Meet our therapists

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.

Candace L. Gillespie is a therapist at Talkiatry. She has worked with clients in many settings including as a school counselor, a private practice therapist, and for major virtual therapy platforms as well. Candace received her Master's of Education degree in School Counseling with Community Counseling hours from Delta State University. She has an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership, an Educational Doctoral Degree in Organizational Leadership, and a Master of Science degree in Human Resource Management. She is multi-state licensed in Mississippi, Tennessee, & and Georgia as a Licensed Professional Counselor. She is licensed in Idaho as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. Candace is also a National Certified Counselor and National Certified School Counselor by the National Board for Certified Counselors. Treatment modalities include Client Centered therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Motivational interviewing, & and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.

Morgan Glaessgen is a licensed professional counselor with over 15 years of experience working in different levels of care, including intensive outpatient, outpatient, medication-assisted therapy, residential treatment, and private practice. She received her undergraduate degree in Springfield, MA, and her Master's Degree in New Britain, CT. Morgan has experience working with substance abuse disorders, depression, anxiety, ADHD/ADD management, and trauma. Morgan provides a supportive, safe, open space for those traveling down the path of change and growth. She also believes that having a few laughs along the way is essential because humor is an important part of healing and connecting.

Leora Golan serves as a dedicated mental health professional with a Master of Social Work degree from Loyola University of Chicago, specializing in mental health. She completed her undergraduate studies at Stockton University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Social Work with a minor in Childhood Studies. Leora brings a rich and diverse clinical background, having worked with children, adolescents, adults, seniors, and active-duty service members/veterans.

Specializing in Anxiety Disorders, Mood Disorders, low self-esteem, stress management, trauma, and addictions, Leora employs a trauma-informed lens, enhanced by her certification in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics. This approach allows her to better understand and address each client’s unique needs through thorough assessment.

Believing in the importance of individualized care, Leora adopts an eclectic therapeutic method tailored to the specific requirements of her clients. She integrates various clinical orientations, including strength-based approaches, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, narrative therapy, and exposure therapy.

Leora emphasizes the significance of building a strong therapeutic alliance, offering a safe, non-judgmental, and collaborative environment for clients to explore their emotions and navigate their challenges. Her compassionate approach fosters meaningful change, empowering clients to achieve their therapeutic goals.

Jos� holds the position of Psychotherapist for Michigan, Florida, and South Carolina at Talkiatry. After completing his Master of Arts in Community Counseling in 2012, he spent 7 years fulfilling his passion for integrated care for adults suffering from substance use disorder and mental health challenges. For the past four years, he has been working in private practice working with clients exclusively via telehealth. Jos� provides cognitive therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, and logotherapy to help his patients gain insight into current stressors related to various diagnoses, including post-traumatic stress, affective mood disorder, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and substance use disorder. He strongly believes that collaborating with a physician for medication management allows patients to be more engaged in therapy, resulting in improved treatment outcomes.

Ellen Grant, LCSW, Eagala Certified, brings extensive experience working with adolescents, adults and families in treating mental health and substance use disorders. Ellen is a graduate of The College of Saint Rose, where she obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work. She is a graduate of Fordham University, where she obtained a Master's Degree in Social Work. She obtained a post-graduate certification in Military Trauma from Adelphi University. Ellen is certified in equine-assisted psychotherapy and is learning through the Eagala model. She has been practicing in the field for 12 years. She believes in a person-centered approach to counseling and specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. She is also certified in Seeking Safety.

Anita Green is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who has worked directly with clients of various demographics and has a variety of mental health challenges. Anita graduated from Texas Wesleyan University in 2014 with a 3.8 GPA in Counseling. She also had the pleasure of studying abroad in Australia and China. Anita has been practicing as a LPC since 2023, focusing on substance abuse disorders and mood disorders that have a direct impact on everyday life. When working with Anita, her treatment will be tailored to the needs of the individual and their struggles. She uses foundational Interventions, including Addiction Counseling, CBT, DBT, ACT, EMDR, Empathy Active Listening, Crisis Intervention, Client Assessment, Therapeutic Boundaries, Self-Care Practices, and Multicultural Competence. Let's take this journey together.

