Sarah Flatin, LCSW

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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Jennifer Phillips, LCSW

Staff Therapist

Jennifer Phillips is a Licensed Clinical Social worker who has worked in the mental health field since 2013. During graduate school, Jennifer completed her internships at the Tuscaloosa County jail, the University of Alabama Student Veterans Center, and the Birmingham Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center in their Health Care for Homeless Veterans program. Jennifer went to undergraduate and graduate schools in Alabama and moved to Arizona in 2013 to work with the Department of Veterans Affairs to continue working with homeless veterans. Jennifer also has experience teaching at Pima Community College and is a clinical supervisor for associate level clinicians through the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners.

Jennifer’s prior working experience and training has been with adults, homeless veterans, Native Americans, LGBTQIA, women, and individuals in rural or remote areas, providing access to much needed mental health services in provider shortage areas. She enjoys working with patients who have anxiety, depression, insomnia, mood disorders, and self-esteem issues. She is trained in geriatrics and especially loves working with adults over the age of 65.

Jennifer is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mind-Body Approach, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, and Prolonged Grief Disorder (where the patient is experiencing grief for at least 12 months). As she is trained in several different treatment modalities, Jennifer can customize therapy to meet everyone’s needs.

Jennifer Millar, LMFT

Staff Therapist

Jennifer R. Millar, MA, LMFT, is a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over eight years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate complex emotional challenges. She holds a Master's in Marriage & Family Therapy from NorthCentral University and has extensive training in various therapeutic modalities, including Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and EMDR. Jennifer specializes in trauma recovery, particularly for women who have experienced narcissistic abuse in relationships. Her therapeutic approach is holistic and client-centered, integrating genogram assessments to explore family dynamics and attachment patterns. Jennifer's unique combination of professional expertise and personal insight into narcissistic abuse allows her to provide deep empathy and effective strategies for healing. In addition to her work with trauma survivors, Jennifer has successfully supported clients through issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and self-esteem. Her practice is rooted in fostering emotional growth, enhancing communication, and guiding clients toward healthier, more fulfilling lives. Jennifer is licensed in Florida, Indiana, New Jersey, and New York, and she offers teletherapy through her practice, Begin Healing Within. She is also EMDR-trained, offering specialized treatment for trauma and PTSD.

Sibi Selvarajah, LCSW

Staff Therapist

Sibi Selvarajah is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) renowned for his compassionate approach and dedication to fostering emotional well-being. Sibi's career in mental health has been marked by a dedication to evidence-based practice and a client-centered approach. His experience working as a group and individual counselor at a private substance abuse outpatient treatment center in Manhattan provided him with invaluable knowledge and insight into helping individuals struggling with substance use disorder, anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues, among others. Sibi earned his Bachelor's degree in Psychology from New York University, where he developed a strong foundation in psychological theories and practices. He went on to complete his Master's degree in Social Work at Yeshiva University, gaining advanced knowledge and hands-on experience in therapeutic techniques. As a licensed clinical social worker, Sibi is known for his empathetic listening skills and his ability to build strong therapeutic alliances with his clients. His therapeutic approach is integrative, drawing from multiple modalities to tailor treatment plans that best meet the unique needs of each individual. Outside of his professional work, Sibi is dedicated to continuous learning and personal growth. He regularly attends workshops and conferences to stay abreast of the latest advancements in mental health therapy. Sibi also believes in the importance of self-care and encourages his clients to engage in practices that promote overall well-being. Through his work, Sibi Selvarajah continues to make a profound impact on the lives of those he serves, helping them navigate their mental health journeys with hope and resilience.

