Our therapists only work with patients who are currently being seen by one of our psychiatrists.

Nakia Roberson, LPC
Staff Therapist
Nakia is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and Certified Sex Therapist with a Master of Education in Counseling and Development from Sam Houston State University. With extensive experience in education and private practice, she has helped individuals and couples navigate life's challenges and create meaningful change. Her expertise includes issues related to sexual health, intimacy, relationships, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, life transitions, and grief and loss. Specializing in working with individuals and couples, Nakia creates a warm and supportive environment where others feel heard and empowered. She guides them in making choices to change hindering situations and gain clarity through clinical tools to interpret and respond differently to life's challenges. Her approach is collaborative and tailored, ensuring therapy meets the unique needs of each person while celebrating progress. Nakia uses a holistic approach that integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy. She is also trained in Gottman Levels 1 and 2, providing evidence-based techniques to strengthen relationships and improve intimacy and communication. She believes change happens when individuals are honest with themselves and willing to do the work. As Carl Rogers said, "One must accept themselves as they are before change can occur.” Nakia considers it a privilege to support others as they heal, grow, and embrace life's possibilities.

Nathan Roberson, LPC
Staff Therapist
Nathan Roberson is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina and a Licensed Professional Counselor in South Carolina and Texas. Nathan has a Masters in Counseling from Southern Methodist University. He has worked in primarily in outpatient settings that focused on mental health and substance use.
Nathan enjoys helping adults identify what is holding them back from creating the life that they want and working together to overcome the feelings, limiting beliefs, traumas, etc, that stand in the way of that goal.
When working with clients, the approach Nathan will use varies with what is needed to help address the issues at hand. During the sessions, Nathan will draw upon CBT, Solution-Focused, psychodynamic, and reality theory, among others. Nathan believes having the flexibility to use the best tool for the job helps because every client is different and will respond differently to a specific approach.

Cosima Robinson, LPC
Staff Licensed Professional Counselor
Cosima Robinson holds a distinguished profile as a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, and a National Certified Counselor. She earned her Master of Science in Counseling from the University of Houston-Clear Lake. Presently, her licensure allows her to provide counseling services within the state of Texas. Drawing upon her extensive experience, Cosima Robinson adeptly delivers tailored therapeutic interventions catering to individuals of all age groups. She proficiently addresses a spectrum of mental health challenges, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, and various life obstacles. Her therapeutic approach is characterized by an impartial, supportive, and uplifting environment designed to foster healing. Cosima's professional background encompasses a diverse range of settings. She has proficiently guided individuals in contexts such as dual-diagnosis scenarios, substance abuse recovery, residential and intensive outpatient care facilities, correctional institutions, survivors of domestic violence, and at-risk youth and families. Her counseling methodology incorporates person-centered, cognitive-behavioral, and solution-focused modalities. Notably, she remains flexible in her application of techniques, ensuring that each intervention is meticulously tailored to suit the distinct requirements of her clients.

Sandra Rodriguez, LMHC
Staff Therapist
Sandra is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of New York with extensive experience working in the mental health field. Sandra attended both undergraduate and Graduate school in Queens, New York, studying and obtaining degrees in Psychology and Mental Health Counseling. Sandra has been practicing for over a decade as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor, in diverse settings ranging from community outpatient clinics to academic settings and private practices. She has worked with individuals, families, and groups, with a wide variety of situational, behavioral and emotional mental-health conditions as well as those who have experienced relational and other traumas. Sandra is trauma-trained and working with her delivers a warm and inviting atmosphere, blending different techniques with talk-based therapy to connect to the needs of each person. Sandra's work has recently focused on treatment of anxiety disorders, relationship issues and complex family dynamics, life-transitions and stress management. Sandra helps clients work on chronic maladaptive patterns that keep them feeling unwell or stuck in life situations. Her work leads to symptom relief, emotional stability, goal attainment, and improved relationships.

