Meet our therapists

Wendy Barajas is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with over 15 years of experience working in community mental health outpatient settings. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Mount St. Mary’s University in Los Angeles and her master’s degree in Marriage, Family, and Child Therapy from the University of Phoenix. Wendy works primarily with adults and couples and also enjoys supporting children and teens. As a first-generation Latina, she understands the challenges of navigating bicultural identity and generational trauma.

Wendy supports clients experiencing anxiety, depression, eating disorders, workplace or school concerns, peer challenges, and sexuality-related issues. She believes clients are the experts in their own lives and partners with them to find balance and clarity. Wendy integrates humor into sessions when appropriate and brings a firm yet friendly, honest, and down-to-earth approach. She adapts her communication style to meet each client’s needs and enjoys celebrating progress and accomplishments.

Clients can expect to feel heard and seen from the first session. Wendy focuses on building connection, understanding what led clients to prioritize their mental health, and establishing trust. Together, they identify meaningful, attainable goals. Wendy provides respectful and honest feedback while supporting steady progress, viewing therapy as a collaborative journey rather than a race.

Ethan Bardell holds the position of Psychotherapist at Talkiatry. He completed both his undergraduate and graduate training at Clarion University of Pennsylvania. Ethan obtained his BS in Rehabilitative Sciences and Human Services with a concentration in developmental disabilities. Ethan then completed his MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Ethan has a strong background in community mental health work, where he has worked with individuals, couples, families, and groups using a client-centered approach that is both gentle and supportive. In sessions, Ethan works to create a welcoming space where individuals can both process and make sense of their unique experiences, while using a combination of modalities to best fit the needs of each individual. Ethan has a true passion and interest in treating a wide array of psychiatric disorders including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, dual disorder, and substance use issues, and various personality disorders.‍

Stephorna Barnes-Patterson, LCSW, brings over 15 years of experience working in community and outpatient settings with individuals across all age groups. She utilizes various treatment modalities to meet diverse needs. Stephorna earned her degree from Adelphi University School of Social Work and is a licensed clinical social worker committed to compassionate, effective care.

Stephorna offers flexible, client-focused, and culturally competent treatment. She tailors every session to meet the individual’s unique needs, creating a space where patients feel heard, understood, and empowered in their healing journey.

During the initial session, Stephorna takes time to understand each patient’s history, concerns, goals, and existing strengths. She collaborates with clients to develop personalized treatment plans aimed at providing both immediate relief and long-term healing.

Kim Barsella is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW, LICSW, LCSW-C) with a Master’s of Social Work from Howard University School of Social Work. She completed her internship at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and the DC Rape Crisis Center. Kim brings 25 years of professional experience supporting individuals through a range of life challenges.

Kim believes in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. She has experience helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, grief and loss, and parenting concerns. She focuses on creating a supportive space where clients feel heard and understood.

Kim tailors each conversation and treatment plan to meet the unique and specific needs of every client. She works collaboratively with patients to identify goals and develop approaches that align with their personal experiences and priorities.

Keesha Barthelemy is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Level-2. She has extensive experience working in the mental health and addictions field with adolescents, emerging adults, adults, and families. Keesha has worked directly with clients of various demographics, living with a variety of mental health conditions. She obtained her Undergraduate degree in Psychology from Hofstra University on Long Island, NY, and her graduate degree from Mercy University in Westchester, NY. Keesha has been practicing for 3 years as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, focusing on anxiety, mood disorders, addictions, and families. Treatment is tailored to the individual, with a foundation in cognitive-behavioral therapy, rational-emotive behavior Therapy, and mindfulness. Furthermore, Keesha has experience working with individuals seeking Faith-based Therapy, with a focus on Christianity and Catholicism. Keesha's vast clinical background has assisted in her development as a well-rounded counselor. She prides herself on possessing great interpersonal skills, and building therapeutic relationships in an effort to assist with growth, healing, and flourishment.

