Depression Psychiatrists in New Jersey

Dr. Rabia Choudhry, DO, became a psychiatrist with one mission: to provide compassionate, high-quality mental health care accessible to anyone, anywhere. Originally from Pakistan, she pursued her undergraduate degree at Benedictine University in Illinois, medical school at Des Moines University in Iowa, and psychiatry residency at Trinity Health Livonia Hospital/Wayne State University in Michigan. She has experience in inpatient, outpatient, forensic, and community mental health settings.

Dr. Choudhry is committed to meeting patients where they feel most comfortable, whether at home, work, or elsewhere. She offers the same compassion, attentiveness, and expertise as in-person care while removing barriers like travel, time constraints, and distance. Her approach emphasizes that patients are more than a diagnosis, focusing on the whole person—their story, struggles, and strengths.

Dr. Choudhry partners with patients to create individualized therapeutic plans that may include medication management and holistic strategies. Her goal is to promote mood stability, balance emotions, reduce anxiety, quiet overwhelming thoughts, resolve interpersonal conflicts, and strengthen resilience. She believes healing is best achieved through collaboration, open dialogue, and empowering patients to make informed choices about their care.

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. Arif Patel is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. He obtained his medical degree from Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency training at Authority Health, an affiliate of Michigan State University. In addition, he has completed a Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Fellowship from the Michigan Psychoanalytic Institute. He has 4 years of clinical experience. Dr. Patel's practice focuses primarily on medication management. Follow-up appointments typically last 30 minutes and incorporate elements of supportive psychotherapy, CBT, and motivational interviewing. Dr. Patel utilizes a collaborative approach to treatment, ensuring that treatment plans align with patients' goals and values. Dr. Patel has extensive clinical experience in various psychiatric settings including inpatient, outpatient, and emergency settings. He has treated patients of various ages and of diverse cultural and spiritual backgrounds. He has extensive training in the community mental health system, where he has treated patients with severe mental illness and substance use disorders. Dr. Patel practices general adult psychiatry. His practice focuses on medication management in conjunction with supportive psychotherapy. Dr. Patel has experience in treating a wide array of psychiatric disorders including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma, and ADHD.

Maria-Anne Duncan, LCSW-R holds the position of psychotherapist at Talkiatry. She has over twenty years of experience working with individuals, families, and groups addressing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma. Before joining Talkiarty, Ms. Duncan worked as a Director of Clinical Services for a not-for-profit in the Hudson Valley Region of New York State. Prior to that, Ms. Duncan worked for a local hospital in the psychiatric department providing treatment to the Inpatient and Outpatient units. She has held several positions as a clinician and program director. Additionally, Ms. Duncan has taught parenting classes, Mental Health First Aid and provides training on Trauma-Informed Care. Ms. Duncan started her career as a clinician in a Crime Victims' Assistance Program funded by New York State. Through this experience she began to explore the effects of trauma on individuals, their families, and the community. Ms. Duncan has been trained in both EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and SE (Somatic Experiencing). She utilizes these body-focused therapies to help her clients be released from years of painful energies locked in their systems. Ms. Duncan received her Bachelor's Degree from Marist College and her Master's from Fordham University. She has been trained to supervise Social Work Students in their field placements. Ms. Duncan appeared in the Vassar College student-developed training video, "He said, She said" which is used to train peer sexual assault counselors. In April of 2022, she became a trainer for LivingWorks "SafeTALK" program. Additionally, Ms. Duncan has a trained therapy dog, Monkey, who goes with her to local hospitals and nursing homes to provide comfort and affection.

Mr. Hogate is a skilled therapist with over 25 years of experience providing psychotherapy in a broad range of clinical settings. He is licensed both as a Clinical Social Worker and a Professional Counselor. Mr. Hogate has provided private counseling services since 2001 and additionally has worked in a vast range of clinical settings including outpatient counseling for individuals and families, inpatient services for children and adults, outpatient treatment for individuals with co-occurring substance use and other behavioral health concerns. Mr. Hogate is driven by a deep belief in the centrality of human relationships and the benefits clients can gain from a deep connection with a skilled clinician.