Kimberly Rodriguez, LCSW
Staff Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Kimberly Rodriguez is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with extensive experience in the fields of mental health and substance abuse. She completed both her undergraduate (BSSW) and graduate (MSW) studies at Florida International University in Miami, Florida, graduating as one of the youngest in her cohort. Kimberly also completed the Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training Fellowship, where she gained expertise in inter-professional behavioral health practices while working with vulnerable and culturally diverse populations. With three years of professional practice as a clinical social worker, Kimberly specializes in treating co-occurring disorders, as well as addressing concerns such as childhood trauma, attachment wounds, and other factors that may impact an individual's current functioning. She is dedicated to fostering a therapeutic environment in which she actively listens to and understands her clients, allowing her to tailor treatment approaches to meet the unique needs of each individual. Kimberly is able to implement therapeutic modalities in both English and Spanish, ensuring accessibility for a broader range of clients. Kimberly employs an eclectic therapeutic approach, grounded in Psycho-dynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

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.

Anita Rosenberg, LPC
Staff Licensed Professional Counselor
Anita Rosenberg is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), with over 15 years of experience as a therapist. She graduated from Arcadia University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and received a Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling Psychology from La Salle University in 2010. Following the completion of her education, Anita spent a decade providing direct patient care and clinical leadership in an inpatient co-occurring disorders treatment facility. She continues to have a passion for working with those navigating struggles with substance use and recovery efforts through the use of person-centered and strengths-based modalities, as well as incorporating 12 step programming. Anita provides care to both adolescents and adults using an eclectic approach based in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and trauma informed care approaches to assist with challenging negative thoughts and beliefs that interfere with experiencing joy in daily life. This allows her to create a safe and comforting environment to serve diverse populations, including individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community. She is also well versed in assisting individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, grief and loss, eating disorders, chronic mental and or physical health issues, and unexpected life changes. Through treatment, Anita works along with the individual to explore personal thoughts, beliefs, and values that influence one's reactions to their lived experiences. Her approach allows for the exploration and building of healthy coping skills, positive thought replacements, and processing of past and current life events that lead to struggles with daily distress. Through her warmth, compassion, and strong sense of empathy, she strives to provide her clients with an open, positive, and affirming therapeutic relationship.

LaTreece Ross, LPC
Staff Therapist
LaTreece Ross is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas who has been practicing for 4+ years in a variety of settings including mental health clinics, school settings, foster homes & resident treatment care centers (RTC). She also has 3 + years of trauma experience at the Children's Advocacy Center of Collin County (CACCC) for her practicum, internship, and post grad clinical hours.LaTreece is dedicated to helping clients find new ways to cope with everyday life as they reframe their thought patterns. During therapy, she incorporates multiple modalities of treatment into her practice to give each client a unique experience that meets their specific needs. LaTreece offers cognitive behavioral therapy, client-centered therapy, Solution-focused Therapy, and trauma-informed therapy. She specializes in working with clients dealing with depression, anxiety, life transitions, adolescent and peer issues, relationship and family distress, and grief and loss. During the initial sessions, LaTreece will collaborate with the client to create a treatment plan and set goals for therapy.

Andrea Roth, LCSW
Staff Therapist
Andrea Roth is an LCSW in New York. Her recent work was at a community-based mental health clinic, where she worked with people of all ages and with various goals for counseling. She has 18 years of experience in human service and nonprofit organizations. She previously worked at a community organization in Syracuse that provides support to people with sensory loss, to maintain or establish independence. Additionally, she worked as a therapist with a Mobile Crisis team. Andrea received a Master's Degree in Social Work and a BA in Psychology from Syracuse University. She has also completed training in Conflict Resolution. Her therapeutic approach is client-centered and strengths-based, emphasizing collaboration and empowerment. She believes in creating a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their concerns, gain insight, and develop skills to cope effectively with life's challenges. Her clinical approach is to utilize the treatment model that best fits the unique needs of each individual. She strives to be sensitive to the various factors that might impact a person's identity, such as culture, ethnicity, disability, neurodivergence, or being part of the LGBTQ+ community. Andrea's work is informed by several different modalities, including CBT, DBT, IFS, and Mindfulness-based interventions. She has experience treating many mental health conditions such as Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar disorder, Trauma, Anger, Grief, and PTSD.

