Anxiety Psychiatrists in Connecticut

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.

Geoffrey Edelstein, LCSW, is a Licensed Certified Social Worker. His practice is informed by the latest neuro-cognitive sciences, emphasizing anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions. In addition to working with children, adolescents, and adults, he also works with couples and families. Geoffrey also has experience working with LGBTQ+ clients. Geoffrey received his Master's in Social Work from New York University Silver School of Social Work. Before that, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature at Drew University. Geoffrey's experience includes Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and psychodynamic psychotherapy, but his unique approach to therapy also integrates music, writing, drawing, and origami. In crafting a treatment plan, Geoffrey draws on his years of clinical experience from Four Winds Hospital. There, Geoffrey served as the Coordinator of Children's Services and facilitated care for children ages 8-13 in a Dialectical Behavior Therapy group setting. Geoffrey also worked with adults and adolescents in Four Winds' inpatient units. Prior to this, Geoffrey worked in respite services at Family Services of Westchester and the Federally Qualified Health Center of the Hudson Valley Cerebral Palsy Association. Geoffrey is committed to delivering quality mental health services to his patients and is passionate about helping them reach their goals.

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. Daniel Weiss is a double board-certified psychiatrist in adult and forensic psychiatry. His expertise is in diagnosing and treating psychiatric conditions, including depression and bipolar spectrum disorders, anxiety, stress and adjustment problems, maternal mental health, OCD, and other disorders. In addition, he has extensive experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, college and graduate students, creative professionals, and a range of working adults. Through a supportive psychopharmacologic approach, Dr. Weiss strives to provide a comfortable experience in which doctor and patient work to understand the presenting problems, reduce symptoms, and optimize functioning. In addition, Dr. Weiss encourages concurrent therapy and will communicate with that provider in a collaborative care arrangement. Dr. Weiss previously served as an attending psychiatrist on the staff of Montefiore Medical Center and was formerly a faculty member at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Before joining Talkiatry, Dr. Weiss spent a decade working at The New School as the university's staff psychiatrist.

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. 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. Zac Myslinski is a staff psychiatrist who provides thoughtful, evidence-based care for adults facing a wide range of difficulties. He is committed to creating a welcoming, collaborative space where patients from all backgrounds, including but not limited to the LGBTQ+ community, feel heard and supported.

He earned his undergraduate degree in chemistry from Dartmouth College and his medical degree from Weill Cornell Medicine, where he received the Richard Kohl Prize for Excellence in Psychiatry. He completed his psychiatry residency at Harvard-Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, where he served as chief resident of the Consult-Liaison/Emergency Department Psychiatry service. He has also conducted research on Alzheimer’s disease and health system economics.

New patients can expect a personalized approach that includes discussion of both medication and therapy. Dr. Myslinski values understanding your treatment preferences and aims to serve as a consultant and collaborator in identifying the best path forward. He believes that developing a shared understanding of your background and current difficulties is essential to effective treatment.

Dr. Myslinski is well-trained in using a wide range of medications and interventions alongside talk therapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). His approach emphasizes flexibility, autonomy, and curiosity, with a focus on symptom relief and deeper self-understanding.

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Morgan Glaessgen is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 15 years of experience working in different levels of care including Intensive Outpatient, Outpatient, Medication Assisted Therapy, residential treatment as well as private practice. She received her undergraduate degree in Springfield, MA and her Master's Degree in New Britain, CT.

Morgan has experience working with substance abuse disorders, depression, anxiety, ADHD/ADD management, and trauma. Morgan provides a supportive, safe, open space for those traveling down the path of change and growth. She also believes that having a few laughs along the way is essential because humor is an important part of healing and connecting.

Emily Romeo, LPC holds a license as a professional counselor in the state of Pennsylvania. She has over 15 years of experience working with a broad range of individuals at varying levels of care and clinical severity. Emily is board-certified in clinical mental health counseling by the National Board for Certified Counselors. Emily approaches therapy in an integrative, client-centered manner. She implements a variety of therapeutic techniques to include mindfulness, dialectical behavioral, acceptance and commitment concepts, psychoeducation, and trauma-informed care. She values the therapeutic relationship and strives to provide a safe, accepting atmosphere to ensure her clients feel heard, validated, and empowered. Emily received her master's degree from Messiah College and her undergraduate work was completed at the Pennsylvania State University. Emily has provided clinical care to a variety of individuals ranging from those struggling with complex trauma and substance use disorders to children/adolescents/adults dealing with anxiety, depression, mood instability and adjustment difficulties related to life changes. She has expertise in a variety of counseling settings including outpatient, partial hospitalization, residential, and in-home. She utilizes multiple treatment modalities which include individual, group, and couples/family therapy. An area of interest for Emily includes working with young adults struggling with co-occurring disorders. As the clinical coordinator of Silvermist Recovery, a premier residential treatment facility, she has been able to expand her clinical skills. Her philosophy is based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a transdiagnostic model that allows her to provide high quality care to her patients.

