Meet our therapists

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 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 lense 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.

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 largely from psychodynamic therapy, though her treatment is collaborative, flexible and individualized, incorporating mindfulness, cbt and other evidence based modalities when appropriate.

Kristen Soukup, LCSW is a mental health therapist at Talkiatry. Kristen completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Rochester where she studied Psychology and Brain & Cognitive Science. She then went on to pursue her Master’s degree in Social Work at the State University of New York at Buffalo. After completing her Master’s degree, Kristen began working at an outpatient cancer center where she provided care coordination and therapeutic support to patients and their families enduring cancer diagnoses, treatments, and end of life. She then worked to pursue her clinical license in working with adults with significant and persistent mental illness in an outpatient setting.   Kristen functioned not only as a primary therapist, but also the crisis team leader providing supervision to other clinicians and assisted clients both in the clinic and the community.

Kristen believes in looking at the whole person in their environment when working with her patients.  She comes from a nonjudgmental and empathetic standpoint and genuinely wants to put the patient’s goals and values first. Kristen has experience in treating patients with anxiety, depression, OCD, Bipolar disorder, and personality disorders. Kristen is trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and tends to utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques in treatment. She has knowledge and interest in human motivation and performance related issues, and utilizes Motivational Interviewing and mindfulness skills to assist her patients with these concerns. Kristen also has training in treating anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive disorders and uses exposure therapy to assist patients in overcoming these struggles.

‍

Kristen Stack is a licensed professional counselor for the state of NJ and a graduate of Long Island University for Professional School Counseling. Upon earning her license, Kristen’s first working experience in the mental health field was in a counseling and family services program. Kristen gained extensive knowledge in couples counseling and anger management. Many of her clients also presented with anxiety and depression. After a couple of years, Kristen left the practice to pursue her private practice. The office was located in a wellness center where she could offer counseling services to the patrons coming in for wellness treatment.

In 2016 Kristen took leave from her practice to start a family. During that time Kristen remained active in the counseling community. Working in the school setting for many years, she added more tools to her toolbox. Her “clients” included students between 10 and 18 struggling with peer relationships, self-esteem, and establishing a strong identity. Kristen’s use of active listening, unconditional positive regard, and rapport building were key strategies while working with her students.

Kristen uses skills from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and principles and practices from Dialectical Behavior Therapy. While each treatment plan is always designed with the individual in mind, the intervention strategies explored and applied are an eclectic approach using evidence-based treatment.

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.

‍

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-Mater's Certificate in General Psychology from Northcentral University and has completed many doctorate-credits in across 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 center 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.

To assist with these challenges, Rick eclectically, but methodically, employs tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Humanism, and Somatic Psychology. 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.

Brittany Stef is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in New York and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). With extensive experience in education and various clinical settings, she has supported individuals and families of all ages in overcoming diverse mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, self-esteem issues, and significant life changes.

Brittany is passionate about therapy and employs empowerment-driven, holistic approaches. Her techniques include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy.

Dr. TréSina E. Steger (Dr. Tré) is a Licensed Professional Counselor, (LPC) who has practiced several years as a Mental Health Therapist. She received a Bachelor of Science degree from Mount Olive College, in NC, a Master of Science in Psychology and Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University, in MN and a Doctorate in Education Higher Educational Leadership from Liberty University in VA. She has worked in business, outpatient mental health, non-profits, in private practice, and with the military. She is a National Certified Counselor (NCC), a Board Certified Tele-Mental Health Provider (BC-TMH), Certified Dialectical Behavioral Therapist (CDBT), and Certified Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (C-TFCBT). Dr. Tré uses person centered, solution focused, DBT, CPT, CBT Motivational Interviewing, mindfulness, and Psychodynamic and more approaches to assist clients. She strides in aiding clients work on attachment issues, relationship problems, ADHD, self-esteem, self-worth, gender identity, boundary issues, trauma, depression, and anxiety. Dr. Tré has worked with clients from a variety of backgrounds, populations, and identities and takes pride on being a LGBTQIA+ affirming, a gender-affirming, BIOPC therapist who has worked with clients who have experienced various types of traumas. Clients will find she has a conversational tone, direct, non-judgmental approach when addressing their therapeutic goals and provides a safe space for them to do their work.

Leslie Sullivan is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 15 years of counseling experience.  Leslie received her B. A. in Psychology from Boston University and continued her education at Fordham University where she received her M. S. Ed. in Counseling.

