Penny Clark, LPC

Background and credentials

Dr. Diane Lewis is board-certified in general psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She earned both her undergraduate and medical degrees at Texas A&M University (College Station and Temple, TX) before completing her general psychiatry residency at UT Southwestern - Austin Programs (now Dell Medical School residency programs). After her residency, she practiced for eight years as a staff psychiatrist at the University of Texas' student counseling center. She also has experience working in hospital admissions and emergency department settings.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Lewis employs a medication-management-focused approach typically paired with supportive therapy during 30-minute follow-up visits. She strongly values a collaborative treatment approach, frequently encouraging patients to incorporate additional therapy for the best outcomes. Her primary specialty is college mental health, treating patients aged 18-45 with a range of mental health conditions from mild to complex. Dr. Lewis emphasizes authenticity, compassion, and recognizing patients beyond their diagnoses, providing care tailored to individual circumstances and goals.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During a first visit, patients can expect Dr. Lewis to conduct a thorough evaluation, carefully listening to their concerns, and considering their symptoms within the broader context of their lives. Her patients appreciate her down-to-earth and compassionate communication style. She aims to create an environment where patients feel understood, respected, and actively involved in shaping their personalized treatment plan, often recommending additional therapy support when beneficial for achieving optimal outcomes.

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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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Background and credentials  

Dr. Alexandra Baluna, MD, is board-certified by the American Board of  Psychiatry and Neurology. She received her medical degree from  LSUHC-Shreveport and completed her psychiatry residency training at  Montefiore/Albert-Einstein College of Medicine, where she served as chief of  the Consultation-Liaison (C/L) service. Following residency, Dr. Baluna  served as Senior Chief, during which she was honored with the Leo M. Davidoff  Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Teaching of Medical Students. Her  professional experiences include roles at Fordham University, Albert Einstein  Student Mental Health Counseling Center, and most recently, as an outpatient  psychiatrist at Maimonides Medical Center, where she enjoyed teaching and  supervising residents.  

Treatment approach  

Dr. Baluna emphasizes creating a warm, empathic, and nonjudgmental  therapeutic environment. She collaborates closely with patients to develop  personalized treatment plans that consider cultural, biological,  psychological, and social factors. With a strong interest in psychotherapy,  she frequently employs ego-supportive and insight-oriented therapy techniques  during follow-up sessions.  

What you can expect in a first visit    

During an initial visit, patients can expect a welcoming and supportive  atmosphere where Dr. Baluna conducts a comprehensive assessment. This  involves exploring the patient's history, current challenges, and individual  circumstances. The goal of the first session is to collaboratively build an  individualized treatment plan tailored specifically to the patient's unique  needs.  

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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 speciualize in  medication management and collaborate with you on a treatment plan that fits  your needs and comfort level.

Background and credentials

Dr. Agarwal is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. He obtained his bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences from the University of California at Irvine and graduated cum laude with his medical degree from the American University of Antigua. Dr. Agarwal completed his psychiatry residency training at the University of Central Florida, where he was elected chief resident.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Agarwal employs a collaborative and patient-centered approach, primarily focusing on medication management in combination with supportive therapy. He is a strong advocate of psychoeducation, believing it to be an integral part of effective psychiatric care. Dr. Agarwal specializes in treating adults experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD, and insomnia. He is also experienced in managing patients with psychiatric conditions complicated by medical comorbidities such as obesity, hypertension, chronic pain, and diabetes.

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What you can expect in a first visit

Patients visiting Dr. Agarwal for the first time can anticipate a comprehensive evaluation conducted in a collaborative and supportive environment. Dr. Agarwal prioritizes understanding each patient's individual needs and concerns, creating a personalized treatment plan that integrates medication, supportive therapy, and psychoeducation. Follow-up visits typically last about 30 minutes, allowing time to adjust treatment and reinforce therapeutic strategies.

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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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Brittany Bridges received her Bachelor's of Science (BS) in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, as well as her Master's (MS) in Mental Health Counseling, from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Ms. Bridges is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) for the state of North Carolina as well as a National Certified Counselor (NCC). Ms. Bridges utilizes an array of therapeutic modalities and techniques based on the needs of the clients, including but not limited to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and Solution-focused Therapy. ‍Ms. Bridges' prior experience entails working in a clinical outpatient setting and on a North Carolina college campus where she's treated a variety of mental health conditions. She leads with openness and empathy as she strives to provide a safe and respectful environment in which clients from various backgrounds and cultures can explore a myriad of issues. Ms. Bridges enjoys working with a broad range of clients and concerns. Her professional interests include working with young adults, women's issues, diversity, and multicultural experiences

Dr Hannah Goddard is an adult psychiatrist who is originally from Northeast Ohio. She earned her undergraduate degree at Marquette University and completed her medical degree at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, PA. Dr. Goddard completed her residency in psychiatry at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio, where she served as chief resident her final year.

Dr Goddard has experience treating a wide range of conditions including depression, anxiety, ADHD, and PTSD. The initial evaluation includes taking a comprehensive history and getting to know patients as individuals.

Her clinical philosophy centers on an empathetic, nonjudgmental, holistic approach. Dr Goddard collaborates closely with patients to develop a personalized treatment plan that integrates psychiatric medication management with supportive psychotherapy as well as elements of CBT.

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Dr. Blake Werner is an adult and addiction psychiatry board certified physician who has been in practice for the past 4 years. He received his medical degree from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, TX, before moving to charming Charleston, SC to complete his residency in adult psychiatry. Following residency, Dr. Werner navigated his way to the northeast to complete a fellowship in addiction psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine. Post-fellowship, Dr. Werner joined the Yale faculty as an assistant professor and was employed through the Veterans Affairs, treating substance use disorders in an outpatient clinical setting. Through his clinical practice, Dr. Werner has worked with a variety of patients across the northeast via telemedicine to treat their general mental health concerns, substance use disorders, as well as behavioral addictions. While Dr. Werner's clinical practice post residency has primarily focused on substance use disorders, he has spent the last couple of years on the inpatient psychiatric setting, assisting patients with a wide variety of mental health conditions as well as enjoying time working with residents and medical students. In his role as a psychiatrist, Dr. Werner enjoys working collaboratively with patients to develop a beneficial and effective treatment plan aimed at fostering emotional well-being. While primarily utilizing medications as tools to assist patients in achieving their desired level of functioning, he is well versed in motivation enhancement therapy and prefers psychodynamic and supportive therapeutic processes. He is looking forward to meeting and working with you as you progress along your path of wellness.