Bipolar Disorder Psychiatrists in Florida

Dr. Dennis Valerstain is a board-certified Adult and Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. After completing his undergraduate education at Emory University, he attended medical school at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. He subsequently completed psychiatry residency at University of Miami/Jackson Health System and further sub-specialized at University of Miami/Jackson Health System with a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Dr. Valerstain has had the opportunity of working with a diverse array of patients including children, adolescents, the severely mentally ill, veterans, and cancer patients across three distinct hospital systems. Dr. Valerstain has had varied clinical experiences in specialty inpatient psychiatry units, emergency psychiatry, consultation liaison psychiatry, psycho-oncology, and outpatient clinics via telemedicine and face to face interactions. Dr. Valerstain has experience working with patients of all ages, particularly those with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, Tic disorders, substance use disorders, and more. Dr. Valerstain's practice focuses on medication management and also employs empathic listening, supportive psychotherapy techniques, and a comprehensive and methodological approach to his visits. Given his broad and diverse training experiences, he enjoys problem solving and working collaboratively with patients (and their families) to navigate their complex issues and jointly focusing on simple solutions to work towards improving their mental health.

Dr. Michael Lukowski is an adult psychiatrist who holds board certification with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He has been practicing medicine for over 4 years. Dr. Lukowski focuses on medication management combined with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. He practices whole-person medicine, caring for the wellness of your mind, body, and spirit and helping you enjoy your relationships with those around you. Dr. Lukowski received his medical degree from the University of Nevada School of Medicine in Reno, NV, before moving to southern California to complete his residency at Loma Linda University. After completing training, Dr. Lukowski began working with the Southern California Permanente Medical Group in Riverside, CA, where he treated a variety of psychiatric disorders in an outpatient setting. In March of 2020, as the pandemic changed life and medicine forever, Dr. Lukowski adopted a strictly telepsychiatry role at his clinic. He has also held a staff psychiatrist position as an adult inpatient psychiatrist in Tennessee. Dr. Lukowski treats a wide variety of psychiatric disorders within the adult demographic.

Dr. Komarczyk is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who takes a special interest in developing a therapeutic alliance with each patient by providing an informative, encouraging, and holistic approach to mental health. At the heart of her practice is creating a warm, empathetic, and nonjudgmental space that allows her to work collaboratively with her patients to help them achieve their goals. Her treatment plans include evidence-based medication management, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy.

Dr. Meena Shah is a board-eligible psychiatrist and has been practicing for over 16 years. She specializes in child and adolescent psychiatry. Dr. Shah's practice focuses on medication management in conjunction with supportive and emotionally focused therapy in 30-minute follow up visits. Dr. Shah believes in the importance of building a therapeutic relationship with her patients and families to help achieve their emotional goals. Dr. Shah completed her residency training through Richmond University Medical Center with NY Medical College and completed her fellowship at Brookdale University Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY. Dr. Shah has extensive experience with the child and adolescent population and worked with foster care programs as well as juvenile residential facility programs .Dr. Shah served as Children's Associate Medical Director at Directions for Living Mental Health Clinic and went on to become Medical Director at Sequel Care of Florida. In addition, Dr. Shah also received her Master's degree in Hyperbaric Medicine. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Florida with a major in psychology. Dr. Shah's primary clinical focus has been treating children, and young adults with ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety, and helping them establish coping skills to overcome any life obstacle.

Dr. Williams-Jules is an adult psychiatrist who focuses primarily on medication management in conjunction with supportive therapy. She completed her undergraduate training at Spelman College in Atlanta, GA, followed by her master's in public health degree at New York Medical College. She has completed medical school at American University of Antigua and finished her residency in psychiatry at the University of Texas Southwestern. Dr. Williams-Jules has a passion for treating adults with mental health disorders, especially within the perinatal population. She has a genuine interest in management of trauma, while also treating a vast array of disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder. She has worked with clients of varying cultures and demographics, and has experience with treating patients with medical comorbidities. Dr. Williams-Jules takes a delicate approach to diagnosis and management and believes in holistic care, which incorporates mindfulness and deep breathing techniques to address the mind and body connection. She tailors individualized treatment to address the specific needs of patients. Dr. Williams-Jules is a member of the American Psychiatric Association and the Dallas County Medical Society. She has presented her research at the Annual APA conference and is co-author of many published psychiatric papers.

