Bipolar Disorder Psychiatrists in Florida

Dr. Ahmed Valdes is a board certified adult psychiatrist and burgeoning Geriatric Psychiatrist. After completing his undergraduate education at Florida State University, he attended medical school at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine where he graduated with a combined M.D./M.S. in Genomic Medicine. He subsequently completed psychiatry residency at Jackson Health System/University of Miami and further subspecialized with a fellowship in Geriatric Psychiatry. Dr. Valdes has had the opportunity of working with a diverse array of patients including veterans, inmates, the severely mentally ill, geriatric, and cancer patients across three distinct hospital systems. Dr. Valdes has had varied clinical experiences in specialty inpatient psychiatry units (detox, geriatric, mood disorder), emergency psychiatry, consultation liaison psychiatry, psycho-oncology, and outpatient specialty clinics (HIV, dementia, integrative and collaborative care) via telemedicine and face to face interactions .Dr. Valdes has experience working with adults of all ages, particularly those with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, substance use disorders, PTSD, and more. Dr. Valdes 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 to navigate their complex issues and jointly focusing on simple solutions to work towards improving their mental health.

Background and credentials

Dr. Shama Milon is a triple-board eligible physician in Pediatrics, Psychiatry, and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She earned her undergraduate degree from Duke University and her medical degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. She completed her combined training in Pediatrics, Psychiatry, and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, where she served as chief resident during her final year of training.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Milon specializes in treating mood disorders, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, and patients with co-occurring psychiatric and medical conditions. She is dedicated to outpatient care, focusing on long-term relationships with her patients. Her treatment approach is comprehensive, integrating medication management with psychotherapy, including psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), play therapy, dyadic therapy, and family therapy. She emphasizes creating an empathetic, judgment-free space where patients and families feel supported and understood. If she believes additional therapy is necessary, she may recommend adding a therapist to the care team.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, where Dr. Milon carefully assesses physical, emotional, and psychological needs. She takes a holistic and patient-centered approach, ensuring that treatment plans are tailored to each individual’s unique circumstances. She prioritizes open communication and collaboration with both patients and families to create a structured, effective treatment plan that may include medication management and therapy interventions.

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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. Debrey is board-certified in adult psychiatry. Her approach is client-centered, individualized, and collaborative. She focuses on building a strong therapeutic alliance with each client to work towards achieving enhanced functioning and meaning in their lives. She works with individuals experiencing a wide range of mental health concerns, including depression and other mood concerns, bipolar spectrum illnesses, OCD, PTSD, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders. Though she specializes in medication management, she believes in an integrative and comprehensive treatment program that incorporates multiple aspects of an individual's health and wellness. Along with discussing physical health concerns, diet, exercise, personal connection, and stress management, she incorporates various therapeutic modalities, including CBT, DBT, ACT, and mindfulness, into her work. In some instances, Dr. Debrey may recommend more intensive psychotherapy with a collaborating therapist in order to help facilitate the best care possible. Dr. Debrey received her medical degree from Rush Medical College. She also holds a graduate degree in epidemiology from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Following medical school, she completed her residency in psychiatry at Emory University School of Medicine. During her final year of residency, she served as chief resident at Grady Memorial Hospital. Prior to joining Talkiatry, Dr. Debrey was an assistant professor at Emory University Department of Psychiatry, where she worked as an attending psychiatrist at Grady Behavioral Health. While at Grady, Dr. Debrey worked primarily as a community psychiatrist with a focus on working with individuals experiencing psychosis. She also frequently worked on the inpatient psychiatry service at Grady. As an Emory faculty member, teaching and mentorship were an especially meaningful part of her work.‍

