Sarah Mennella, MD

Dr. Pipalia is board-certified in both adult psychiatry and internal medicine. Since graduation from residency, he gained specialized experience in treating veterans with terminal illness, specifically Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (aka Lou Gehrig's Disease), at the VA Medical Center in Portland, OR. He combines both psychotherapy and medication treatment to provide holistic care that addresses not only your mental health but also the parts of your life that surround and are deeply intertwined with your mental health. When more intensive psychotherapy is warranted, he collaborates with an experienced psychotherapist to serve you better. With his experience of internal medicine, he is also comfortable with navigating complex medical issues that may interact with your mental health. Dr. Pipalia is a graduate of St. George's University School of Medicine. He completed a combined Psychiatry & Internal Medicine residency training program at East Carolina University. He went on to complete a fellowship in Clinical Informatics at Oregon Health & Science University, learning how to use modern digital technologies and patient data to improve patient care. His academic activities include a presentation he has given multiple times on Illness Identity, teaching other clinicians how having an illness can change how we perceive our place in the world and how to help patients manage their relationship with illness.

Dr. Agnes Tolentino is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with over 20 years of practice experience.  She obtained her undergraduate degree at the University of the Philippines and completed medical school at the University of the East.  She finished her psychiatry residency at the Harvard South Shore program as chief resident in her final year.  She has a strong background in psychotherapy as an adjunct to medication management.  She has extensive experience in treating PTSD, medically ill patients, elderly patients and those with terminal illnesses. She spent the last 15 years treating the geriatric population and those adjusting to co-morbid medical problems.  

She is an empathic listener and collaborative clinician, focused on treating the whole person.  She emphasizes the need to use healthy coping mechanisms as well as lifestyle changes to complement medication management.  In keeping with the “whole person” focus, the role of physical well-being is important. A thorough medical history will be obtained on your initial appointment.  

Gathering a thorough psychiatric and medical history is paramount in a successful therapeutic relationship.  And with time, a trusting therapeutic environment should be fostered.

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Matthew is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and received his education in this specialty at Maryville University of St. Louis, Missouri.  He has been working in the mental health field for over 20 years and has provided care to patients in diverse care settings including psychiatric hospitals, outpatient mental health centers, psychiatric home health, and telepsychiatry.  Matthew is passionate about expanding access to high quality mental health care to all in need and greatly enjoys collaborating with patients from diverse backgrounds.  In his free time, he enjoys hiking, camping, reading, traveling, and searching for the best Mexican food around.  

Patients working with Matthew should know that he utilizes a very collaborative approach to patient care.  He does not assume that he knows what's best for patients but works closely with them to find the most appropriate and effective treatment plan for the unique individuals that he treats.  For Matthew, safety is always the first priority, but he does not believe in a "one size fits all" approach to mental health care and is focused on tailoring the treatment to the patient.  Matthew utilizes an empathic approach to mental health treatment and patients will feel heard and valued.  

Matthew's process for working with patients includes a thorough psychiatric evaluation at the initial appointment to make sure we are getting to the right diagnosis and remaining on track to improve the patient's mental health. Follow-up appointments are focused on monitoring for progress or regression and working collaboratively to meet mutually agreed upon goals. Collaboration is key!

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Dr. Mark Varela is a board-certified psychiatrist joining Talkiatry directly out of residency. He focuses primarily on medication management, often accompanied by brief cognitive, motivational, or supportive therapy. He may request that you also meet with a therapist regularly for your benefit. Dr. Varela received his medical degree and general psychiatric residency training both from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in West Texas. He treats young adults and adults with a wide variety of mental health concerns, including ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD.

Dr. Nathan Schulz attended the Ohio State University College of Medicine where he received his degree before completing a residency in psychiatry at the University of Illinois, Chicago. After several years working with veterans at the Jesse Brown VA in Chicago, he returned to his home state of Iowa in 2022. Since then, he has continued to work with a wide variety of clients and conditions in both inpatient and outpatient settings, including at the University of Iowa and Clive Behavioral Health hospital.

Dr. Schulz values open, honest, and ongoing dialogue about how mental health treatment can improve wellbeing and lead to healing. Over time, he tailors treatment recommendations based on individual needs, which may include medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, or other approaches. He avoids a one-size-fits-all model and creates an environment where patients feel respected, understood, and supported as unique individuals.

In the first meeting, Dr. Schulz works to understand each patient’s goals, experiences, and preferences. Some arrive knowing what they want, while others are new to exploring mental health challenges. His goal is to meet patients where they are and adjust treatment focus as needs evolve. He emphasizes collaborative decision-making, clearly discussing treatment options, pros and cons, and next steps, while ensuring patients feel informed and empowered throughout care.

Dr. Jennifer Yen is a double board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist who has practiced in a variety of settings, including private, community, and academic medicine. She obtained her medical doctorate and general psychiatry residency at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston before completing her child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine. She is currently a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Baylor College of Medicine and has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications on pediatric mental health. Dr. Yen is also a Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and has been on the editorial board of Clinical Psychiatry News. Dr. Yen believes in a collaborative treatment approach that includes use of pharmacology, therapeutic interventions, and support networks. While versed in a broad range of mental disorders, she is most passionate about anxiety, depression, minority mental health, and acculturation and intergenerational conflicts. She enjoys finding creative ways to address ongoing treatment issues, and utilizes digital media in the treatment setting.