Dr. Sabrina Ghim is a board-certified physician specializing in adult psychiatry and practices adult psychiatric medication management. She focuses on building a strong therapeutic and collaborative environment with patients. She works with individuals struggling with depression, ADHD, obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety, and social anxiety. Dr. Ghim usually meets with patients monthly for psychiatric follow up appointments. She provides psychiatric medication management in a comprehensive manner, paying careful attention to each patient's unique biological, psychological, and cultural make-up. She is diligent about keeping up-to-date on the research and expanding frontiers of psychiatry and psychopharmacology. She strongly believes in tailoring treatment in an integrative and collaborative manner to provide the best outcome for each unique patient. In some instances, Dr. Ghim may recommend the addition of a separate therapist in order to help facilitate the best care possible. Dr. Ghim experienced various cultures growing up in different countries and environments, shaping her open-minded demeanor and views, and eventually her interest in the human mind and psychiatry. She earned her bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology with honors, and a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the University of Central Florida College of Medicine. She completed her Adult Psychiatric Internship and Residency training in New York City, at the Mount Sinai Morningside and West Hospitals, where she treated a diverse patient population with psychiatric illnesses in emergency, inpatient, and outpatient settings. Dr. Ghim is currently licensed in and seeing patients located in the states of New York, Florida, and Texas for medication management.

Dr. Patel is a distinguished psychiatrist with over 24 years of experience. He completed his psychiatric residency at the University of South Dakota School of Medicine, where he served as chief resident and earned the Outstanding Resident of the Year award. He then pursued a fellowship in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School/Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

He is triple Board certified in Adult Psychiatry, Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, and Sleep Medicine and also holds certification in Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry from the United Council for Neurological Subspecialties. These credentials reflect his expertise in psychiatry, neurology, and the management of complex psychiatric conditions in medically ill patients.

Dr. Patel has worked in diverse settings including inpatient units, psychiatric consult services, outpatient clinics, and nursing homes. He is skilled in neuromodulation treatments such as Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).

In addition to clinical practice, he has served leadership roles of chairman of a psychiatric department, medical director of a behavioral health service line in a regional health system, and founder/CEO of a private psychiatric and TMS clinic. Dedicated to ongoing professional growth, Dr. Patel remains at the forefront of psychiatric advancements in psychiatric care, earning a reputation as a respected leader in the field.

Dr. Patel combines deep knowledge of neurobiology, behavioral health, and the mind-body connection to offer a collaborative, evidence-based, and holistic approach to care. He integrates diet, exercise, yoga, meditation, and lifestyle modifications with psychotherapy and medication management.

His approach emphasizes active listening, curiosity, compassion, and even humor—creating a warm and supportive environment. By encouraging patients to integrate their unique life experiences into their treatment, he fosters ownership, empowerment, and active participation in the healing process.

During your first visit, Dr. Patel will review your symptoms, medical and psychiatric history, past treatments, substance use, psychosocial factors, and family history. He will discuss treatment options—including risks and benefits—and determine if his expertise and the telehealth platform are the right fit for your needs. Your safety is his top priority.

Follow-up visits focus on monitoring progress, adjusting treatments, maintaining stability, and supporting your motivation to achieve your fullest potential.

Dr. Hong Chen is a board certified adult psychiatrist and has been in practice since 2010. Dr. Chen received her doctorate degree in medicine at the University of Florida. She then completed her residency training at the University of Florida, Department of Psychiatry. She is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Dr. Chen has worked mainly in outpatient settings and often tailors individualized treatment to serve the needs of patients with a variety of conditions. She has a lot of experience in treating patients with depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, Bipolar type 2 and ADHD.

Dr. Chen’s practice is based on a holistic approach to mental health care; with special emphasis on self-care, mindfulness practices in addition to medication treatment. Dr. Chen

truly believes that focusing on wellness in conjunction with medication mediated symptom reduction will lead to a better outcome for patients. As a result, patients often enjoy the

supportive therapy, insight-oriented therapy and psychoeducation that is provided to them during their sessions with Dr. Chen.

Dr. Jacqueline Barrett is Board Certified in Adult and Child Psychiatry and Board Eligible in Forensic Psychiatry. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing at Florida International University and her medical degree at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. She completed her residency in Adult Psychiatry at Henry Ford Hospital and went on to complete fellowships in Child and Forensic Psychiatry at the University of Michigan/Center for Forensic Psychiatry. Dr. Barrett has extensive experience working in a variety of healthcare settings, including community mental health centers, inpatient and outpatient programs, and most recently at the Miami Veterans Affairs.

