Paul Pennington, LPC

More Clinicians

Jos� holds the position of Psychotherapist for Michigan, Florida, and South Carolina at Talkiatry. After completing his Master of Arts in Community Counseling in 2012, he spent 7 years fulfilling his passion for integrated care for adults suffering from substance use disorder and mental health challenges. For the past four years, he has been working in private practice working with clients exclusively via telehealth. Jos� provides cognitive therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, and logotherapy to help his patients gain insight into current stressors related to various diagnoses, including post-traumatic stress, affective mood disorder, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and substance use disorder. He strongly believes that collaborating with a physician for medication management allows patients to be more engaged in therapy, resulting in improved treatment outcomes.

Kayla Garcia, LMHC

Staff Therapist

Kayla is a dedicated therapist with a robust educational background and extensive experience in the field of psychology. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Florida International University and completed a Master of Science at Nova Southeastern University. During her internship at Aventura Hospital and Medical Center, Kayla worked within inpatient psychiatric units, gaining valuable experience in crisis management and acute psychiatric care. Kayla has a particular interest in helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. She brings empathy, understanding, and a client-centered approach to her practice, ensuring that each individual feels heard and supported on their journey to mental wellness. Outside of their professional life, Kayla enjoys spending quality time with family and her two dogs. Whether hiking or relaxing by the beach, she cherishes these moments of connection and tranquility.

Whitney Cohen, LCSW

Staff Therapist

Whitney Cohen obtained her undergraduate degree from Monmouth University where she studied Psychology and Health Studies. Whitney earned her Master's degree in Clinical Social Work from New York University, where she gained a solid foundation in evidence-based practices and therapeutic techniques. She is also a licensed clinical supervisor which has allowed her to train and mentor other aspiring social workers in the field as well as nurse practitioners and other mental health professionals. ‍Whitney has worked in a variety of settings, including education, correctional facilities, substance abuse/outpatient programs, and private practice. Her diverse experiences have equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities that individuals face daily. Whitney has worked with clients of all ages, from children, adolescents, adults, the elderly, and has a special passion for working with couples and families. She specializes in treating a variety of mental health issues, including anxiety, ADHD, stress, family/relational problems, trauma and school avoidance.‍In her practice, Whitney utilizes a scope of therapeutic approaches, CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing. These evidence-based techniques allow her to tailor interventions to meet the unique needs of each client, helping them achieve their goals and overcome obstacles.

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.

Nereida Gonzalez-Berrios, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Background and credentials

Dr. Nereida Gonzalez-Berrios is a general psychiatrist fluent in English and Spanish. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from the University of Puerto Rico and her medical doctorate from Ponce School of Medicine (now Ponce Health Sciences University). She completed her General Psychiatry Training Program at the University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, graduating in 2008. After practicing privately in Puerto Rico, she relocated to Texas, where she worked for over five years at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Health System, providing mental health care to veterans. She has also gained extensive experience in telemedicine, working both within the VA system and as a locum tenens provider.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Gonzalez-Berrios has extensive experience treating a wide range of psychiatric conditions, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, intellectual impairment, ADHD, eating disorders, PTSD, and personality disorders. She integrates traditional psychiatric treatment with a holistic wellness approach, drawing on her background as a motivational speaker, wellness coach, certified personal fitness trainer, nutrition coach, and weight-loss specialist. Her approach emphasizes improving overall mental and physical well-being through personalized treatment plans that incorporate psychiatric care, wellness strategies, and lifestyle modifications.

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What you can expect in a first visit

Patients can expect a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation where Dr. Gonzalez-Berrios carefully assesses their symptoms, medical history, and personal wellness goals. She takes a collaborative and patient-centered approach, ensuring that treatment is tailored to each individual’s mental and physical health needs. As an experienced telemedicine provider, she offers accessible and flexible mental health care, combining medication management and holistic wellness strategies to help patients achieve lasting well-being.

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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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Caitlin Meyer, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Caitlin Meyer is a board-certified in adult psychiatry with experience in a wide variety of psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, women's mental health, and ADHD. Dr. Meyer's practice is focused on medication management with supportive therapy offered in 30-minute follow-up visits. Dr. Meyer received her medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, where she received the North Texas Society of Psychiatric Physicians' Award for outstanding medical student in Psychiatry. She pursued her residency in adult psychiatry at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, with particular interest and training in child, adolescent, and young adult Psychiatry. After completing training, Dr. Meyer worked with children and adults in a variety of treatment settings including Community Mental Health Centers and hospitals, providing inpatient, residential and outpatient services. Prior to joining the Talkiatry team, Dr. Meyer participated in psychiatric research developing new treatment methods for complex psychiatric disorders. Dr. Meyer enjoys treating patients across the lifespan from young adulthood through senior care. She sees each patient as a unique individual and works together with her patients to develop a treatment plan specific to their needs and goals.

Danielle Jackson, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Danielle Jackson is a board certified Adult Psychiatrist by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She is a graduate of Yale University's Psychiatry Residency and Howard University College of Medicine. Dr. Jackson's practice focuses on a combination of psychopharmacology (medication) and psychotherapy techniques including supportive therapy, motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy. She approaches care from an individualized, patient-centered, collaborative perspective. She often integrates evidence-based lifestyle recommendations in areas such as nutrition, sleep hygiene, exercise, and stress management tools in treatment to help patients achieve their wellness goals. Her interests include adjustment disorder, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD and trauma-related disorders. In addition, she enjoys helping patients navigate the challenges that can accompany changes in life (careers, parenthood, relationships, chronic illness). Prior to joining Talkiatry, Dr. Jackson served as medical director for substance use and co-occurring disorders at Sunset Terrace Family Health Centers at NYU Langone. She has experience caring for a diverse patient population including those with perinatal mood disorders (postpartum anxiety/depression), substance use disorders and those from minoritized and marginalized communities.

