Neena Mathew, PMHNP

Susana Deltoro is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) with over a decade of experience in mental health and substance use disorders (SUD). She specializes in delivering culturally sensitive, client-centered therapy and is passionate about empowering individuals to overcome challenges and achieve long-term stability. Susana holds a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from the University of the Southwest in Hobbs, New Mexico. Over the years, she has worked in diverse settings, including private practice, employee assistance programs, and leadership roles in clinical care. As the Chief Operating Officer for a non-profit agency, she developed innovative programs, supervised multidisciplinary teams, and collaborated with community organizations to support individuals in their recovery journeys with Mental Health and substance use disorders. Susana is dedicated to creating tailored treatment plans that seamlessly integrate into her clients' daily lives. She specializes in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness therapy, and solution-focused modalities, adhering to a humanistic, person-centered approach. Her practice emphasizes holistic care, helping clients explore their strengths and establish healthy coping mechanisms. Your well-being is Susana's priority. If you have any questions, she encourages you to reach out. While she may not have all the answers, she is committed to helping you find them. Fluent in English and Spanish, Susana excels at building trust with diverse populations. Outside of her clinical work, she enjoys facilitating workshops on stress management and self-care, reflecting her commitment to fostering resilience and well-being in her clients and the community.

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.

Jacqueline Bowling began her counseling career in 2013, and for the past 7 years, she has worked in Outpatient Services, working with people of all ages and with all mental illnesses as well. Prior to outpatient services, she worked with in-home services, providing counseling services to individuals as well as their natural support system. Jacqueline got her Undergraduate and Master's degree in Education and Human Services, completed in December 2013, at the University of Lindsey Wilson, Columbia, Kentucky. In June of 2021, she became Clinic Coordinator, and in October 2021 she completed training for Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Supervisor. She is currently a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Texas and Kentucky. Her areas of professional focus are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and Solution-focused, along with integrating other clinical modalities to fit the needs of clients/patients as they work towards meeting goals/objectives.

Dr. Wharton-Mohammed is double board certified in General Psychiatry as well as Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She has worked in various settings with culturally diverse populations. Her primary focus has been caring for children in the outpatient programs. Dr. Wharton-Mohammed has spent over ten years as an administrative leader. She has chaired and co-chaired committees overseeing the practice of fellow Psychiatrists and served as the Discipline Chief. She has been teaching/ supervising Nurse Practitioner students and Physician assistant students. Dr. Wharton-Mohammed is experienced with a wide variety of psychiatric diagnoses and therapeutic modalities. She is a dedicated clinician who looks out for her patients. She views each patient and their caregivers' circumstance as unique. She takes a holistic approach with a collaborative approach to help patients understand their options. While the focus may be on psycho education and medication management with supportive and psychodynamic therapeutic interventions, there may be a need for additional therapy. She may ask that a therapist be added to your treatment team. She works towards establishing a meaningful trusting relationship and looks forward to working with you to help you achieve your goals.

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.

Taylor Cortez is a licensed professional counselor with extensive experience in treating diverse populations and diagnoses. She earned her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of West Georgia. Taylor has served as a primary therapist and assessor at Willowbrooke at Tanner inpatient facility, a primary therapist at the University of West Georgia Counseling Center, and as a primary virtual therapist at Connected Minds in Atlanta, Georgia. Using a warm and humanistic approach, Taylor creates a safe and empathetic space for clients to explore and process difficult emotions and traumas. She employs an interdisciplinary theoretical approach, customizing therapeutic interventions to meet the unique needs and preferences of each client. Taylor is dedicated to providing unwavering support to clients as they navigate life's challenges. Taylor is trained in various therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed approaches. She specializes in working with clients diagnosed with ADHD, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and body dysmorphia. Committed to offering the best counseling experience possible, Taylor helps her clients heal from past experiences and flourish in the present. She approaches each client with compassion, empathy, and a commitment to their overall well-being and growth.