Paula Bennett, LPC, has been in practice for over 20 years. She specializes in CBT and individual therapy. Paula strives to provide a client-centered approach based on the individual’s needs.

Paula has a specific passion for victims of trauma. As a teen and young adult, she struggled with depression. There weren’t many treatment options at that time but she found a counselor who inspired her to help other with mental health issues.

Outside of work, Paula is known to enjoy reading, swimming, animals, spending time with family and watching movies. She also loves being able to help people and watch them grow.

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Easther Berridge, LCSW, has experience supporting children and adolescents with behavioral modification, as well as working with adults in outpatient settings addressing substance use and mental health concerns. She holds a BA in Sociology from Biola University and a Master of Social Work from California State University, Long Beach. She is trained in CBT and EMDR and also incorporates Christian counseling. Her appreciation for kindness and simple joy is reflected in her love for Winnie the Pooh.

Easther provides a warm, nonjudgmental space where clients feel safe, heard, and respected. She offers a supportive listening ear while being honest and compassionate. Her approach is client-driven, blending solution-focused strategies with CBT and psychoeducation to empower meaningful change.

Easther begins by exploring what led clients to seek support and gathering background on presenting concerns. She collaborates with clients to set goals, provides psychoeducation to build insight, and incorporates practical homework to help clients apply new coping skills in daily life.

Pamella Bess-Tabb is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW, LICSW) and Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager (C-ASWCM) with nearly a decade of experience across behavioral health, medical, educational, and community settings. She has supported adults and children navigating ADHD, anxiety, depression, and life transitions, using a practical, trauma-informed approach that emphasizes real-world tools and growth.

Pamella takes a collaborative, down-to-earth approach. She values authenticity, respect, and tailoring care to each person’s needs. Patients can expect a supportive partner who meets them where they are, helping them feel heard, understood, and empowered.

Her methodology blends CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness. Pamella focuses on executive functioning, coping strategies, and practical habits that reduce overwhelm. Through therapy and case management, she helps patients build skills that lead to sustainable change and greater confidence in managing life’s challenges.

Amanda Bevan is a licensed therapist with five years of experience working with adults. She holds a Master of Social Work from The Ohio State University and is licensed as an LISW-S in Ohio and an LCSW in Maine and Virginia. Amanda has experience treating anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, life transitions, and self-esteem, and has worked primarily with adults in community mental health, healthcare, and outpatient substance use and mental health settings. Her clinical work draws from evidence-based approaches including CBT, DBT, ACT, mindfulness-based therapy, motivational interviewing, and strengths-based care.

Amanda brings a warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental style to therapy. She believes treatment should be personalized, goal-focused, holistic, and centered on each individual’s unique needs. She prioritizes creating a safe and supportive space where patients feel heard, respected, and empowered throughout their therapeutic journey.

Amanda begins with a comprehensive initial session to understand each person’s concerns, history, and goals. She partners with patients to develop individualized treatment plans and uses ongoing sessions to build skills, deepen insight, and track progress. Treatment is regularly reviewed and adjusted as needs and goals evolve.

Chelsea is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 7 years of experience in the field of mental health. Chelsea studied Sociology at the University of North Carolina in Charlotte North Carolina and obtained a master’s degree in social work at Norfolk State in Virginia. She has experience working with adolescents, adults, seniors, and families in various practice settings, such as psychiatric facilities, crisis stabilization/ substance abuse units, and outpatient agencies.

She specializes in working with individuals challenged with PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Self-defeating thoughts, Communication, Boundary setting, Coping Skills, Parenting, and Life transitions. Chelsea is passionate about providing holistic modalities of treatment to assist clients to manage mental health. She has experience using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered, Solution Focused, and Mindfulness Techniques, Person-Centered and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Chelsea's approach is empowering, direct, collaborative, and solution-focused, and she uses treatment modalities specific to the client's needs and goals. She believes in meeting clients where they are, advocating for clients’ needs, and creating a safe space for individual healing.

