Bipolar Disorder Psychiatrists in Connecticut

Dr. Raafay Deen is a board eligible adult psychiatrist. At the heart of Dr. Deen's clinical approach is a strong emphasis on establishing trust and building a therapeutic relationship to help patients achieve their goals. Dr. Deen's practice focuses on medication management. Typically, he offers this in conjunction with supportive or emotionally focused therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. Occasionally, Dr. Deen may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome .Dr. Deen received his medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and went on to complete his residency in psychiatry at Westchester Medical Center. He has practiced in various settings over his career, including inpatient psychiatric units, outpatient clinics, emergency rooms, and inpatient substance abuse rehab/detox programs where he treated patients with a variety of psychiatric illnesses. The philosophy of his practice is to collaborate with patients to meet their specific needs and make an impact in various stages of their lives.‍

Dr. Alexandra Dunn is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who completed her medical training at the University of California Irvine School of Medicine. She then moved to New York to complete her psychiatric residency training at Mount Sinai Beth Israel. During training, Dr. Dunn gained extensive clinical experience in psychiatric inpatient, outpatient, and emergency settings, allowing her the opportunity to treat patients of all ages and backgrounds. In addition, she co-led a mindfulness group at the outpatient clinic, worked with students at Baruch College, and rotated with the Assertive Community Treatment team at MSBI. Ultimately, Dr. Dunn chose outpatient care, focusing on treating patients with mood and anxiety disorders. While her practice primarily emphasizes medication management, she also incorporates supportive and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques in her sessions with patients. If appropriate, Dr. Dunn will refer you for psychotherapy and collaborate with your therapist to support your care. She looks forward to meeting and working with you to help you feel better.

Dr. Buonopane is Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She obtained her medical degree with Laude from the University of Rome, La Sapienza, and completed her residency in Psychiatry from Yale School of Medicine. Dr. Buonopane has extensive experience in psychopharmacology and offers state-of-the-art medication management with compassion and empathy. She practices a holistic approach, combining psychiatric medications with elements of psychotherapy and mindfulness. She offers individualized and comprehensive treatment plans which address the whole person, including lifestyle and social engagement, because the latest research findings show that both play an important role in mental and physical health. Education on mental illness and recommendations on diet and exercise are always discussed with the patients, according to the individuals' needs. Dr. Buonopane spends time listening to patients and makes plans based on clinical evidence without an authoritative approach, taking into consideration the patient's level of comfort and views because, in her experience, the best outcomes are always reached when patients fully understand and agree with the management of their conditions. Dr. Buonopane has been in practice for more than twenty years and has extensive experience in general Adult Psychiatry with a focus on mood disorder and anxiety. She has been leading clinical programs and teaching medical students, residents, and fellows in psychiatry and addiction in various clinical settings, such as private institutions and universities, including Yale School of Medicine. Prior to joining Talkiatry, Dr Buonopane had her own in-person clinical services for over ten years and telehealth services over the past four years, treating patients suffering mainly from depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety. When working in private practice, Dr Buonopane received the Compassionate Doctor Recognition (Vitals) and the Patient's Choice Awards (Vitals), both based on patients' reviews.

Dr. Peckover is a Staff Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in Adult Psychiatry. He has been practicing for three and a half years. Dr. Peckover provides patient-centered care with an emphasis on medication management, psychoeducational, and lifestyle adjustments. He typically provides supportive or integrative therapy along with medication management, but some cases will require the addition of a therapist to the treatment team. Dr. Peckover received a Bachelor's of Medical Science from the University of Western Ontario in Canada and received his Medical Degree from Ross University. He completed his residency at Metropolitan Hospital in Manhattan, where he served as chief resident in his final year. He then worked as a psychiatrist in the outpatient department at Kings County hospital, where he also supervised residents from SUNY Downstate. As an outpatient psychiatrist, Dr. Peckover has an extensive history of treating patients of all ages with a wide variety of psychiatric disorders, with an emphasis on mood and anxiety disorders. He treated patients remotely during the COVID-19 outbreak, helping to manage the increase in stress that came with the pandemic.

