Shaneika Lindsay, PMHNP

More Clinicians

Ekta Rathee, PMHNP

Staff Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Ekta Rathee, DNP, PMHNP-C, is an experienced psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner with an extensive clinical background in a variety of patient care settings. Rathee's diverse clinical background has strengthened her belief in a holistic approach for optimal patient outcomes. Though her primary focus remains medication management of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, she equally supports and incorporates the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, motivational interviewing and enhancement therapy, and supportive therapy in her daily patient care practice. Rathee truly believes in an individualized and holistic patient care approach, which requires a wealth of knowledge, experience, and a commitment to stay abreast of the latest in the field. Her favorite learning modality is to learn from unique patient care scenarios, which often requires a deep dive into the existing body of evidence-based knowledge. Her most important advice for her patients is to never lose hope.

Catherine Sheahan, PMHNP

Staff Nurse Practitioner

Cate Sheahan, nurse practitioner, is dual certified in psychiatry and family medicine. She completed her masters in nursing education at East Carolina University, her post graduate training in family medicine at Duke University and her post graduate training in psychiatry at the University of St. Joseph. Cate has practiced in a variety of settings including clinics, skilled nursing and assisted living facilities, hospitals and community outreach. She appreciates how her years of varied experience have enriched her practice and compassion for others. She enjoys teaching and assisting others to build on their unique experiences and strengths.

Cate believes we are each unique in our experiences and our expression of those experiences. Using a collaborative approach, she seeks to discover, along with you, her patient, what is going on in your life and deciding together what treatment is best suited for you. Cate believes medication can be a solid foundation or a transitional step toward improved mental health. She also believes in 'less is more' when it comes to medications.

During each 30-minute session, Cate will employ supportive, motivational and reframing among other therapeutic techniques to foster confidence, insight and healing as you navigate your mental health journey. She believes the mind, body and spirit are an integrated whole and therefore encourages holistic self-care such as healthy eating, good sleep hygiene, regular exercise and mindfulness practices as part of your treatment. If more intensive therapy is needed, Cate will work with your therapist or make appropriate referrals as needed.

Kenneth Kavanagh, PMHNP

Staff Nurse Practitioner

Kenneth Kavanagh is board certified as both a Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and an Adult Nurse Practitioner. His career has spanned 30 years with the last 17 years devoted exclusively to psychiatry. He integrates his knowledge of psychiatry and primary care into evidence-based medication management strategies. He also possesses a good working knowledge of alternative treatments and integrating alternative treatments into more traditional approaches. When needed to enhance patient care outcomes, he frequently works collaboratively with psychotherapists, primary care providers, and/or medical specialists.

Kenneth currently focuses on managing depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, adjustment disorders, ADHD, somatic disorders, OCD, and bipolar disorders. Kenneth has significant experience in working with diverse groups, including urban and rural populations across socioeconomic spectrums, professionals and college students on all levels, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals confronting life stage transitions, and people living with chronic medical conditions.

Kenneth’s psychotherapeutic methods are diverse and evolve to meet collaboratively developed treatment goals. Kenneth’s interaction style is always empathic and respectful but can range from comforting and supportive to more directive and therapeutically confrontational strategies to maximize treatment goals, often with significant doses of humor throughout the therapeutic relationship.

Patricia Grendell, PMHNP

Staff Nurse Practitioner

Patricia Grendell is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who provides mental health care using a personalized, holistic approach. Patricia specializes in psychiatric evaluation and medication management along with psychotherapy and integrative interventions. Prior to receiving education and training in Nursing at New York University and Case Western Reserve University, Patricia earned a Master of Social Work from Boston College with a focus on health and mental health.

Patricia specializes in working with adults experiencing a wide range of acute and chronic stressors and mental health symptoms. Patricia tailors' treatment to the goals, needs, and comfort level of each individual at her or his own pace. Patricia builds connections with patients so that they feel heard and understood, and partners with each individual to determine the most appropriate treatment strategies that maximize comfort, safety, and positive results.

Over the past ten years as a Nurse Practitioner in outpatient and inpatient environments, Patricia has helped patients improve and overcome conditions including depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, and insomnia. Using a combination of medication management, individual therapy, and psychoeducation, Patricia develops individualized treatment plans centered around patients’ priorities and safety to achieve improvements in health and quality of life.

