Niles Drake, MD

Dr. Thistlethwaite is a board eligible adult psychiatrist and internal medicine physician. He completed his medical education at West Virginia University School of Medicine. Following completion of medical school, Dr. Thistlethwaite completed residency training at WVU/Charleston Area Medical Center with a dual specialization in internal medicine and psychiatry. Dr. Thistlethwaite's training included treatment of patients both in the inpatient and outpatient setting as well as management of patients with comorbid medical conditions. During his training Dr. Thistlethwaite became passionate about approaching patients in a holistic manner that addressed both their physical and mental health. He is especially passionate about ensuring that patients with mental health disorders are provided with appropriate general medical care as they are a marginalized and underserved group. Dr. Thistlethwaite's practice focuses on medication management for a wide array of conditions including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, tic disorder/Tourette's, and post traumatic stress disorder. Dr. Thistlethwaite incorporates supportive psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy interventions, and some psychodynamic therapy skills in his practice as well. Dr. Thistlethwaite believes in a collaborative and holistic approach to mental healthcare that incorporates the patient as well as all members of the healthcare team in every aspect of care.

MassachusettsHolly James Corrigan, RN, MSN, PMHNP, is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner committed to helping people navigate their mental health with skill and heart. She earned her BSN from Russell Sage College in 2009, her MSN from Massachusetts General Hospital Institute for Health Professions in 2016, and completed Psychiatry Redefined’s Fellowship in Functional and Integrated Psychiatry in 2025. Holly keeps current by attending top conferences, like the International Trauma Conference in Boston, ensuring she’s always at the forefront of her field.

Holly’s philosophy is simple yet powerful: care should fit the person, not just the diagnosis. She’s passionate about tackling complex issues—suicide prevention, C-PTSD, chronic depression, ASD, OCD—and advocating for underserved communities. For Holly, it’s about delivering real, meaningful support to those who need it most.

Her career began as a registered nurse in neurology, pediatrics, and emergency care, before she found her calling in psychiatry. Since then, she’s provided medication management and supportive psychotherapy in outpatient clinics and worked in inpatient units serving adults and adolescents.

Holly believes in patient-centered care based on the individual, rather than focusing only on a diagnostic algorithm. The first appointment will include a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and a discussion about what your goals of treatment are. Pharmacological and therapeutic recommendations are both important elements of the treatment plan. Follow up appointments will be more concise, but may include various therapeutic modalities, medication changes, and supportive psychotherapy.

Dr. Lauren McClairen is a psychiatrist board certified in General Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. She completed her medical and psychiatric training at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN and a fellowship in Addiction Medicine at Baptist Memorial Hospital in collaboration with IAC (Integrated Addiction Care) in Memphis, TN. Dr. McClairen has clinical experience and practice working with other specialties and disciplines in treatment teams and integrated care models both in the inpatient and outpatient setting. She has held an academic appointment at Baptist Memorial Hospital where she enjoyed teaching and supervising medical residents and fellows in training. She most recently served as the Regional Behavioral Health Medical Director for a group of mental health clinics throughout Tennessee, and as the Chief of Psychiatric Services for a residential treatment facility in Mississippi that also had Partial Hospital and Intensive Outpatient Programming (PHP/IOP). She is experienced in treating patients with a variety of mental health diagnoses including but not limited to depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, and those with a history of substance use disorders. Dr. McClairen works collaboratively with her patients to provide treatments tailored to each patient's individualized needs. She prioritizes building trusting relationships and fostering open communication. Patients can expect a compassionate approach often with utilization of supportive therapy, mindfulness, and at times cognitive behavioral and psychodynamic psychotherapy techniques to address their psychosocial stressors and unique needs.

Dr. Hajer Ben Cheikh earned her medical degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School, where she worked with refugee populations and participated in global health initiatives. She completed her psychiatry residency at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, serving as inpatient chief resident. Dr. Ben Cheikh has experience across the full continuum of psychiatric care, including higher levels of care, collaborative care, and outpatient settings. She has a particular interest in perinatal mental health.

