Vanessa Valdes, MD

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Dr. Dennis Valerstain is a board-certified Adult and Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. After completing his undergraduate education at Emory University, he attended medical school at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. He subsequently completed psychiatry residency at University of Miami/Jackson Health System and further sub-specialized at University of Miami/Jackson Health System with a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Dr. Valerstain has had the opportunity of working with a diverse array of patients including children, adolescents, the severely mentally ill, veterans, and cancer patients across three distinct hospital systems. Dr. Valerstain has had varied clinical experiences in specialty inpatient psychiatry units, emergency psychiatry, consultation liaison psychiatry, psycho-oncology, and outpatient clinics via telemedicine and face to face interactions. Dr. Valerstain has experience working with patients of all ages, particularly those with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, Tic disorders, substance use disorders, and more. Dr. Valerstain's practice focuses on medication management and also employs empathic listening, supportive psychotherapy techniques, and a comprehensive and methodological approach to his visits. Given his broad and diverse training experiences, he enjoys problem solving and working collaboratively with patients (and their families) to navigate their complex issues and jointly focusing on simple solutions to work towards improving their mental health.

Ahmed Valdes, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Ahmed Valdes is a board certified adult psychiatrist and burgeoning Geriatric Psychiatrist. After completing his undergraduate education at Florida State University, he attended medical school at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine where he graduated with a combined M.D./M.S. in Genomic Medicine. He subsequently completed psychiatry residency at Jackson Health System/University of Miami and further subspecialized with a fellowship in Geriatric Psychiatry. Dr. Valdes has had the opportunity of working with a diverse array of patients including veterans, inmates, the severely mentally ill, geriatric, and cancer patients across three distinct hospital systems. Dr. Valdes has had varied clinical experiences in specialty inpatient psychiatry units (detox, geriatric, mood disorder), emergency psychiatry, consultation liaison psychiatry, psycho-oncology, and outpatient specialty clinics (HIV, dementia, integrative and collaborative care) via telemedicine and face to face interactions .Dr. Valdes has experience working with adults of all ages, particularly those with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, substance use disorders, PTSD, and more. Dr. Valdes employs empathic listening, supportive psychotherapy techniques, and a comprehensive and methodological approach to his visits. Given his broad and diverse training experiences, he enjoys problem solving and working collaboratively with patients to navigate their complex issues and jointly focusing on simple solutions to work towards improving their mental health.

Bryan Morales, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Morales is a board-certified psychiatrist who is dedicated to the bio-psycho-sociocultural model. This has been reflected in Dr. Morales' pursuit of treating patients suffering from diverse medical and psychiatric conditions, respective psychological mindedness, and varied socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. As an individual, Dr. Morales is fascinated by the human mind, its mechanisms to pursue goals, and the cyclical patterns seen in maladaptation and suffering. He believes in understanding patients' experiences and developing comprehensive treatment plans towards reconciliation. After completing his medical education at the East Carolina Brody School of Medicine, as a Brody Scholar, he subsequently completed psychiatry residency at Jackson Health System/University of Miami. Dr. Morales has had the opportunity to work with a diverse array of patients including high-functioning patients, veterans, trafficking victims, the severely mentally ill of low socio-economic status, and cancer patients across three distinct hospital systems via telemedicine and face-to-face interactions. His experience includes working with patients suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, adjustment disorder, mood disorders, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and more. He honors active listening, analytic understanding, supportive psychotherapy techniques, and evidence-based and methodological treatment for patient care and actualization. His goal is to assist patients in navigating short- and long-term goals as well as improved quality of life. As a result, Dr. Morales focuses on medication management, which is offered in conjunction with supportive therapy, which is offered in 1-hour initial and 30-minute follow-up visits. Dr. Morales believes that appropriate patients can benefit from additional exploratory and self-actualizing therapy from other valued and specialized therapists to support targeted goals. He will not hesitate to recommend and promote consultations with therapists for such patients who are ready to pursue. Ultimately, Dr. Morales seeks to understand, validate, and treat patients in a collaborative therapeutic alliance.

