Syed Abbasi, MD

For the past 20 years, Dr. Lavin has worked at the University of Denver Health and Counseling Center, where she has treated undergraduate and graduate students. She also worked at a training clinic for students pursuing their PsyD degree. She has supervised and taught psychiatry residents. She taught a psychopharmacology and differential diagnosis course to psychology trainees. Dr. Lavin has a strong interest in functional medicine and alternative therapies. Dr. Lavin has been in practice for 35 years. She is board certified in adult psychiatry. Dr. Lavin focuses on a comprehensive medical assessment, medication management, psychoeducation, wellness, and alternative therapies. She enjoys treating young adults. Dr. Lavin did her undergraduate work at the University of Rochester. She earned her MD from Cornell University Medical College in New York City. Her psychiatry residency was at the University of Boston Medical Center. After training, Dr. Lavin held administrative and clinical positions at Kaiser Permanente in Denver, CO and at the Harvard Community Health Plan in Braintree, Massachusetts. She has written clinical triaging guidelines and patient information pamphlets.‍

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.

Dr. Esha Garg is a board-certified psychiatrist starting her post-graduate practice with Talkiatry. After completing an undergraduate degree in psychology at Johns Hopkins University, she completed her medical degree at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. She is a recent graduate from the Adult Psychiatry Residency at University of Kansas Medical Center.

Dr. Garg's practice focuses on medication management but she believes in the importance of both therapy and medication management in treating mental illness. She offers medication management with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow up visits. She also utilizes referrals to therapists to enhance collaborative care and management of illness.

Dr. Garg believes in the importance of building a strong therapeutic relationship. She focuses on treating patients with depression and anxiety disorders. She believes in a holistic, patient-centered approach to care and encourages patient's to explore their physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs in addition to their mental health.

Bryce Thacker grew up in a rural community, where he learned the value of helping others achieve their best selves to support overall community health and well-being. With a passion for helping people live their best lives, he earned his undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Nebraska and completed his nursing education at Creighton University. He went on to earn a Master of Science in Nursing, specializing as a Family Nurse Practitioner and in Community Health, from Creighton University, and later completed a nursing practice degree at the University of Colorado with a focus on population and community health. He also holds a post-graduate certification in psychiatric mental health from Washburn University.

Bryce practiced family medicine for 18 years before transitioning to psychiatric mental health in 2022. His background in both physical and mental health gives him a holistic perspective on care. Since shifting his focus, he has helped individuals improve their quality of life through medication management for mood disorders, PTSD, anxiety, ADHD, and other mental health conditions. He continues to live in a rural community with his family and remains committed to helping people become their best selves.

Bryce believes that each person’s “best self” is unique and that mental health care should meet individuals where they are. He emphasizes a collaborative, client-centered approach, always keeping the individual’s goals at the heart of care. He is dedicated to helping clients identify and overcome the symptoms and stressors that interfere with their well-being, and he works to dismantle limiting beliefs or labels that may have been placed on them.

By taking the time to understand each person’s challenges and aspirations, Bryce helps clients find sustainable, holistic paths to wellness. His care is grounded in empathy, respect, and a deep commitment to supporting each person’s journey toward a fulfilling and balanced life.

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Dr. Matthew Richter has experience practicing in outpatient and inpatient settings, as well as with military and confinement populations. He earned his medical degree from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and completed a psychiatry residency at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, followed by a forensic psychiatry fellowship at the National Capital Consortium.

Dr. Richter fosters a safe, non-judgmental space where patients can explore their feelings and experiences freely, met with unconditional positive regard. He prioritizes active listening and deep empathy, ensuring each patient feels heard, understood, and valued as a unique individual throughout their treatment journey.

Initial sessions focus on a collaborative exploration of a patient’s history, current challenges, and core values, forming the foundation for a personalized treatment plan. Dr. Richter emphasizes shared decision-making, integrating therapeutic modalities—including medication when appropriate—while honoring patient autonomy and aligning with their vision for well-being.

Dr. Fatima Ghandour is an adult psychiatrist originally from Southeast Michigan. She earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan and her medical degree at Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine. She completed her psychiatry residency at Authority Health in Detroit, where she was recognized as Resident of the Year in her graduating class. Dr. Ghandour has experience practicing in both outpatient and inpatient settings and has treated a wide range of conditions including depression, anxiety, ADHD, and PTSD.

Dr. Ghandour values open communication and collaboration, working closely with patients to set clear and meaningful treatment goals. She fosters a warm, supportive environment where patients feel heard, respected, and empowered to take an active role in their care. Her empathetic and patient-centered approach helps individuals feel safe sharing their unique experiences and challenges.

Dr. Ghandour begins each relationship with a thorough evaluation, taking time to understand each patient’s history, concerns, and goals. From there, she develops an individualized treatment plan that reflects the patient’s needs and preferences. She combines evidence-based strategies with ongoing dialogue to ensure treatment remains responsive and aligned with each patient’s progress and well-being.