Dr. Ben Cheikh values open communication, transparency, and collaboration, and takes a friendly, supportive approach to patient care. She practices evidence-based medicine with a thoughtful, minimalist approach to pharmacologic treatment, often favoring single agents that can address multiple concerns when clinically appropriate.

Her approach to care is holistic, integrating psychiatric diagnoses, comorbid conditions, social context, and lifestyle factors. Sessions include supportive psychotherapy, incorporating techniques from other modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and psychodynamic approaches as appropriate. Initial visits emphasize diagnostic clarity and collaborative goal-setting, while follow-up sessions focus on patient priorities, shared decision-making, and personalized strategies that support meaningful, sustainable progress.

Bryce Thacker grew up in a rural community, where he learned the value of helping others achieve their best selves to support overall community health and well-being. With a passion for helping people live their best lives, he earned his undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Nebraska and completed his nursing education at Creighton University. He went on to earn a Master of Science in Nursing, specializing as a Family Nurse Practitioner and in Community Health, from Creighton University, and later completed a nursing practice degree at the University of Colorado with a focus on population and community health. He also holds a post-graduate certification in psychiatric mental health from Washburn University.

Bryce practiced family medicine for 18 years before transitioning to psychiatric mental health in 2022. His background in both physical and mental health gives him a holistic perspective on care. Since shifting his focus, he has helped individuals improve their quality of life through medication management for mood disorders, PTSD, anxiety, ADHD, and other mental health conditions. He continues to live in a rural community with his family and remains committed to helping people become their best selves.

Bryce believes that each person’s “best self” is unique and that mental health care should meet individuals where they are. He emphasizes a collaborative, client-centered approach, always keeping the individual’s goals at the heart of care. He is dedicated to helping clients identify and overcome the symptoms and stressors that interfere with their well-being, and he works to dismantle limiting beliefs or labels that may have been placed on them.

By taking the time to understand each person’s challenges and aspirations, Bryce helps clients find sustainable, holistic paths to wellness. His care is grounded in empathy, respect, and a deep commitment to supporting each person’s journey toward a fulfilling and balanced life.

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Dr. Nieves-Alvarado is a Board-certified psychiatrist who completed medical training at Duke University Psychiatry Program. Originally from Puerto Rico, she is fluent in both English and Spanish, which allows her to connect deeply with a diverse patient population.

Her practice combines medication management with insight-oriented therapy during every visit, promoting a comprehensive approach to mental health care. She advocates for her patients to engage in therapy alongside medication management, as she believes this integrated approach leads to better outcomes and sustained improvement. Dr. Nieves-Alvarado's practice is rooted in a collaborative, team-based approach, working closely with her patients to achieve long-term mental wellness.

Dr. Nieves-Alvarado earned her medical degree from the Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine in Bayamon, PR. Afterward, she moved to North Carolina, where she completed her residency at Duke University Hospital. During her training, she was nominated for a fellowship in psychodynamic practice by the Psychoanalytic Center of the Carolinas, showcasing her expertise in this area. She is also a dedicated advocate against childhood sexual trauma.

Her diverse training includes significant experience in jail and forensic psychiatry, as well as the treatment of military veterans under the veteran affairs health care system. She has experience in medically assisted treatments (MAT) for substance use disorders, Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and family therapy, enabling her to care for patients with complex needs.

Dr. Nieves-Alvarado treats patients across a wide age range, from young adults to the elderly. Passionate about improving access to mental health care, she joined Talkiatry to help patients facing time or transportation challenges receive the care they need.  

In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Nieves-Alvarado remains involved with her alma mater’s Behavioral Health Department, contributing to academic education and maintaining a connection with the next generation of medical professionals. She continues to seek ongoing improvement in her field, remaining engaged with medical associations including North Carolina Psychiatric Association, American Psychiatric Association, and Alpha Omega Alpha national medical honor society. Dr. Nieves-Alvarado is committed to working hand-in-hand with her patients to achieve mental wellness.”