Chelsea is aware of the stigma created surrounding mental health in vulnerable communities. Chelsea believes that seeking therapy is a sign of strength and resiliency. Chelsea is honored to be able to support you on your journey toward healing and evolving.

Nora Bice is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who began providing therapy in 2011. She has worked in private practice, residential, county, and school settings as both a therapist and supervisor. Nora earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and specializes in helping adults navigate ADHD, anxiety, and burnout in today’s fast-paced, digitally overloaded world.

Nora Bice values a collaborative, person-centered approach to care. She practices from a feminist, LGBTQIA+, and neurodivergent-affirming lens, creating a supportive and inclusive environment. She integrates mind-body, cognitive-behavioral, and attachment-based techniques tailored to each client’s needs, helping individuals build insight, establish routines, and develop skills for a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Nora begins by exploring clients’ strengths and challenges, both past and present, while identifying meaningful goals for the future. She collaborates with clients—and when appropriate, psychiatrists—to develop individualized treatment plans that reflect each person’s unique priorities and support lasting growth.

Amy Bichsel Pacheco Piña is a compassionate and experienced psychotherapist dedicated to helping individuals navigate the complexities of life with resilience and confidence. Amy holds a Master's in Social Work from the University of Nebraska-Omaha in 2008 and is licensed as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). With 16 years of experience in the mental health field, Amy specializes in anxiety, depression, trauma (including Narcissistic Abuse), and grief. Amy prides herself on creating a non-judgmental and healing environment that allows for self-discovery and assists clients in identifying their authentic selves. She has experience in many methods and techniques, ensuring that her approach integrates evidence-based practices with experiential techniques which are tailored to each client's unique needs to allow for nervous system regulation and a sense of safety within themselves. She believes in fostering a collaborative therapeutic relationship where clients feel empowered to set and achieve meaningful goals. From a holistic perspective, Amy incorporates techniques such as identifying strengths, mindfulness, polyvagal techniques, challenging core belief systems, early childhood, and attachment types to heal the mind, body, and spirit. When not working with clients, Amy enjoys being outdoors, reading, and spending time with her husband, son, and two dogs.

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.

Ramona Blair is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2010 and her Master’s degree in Mental Health Therapy in 2013. She began her career in an inpatient psychiatric hospital, where she developed a strong foundation in meeting clients where they are and supporting them in building healthy coping skills. She later expanded her experience in crisis centers and outpatient settings.

Ramona Blair values open communication and collaborates with patients to establish clear, meaningful treatment goals. She fosters a warm, supportive environment where individuals feel heard, respected, and comfortable sharing their experiences.

Ramona Blair begins by gaining a thorough understanding of each patient’s history, concerns, and goals during the initial session. She then develops individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs, ensuring care remains aligned with their personal goals.

Meagan Blews is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in North Carolina.  She graduated with her MA in Professional Counseling in 2011, and after being a stay at home mom for six years, ventured into community mental health.  Meagan has served as both a lead clinician and Interim Center Director over the years and is passionate about providing quality assessment and treatment options. With extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Meagan provides comprehensive and empathetic care to her clients.

Meagan's approach to therapy is deeply rooted in trauma-informed principles, ensuring that clients feel safe, seen, and supported throughout their healing journey. Her passion lies in empowering individuals with the skills necessary for emotion regulation, helping them navigate life's challenges with resilience and confidence.  Meagan utilizes a mindfulness-based approach, guiding clients toward acceptance and self awareness in order to help clients overcome obstacles that prevent them from reaching their full potential.  Through a collaborative and non-judgmental environment, she fosters a safe space for exploration and self-discovery.

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Rebecca Blunt, LMHC, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with many years of counseling experience. She earned her Master’s degree in Community Counseling Psychology from St. Bonaventure University. Her background includes work in outpatient clinics, non-profit community agencies, and school settings. In addition to her clinical work, Rebecca has taught undergraduate and graduate courses at three colleges.

