PTSD Psychiatrists in Connecticut

Dr. Molly Fels is a board-certified psychiatrist. She completed her undergraduate education at Barnard College followed by medical school at Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Dr Fels then completed her psychiatry residency training at Mount Sinai Beth Israel. She has previously worked in the Mount Sinai health system in the psychiatric emergency department and inpatient psychiatric unit. Dr. Fels has an interest in treating patients with a wide variety of psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, ADHD, and in working with patients who have experienced trauma. She believes in addressing holistic and lifestyle factors with her patients, including nutrition and sleep, in addition to pharmacology. Dr. Fels combines medication management and supportive psychotherapy to provide well-rounded and comprehensive care to her patients and prioritizes involving patients actively in each step of their psychiatric treatment.

Dr. Cecilia Fitz-Gerald is a board-certified psychiatrist trained in adult psychiatry and consultation-liaison psychiatry, formerly known as psychosomatic medicine. She has been practicing for over five years and has extensive experience working in a variety of clinical settings, including inpatient, outpatient, and emergency psychiatry. In addition, she specializes in working with patients with acute and chronic medical conditions that may be affecting their mental health, such as cancer, stroke, or a heart condition. She provides patient-centered care utilizing a collaborative approach to help her patients reach their goals. She is a native of Louisiana and a graduate of the LSU School of Medicine in Shreveport. She was elected to the prestigious medical honor society, Alpha Omega Alpha, during her fourth year of medical school and was awarded the John W. Bick Excellence in Psychiatry award. She completed her psychiatry residency training at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center where she served as Chief Resident and was a PRITE Fellow. Afterwards, she completed a fellowship in consultation-liaison psychiatry at Yale-New Haven Hospital. Dr. Fitz-Gerald has multiple scholarly publications, particularly in the fields of emergency psychiatry and hospital delirium and has presented at the annual conference for the Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry. She is passionate about academic medicine and enjoys teaching medical students and residents. Her other areas of clinical interest include ICU delirium and cardiac psychiatry.

Michelle Harris is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). She earned her Master of Science in Nursing in the psychiatric mental health track at the University of Saint Joseph and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Connecticut. Her training includes psychiatric diagnosis, medication management, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing. With over a decade in psychiatric mental health care and 5+ years as a PMHNP, she has worked in outpatient, private practice, telehealth, inpatient, and homecare settings, treating patients from diverse backgrounds, including neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and immigrant populations. She has a particular interest in ADHD, depression, anxiety, and OCD.

Michelle values a holistic approach to mental health and believes culturally sensitive care is essential. She strives to create a supportive environment for patients of all backgrounds and sexual orientations, ensuring each person feels understood, respected, and empowered in their care.

Michelle focuses on medication management with supportive therapy as appropriate. Initial sessions involve gathering a detailed patient history and discussing individual concerns. She works collaboratively with each patient to develop a personalized treatment plan, addressing their unique needs and goals.

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. Maria Teresa Carvajal is an adult, child, and adolescent psychiatrist. She is originally from Guayaquil, Ecuador, and is bilingual in Spanish and English. Dr. Carvajal earned her medical degree from Universidad de Guayaquil in Ecuador. She then participated in a medical program at The William J. Harrington Training Program for Latin America and the Caribbean, at Jackson Memorial Hospital, an affiliate of the University of Miami in Florida. Afterwards, she completed her adult psychiatry residency at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Bronx Care Health System, and her fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at Northwell Health in New York. She has experience working in various settings, including inpatient, outpatient, and emergency departments. Dr. Carvajal has submitted and presented work to the American Psychiatric Association and has also collaborated on a book publication. Dr. Carvajal has experience treating children and adults with anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, dementia, etc. She utilizes medication management in conjunction with emotional and supportive therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. She is passionate about her work and understands the impact of mental illnesses in daily life activities and in the family system. She will work with each patient in an individualized manner and will tailor personalized treatment plans that may include pharmacological treatment. In addition, Dr. Carvajal may recommend including a therapist in your care team to provide the best outcome.‍

Mu Xu, MD is a Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He obtained his medical doctorate degree from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and PhD from New York University. He completed his psychiatry residency at New York University. Dr Xu is licensed to practice in California, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. Dr. Xu provides both medication management for a variety of psychiatric conditions. Dr. Xu is fluent in English and Mandarin. Dr. Xu is a general adult psychiatrist specializing in medication management. He values building strong connections with patients from all walks of life and tailoring treatments to their unique needs. His working style is characterized by attentive listening, detailed follow-up questions, and straightforward communication, fostering a collaborative and empathetic environment.