Mr. Hogate has a balanced and informed perspective on therapy and seeks to draw from patient experience and strength in partnership toward a common goal of reducing stress and symptoms of various life challenges such as depression, anxiety, relationship conflict, life transitions and others. His clinical perspective is practical and informed by various clinical orientations, yet unique to each individual. Mr. Hogate is collaborative and integrative in his approach to therapy and seeks to build connections with client’s medical providers or others to enhance clinical outcomes.

Typically, Mr. Hogate starts work with clients as a conversation in the context of an enduring interest and belief in the capacity of individuals to make meaningful changes in their lives. Interventions are an important aspect of Mr. Hogate’s clinical work, often rooted in CBT, Narrative Therapy, Systems Theory, ACT and elements of Positive Psychology. Mr. Hogate approaches clients from a biological, psychological and sociological perspective seeking to understand individuals from each of these domains.

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Dr. Zeynep Altun is board-certified in Psychiatry and holds a Ph.D. in Neuroscience. Dr. Altun graduated cum laude from Istanbul University, Istanbul Medical School. She completed her residency training in Neurology and is Turkish board-certified in clinical Neurology. Subsequently, she moved to the U.S. and finished her Ph.D. in cellular Neuroscience at Cornell University Graduate School of Medical Sciences. Dr. Altun completed her psychiatry residency training at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and after, her clinical fellowship in Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program at Columbia University Medical College, New York Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Altun has practiced in various settings including Bellevue Hospital, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia Doctors Faculty Practice Office, Mount Sinai West and Mount Sinai Morningside Hospitals. Dr. Altun has held various academic appointments at New York University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry; New York Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Medical College Department of Psychiatry; New York State Psychiatric Institute and Mount Sinai School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry. She spent most of her professional career supervising and teaching medical students, psychiatry residents and nurse practitioners. As an adult psychiatrist, Dr. Altun has extensive theoretical knowledge of the nervous system and its disorders and more than 10 years of experience in treating various mental illnesses including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, autism-spectrum and neuropsychiatric disorders, psychiatric emergencies and crisis management as well as cognitive behavioral and supportive psychotherapy. In Columbia Doctors, she collaborated closely with the Lieber Recovery Clinic, treating young adults with various mental illnesses. The philosophy of her practice is to collaborate with patients and work together with them so that they can lead symptom-free, productive, and stable lives.

Dr. JinGu Lee is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist in the states of New Jersey and New York. Dr. Lee focuses on understanding each client's unique background and building a strong therapeutic alliance with his client. He works with ethically and culturally diverse patient populations who struggle with conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, relationship issues, and more. Dr. Lee provides comprehensive medication management, including screening for relevant medical conditions, and incorporates elements of psychotherapy during his regular visits when appropriate. Dr. Lee has a long-standing interest in preventive care and cultural diversity. He studied Public Health and Cultural Anthropology at Rutgers University and received his medical degree from Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine in New Jersey. He completed his Psychiatry residency training at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, New Jersey, where he was recognized for his excellence in outpatient service. Outside of his career, he enjoys traveling, singing, and hiking. He believes in living a balanced lifestyle with clear goals and also focuses on maintaining a close connection with his own family.

Background and credentials    

Dr. Alexander Wittenberg is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. He received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University, majoring in Human Biology, Health, and Society. He earned his medical degree from the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he was a  member of the Psi Sigma Alpha Osteopathic Honor Society. As chief resident at  Mount Sinai Beth Israel, he gained extensive experience working in outpatient  settings and managing patient care at one of New York City's busiest clinics. Dr. Wittenberg has expertise in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, trauma and stressor-related disorders, and OCD.    

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Treatment approach    

Dr. Wittenberg offers highly individualized and empathic treatment, primarily focusing on medication management. He frequently recommends integrating therapy into treatment plans and may suggest collaborating with a therapist. Dr. Wittenberg prioritizes a holistic approach, emphasizing overall well-being alongside symptom relief. He encourages the incorporation of mindfulness, self-compassion, exercise, nutrition, and attention to interpersonal relationships into his treatment strategy.    

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What you can expect in a first visit    

During an initial visit with Dr. Wittenberg, patients can anticipate a collaborative, patient-centered, and non-judgmental environment designed to foster a meaningful therapeutic relationship. He will thoroughly discuss individual concerns and treatment goals, exploring potential therapeutic interventions, including medication management and holistic strategies to support mental health and overall wellness.