Background and credentials

Dr. John Whittier is a board-certified psychiatrist. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology from the University of Colorado at Boulder and went on to obtain a master’s degree in Medical Science from Loyola University Chicago. He completed his medical training at the Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at The University of Vermont and returned to Colorado for his psychiatry residency at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. While in residency, he specialized in the Psychotherapy Scholars Program and has since gained four years of experience treating psychiatric conditions through telehealth.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Whittier primarily focuses on medication management for general psychiatric conditions. His approach is individualized, ensuring that each patient receives a treatment plan tailored to their unique needs. He integrates supportive therapy, medications, and evidence-based alternative therapies to provide a flexible and comprehensive approach. In addition to his general practice, he maintains a psychodynamic psychotherapy panel where he helps patients explore developmental and relational patterns that contribute to their symptoms. His specialties include treating depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, PTSD, insomnia, bipolar disorder, and ADHD.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a one-hour comprehensive intake during which Dr. Whittier thoroughly evaluates their symptoms, medical history, and personal goals. He provides treatment options that prioritize flexibility, allowing patients to take an active role in their care. Follow-up visits typically last 20 to 30 minutes, focusing on assessing treatment progress and making necessary adjustments. For those engaged in psychodynamic psychotherapy, longer one-hour sessions are available for in-depth exploration of underlying psychological patterns.

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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. Saisha Jackson is a board-certified psychiatrist in Adult Psychiatry. She completed her undergraduate training at Hampton University followed by medical school at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. She has completed a Residency in Psychiatry at Howard University.

She has a genuine interest in treating a vast array of psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders and obsessive compulsive and related disorders. She specializes in psychopharmacology. Her practice focuses on medication management, and typically offers this in conjunction with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits.

Dr. De Jesus is a bilingual psychiatrist, fluent in English and Spanish. She is a double board-certified psychiatrist in Adult Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Dr. De Jesus provides medication management services in combination with supportive therapy during 30-minute follow-up visits. Dr. De Jesus received her medical degree from the Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. She completed her Adult Psychiatry residency at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, FL. Subsequently, Dr. De Jesus pursued her fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Pennsylvania and was a Chief Resident during her last year of training. Dr. De Jesus has been providing psychiatric services in the community mental health setting for 8 years. Her clinical focus has been in treating children, adolescents, and young adults with depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and ADHD. Dr. De Jesus believes in the importance of establishing an individualized treatment approach to meet each individual's need while providing comprehensive care to her patients.

Dr. Stephen Hawk is a board-certified psychiatrist with 25 years of experience. He earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences and completed his psychiatry residency at the University of South Florida, Tampa. He has served in private practice and held leadership roles at the Veterans Administration, including Chief of Mental Health at Bay Pines VA. He led the launch of the VA Suicide Prevention 2.0 Telehealth Program and has training in AI in medicine.

Dr. Hawk combines talking therapies, neuromodulation, and modern psychopharmacology in a collaborative and empathic style. He focuses on family dynamics and integrates psychodynamic and biopsychosocial approaches, using creativity and open dialogue to tailor care.

He begins with open-ended conversations to help patients tell their story, then develops treatment plans together aligned with diagnostic standards. His approach includes medication review, mindfulness, CBT, supportive and psychodynamic therapy, and lifestyle education to support holistic wellness.

Background and credentials

Dr. Gerald Matthews is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. He earned his medical degree from the University of Louisville School of Medicine in Louisville, KY. Following medical school, he entered active duty service in the U.S. Army, where he completed his psychiatry residency at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, HI. After completing his training, he practiced as a staff psychiatrist at Fort Hood, TX, fulfilling his service obligation.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Matthews specializes in medication management, working primarily with adult patients in an outpatient setting. While his primary focus is pharmacological treatment, he frequently collaborates with therapists to provide comprehensive care when indicated. He has extensive experience treating civilians, active-duty military personnel, and veterans, addressing conditions such as mood and anxiety disorders, psychosis, and trauma-related disorders.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a thorough psychiatric evaluation where Dr. Matthews takes time to understand their history, symptoms, and treatment goals. He provides a structured yet compassionate approach to care, discussing medication options and potential therapeutic interventions. For patients who may benefit from additional therapy, he collaborates with therapists to ensure a well-rounded treatment plan tailored to each individual's needs.

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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. Osaji is an Adult Psychiatrist who completed her psychiatry training at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas. She served her program as a chief resident, which helped to build her leadership and interpersonal skills. She also dedicated herself to leading her resident team and fostering a supportive learning environment. She received the award of excellence in psychiatry knowledge during her residency training. She also has a Master's in Public Health from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and is a Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society member.

