Our therapists are people just like you! They have unique stories, interests, and areas of expertise. This is the place for a behind-the-scenes look at their lives and work.
Get to Know Our Therapists
Part of what makes Talkspace so special is our expansive network of thousands of talented licensed therapists from across all 50 U.S. states. They have an average of 9 years of experience — and combined, they’re trained in over 40 specialties! While it might be hard to visualize who’s the other end of those deep conversations, we’re here to change that.
The therapists in our network come from diverse backgrounds and each have their own lived experiences that we’re excited to highlight. You’ll get to know some of them here and learn about their interests, specialties, and areas of expertise. Meet a few of our therapists for a peek “Behind The Screens.”
Get to know Dr. Amy Cirbus
Dr. Amy Cirbus is a counseling psychologist and mental health consultant, as well as a member of our Talkspace Council of Experts. With over two decades of experience, she is passionate about modernizing mental healthcare and elevating the national conversation to ensure that everyone is able to prioritize their mental health. Her clinical work and advocacy prioritizes the fundamental value of relationships, as “it is our relationship with both ourselves and with others that serves as the foundation from which our mental and emotional well-being is built.” Dr. Cirbus is an expert contributor to national publications and podcasts, most notably the New York Times, Forbes, Business Insider, Glamour, and Ellevate. When she’s not working, she enjoys taking care of her own mental health by hiking the Appalachian trail with her husband and two children in the beautiful Hudson Valley.
- Why did you become a therapist?
Like most therapists, I had the desire to help people. I spent years working as a camp counseling and camp director and wanted to make a career out of with working with teens and families — helping them through problems and challenges.
I have remained a therapist over the past 22 years because I’ve seen the power of therapy, the empowerment that brings light to our thoughts and feelings, helping people motivate when they get stuck, to navigate symptoms of mental illness, and to be the best versions of ourselves they possibly can. - What motivates you to work as a therapist everyday?
People! It’s an honor to bear witness to people’s stories. - What changes do you wish to make/see in the mental health industry?
I would like for there to be greater awareness that the daily practice of caring for our mental health can make a difference in ourselves, in our communities, and across the globe. I dream that it be understood nationally that the integration of good mental healthcare is vital to the well-being of the country, that respect for taking time off work to care for our mental health is treated the same as is our physical health. That all of these things continue not only to be acknowledged but encouraged. - How do you define mental health care?
I think of it as an understanding that we are responsible for our mental well-being in the same way that we’re responsible for our physical well-being.
There’s a connection between how we care for ourselves and the basics of what we need to function optimally: exercise, water, sleep, good food.
It’s the same for our mental healthcare — we need times of silence, reflection, minimal toxicity, awareness of what thoughts are in our minds, awareness of our feelings, and awareness that we need to be observant and attend to all of these things. - What is your biggest motivator to practice in this field?
Continuing to see people thrive and feel better about themselves motivates me every single day. - What do hope your patients get out of therapy with you?
A sense that their innermost thoughts and feelings hold value, they are respected, and that they feel understood. - What have you seen as the benefits of online therapy for users?
The daily contact. The integration of mental health into everyday life. It underscores the fact that our mental well-being must be addressed on a daily basis.
Get to know Dr. Karmen Smith, LCSW DD
Dr. Karmen Smith is a licensed clinical social worker in Nevada. Her bachelor’s degree is in mental health research with an emphasis on learning and processing information. She minored in human biology and her research study focused on how we learn about people. In 1992 her internship was conducted at Cornell University in New York where she created a study to research implicit bias in the TV show COPS. The National Institute of Health encouraged minority access to research careers and she benefited from that initiative. Her Master’s degree is from The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, with an emphasis in clinical social work in the child welfare system. Karmen worked for over 22 years with child protective services in Las Vegas assessing trauma in parents and children. She developed a family dynamics model which uses an energetic way to assess the consequences and recovery from traumatic experiences called the “I AM” SOLUTION. This model was published in the book The “I AM” Solution-Simple Practices to Transform Fear back to LOVE which is available on Amazon. Her doctorate is in pastoral counseling from the University of Metaphysics in Sedona, Arizona. Karmen has been a Talkspace therapist since 2017.
- Why did you become a therapist?
I initially became a therapist because I was the person in my family that could see all the things that were being done wrong or that could be done better. I wanted to change my dysfunctional family. I felt that if I had a degree or some type of credential behind my name I would have the authority to heal whatever was going on in my family. It wasn’t until I had graduated and spent time in the workforce that I began to heal myself. Therefore I came to the understanding that healing begins with the self. My life changed and I no longer saw people as broken, I now see them as whole. My job is to assist them in remembering who they are. I am an encourager, teacher, healer of myself, first, and then I share this as a therapist. “Healer heal thyself” became a montra for me. It changed my whole identity as a therapist. How can I see that a person needs to let go of anger and forgive, if I have not done this myself? - What motivates you to work as a therapist everyday?