Maxwell Schauermann, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Maxwell Schauermann is a board-certified addiction psychiatrist. He completed his medical school and residency training at Loma Linda University in sunny Southern California. He was recognized by his colleagues as Chief Resident of inpatient services for his leadership and problem-solving abilities. His passion for caring for people with substance use disorders led him to complete specialized training in Addiction Psychiatry at the University of Washington in 2024. Dr. Schauermann is known for his patient-centric approach and nonjudgmental, easy-going attitude. He typically offers 60-minute new visits and 30-minute follow-up visits. He excels in treating both psychiatric and addiction disorders, utilizing a broad array of therapeutic modalities, including psychiatric medications, supportive therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, psychodynamic-based therapy, prolonged exposure therapy, and motivational enhancement therapy. His treatment philosophy centers on empowering patients to heal holistically�body, mind, spirit, and relationships�ensuring each individual receives tailored and evidence-based care.

Michelle Zaydlin, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Michelle Zaydlin is a board-certified psychiatrist who has experience in caring for diverse patient populations presenting with an array of diagnoses. Her interests include neurodevelopmental disorders (autism, ADHD), mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, and comorbid medical conditions. She has completed internships in pediatric neuropsychology and worked as a behavior therapist, delivering Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, enriching her understanding of development and neurocognitive functioning. Additionally, Dr. Zaydlin actively participates in research and is actively engaged in educational initiatives for other healthcare providers. Dr. Zaydlin believes in a collaborative and compassionate approach to mental health care. She works with patients across their lifespans, integrating psychopharmacology and psychotherapy. She integrates cultural sensitivity with evidence-based practices to provide individualized, holistic care. Her empathetic approach and clinical knowledge enable her to foster meaningful connections with her patients and facilitate positive treatment outcomes.

Maxine Minto, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Maxine Minto is a double board-certified psychiatrist. She is board certified in General Adult Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association (APA). Dr. Minto is an associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine. She is an active member of both the APA and American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Dr. Minto received her medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. She completed her general psychiatry residency and child-adolescent fellowship at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital. She has more than 25+ years of experience working in the psychiatric profession. She has previously worked extensively in the role of medical director in multiple settings. Dr. Minto was honored with the role of medical director of a large community mental health center, child psychiatry inpatient program, adult and child inpatient residential treatment program, and outpatient residential day treatment program. She also has 8 years of experience working with the Deaf community. Dr. Minto specializes in psychopharmacology and supportive therapy. She performs comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, develops patient-centered individualized treatment plans, and schedules regular follow-up appointments. She has a wealth of experience in treating patients with depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and anxiety disorders.

Barbara Pack, LPCC

Staff Therapist

Barbara (Barb) Pack is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with the Supervision Endorsement and a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor, Clinical Supervisor Endorsement who has been providing mental health treatment for over 24 years and addiction treatment for over 27 years. Barb utilizes a combination of approaches in working with her clients, including person-centered, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, solution focused techniques, and a variety of other techniques. She has experience in several different types of treatment settings and treatment modalities in both Ohio and Florida. Barb enjoys working with individuals who also have co-occurring disorders, both mental health and substance use. Barb has experience working with a wide range of age groups and mental health issues including but not limited to depression, anxiety, trauma, stress management, grief, relationship issues, and a wide range of substance use issues. She will assess individuals' needs in their first few visits and work with them to develop an individualized treatment plan. Barb works to provide the empathetic listening and emotional support that her clients need to reach their goals. Her dream has been to work herself out of a job, as she wants to help her clients find healing and happiness. Barb attended the University of Akron for graduate school in a Community Counseling Program and attended Malone College, now University, and majored in Psychology.