Dr. Osaji is an adult outpatient psychiatrist who provides care via telehealth. She strives to create a supportive, collaborative space where patients can explore what's bringing them in and work together to determine the best path forward. Whether someone is new to mental health care or returning after some time away, Dr. Osaji recognizes that it's normal to feel a mix of emotions at the start. She takes a thoughtful, personalized approach to treatment that may include medication, therapy recommendations, or simply creating space to talk. While telehealth offers flexibility and convenience, Dr. Osaji is committed to building a meaningful connection with each patient. She does not provide emergency services between sessions but ensures patients can access the appropriate resources when needed. As someone early in her career, Dr. Osaji brings fresh training and a strong commitment to transparency, lifelong learning, and evidence-informed care. She values open communication and believes deeply in each person's capacity for meaningful change.

Dr. Osaji creates a supportive, collaborative space to help patients explore their mental health concerns and goals. She takes a personalized approach that may include medication, therapy referrals, or check-ins, always valuing patient input. Follow-up visits are 20 to 30 minutes, focusing on monitoring progress and adjusting care as needed. She offers convenient access through telehealth while building meaningful, transparent relationships rooted in respect and growth. Dr. Osaji also values collaborative care and often coordinates with therapists or refers patients to therapy when additional support can enhance outcomes.

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Background and credentials

Dr. James is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with 32 years of clinical experience. She earned her medical degree from Tufts University, Boston’s affiliated program and completed her residency training at Steward St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Boston, where she initiated the residency program and received the Resident Teaching Award for excellence in teaching. Throughout her career, she has served in various leadership roles, including as Chief of Psychiatry at Pro Medica Healthcare Company.

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Treatment approach

Dr. James specializes in community adult psychiatry and is deeply invested in providing comprehensive care for individuals and families. She has extensive experience working in outpatient, inpatient, consult-liaison, and emergency room settings, allowing her to tailor treatment to diverse patient needs. Her approach prioritizes holistic, patient-centered care, ensuring that each treatment plan aligns with a patient’s specific challenges and goals.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a thorough psychiatric evaluation where Dr. James carefully reviews their symptoms, medical history, and treatment objectives. She fosters a compassionate and collaborative environment, ensuring that patients feel supported in their journey toward better mental health. Her extensive experience allows her to provide personalized treatment strategies, which may include medication management and therapeutic interventions tailored to each individual’s needs.

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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. Kotadia is a board-certified psychiatrist who completed his psychiatry residency training program at Nassau University Medical Center in Long Island, NY. After completing training, he has been practicing outpatient psychiatry and specializes in the evaluation and management of major psychiatric disorders, including depression, and anxiety. He uniquely combines his education, training, and practical experiences into specialized treatment plans. Typically, he offers this in conjunction with supportive or emotionally focused therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. However, occasionally Dr. Kotadia may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome. A story that Dr. Kotadia came across years back still inspires him each day. A man was taking a morning walk at the beach. He saw that along with the morning tide, came hundreds of starfish. When the tide receded, the starfish were left behind and would die in the morning sun. While the tide was fresh, and the starfish were alive, the man took a few steps, picked one up and threw it into the water and continued throwing starfish back into the ocean. Behind him was a stranger who couldn't understand what this man was doing. He caught up with him and asked, "What are you doing? There are hundreds of starfish. How many can you help? What difference does it make?” The man did not reply, rather he took two more steps, picked up another one, threw it into the water, and said, "It makes a difference to this one.”With this story as his motivation and ultimate objective, it has always been Dr. Kotadia's goal, with each patient, to provide superior services.

Dr. Rodriguez is a board eligible adult psychiatrist, who is also fluent in Spanish. He completed residency at North Florida Regional in Gainesville via the University of Central Florida, where he also served as chief resident for education. He received his medical degree from Lincoln Memorial University � DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine in Tennessee. He also holds a master's and bachelor's degree in engineering from the University of South Florida, in Tampa. Dr. Rodriguez has worked with a wide array of patients across various medical settings and has experience treating patients with psychiatric illness who may also be suffering from medical comorbidities, such as obesity, hypertension, pain, and diabetes. He has been deeply involved with teaching and emphasizes psychoeducation while working in collaboration with his patients to help tailor their personalized treatment plan. His primary focus has been on treating adults with depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, and PTSD. Dr. Rodriguez has an approachable, patient-centered style, combined with a passion for optimizing sleep as it pertains to management of a psychiatric illness and overall well-being. He offers supportive therapy as part of his medication management visits, and at times may also offer cognitive behavioral therapy to address underlying stressors which may be contributing to one's presenting ailments. He may also recommend including a therapist in your care team to optimize outcomes.