Leslie began her career in community mental health services helping the most vulnerable New Yorkers rebuild their lives after a diagnosis of serious mental illnesses.  Leslie’s other focus is private practice where she works with individuals in need of support for depression, anxiety, adjustments disorders, addiction and general life stressors.  Leslie’s focus of treatment is a person-centered approach utilizing Cognitive Behavioral techniques.

Leslie has trained with Dr. Christopher Shea in the "Chronological Assessment of Suicide Events (CASE Approach)".   She is also trained in SafeTalk Suicide Awareness and Commitment To Living: Understanding and Responding to Suicide Risk. Leslie is certified in Integrated Mental Health/Addictions Treatment Training (IMHATT).

Leslie believes that talk therapy in conjunction with medication therapy can have a very successful outcome for those seeking mental health counseling.

Kimberly Taylor is a Licensed Professional Counselor with an eclectic background who serves clients with a heart-centered focus. Kimberly completed her undergraduate degree in Spanish Literature and Teaching at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. Her graduate degree in Counseling is from Wayne State University in Detroit. She was employed for a combined 15 years as a Spanish language teacher and guidance counselor. Kimberly has counseled in a variety of settings, such as schools, substance use facilities, community mental health, refugee camps, private practice, telehealth and urban federally qualified health centers.

Over the last 13 years, she has helped many adolescents and adults who struggle with issues related to trauma, OCD, depression, anxiety, codependency, womanhood, domestic violence, cultural identity, sexuality and post-modern work-life imbalance. Kimberly utilizes a mixture of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), ERP (Exposure Response and Prevention), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS) and holistic practices to create a unique healing experience for the client.

Anne Tormos, LCPC, LPC-MHSP, believes that every person has the ability to live a happy, healthy, engaging life, but at times individuals need an objective observer to help uncover what that life looks like. She treats clients ages 15 and up struggling with a variety of challenges, including mood disorders, anxiety, and life transitions.

Anne is a National Board-Certified Counselor. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the State of Illinois and a Licensed Professional Counselor – MHSP in the State of Tennessee.

Anne earned a BA in Psychology from North Central College and an MS in Clinical Psychology from Benedictine University. Her experience includes working at an inpatient psychiatric hospital and outpatient group practice, which allowed her to utilize different types of care with people from all backgrounds with many different life stressors. She also has experience working within PHP and IOP settings. Anne is trained to utilize many therapeutic techniques, including CBT and DBT.

‍
Anne is prepared to join you on your journey to self-fulfillment. She believes that everyone has their own story to tell, and her approach is client-centered, strength-based, and solution focused. She cherishes all client relationships and devotes her time and energy to the healing process.

Scott Tuckman is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who arrives with a robust set of backgrounds across several fields of interest, with immersion among numerous cultures and diverse ways of life. He has worked in multiple capacities in a variety of settings around the U.S., ranging from correctional to educational to inner-city community-based to corporate. With an eye on what influences the ever-present connections between body and mind and emotional states, Scott works well with those struggling with mood disorders, depression, a range of anxiety disorders, relationship problems, esteem issues, adjustment concerns, emotional dysregulation, and more.

While Scott is psychodynamically-oriented, he blends in attachment theory application, mindfulness, selections from CBT and DBT modalities, or other treatment mechanisms tailored to meet each client's needs and complement any assigned psychopharmacological undertaking. Considering it an honor to join someone on their journey, he takes a direct yet compassionate approach so as to establish a comfortable co-owned therapeutic relationship. Ultimately, he strives to help clients gain a more comprehensive understanding of how they can move themselves forward and collaboratively develop the readiness to step towards it. And, when goals have been met and it's time to finally part ways, Scott hopes each client's tool belt is fortified with newly acquired techniques with which to overcome the inevitable obstacles on the road ahead.

Kelly Vandivert, LPC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over twenty-seven years of diverse experience in the mental health field.   Her career has spanned a variety of settings from residential facilities to outpatient community services, in-home, schools, and private practice.  Her passion for people and love of experience has afforded her the chance to work with people of all ages from a variety of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.  

Kelly has been licensed since 2008, focusing much of her time since then working together with adolescents and adults regarding the treatment of mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety, adjustment-related concerns and life transitions, as well as trauma and abuse.  

Kelly has a client-centered and comprehensive approach to therapy drawing from a variety of treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy .  Her approach emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic relationship for a safe place for to share and engage in self-discovery and personal growth.  She values an evidence-based approach utilizing the last research for effective treatment incorporating her experience with each individual's own values and preferences.