Background and credentials

Dr. Nina Jacobs is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry with over 20 years of clinical experience. She earned her medical degree from the University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine and completed her adult, child, and adolescent psychiatry training at NYU School of Medicine. Additionally, she has specialized training in psychodynamic psychotherapy from the New York Psychoanalytic Institute. Before joining Talkiatry, she served as Chief of Adult Behavioral Health at a busy urban community health clinic.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Jacobs believes that understanding and compassion are fundamental to effective psychiatric care. She provides engaged, patient-centered treatment, focusing on reducing symptoms and restoring well-being. Her approach includes comprehensive evaluations, thoughtful medication management, supportive therapy, and the development of stress management skills. She treats youth ages 13-17 and adults with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, and other mental health conditions. For adolescent patients, she includes parental involvement during a portion of appointments to discuss progress and treatment plans.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive evaluation in which Dr. Jacobs takes time to understand their symptoms, history, and goals. She fosters a collaborative and compassionate environment, ensuring that treatment plans are personalized and patient-centered. Her approach may include medication management, therapy recommendations, and stress management techniques to support patients in achieving their mental health and well-being goals.

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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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Dr. Atkins is a staff psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He is board-certified in adult psychiatry and has been in practice for the past 2 years. He has received several awards for teaching and the treatment of chronically ill patients, including Stony Brook University's "William Turner Award" for excellence in education and leadership. Dr. Atkins has focused his practice primarily on medication management. He combines medication management with a therapeutic style that is a blend of supportive therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing. Follow‐up appointments with Dr. Atkins typically last 20‐30 minutes. While Dr. Atkins is trained in a variety of therapeutic techniques, he works collaboratively with therapists and may recommend their inclusion as part of your treatment team, depending on your individualized treatment plan .Dr. Atkins attended the University of Connecticut School of Medicine where he received his medical degree. He completed his psychiatry residency at Stony Brook University Hospital in New York. Post residency, he worked with general adult patients as well as older adults at Manchester Memorial Hospital where he served as both an outpatient psychiatrist and Director of the Geriatric Intensive Outpatient Program. Although Dr. Atkins does not treat child or adolescent patients, he has experience working with people of all ages, from young adults to adults. He has experience treating mood disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, patients in the perinatal period, and patients with co‐co-occurring substance use disorders. He has regularly managed behavioral problems in adults with autism spectrum disorders as well as dementia. He particularly enjoys working with patients dealing with life or role transitions, older adults, and patients with bipolar or other affective disorders.

Dr. Pereira is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who is dedicated to providing compassionate care for a wide range of mental health concerns. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Harvard University and his medical degree from The Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, where he graduated with the Department of Psychiatry's award of distinction. He went on to complete his psychiatric residency training at Northwell Health's Zucker Hillside Hospital, with a specialization in the assessment and treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder and related conditions. Dr. Pereira's clinical approach emphasizes building trust with his patients and working collaboratively to develop an individualized treatment plan. He uses medication management along with cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure and response prevention, psychodynamic psychotherapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, and supportive therapy as needed. His practice treats a wide range of conditions, including depression, anxiety, OCD, family and relationship struggles, and other mental health issues. He has been trained in a wide range of settings including inpatient, outpatient, emergency departments, and behavioral health crisis centers. He also has experience teaching and supervising medical students and psychiatry residents.

Dr. Mendez-Maldonado is double board-certified in general psychiatry and geriatric psychiatry. She received her medical degree from the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine. She then moved to New York to complete her residency training at Mount Sinai Beth Israel where she stayed to complete her fellowship in geriatric psychiatry. After her fellowship, she proceeded to work at Woodhull Hospital where she worked as an attending before becoming unit chief and running their Special Pathogens Unit during the COVID-19 pandemic. She focuses on medication management and offers this in conjunction with supportive therapy, cognitive-behavioral techniques, a focus on nutritional psychiatry, and 30-minute follow-up visits. Dr. Mendez-Maldonado focuses on integrating nutrition, physical activity, and mindfulness techniques alongside pharmacotherapy to achieve a well-rounded approach to mental health.‍

Dr. Anna Ostrovskaya is a board-certified psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience working with adults of all ages. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from NYU, a medical degree from Rush Medical College, and completed her psychiatry training at Yale. Dr. Ostrovskaya has practiced in inpatient, consultation-liaison, and emergency psychiatry settings, though her primary passion is outpatient care, where she builds long-term therapeutic relationships. She has worked in private practice and clinic settings and serves on the faculty at Yale’s Psychiatry Department, teaching and supervising trainees. She treats a wide range of conditions, including anxiety, OCD, ADHD, PTSD, depression, bipolar disorder, and more, with experience across diverse populations.

