Katharine Childress, LPC

Charlene Mabins, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Illinois. She supports adults ages 25–75+ navigating chronic illness, stress, and life challenges, helping clients reflect on difficult experiences and build practical coping skills to improve daily functioning and resilience.

Charlene creates a supportive, collaborative space where clients can openly discuss challenges. She helps individuals identify patterns contributing to distress and works with them to develop realistic coping strategies tailored to their goals.

Charlene begins with brief introductions and a focused discussion of current concerns. From there, she develops a tailored treatment plan designed to address root causes, build coping skills, and support measurable progress over time.

Linda Vance, LMFT, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with more than 30 years of experience providing therapy to adolescents and adults in community mental health, crisis services, inpatient psychiatric settings, and for a Native American tribe. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Resources with a minor in Psychology from the University of Arizona and a Master of Arts from Azusa Pacific University. Linda is licensed in California, Arizona, and Texas and utilizes family systems, cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, person-centered, and integrative approaches, while also supporting clients who wish to incorporate spiritual or religious practices into treatment.

Linda values open communication and strives to create an empathetic, supportive environment where clients feel safe, heard, and understood. Her approach is grounded in compassion, creative engagement, and intuitive insight. She draws from a variety of therapeutic tools to help clients gain clarity, deepen self-understanding, and move toward meaningful personal growth and lasting change.

Linda begins by developing a thorough understanding of each client’s history, current concerns, and reasons for seeking therapy. Together, she and her clients identify goals and desired changes, creating a personalized treatment approach that supports their unique needs, strengths, and path forward.

Michelle Walker, LPC, has experience practicing in both outpatient and inpatient settings, working with adults ages 18–99. She earned a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Fairfield University, where she also completed her undergraduate degree in English. Michelle completed her internship at Sacred Heart University and trained in various Connecticut outpatient clinics. She has worked in-person at Shoreline Wellness Center and remotely with AbleTo and Optum Behavioral Health.

Michelle Walker creates a supportive, nonjudgmental space where patients feel heard and understood. She is committed to listening and helping in any way she can, focusing on practical coping strategies and new perspectives. Her goal is to help patients improve their mood, build resilience, and enhance overall quality of life.

Michelle begins with a comprehensive intake to understand each patient’s history, concerns, and goals. From there, she collaborates with patients to identify priorities and develop realistic, personalized steps toward progress. Whether goals are large or small, she works alongside patients to reduce symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and stress.

Lisa Casperson, LCSW, LAC, earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Central Florida and her Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from Colorado State University, graduating magna cum laude and receiving Outstanding Student recognition. She completed over 5,000 clinical hours and advanced training to earn her Licensed Addictions Counselor credential in Colorado, along with postgraduate training in Gabor Maté’s Compassionate Inquiry approach. Her experience spans detox, inpatient mental health, corrections, eating disorder treatment, residential care, and private practice.

Lisa uses a compassionate, trauma-informed, bio-psycho-social-spiritual approach that helps clients understand patterns without shame or blame. She integrates neuroscience, attachment theory, mindfulness, CBT, DBT, somatic work, and humanistic therapies to support healing and self-awareness. She believes therapy is an opportunity for meaningful change, authenticity, and deeper connection with oneself and others.

Lisa provides a collaborative, grounded environment where clients feel emotionally safe and supported at their own pace. She develops individualized SMART treatment goals while helping clients recognize their strengths, build emotional regulation skills, and cultivate self-compassion to create lasting change.

Cynthia Bracamontes is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with over 15 years of experience supporting adolescents and adults. She has worked in telehealth private practice, outpatient community mental health, and integrated care settings. Cynthia specializes in trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, Autism Spectrum parenting, relationships, and co-occurring disorders. She is bilingual in English and Spanish and provides culturally responsive care. She holds a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pacific Oaks College and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Cal State Fullerton. She is certified in PCIT and SFBT and trained in CBT, DBT, psychodynamic therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and mindfulness-based approaches.

Cynthia creates a space where patients feel heard, supported, and never judged. She meets patients where they are and collaborates with them to set meaningful, realistic goals. Her approach is both supportive and active, helping patients feel better while building practical tools for daily life. She integrates CBT, DBT, mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, and psychodynamic techniques based on each patient’s needs. Many patients report feeling more hopeful, understood, and empowered in their work with her.

Cynthia begins by understanding each patient’s story, including their challenges, strengths, and goals. Together, they develop a personalized treatment plan aligned with what matters most to the patient. Sessions may include skill-building, emotional processing, mindfulness practices, and insight-oriented work. She uses Motivational Interviewing to support meaningful, self-directed change. Progress is reviewed regularly, with adjustments as needed, and she offers flexible telehealth sessions for accessibility and consistency.

Cheryl Jones, LICSW, LCSW, is passionate about supporting clients as they manage and overcome challenging life issues. She brings broad perspective and insight from working in a variety of clinical settings and with diverse populations. Cheryl’s experience as a licensed clinical social worker allows her to provide compassionate, thoughtful care while helping individuals navigate personal, emotional, and life transitions.