Connika Green is an LCSW whose passion for helping others was inspired by her upbringing in Memphis, Tennessee. Her parents founded a nonprofit organization to support individuals recovering from substance use and assist those experiencing homelessness. Watching their dedication to service instilled in her a lifelong commitment to helping others. After high school, Connika joined the U.S. Air Force, where she served as a combat veteran during a tour in Afghanistan. Her military experience helped her develop teamwork, discipline, and cultural competence through working with individuals from diverse backgrounds. She also completed an internship on a military installation and worked for a year at the Veterans Affairs hospital, combining her personal and professional understanding of the unique challenges faced by service members and veterans. Connika earned her bachelor's degree in Social Science from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and her master's degree in Social Work from Salisbury University in Maryland. Connika has extensive experience as a therapist in community mental health agencies, a school mental health counselor, and in teletherapy. She specializes in treating mood disorders, anxiety, depression, and substance use issues. She provides a warm, nonjudgmental, and supportive environment where clients feel safe to explore challenges and build resilience. Connika is passionate about helping individuals achieve their goals and create meaningful, lasting change.

Tracey Griffin is an LMHC and LPC who is dedicated to helping people align with their most authentic selves, holding credentials in NY, NJ, and FL. This includes addressing the struggles of mental health in an open, empathetic, and non-judgmental, therapeutic relationship. She is dedicated to establishing a collaborative working relationship with individuals to help achieve their goals while living a fulfilled and balanced life. Tracey received her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Pace University, followed by her Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology from the same institution. She has been trained in performing biopsychosocial assessments and has an extensive history working as a Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor exploring various approaches to recovery goals. Tracey's treatment approach is person-centered in conjunction with evidence-based practices such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing while remaining culturally sensitive and inclusive. She is well versed in harm reduction as well as abstinence-based approaches to addiction treatment and roots her practice to focus on treating the whole self, which can include exploration of spirituality and purpose. Tracey has experience working with individuals who experience co-occurring disorders, anxiety, depression, codependency, addiction, personality disorders, LGBTQ, men's issues, and trauma.

Dr. Latori Griffin is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 10+ years' experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy related issues, and personality distress. Her specialty areas include seeing clients from underserved backgrounds with challenging life circumstances, racial/cultural traumas, substance use/abuse, career and educational planning, and relational traumas. Her goals are to offer a holistic approach to therapy that is concerned with the whole person and is conducive to growth and healing. Considering the spiritual, emotional, physical, psychological, social, and societal aspects of a client's experiences are of the utmost importance in creating an environment of warmth and support. Dr. Griffin works with clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment, and she will tailor the treatment plan to meet the clients' unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. Dr. Griffin is here to support & empower clients on that journey.

Cerra Guins is a licensed clinical mental health counselor and certified dialectical behavioral therapist. She has worked with various ages, mental health disorders, and culture backgrounds. Cerra attended undergraduate school in Summerdale, PA, graduate school in Altamonte Springs, FL, and attended an internship in Apopka, FL. Cerra has been practicing for 4 years as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor, focusing on mood disorders, psychosis, and crisis intervention. Cerra prioritized tailoring treatment around each individual in an effort to provide the most beneficial services by using a treatment modality that fits the individual's personal concerns. Cerra uses a Dialectical Behavioral approach with a foundation in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

LMHCNudedrose Guirand, also known as Rose Guirand, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York City who has been practicing since 2017. Rose has worked directly with clients of various demographics such as people with disabilities and neurodivergent people living with a variety of mental health conditions for 6 years. She graduated with a Master of Science in Education, Mental Health Counseling at Hunter College of The City University of New York. During her studies, she attended an internship at Boston Road Medical Center, Psychiatry Department in Bronx, New York. Rose's central approach to therapy is eclectic and based on the needs of each client. She frequently uses person-centered, Strength-based, and collaborative therapy. Also, she enjoys using CBT, ACT and DBT which draw upon the whole person and their intrinsic qualities and talents to forge a thriving way of life. Essentially, Rose likes to empower clients to find their passion and set their goals not only to survive but also to thrive in life. Rose enjoys helping people on their journey and sees the rewards of clients winning themselves back. Rose's work as a therapist comes from the heart and holistic space, and being there for her clients truthfully and inspiring them to become the expert of their lives.