Michael Russell, LMHC
Staff Therapist
Michael Russell is a licensed mental health counselor with extensive experience in the mental health field. Michael has worked directly with clients living with various mental health conditions. He attended Undergraduate and Graduate school in Queens, NY. Michael works on continuing to expand upon his experience and knowledge in the mental health field by attending trainings and receiving certifications in niche areas. Michael has been practicing for 6 years as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor, focusing on anxiety and mood disorders and life challenges, which may impact daily life. He likes to tailor treatment to each individual so that it fits that individual's specific needs. Michael uses an integrative approach with a foundation in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Person-Centered Therapy.

Ian Sanders, LCMHC
Staff Therapist
Ian Sanders is a licensed clinical mental health counselor and licensed professional counselor who has 12 years of experience with adolescents, adults, and families. Ian has helped clients in diverse demographics manage conditions ranging from depression, anxiety, work stress, LGBTQIA matters, family matters, and situations/adjustment concerns. Ian has worked in Inpatient, Partial Hospitalization, Intensive Outpatient, Outpatient, and Employee/Family Assistant Program settings. Ian earned his Master's Degree in Counseling from Concordia University - Wisconsin and his Bachelor's Degree from Western Illinois University. Ian is also a National Board Certified Counselor. Ian's focus has been with the LGBTQIA community and with adults and teens with mood disorders. Ian's approach to helping his clients is resiliency-based, utilizing dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and Solution-focused Therapy.

Algion Seals, LMHC
Staff Therapist
Algion Seals is a LMHC who received his Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern New Hampshire University. He has worked with families, couples, and individuals of varying ages and focused on grief, LGBTQIA+ related issues, anxiety, depression, as well as mood and personality disorders. Mr. Seals has a person-centered approach to therapy along with incorporating CBT, DBT, Adlerian Theory, and elements of trauma therapy as well as elements of sex therapy.

Dominika Sekulska, LCSW
Staff Therapist
Dominika is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has been in the field for ~20 years performing individual, group, and family service. During her education, Dominika focused on various forms of treatment modalities including DBT, ACT, CBT, trauma informed, family systems, motivational interviewing, and substance abuse treatment. Dominika has been an active remote, mental health therapist for the past several years, and has experience with working with diverse populations providing services to adults and children in mixed settings.
Dominika has an extensive background working with survivors of trauma, depression/bipolar disorder, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, grief, PTSD, schizophrenia and other forms of psychosis, gender/sexual identity difficulties, eating disorders, substance abuse, domestic violence, life transitions, as well as combinations of multiple problems. Dominika is a firm believer meeting people at their own pace to accomplish their objectives at their own speed.
Dominika’s initial appointment is an assessment, gathering the client’s background information and reason for seeking treatment, focusing on the client's own specific goals/desires for therapy and helping ct envision what this would look like for them in order to establish a general roadmap on moving towards their aspirations. After the first session, Dominika concentrates on what complications exist to ct’s objectives and how ct can utilize supportive tools/resources to help overcome these barriers. Dominika then helps cts establish weekly, smaller goals that can lead cts to their larger scale aspirations.

Sibi Selvarajah, LCSW
Staff Therapist
Sibi Selvarajah is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) renowned for his compassionate approach and dedication to fostering emotional well-being. Sibi's career in mental health has been marked by a dedication to evidence-based practice and a client-centered approach. His experience working as a group and individual counselor at a private substance abuse outpatient treatment center in Manhattan provided him with invaluable knowledge and insight into helping individuals struggling with substance use disorder, anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues, among others. Sibi earned his Bachelor's degree in Psychology from New York University, where he developed a strong foundation in psychological theories and practices. He went on to complete his Master's degree in Social Work at Yeshiva University, gaining advanced knowledge and hands-on experience in therapeutic techniques. As a licensed clinical social worker, Sibi is known for his empathetic listening skills and his ability to build strong therapeutic alliances with his clients. His therapeutic approach is integrative, drawing from multiple modalities to tailor treatment plans that best meet the unique needs of each individual. Outside of his professional work, Sibi is dedicated to continuous learning and personal growth. He regularly attends workshops and conferences to stay abreast of the latest advancements in mental health therapy. Sibi also believes in the importance of self-care and encourages his clients to engage in practices that promote overall well-being. Through his work, Sibi Selvarajah continues to make a profound impact on the lives of those he serves, helping them navigate their mental health journeys with hope and resilience.