Tulsie Patel is a board certified psychiatrist who treats adults. She graduated Cum Laude from Drexel University and attended medical school at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. She completed her psychiatry residency at the University of Texas Southwestern (UTSW) and was elected to serve as Chief Resident during her final year of training. She has worked as an outpatient psychiatrist in California and Florida and has experience in medication management, individual and group therapy, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). She is dedicated to constantly learning and has previously published numerous articles and book chapters on various topics in the fields of psychiatry, dermatology, and psychodermatology. She is also very passionate about education and medical journalism. During her residency training, she worked at ABC News in New York City as a member of their medical unit. She provided consultation on medical stories for programs including Good Morning America and World News with David Muir. She has published a number of articles on the websites for ABC News and Good Morning America. She also has experience presenting as an on-air expert for ABC News and for mental health podcasts. She is committed to continuously evolving as a provider in order to provide the best care for her patients. Her focus is always to provide patient-centered care by prioritizing open communication and collaboration with her patients. She has experience providing care for a variety of psychiatric illnesses. The conditions she treats include but are not limited to depression, anxiety, panic disorder, OCD, PTSD, and ADHD.

Dr. Duy Tran is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. He received his medical doctorate degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and completed his residency training in general psychiatry at the University of Michigan. Dr. Tran aims to provide mental health care that helps patients live more fulfilling lives. In his training, Dr. Tran gained extensive experience treating psychiatric disorders in diverse populations, including college students, LGBTQ+ individuals, perinatal women, veterans, and those with socioeconomic disadvantages. He has worked with experts on cases of treatment-resistant depression and provided consultations for patients considering procedural interventions, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and ketamine infusion therapy. Although Dr. Tran's practice primarily focuses on medication management, he uses a holistic approach in developing individualized treatment plans. He typically incorporates elements of various psychotherapy modalities, including supportive, cognitive behavioral (CBT), dialectical behavioral (DBT), and insight-oriented therapy, in 30- or 45-minute follow-up visits. Occasionally, Dr. Tran may believe that more intensive therapy is needed and recommend that you bring a dedicated therapist into your care team for an optimal outcome.

Dr. Patricia Michel-Garrison is a board-certified psychiatrist by the American Osteopathic Board of Neurology and Psychiatry (AOBNP) with over a decade of experience in inpatient psychiatry. She completed her undergraduate training in Chemistry in Florida, having moved there from Chicago in 2000, followed by medical school at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM). She completed her residency in Psychiatry in Largo, Florida. Dr. Michel-Garrison specializes in treating adults aged 18 and over, addressing a wide range of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, mood disorders, and personality disorders. She is known for her holistic approach, integrating both traditional and osteopathic principles to provide comprehensive care. Her treatment style is patient-centered, emphasizing individualized care plans tailored to each patient's unique needs. Dr. Michel-Garrison fosters a collaborative therapeutic relationship, promoting open communication and trust with her patients. Throughout her career, Dr. Michel-Garrison has remained committed to staying current with the latest advancements in psychiatric care. She is dedicated to helping her patients achieve optimal mental health and well-being through a combination of evidence-based practices and empathetic support.

Dr. Jordan Kalosieh has experience treating patients across the lifespan in a variety of clinical settings, including inpatient, intensive outpatient, rehabilitation, and outpatient care. She earned her medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine and completed her psychiatry residency at HCA Aventura Hospital, where she served as chief resident.

Dr. Kalosieh believes in open and transparent communication, offering guidance while respecting each patient’s autonomy. She values authenticity in the therapeutic relationship, combining warmth with directness to create a calm, attentive, and nonjudgmental environment where patients feel supported and understood.

Dr. Kalosieh takes a holistic approach, carefully considering each patient’s unique history, needs, and goals when creating treatment plans. She emphasizes shared decision-making by clearly communicating her thought process and engaging patients as active partners throughout their treatment journey.