Richard States, LPC

Christine is a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in substance use, disordered eating, and empowerment. She is dedicated to helping clients achieve life-changing goals and personal growth through compassionate and evidence-based mental health counseling. Christine’s therapeutic approach centers on empowering individuals to manage distress, enhance self-esteem, and develop a deeper connection with themselves and their bodies in a safe, collaborative environment.

She is particularly passionate about guiding clients to break free from self-destructive cycles and wounded coping responses. Christine believes that at the root of these challenges often lie experiences of complex trauma, along with deeply ingrained feelings of shame and self-hatred. Her holistic approach is designed to foster healing, build resilience, and support sustainable emotional well-being.

With a foundation in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Christine uses a variety of evidence-based interventions tailored to each client’s unique needs, helping them build problem-solving skills and mental clarity. Her advanced training in shame-informed therapy, somatic psychotherapy, and mindfulness allows her to support mind-body integration and promote healing on multiple levels.

A key goal in Christine’s shame-informed work is to help clients reframe painful beliefs and behaviors they feel ashamed of, encouraging a more compassionate and understanding perspective. She also incorporates elements of narrative therapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to support clients in exploring and integrating all parts of themselves. Through this multidimensional approach, Christine helps clients create meaningful, lasting changes for both their mental and physical well-being.

As a professional mental health counselor, I believe in the importance of building a strong therapeutic alliance with clients. To achieve this, I strive to show empathy by understanding not just what clients say, but the deeper meaning behind their words. I aim to be genuine and congruent in my actions and words, and to offer unconditional positive regard. I value respect, immediacy, and cultural awareness, while maintaining strong ethics and self-awareness. I work to foster trust, warmth, and objectivity, and I continually develop my competence to better support those I serve.

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Meet Alex Starmer, LMHC, your friendly mental health counselor here at Talkiatry. She's not just a counselor; she's your partner on your mental health journey. Alex earned her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Syracuse University in 2020 and has been in the field since January 2021, working closely with clients facing mental health and substance use challenges. Alex believes in the power of the mind-body connection, and she loves to share polyvagal exercises and mindfulness techniques to help you better understand yourself. She's always learning and growing, with ongoing training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Her go-to tools for therapy are Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). With her, you can expect a compassionate and comprehensive approach to your mental well-being. You're in good hands with Alex.‍

Melinda Morris is a dedicated and compassionate LCSW with over 6 years of experience in the field of mental health. She holds a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Tennessee and has been a practicing counselor since 2018. Melinda specializes in helping individuals navigate life's challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, transitional periods, and relationship issues. Her approach isclient-centered and integrative, combining techniques from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), and solution-focused therapy to tailor treatment plans to each client's unique needs and identifying their personal strengths to enhance theirprogress in becoming and feeling the best version of themselves in any new chapter they maybe experiencing. Throughout her career, Melinda has worked primarily in nonprofit and private practice settings. She is known for her empathetic listening, non-judgmental attitude, and ability to build rapport and trust to create a safe and supportive environment for her clients so they can find their voice and be truly heard and understood. Melinda is committed to ongoing professional development and regularly attends workshops and conferences to stay current with the latest advancements in mental health treatment. She is also an active member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). When she's not working, Melinda enjoys traveling, hiking, painting/drawing, and spending time with her awesome kiddo and fur babies.

Clyde S. King, LPC, has over 13 years of experience practicing in outpatient, inpatient, and virtual settings. He has worked in diverse environments, including IOP/OP, PHP, psychiatric and pediatric hospitals, correctional facilities, and substance use programs. He values a respectful, non-judgmental, and open-minded approach, creating a safe space where clients feel heard and supported. His style is genuine, honest, and flexible, tailoring therapy to each individual’s needs, often using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy while also incorporating eclectic methods.

Clyde prioritizes collaboration, emphasizing his motto: “We Are A Team!” He encourages open communication and fosters an environment where patients feel safe sharing their experiences. His approach is direct yet compassionate, helping clients navigate challenges while promoting growth and self-awareness.

Clyde begins with an initial session to get acquainted, discuss goals, and review logistics such as scheduling, confidentiality, and attendance policies. Together, they develop a personalized treatment plan aligned with the patient’s goals. Throughout therapy, he ensures a warm, supportive environment, helping patients feel respected, understood, and empowered.

Jamie Bolo, LCSW, is an experienced clinical social worker who has practiced in outpatient settings, providing compassionate and effective care to individuals seeking support for their mental health and well-being. He earned his Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Maryland, where he developed a strong foundation in evidence-based clinical practice. Jamie’s dedication to helping others is reflected in his collaborative approach, emphasizing empathy, respect, and understanding in every therapeutic interaction.

Jamie values building a trusting and supportive relationship with each client in a comfortable, warm environment. He believes that therapy works best when clients feel genuinely heard and understood. His style is patient-centered and nonjudgmental, fostering a space where individuals can openly explore their experiences and work toward meaningful growth and change at their own pace.

Jamie begins by thoroughly understanding each patient’s background, challenges, and goals during the initial session. From there, he collaborates with clients to create an individualized treatment plan tailored to their specific needs. This personalized approach allows him to guide patients through the therapeutic process with clarity and care, ensuring that each step supports lasting emotional well-being.

Lindsey Wittenhagen, LPC, earned a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from the University of Texas Permian Basin in 2014 and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She has extensive experience supporting individuals with anxiety, depression, ADHD, self-worth concerns, relationship challenges, stress management, divorce, and life transitions. Lindsey has worked in outpatient settings and as an advocate for trauma survivors, bringing a compassionate and informed perspective to her practice.

Lindsey’s passion is helping clients navigate the ups and downs of life, whether facing overwhelming stress, relational difficulties, or emotional struggles. Her approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that healing happens when individuals feel truly seen and heard. Therapy with Lindsey is not about fixing what is “broken” but about fostering self-understanding, exploring what may be keeping someone stuck, and building tools for well-being. She creates a safe, judgment-free space where clients can show up authentically.

Lindsey begins therapy by gaining a thorough understanding of each client’s history, concerns, and goals during the initial session. She then collaborates with clients to develop individualized treatment plans that reflect their unique needs and aspirations. Progress is continually assessed, with goals and approaches adjusted as necessary to ensure growth, resilience, and meaningful change.