Cheryl combines warmth with clinical expertise to help clients navigate life’s challenges in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment. Her therapy approach is client-centered and integrates cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, and strengths-based techniques. She tailors each treatment plan to meet the unique needs, goals, and experiences of every individual she works with.

During the first session, Cheryl focuses on getting to know each patient and understanding what brings them to therapy. She explores concerns, goals, and what clients hope to gain from treatment while creating a safe space for open conversation. Together, they build a strong foundation for therapy and continue collaborating in future sessions to turn those goals into meaningful progress.

Elizabeth Vah, LCSW, graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2008 with a master’s degree in clinical social work. She completed her internship at Seton Medical Center, gaining experience in the emergency room and specialty clinics. Elizabeth has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings and has training in DBT, CBT, mindfulness, solution-focused, and person-centered counseling.

Elizabeth takes a collaborative approach, partnering with patients to clarify goals and create a roadmap for growth. She has supported individuals from diverse backgrounds facing anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, interpersonal challenges, and severe mental illness. Her approach blends evidence-based therapies with individualized care, emphasizing a trusting, supportive relationship and a safe, nonjudgmental environment.

In the first session, Elizabeth creates a welcoming space to discuss challenges, goals, and personal history, reviewing confidentiality and treatment structure. Together, she and the patient develop a personalized plan. Ongoing sessions focus on exploring thoughts and feelings, identifying patterns, and practicing skills to support meaningful change, with regular goal review and reflection on progress.

Karla Bidstrup, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker who was drawn to the field by a deep interest in human behavior and a desire to help others find meaning, balance, and inner peace. She brings a thoughtful, creative, and motivating presence to her work, while honoring personal differences and diversity. Karla values the therapeutic relationship as the foundation for meaningful change and personal growth.

Karla’s style blends behavioral and psychodynamic theories, allowing her to address present-day behaviors while also exploring deeper emotional and psychological patterns. She creates a warm, safe, and respectful environment where clients feel understood and supported. Her approach is empathetic and versatile, fostering both immediate progress and long-term self-awareness.

Karla works collaboratively with clients to clarify their needs, values, and goals. Together, they identify the most effective path forward and adjust goals as needed over time. The first session focuses on building rapport while gathering important background information, setting the stage for a shared therapeutic journey.

With over two decades in the counseling field, Greta Hicks-Brooks, LPC, is a seasoned and devoted professional at Talkiatry. Earned her most recent licensure credential, and the one recognized in California is Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). Her background includes roles as a Special Education Teacher, Psychology Instructor, Executive Director, Lead Therapist at an outpatient drug treatment facility, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, and Disability Services Counselor.

Greta holds a BA in Psychology from Tuskegee University, an MS in Counseling & Human Development from Troy University, and an MEd in Rehabilitation Counseling from Auburn University. She is licensed in Texas, Colorado, California, and Arizona, and is also a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC).

Highly structured yet comical, Greta creates a nonjudgmental environment where patients feel comfortable being themselves. Each month, she helps patients set three short-term goals, reflect on accomplishments, and note things they are grateful for—supporting growth, self-awareness, and emotional balance.

During the first session, Greta discusses the reasons for seeking therapy, preferred treatment approaches, and session frequency. She provides homework and clear follow-up focus points, drawing from Client-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical Behavior, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused, and Trauma-Focused therapies. Greta meets clients where they are, fully committed to guiding those ready to make meaningful, lasting change.

Christine Cook is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Prescott College. She is licensed in Arizona, Colorado, and Virginia. Christine is trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS), CBT, DBT, play therapy, and holds certifications in life coaching and EAGALA. Her diverse experience includes roles as a primary, family, adventure, equine, crisis, and expressive arts therapist in both inpatient and outpatient settings, as well as private practice.

Christine is passionate about helping patients overcome life’s challenges by building on their strengths and developing healthy coping strategies. She brings a sensitive, compassionate, nonjudgmental, and genuine approach to therapy, creating a safe and accepting environment for growth and healing.

Christine tailors each session and treatment plan to a patient’s unique strengths and goals. Her respectful, empowering style integrates various therapeutic methods including solution-focused therapy, CBT, DBT, psychoeducation, IFS, and expressive arts to support personal growth and internal healing.

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Myleka Garnett is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. Myleka attended Baruch College in New York City, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree, along with receiving her Master of Arts degree in Psychology from Brandman University in Monterey, California. While working towards her goal to become a licensed Therapist, Myleka completed 3000 supervised clinical hours. Myleka has been a part of the Mental Health field since 2016. Myleka has experience working with clients of all ages, backgrounds, and mental and physical health concerns. Myleka has worked in school settings (elementary, high school, and college) and in a primary care physician's office as an on-site mental health therapist. Myleka's main goal is to build rapport and to provide a safe and nonjudgmental space for all to feel comfortable when expressing how they feel, no matter what the topic of discussion may be. Myleka has provided individual and group therapeutic services, depending on what is most suitable for that specific person. Myleka enjoys using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) when explaining the importance of how our thoughts have an impact on our emotions and our behaviors/actions. Myleka also practices using client-centered and DBT approaches within therapy.