Rebecca Blunt takes a collaborative, partnership-based approach to counseling, working closely with patients to create a process tailored to their individual needs. She prioritizes taking the time to fully understand and assess each patient’s situation. Rebecca is committed to fostering a safe, supportive, and empathetic environment where a strong therapeutic relationship can develop.

Rebecca begins by gaining a thorough understanding of each patient’s history, concerns, and goals. She also helps patients identify their strengths and existing resources that can support progress. Together, they develop a personalized treatment plan aligned with the patient’s goals, creating a clear and structured path forward.

Jamie Bolo, LCSW, is an experienced clinical social worker who has practiced in outpatient settings, providing compassionate and effective care to individuals seeking support for their mental health and well-being. He earned his Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Maryland, where he developed a strong foundation in evidence-based clinical practice. Jamie’s dedication to helping others is reflected in his collaborative approach, emphasizing empathy, respect, and understanding in every therapeutic interaction.

Jamie values building a trusting and supportive relationship with each client in a comfortable, warm environment. He believes that therapy works best when clients feel genuinely heard and understood. His style is patient-centered and nonjudgmental, fostering a space where individuals can openly explore their experiences and work toward meaningful growth and change at their own pace.

Jamie begins by thoroughly understanding each patient’s background, challenges, and goals during the initial session. From there, he collaborates with clients to create an individualized treatment plan tailored to their specific needs. This personalized approach allows him to guide patients through the therapeutic process with clarity and care, ensuring that each step supports lasting emotional well-being.

Kristina Bona is a Licensed Professional Counselor with extensive experience working in the mental health field. Kristina received her bachelor's from The University of Texas at Austin and proceeded to obtain her Master's degree in Counseling from The University of Texas at San Antonio. Since graduating with her Master's, she has worked in the mental health field, providing mental health relief to a wide demographic of clients. Over the past 10 years, Kristina has worked for various agencies, ranging from the local mental health authority to private practice. Kristina has experience working with people experiencing Anxiety, Depression, Mood disorders, and other mental health diagnoses interfering with daily living. As a clinician, she meets the client where they are in their life and tailors her treatment style to help them learn/apply strategies in developing skills for emotional regulation, developing healthy boundaries, effective communication skills, and more. Kristina uses an eclectic blend of cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, and mindfulness to increase the clients' resiliency and autonomy and empower them to live full lives.

Linda Boothe, LCSW, brings over three decades of experience across outpatient, inpatient, and teletherapy settings. She earned her Master’s Degree in Social Welfare from UCLA and is licensed in NC, FL, and CA. Since becoming an LCSW in 2006, she has served in acute medical care, veteran outpatient services, hospice, and inpatient behavioral health. She is trained in CBT and integrates DBT, ACT, expressive arts therapy, and Art4Healing into her work.

She strives to provide a warm, safe, and non-judgmental environment where clients feel heard and respected. Linda brings a holistic mind-body-spirit approach to care, values open communication, and honors the courage it takes to begin therapy. Her goal is to help clients move compassionately and confidently toward meaningful change.

In the first session, she spends time getting acquainted, answering questions, and understanding each client’s history, concerns, and hopes. Together, you will identify treatment goals and develop a collaborative, individualized plan tailored to your needs.

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Shivani M. Borhara is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, who has been providing therapy to individuals and couples for the past 10 years. Shivani has a background in trauma and has worked with a diverse population of clients with a variety of issues and mental health struggles. Shivani attended Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY to obtain her Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy and Queens College in Flushing, NY for her Master's in Psychology, where she taught as an adjunct professor for undergraduate students. Shivani has also spent time bringing mental health resources and trainings to the NYC public school system. She is very passionate about mental health and helping individuals through the tough times in life. Shivani's approach is collaborative and she tends to focus on Cognitive Behavioral and Solution Focused Interventions. She explores childhood traumas and whether they are related to current issues. Shivani believes that there is no one size fits all model, and meets individuals where they are in their journey. Shivani focuses on normalizing anxiety and stress, while allowing one to move forward in life.

