication management and psychotherapy, with a strong focus on nutrition, wellness, and mindfulness. She earned her combined MD/MPH degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and completed her psychiatry residency at the University of Miami/Jackson Health System, one of the nation's leading public healthcare systems.‍During her residency, Dr. Valdes gained broad experience in diverse areas of psychiatry, including inpatient psychiatry, emergency psychiatry, outpatient care, psychotherapy, hypnosis, child and adolescent psychiatry, consultation-liaison psychiatry, psycho-oncology, and addiction psychiatry.‍Dr. Valdes primarily provides supportive psychotherapy and acceptance and commitment therapy to help patients better understand and address their stressors. She takes a holistic approach to care, emphasizing the emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being of her patients. Her goal is to inspire meaningful, sustainable changes in patients' lives through compassionate, comprehensive treatment.

Dr. Allison Holt is an experienced, board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist who has worked in mental health care in a variety of settings, including health care administration, academia, inpatient psychiatry, private practice outpatient care, forensic and disability evaluations, correctional psychiatry, eating disorder care, and ECT. Dr. Holt is dedicated to providing patients with a relaxed, trusting environment that encourages dialogue and instills the freedom to pursue healing and growth. With empathy, patience and an approachable style, she helps patients see their future with fresh eyes � and develop a plan that will accomplish their goals for change. While medical expertise forms the foundation of Dr. Holt's treatment, her warmth and a sense of compassion are often key motivating factors for patient change and success. Dr. Holt treats a wide variety of needs and illnesses in children, adolescents, and adults, including depressive disorders, bipolar disorders, anxiety disorders, substance-related and addictive disorders, attention disorders, trauma related disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Through a patient-centered mix of evidence-based treatments, including medication, psychotherapy, and patient education, she helps her patients understand their options and create appropriate treatment plans that empower them to move toward positive change. Dr. Holt received her medical degree from Ohio State University. She completed a General Psychiatry Residency Program (with extra emphasis in addiction and forensic psychiatry), and a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship, at the University of Minnesota. Prior to joining Talkiatry, Dr. Holt was the Physician Chief of the Mental Health and Addiction Service Line at M Health Fairview, the largest provider of mental health care in Minnesota. At the same time she was the Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs at the University of Minnesota Department of Psychiatry. Dr. Holt has been awarded "Top Doctor" by Minneapolis-St. Paul Magazine every year from 2014 to 2022. She was president of the Minnesota Psychiatric Society 2020-2021, and was also the co-editor of the Minnesota Psychiatric Society's newsletter, Ideas of Reference, from 2010-2019.

Background and credentials

Dr. Inano is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from Xavier University in New Orleans and obtained her medical degree from the University of California Davis. She completed her general psychiatry residency at the University of Texas at Austin Dell School of Medicine. Before transitioning to private practice, Dr. Inano worked within the Veterans Affairs healthcare system, where she gained extensive experience treating a diverse range of mental health conditions. She has also served as an Affiliate Faculty member at the University of Texas at Austin Dell School of Medicine, supervising and training psychiatry residents.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Inano employs a kind, collaborative, and patient-centered approach to psychiatry. She specializes in treating depression, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders, with additional training in psychotherapeutic modalities for PTSD. She strives to create a safe and supportive environment where patients feel comfortable exploring their concerns and working toward healing.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a thorough and compassionate evaluation aimed at understanding their unique experiences, symptoms, and treatment goals. Dr. Inano emphasizes collaboration, ensuring that each patient is actively involved in their treatment plan. She provides a supportive space where patients can discuss their concerns, and she tailors treatment options—including therapy and medication management—to meet individual needs.

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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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