Tulsie Patel, MD

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Mu Xu, MD is a Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He obtained his medical doctorate degree from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and PhD from New York University. He completed his psychiatry residency at New York University. Dr Xu is licensed to practice in California, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. Dr. Xu provides both medication management for a variety of psychiatric conditions. Dr. Xu is fluent in English and Mandarin. Dr. Xu is a general adult psychiatrist specializing in medication management. He values building strong connections with patients from all walks of life and tailoring treatments to their unique needs. His working style is characterized by attentive listening, detailed follow-up questions, and straightforward communication, fostering a collaborative and empathetic environment.

Valene Gifford, LMHC

Staff Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Valene, pronounced (Val-leen), is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who has worked in the mental health field for 7 years. During this time, she has worked with clients from various backgrounds and cultures with a variety of mental health conditions. Valene's experience ranges from an inpatient psychiatric facility to private practice to telehealth. Valene attended the University of South Florida for her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Florida International University for her graduate degree in Mental Health Counseling.‍Valene believes each therapeutic interaction should be individualized and client-centered, thus she uses an eclectic therapy approach. An eclectic approach means assisting clients by drawing from various therapeutic approaches and techniques, thus tailoring treatment to each client's needs. Valene considers the therapeutic relationship to be extremely important and strives to be a collaborative, empathetic, non-judgmental, person-centered therapist. Valene's professional interests include working with young adults, Caribbean Americans, and the BIPOC community. Within mental health she enjoys working with anxiety, depression, women's issues, adjustment disorders, and relationship issues, just to name a few.

Prit Patel, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Prit Patel is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. He obtained his medical degree from the University of South Florida and subsequently completed his residency training at the University of Texas at Austin and Northwell Health's Zucker Hillside Hospital. During his training, Dr. Patel also served as chief resident of Zucker's Hillside Hospital's outpatient psychiatric department. Following his training, Dr. Patel has previously worked at New York Presbyterian's Gracie Square Hospital, where he served as an inpatient psychiatrist treating a variety of mental health conditions, utilizing a combination of medication management and therapeutic techniques in helping those experiencing distress due to their conditions. Throughout his training and career thus far, Dr. Patel has received several awards for his clinical care and contribution to medical and psychiatric education, such as Zucker Hillside's Psychiatric Educator award. Dr. Patel has also contributed to medical research in the domains of psychiatry and LGBTQ+ healthcare .Dr. Patel has an interest in not only treating disorders but also helping patients improve their overall well-being. He treats a variety of conditions including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and trauma-related disorders, through the use of medication and therapy. He has particular experience and interest in treating LGBTQ+ patients as well as young professionals and young adults.

Boski Patel, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Boski Patel holds the position of psychiatrist at Talkiatry. She is double board-certified in geriatric and adult psychiatry and she has been practicing for over 3 years. Dr. Patel's practice focuses on medication management and she typically in conjunction with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. On occasion, Dr. Patel may believe that additional therapy is also needed and asks that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh, and then went on to receive her medical degree from Penn State University. Following medical school, she completed general psychiatry residency training at the University of Connecticut where she was Chief resident of outpatient psychiatric services. During that time, she was also chosen as an Honors scholar by the American Association of Geriatric Psychiatry. After training, she moved to California to do her geriatric psychiatry fellowship at Stanford. Following her fellowship, she worked at Kaiser Permanente in clinical roles of outpatient, geriatric, and C/L.

Arif Patel, DO

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Arif Patel is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. He obtained his medical degree from Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency training at Authority Health, an affiliate of Michigan State University. In addition, he has completed a Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Fellowship from the Michigan Psychoanalytic Institute. He has 4 years of clinical experience. Dr. Patel's practice focuses primarily on medication management. Follow-up appointments typically last 30 minutes and incorporate elements of supportive psychotherapy, CBT, and motivational interviewing. Dr. Patel utilizes a collaborative approach to treatment, ensuring that treatment plans align with patients' goals and values. Dr. Patel has extensive clinical experience in various psychiatric settings including inpatient, outpatient, and emergency settings. He has treated patients of various ages and of diverse cultural and spiritual backgrounds. He has extensive training in the community mental health system, where he has treated patients with severe mental illness and substance use disorders. Dr. Patel practices general adult psychiatry. His practice focuses on medication management in conjunction with supportive psychotherapy. Dr. Patel has experience in treating a wide array of psychiatric disorders including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma, and ADHD.

Rebecca Kostopoulos, PMHNP

Director, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners

Rebecca Kostopoulos, PMHNP, is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner dedicated to helping people struggling with mental health concerns find ways to live a full and balanced life. Rebecca's practice focuses on medication management. Typically, she offers this in conjunction with supportive or emotionally focused therapy during 30-minute follow-up visits. However, occasionally Rebecca may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome. She received her Master of Science in Nursing with a specialty in psychiatry from Columbia University and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Boston College. She is trained in psychiatric diagnosis, medication management, and psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral therapies. Rebecca has extensive experience evaluating and treating adults in a variety of settings over the past 10 years. Previously, she worked at Elmhurst Hospital's Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program and at Gracie Square Hospital in an inpatient unit, in addition to community health settings and skilled nursing facilities. As a nurse practitioner, she believes that addressing mental health concerns is just as important as addressing physical concerns. She values the therapeutic relationship with a collaborative and empathic approach to treatment.

