Paula Bennett, LPC

Dr Mark Giordano is a board-certified psychiatrist with over ten years of experience in adult psychiatry, addiction medication, pregnancy and post-partum care, complex medical consultation, and military health. Dr G practices psychodynamic psychotherapy as well as evidenced based medication management. Dr G has extensive experience working with culturally diverse populations, and is an Army veteran who deployed to Korea and Afghanistan.

Patients often describe Dr G as caring, providing clear explanations, and responsive to concerns.   Dr G highly values his patients trusting him to listen and respect them, as well as in his clinicial skills.  He works hard at helping his patients understand his approach to treatment, and what is happening along the way and why. He may be the medical expert, but he and his patients are partners working together in the process of achieving better health and functionality for them so they can live their best lives.

Dr G starts by explaining his overall approach to medication management and his goal of helping his patients live a better life free of disability. He conducts a detailed evaluation of your concerns, your experiences, and your priorities in treatment.  Dr G develops a unique treatment plan based on your unique needs. He emphasizes positive developments over the course of your work together and makes sure you always have a chance to discuss any questions or concerns you want him to know and answer.

Elisabeth Davis is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with an MA, licensed in both Kentucky and Ohio. She is also a Board Certified-TeleMental Health Provider. Her professional journey has been eclectic and wide-ranging, allowing her to work with a diverse range of populations and issues. She specializes in areas such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma from physical and sexual abuse, family and relationship issues, parenting problems, and LGBTQIA+ support. Additionally, she has significant experience working with the military and providing education and career counseling.

One of her main goals is to make counseling / therapy "user friendly. "  Many people are apprehensive about starting therapy, and from the first session she tries to create an atmosphere where they feel safe and supported. Maya Angelou said 'My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.' Her mission is to help you find the best way to overcome and thrive in your life.

Her counseling style is rooted in unconditional positive regard, meaning she always approaches therapy from a strength-based perspective. Her clients are treated with respect, genuine care, compassion, and concern. She will work with clients to create goals and find solutions that best suit their needs. She also considers herself a holistic counselor, focusing on the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. As Plato said, 'The part can never be well unless the whole is well.'

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Background and credentials

Dr. Sabera Saklayen is a board-certified psychiatrist licensed in Adult Psychiatry. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University and her medical degree from Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine. She completed her psychiatry training at Stony Brook University Hospital, where she served as chief resident and was awarded the William Turner Award for outstanding performance in psychiatry residency. She has extensive experience treating diverse populations, including vulnerable and underserved communities, having worked as an outpatient psychiatrist at Bellevue Hospital for two years.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Saklayen specializes in medication management but takes a holistic, patient-centered approach that integrates supportive therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and motivational interviewing (MI). She has extensive experience treating depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety, OCD, insomnia, and substance use disorders. She is particularly skilled in treating college students and individuals navigating difficult life transitions. If more in-depth therapy is needed, she may refer patients to a therapist as part of a comprehensive care plan.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a thorough and compassionate evaluation, where Dr. Saklayen carefully assesses symptoms, history, and treatment goals. She prioritizes collaboration and individualized treatment planning, ensuring that patients feel comfortable and supported in their mental health care. Follow-up visits are typically 30 minutes and focus on medication management and therapy integration, with referrals to additional therapy when needed for the best possible outcome.

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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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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.

Valene, pronounced (Val-leen), is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who has worked in the mental health field for 7 years. During this time, she has worked with clients from various backgrounds and cultures with a variety of mental health conditions. Valene's experience ranges from an inpatient psychiatric facility to private practice to telehealth. Valene attended the University of South Florida for her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Florida International University for her graduate degree in Mental Health Counseling.‍Valene believes each therapeutic interaction should be individualized and client-centered, thus she uses an eclectic therapy approach. An eclectic approach means assisting clients by drawing from various therapeutic approaches and techniques, thus tailoring treatment to each client's needs. Valene considers the therapeutic relationship to be extremely important and strives to be a collaborative, empathetic, non-judgmental, person-centered therapist. Valene's professional interests include working with young adults, Caribbean Americans, and the BIPOC community. Within mental health she enjoys working with anxiety, depression, women's issues, adjustment disorders, and relationship issues, just to name a few.

Kristina Vaughan, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Houston, Texas. With over six years of experience as a dedicated social worker and more than two years as a practicing therapist, Kristina brings both compassion and expertise to her work. She earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Houston in 2016.

 Kristina specializes in Bipolar Disorder and impulse control disorders. She is known for her empathetic yet direct approach, working collaboratively with clients to identify and prioritize their most pressing needs. Her therapeutic style is eclectic, drawing from a range of evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy, and Brainspotting.

Conditions Treated: Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, and Grief.

If you feel like you've been watching your life unfold from the sidelines instead of taking the lead as its storyteller, Kristina may be the right therapist to help you reclaim your narrative