Dr. Ostrovskaya emphasizes integrating therapy and medication management. She creates a warm, safe, and respectful space where patients feel understood and supported in their journey to recovery. Her approach focuses on treating the whole person, recognizing that everyone’s story is unique and informs the best path forward.

She conducts thorough evaluations and uses evidence-based prescribing while incorporating psychotherapeutic modalities such as CBT, executive skills training, insight-oriented approaches, and motivational interviewing. Understanding a patient’s history, current symptoms, and treatment goals is central to developing an effective plan and building a strong therapeutic relationship.

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Dr. Shahan Syed is a Board-Eligible Psychiatrist who offers personable, compassionate, and empathetic care. Before completing his residency in psychiatry, Dr. Syed graduated from International American University College of Medicine and recently completed his residency at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in Paramus, NJ. He gained experience as a clinical researcher, emergency medical technician, and a registered nurse in both psychiatric and emergency departments prior to his formal training. This diverse background equipped him with valuable tools to deliver empathetic care to a wide range of patients with experience treating anxiety disorder, traumatic disorders, depressive and bipolar disorders, substance use disorders, ADHD, OCD, and psychotic disorders. During his residency, Dr. Syed also took on the role of chief resident, demonstrating a remarkable ability to educate both his patients and colleagues. Throughout his residency, Dr. Syed actively pursued additional training opportunities at various safety net hospitals in New Jersey to care for underserved populations.

Dr. Syed places significant importance on collaborating with patients and all relevant parties to gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors affecting the patient's life before making treatment recommendations. Additionally, Dr. Syed emphasizes the importance of lifestyle, sleep, mindfulness, and nutrition, and their impact on overall mental health. He has experience in utilizing interpersonal and supportive psychotherapy, along with principles of motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral therapy, to foster resilience and meaningful change in partnership with other mental health professionals involved in patient care.

Dr. Syed employs a range of therapeutic methods alongside medication management to ensure a thorough and holistic approach for every patient. His goal is to create a safe environment that encourages healing and wellness, enabling individuals to remain motivated and live their lives to the fullest.

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Dr. Jackie Long is an adult psychiatrist who recently completed her residency at the Institute of Living. During her training, she received extensive training caring for a diverse patient population in a variety of settings including emergency, inpatient, partial hospitalization, and outpatient settings.

Dr. Long blends clinical expertise with a holistic, thoughtful approach individually tailored to each patient’s needs. At the core of Dr. Long’s approach is a belief that healing is most effective when it is collaborative, personalized, and grounded in a strong therapeutic relationship.

Dr. Long provides medication management combined with supportive therapy. She treats a variety of patients with a focus in mood and anxiety disorders and has a clinical interest in cross cultural psychiatry.

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Dr. Brenda Y. Camacho holds the position of Staff Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. She is board-certified in Adult Psychiatry. She has been practicing for over 25 years. While having treated a wide range of adult patients, Dr. Camacho's primary focus is treating adult outpatients with mood or psychotic disorders. Her practice focuses on medication management. Typically, she offers this in conjunction with supportive or insight-oriented therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. On occasion, Dr. Camacho will believe additional therapy is also needed and asks that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome. Dr. Camacho completed her undergraduate studies at Tufts University. She received her medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, PA and then continued with Temple for her residency in adult psychiatry. After completing training, Dr. Camacho worked at Cooper Hospital in Camden, NJ as Associate Director of Consultation/Liaison Service and Psychiatry Residency Training and Co-Director of the Neuropsychiatry Clinic. She then began working exclusively in outpatient settings, joined NewPoint Behavioral Health Care, and served as Medical Director before and after their merge with Acenda Integrated Health.