Dr. Candice Hacker is a board-certified Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. She completed her Psychiatry residency and a fellowship in Consultation Liaison Psychiatry at Mount Sinai/St. Luke's Hospital. She is passionate about a holistic approach to patient care, trained in psychosomatic medicine, and she has a deep appreciation for the intricate connection between the mind and body. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Hacker has facilitated excellent outcomes in the treatment of various mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and trauma-related conditions. Dr. Hacker believes in creating a safe, nurturing and non-judgmental environment where patients can openly explore their emotions and experiences. By integrating evidence-based psycho-pharmacological modalities with mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral techniques, she empowers her patients to challenge a negative mindset and reach their goals. Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Hacker is deeply committed to community mental health advocacy and the destigmatization of mental illness.

Dr. Daniel Azzopardi was born and raised in Malta where he attended medical school and worked in internal medicine for several years before moving to New York in 2017. He then completed a psychiatry residency at SUNY Downstate and stayed on for his Child and Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship, which he completed in June 2024. Dr. Azzopardi is a dedicated adult and child and adolescent psychiatrist who treats individuals of all ages and uses his strong foundation in internal medicine to handle complex cases requiring intricate medication management. This combination of skills allows for comprehensive care that addresses both mental and physical health challenges. Dr. Azzopardi's holistic approach ensures that each patient receives tailored treatment, fostering improved outcomes and overall well-being.

Dr. Amber Blue is a board-certified psychiatrist trained in Adult Psychiatry. She completed her residency at Yale University. She offers medication management in 30-minute follow-up visits informed by her psychotherapy experience. Occasionally, she may believe additional therapy would be beneficial, and therefore, she recommends that you add a therapist to your care team for the best results. She has received specialized training in psychoanalytic psychotherapy at Columbia University and NYU. Over the past three years, Dr. Blue has worked in college student health centers and private practice. She has a wide range of experience in treating various mental illnesses including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and OCD. Her approach is to educate clients on their mental health, available pharmacologic and psychotherapeutic options, and to collaborate with them in formulating an evidence-based treatment plan.

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.

Patricia Grendell is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who provides mental health care using a personalized, holistic approach. Patricia specializes in psychiatric evaluation and medication management along with psychotherapy and integrative interventions. Prior to receiving education and training in Nursing at New York University and Case Western Reserve University, Patricia earned a Master of Social Work from Boston College with a focus on health and mental health.  

Patricia specializes in working with adults experiencing a wide range of acute and chronic stressors and mental health symptoms. Patricia tailors' treatment to the goals, needs, and comfort level of each individual at her or his own pace. Patricia builds connections with patients so that they feel heard and understood, and partners with each individual to determine the most appropriate treatment strategies that maximize comfort, safety, and positive results.  

Over the past ten years as a Nurse Practitioner in outpatient and inpatient environments, Patricia has helped patients improve and overcome conditions including depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, and insomnia. Using a combination of medication management, individual therapy, and psychoeducation, Patricia develops individualized treatment plans centered around patients’ priorities and safety to achieve improvements in health and quality of life.

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.‍

Mary Poupon is an experienced board certified psychiatric APRN/psychiatric nurse practitioner with over 30 years' experience in her field. She completed her graduate work at Columbia University and is published in her field. Her practice sites have included inpatient hospital treatment, partial hospital programs, in-home programs, outpatient clinics and alternative therapy including equine assisted therapy.  She was the program director and clinician with the Ryan White Mental Health Program in New York providing innovative mental health treatment for adolescents and adults living with HIV/AIDS in the boroughs of Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx.  In 2013 she became certified as an equine assisted psychotherapist and served as the Director of Mental Health at Embrace Hope in Sandy Hook, CT. She was appointed as the Executive Director of Embrace Hope in 2017. Embrace Hope provided treatment to children, adolescents and adults who were victims of trauma related to the shooting at the Sandy Hook Elementary School. She presented a TED x talk in 2018 regarding her work with victims of trauma. She has provided treatment in the outpatient setting for children, teens, and adults. She has provided treatment to young adults at the Covenant House New York shelter program for homeless young adults.

Mary believes the human spirit is resilient. There are many challenges in the lifespan and self-care is paramount to success.

Mary provides psychiatric consultation and assessment and provides a pathway to change. Treatment may include medication management, therapy, and coping skills to assist with life challenges. Mary believes treatment is a partnership and believes in establishing mutually agreed upon goals.

Mary's process for working with patients begins with active listening. The assessment begins with the patient describing why they are seeking engagement in behavioral health treatment at this time. She will complete a psychiatric assessment and evaluation and establish mutually agreed upon goals for treatment. She offers medication management in conjunction with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. Mary believes therapy and medication management if indicated together provides the best treatment outcomes.