Andrea Hamilton, LMHC, MBA is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 20 years of experience providing compassionate and effective therapeutic care to individuals, families, and groups. Throughout her career, she has worked across diverse settings, including educational institutions, foster care systems, group homes, government agencies, and healthcare organizations. This extensive background has equipped her to address a wide range of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and life transitions.

She holds a Master of Education and an MBA from Florida Atlantic University, along with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. She is CFARS Certified, and a Qualified Supervisor in the State of Florida. Her commitment to professional growth is evident in her numerous certifications and specialized training in ethics, trauma processing, domestic violence, and online counseling.

In addition to her clinical expertise, Andrea Hamilton has served as an adjunct professor and leader in clinical operations, further demonstrating her dedication. She is committed to delivering accessible, high-quality care tailored to the unique needs of her clients.

Angela Harrington is a licensed mental health therapist with 26 years of professional therapy work. She is currently licensed in NE, OK, KS, and CO. She specializes in stress, anxiety, self-esteem, motivation, depression, and coping with life changes. She uses a wide range of clinical approaches in talk therapy, including client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused support.

Bridgette K. Hathaway, LCSW holds the position of clinical therapist at Talkiatry. She is board-certified in clinical social work. She has been practicing for over 5 years. Ms. Hathaway's practice focuses on individual psychotherapy. Typically, she offers this in conjunction with solution-focused motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy, in 60-minute visits. She received her bachelor's degree in liberal arts with a focus in behavioral neurobiology and women's studies from Harpur College at Binghamton University, and her master's degree in social work at the College of Community and Public Affairs at Binghamton University. Additionally, Ms. Hathaway studied abroad in Blantyre, Malawi, Africa, completing an Asset-Based Community Development program promoting social-emotional wellbeing for youth. After completing training, she returned and worked in her local community, Binghamton, NY, in myriad roles. First, with adolescents at the Promise Zone Summer Zone Summer Camp as program coordinator, continuing to focus on the wellbeing of youth, before becoming the MICA enhanced residential coordinator for Fairview Recovery Services, where she spent time providing addiction services to the dually diagnosed. She was then the residential treatment center social worker at the Children's Home of Wyoming Conference focused on service provision to adolescent males, before becoming a behavioral health counselor providing integrated mental health and addiction services to individuals of all ages, at Family and Children's Counseling Services. Further, Ms. Hathaway participated in continuing education in LGBTQ, Gender Identity, Expression, and Behavioral Health; OASAS Person-Centered Care and Harm-Reduction; Integrated Mental Health Addictions Treatment; NYSED Safe Schools Against Violence in Education; Borderline Personality Disorder; Integrated Treatment-Individual Interventions; and Motivational Interviewing. Her auxiliary certifications include Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths Needs Assessments, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, ASIST-Applied Suicide Intervention Skills, and NYSDOH Opioid Overdose Naloxone Program.‍

Nekeisha Hutchinson, LPC, earned her Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Post University in 2017 and has worked with a diverse demographic in a clinical capacity including outpatient and in-home settings conducting both individual and family therapy, within the Department of Corrections with clients struggling with substance use challenges and crisis services over the past seven years. Prior to becoming a therapist, Nekeisha spent 10 years working in early childhood education and seven years working as a Family Support Specialist in homes with both prenatal and postnatal mothers providing support in attachment building and assisting them in securing community resources. Nekeisha has experience working with adolescents, adults, senior citizens and families. Nekeisha uses a variety of evidence-based interventions including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Solution Focused Therapy (SFT) to help clients develop appropriate tools to address their challenges and live more fulfilling lives.

Nekeisha Hutchinson has experience working with youth, adolescents, adults, the elderly and families. She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, parenting challenges, stress management and conflict resolution. Nekeisha utilizes evidence-based practices such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI) and solution focused therapy (SFT) to enable clients to develop effective coping skills to overcome their challenges. She provides a safe and judgement free environment that supports exploration and healing. Please allow me to assist you in your journey of self-discovery and wellness.

I believe that establishing a healthy therapeutic alliance begins with communication and establishing trust. My communication style is direct and assertive, and I use open-ended questions and active listening so that clients can express themselves freely. I enjoy providing a safe environment for clients so that they can share their narratives while receiving empathy and positive regards. I place great effort in fostering collaboration in an effort to gain understanding of the situation and the symptoms in order to form an appropriate diagnosis, identifying goals, working together in treatment planning and monitor progress. I encourage clients to participate in their care through commitment, shared decision-making and reflective listening.

