Jeffrey Niles, DO

Dr. Lee is a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in adult psychiatry and minority mental health. He is a graduate of Morehouse College and later received his medical degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN. After graduating from Meharry, he completed his psychiatry residency at the University of South Carolina/ Palmetto Health in Columbia, SC and a forensic psychiatry fellowship at Tulane University. After completing his training, he entered private practice in Rock Hill, SC and served the community for 11+ years. During that time, he also served as Staff Psychiatrist at Winthrop University. Prior to joining Talkiatry, Dr. Lee served as an Attending Psychiatrist and Medical Director of an inpatient psychiatric unit. Throughout his professional career, he has remained passionate about educating individuals about sustaining better mental health and eradicating the stigma of mental illness. Dr. Lee brings a vast array of knowledge to Talkiatry. He has experience treating various psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and ADHD. His approach focuses on evidence-based medication management and incorporates supportive therapy techniques as well as psychoeducation to address the presenting issues in a compassionate and competent manner. If additional therapy is needed, Dr. Lee may recommend that a therapist is part of the treatment team.

LaJoya McDonald is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with extensive experience across outpatient, telehealth, and managed care settings. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work and specializes in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, and life transitions.

LaJoya is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and collaborative environment where clients feel heard and empowered. Her treatment style is integrative and person-centered, utilizing evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), trauma therapy, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution-Focused Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, supportive therapy, goal-oriented therapy, and mindfulness-based techniques.

LaJoya helps clients explore their thoughts, emotions, and patterns while developing practical tools for coping, healing, and growth. She believes in tailoring each treatment plan to the unique goals, strengths, and values of the individual, and takes pride in walking alongside her clients through life’s challenges with compassion and respect.

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Dr. Kelly is a board-eligible psychiatrist specializing in adult psychiatry. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Houston before attending McGovern Medical School where he completed both his medical degree and his psychiatric residency.

Dr. Kelly provides compassionate, comprehensive care for adults facing a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, and bipolar disorder. He emphasizes a holistic, evidence-based approach that incorporates medication management, supportive therapy, and lifestyle interventions targeting nutrition, exercise, sleep hygiene, and stress management to improve and individual's wellbeing.

Dr. Kelly takes the time to understand each patient's unique needs and works collaboratively to develop personalized treatment plans that are non-judgmental, empowering, and focused on overall well-being. He believes an essential aspect of the therapeutic relationship is an individual's ability to make informed choices. He actively involves individuals in their treatment and uses clear communication to help patients understand their care so they can focus on their journey of healing and recovery.

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Dr. Vargas is an adult psychiatrist who received her medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center of San Antonio. She subsequently completed her psychiatry residency training at UT Health San Antonio.

Dr. Vargas has a patient-centered and thorough approach to treatment. She has experience treating a broad spectrum of mental health disorders, with particular interest in depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. She has also worked in clinic with severely mentally ill patients at the South Texas VA in San Antonio.

Dr. Vargas's primary focus is medication management with an emphasis on shared decision-making; however, she frequently also utilizes supportive therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and psychodynamic therapy principles in her approach. She may refer patients to a therapist if further support would be beneficial.

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Dr. Bailey is a board certified psychiatrist, specializing in medication management and psychotherapy. He enjoys the opportunity to help patients better understand their diagnosis and how biological, psychological and social interventions can be applied to live a more fulfilling life.  

As a recipient of the Army Health Professions Scholarship Program, Dr. Bailey earned his medical degree from the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg, Virginia followed by residency at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD.  

After completing residency, Dr. Bailey served at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX where he held several positions including Chief of Inpatient Behavioral Health Services. He also completed operational assignments, most notably a nine-month deployment to Iraq for which he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. Dr. Bailey enjoys teaching and has held academic appointments at Long School of Medicine and Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.

Dr. Christopher DeBernard is a board-certified psychiatrist with extensive clinical leadership experience. He earned his MD and completed a combined residency in Internal Medicine and Psychiatry at Tulane University School of Medicine. Previously board certified in Internal Medicine, he is especially comfortable caring for patients with medical comorbidities. Dr. DeBernard has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings and held leadership roles as Chief Medical Officer at Arisa Health and Lotic.ai. He also brings a systems-thinking perspective to clinical care from earlier careers in engineering and consulting. He holds active medical licenses in Louisiana and Arkansas.

Dr. DeBernard strives to create a warm, collaborative environment where patients feel respected, understood, and supported. His approach combines evidence-based medicine with an appreciation for each patient’s unique story, values, and motivations. Patients can expect open, direct communication, shared decision-making, and treatment plans that align with their personal goals. Trust, empathy, and authenticity form the foundation of his therapeutic relationships.

Dr. DeBernard begins by listening closely to each patient’s history, concerns, and hopes for treatment. Together, he works with patients to establish clear goals and develop individualized care plans that may include therapy, medication management, and lifestyle approaches. His focus is on both symptom relief and building long-term resilience, helping patients develop strategies that sustain well-being. Over time, he collaborates with patients to adapt treatment as their needs evolve, ensuring care remains effective and personalized.