Shilpa Amara, MD

Dr. Caitlin Tillberg (she/her) is a board-certified psychiatrist. She has a BA in musicology and cognitive science from Oberlin College, an MD from Quinnipiac University in Connecticut, and completed general adult psychiatry residency at Duke University. Dr. Tillberg practices patient-centered and trauma-informed care, valuing patient autonomy and collaborative decision-making, acknowledging the burden many people carry from intersecting oppressions. She believes therapy is important � often equally important as medication, or more � and will work together with you to make a realistic treatment plan that will fit into your life. Dr. Tillberg also has a niche working with people with complicated relationships with their bodies, whether due to disordered eating, gender dysphoria, chronic illness/disability, or trauma. She welcomes LGBTQ+ patients, including trans and non-binary adults. She also enjoys working with patients with OCD, as well as autistic/neurodivergent adults (including those seeking adult autism evaluation). Please note Talkiatry is most appropriate for autistic patients with Level 1 (or case-by-case Level 2) support needs and who are verbal. Regarding eating disorders: Please note that for patient safety, per Talkiatry policy, Dr. Tillberg is unable to work with patients with current active anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa (or significant relapse in the last 6 months), or with patients requiring current regular medical or lab monitoring for complications of binge-eating disorder or ARFID. Bariatric surgery patients are welcome if medically stable. Patients with current disordered eating that does not rise to the level of a formal diagnosis of anorexia or bulimia, or with a past history of anorexia or bulimia in sustained remission, will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis at the first appointment. Dr. Tillberg looks forward to meeting you.

Dr. Kim Brownell, MD, has extensive experience in both outpatient and inpatient settings. While on active duty, she practiced across the country in diverse rural and urban environments. Most recently, she spent eight years working with veterans in the VA healthcare system. She earned her medical degree from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, completed a Pediatrics Residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and later trained in Adult and Child Psychiatry at The Institute of Living, Hartford, CT.

Dr. Brownell values open communication and works with patients to set clear, achievable treatment goals. She fosters a warm, supportive environment where patients feel heard and respected. Her approach combines psychiatric medication management with supportive psychotherapy, elements of DBT, stress management techniques, and cross-cultural wisdom to meet patients where they are and collaboratively optimize wellness.

Dr. Brownell begins with a thorough one-hour evaluation to discuss current symptoms, treatment history, medical background, and personal goals. She listens carefully to each patient’s story to design an individualized plan that aligns with their objectives. Rooted in compassion and collaboration, she integrates her clinical expertise and life experience—including working with veterans and underserved populations—to identify strengths and guide patients on their mental health journey.

Background and credentials

Dr. Schaefer is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with over 16 years of experience. She earned her medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, NE, and completed her adult psychiatry residency at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, OR. She then specialized further by completing a forensic psychiatry fellowship at Yale University. She has worked as a staff psychiatrist at Atrium Health System for over 16 years.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Schaefer’s practice primarily focuses on medication management, which she offers in conjunction with supportive therapy and elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). She takes a patient-centered and collaborative approach, ensuring that treatment is tailored to each individual’s needs. If additional therapy is required, she may recommend working with a therapist as part of a comprehensive care plan. Her primary focus areas include depression, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a thorough psychiatric evaluation, where Dr. Schaefer carefully assesses their symptoms, treatment history, and mental health goals. She works collaboratively with patients to develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include medication management and therapy recommendations. Follow-up visits are typically 30 minutes and focus on monitoring progress, adjusting treatment as needed, and ensuring the best possible patient outcomes.

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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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Background and credentials

Dr. Robert Whelpley, M.D., is board-certified in both Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Adult Psychiatry. He completed his undergraduate studies at Binghamton University and earned his medical degree from Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York. He then went on to complete his residency and fellowship training at the University of Rochester. Throughout his career, he has worked with patients and families across the lifespan in inpatient, outpatient, and emergency psychiatric settings.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Whelpley believes in collaborative care, working closely with treatment providers, patients, and families to ensure that mental health concerns are addressed as a team. His approach integrates talk therapy techniques, including motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and supportive psychotherapy, alongside medication management. He customizes treatment to maximize each patient’s mental health and overall wellness, sometimes incorporating a therapist into the care plan when beneficial.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive evaluation where Dr. Whelpley takes time to understand their symptoms, background, and treatment goals. His approach is patient-centered and team-oriented, ensuring that care is personalized and collaborative. He works with patients to develop a treatment plan that balances medication management with therapeutic interventions, fostering long-term mental wellness.

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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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Laura Hickman, PMHNP, earned her BSN from the University of Iowa and her MSN from Saint Louis University. During her graduate training, she completed multiple outpatient internships, including one focused on Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, a modality she frequently incorporates into care. Board Certified as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner since 2014, she has practiced across Community Mental Health, inpatient psychiatry, crisis stabilization, TMS, and Suboxone treatment. She works with patients ages 5+ and specializes in ADHD, anxiety, and depression.

Laura’s priority is ensuring patients feel heard, valued, and respected. She fosters a collaborative, team-based environment where patients feel in control of their health. Rather than focusing solely on diagnosis, she emphasizes how someone is functioning in daily life. With warmth and “cheerleading” support, she helps patients feel less alone and more empowered to open up and pursue meaningful change.

Laura begins by exploring each patient’s history, past treatments, and current challenges at home, work, or in parenting. She develops individualized treatment plans in partnership with the patient, serving as a guide toward their goals. Together, they determine whether therapy, medication, or both best support improved functioning and well-being.

Kara Burdelski is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has been working as an experienced psychotherapist for over the last twelve years. She has worked with a variety of demographics in various settings such as health care settings, community mental health, and even mobile therapy. Kara attended undergraduate school in Springfield, MO and obtained her graduate degree, a Master's of Science in Counseling Psychology, from Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA. Over the last six years, she has worked predominately with adults with serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI) in a health care setting with patients who have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS as well as other varieties of chronic conditions. Kara has experience in working with individuals who have disorders like depression, anxiety, psychosis, PTSD, bipolar, trauma, chronic medical issues, grief, and substance abuse disorders. She allows her clients to direct the type of treatment they need since every human is an expert of their own experience. The style of treatment Kara uses is tailored to meet the needs of each individual client with compassion and respect. She values the entire person. Kara utilizes unconditional positive regard with each individual she works with. Kara specializes in working with minorities, and the LGBTQAI+ community, and has considerable experience serving individuals who face chronic pain and disabling health conditions. She also practices in a harm reduction approach. Kara engages in a respectful position towards people using substances including alcohol and can assist with strategies for reduction including abstinence-based recovery. She believes in an all-inclusive approach that utilizes mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused, behavioral activation techniques, and acceptance and commitment therapy. Kara is committed to providing you with a space to grow, learn self-acceptance, and focus on your commitment to yourself.