Samantha Iannuzzi is a licensed Mental Health Counselor who specializes in grief and bereavement. Samantha specialized in trauma and loss in her graduate program at Pace University. It was there, where she learned the importance of talking about the inevitable and the uniqueness of each bereaved individual's experience. Before joining Talkiatry, she was both an intern and Bereavement Counselor at Calvary Hospital, where she provided both individual and group support to bereaved members of New York's five boroughs. Samantha is experienced working with both adults and young adults. Samantha provides a safe space for all her clients where they can be heard, validated, and supported in their individual process. Samantha also provides psychoeducation and coping strategies and explores ways to navigate life changes. In addition to her clinical work, Samantha has presented to many community organizations, engaged in outreach for crisis intervention and lectured for informative clinical courses. Samantha's experience and expertise with death, cumulative loss and trauma responses due to loss helps provide clients with effective treatment and a space where their experience will never be disenfranchised.

Mariah Ide is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor who has a passion for helping people see their true potential. Mariah earned her master's degree in mental health counseling from Stetson University in Deland, Florida, and also graduated with a bachelor's degree in psychology and criminology from the University of Florida located in Gainesville, Florida. Mariah has experience with children, adolescents, and adults. Mariah has worked in school, hospital, and outpatient based settings. She has clinical practice experience with mood disorders, self esteem issues, gender identity, crisis intervention, family issues and trauma, with a certification in complex trauma. In addition to counseling, Mariah has also worked in case management and has a unique perspective behind resource utilization. She has worked on countless projects in the community to promote mental health awareness. Mariah believes in advocacy for her clients as well as the mental health field, and hopes to promote acceptance and decrease stigma related to mental health and mental health treatment. Mariah takes a person-centered approach with her clients and believes in meeting the clients where they are. Mariah hopes to empower her clients by giving them a safe environment to explore and learn more about themselves without judgment. She sees the importance in looking at the whole picture when working with a client. Mariah hopes to create rounded goals to promote long term success, and help the client feel more balanced overall. She uses solution focused and cognitive behavioral interventions to help clients build a tool box of skills that can help them cope with daily life. Mariah wishes to help her clients reach their full potential, while hopefully making them laugh once in a while during the process.

Jami Jacobson, MA, LMHC is a psychotherapist at Talkiatry. She achieved her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of New Orleans in 2014, and her Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling and Wellness from New York University in 2017. Jami has experience as both a mental health professional and as a social worker in a variety of settings in New York City. She has worked with individuals, families and the LGBTQIA+ community in hospitals, educational training centers, community outreach and housing programs, and family services. Her specializations include treating Phobias, Trauma, and Anxiety Disorders: specifically Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety and Social Anxiety. She utilizes techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). She has also completed Phase One training in Brainspotting, which specializes in addressing traumas in the subconscious and unconscious mind. Jami believes therapy should be a wholistic approach that incorporates both the body and the mind. She has a warm demeanor and seeks to create a safe, comfortable, and judgement-free zone, personalized for each client's unique needs. She seeks to educate her clients on the ties between feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, as well as how our environment and our past can have an influence on our day-to-day lives. ‍

Rebecca Jarrell is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in California and New Mexico. She has been in the mental health field for over 24 years in a variety of clinical settings. Early in her career, she worked in an inpatient psychiatric hospital on the child and adolescent unit. Most recently, Rebecca has spent over a decade in the private practice setting working with adults and specializing in anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief and loss issues. While she provides a holistic, individualized treatment approach, she has a strong background in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and a Certified Grief Educator. She feels strongly about treating each client as a unique individual and meeting them wherever they are on their mental health journey. Rebecca is committed to creating a supportive and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives. Clients looking for a therapist will find Rebecca to be compassionate and direct, encouraging clients to challenge and reframe distorted thoughts while reinforcing positive adaptive behaviors.

Taylor Jarrett is a psychotherapist who holds a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Taylor is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of New York and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). Prior to her work with Talkiatry, Taylor served as a mental health clinician and supervisor at an OMH Article 31 clinic in the Bronx, providing psychotherapy and care to children, adolescents, adults, and families. Taylor's therapeutic approach is person-centered and trauma-informed. Taylor keenly understands there is not a ‘one-size-fits-all' all approach to treatment and meets each client where they are. She individualizes each client's care by utilizing a variety of evidence-based treatment interventions, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy, and Trauma-Focused CBT. Taylor believes simply showing up takes courage and is honored to be a witness to her clients' growth journey. She is committed to helping each person become the best versions of themselves by guiding them to identify and utilize their strengths to persevere through and leverage the challenges of life.

