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  About me:
  Hello! My name is Dr. Kristin Talka and I am a NYS licensed psychologist who has been      providing psychological services for about 20 years. I have worked in a number of                settings (hospitals, outpatient centers, subacute treatment centers) with a diversity of      populations (children, adults, couples, LGBTQ). These opportunities provided a wealth      of learning experiences, over time coming to understand different human conditions        and how to fully help individuals benefit from the psychotherapy process. 
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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 Work:
Private Practice, Mid-Hudson Psychological Services, PLLC, Kingston, NY
July 2011-Present

Past Clinical Work History:     
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.
  • Conducted 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 psychological 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.
  
Professional Associations:
• New York State Psychological Association
• Hudson Valley Psychological Association
        Council Representative: March 2011-December 2013