Kevin Seske, LCPC
Staff Therapist
Kevin Seske is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who specializes in Sport and Health Psychology. His approach to therapy is collaborative, empowering, nonjudgmental, trauma informed, and goal-focused. He sees therapy as a method to find the individual's strengths to help overcome any hardships.Kevin integrates treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, Existential Therapy, and mindfulness techniques. In addition, he incorporates Sports Psychology in sessions where appropriate as he believes physical activity can empower us and teach us life skills that boost self-esteem, promote team building, and aid in relaxation. These methods are proven to show reduction in anxiety and depression.Kevin specializes in treating PTSD among young adults, adults, and/or immigrant populations. He is also skilled in treating mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, grief, emotional abuse, and life transitions. Kevin has been told by clients and colleagues that he has a calming presence and is a good listener.Kevin's 10 years of experience as a counselor has included providing trauma-informed care for undocumented minors who arrived at the US border seeking refuge from their home countries, including ones experiencing Adjustment Disorder, PTSD, and ODD. Additionally, Kevin served in a FQHC on the Southwest side of Chicago, in their clinical setting and school-based health center.

Ashley Sharp, LPC/MHSP
Staff Therapist
Ashley Sharp is a Licensed Professional Counselor with Mental Health Service Provider designation, who has experience working in multiple settings within the mental health field including private practice counseling, school-based counseling, and in a behavioral health hospital. This has allowed Ashley to work closely with individuals of various demographics and a wide spectrum of mental health conditions. Ashley obtained her undergraduate degree in psychology from Bryan College in Dayton, TN, and her graduate degree in clinical mental health counseling from Richmont Graduate University in Chattanooga, TN. Ashley has been working in the mental health field for 4 years and focuses on mood and anxiety disorders, as well as personality disorders, challenges in relationship dynamics, and difficult life transitions such as grief and divorce. Ashley tailors her treatment modalities for the greatest benefit of the individual, being considerate of the background and needs of each client. Ashley uses an eclectic approach to therapy founded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and incorporates elements of Dialectical Behavior Therapy such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotional regulation.

Michelle Shya, LCSW
Staff Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Michelle Shya, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) at Talkiatry, has provided care in the field for almost a decade. Working with individuals and families, she has connected and fostered ties with a broad spectrum of clients, including adolescent, adult, and geriatric services. Michelle's practice style centers on providing a safe and understanding space for clients to share, learn, identify, and address their unique therapeutic needs. Using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Michelle focuses on the relationships between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to assist the client in discovering their personal strengths and motivation to realize their individual life goals. Michelle completed her undergraduate Social Work education at Millersville University. Later at Marywood University, she earned her Master's in Social Work, with a specialization in Child and Family Practice. Michelle has had a wide variety of experiences working as a Social Worker in therapeutic and social service settings. She has provided case management and therapeutic care in domestic violence shelters, treatment foster care, community organizations, and hospice in-home support. In Michelle's experience in providing therapy, she has maintained a generalist practice, working with a variety of individuals facing personal barriers and challenges. By taking a step-by-step therapeutic approach, the client is able to better understand and process their thoughts as well as feelings to drive actionable change.

