Racquel Ellis, LMHC

Staff Therapist
Languages
English
Conditions Treated
Talk Therapy

Education and training

  • Brooklyn Campus of Long Island University Master of Science (MS)

Get to know

Racquel Ellis, LMHC

Racquel Ellis is a licensed mental health counselor in the state of New York with extensive experience working with the BIPOC community. She provides inclusive mental wellness services to individuals and families. Racquel has been providing mental health services to individuals and families for over a decade and has been a licensed mental health counselor for the past four years. She specializes in working with the BIPOC community and women, offering therapeutic support for mood disorders, trauma, life transitions, and other chronic challenges impacting overall well-being.

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Brett Abernethy, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Background and credentials    

Dr. Abernethy is a board-certified psychiatrist who received his medical  degree from the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. He completed  his internship at UT Southwestern in Dallas and earned a Master's of Public  Health in Epidemiology and Occupational and Environmental Health from Texas  A&M. He completed his psychiatry residency training at the University of  Oklahoma Health Science Center. Dr. Abernethy has over 12 years of experience  practicing psychiatry in various outpatient settings, including private  practice and community mental health centers in Texas and Oklahoma,  specifically reaching underserved communities. He has treated a broad  spectrum of mental health symptoms among diverse populations, addressing  issues ranging from mood and anxiety disorders to behavioral manifestations  of Autism and other developmental disorders.    

Treatment approach    

Dr. Abernethy utilizes a collaborative and patient-centered approach to  psychiatry, focusing primarily on medication interventions that align with  each patient's unique treatment goals and clinical needs. He emphasizes  cooperation with patients to effectively treat and reduce mental  health-related symptoms. His practice centers around medication management,  supplemented by supportive treatments tailored to individual needs. Depending  on each patient’s circumstances, he may recommend additional support from  individual, family, or group counselors and therapists to achieve optimal outcomes.    

What you can expect in a first visit

In an initial visit, patients can expect a thorough, collaborative  discussion focused on understanding their symptoms, goals, and clinical  needs. Dr. Abernethy will evaluate the patient's condition to determine  appropriate medication interventions and discuss personalized treatment  recommendations. Typical follow-up visits are approximately 20-30 minutes in  length. Depending on the severity and complexity of a patient's situation,  referrals to additional counseling or therapy may also be suggested.    

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.

Esha Garg, DO

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Esha Garg is a board-eligible psychiatrist who is starting her post-graduate practice in psychiatry. After completing an undergraduate degree in psychology at Johns Hopkins University, she completed her medical degree at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. She is a recent graduate of the Adult Psychiatry Residency program at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Dr. Garg's practice focuses on medication management but she believes in the importance of both therapy and medication management in treating mental illness. She offers medication management with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow up visits. She also utilizes referrals to therapists to enhance collaborative care and management of illness. Dr. Garg believes in the importance of building a strong therapeutic relationship. She focuses on treating patients with depression and anxiety disorders. She believes in a holistic, patient-centered approach to care and encourages patients to explore their physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs in addition to their mental health.

Jennifer Garner, PMHNP

Staff Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Jennifer Garner is a board-certified Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with Talkiatry. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 2009 and a master's degree from Vanderbilt University in 2011. Jennifer enjoys treating all adults and has outpatient experience with community mental health, corrections, and private practice. Besides outpatient care, she has worked in crisis stabilization and ambulatory detox for adults with primary psychiatric and dual diagnosis illnesses. Jennifer is skilled in treating a wide range of conditions including ADHD, bipolar disorder, substance misuse, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD. She is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment, ensuring all gender identities feel safe and respected. With a focus on patient-centered care, her approach is carefully tailored to each person's individual needs and goals, promoting a collaborative therapeutic relationship. During appointments, she combines medication management with therapy techniques to empower patients with the skills for their well-being. Appointments are as unique as each individual that she meets with. If you're ready (and even if you're not so sure) take the first step and let's talk.

Michael Locher, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Michael Locher completed Adult Psychiatry Residency Training at Los Angeles County, University of Southern California in which he focused two years of training in conducting Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy. Dr. Locher received his Bachelor of Science Undergraduate degree in 3 years with Phi Beta Kappa honors at University of Miami, Florida. In medical school at Stony Brook School of Medicine in New York, Dr. Locher was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society while earning his Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. Dr. Locher has held academic appointments at University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Western University of Health Sciences, and Ventura Community Memorial Health System Psychiatric Residency Training Program. He has an in interest working with immigrants and LGBTQ+ communities.

Dr. Locher’s approach to medication management is that it is a one tool to be used in the broader context of a multi-modal evidence-based treatment approach that draws upon psychotherapy, mindfulness skills, Buddhist psychology, psychedelic AKA “mind manifesting” studies, yoga philosophy, and other integrative practices. He understands that healing is an individualized process that cannot unfold without a safe space. Dr. Locher is dedicated to holding an approachable, empathic space where you can feel empowered to rewrite the next chapter of your life.

Dr. Locher is well versed in treating the full spectrum of mental illness. Having worked on multidisciplinary teams in acute inpatient psychiatric hospital settings, psychiatric emergency rooms, and mental health urgent cares for the better part of 10 years, he is comfortable helping with not just mild to moderate illness, but also the most severe cases of mental illness. Dr. Locher is especially motivated to work with you to maintain stability, avoid hospitalization, and more broadly, to achieve wellness.

Michelle Shya, LCSW

Staff Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Michelle Shya, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) at Talkiatry, has provided care in the field for almost a decade. Working with individuals and families, she has connected and fostered ties with a broad spectrum of clients, including adolescent, adult, and geriatric services. Michelle's practice style centers on providing a safe and understanding space for clients to share, learn, identify, and address their unique therapeutic needs. Using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Michelle focuses on the relationships between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to assist the client in discovering their personal strengths and motivation to realize their individual life goals. Michelle completed her undergraduate Social Work education at Millersville University. Later at Marywood University, she earned her Master's in Social Work, with a specialization in Child and Family Practice. Michelle has had a wide variety of experiences working as a Social Worker in therapeutic and social service settings. She has provided case management and therapeutic care in domestic violence shelters, treatment foster care, community organizations, and hospice in-home support. In Michelle's experience in providing therapy, she has maintained a generalist practice, working with a variety of individuals facing personal barriers and challenges. By taking a step-by-step therapeutic approach, the client is able to better understand and process their thoughts as well as feelings to drive actionable change.

Jacqueline Rodgers, LPC

Staff Therapist

Dr. Jacqueline A. Rodgers, LPC-S, is a seasoned therapist who has operated a successful private practice in Texas for over a decade. She holds a Doctorate in Christian Counseling from Andersonville Theological Seminary, as well as dual Master’s degrees in Professional Counseling and Education/School Counseling from Amberton University. With specialized training as a Level 3 Gottman Method Therapist and a certified Prepare-Enrich Facilitator, Dr. Rodgers brings an advanced skill set to her work with couples and families.

She is also certified in treating depression, anxiety, grief, trauma (EMDR), and anger management. Known for her warm and empowering approach, Dr. Rodgers blends evidence-based practices with a compassionate, client-centered style. When requested, she integrates faith-based perspectives to support emotional and spiritual growth.

Her clients appreciate her ability to offer clarity, hope, and practical strategies for overcoming life’s challenges. Whether working on short-term goals or long-term healing, her therapeutic process includes individualized assessments, collaborative treatment planning, and regular progress evaluations.

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Specialties
Talk Therapy
States
New York
Ohio
Languages
English
Takes insurance
Virtual visits
years experience