Jennifer Shoenfelt, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Jennifer Shoenfelt is a staff psychiatrist at Talkiatry. She is double board certified in child and adolescent psychiatry and adult psychiatry. She has been practicing for over 14 years. Dr. Shoenfelt's practice focuses on child and adolescent medication management. Typically, she offers this in conjunction with supportive or emotionally focused therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. However, occasionally Dr. Shoenfelt may believe that additional therapy is needed and will ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome. She provides treatment plans that include holistic recommendations for diet, exercise, and educational and psychosocial/spiritual aspects of care. She is known for listening to and respecting patients' stories and walking them on a path of recovery and growth. Dr. Shoenfelt received her medical degree from the Boonshoft School of Medicine at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy from The Ohio State University. Dr. Shoenfelt practiced for 14 years in physical therapy with a specialization in children with developmental and neurological disabilities before attending medical school. Dr. Shoenfelt has held multiple positions in hospital and outpatient psychiatry, including community mental health, developmental and foster care settings, and medical director positions. She has served as clinical faculty for both the Wright State Department of Psychiatry and the University of Cincinnati School of Medicine. She has a passion for the education of medical students, residents, and patients. Dr. Jennifer Shoenfelt is a staff psychiatrist at Talkiatry. She is double board certified in child and adolescent psychiatry and adult psychiatry. She has been practicing for over 14 years.

Maria Conklin, LPC

Therapist

Maria Conklin, a licensed professional counselor, graduated with a master's degree in counseling from Seton Hall University in 2006. With 15 years of experience in community mental health, Maria now specializes in Telehealth, offering compassionate care for anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and grief. Drawing from her background as a registered nurse, she addresses both mental and physical issues, integrating CBT and DBT into her supportive psychotherapy practice. Maria is also NCC certified, ensuring quality care for her clients.

Audrey O'neal, LPC

Staff Therapist

Audrey O'Neal is a licensed mental health counselor who works with adults. She has a variety of specialties including anxiety, depression, stress management, life transitions, goal attainment, grief and loss, and relationships. Her focus is on delivering patient centered care and holds a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Walden University and is a Doctor of Clinical Psychology candidate at California Southern University.

Audrey O'Neal Her approach is characterized by warmth and empathy, and she employs techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), Psychodynamic therapy, and Mindfulness based therapy as well as hypnotherapy to empower clients with coping strategies and help them reach their personal objectives.

Audrey O'Neal is committed to fostering a therapeutic alliance that supports, validates, and inspires personal growth. She uses a variety of innovative modalities such as hypnotherapy, mindfulness, solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy to help foster change, explore the root causes of limiting beliefs and problems, and empower her clients.

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Susana Deltoro, LPC

Staff Therapist

Susana Deltoro is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) with over a decade of experience in mental health and substance use disorders (SUD). She specializes in delivering culturally sensitive, client-centered therapy and is passionate about empowering individuals to overcome challenges and achieve long-term stability. Susana holds a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from the University of the Southwest in Hobbs, New Mexico. Over the years, she has worked in diverse settings, including private practice, employee assistance programs, and leadership roles in clinical care. As the Chief Operating Officer for a non-profit agency, she developed innovative programs, supervised multidisciplinary teams, and collaborated with community organizations to support individuals in their recovery journeys with Mental Health and substance use disorders. Susana is dedicated to creating tailored treatment plans that seamlessly integrate into her clients' daily lives. She specializes in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness therapy, and solution-focused modalities, adhering to a humanistic, person-centered approach. Her practice emphasizes holistic care, helping clients explore their strengths and establish healthy coping mechanisms. Your well-being is Susana's priority. If you have any questions, she encourages you to reach out. While she may not have all the answers, she is committed to helping you find them. Fluent in English and Spanish, Susana excels at building trust with diverse populations. Outside of her clinical work, she enjoys facilitating workshops on stress management and self-care, reflecting her commitment to fostering resilience and well-being in her clients and the community.

Christa DeFries, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Background and credentials

Dr. Christa DeFries is a board-certified Adult Psychiatrist. She earned her medical degree from UT Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Texas, and completed her residency in Adult Psychiatry at Baylor Scott & White in Temple, Texas. Following residency, Dr. DeFries gained additional experience treating homeless and formerly homeless populations in New York City, particularly focusing on individuals with histories of trauma and substance addiction, prior to joining Talkiatry.

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Treatment approach

Dr. DeFries practices Adult Psychiatry, employing an integrative treatment approach combining medication management, psychotherapeutic methods, and lifestyle modifications. She recognizes that each patient benefits from a personalized mix of these three aspects of care. Dr. DeFries specializes in treating diverse psychiatric conditions, including those related to trauma, substance addictions, and various mental health disorders.

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What you can expect in a first visit

In a first visit with Dr. DeFries, patients can expect a comprehensive evaluation aimed at understanding their individual mental health history, specific concerns, and overall treatment goals. Dr. DeFries emphasizes an individualized approach, carefully exploring the best combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments tailored specifically to each patient's needs. Patients can anticipate an empathetic and collaborative environment focused on their personal experiences and goals.

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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.

Robert Whelpley, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

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?

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Education and training

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Tulsie Patel, MD

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Mu Xu, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Valene Gifford, LMHC

Staff Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Prit Patel, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Boski Patel, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Arif Patel, DO

Staff Psychiatrist

Rebecca Kostopoulos, PMHNP

Director, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners

Jennifer Shoenfelt, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Maria Conklin, LPC

Therapist

Audrey O'neal, LPC

Staff Therapist

Susana Deltoro, LPC

Staff Therapist

Christa DeFries, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Robert Whelpley, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

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