Michelle E. Vásquez has been a Licensed Professional Counselor for over 27 years. She has been specializing in grief work since 2012. Many of her clients are living with the loss of loved ones or experiencing other types of non-death loss, such as divorce, job loss, and other significant life changes.

Her primary goal is to truly listen to your experience and help you work through it, creating a plan of action together. It is your therapy, and your active involvement is crucial. When dealing with grief, you may still be in pain and need to talk about it long after others want you to stop talking. This is when therapy can be helpful. Your grief journey is at your pace.

Michelle uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy, along with other approaches that help you address loss and trauma in unique ways to begin to write your healing story. She has also worked with domestic violence survivors and child abuse survivors. Michelle works with clients both in English and Spanish and has experience with immigrant populations from many countries.

Michelle graduated from Our Lady of the Lake University in 1993. She is currently studying Internal Family Systems Therapy to help her provide you with new ways to address your challenges that bring you to therapy.

Jessica Vassallo is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience in the area of mental health.  She has worked with patients of various demographics including World Trade Center responders, college students, patients with severe and persistent mental illness, dually diagnosed patients, patients who have or have had cancer, and patients with impoverished backgrounds.  She received her Master's Degree at Adelphi University in 2003, became certified that year and received her license in clinical social work in 2008.

Jessica has been practicing in social work for 20 years, focusing on anxiety, depression, and PTSD.  She uses an eclectic approach in therapy with a foundation in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, mindfulness therapy, and supportive psychotherapy.  She develops an individualized treatment plan for all patients to focus on their goals.  She believes that the person is impacted by all the larger systems they are in (family, workplace, community, larger society) and is committed to providing a non-judgmental, warm, and empathetic space to help clients feel understood and comfortable exploring the roots of their issues.

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 need 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.

Diana Veliz, LCSW, obtained her MSW from Fordham University. Diana has over 3 years experience providing client centered therapy. Her practice is sensitive to race and culture, and trauma informed. Diana has experience working with adults, and adolescents experiencing anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. She has worked in outpatient/inpatient clinics and in an educational setting supporting children with social emotional learning.

Diana believes that the best approach is to work collaboratively with the client while also considering that each person's experience is individual to them. The client is an expert in their lives and as a clinician she is there meet the client where they are at and begin the healing journey through non judgment and compassion. Diana uses cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused approach and psycho-education. She also considers the clients place in society and how culture and race can contribute to challenges. Diana takes passion in working with clients to improve self-esteem, recognize schemas, regulate emotions, and develop self awareness.

Ms. Walkiewicz is a Licensed Professional Counselor, and Certified by the NBCC. She also has Certifications in Telehealth EMDR, and as a Certified Clinical Telemental Health Provider. Her postion at Talkiatry is a Psychotherapist that works along the licensed Psychiatrist in the state of Pennsylvania and New York. In her career of over 25 years, her areas of focus are: child/adolescents/adults.Pamela offers modalities in CBT, DBT, Trauma Focused CBT, EMDR, Motivational Interviewing, Problem Solving Therapy, Psychoanalytical Therapies, and Adult ADHD. Also trained in modalities for specialy groups such as LGBTQ+. Family/couples Therapy,and Personality Disorders. Also has experience with DID, and Depersonalization.Pamela received her Undergraduate and Master's degree from Gannon University in Erie, Pa. Her major's are Political Science, and Psychology, Master's in Community Counseling. She began her career at Sarah Reed Children's Center,as a therapist. She did individual therapy, family, crisis, and assessments. From there she moved to Alabama for Administrative work and Private Practice. Now back in Pa. Her work in Pennsylvania and New York focuses on Outpateint Therapy as a Licensed Professional Counselor. Her most recent Certifications are within the work with Telemedicine
for mental health conditions.Her work in Pennsylvania and New York focuses on Outpateint Therapy as a Licensed Professional Counselor. Her most recent Certifications are within the work with Telemedicine
for mental health conditions.

Raquel Weinum is a licensed clinical social worker. Her career in the field has spanned over 20 years and includes work with adults, adolescents, and children from diverse populations and experiences. She has treated a wide range of symptoms and challenges, including but not limited to, depression and other mood disorders, anxiety, chronic stress, trauma, difficulty with relationships, family conflicts, and loss.
‍

Her style is warm and engaging. She considers the role of the therapist to be a collaborative one. As a therapist she aims to create a safe non-judgmental space for self-exploration, discovery, and healing. The goals in the therapeutic process may involve developing new skills to cope with emotional pain, learning to set new boundaries in relationships, or finding more meaning in life. She utilizes a wide range of approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, narrative therapy, relational and psychodynamic approaches, as well as mindfulness and embodiment work in her practice. Regardless of the modality, her work is always trauma informed and strength-based.
‍

Ms. Weinum received her Master’s degree in Social Work from Fordham University and her BS in
psychology from Brooklyn College. She has worked in varied settings including hospitals, community mental health/substance abuse clinics, and home- based crisis intervention services. She has provided individual and group psychotherapy, and has served in supervisory/administrative roles throughout her career.