Dr. Barrett believes in a patient-centered approach that combines careful assessment, evidence-based treatment, and individualized care. She works with each patient to create a personalized plan that addresses both immediate needs and long-term goals. By integrating psychiatric expertise with compassion and collaboration, she empowers patients to take an active role in their mental health journey.

During your first visit, you can expect a thorough and compassionate evaluation in a warm, supportive environment where you will feel heard and respected. Dr. Barrett values open communication and works collaboratively with her patients to establish clear treatment goals. Her approach is rooted in trust, empathy, and partnership, ensuring that every patient feels comfortable and supported throughout their care.

Background and credentials  

Dr. Webb is board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and  Neurology. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from the  University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida, and obtained her medical degree  in Osteopathic Medicine from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic  Medicine. Dr. Webb completed her psychiatry residency training at Palm Beach  Consortium for Graduate Medical Education in Tamarac, Florida. After her  training, she served as an attending psychiatrist with the Department of  Veterans Affairs in Miami, Florida, and as an attending psychiatrist and  mentor for psychiatry residents in training at the University of Miami,  Florida International University, and University Hospital and Medical Center  in Tamarac.  

Treatment approach    

Dr. Webb believes in building strong therapeutic relationships with her  patients, integrating conservative psychological treatments and lifestyle  modifications to enhance overall well-being and quality of life. She  primarily provides medication management combined with supportive or  emotionally focused therapy. Dr. Webb emphasizes creating individualized care  plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs. While medication and  supportive therapy are central to her approach, she occasionally recommends  involving an additional therapist to optimize treatment outcomes. Dr. Webb  specializes in managing a broad range of psychiatric conditions, including  depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, postpartum depression, OCD, and  PTSD.  

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What you can expect in a first visit  

Patients meeting Dr. Webb for the first time can expect a thoughtful and  comprehensive assessment focused on building rapport and understanding their  personal and clinical needs. Dr. Webb emphasizes creating a strong  therapeutic relationship, developing an individualized care plan designed  specifically to address each patient's symptoms and lifestyle. Follow-up  appointments typically last around 30 minutes, during which medication  management and supportive therapy are provided. Depending on patient needs,  Dr. Webb might suggest incorporating additional therapeutic support to  achieve the best possible results.    

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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.

Dr. Kethini is a board-certified psychiatrist in General psychiatry. She completed her medical degree at St. George's University School of Medicine in Grenada. After completing her residency at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, she transitioned to an attending psychiatrist at the same place where she completed her residency. During her initial years as an attending, she took care of her own patients and supervised third year residents in the outpatient setting. After a few years, she transitioned to an inpatient setting, where she treated both voluntary and involuntary patients. She also continued to evaluate patients in the emergency room as part of the call group for the last 8 years. ‍Dr. Kethini is passionate about and very experienced in providing a holistic approach along with evidence-based care for patients battling depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, ADHD, and PTSD. She integrates supportive psychotherapy along with medication management and lifestyle changes such as nutrition, exercise, sleep hygiene, and stress management. She is focused on having a collaborative approach to treatment and forming a therapeutic alliance with every single patient under her care.

Dr. Blanca Osorio-Candelaria is a board-certified adult psychiatrist and has been practicing for over 16 years. Her practice focuses on medication management, which she typically combines with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. If Dr. Osorio-Candelaria feels you would benefit from working with a therapist in conjunction with medication management, she welcomes collaboration with your therapist to make for the best outcome. ‍Dr. Osorio-Candelaria is a graduate of the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine in San Juan, PR. She completed her residency at Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii, followed by a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Her years of experience started as a medical officer for the Army, including a deployment to Iraq. Her working experience after her military service includes working as a medical director of a community health center, a medical director of a community hospital, a medical director of an inpatient unit, and working for an Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACT) specializing in the Serious Mentally Ill population.‍Dr. Osorio-Candelaria specializes in psychopharmacology, especially tailoring individualized treatment to serve the needs of patients with a variety of conditions. She has a lot of experience in treating patients with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders, Insomnia, and ADHD. She also has experience in treating patients with medical comorbidities.