Deora Johnson, PMHNP

Staff Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Deora Johnson, DNP, PMHNP is a board certified Adult Psychiatric Nurse practitioner with 24 years of experience. He has a passion for providing clients with a holistic approach to mental health care which includes both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions. He works with adult and senior populations focusing on assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues. He works closely with you to help guide you through the process of understanding and deciding on the most effective interventions/medication management options for your diagnosis. Supportive therapy, Solution Focused therapy, or Motivational Interviewing are integral components of medication management appointments with Deora. Deora completed the Master of Science in Nursing degree at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. He also completed a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, Alabama. He has experience in treating patients in a variety of outpatient and inpatient settings. His areas of specialty include treatment of Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, PTSD and Insomnia. His doctoral research focus was nonpharmacologic interventions for insomnia in depressed patients. Deora has experience working with the military veteran population. His clinical experience with the VA Outpatient Clinic in Baltimore, Maryland focused on treating PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, and Bipolar Disorders in returning veterans from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. His clinical case load also included veterans from Vietnam and Korean war eras. Deora believes a therapeutic relationship provides a unique opportunity to work with your provider through whatever life challenges and issues you may be dealing with right now. Medication management is an important adjunct to a treatment plan, which also includes therapy.

Lena Champlin, PMHNP

Staff Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Lena Champlin, PMHNP-BC is a dual certified Family Practice and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She received her Family Nurse Practitioner degree from the University of South Florida and her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree from Augusta University. Since beginning practice in 2013, she has worked in inpatient and outpatient settings seeing a wide range of clients. Her expertise covers psychiatric issues of all types, including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and ADHD. She is committed to finding solutions for her clients by using a holistic approach that takes into account physical and mental issues. Treatments include therapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications. She enjoys working with clients who are motivated to change and feel better. She takes time to listen to clients and treats each as an individual.

Kimberly Van Wuffen, LPC

Staff Therapist

Kim Van Wuffen, LPC, holds the position of therapist for Talkiatry. After completing her education from Ottawa University, she has spent a majority of her work in both community mental health and private practice. Her years of experience has included working as a therapist in diverse settings. Kim Van Wuffen holds certifications as a clinical trauma specialist, sex trafficking and sexual exploitation with Arizona Trauma Institute and a brain health coach with Amen clinics. She is also an Arizona Board certified clinical supervisor. Kim has a passion for exploring the neurophysiology of trauma.

Most recently, she has been serving as a clinical supervisor for Recovery In The Pines and helps with various recovery groups. Kim Van Wuffen has a client centered approach to treating clients. She considers herself an eclectic therapist who utilizes various modalities for treating clients who suffer various diagnoses, such as EMDR, Attachment Theory, DBT, CBT, Art Therapy, and Somatic Experiencing. Kim values incorporating mindfulness and holistic treatments into therapy. And enjoys collaborating with other providers to optimize the therapeutic process and effectiveness. She also considers herself a roots based therapist who is interested in empowering clients to discover their own healing path and not just focusing on symptoms.

Nicole Powers, PMHNP

Staff Nurse Practitioner

Nicole Powers is an accomplished Autonomous Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of nursing experience and 6 years as a Nurse Practitioner. She holds a Master's degree in Nursing, specializing in psychiatric mental health, and is certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Throughout her career, Nicole Powers has cultivated a deep commitment to mental health care, focusing on patient-centered approaches that empower individuals to achieve optimal well-being.

Before joining Talkiatry, Nicole worked in various healthcare settings, including inpatient psychiatric facilities and outpatient clinics, inpatient critical care units where she honed her skills in diagnosing and treating a wide range of mental health disorders. Her specialties include anxiety, depression, and trauma-related conditions, and she is particularly passionate about integrating holistic practices into her treatment plans.

Nicole Powers treatment style emphasizes collaboration and open communication, ensuring that her patients feel heard and understood. She believes in utilizing evidence-based practices while incorporating patients' personal experiences and preferences into their care. By fostering a supportive and compassionate environment, she aims to help her patients navigate their mental health journeys with confidence and resilience.

As a dedicated advocate for mental health awareness, Nicole Powers also engages in community outreach and education, striving to reduce stigma and promote access to mental health resources. Her commitment to excellence in psychiatric care makes her a valuable asset to the Talkiatry team.