Eva Sleczka, LCSW

Staff Therapist

Eva Sleczka LCSW has a wealth of experience and a passion for integrated patient care. Eva Sleczka, LCSW brings a unique blend of expertise and compassion that is sure to benefit psychotherapy patients. Eva Sleczka, LCSW is a broadly accomplished social worker with years of experience in hospital health-based and community-based human services environments. Eva Sleczka LCSW has an impressive background in the behavioral health field, holding an MSW, LCSW from New York University and specializing in behavioral health psychotherapy with adults, children and families. They have spent 30 years working in various healthcare settings, including health and hospital systems, emergency room and screening center for psychiatric emergency services, school-based and community-based outpatient treatment settings, where they have honed their skills and gained valuable experience in patient care. Their commitment to staying abreast of the latest advancements in behavioral health science ensures that our patients receive the highest quality of psychotherapy care. One of the key strengths Eva Sleczka, LCSW, brings to our team is their expertise in integrative care and trauma-informed psychotherapy, skilled with adults and families with mental health needs. They have a proven track record of clinical supervision of social work students in the field, experience as a Clinical Director of a community mental health setting, psychotherapist for adults, children, and families with mental health needs, making them a valuable resource for both our patients and our staff. Whether it's managing complex cases, providing preventive care, or offering specialized treatments, supervision of social work students Eva Sleczka, LCSW is dedicated to delivering comprehensive and personalized care to each patient. At the core of Eva Sleczka, LCSW's practice is a patient-centered approach that prioritizes the individual needs and preferences of each patient. They believe in fostering strong clinician-patient relationships built on trust, empathy, and open communication. By involving patients in their own care decisions and providing education about their health, Eva Sleczka, LCSW, empowers patients to take an active role in their well-being. Eva Sleczka, LCSW utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), focusing mainly on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and incorporating mindfulness into a wellness-based approach.

Kevin White, LMHC

Staff Therapist

Kevin K. White is a licensed Mental Health Therapist, who has been working in the counseling field for over 20 years. He has continually worked with individuals and couples from all demographics and ethnic backgrounds, living with a variety of mental health conditions. Kevin attended Medaille University in Buffalo, New York for his undergraduate and graduate studies. Kevin has been practicing as a Mental Health Therapist, focusing on stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, anger management, trauma, and depression. Treatment with Kevin is tailored to building the therapeutic relationship and is customized to the individual, using person-centered treatment with the purpose of making the patient feel whole. He also focuses on issues related to abuse, intimacy, career difficulties, codependency, divorce and separation, family problems, forgiveness, infidelity, jealousy, life purpose, and men's issues, midlife crisis, and self-love. Kevin employs several therapeutic methods such as: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Mindfulness Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy.

Kristen Soukup, LCSW

Staff Therapist, Clinical Lead

Kristen Soukup, LCSW is a mental health therapist at Talkiatry. Kristen completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Rochester where she studied Psychology and Brain & Cognitive Science. She then went on to pursue her Master's degree in Social Work at the State University of New York at Buffalo. After completing her Master's degree, Kristen began working at an outpatient cancer center where she provided care coordination and therapeutic support to patients and their families enduring cancer diagnoses, treatments, and end of life. She then worked to pursue her clinical license in working with adults with significant and persistent mental illness in an outpatient setting. Kristen functioned not only as a primary therapist but also as the crisis team leader, providing supervision to other clinicians and assisting clients both in the clinic and the community. Kristen believes in looking at the whole person in their environment when working with her patients. She comes from a nonjudgmental and empathetic standpoint and genuinely wants to put the patient's goals and values first. Kristen has experience in treating patients with anxiety, depression, OCD, Bipolar disorder, and personality disorders. Kristen is trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and tends to utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques in treatment. She has knowledge and interest in human motivation and performance related issues, and utilizes Motivational Interviewing and mindfulness skills to assist her patients with these concerns. Kristen also has training in treating anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive disorders and uses exposure therapy to assist patients in overcoming these struggles.‍

JinGu Lee, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. JinGu Lee is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist in the states of New Jersey and New York. Dr. Lee focuses on understanding each client's unique background and building a strong therapeutic alliance with his client. He works with ethically and culturally diverse patient populations who struggle with conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, relationship issues, and more. Dr. Lee provides comprehensive medication management, including screening for relevant medical conditions, and incorporates elements of psychotherapy during his regular visits when appropriate. Dr. Lee has a long-standing interest in preventive care and cultural diversity. He studied Public Health and Cultural Anthropology at Rutgers University and received his medical degree from Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine in New Jersey. He completed his Psychiatry residency training at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, New Jersey, where he was recognized for his excellence in outpatient service. Outside of his career, he enjoys traveling, singing, and hiking. He believes in living a balanced lifestyle with clear goals and also focuses on maintaining a close connection with his own family.

