Rachael Nelson, MD

Staff Psychiatrist
Languages
English
Conditions Treated
Medication Management
ADHD
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Depression
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
PTSD/Trauma
Phobias

Education and training

  • University of Iowa College of Medicine Doctor of Medicine (MD)

Get to know

Rachael Nelson, MD

Dr. Nelson is a board-certified psychiatrist who attended the University of Iowa Medical School and completed her psychiatry residency and child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.  She has extensive experience treating active-duty service members, family members of active duty and the veteran population.  She feels comfortable working with a wide range of age groups and enjoys treating challenges with anxiety, mood, sleep, and concentration.

Dr. Nelson believes that the key to success in mental health care is being able to establish a trusting and open relationship between psychiatrist and patient.

While initial sessions include the need to gather background information about the patient overall as well as the symptoms of concern, subsequent sessions are focused on learning the impact of the treatment.

Get matched with a clinician like this one

Ready to book your first appointment? Take our 10-minute assessment. We’ll match you with a clinician who meets your needs, has availability, and takes your insurance.

Get started
More Clinicians

Audrey O'Neal, LPC

Robert Smeed, DO

Kimberly Ford, MD

Laura Rosas, MD

Mona Ismail, MD

Glenn Hann, PMHNP

Theresa Colberg, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Theresa Colberg is a board certified adult psychiatrist. She offers guidance with navigating difficult and painful emotions that may result from mood disorders, stressful life situations, the loss of a loved one, traumatic events, attachment traumas, or neurodevelopment disorders. Within a safe, and supportive working relationship, Dr. Colberg will strive to reach an understanding of your unique situation, identify the issues that are interfering with progress, and develop a plan to better identify and achieve your goals. Previous to joining Talkiatry, Dr. Colberg served as a clinical psychiatrist for the VA Healthcare System, providing care for veterans with a predominant focus on treatment of post traumatic stress disorder. She has also worked collaboratively as an integrated psychiatrist for a primary care FQHC, treating psychiatric symptoms within a primary care setting. Dr. Colberg completed her Psychiatry Residency from Mount Sinai-Beth Israel in New York City and obtained her medical degree from Temple Medical School in Philadelphia. She offers 60-minute initial appointments and 30-minute follow-up appointments, and she won't hesitate to collaborate with other mental health experts as necessary to better support your needs.

Kelly Vandivert, LPC

Staff Licensed Professional Counselor

Kelly Vandivert, LPC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over twenty-seven years of diverse experience in the mental health field. Her career has spanned a variety of settings, from residential facilities to outpatient community services, in-home, school, and private practice. Her passion for people and love of experience has afforded her the chance to work with people of all ages from a variety of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. Kelly has been licensed since 2008, focusing much of her time since then working together with adolescents and adults regarding the treatment of mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety, adjustment-related concerns and life transitions, as well as trauma and abuse. Kelly has a client-centered and comprehensive approach to therapy, drawing from a variety of treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Her approach emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic relationship for a safe place to share and engage in self-discovery and personal growth. She values an evidence-based approach utilizing the latest research for effective treatment incorporating her experience with each individual's own values and preferences.

Viga Naik, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Viga Naik takes a holistic approach when practicing, understanding the importance of an integrative treatment care model. She believes optimal patient care goes beyond psychopharmacology and requires incorporation of psychotherapy and psychosocial intervention. She is a strong advocate for her patients, dedicated to being an educator of mental illness to break self, societal, and systemic stigmas. She believes that a strong therapeutic alliance between clinician and patient is essential. She works on creating a safe and empathetic environment while providing psychoeducation to patients, empowering them to play an active role in their treatment. Dr. Naik is an adult psychiatrist with specializations in Addiction Psychiatry and Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, also known as psychosomatic medicine. She completed her residency training at New York Medical College and fellowship training at the Mount Sinai Health Systems located at Bronx Care and Beth Israel Hospital. She has worked in both inpatient and many outpatient specialty clinics such as psych/oncology, transplant, collaborative-care, medication assistance treatment, music and medicine, and gender affirmation surgery treating patients with comorbid mental illness and substance use disorders as well as comorbid mental illness and general medical conditions. Her practice focuses on medication management in combination with supportive therapy and providing psychoeducation to patients. She treats depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, general anxiety disorder, substance use disorders and other associated psychiatric disorders.

Kristin Ratz, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Kristin Ratz is a Board-Certified psychiatrist who is an expert in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional and behavioral disorders. She specializes in medication management combined with supportive therapy during 30-minute follow-up sessions. Dr. Ratz recognizes that each patient is unique and believes in an environment of collaboration, in which the patient and psychiatrist work together in order to develop the best individualized treatment plan. A California local, Dr. Ratz obtained her undergraduate education at University of California, Davis, graduating magna cum laude with a degree in Human Development. She then attended medical school at Loma Linda University School of Medicine, obtaining her Medical Doctorate. Following this, she completed her adult psychiatry residency training at the distinguished University of California, Irvine. Dr. Ratz has worked in a diverse range of healthcare settings, including county and community clinics, and is very experienced in telepsychiatry. She pays close attention to not only an individual's emotional state, but also their physical, spiritual, and social well-being, in order to provide her patients with exceptional holistic care.

John Whittier, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Background and credentials

Dr. John Whittier is a board-certified psychiatrist. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology from the University of Colorado at Boulder and went on to obtain a master’s degree in Medical Science from Loyola University Chicago. He completed his medical training at the Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at The University of Vermont and returned to Colorado for his psychiatry residency at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. While in residency, he specialized in the Psychotherapy Scholars Program and has since gained four years of experience treating psychiatric conditions through telehealth.

Treatment approach

Dr. Whittier primarily focuses on medication management for general psychiatric conditions. His approach is individualized, ensuring that each patient receives a treatment plan tailored to their unique needs. He integrates supportive therapy, medications, and evidence-based alternative therapies to provide a flexible and comprehensive approach. In addition to his general practice, he maintains a psychodynamic psychotherapy panel where he helps patients explore developmental and relational patterns that contribute to their symptoms. His specialties include treating depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, PTSD, insomnia, bipolar disorder, and ADHD.

What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a one-hour comprehensive intake during which Dr. Whittier thoroughly evaluates their symptoms, medical history, and personal goals. He provides treatment options that prioritize flexibility, allowing patients to take an active role in their care. Follow-up visits typically last 20 to 30 minutes, focusing on assessing treatment progress and making necessary adjustments. For those engaged in psychodynamic psychotherapy, longer one-hour sessions are available for in-depth exploration of underlying psychological patterns.

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.

Claire Nguyen, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Nguyen is a board-certified psychiatrist in General Adult Psychiatry and board-eligible in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Colorado and earned her medical degree from the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Dr. Nguyen completed her adult general psychiatry training at the HCA HealthOne Psychiatry Residency Program in Colorado and pursued specialized training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of New Mexico.

She has experience in treating a wide range of psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and obsessive-compulsive and related disorders. Also, Dr. Nguyen has a special interest in
working with patients with complex trauma histories.

With additional training in integrative medicine psychiatry, Dr. Nguyen takes a holistic approach to patient care, blending evidence-based treatments with complementary therapies to enhance overall mental well-being. Known for her approachable style, Dr. Nguyen strives to create a supportive and understanding environment for her patients.

Ready to get matched?

Start our short assessment
Specialties
Medication Management
ADHD
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Depression
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
PTSD/Trauma
Phobias
States
South Carolina
Languages
English
Takes insurance
Virtual visits
years experience