Megan Tusken, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Megan Tusken is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. She received her undergraduate degree from Brown University and her medical doctorate at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. Prior to joining Talkiatry, Dr. Tusken completed residency training in general psychiatry at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Dr. Tusken provides evidence-based, patient-centered care and considers a trusting doctor-patient relationship integral to helping her patients achieve their treatment goals. During training, Dr. Tusken gained extensive experience in inpatient, consult, emergency room, and outpatient practice settings with culturally and socioeconomically diverse patient populations. She also elected to acquire additional experience with specific patient populations, including patients with treatment-resistant depression, substance use disorders, and sleep disorders, as well as LGBTQ+ individuals and older adults. Tusken's treatment approach is collaborative and holistic. She provides medication management for a variety of mental health conditions, with particular interest in mood and anxiety disorders. In addition to psychopharmacologic interventions, she firmly believes in the mind-body connection, and she incorporates psychotherapeutic techniques into her visits to provide the best, individualized care for each patient.

Cody Chua, LCSW

Staff Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Cody Chua is a licensed clinical social worker with extensive experience working in the mental health field. He has a passion for helping individuals, children, couples, and families by assisting them in finding their inner strengths and natural capabilities that aid in creating positive change and fostering healthy relationships. Cody completed school at the University of Houston's Graduate College of Social Work, in Houston, TX, while completing his practicum at Texas Children's Hospital Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic. Cody has 3 years of experience as a therapist in inpatient, outpatient, and virtual settings, offering individual, group, and family counseling to teens and adults. He specializes in working with clients with mood disorders, behavioral issues, grief and trauma, substance abuse, and co-occurring disorders. Cody tailors his treatment approach to each individual client, and has experience with various modalities, including mentalization based therapy, logotherapy, and cognitive based therapy. Outside the therapy room, Cody is passionate about cooking, travel, hiking, drawing, music, and theater. He enjoys spending time with his dog, and his family.

Joy James, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Background and credentials

Dr. James is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with 32 years of clinical experience. She earned her medical degree from Tufts University, Boston’s affiliated program and completed her residency training at Steward St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Boston, where she initiated the residency program and received the Resident Teaching Award for excellence in teaching. Throughout her career, she has served in various leadership roles, including as Chief of Psychiatry at Pro Medica Healthcare Company.

‍

Treatment approach

Dr. James specializes in community adult psychiatry and is deeply invested in providing comprehensive care for individuals and families. She has extensive experience working in outpatient, inpatient, consult-liaison, and emergency room settings, allowing her to tailor treatment to diverse patient needs. Her approach prioritizes holistic, patient-centered care, ensuring that each treatment plan aligns with a patient’s specific challenges and goals.

‍

What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a thorough psychiatric evaluation where Dr. James carefully reviews their symptoms, medical history, and treatment objectives. She fosters a compassionate and collaborative environment, ensuring that patients feel supported in their journey toward better mental health. Her extensive experience allows her to provide personalized treatment strategies, which may include medication management and therapeutic interventions tailored to each individual’s needs.

‍

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.

‍

Felicitas Koster, DO

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Koster is board certified in psychiatry and forensic psychiatry. After completing her medical education, residency, and fellowship, she started working on a Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) team, followed by working at a community hospital. She then transitioned to a clinic serving patients who were determined severely mentally ill (SMI). Dr. Koster has been involved with teaching residents and working within an academic institution. Dr. Koster is a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, a member of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law and the American Osteopathic Association. Dr. Koster enjoys working with people of diverse backgrounds and experiences. She uses a culturally sensitive and holistic approach in the evaluation and treatment of brain health conditions. She believes in a team approach and her patients' active participation in treatment planning. She incorporates a variety of modalities in her treatment that can include medications, personal medicine, psychotherapy, mindfulness, and lifestyle changes. Dr. Koster specializes in psychopharmacology and believes in using medications when indicated at the lowest effective dose to minimize the risk of side effects. She is experienced in treating depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD and schizophrenia. If Dr. Koster believes you would benefit from additional therapy, she will collaborate with your therapist to achieve the best outcome.

Shaneika Lindsay, PMHNP

Education and training

Get to know