Sunny Bowers is a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) based in Ohio. She holds an undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from Kent State University, complemented by a graduate degree in a Master of Arts in Education with a focus in Clinical Counseling from Malone University.‍With a rich professional background spanning over 10 years, Sunny has dedicated her expertise to working with diverse populations, including adults, first responders, and teenagers. Her scope of practice covers all phases of addiction, trauma, and mood disorders with a particular emphasis on addressing issues related to depression, anxiety, adjustment concerns, and relational difficulties.‍Sunny's therapeutic approach places a strong emphasis on the value of the therapeutic relationship. Recognizing the pivotal role of comfort and trust in the therapeutic process, she believes that lasting change is built on authentic exploration. Sunny employs several different therapeutic approaches, tailoring her methods to individual needs. Grounded in the development of insight and awareness, her overarching goal is to support empowerment and personal freedom for her clients.‍Sunny is enthusiastic about the prospect of working collaboratively with individuals seeking positive change and personal growth. If you're looking for a therapist who values authenticity and is dedicated to supporting your journey towards lasting change.

Jacqueline Bowling began her counseling career in 2013, and for the past 7 years, she has worked in Outpatient Services, working with people of all ages and with all mental illnesses as well. Prior to outpatient services, she worked with in-home services, providing counseling services to individuals as well as their natural support system. Jacqueline got her Undergraduate and Master's degree in Education and Human Services, completed in December 2013, at the University of Lindsey Wilson, Columbia, Kentucky. In June of 2021, she became Clinic Coordinator, and in October 2021 she completed training for Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Supervisor. She is currently a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Texas and Kentucky. Her areas of professional focus are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and Solution-focused, along with integrating other clinical modalities to fit the needs of clients/patients as they work towards meeting goals/objectives.

Amber Boyd, LPC, has experience working in inpatient, outpatient, and virtual therapy settings. She has provided care for individuals with depression, anxiety, PTSD, adjustment disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and bipolar disorder. Amber offers individual, group, family, and couples counseling, and is skilled in developing treatment plans, clinical documentation, and administering screenings such as the PHQ-9, GAD-7, and C-SSRS. She earned her B.S. in Psychology from Jackson State University and her M.S. in Counseling from Mississippi College. Amber completed her supervision hours at Mississippi State Hospital and obtained her LPC in Mississippi in 2019 and in Oklahoma later that same year.

Amber values honesty, trust, courage, and integrity. She believes in building strong rapport through open communication and mutual respect. Her approach is compassionate, direct, and goal-oriented, using a collaborative style to help clients increase emotional resilience, develop self-awareness, and strengthen coping skills to manage life’s challenges.

Amber strives to create a calm, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel safe to share their background, expectations, and therapy goals. Together, she and her clients create individualized treatment plans that reflect each person’s unique needs and diagnosis. Each plan includes realistic short- and long-term goals designed to promote growth, self-understanding, and lasting emotional well-being.

After receiving my bachelor's in psychology from SUNY New Paltz in 2013, I worked as a medical assistant with individuals with developmental disabilities. From there, I recognized the need to promote mental health and a balanced way of living. I completed my master's in clinical Mental Health Counseling through Walden University in 2021. My goal is to guide individuals towards cultivating their own sense of independence, ability to utilize healthy coping strategies, and regain control over their lives. I work with children, adolescents, teenagers, adults, couples, and families as they begin their journey through processing adjustment changes, anxiety, depression, anger, grief, trauma, among other symptoms. Through the therapeutically proven interventions from CBT, DBT, person-centered therapy, and mindfulness, we can begin to explore triggers, symptoms, and challenges in a safe, respectful environment.

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.