Rebecca Johnson, LCSW, is a dedicated mental health professional with experience in a variety of settings. With a MSW from Louisiana State University and licensure in multiple states, she brings a well-rounded, evidence-based approach to therapy.

Rebecca’s work spans multiple roles across in and outpatient settings, with a strong focus on individuals facing substance use, domestic violence, and co-occurring conditions. At Lower Key Medical Center, she served as an inpatient social worker and the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) coordinator, where she provided crisis intervention, therapy, and groups. In her role as IOP coordinator, she managed IOP tracks, ensuring patients receive comprehensive psychotherapeutic support via group and individual therapy.

Previously, her work at the Guidance/Care Center molded her expertise in crisis response, relapse prevention, and intensive therapeutic interventions, in various settings. Finally, her work as a Clinical Counselor at the Children’s Home Society, working closely with parents involved in the child welfare system, providing therapy and court-informed treatment recommendations further solidified this knowledge.

Rebecca uses a person-centered and eclectic style, modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and mindfulness-based. She believes in tailoring interventions to each client’s unique needs, fostering resilience and self-efficacy in their journey toward healing.

Lisha Jones is a licensed clinical social worker with over 23 years of extensive experience working in the mental health field. Lisha has worked with clients facing a variety of life's challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, as well as perinatal and postpartum mental health. She attended undergraduate school in Albany, GA, and graduate school in Valdosta, GA. Lisha is deeply committed to creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can express their thoughts and feelings freely. Lisha's approach to therapy involves engaging each client with warmth and enthusiasm. She encourages them to be active participants on their journey of emotional growth, healing, and empowerment. Lisha uses therapeutic expertise and various inner-healing approaches to teach clients restorative self-care practices, exercises that cultivate emotional awareness, strategies to manage unhealthy thoughts, and methods to change undesirable behaviors. Working with Lisha, clients can expect to take away from each session a plan of action with detailed steps, easy to apply skills and practical strategies to help them manage stress, heal from hurtful experiences, improve their communication skills and strengthen boundaries in their relationships. They will gain a better understanding about how and why they feel uncomfortable emotions and why they experience strong reactions in response to those associated thoughts.

Gabrielle Kull is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a strong foundation in mental health care. She earned her undergraduate degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2017 and went on to complete her Master's degree at West Virginia University in 2019. Since then, Gabrielle has gained experience working with diverse populations and age groups while working for a non-profit organization that served victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and other violent crimes. She has a genuine interest in treating a vast array of psychiatric disorders including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders, Depression, Anxiety, and Obsessive-Compulsive related disorders. Gabrielle became licensed in 2022. She has been trained extensively in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy since 2019 and achieved her EMDR certification in 2025. She takes a trauma-informed, client-centered approach, meeting individuals where they are in their healing journey. Her practice incorporates evidence-based modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and mindfulness techniques, to support her clients in achieving their goals. Gabrielle is committed to ongoing education and continuous learning to ensure she provides the most effective and up-to-date care for her clients. She is currently expanding her specialties to include mental performance counseling with athletes.

Danielle LaBarre is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor (LMHC and LPC) in New York, Virginia, and Georgia. Danielle has over 6 years of experience working with adults seeking help with anxiety, depression, stress, grief, life transitions, LGBTQ+ issues, and trauma. Danielle received her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Long Island University, followed by a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Mount Saint Mary College. She wholeheartedly believes in person-centered care, and focuses on meeting you where you are and taking you where you want to be. Her treatment approaches include mindfulness techniques, cognitive/ dialectical behavioral skills (CBT, DBT), psychodynamic, as well as compassion and strength-based approaches. She believes these approaches in conjunction with person-centered care will assist each unique individual in meeting their personal goals. Danielle understands that seeking therapy can be an uncomfortable experience. But seeking therapy can also be brave, exciting, and empowering! She is dedicated to establishing a collaborative, culturally inclusive working relationship with individuals to help achieve their goals while living a fulfilled and balanced life.