Dr. Lindsay Legnon is board-certified in Psychiatry and has 15 years of experience in outpatient clinical psychiatry. Her focus is primarily on medication management, but she does incorporate brief cognitive behavioral therapy and supportive therapy when appropriate. If more extensive psychotherapy is felt to be beneficial, she will recommend a therapist and collaborate with them for optimal care. She completed her medical degree at Louisiana State University in Shreveport and her residency at Tulane University in New Orleans, where she served as Chief Resident. After completing her residency, she worked primarily in outpatient clinics treating a wide range of mental health disorders. She has extensive experience treating major depressive disorder, a variety of anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD, and bipolar disorder, among others. Medication is felt to be an important tool for many in achieving wellness, and she encourages a holistic approach to improve outcomes. Her hope is to provide relief and help people achieve their goals in their journey back to wellness.

Dr. Caitlin Gardiner is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry and psychotherapy. Dr. Caitlin Gardiner's practice is based on the biopsychosocial model and believes that the foundation of healing is in psychotherapy and human connection. She is known for incorporating therapy into her medication management practice. Typically she offers 30-minute follow-up visits for medication management with focused therapy based on individual needs. As a known helper, Dr. Gardiner started her career with a bachelor's degree in social work from Cazenovia College in Cazenovia, NY. After changing career paths, she received her medical degree from SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY. She stayed upstate to complete her general psychiatry residency, where she was chief resident at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Following this, she completed her child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Upstate due to the high quality of training. Dr. Gardiner has completed 3 years of advanced training in Dynamic Deconstructive Psychotherapy as well as specialized training in DBT. Dr. Gardiner is a well-rounded psychiatrist who enjoys treating youth and young adults during transitional phases of life while providing a safe and supportive environment. She believes strongly in reducing polypharmacy and providing high-quality medication management through a therapeutic and developmental lens.

Dr.Gusta Shurdut is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with 8 year experience. She completed her medical training at SUNY Downstate Medical center in Brooklyn, and psychiatric residency at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, NYC. After her residency, she worked as an assistant professor at Mount Sinai Psychiatric Ambulatory Services. Dr.Shurdut graduated magna cum laude from Columbia University with an undergraduate degree in biology. Prior to moving to New York, she obtained a degree in communications and public relations and worked as a journalist at her hometown in Latvia.

Dr.Shurdut believes in individual, empathetic, and collaborative treatment approach. Through her residency and work experiences, Dr.Shurdut has developed expertise to treat various mental health conditions including mood disorders, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, PTSD. While her primary focus is medication management, she also incorporates CBT, psychodynamic and supportive psychotherapy.

Dr.Shurdut’s goal is empowering patients to participate in their healthcare choices. As a psychiatrist, she feels honored to witness the complexity of the human experience, and curious to explore the factors that contribute to it.  On intake appointment, she will take time to understand your concern, provide assessment, discuss treatment options and collaboratively decide on most appropriate action. The follow up appointments are usually 30 minutes and include a psychotherapy modality.

Dr. John "Will” Banks is a board-certified psychiatrist who completed his General Psychiatry residency training at Stony Brook University Hospital in Stony Brook, NY. During his residency training at Stony Brook University Hospital, Dr. Banks was selected by faculty to serve as an administrative chief resident based on his leadership qualities and integrity. He received numerous awards during his residency training including the Excellence in Compassionate Care Award, Academic Achievement Award, and Harold Pass Excellence in Psychotherapy Award. He also served as an Outpatient Senior Resident to help junior residents acclimate to the outpatient treatment setting and telehealth format. Dr. Banks implements an integrative approach to his practice that primarily utilizes medication management and various psychotherapy disciplines such as cognitive-behavioral, supportive, and psychodynamic techniques. While Dr. Banks is trained in a variety of therapeutic fields, he works collaboratively with therapists and may recommend their inclusion as part of your treatment team to provide you with the level of care you deserve. The duration of follow-up appointments with Dr. Banks is typically 20-30 minutes. He received his master's degree from the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth, TX. He then completed medical school at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine Seton Hill in Greensburg, PA where he served as president of his medical school's chapter of Sigma Sigma Phi Honorary Service Fraternity and co-founder of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Campus Club. Upon graduation from medical school, Dr. Banks completed his residency training in General Psychiatry at Stony Brook University Hospital in Stony Brook, NY.