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. 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.

Brianna Campbell, LMHC, LPC, holds a BA in Psychology and an MS in Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She has experience providing telehealth and in-person therapy in community and private practice settings. She is licensed in New York, New Jersey, and Florida for telehealth, with Virginia in progress. A National Certified Counselor, she also serves as a clinical intern supervisor and psychoeducational content creator. Her certifications include Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, TGNB care, Clinical Supervision, Telehealth training, DSM-5-TR differential diagnosis, and racial justice practices.

Brianna is warm, caring, collaborative, and evidence-based. She matches each client’s pace and style to create a tailor-made wellness plan. She supports clients seeking guidance with dating, gender and sexuality, anxiety and depression, life transitions, career and education stress, organization, and purpose. Therapy with her balances heart and mind, and she ensures clients leave with a personalized toolkit for growth.

She begins sessions by explaining therapy guidelines so clients feel comfortable and empowered. She explores the concern bringing them in, followed by history, strengths, and goals. Together, she develops a measurable, personalized treatment plan using person-centered care with CBT, solution-focused strategies, psychodynamic insight, and family systems approaches.

Kara Burdelski is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has been working as an experienced psychotherapist for over the last twelve years. She has worked with a variety of demographics in various settings such as health care settings, community mental health, and even mobile therapy. Kara attended undergraduate school in Springfield, MO and obtained her graduate degree, a Master's of Science in Counseling Psychology, from Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA. Over the last six years, she has worked predominately with adults with serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI) in a health care setting with patients who have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS as well as other varieties of chronic conditions. Kara has experience in working with individuals who have disorders like depression, anxiety, psychosis, PTSD, bipolar, trauma, chronic medical issues, grief, and substance abuse disorders. She allows her clients to direct the type of treatment they need since every human is an expert of their own experience. The style of treatment Kara uses is tailored to meet the needs of each individual client with compassion and respect. She values the entire person. Kara utilizes unconditional positive regard with each individual she works with. Kara specializes in working with minorities, and the LGBTQAI+ community, and has considerable experience serving individuals who face chronic pain and disabling health conditions. She also practices in a harm reduction approach. Kara engages in a respectful position towards people using substances including alcohol and can assist with strategies for reduction including abstinence-based recovery. She believes in an all-inclusive approach that utilizes mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused, behavioral activation techniques, and acceptance and commitment therapy. Kara is committed to providing you with a space to grow, learn self-acceptance, and focus on your commitment to yourself.

Background  and credentials    

Dr. Andrew Lelin is a board-certified Psychiatrist in Adult Psychiatry. He  received his bachelor's degree from Johns Hopkins University and a master's  in Medical Humanities, Compassionate Care, and Bioethics from Stony Brook  University. Dr. Lelin earned his medical degree from Hofstra-Northwell School  of Medicine and completed his residency at Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson School  of Medicine, where he specialized in advanced psychopharmacology with diverse  patient populations. He also has extensive training and experience in  psychotherapeutic modalities, including psychodynamic therapy,  cognitive-behavioral therapy, habit-reversal therapy, and cognitive  processing therapy. Following his training, Dr. Lelin provided inpatient  consultation and crisis intervention services in New York City.    

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Treatment approach    

Dr. Lelin employs a compassionate, humanistic approach designed to align  closely with his patients' personal goals and values. His method integrates  advanced psychopharmacology with psychotherapeutic techniques such as  psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, habit-reversal, and cognitive processing  therapies. He aims to carefully balance diagnosis, avoiding both  overdiagnosis and underdiagnosis, to ensure precise and tailored care. Dr.  Lelin’s approach is particularly effective in addressing conditions like  anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, trauma-related issues, and other  psychiatric conditions.    

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What you can expect in a first visit    

During the initial visit, patients can expect a comprehensive, detailed  evaluation designed to thoroughly understand their individual experiences and  needs. Dr. Lelin prioritizes establishing a compassionate and comfortable  environment where patients can openly discuss their concerns and goals. This  initial assessment is followed by meticulous and thoughtful follow-ups,  providing clarity and direction in the treatment process.    

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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 speciualize in  medication management and collaborate with you on a treatment plan that fits  your needs and comfort level.

