Ian Thistlethwaite, MD

Background and credentials

Dr. Nina Jacobs is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry with over 20 years of clinical experience. She earned her medical degree from the University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine and completed her adult, child, and adolescent psychiatry training at NYU School of Medicine. Additionally, she has specialized training in psychodynamic psychotherapy from the New York Psychoanalytic Institute. Before joining Talkiatry, she served as Chief of Adult Behavioral Health at a busy urban community health clinic.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Jacobs believes that understanding and compassion are fundamental to effective psychiatric care. She provides engaged, patient-centered treatment, focusing on reducing symptoms and restoring well-being. Her approach includes comprehensive evaluations, thoughtful medication management, supportive therapy, and the development of stress management skills. She treats youth ages 13-17 and adults with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, and other mental health conditions. For adolescent patients, she includes parental involvement during a portion of appointments to discuss progress and treatment plans.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive evaluation in which Dr. Jacobs takes time to understand their symptoms, history, and goals. She fosters a collaborative and compassionate environment, ensuring that treatment plans are personalized and patient-centered. Her approach may include medication management, therapy recommendations, and stress management techniques to support patients in achieving their mental health and well-being goals.

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Why Talkiatry?

We’re a virtual mental health practice that makes it easy to find great care. We combine quality and convenience to help you thrive—faster. Our providers, like this one, are highly trained experts who specialize in medication management and collaborate with you on a treatment plan that fits your needs and comfort level.

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Dr. Mark Sundahl is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. He was born and raised in the suburbs of Kansas City, Kansas. He has always been fascinated by the natural world and received a bachelor’s degree in biology at Kansas State University where he was active in a research lab investigating protein function in the human body. He completed medical school training and residency at the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Kansas City, Kansas along with Wichita, Kansas. Dr. Sundahl has experience working with a broad range of mental health symptoms and a diverse patient population

Dr. Mark Sundahl is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. He was born and raised in the suburbs of Kansas City, Kansas. He has always been fascinated by the natural world and received a bachelor’s degree in biology at Kansas State University where he was active in a research lab investigating protein function in the human body. He completed medical school training and residency at the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Kansas City, Kansas along with Wichita, Kansas. Dr. Sundahl has experience working with a broad range of mental health symptoms and a diverse patient population

Dr. Sundahl understands the importance of collaboration and the therapeutic alliance when working with patients. He will clearly explain his findings and discuss treatment options he feels are reasonable. Dr. Sundahl thinks it is important for patients to have all the necessary information to make informed decisions when it comes to their psychiatric treatment.

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Dr. Garrick Gaffney is board certified in psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN). He earned his medical degree from Kansas City University and completed his psychiatry residency at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas. A combat veteran, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps, including a tour in Iraq, and was honored with the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and a Certificate of Commendation for exemplary leadership.

During medical school, Dr. Gaffney pursued advanced training as an Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine fellow. As a resident, he served as Chief Academic Resident and earned accolades such as Intern of the Year and Outstanding Educator of the Year twice consecutively.

Dr. Gaffney specializes in treating complex psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, and insomnia. He has presented case studies and quality improvement projects at national conferences, including the American Psychiatric Association (APA), Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, and Association for Academic Psychiatry.

A proponent of holistic care, Dr. Gaffney integrates psychotherapy into medication management and emphasizes lifestyle modifications and evidence‑based integrative medicine.

New patients receive comprehensive evaluations to rule out medical causes of symptoms, followed by tailored treatment plans combining therapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments. Follow‑up visits focus on symptom management through supportive, brief dynamic, or cognitive behavioral therapy, with frequent appointments until stabilization is achieved.

Dr. Gaffney is committed to collaborative, patient‑centered care that addresses both mental and physical well‑being.

Edmund Clark, MD, serves as Chief Psychiatrist at Talkiatry with over 17 years of board-certified experience, including more than 5 years delivering tele-psychiatric care to underserved areas. His career spans 23 years in public service, including leadership roles as Chief of the VA Mental Health Clinics in Jacksonville, FL, and program manager for the University of Florida’s Psychiatry Residency Training Program. A former U.S. Navy psychiatrist, he deployed multiple times, including to Iraq in support of an Army Combat Stress Control clinic, gaining expertise in evidence-based PTSD treatments. Dr. Clark earned his medical degree from the University of Florida and completed his psychiatry residency at the National Naval Medical Center and Walter Reed, serving as chief resident for over 50 military trainees. Before medicine, he served in the U.S. Peace Corps in Kenya.

Dr. Clark values a collaborative approach built on honesty, rapport, and ensuring patients feel heard. He helps patients identify and address multiple factors influencing their mental health, aiming for positive, lasting changes that improve function across life domains. He encourages evidence-based therapies and, when needed, involves other providers to support comprehensive care.

Dr. Clark uses measurement-based tools to assess medication efficacy and guide treatment decisions. He integrates supportive psychotherapy to strengthen coping skills and reduce negative thinking, while incorporating motivational interviewing techniques to promote recovery and self-improvement.

Dr. Stoddard earned his medical degree from the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson and completed his residency at the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix. He is board-certified in psychiatry and provides care for adult patient populations. Prior to his career in medicine, he proudly served in the U.S. Air Force.

Although Dr. Stoddard specializes in medication management of psychiatric conditions, supportive psychotherapy is often incorporated into his visits, as he believes a combined approach leads to a more robust treatment response. Additionally, he aims to enhance wellness through discussion of lifestyle modifications that emphasize quality sleep, a healthy diet, and regular exercise.

Initial appointments consist of a psychiatric evaluation and discussion of evidence-based treatment options. If telehealth is deemed to be an appropriate modality and pharmacotherapy is recommended, discussion will consist of selecting a suitable medication to address target symptoms while minimizing adverse effects. Follow-up visits focus on assessing treatment response and adjusting regimens to optimize outcomes.

Thomas Ittoop, MD has experience practicing in both academic and community settings. He earned his medical degree from Central Michigan University and completed his psychiatry residency at Baylor College of Medicine. His background reflects a commitment to comprehensive, patient-centered care grounded in clinical rigor and human understanding.

Dr. Ittoop fosters a warm, collaborative environment rooted in genuine human connection. He values uncovering core patterns, meaning, and the story beneath symptoms. His approach emphasizes curiosity, emotional insight, and self-understanding. Patients can expect transparency, clear communication, and shared goal-setting that honors their strengths, long-term vision, and capacity for resilience and wholeness.

He begins with a thorough initial evaluation exploring symptoms, personal and family history, personality patterns, and desired life changes. Together, he and his patients identify core goals and develop a personalized treatment plan. His integrative therapeutic style includes thoughtful medication management, regular check-ins, and a focus on long-term transformation—building clarity, resilience, and a grounded sense of self that extends beyond treatment.