Natalie Armijo, MD

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Bryce Thacker grew up in a rural community. He learned to be part of a community where helping everyone achieve their “best ‘selves” meant improving/maintaining community health and helping the community thrive. With his passion for helping people live “their best lives”, he received his undergrad in biology from the University of Nebraska and Creighton University where he majored in nursing. He obtained a Master of Science majoring in nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner) and Community health from Creighton University, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Colorado where he focused on population and community health. He then obtained a post doctorate/graduate certification in psychiatric mental health from Washburn University.

Bryce practiced for 18 years in family practice before specializing in psychiatric mental health. This helped him gain a holistic view of mental and physical health. Since focusing on psychiatric mental health in 2022, he has helped people live “their best lives” through medication management. Whether mood disorders, PTSD, anxiety, ADHD, or other mental health conditions which may disrupt your desired QOL, he would like to be part of your journey to achieve your desired mental health goals. Bryce still lives in a rural community with his family and continues to enjoy being part of helping people live “their best ‘selves”.

Bryce understands that his goals are not your goals, and that everyone’s “best ‘self” is unique to them. He understands “meeting someone where they are at” regarding their mental health is important when helping them on their journey to “living their best life” and having a quality of life they desire. He will always keep you at the center of your care and would love to be part of your journey to achieve your mental health goals in a safe, sustaining way.

Bryce will take time to learn about you and understand what adverse symptoms are disrupting your quality of life, and how they impact your ability to “live your best self”. Keeping your personal quality of life goals at the center, he will work with you to help overcome self-defeating thoughts and mental health labels you may have been told there is only a certain way to achieve goals that may not even be your goals. Finding a safe, sustainable way for you to achieve your desired quality of life in a holistic approach will always be at the center of your care.

Alexandra Hamlyn, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Alexandra Hamlyn is a board-certified adult psychiatrist and board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist. She completed her medical education at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University and then completed her residency in adult psychiatry at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Beth Israel. She then went on to complete her child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at NYU Langone and Bellevue Hospital. During this time, she also taught a course titled Love Actually at NYU School of Arts and Science. During training, Dr. Hamlyn gained extensive clinical experience in psychiatric inpatient, outpatient, and emergency settings, allowing her the opportunity to treat patients of all ages and backgrounds in numerous busy hospitals in New York City. Dr. Hamlyn's primary focus is on medication management, though she also has experience working in four different outpatient clinics where she has gained expertise in multiple different therapy modalities. If appropriate, Dr. Hamlyn will refer you for psychotherapy and collaborate with your therapist to support your care. She appreciates the importance of fostering a meaningful therapeutic relationship, and her goal is to make every patient feel welcomed in a non-judgmental treatment environment. She also takes a holistic approach as she understands that good health creates a sense of overall well-being and improved mental health. She strongly emphasizes the importance of mindfulness, self-compassion, exercise, nutrition, and interpersonal relationships throughout treatment. She looks forward to meeting and working with you.

Jenna McDonald, LMHC

Staff Therapist

Jenna McDonald is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York State who has extensive experience working in the mental health field. Jenna attended undergraduate school in Amherst, NY, and graduate school in Buffalo, NY, and completed internship programs during her time at both schools. Jenna continues to obtain knowledge through regular trainings and certifications that interest her, including EMDR. Jenna has worked directly with many different kinds of clients, who have experienced an array of mental health concerns at all levels. Jenna also has experience in working with comorbid disorders that can at times go hand-in-hand such as anxiety & depression, or homelessness & substance use. Jenna has been working in mental and behavioral health for approximately 10 years and has continued after being fully licensed, which requires 3000 hours of supervised experience as well. As an LMHC, Jenna likes to focus on helping those with anxiety, depression, relationship/employment concerns, and overall transitions of life ( school/work/medical issues/moving stressors, etc.), which may hinder daily life. Working with Jenna, treatment is tailored to the individual client so that the treatment plan fits that individual's personal struggles. Jenna uses a mix of different approaches typically found in Solution Focused Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Whether the goal is talk therapy or problem solving, Jenna would be more than happy to explore your goals with you.

Jessica Brusgul, LMHC

Staff Therapist

Jessica Brusgul is a LMHC with over nine years of experience working with individuals with a wide range of mental health challenges. She attended Oswego State and completed her undergraduate degree as an older, non-traditional student. She then pursued graduate school at SUNY Oswego, which she completed in 2016. During this time, Jessica has gained a great deal of experience with clients from various backgrounds who are faced with numerous life challenges. This includes anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and those in need of anger management. Jessica has also worked with those faced with substance abuse related problems, life transitions, career counseling, and parenting education. Her approach is to get to know her clients, their presenting concerns, and some history as well. Through these conversations, Jessica helps her clients feel comfortable in a non-judgmental setting and express themselves freely. Jessica also incorporates a sense of humor, when appropriate, as well as assisting people in identifying their inner strengths and skills. Jessica believes that everyone can overcome their obstacles and make positive changes for themselves. She incorporates such modalities as encouraging clients to maintain a journal and share entries during session, exercise regularly, and begin their journey towards overall wellness. Jessica has found that an eclectic approach, depending upon the needs of the individual, and the client's adherence to this between sessions, can be highly beneficial.

Lily Mudry, LPC

Staff Therapist

Lily Mudry is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Supervisor, a Certified Clinical Supervisor with the Substance Abuse Board, a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist, a Master in Addictions Counselor, and a National Certified Counselor. Lily specializes in mental health practice and addictions counseling, with a particular focus on trauma-informed care. She offers individual, couples, and family counseling, utilizing a variety of evidence-based treatment interventions, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing.