‍

Kevin K. White is a licensed Mental Health Therapist, who has been working in the counseling field for over 20 years. He has continually worked with individuals and couples from all demographics and ethnic backgrounds, living with a variety of mental health conditions. Kevin attended Medaille University in Buffalo, New York for his undergraduate and graduate studies.

Kevin has been practicing as a Mental Health Therapist, focusing on stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, anger management, trauma, and depression. Treatment with Kevin is tailored to building the therapeutic relationship and is customized to the individual, using person-centered treatment with the purpose of making the patient feel whole. He also focuses on issues related to abuse, intimacy, career difficulties, codependency, divorce and separation, family problems, forgiveness, infidelity, jealousy, life purpose, and men's issues Midlife crisis and self-love.

Kevin employs several therapeutic methods such as: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Mindfulness Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy.

Alysha Wilbanks is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. After completing her Master’s internship with Lutheran Social Services working with families, children, and adults with mental health concerns, Alysha worked with adults with addiction and mental health concerns in an inpatient detox and rehabilitation hospital. She then transitioned to working at Mayo Clinic as an outpatient psychotherapist working with all ages.

Alysha has been providing psychotherapy through telehealth online since the beginning of the pandemic. Alysha specializes in working with teens, people with addiction, and people with a trauma history. Her style is laid-back and approachable when treating individuals who suffer from various diagnoses. She provides supportive psychotherapy and utilizes psychodynamic therapy skills to address patient’s current stressors and identify the root of their concern.

Bracha (Brooke) Winograd is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has comprehensive experience working in the mental health field. Brooke has worked directly with clients of various ages and demographics living with a variety of mental health conditions. Brooke completed her undergraduate degree with The College at Brockport in Upstate New York and her master’s degree in social work through Nazareth University in Rochester, NY. In her work with an outpatient mental health clinic and day treatment programming, Brooke collaborated closely with psychiatric prescribers to meet client’s diagnostic and therapeutic mental health needs.

Brooke has been practicing clinical social work in a variety of settings, focusing on treating depression, anxiety, trauma, and other mental health symptoms that challenge individuals on their journey to wellness. Working with Brooke is collaborative in nature, with the goal being to have the client’s goals and preferences front and center throughout treatment. Brooke is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Person Centered Care, and Motivational Interviewing (MI). Brooke is passionate about her work and empowering her clients to build the skills necessary to reach their goals.

Joel Witherspoon is a licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with over 20 years of clinical experience working in a various mental health settings working directly with clients from diverse backgrounds living with a broad range of mental health conditions. Joel earned his Undergraduate degree at California State University Long Beach, Graduate School at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, and completed his internship in Raleigh, NC. Joel has been practicing for 19 years as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, focusing on mood disorders, trauma, situational adjustment disorders, and any life challenge that interferes a client’s happiness. Working with Joel, treatment is specific to the individual with the focus on modalities that are specific to each person’s challenges. Joel uses an eclectic approach with a foundation in Person Centered Therapy, with a foundation in Cognitive behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, and Trauma Therapy combined with somatic interventions such as Mindfulness.

Cody Zaiontz is an LPC in the state of Texas. He has been providing counseling services to a variety of clients, who have sought help for many different types of mental health conditions, for over 5 years.

Cody completed his undergraduate education in San Marcos, Texas at Texas State University and earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology. He went on to complete his graduate school training in Counseling & Guidance at Texas A&M University San Antonio. His practicum training took place at the UT Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas where he was trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and crisis management.

Upon graduating with his master’s in counseling, Cody worked for 2 years helping individuals diagnosed with a serious mental illness (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, etc.) in an inpatient psychiatric hospital. He then learned how to provide outpatient counseling services, both in-person and through a secure telehealth platform.

In his private practice, he worked with adults dealing with substance abuse, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and family issues. He also helped his clients work towards weight loss goals, learn ways to improve sleep, learn ways to increase their social support system, and learn other skills that will help them live a happier, more fulfilled life. Cody operated his private practice until he joined Talkiatry in the fall of 2024.