Russell Silverberg, LMHC
Staff Therapist
Dr. Silverberg is a licensed counselor in Arizona, California, and Washington, and has been licensed since 2008. Dr. Silverberg has extensive experience working in the mental health field with varied client demographics, helping clients with varied conditions including a Federally Qualified Health Center.
Historically, Dr. Silverberg attended the University of Delaware, majoring in psychology and minoring in cognitive science. After a master’s degree from the University of Phoenix, he went on to complete a Doctor of Behavioral Health degree from Arizona State University in 2011.
Dr. Silverberg has an eclectic approach to mental health issues including pieces of ACT, CBT, DBT and Motivational Interviewing. He believes in the mind-body connection and that both affect each other.

Jill Sinnott, LCSW
Staff Therapist
Jill Sinnott is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has practiced in Tennessee for over ten years, in a variety of roles including comprehensive child and family therapy, mobile crisis, and group-based Alcohol and Drug treatment. Most recently, she worked in community mental health for five and a half years. In this role, she focused on individual therapy with clients of all ages. Jill obtained her Bachelor's Degree from Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, NC, and her Master's of Science in Social Work from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN before settling in Johnson City, TN with her family. Jill's areas of interest include working with the LGBTQIA+ community and incorporating play therapy techniques while working with children. She uses a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy to develop a treatment plan addressing the client's own goals using specific, obtainable steps and recognizing each individual's strengths.

Rebecca Siwanowicz, LCSW
Staff Therapist
Rebecca Siwanowicz is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who began her career in 2013, maintaining various positions in both inpatient and outpatient settings while treating substance use and mental health disorders. Rebecca graduated with her BSW from Florida Atlantic University in 2013 and graduated with her MSW in 2016. Rebecca is trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy and is a Master's Level Certified Addiction Professional in the state of Florida.Rebecca's areas of expertise are trauma, anxiety and depressive disorders, issues related to codependency and low self-esteem, life transitions, self-care and emotion regulation. Rebecca takes an individualistic approach when treating clients, greatly valuing and promoting individuality and autonomy. Rebecca practices through the lens of Family Systems Theory and Attachment Theory, utilizing components of Existentialism, Strength Based Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, 12 Step Principles, and Client Centered Therapy. Rebecca takes a psychosocial approach toward treatment, providing her clients with unconditional positive regard, psychoeducation, and practical coping skills to support them in building a life of their choosing.

Eva Sleczka, LCSW
Staff Therapist
Eva Sleczka LCSW has a wealth of experience and a passion for integrated patient care. Eva Sleczka, LCSW brings a unique blend of expertise and compassion that is sure to benefit psychotherapy patients. Eva Sleczka, LCSW is a broadly accomplished social worker with years of experience in hospital health-based and community-based human services environments. Eva Sleczka LCSW has an impressive background in the behavioral health field, holding an MSW, LCSW from New York University and specializing in behavioral health psychotherapy with adults, children and families. They have spent 30 years working in various healthcare settings, including health and hospital systems, emergency room and screening center for psychiatric emergency services, school-based and community-based outpatient treatment settings, where they have honed their skills and gained valuable experience in patient care. Their commitment to staying abreast of the latest advancements in behavioral health science ensures that our patients receive the highest quality of psychotherapy care. One of the key strengths Eva Sleczka, LCSW, brings to our team is their expertise in integrative care and trauma-informed psychotherapy, skilled with adults and families with mental health needs. They have a proven track record of clinical supervision of social work students in the field, experience as a Clinical Director of a community mental health setting, psychotherapist for adults, children, and families with mental health needs, making them a valuable resource for both our patients and our staff. Whether it's managing complex cases, providing preventive care, or offering specialized treatments, supervision of social work students Eva Sleczka, LCSW is dedicated to delivering comprehensive and personalized care to each patient. At the core of Eva Sleczka, LCSW's practice is a patient-centered approach that prioritizes the individual needs and preferences of each patient. They believe in fostering strong clinician-patient relationships built on trust, empathy, and open communication. By involving patients in their own care decisions and providing education about their health, Eva Sleczka, LCSW, empowers patients to take an active role in their well-being. Eva Sleczka, LCSW utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), focusing mainly on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and incorporating mindfulness into a wellness-based approach.

