Stephen Byrd, MD

Dr. Elizabeth Cox is a board-certified psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience providing compassionate, evidence-based care to adults. She believes healing begins with being heard and strives to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel comfortable sharing their experiences and working toward meaningful change.

Dr. Cox takes a collaborative approach to mental health, considering biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors. She values empathy, curiosity, and respect, and partners with patients to explore treatment options that align with their goals, including therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.

Your first visits with Dr. Cox will focus on understanding your history, challenges, and treatment goals. Together, you will develop a personalized plan that is manageable, supportive, and grounded in trust. She ensures each patient feels safe, respected, and truly heard throughout the care process.

Dr. Benita Dieperink, MD, is board-certified in psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She earned her medical degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School and completed residency at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. She has extensive experience in private practice, academic leadership, and faculty roles, with expertise in treating diverse adult populations. She specializes in perinatal and reproductive psychiatry, supporting patients through pregnancy, postpartum, PMS, infertility, and perimenopause/menopause, as well as mood, anxiety, trauma-related, and obsessive-compulsive disorders.

Dr. Dieperink values open communication and a collaborative approach, creating a warm, supportive environment where patients feel heard and respected. She integrates psychopharmacology and psychotherapy to help patients work toward clear treatment goals, while fostering a growth- and strengths-based perspective. She also draws on a wide range of interests—from medical science to psychology and history—to enrich patient education.

Dr. Dieperink begins by thoroughly understanding each patient’s history, concerns, and goals. She develops individualized treatment plans aligned with these goals and regularly reassesses progress to refine strategies as needed, ensuring care is responsive, personalized, and effective.

Dr. Ethan Atwood is a board-certified psychiatrist. He earned his medical degree from the College of Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. He completed his psychiatry residency and fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and he completed a forensic fellowship at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

New patients can expect a warm and welcoming atmosphere when beginning their journey with Dr. Atwood. He emphasizes a holistic approach to mental health care, combining medication management with supportive therapies. His empathetic nature and commitment to patient well-being ensures a nurturing and supportive environment.

Dr. Atwood believes in a collaborative approach, working closely with his patients to develop treatment goals and adjust treatment strategies as needed. He is committed to providing ongoing support and guidance, ensuring that patients feel confident and supported throughout their mental health journey.

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Background and credentials

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 Hewitt is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, credentialed through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). She earned her master’s degree in nursing from Gonzaga University and has extensive experience treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Her passion for psychiatry and dedication to patient care are rooted in her background as an emergency room nurse and her experience in emergency medical services (EMS). This foundation has given her a unique perspective on the critical role mental health plays in overall well-being.

Jennifer provides compassionate care to adults, children, and adolescents, recognizing that each individual’s path to mental wellness is unique. She believes that while medication can be an important part of treatment, self-care and therapy are equally essential components of a holistic approach.

She is known for her empathetic listening and genuine connection with patients. Through collaboration, she helps individuals set realistic goals and empowers them to take an active role in their recovery. Her kindness and commitment create a supportive environment where patients can thrive on their journey toward mental wellness

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Dr. Pressley Warrick is a double board-certified psychiatrist specializing in general psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry. Dr. Warrick currently practices full-time, offering comprehensive psychiatric care to children, adolescents, and adults. She previously established and led a Behavioral Health Clinic integrated within a Family Medicine Practice. Prior to this role, Dr. Warrick provided dedicated psychiatric care at a private psychiatry practice for over a decade.

Dr. Warrick earned her medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina, completed residency training at Baylor College of Medicine's Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and pursued additional specialization through a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship at Palmetto Health/USC School of Medicine.

Known for a collaborative and holistic treatment approach, Dr. Warrick emphasizes individualized care and evidence-based practices to support patients’ mental wellness. Her professional excellence has earned recognition as Sumter’s Best Psychiatrist for consecutive years.

Dr. Warrick’s preferred treatment modalities include medication management, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and supportive psychotherapy. She specializes in treating depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism, OCD, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. Her typical approach for new patients involves taking a detailed patient history, establishing rapport, and setting clear treatment goals in partnership with her patients.