Melissa Racklin, LCSW

Myleka Garnett is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. Myleka attended Baruch College in New York City, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree, along with receiving her Master of Arts degree in Psychology from Brandman University in Monterey, California. While working towards her goal to become a licensed Therapist, Myleka completed 3000 supervised clinical hours. Myleka has been a part of the Mental Health field since 2016. Myleka has experience working with clients of all ages, backgrounds, and mental and physical health concerns. Myleka has worked in school settings (elementary, high school, and college) and in a primary care physician's office as an on-site mental health therapist. Myleka's main goal is to build rapport and to provide a safe and nonjudgmental space for all to feel comfortable when expressing how they feel, no matter what the topic of discussion may be. Myleka has provided individual and group therapeutic services, depending on what is most suitable for that specific person. Myleka enjoys using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) when explaining the importance of how our thoughts have an impact on our emotions and our behaviors/actions. Myleka also practices using client-centered and DBT approaches within therapy.

Brianna Quirk is a licensed mental health counselor in the state of New York. She attended SUNY Oneonta for her Bachelor’s degree in psychology, and went on to Adelphi University where she received her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling.

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Brianna has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of different struggles. Brianna is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy, and helps her clients to recognize and change harmful and unhelpful patterns of thought and behavior, implement coping skills, and set goals for the future, leading to a happier and healthier existence. She uses techniques from CBT, solution focused therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and more to tailor each client’s sessions to their individual needs.

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Brianna specializes in working with individuals from a variety of different backgrounds and mental health issues: such as anxiety, ADHD, stress, depression, trauma, school avoidance and grief/loss. She also has extensive experience working with members of
the LGBTQ+ community.

Akili’s approach is centered around the individual. His goal is to help people embrace their authentic self. He believes that counseling and the therapeutic process is experiential. He has been through most of the life struggles we all have been through. Akili has also written several books - the latest of which, “Be an Anomaly”, is about the autism spectrum. Beyond his passion for helping others, Akili is passionate about his family, drawing, music, and basketball.

Akili utilizes multimedia resources, oftentimes with an emphasis on writing and creativity. He works to create a warm atmosphere of welcoming energy and connection. Therapeutic modalities used include REBT, CBT, Positive Psychology, ACT, and Gottman Method.

The tools that Akili uses are those hidden within you. He uses creative therapy and behavioral techniques to help you get where you want to be. Your collaboration is a trip that you will embark on together. Akili will help you find the best solutions to the answers you have.

Gretchen attended James Madison University for her undergraduate studies and graduate school at Virginia Commonwealth University and Boston University. She has practiced for three years in various settings, including residential facilities for children, acute care facilities, and private practice, where she successfully supported clients with neurodiversity in improving executive function, emotional regulation, and interpersonal relationships. Recognizing the complexities of neurodiversity beyond traditional clinical frameworks, Gretchen collaborates with medical professionals, educators, and families to create inclusive environments that foster success for individuals with neurodivergent traits.

Clients can expect to gain a deeper understanding of their thought patterns and uncover the underlying meanings behind their reactions. Through a collaborative and reflective process, they’ll develop greater self-awareness, challenge limiting beliefs, and gain clarity in their personal growth journey. This approach empowers clients to make more informed, intentional choices in their lives.

Gretchen takes a direct yet supportive approach, evident from the very first session. She integrates psychoeducation, somatic techniques to enhance body awareness, and strategic reframing to help clients uncover core beliefs that may be contributing to their challenges.

Meet Alex Starmer, LMHC, your friendly mental health counselor here at Talkiatry. She's not just a counselor; she's your partner on your mental health journey. Alex earned her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Syracuse University in 2020 and has been in the field since January 2021, working closely with clients facing mental health and substance use challenges. Alex believes in the power of the mind-body connection, and she loves to share polyvagal exercises and mindfulness techniques to help you better understand yourself. She's always learning and growing, with ongoing training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Her go-to tools for therapy are Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). With her, you can expect a compassionate and comprehensive approach to your mental well-being. You're in good hands with Alex.‍

Huong "Claire" Phan is a licensed mental health counselor at the New York State Education Department Office of the Professions and a licensed professional counselor at the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors. Claire completed her Master's in Mental Health Counseling at Brooklyn College, City University of New York. Claire has been practicing for 5 years as a licensed therapist providing counseling for mood disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, prolonged grief disorder, adjustment disorders, women's issues, and also helping clients navigate relationship difficulties and other challenges. Claire completed her clinical internship and worked as a therapist at the Institute for Human Identity, one of the first psychotherapy centers in New York to provide LGBTQ+ affirmative psychotherapy. Claire is passionate about serving the LGBTQ+ community and providing a safe space for her clients regardless of differences in gender identity, expression, sexual orientation, race, and culture. Claire practices with a holistic approach that incorporates cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, and mindfulness-based therapy techniques to help clients gain awareness, practice acceptance, and foster resiliency. Each of these therapy modalities requires active participation from the client to connect mind with body, intent with action so that healthier patterns can emerge.