Rebecca Burns, LCSW

Staff Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Rebecca Burns is a licensed clinical social worker with a vast range of experience working in the mental health field. Rebecca has worked directly with individuals of various backgrounds and age ranges. Rebecca attended Fordham University for her Bachelor's degree and attended Rutgers University where she received her MSW. To date, Rebecca has been practicing for 4 years as a clinical social worker in an outpatient setting. Over the years, Rebecca has worked with diverse clients seeking relief from a wide range of symptoms, including anxiety, depression, OCD, childhood/adult trauma, relationship issues, personality disorders, life transitions, stress, and navigating loss and grief. Rebecca is trained and certified in cognitive-based therapies, including CBT and TF-CBT. Practicing from a biopsychosocial lens, Rebecca integrates evidence-based treatments, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Strengths-Based Approaches to individualize treatment plans for each client. It is an important aspect of treatment to identify which approaches and interventions work best for each client's unique needs. Additionally, one of Rebecca's biggest priorities is to create the space for each client to build a trusting, non-judgmental and therapeutic relationship.

Steve Paschos, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Steve Paschos is a board-certified Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He attended Loyola University Chicago on the Lake Shore campus, completing a bachelor's degree in science and a Degree in Classical Studies. He then attended Medical School at Rush Medical College in Chicago and completed a 5-year combined Internal Medicine & Psychiatry residency in 2011. Dr. Paschos subsequently completed a 1-year fellowship in Geriatric Medicine at Rush University Medical Center. He has spent the last 12 years fulfilling his passion for integrating Internal Medicine & Psychiatry, working with a diverse range of patients suffering from severe mental illnesses. ‍Dr. Paschos' years of experience have included working at Cook County Health Services � Cermak Health Services at Cook County Department of Corrections with an extremely diverse patient population with varying psychiatric illnesses. He has also worked as an inpatient psychiatric hospitalist and as the director of the Intensive Care Unit at Chicago Behavioral Hospital in Illinois. Dr. Paschos also acted as a medical director of an IOP and established an outpatient psychiatric practice in conjunction with the Intensive Outpatient Program. He has had the opportunity and privilege of treating individuals who suffer from various diagnoses, especially challenging patients who have suffered from integrated or Med-Psych concerns involving primary mood disorders, Bipolar Affective disorders, prior trauma, severe medical problems/diagnoses along with concurrent personality pathology. ‍Dr. Paschos utilizes supportive psychotherapy, brief cognitive behavioral therapy, and at times psychodynamic therapy to address his patients' current complaints and to identify the locus of their symptoms. He believes in utilizing an all-encompassed approach using mindfulness and various psychotherapies along with comprehensive medication management. To quote Hippocrates "Where there is love for the art of medicine there is a love of humanity.”

Anne Tormos, LCPC

Staff Therapist

Anne Tormos, LCPC, LPC-MHSP, believes that every person has the ability to live a happy, healthy, engaging life, but at times individuals need an objective observer to help uncover what that life looks like. She treats clients ages 15 and up struggling with a variety of challenges, including mood disorders, anxiety, and life transitions. Anne is a National Board-Certified Counselor. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the State of Illinois and a Licensed Professional Counselor � MHSP in the State of Tennessee. Anne earned a BA in Psychology from North Central College and an MS in Clinical Psychology from Benedictine University. Her experience includes working at an inpatient psychiatric hospital and outpatient group practice, which allowed her to utilize different types of care with people from all backgrounds with many different life stressors. She also has experience working within PHP and IOP settings. Anne is trained to utilize many therapeutic techniques, including CBT and DBT.‍Anne is prepared to join you on your journey to self-fulfillment. She believes that everyone has their own story to tell, and her approach is client-centered, strength-based, and solution focused. She cherishes all client relationships and devotes her time and energy to the healing process.

Gregory Miller, DO

Staff Psychiatrist

Gregory Miller, DO, is an adult psychiatrist who prioritizes understanding his patients by first listening to their stories. He collaborates with them to develop both pharmacological and non-pharmacological solutions aimed at improving their functionality. Dr. Miller emphasizes that functioning better often leads to feeling better. Whenever possible, he approaches treatment within the context of the family system surrounding the individual. Raised in South Carolina, and now residents of Florida, Dr. Miller and his wife of 31 years have six children. He enjoys outdoor activities and team sports and is an avid fan of Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. He at times incorporates analogies from their works into therapy if appropriate.

Deora Johnson, PMHNP

Staff Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Deora Johnson, DNP, PMHNP is a board certified Adult Psychiatric Nurse practitioner with 24 years of experience. He has a passion for providing clients with a holistic approach to mental health care which includes both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions. He works with adult and senior populations focusing on assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues. He works closely with you to help guide you through the process of understanding and deciding on the most effective interventions/medication management options for your diagnosis. Supportive therapy, Solution Focused therapy, or Motivational Interviewing are integral components of medication management appointments with Deora. Deora completed the Master of Science in Nursing degree at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. He also completed a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, Alabama. He has experience in treating patients in a variety of outpatient and inpatient settings. His areas of specialty include treatment of Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, PTSD and Insomnia. His doctoral research focus was nonpharmacologic interventions for insomnia in depressed patients. Deora has experience working with the military veteran population. His clinical experience with the VA Outpatient Clinic in Baltimore, Maryland focused on treating PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, and Bipolar Disorders in returning veterans from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. His clinical case load also included veterans from Vietnam and Korean war eras. Deora believes a therapeutic relationship provides a unique opportunity to work with your provider through whatever life challenges and issues you may be dealing with right now. Medication management is an important adjunct to a treatment plan, which also includes therapy.

Paul Pennington, LPC

Education and training

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