About Dr. Kristin Talka:                     

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​Education:
Ph.D., Counseling Psychology, May 2007
Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology
University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY

Current:
Private Practice                                                  
July 2011-Present
Individual psychotherapy and neuropsychological testing services for individuals ages 18+

Past Clinical Work:
Psychologist ​​​​​​​​                                                                 
CHE Senior Psychological Services      
​July 2009-July 2012
•Provided individual and group psychotherapy services to sub acute rehabilitation and skilled nursing patients addressing issues of bereavement, chronic pain, loss of functioning, changes in cognitive functioning, and health/lifestyle changes.
 
•Consulted with treatment team providers including occupational therapy, physical therapy, nursing, recreational therapy and psychiatry with regard to behavioral interventions and treatment planning.
 
•Provided neuropsychological assessment to assist with diagnosis and treatment planning with individuals presenting with dementia, seizure disorders, traumatic brain injury, stroke, and vascular related sequalae.
 
•Provided cognitive rehabilitation interventions to improve functioning with memory, orientation, attention/concentration, and executive functions
 

Disability Claims Evaluator ​​​​                                
April 2009-June 2009
Department of Health and Human Services, Augusta, ME
•Conducted disability evaluations to determine claimant status for employment capacity.

•Reviewed ADLs, money management skills, cognitive, emotional, and social functioning.


Neuropsychology Resident​​​​                                                         
June 2007-June 2009
WestSide Neurorehabilitation Services, Lewiston, ME
•Conducted comprehensive neuropsychological test batteries with adults and children. Reviewed medical records, conducted intake interviews, scored tests, interpretation, and write up.  Provided feedback and recommendations.
 
•Provided individual and group psychotherapy to address various mental health and psychosocial issues as related to neurological changes post injury.
 
•Engaged clients in cognitive rehabilitation to address issues with attention, memory, concentration, and executive functioning.
 
•Provided substance abuse treatment and education to patients who actively use alcohol, illegal drugs, and tobacco.
 
•Developed and initiated a family/caregiver support group to address issues of brain injury education, coping skills, behavioral interventions, and acceptance.
 
•Assisted with occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physical therapy services as needed. Worked collaboratively with a multi-disciplinary team and provided consultation.


Publications:
Perna, R. B., Loughan. A.R., & Talka, K.M. (2012). Executive functioning and adaptive living skills after acquired brain injury.
Journal of Applied Neuropsychology.
 
Talka, K.M. & Perna, R.B. (2008). Does chronic pain affect neurorehabilitation and vocational status in​ individuals with ABI? In R. McCaffrey (Ed.), The National Academy of Neuropsychology Conference: Vol. 23. Archives of clinical neuropsychology (pp.696). 
St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.
 
Perna, R.B. & Talka, K.M. (2007). Treatment of anger management problems following acquired brain injury. Brainstorm. Brain Injury Association of Maine.
 
Santiago-Rivera, A.L., Talka, K.M., & Tully, A.W. (2006). Environmental racism: A call to the profession for community intervention and social action. In R.L.Toporek, N.A. Fouad, T. Israel, L.H. Gerstein, & G.Roysicar-Sodowsky (Eds.), Handbook for social justice in counseling psychology: Leadership, vision, and action (pp.185-199). Sage Publications.
 
Presentations:
Perna, R.B. & Talka, K.M. (2009, April). Insight: Self-awareness, denial, and anosoagnosia after brain injury. Presentation conducted at the Brain Injury Association of Maine 20th Annual Conference on Brain Injury, Portland, ME.
 
Talka, K.M. & Perna, R.B. (2008, October). Does chronic pain affect neurorehabiltation and vocational status in individuals with ABI? Poster session presented at the National Academy of Neuropsychology Conference, New York, NY.
 
Garcia-Barrera, M, Talka, K.M., & Perna, R.B. (2008, June). Do executive functions predict functional adaptability after brain injury? Poster session presented at the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology Conference, Boston, MA.
 
Perna, R.B. & Talka, K.M. (2007, November). Understanding the differences: TBI and PTSD. Presentation ​conducted at the Journey Home Conference, Brain Injury Association of Maine, Lewiston, ME.
 
Professional Associations:
• New York State Psychological Association
• Hudson Valley Psychological Association
        Council Representative: March 2011-December 2013
• National Academy of Neuropsychology