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. 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.

Lisa is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the states of PA, NJ, and CT. She has worked in the mental health field for 18 years in a variety of settings including homes, communities, schools, and offices. During that time, she has worked as a case manager, family therapist, and outpatient therapist. Lisa's clients have included people from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds. She particularly enjoys working with families, adolescents and young adults, and with the neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ populations.

Lisa's primary treatment philosophy is that people are doing the best they can with what they know. With supportive listening, care, and education, people can grow and reach their goals. She draws on her knowledge of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and mindfulness to deliver personalized care for each client. Lisa is also experienced in working with trauma, and is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy.

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Dr. Hussain is known for his compassionate, thoughtful approach to psychiatry and his commitment to helping patients feel genuinely seen and supported. He takes pride in getting to know each person as a whole—beyond just symptoms or diagnoses—and works to build on that from the very first session. Originally from New York, Dr. Hussain completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Buffalo, earned his medical degree from St. George’s University, and completed residency training at Northwell Health in New York and Connecticut.

Dr. Hussain treats a wide range of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, bipolar and psychotic disorders. His approach is collaborative and patient-centered, with a strong focus on shared decision-making. Treatment often includes medication management and therapy techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. Sessions are always a judgment-free space where patients feel safe, respected, and empowered.

During an initial visit, Dr. Hussain conducts a thoughtful and collaborative assessment focused on understanding a patient’s symptoms, experiences, and treatment goals. From there, he works closely with each person to develop a personalized plan, including medication options and other therapeutic strategies. His goal is to create a safe, respectful space where patients feel heard, empowered, and supported throughout their care.

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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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Tracey Elle is a licensed clinical social worker specializing in psycho-somatic manifestations of stress, anxiety, trauma, perinatal support, postpartum/variable presentations of depression, parenting support, and grief (loss of loved ones/menopause/life transitions/unfulfilled goals).

Tracey utilizes psychodynamic, CBT, and solutions-oriented approaches to patient centered care. Tracey has worked with individuals from all walks of life, LGBTQIA+ community and age groups.  

Tracey is committed to providing a comfortable and safe therapeutic environment in order to support the journey to a new path of emotional freedom and wholeness of mind, body and spirit, judgment free. She is committed to working alongside you to fine tune the coping strategies that you already have and help you uncover new mechanisms to add to your self-care toolbox.

Dr. Delima-Tokarz is double Board Certified in Psychiatry and Lifestyle medicine. She completed her psychiatry residency training at the University of Maryland/Sheppard Pratt, where she served as the chief resident. She has practiced in various settings over her career, including working for the Department of Defense, private practice, and community mental health. Dr. Delima-Tokarz is fluent in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. Dr. Delima-Tokarz has more than five years of experience treating patients with anxiety, depression, PTSD, Bipolar, OCD, ADHD, and other mental health issues. She employs pharmacotherapy along with supportive therapy and integrative approaches. Dr. Delima-Tokarz is currently working on completing her Ph.D. in Integrative Medicine and is passionate about a holistic and integrative approach to mental health. Her philosophy includes a healing-oriented approach that considers the whole person, including all lifestyle aspects. Dr. Delima-Tokarz aims to provide collaborative and comprehensive care, which may include medication management, lifestyle interventions, stress reduction techniques, and other integrative approaches. She believes building a strong therapeutic relationship where the patient feels empowered is the key to healing.‍

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. Jacob T. Kannarkat is an adult psychiatrist. Dr. Kannarkat's practice focuses on medication management. In his visits, he uses an integrative approach, blending an empathic, problem-solving orientation with an understanding that the reasons for an individual's condition can be complex. He has experience dealing with many forms of mental illness and works collaboratively with his patients and their other treatment providers in making a plan for recovery. Dr. Kannarkat completed undergraduate studies at the University of Florida. After receiving his medical degree at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Dr. Kannarkat continued for residency at the University of Miami/Jackson Health System. He ultimately completed his training as Chief of Psychiatric Emergency Services at Yale School of Medicine. Dr. Kannarkat has experience working with adults of all ages who are dealing with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, substance use disorders, and many other conditions.‍

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.‍