Lily has extensive training in trauma-related therapies, including Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Polyvagal Theory, Emotional Freedom Technique, Brain Spotting and Mindfulness-Based Strategies. She believes in a holistic approach to therapy, recognizing the importance of understanding the brain and the autonomic nervous system, as well as the role of symptom management and prevention. Lily’s therapeutic philosophy emphasizes body awareness and the cyclical patterns of thoughts and emotions that influence overall well-being. Her focus is not only on healing and stability but also on inspiring and empowering clients to continue growing and evolving into their true authentic selves.

Lily’s approach integrates trauma-focused therapy, CBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, Reality Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and EMDR to help clients make meaningful progress in their therapeutic journey. She works primarily with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and trauma-related issues. Lily strongly believes in empowering clients through psychoeducation, self-advocacy, and collaboration, ensuring that therapy is driven by motivation, direction, and progress.

Her first sessions with clients are focused on establishing a safe and comfortable environment, building rapport, and understanding each client’s challenges and goals. By creating a space for open communication, Lily works alongside clients to identify their needs and develop a personalized approach to therapy.

Ian Sanders, LCMHC

Staff Therapist

Ian Sanders is a licensed clinical mental health counselor and licensed professional counselor who has 12 years of experience with adolescents, adults, and families. Ian has helped clients in diverse demographics manage conditions ranging from depression, anxiety, work stress, LGBTQIA matters, family matters, and situations/adjustment concerns. Ian has worked in Inpatient, Partial Hospitalization, Intensive Outpatient, Outpatient, and Employee/Family Assistant Program settings. Ian earned his Master's Degree in Counseling from Concordia University - Wisconsin and his Bachelor's Degree from Western Illinois University. Ian is also a National Board Certified Counselor. Ian's focus has been with the LGBTQIA community and with adults and teens with mood disorders. Ian's approach to helping his clients is resiliency-based, utilizing dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and Solution-focused Therapy.

Tara Merchant, LMHC

Staff Therapist

Tara Merchant is a person-centered, nonjudgmental, relationship-based LMHC (licensed mental health counselor) who recognizes the intrinsic value of all people and holds positive regard for all her clients. Tara views counseling as a collaborative effort that provides psychoeducation and coping skills for the obstacles with which clients may be struggling, and clients provide insights as experts on themselves. She believes that all thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected and have valid underlying factors. Tara seeks to help clients connect the dots, from both past and present, to have a greater understanding of themselves and their environments. She also fosters a safe space for clients to identify and embrace their feelings toward emotional catharsis. Tara received her Bachelor's Degree from Purchase College, State University of NY, and her Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Long Island University. She has an eclectic style that utilizes Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and psychodynamic modality. Tara aims to uphold cultural humility for ongoing learning and awareness that supports racial and social equity. She is experienced in working with relationship issues, anxiety, depression, and child development. Tara is a big proponent of self-care and encourages you to find whatever it is that fills your cup. She, for example, loves to watch TV and sing in her spare time.

Paula Bennett, LPC

Staff Licensed Professional Counselor

Paula Bennett, LPC, has been in practice for over 20 years. She specializes in CBT and individual therapy. Paula strives to provide a client-centered approach based on the individual's needs. Paula has a specific passion for victims of trauma. As a teen and young adult, she struggled with depression. There weren't many treatment options at that time, but she found a counselor who inspired her to help others with mental health issues. Outside of work, Paula is known to enjoy reading, swimming, and watching animals, spending time with family, and watching movies. She also loves being able to help people and watch them grow.

Allison Holt, MD

National Medical Director

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.

Ali Imran, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Ali Imran is double board-certified in Adult Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He completed his psychiatry residency training at SUNY Downstate Medical Center. He completed his Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Hofstra/Northwell Zucker Hillside Hospital. He has practiced in various settings over his career, including inpatient psychiatric units, adult and child outpatient treatment clinics, urgent care centers, and emergency psychiatric treatment centers. Dr. Imran has more than five years of experience treating patients with depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and learning disorders. Dr. Imran's approach is collaborative, supportive, and patient-centered.�

Catherine Derys, LMHC

Staff Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Catherine is a graduate from the City University of New York (CUNY) Brooklyn College where she received her Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor experienced in working with adults that struggle with an array of different issues for the past 7 years, both in outpatient and private practice settings. Coupled with her empathic and non-judgmental attitude, she uses a person-centered approach when working with clients. She strives to meet the clients where they are at. Catherine has a passion for helping others reach their full potential, rebuild their confidence, and gain a better insight into themselves through using psychodynamic and CBT interventions. She promotes and encourages "progress over perfection."

Alicia Brigham, LPC

Staff Therapist

Alicia Brigham holds the position of therapist at Talkiatry. Alicia is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas and Oklahoma with over 10 years of experience. Alicia currently resides in Dallas, TX and graduated from Dallas Baptist University with her Masters in Counseling. Alicia has worked in an inpatient hospital, a nonprofit outpatient clinic, and in private practice settings providing therapy to a variety of populations. Alicia also has experience in advocating for clients to receive care based on medical necessity and treatment efficacy.

A new patient should know to come as they are, without fear of judgment. Their vulnerability will be safe with in the hands of Alicia. Alicia has a direct, yet calming and compassionate approach that creates comfort and ease for the client. Her goal is to create a warm, open, and interactive environment.

Alicia approaches each patient with respect, sensitivity, and eagerness to learn. The goal is to learn as much as possible about the patient and collaborate with the patient on a plan of action for the most effective care.

Natalie Armijo, MD

Education and training

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