Entisar Hamid, Ed.D., LPC, LCPC, LPCC, LMHC, NCC, is a dedicated psychotherapist and life coach committed to fostering change in the community. Licensed in Arizona, Illinois, Ohio, and Indiana, she has over 13 years of experience supporting clients remotely and in person. She values holistic, culturally sensitive care and believes each client is the expert in their own story. In her free time, she enjoys cooking for her family and engaging with her community.

Entisar creates a safe, supportive space where clients can share their experiences openly. She emphasizes building rapport and mutual understanding, empowering clients to explore their strengths while navigating challenges such as stress, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, grief, and self-esteem concerns. Her approach is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to each individual’s needs.

She combines evidence-based therapies including ACT, CBT, DBT, EFT, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Informed approaches. Sessions focus on helping clients process emotions, develop coping skills, and achieve meaningful, lasting change. Her goal is to support clients in managing life challenges, improving mental wellness, and cultivating self-love and resilience.

Jennifer Phillips is a Licensed Clinical Social worker who has worked in the mental health field since 2013.  During graduate school, Jennifer completed her internships at the Tuscaloosa County jail, the University of Alabama Student Veterans Center, and the Birmingham Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center in their Health Care for Homeless Veterans program.  Jennifer went to undergraduate and graduate schools in Alabama and moved to Arizona in 2013 to work with the Department of Veterans Affairs to continue working with homeless veterans.  Jennifer also has experience teaching at Pima Community College and is a clinical supervisor for associate level clinicians through the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners.  

Jennifer’s prior working experience and training has been with adults, homeless veterans, Native Americans, LGBTQIA, women, and individuals in rural or remote areas, providing access to much needed mental health services in provider shortage areas.  She enjoys working with patients who have anxiety, depression, insomnia, mood disorders, and self-esteem issues.  She is trained in geriatrics and especially loves working with adults over the age of 65.  

Jennifer is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mind-Body Approach, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, and Prolonged Grief Disorder (where the patient is experiencing grief for at least 12 months).  As she is trained in several different treatment modalities, Jennifer can customize therapy to meet everyone’s needs.

Henna, LMHC, has experience providing trauma-informed, culturally responsive care to adults and couples in both outpatient and inpatient settings. She earned a Master of Education and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Psychology, with advanced training in trauma-focused therapies, including EMDR, as well as grief and relational conflict.

Henna offers a safe, supportive environment where individuals can process deeply personal experiences without fear of judgment. Her warm, compassionate approach ensures each story feels valued and respected, fostering trust and connection from the very first session.

Henna begins by gaining a thorough understanding of a patient’s history, current concerns, and goals for therapy. She collaborates with patients to create a personalized treatment plan, integrating evidence-based modalities such as EMDR, CBT, IFS, psychoeducation, and mindfulness-based interventions to promote healing and growth.

Erika Zarco is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Telehealth provider. She has extensive experience working in non-profits, schools, academic settings, and private practice. Erika is certified in Trauma-Informed Interventions, Advanced Grief Counseling, Addictions-Informed Care, Narrative Therapy, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Nutrition & Integrative Medicine for trauma. She holds a BA in Humanities from New College of California and a master’s in Counseling from the Wright Institute.

Erika values open communication and helps clients set clear treatment goals. She fosters a collaborative environment using narrative counseling, Internal Family Systems, and “parts” work to help clients re-story their experiences. She also offers EFT Tapping for trauma, anxiety, depression, and pain. Erika works from the belief that clients are the experts in their own lives and promotes self-determination through Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, and Energy Psychology.

Erika begins by understanding what brings clients to therapy and building a strong therapeutic relationship. She tailors Narrative Counseling and EFT sessions to each individual, collaboratively creating personalized treatment plans with achievable, transformational goals. Her approach is holistic, supportive, and designed to empower clients to recognize their strengths and motivation for meaningful change.

Dawn Schulze, LPC, has extensive experience practicing in both outpatient and residential treatment settings. She completed her Doctorate in Psychology at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, and has specialized training in grief and trauma counseling. Her clinical background allows her to support individuals facing complex emotional challenges with depth, insight, and professionalism.

Dawn offers a compassionate, client-centered approach that honors each person’s unique journey. She is passionate about supporting individuals through significant life changes, addressing interpersonal challenges, and helping clients develop deeper self-understanding and resilience. Patients can expect a respectful, collaborative environment where they feel heard, supported, and empowered.

Dawn begins by learning each patient’s best hopes for therapy while gaining an understanding of their personal history and current concerns. She works collaboratively with patients to develop an individualized treatment plan that aligns with their goals, values, and vision for growth, adjusting the approach as needed over time.