During these times I see people struggling, trying to handle the fear that is in the world. I see them consuming it, internalizing it, and expressing this fear in their daily lives. Fear is a relationship destroyer, self esteem annihilator, and a divisive energy. When I see it showing up in social media, politics, and in interpersonal relationships I am motivated to offer the alternative, which is love, compassion, unity, and hope. - What changes do you wish to make/see in the mental health industry?
I would love to see messages in school and in the media of love and unity. The message that everyone has a seat at the table. I would like to see people embrace LGBTQ people and welcome them to the table. I would love for people to have compassion, enjoy what Black men and women have to offer, and embrace their wisdom and talents. I would love for children to feel that their sensitivities and empathic gifts are needed. I would love to see all kinds of different people bringing their unique talents to the table. being encouraged to do so — this would create a world where the mental health industry as we know it would change. Jiddu Krishnamurti said: “It is no measure of health to be well-adjusted to a profoundly sick society.” We need to create a society that is accepting and loving in order to see really well-adjusted people. - How do you define mental health care?
Self-care. Having practices that help you create a world that is healing and helpful for everyone, begins with its practices of self-care. Mindfulness is being aware of what you are focusing on. Meditation is listening to that still voice that is not traumatized or hurting, but rather, is peaceful. Learning to love being with the self starts with self care practices. - What do hope your patients get out of therapy with you?
I want them to find that self within them that is wise, encouraging, and powerful. - What are the benefits of working on Talkspace?
I retired from my government job in 2017 and have been teaching workshops and conferences all over the world on the “I AM” solution. The “I AM” solution is an energetic model that can help people intentionally tune into joy and love regardless of the circumstances around them. Talkspace allows me to continue teaching, protesting, and activating my unique gifts and talents from an online platform.
Get to know Dr. Rachel O’Neill, LPCC-S
Dr. Rachel O’Neill is a licensed professional clinical counselor and mental health consultant. Rachel has over 17 years of experience in the mental health profession and she has served in numerous professional capacities (therapist, educator, researcher). Dr. O’Neill is passionate about advocacy for mental health and decreasing the stigma that is often associated with mental health conditions. Her clinical work, research, and advocacy has focused on working with individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community through the use of affirmative counseling approaches. Dr. O’Neill is an expert contributor to national publications and podcasts, most notably The New York Times, Cosmopolitan, British Vogue, Teen Vogue, Glamour, and HBO. In her free time, she enjoys yoga, golf, cycling, reading, and spending time with her husband and son.
Get to know Beth Derickson MSW, LCSW
Elizabeth (Beth) Derickson graduated from the University of Missouri- Columbia with a master’s in social work in 2009. She is a licensed clinical social worker and registered play therapist supervisor. She has a private practice in Missouri and has been a therapist on Talkspace since May 2016. Before opening my practice, I worked in child welfare for 11 years.
- Why did you become a therapist?
I worked in child welfare for many years and saw many families struggling with issues that stemmed from mental health. I wanted to make a difference using a wholistic approach. - What motivates you to work as a therapist everyday?
I love my job! It is such an honor to be able to walk alongside someone during their mental health journey. My hope is that people learn more about themselves and are able to find their own strengths during that process. I don’t know any other job where you get the privilege of being able to connect with people in that way. - What changes do you wish to make/see in the mental health industry?
I want people to have the three A’s: accessibility, affordability, and appropriateness of mental health services. As a profession, we have to listen to our clients and be willing to meet them where they are and listen to what they believe is successful in their treatment. - How do you define mental health care?
Historically we have looked at mental health care through a lens of “disease.” I would love for our society to change in ways that let us view mental health care as preventative in nature and into a place where we learn communication, appropriate ways to handle our emotions, and improve our relationships. - What is your biggest motivator to practice in this field?
The biggest motivator to practice for me in the ability to connect with people, all of their stories, their past experiences and their present situations, and to help to improve their futures. - What do hope your patients get out of therapy with you?
I hope clients leave therapy with an increase of self-esteem and resilience and I hope we have some fun doing it. - What have you seen as the benefits of online therapy for users?
One of the things I really love about working online therapy is clients are able to message me during emotional distress in a HIPAA-compliant format. How many times do you get to message your therapist about your toxic coworker while it is actually happening? It gives the ability to document the actual thinking patterns while they are occurring and then share with your therapist without filtering. - What are the benefits of working on Talkspace?
I love being able to work anywhere! I was able to continue to work and earn an income when I was volunteering in Haiti for weeks at a time. In my time at Talkspace, there have been times I wasn’t able to see patients face to face and have been to earn an income without being in my office. I also love the support from the Peer Consultant Team when I have a difficult clinical case that I need to staff. There are so many resources with the Talkspace Bookshelf and the Talkspace Blog that I use and I really enjoy increasing my clinical knowledge.