Emily Romeo, LPC

Staff Licensed Professional Counselor

Emily Romeo, LPC holds a license as a professional counselor in the state of Pennsylvania. She has over 15 years of experience working with a broad range of individuals at varying levels of care and clinical severity. Emily is board-certified in clinical mental health counseling by the National Board for Certified Counselors. Emily approaches therapy in an integrative, client-centered manner. She implements a variety of therapeutic techniques to include mindfulness, dialectical behavioral, acceptance and commitment concepts, psychoeducation, and trauma-informed care. She values the therapeutic relationship and strives to provide a safe, accepting atmosphere to ensure her clients feel heard, validated, and empowered. Emily received her master's degree from Messiah College and her undergraduate work was completed at the Pennsylvania State University. Emily has provided clinical care to a variety of individuals ranging from those struggling with complex trauma and substance use disorders to children/adolescents/adults dealing with anxiety, depression, mood instability and adjustment difficulties related to life changes. She has expertise in a variety of counseling settings including outpatient, partial hospitalization, residential, and in-home. She utilizes multiple treatment modalities which include individual, group, and couples/family therapy. An area of interest for Emily includes working with young adults struggling with co-occurring disorders. As the clinical coordinator of Silvermist Recovery, a premier residential treatment facility, she has been able to expand her clinical skills. Her philosophy is based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a transdiagnostic model that allows her to provide high quality care to her patients.

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.

Raul Corredor, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Corredor is a bilingual psychiatrist, fluent in English and Spanish. He is board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Corredor provides medication management services in combination with some forms of psychotherapy during 30-minute follow-up visits.

Dr. Corredor received his medical degree from Del Rosario University School of Medicine in Bogota, Colombia, where he also completed residency training in Neurology. Dr Corredor obtained his PhD in Neuroscience at the University of Miami investigating mechanisms for neuronal plasticity and survival. He completed his psychiatry internship at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY., and completed his Adult Psychiatry residency training at the University of Miami-Jackson Memorial Hospital program in Miami, FL.

Dr. Corredor is a clinician-researcher that has been practicing for more than 30 years in the inpatient and the outpatient setting. He is also faculty at the Florida International University (FIU). His clinical focus has been in treating adults with depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, neurocognitive disorder, sleep disorder and ADHD.

Dr Corredor works with his patients to determine the best medication and treatment strategies based on the biological processes underlying psychological illness, trying to promote long term recovery, not just symptom relief. Treatment pursues the promotion of behavioral changes that contribute to better physical and mental wellbeing.

Columban Heo, DO

Staff Psychiatrist

Background and credentials

Dr. Columban Heo is a board-certified psychiatrist. He earned his medical degree from Touro University Nevada and completed his residency at Unity Health White County Medical Center. Dr. Heo further specialized by completing a fellowship in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry at the Cleveland Clinic, where he gained extensive experience working within multidisciplinary healthcare teams, particularly focused on psychiatric care for patients with complex medical conditions.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Heo specializes in treating a broad range of psychiatric conditions, notably mood and anxiety disorders. He integrates medication management with a holistic, personalized approach to treatment, emphasizing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. Dr. Heo believes in tailoring treatment plans individually, combining therapy and medications to suit each patient’s unique needs, and highlights the importance of healthy relationships in achieving overall mental health.

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What you can expect in a first visit

Patients visiting Dr. Heo for the first time can expect a comprehensive and personalized assessment that explores not just their psychiatric symptoms but their overall well-being and personal relationships. Dr. Heo prioritizes a holistic evaluation, carefully balancing medication considerations and therapeutic interventions tailored specifically to each patient’s situation and goals. He creates an empathetic, collaborative atmosphere to discuss and develop personalized plans for mental and emotional 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.

Puja Kumar, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Background and credentials

Dr. Puja Kumar is trained in adult, child, and adolescent psychiatry and is a board-certified pediatrician. She earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Calgary and her medical degree from St. George’s University in Grenada. She completed her pediatrics residency at Maimonides Medical Center in New York and practiced pediatrics with MedStar Shah Medical Group in Maryland before transitioning to psychiatry. She later trained in child and adult psychiatry at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Kumar provides medication management combined with supportive therapy, typically in 30-minute follow-up visits. She takes a holistic approach to treatment, considering the impact of lifestyle, parenting practices, and family dynamics on mental health. She emphasizes integrative care, ensuring that treatment plans are tailored to each patient’s unique needs and circumstances.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a thorough and compassionate evaluation, where Dr. Kumar takes time to understand their symptoms, medical history, and environmental influences. She prioritizes collaborative decision-making, working closely with patients and, when applicable, their families, to develop a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan. Follow-up visits typically focus on medication adjustments, supportive therapy, and lifestyle recommendations to optimize mental health outcomes.

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Why Talkiatry?

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Vanessa Valdes, MD

Education and training

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