Bethanne Folks, LPC

Staff Therapist

Beth Folks is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and a Certified Co-Occurring Disorder Diplomate. She has 25 years of experience helping clients recognize their inner strength. Her style of therapy utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. Beth tailors each treatment plan to fit the client's individual needs and encourages them to take an active role in every step of the journey. She strives to create a safe environment where the client feels they can speak openly. Beth most recently worked in a private practice for a psychiatrist as a psychotherapist via tele-health serving adults diagnosed with mental health issues. She has also worked in a residential setting where she supervised the care of clients with mental health and addiction issues. Bath worked closely with Psychiatrists and is familiar with most types of medications used currently. Beth obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in psychology from Ursinus College in Collegeville, PA. She then earned a Master of Science Degree at Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia, PA. In addition, she obtained a post-master's certification in forensic treatment at Chestnut Hill College.

Jessica Vassallo, LCSW

Staff Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Jessica Vassallo is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience in the area of mental health. She has worked with patients of various demographics including World Trade Center responders, college students, patients with severe and persistent mental illness, dually diagnosed patients, patients who have or have had cancer, and patients with impoverished backgrounds. She received her Master's Degree at Adelphi University in 2003, became certified that year and received her license in clinical social work in 2008. Jessica has been practicing in social work for 20 years, focusing on anxiety, depression, and PTSD. She uses an eclectic approach in therapy with a foundation in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, mindfulness therapy, and supportive psychotherapy. She develops an individualized treatment plan for all patients to focus on their goals. She believes that the person is impacted by all the larger systems they are in (family, workplace, community, larger society) and is committed to providing a non-judgmental, warm, and empathetic space to help clients feel understood and comfortable exploring the roots of their issues.

David Zhang, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. David Zhang is a board-eligible Psychiatrist specializing in general adult psychiatry, with a keen focus on treating depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, and ADHD in individuals aged 18-65. His practice emphasizes a comprehensive approach, integrating medication management with supportive therapy typically during 30-minute follow-up visits. Dr. Zhang attended Rice University for his bachelor's degree in Psychology and attended Baylor College of Medicine for his medical degree. He completed psychiatry residency at Ohio State University. Dr. Zhang's fascination with psychiatry stems from his interest in understanding patients' narratives and his commitment to guide, educate, and empower his patients to actively participate in their healing journey. He adopts a holistic approach, collaborating closely with patients to address their concerns and priorities through a blend of medication management and lifestyle interventions. With a strong belief in the therapeutic value of long-term relationships, Dr. Zhang values continuity of care and endeavors to build trusting, supportive connections with his patients. Beyond his professional endeavors, Dr. Zhang enjoys playing sports, including volleyball, rock climbing, and soccer as well as playing the piano.

Veronica McKnight, LCSW

Staff Therapis

Veronica McKnight received her Master's degree from the Hunter College School of Social Work in New York. She holds clinical social work licenses in Florida, Maine, Vermont and Wisconsin.Ms.McKnight's key areas of practice include depression, anxiety, trauma, communication in relationships, parenting challenges, compassion fatigue and grief and bereavement. Ms. McKnight specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with a strength based, solution focused approach. Ms. McKnight integrates Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing techniques. Ms. McKnight has been certified as a Compassion Fatigue Educator and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. Ms. McKnight has held leadership and clinical roles in community mental health centers, housing programs, hospitals and non-profit organizations.

I am proficient in assisting clients to navigate transitions in all aspects of the life span. Over the past 30 years, my experience has taught me that the most important aspect of therapy is the connection and comfort you feel with the person with whom you choose to share your personal struggles.

I like to listen to what patients are telling me about what is important to them and what they would like to address in therapy. We can then start to set goals together and work towards the outcomes they want. We always go at a pace that is comfortable to the client.

Sarah Flatin, LCSW

Education and training

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