Valene Gifford, LMHC

Kristina Vaughan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Houston, Texas. Kristina has been a therapist for two and a half years, and an exceptional social worker for six years. Kristina received her Master's Degree from the University of Houston in 2016. Kristina helps adults of all ages and teens to heal from emotional dysregulation and self-sabotage patterns rooted in childhood trauma. Kristina specializes in Bipolar Disorder and impulse control disorders. Kristina is empathetic and direct with her clients. She uses an eclectic approach to therapy, and she works with her clients collaboratively to prioritize their greatest needs first. She is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Brainspotting. If you feel like you've been living in a state of being an audience member, rather than the storyteller of your own life, then look no further. Kristina is the right therapist for you.

Meagan Blews is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in North Carolina. She graduated with her MA in Professional Counseling in 2011, and after being a stay at home mom for six years, ventured into community mental health. Meagan has served as both a lead clinician and Interim Center Director over the years and is passionate about providing quality assessment and treatment options. With extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Meagan provides comprehensive and empathetic care to her clients. Meagan's approach to therapy is deeply rooted in trauma-informed principles, ensuring that clients feel safe, seen, and supported throughout their healing journey. Her passion lies in empowering individuals with the skills necessary for emotion regulation, helping them navigate life's challenges with resilience and confidence. Meagan utilizes a mindfulness-based approach, guiding clients toward acceptance and self awareness in order to help clients overcome obstacles that prevent them from reaching their full potential. Through a collaborative and non-judgmental environment, she fosters a safe space for exploration and self-discovery.

Cody Chua is a licensed clinical social worker with extensive experience working in the mental health field. He has a passion for helping individuals, children, couples, and families by assisting them in finding their inner strengths and natural capabilities that aid in creating positive change and fostering healthy relationships. Cody completed school at the University of Houston's Graduate College of Social Work, in Houston, TX, while completing his practicum at Texas Children's Hospital Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic. Cody has 3 years of experience as a therapist in inpatient, outpatient, and virtual settings, offering individual, group, and family counseling to teens and adults. He specializes in working with clients with mood disorders, behavioral issues, grief and trauma, substance abuse, and co-occurring disorders. Cody tailors his treatment approach to each individual client, and has experience with various modalities, including mentalization based therapy, logotherapy, and cognitive based therapy. Outside the therapy room, Cody is passionate about cooking, travel, hiking, drawing, music, and theater. He enjoys spending time with his dog, and his family.

Dr. Thy Vo is a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in the treatment of adults, adolescents, and children. Dr. Vo approaches patients as whole human beings with the goal of providing a safe therapeutic space that will help patients understand and address their suffering as well as fostering healthy emotional expression and self-awareness. Dr. Vo is collaborative with treatment needs, which may include medication and/or supportive or insight-oriented psychotherapy in 30 or 45 minute follow-up visits. She received a Master's in Global Health Systems and Development at Tulane University and then received her medical degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine. Afterwards, she completed her adult psychiatry residency and child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship training at Western Psychiatric Hospital of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. During her training, Dr. Vo has treated patients of all ages and diverse backgrounds with particular interest in immigrants and refugees. She works with people dealing with trauma, mood and anxiety disorders, ADHD, relationship conflicts, life transitions, and existential concerns. She has also received additional training in psychodynamic psychotherapy.

Dawn is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. She has over 18 years of experience in the field of mental health including Outpatient, Community Mental Health and Assertive Community Treatment. Dawn works with adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, self-esteem, and PTSD using an eclectic approach to suit your individual needs. Other modalities used are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Positive Psychology. Dawn is easy to talk to and her number one priority is to help provide a safe, open, non-judgmental place to share your personal experiences. She focuses on providing the skills to help manage your symptoms while working in tandem with your psychiatrist to provide the best outcome for you. Dawn received her Master of Social Work degree at Eastern Michigan University and is Certified as a Clinical Trauma Professional. While in Michigan, Dawn worked extensively with the Community Mental Health. Initially, she worked as an advocate working with clients who were diagnosed with a serious and persistent mental illness or with a dual diagnosis. She facilitated psychoeducation groups, provided crisis intervention and case management services. At Henry Ford Allegiance Health, Dawn played an integral role in implementing the integration between physical and mental health. Combining a Psychiatric Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic with a Primary Care Practice utilizing General Medical Education Resident Psychiatrists. Moving on to Florida, Dawn worked at the Marion County Jail assessing suicidal risk of inmates and provided brief supportive therapy. Ultimately, Dawn began her own virtual private practice, continuing her passion of helping others find the skills to begin to live again regardless of their imperfections.

Background and credentials

Dr. Munoz is a board-eligible adult psychiatrist. He earned his medical degree from Rutgers, New Jersey Medical School and completed his psychiatric residency at Mount Sinai Beth Israel. Throughout his training, he gained experience in a variety of clinical settings, including outpatient and inpatient care, as well as psychiatric emergency services.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Munoz provides compassionate psychiatric care through a combination of pharmacotherapy and supportive therapy. He specializes in treating depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and psychotic disorders. He has extensive experience working with LGBTQ+ and Spanish-speaking communities. His treatment philosophy is holistic, viewing patients as whole individuals and addressing their specific needs at different stages of life. He also emphasizes the importance of exercise, relationships, and overall well-being in his approach to mental health care.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive and patient-centered evaluation. Dr. Munoz takes the time to understand each patient’s symptoms, background, and personal goals. He collaborates with patients to develop an individualized treatment plan that may include medication management, supportive therapy, and lifestyle modifications to support their overall well-being.

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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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