Get to know Elizabeth Hinkle, LMFT
Elizabeth Hinkle has been in helping professions for her entire career, spanning close to 30 years, since an undergraduate internship at Walter Reed Army Medical Center on the psychiatric unit kicked off a passion for mental health. Elizabeth is an advocate for children, adolescents, and young adults, particularly vulnerable youth including those with mental health concerns, disabilities, and the LGBTQ+ population. Her clinical work has maintained a focus on family systems, relationships, parenting, and behaviors in children and teens. In addition to spending time with young people, Elizabeth very much enjoys animals, nature, and music.
- Why did you become a therapist?
At the risk of sounding cliche, I have always liked helping people. For much of my childhood and into young adulthood, I was planning on becoming a teacher. I love learning and teaching. And I find I’m able to still do these things in the context of being a therapist, so it’s the best of all worlds. I believe I was meant to be in this profession as it’s a great fit for me. - What motivates you to work as a therapist everyday?
I am motivated by the relationships with my clients: having interactions with them, holding interesting discussions, learning about their lives, giving them support and encouragement, and teaching them skills and strategies to make life better for them. - What changes do you wish to make/see in the mental health industry?
I would love to see an ongoing openness to treating mental health just as we do physical health: without stigma or shame. We all go through difficult times and need support! - How do you define mental health care?
The provision of services to address emotional and mental well-being to assist individuals with being healthier and effectively overcoming challenges in their lives. - What do hope your patients get out of therapy with you?
I hope they have a better understanding of and more compassion for themselves, skills and strategies for being at their best, communication and relationship skills to improve their lives, knowledge they are not alone and their feelings and experiences are valid. - What have you seen as the benefits of online therapy for users?
Clients can enjoy the convenience and privacy of messaging and talking to their therapist when they’re able to, on their own time. For those who have busy schedules or travel a lot, this is great because they can message from anywhere, any time. Clients also appreciate not having to manage their own anxiety about getting to face-to-face appointments, especially if they’re experiencing social or other types of anxiety. - What are the benefits of working on Talkspace?
The therapists also have the convenience of setting their own schedules and being in touch with clients when it works for them. It’s helpful to have pauses in the conversation and have time to reflect on what is most important to emphasize for feedback and skills. The providers are able to set the pace of therapy and slow things down when needed.
Get to know Steve Bisson, LMHC
Born and raised in Montreal, Steve Bisson moved to Massachusetts in 1999 to pursue his dream of working in the mental health field. He has been a therapist since 2003 and has owned his private practice for 6 years. Trained in cognitive behavioral therapy, Steve has worked in diverse fields, including the criminal justice, crisis teams, as well as a training first responders and correctional staff on mental health and substance abuse. EMDR trained, he has processed trauma and bereavement issues throughout his career. He has been part of Talkspace for over 5 years in several roles. He lives with his two girls and his two cats and enjoys being outdoor and spending time with friends and family when he can. He has recently completed writing his first book.
- Why did you become a therapist?
I believe that it all started when I was 16, when my mom handed me the book Feeling Good: the New Mood Therapy. Reading this book made me understand the several losses I had experienced in my life, especially my best friend at age 12. It also confronted my distorted thoughts and how I could address them. I also felt that helping others was a great thing to do. - What motivates you to work as a therapist everyday?
The professionals relationships you develop with clients. I learn from them as much as they report learning from me. My curiosity really helps and “being real” has been validated and supported by colleagues. - What changes do you wish to make/see in the mental health industry?
Access to treatment for all that need it. Access to treatment is so limited, it makes it even harder for those who see mental health in a stigmatized way. One day, my hope is that everyone sees that mental health and therapy is as important as a physical health and exercise. - How do you define mental health care?
It is not only going to therapy but a general sense of feeling better about self, feeling whole. This does not mean feeling great everyday but having a perspective that you can have bad days and that is OK. Knowing that you can feel better by doing things for yourself or even reaching out for treatment, including psychopharmacology, when needed. Mental health is as important as physical health; they are complementary. - What is your biggest motivator to practice in this field?
After over 20 years in this field, I am still motivated to listen and help others with tools for them to better themselves. Knowing that your impact is not always immediate, and understanding the long-term effects of increasing clients’ ability to improve themselves, also helps on hard days. Working with first responders, a group that has struggled with mental health stigma for so long, also gets me out of bed. The trust you receive when people share their stories is an honor. - What do hope your patients get out of therapy with you?
That life is not lived in the extremes. In other words, it is not just always feeling good or bad, being always right or wrong, or knowing all the answers or none of them, but that middle feeling, not yet being great and working on yourself, and still being comfortable without being in extremes. You can control that. - What have you seen as the benefits of online therapy for users?
People have told me via text or voice messages many trauma stories that they feel they would not have been able to on a face to face basis. Being able to meet those who struggle with addiction and recovery in the exact moments of their struggles. Therapy for those who don’t find the time due to busy schedules. Clients who have limited access to mental health in their community can use Talkspace anywhere. - What are the benefits of working on Talkspace?
Flexibility of schedule is awesome. I also like to be in contact daily with my clients who may be going through a rough patch. The flexibility of delivering services via text, voice messages, or live sessions is phenomenal.