Grace Smith, LCSW
Staff Therapist
Grace is a LCSW, and LISW-CP licensed in Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences with a specialization in Nutrition from Solusi University in Zimbabwe and a Master of Social Work in Clinical Practice from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, MI. Grace has 20 years of experience providing mental health and psychotherapy services to diverse populations in various settings, including telehealth, outpatient care, residential programs for youth and adults, Assertive Community Treatment, foster care, inpatient units, intensive in-home services, and private practice. Her approach is individualized, solution-focused, holistic, and goal-oriented, emphasizing clients' strengths and fostering a positive, affirming perspective. Grace specializes in treating individuals facing anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-esteem, mood instability, anger, unresolved emotional challenges, relationship difficulties, and life transitions. She works with adults, couples, and families. Grace's therapeutic techniques include counseling for emotional and personal growth, fostering purpose and meaning, and empowering self-esteem. Grace draws on evidence-based practices tailored to each client's needs, including Trauma-Informed Care, CBT, Trauma-Focused CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Collaborative Problem Solving, Positive Behavior Support, and Family Systems approaches.

Dana Sommers, LCSW
Staff Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Before graduating from NYU School of Social Work, Dana worked in international human rights and educational environments. She has 13 years of experience as a clinical social worker and prior to assuming her role as psychotherapist at Talkiatry, Dana worked with formerly homeless adults in supportive housing. Dana views therapy as a gift to oneself and recognizes the bravery and courage it takes to be vulnerable and open oneself to the path of self-discovery. She is passionate about creating a warm, validating, culturally responsive and non-judgmental environment where she will work collaboratively with you towards your goals. Whether you are moving through a difficult transition, coping with chronic illness, experiencing work burnout and stress, anxiety, trauma, loss, or just wanting to feel "unstuck”, she will accompany you through these life circumstances and emotions and help you gain new insights about yourself, reinforce or learn new ways of thinking and coping and help you reclaim hope as you work to live your most meaningful life. Dana draws primarily from psychodynamic therapy, though her treatment is collaborative, flexible, and individualized, incorporating mindfulness, CBT and other evidence-based modalities when appropriate.

Alexandra Starmer, LMHC
Staff Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Meet Alex Starmer, LMHC, your friendly mental health counselor here at Talkiatry. She's not just a counselor; she's your partner on your mental health journey. Alex earned her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Syracuse University in 2020 and has been in the field since January 2021, working closely with clients facing mental health and substance use challenges. Alex believes in the power of the mind-body connection, and she loves to share polyvagal exercises and mindfulness techniques to help you better understand yourself. She's always learning and growing, with ongoing training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Her go-to tools for therapy are Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). With her, you can expect a compassionate and comprehensive approach to your mental well-being. You're in good hands with Alex.
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Richard States, LPC
Staff Therapist
Richard "Rick" States is a Licensed Professional Counselor, with broad and varied professional work experience in behavioral health (inpatient and outpatient, individuals and families, children and adults, direct service and program administration). Rick earned his B.A. in Psychology at Gannon University and his M.A. in Clinical Psychology at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. He's earned a Post-Master's Certificate in General Psychology from Northcentral University and has completed many doctorate credits in Psychology. Since 199, Rick has taught university courses in Psychology, Sociology, and Human Services, most recently at Gannon University and Penn State University. Rick's greatest area of clinical interest and skill centers around self-regulation or "how we manage" our thoughts, feelings, emotions, behaviors, etc. Rick is writing a book on self-regulation and uses the concepts in day-to-life and behavioral health practice. Rick enjoys addressing challenges related to anxiety, stress, depression, substance use, and trauma. Rick employs eclectic but methodical tools, including cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, humanism, and somatic psychology, to assist with these challenges. Rick is EMDR trained and DBT Certified. On a more personal level, Rick is a long-term martial arts instructor, T'ai Chi instructor, and meditator. Relatedly, he also offers a variety of Mindfulness-based tools to clients.