Dr. Jonathan Hertz is board-certified in adult psychiatry. He completed fellowships in child and adolescent and public psychiatry and has been practicing psychiatry for over 18 years. Dr. Hertz's practice focuses on medication management which is offered with supportive and/or dynamic psychotherapy within 30-minute follow-up sessions. If patients have individual psychotherapists, Dr. Hertz will work collaboratively with these providers within a treatment-team approach to patient care delivery. Dr. Hertz received his medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston. He remained in Boston to complete a residency in adult psychiatry at Cambridge Health Alliance and a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at Children's Hospital Boston. Dr. Hertz subsequently returned to his hometown of NYC and completed a fellowship in public psychiatry. Dr. Hertz has clinical and administrative experience in the field of psychiatry. These positions include ACT Team community psychiatrist, director of adult outpatient clinic, and medical directorship in behavioral health within community hospitals. With training in child/adolescent, adult, and public psychiatry, Dr. Hertz has a developmental approach to mental health care. That is, he collaboratively explores the bio-psychosocial factors that may have influenced the development of mental disorders. Dr. Hertz believes an ecological approach enables a broader view of the multip

Dr. Mandel received his Bachelor of Arts and Doctor of Medicine degrees from the University of Pennsylvania. He completed his Residency in Psychiatry at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Manhattan. He has been board certified in psychiatry since 2001 and is a Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. He has held numerous clinical and academic appointments including serving as Chairperson of Psychiatry at Huntington Hospital in Huntington, New York, and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine.

Dr. Mandel has over 25 years of clinical experience treating all mental health conditions. He has a strong interest in mood and anxiety disorders, including work-related anxiety. He authored a section on the pharmacology of social anxiety in the book Work Makes Me Nervous. Dr. Mandel also has expertise working with clients diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. He has lectured on the pharmacologic management of this condition, including a presentation at the NIMH International Think Tank for the More Effective Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder.

Dr. Mandel continually seeks to streamline complex medication regimens. He has completed a fellowship in integrative psychiatry and carefully considers the potential contributions of lifestyle and nutrition to overall mental health and well-being. By taking an eclectic approach, Dr. Mandel is able to achieve the best possible outcome for all whom he is privileged to serve.

Dr. Esha Garg is a board-certified psychiatrist starting her post-graduate practice with Talkiatry. After completing an undergraduate degree in psychology at Johns Hopkins University, she completed her medical degree at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. She is a recent graduate from the Adult Psychiatry Residency at University of Kansas Medical Center.

Dr. Garg's practice focuses on medication management but she believes in the importance of both therapy and medication management in treating mental illness. She offers medication management with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow up visits. She also utilizes referrals to therapists to enhance collaborative care and management of illness.

Dr. Garg believes in the importance of building a strong therapeutic relationship. She focuses on treating patients with depression and anxiety disorders. She believes in a holistic, patient-centered approach to care and encourages patient's to explore their physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs in addition to their mental health.

Dr. Sara Mateo holds the position of staff Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. She is a board-eligible adult Psychiatrist. Dr. Mateo completed her Medical degree at the University of Benghazi- Faculty of Medicine and finished General Psychiatry Residency training at Tower Health/DrexelPhoenixville Hospital. Throughout her career, Dr. Mateo has actively contributed to various leadership roles and committees, demonstrating her commitment to advancing medical education and promoting diversity in the field. During her training, she generously shared her knowledge through educational presentations and lectures, fostering the growth of fellow trainees and medical students. Dr. Mateo is dedicated to creating a therapeutic environment characterized by warmth, empathy, and nonjudgmental support. Her approach involves collaborating with patients to develop individualized treatment plans that consider cultural, biological, psychological, and social factors. With a primary focus on medication management, Dr. Mateo's keen interest in psychotherapy is evident, as she often integrates supportive therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and psychodynamic psychotherapy during 30-minute follow-up visits to optimize wellness and recovery. Dr. Mateo brings a wealth of experience in caring for individuals of diverse ages and backgrounds, adeptly addressing a wide spectrum of conditions. Her expertise extends to treating depressive disorders, bipolar disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma and stress related disorders, ADHD, OCD, Insomnia, psychotic disorders; she also has experience treating individuals with medical comorbidities.