Dr. Tara Thompson-Felix is a board-certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist. Dr. Thompson-Felix has specialized training in perinatal mental health and believes that improving outcomes during pregnancy and the postpartum period has a long-lasting impact on outcomes for a mother and child. She also specializes in treating a wide array of psychiatric conditions affecting children, adolescents, and young adults. Dr. Thompson-Felix's journey into medicine started in her undergraduate studies at Rutgers University. She earned her medical degree at Rutgers, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and trained in adult psychiatry at Temple University Medical School. She completed her child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Yale School of Medicine. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Thompson-Felix has extensive research experience in using neuroscience to understand the impact of maternal mental health on child development. She has authored several publications, presents her work nationally/internationally, and received numerous awards for her clinical work, research, and passion for teaching. Dr. Thompson-Felix believes that trust, communication, and respect between a patient and their physician is the foundation of effective treatment. Her style is welcoming, nonjudgmental, and collaborative. She evaluates mental health based on biological, psychological, and cultural aspects. She uses evidence-based treatments to manage psychiatric symptoms and promote optimal health.

Dr. Telonis is a board-eligible adult psychiatrist who had been in practice for four years. Her focus is on using a collaborative approach and shared-decision making to help patients achieve their treatment goals. Dr. Telonis typically provides monthly 30-minute follow-ups with a focus on medication management and supportive therapy. In some instances, she may recommend a separate therapist to help facilitate the best care possible. Dr. Telonis earned her bachelor's degree in History of Art from Johns Hopkins University and then completed her master's at King's College London in international development with a focus on climate change. She received her medical degree from St. George's University School of Medicine and completed her psychiatry training at Mount Sinai Morningside and West Hospitals. Dr. Telonis has worked with a diverse patient population while training at Mount Sinai Morningside.‍

Dr. Thomas Simeone is Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in Psychiatry.  Following his completion of medical school at Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara, he completed his Fifth Pathway Clinical Training at New York Medical College.  He then completed his Psychiatry Residency at Tuft's University in Boston, MA, and went on to complete a Child and Adolescent Fellowship Program at the University of Florida in Gainesville FL.  He has since worked in both hospital inpatient and outpatient settings, as well as in Residential Treatment for adolescents. Dr. Simeone has treated a wide spectrum of mental health conditions including Anxiety and Depression Disorders, as well as Mood Disorders and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He has also treated ADHD, OCD and Eating Disorders in adults and adolescents. Dr. Simeone has worked in Telehealth Practice for the past 4 years. He is a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and a member of the American Medical Association (AMA).

Dr. Simeone utilizes medication management and psychotherapy practices to achieve treatment goals for his patients.  During an initial assessment and evaluation, a thorough review of the patient's previous mental health treatment is considered.  Dr. Simeone assesses patients' acute symptoms including recent stressors and exacerbating factors and then establishes a comprehensive treatment plan with the patients' goals in mind.  Psychotherapy with medication is incorporated into the treatment plan of all patients.  Dr. Simeone always aims to achieve full remission of symptoms for his patients.

Dr. Simeone's practice focuses on medication management with facets of various psychotherapeutic techniques.  He conducts 30 medication management follow up sessions. Dr. Simeone is a sincere and empathic physician who advocates for patient autonomy and believes in a direct and transparent approach to patient treatment. He encourages active patient participation in their treatment plans.

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Dr. Saria El Haddad is double boarded in general psychiatry and addiction psychiatry. She previously held a leadership role of medical director for the dual diagnosis partial hospitalization program at the Brigham and Women's Faulkner hospital where she helped create and establish this program, and also worked as an outpatient addiction psychiatrist. She has been involved in teaching and has maintained an academic affiliation with the Harvard Medical School. In addition, she has appeared in numerous professional publications and authored several research papers.  

Dr. El Haddad received her medical degree from the American University of Beirut, Lebanon and completed her psychiatry residency program at the University of Virginia. She completed a fellowship in addiction psychiatry through Boston University after which she started working at the Brigham and Women's hospital. Dr. El Haddad's approach to treatment focuses on adopting a holistic approach through behavioral change, medication management, and brief psychotherapy.