Anxiety Psychiatrists in Florida

Veronica McKnight received her Master's degree from the Hunter College School of Social Work in New York. She holds clinical social work licenses in Florida, Maine, Vermont and Wisconsin. Ms.McKnight's key areas of practice include depression, anxiety, trauma, communication in relationships, parenting challenges, compassion fatigue and grief and bereavement. Ms. McKnight specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with a strength based, solution focused approach. Ms. McKnight integrates Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing techniques.  Ms. McKnight has been certified as a Compassion Fatigue Educator and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. Ms. McKnight has held leadership and clinical roles in community mental health centers, housing programs, hospitals and non-profit organizations.

I am proficient in assisting clients to navigate transitions in all aspects of the life span. Over the past 30 years, my experience has taught me that the most important aspect of therapy is the connection and comfort you feel with the person with whom you choose to share your personal struggles.

I like to listen to what patients are telling me about what is important to them and what they would like to address in therapy.  We can then start to set goals together and work towards the outcomes they want.  We always go at a pace that is comfortable to the client.

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

Before pursuing medicine, Dr. Kenneth Ethan Lai explored a range of passions. After earning dual degrees in Biology and Biochemistry from the University of California, Riverside, he opened a popular Riverside eatery featured on The Food Channel. He later transitioned to the IT industry, earning a master’s degree and certifications, before answering his true calling in medicine, graduating from Saint Matthews University School of Medicine.

Dr. Lai believes psychiatry combines science and the art of medicine. Patients value his professionalism, patience, empathy, and attentive listening. He acknowledges the many choices patients have in providers and strives to create a welcoming, collaborative, and supportive environment for everyone seeking care.

Dr. Lai treats both adults and children/adolescents with expertise in psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, addiction, geriatrics, and dual-diagnosis care. He is trained in TMS and ECT, is a Certified Suboxone Prescriber, and offers consultations and treatment through office-based or telemedicine visits. His approach is tailored to each patient’s needs, integrating compassionate care with evidence-based treatment.

Dr. Natalia Roque is a psychiatrist who received her BA in Biology from the University of Chicago and her medical degree from Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. She returned to the University of Chicago to complete her psychiatry residency, where she served as Chief Resident of the outpatient psychiatry clinics and was a member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. She has experience treating patients across inpatient, outpatient, and consultation-liaison psychiatry settings, with additional training in treatment-resistant depression, trauma, neuropsychiatry, ECT, ketamine, geriatric psychiatry, student counseling, LGBTQ+ mental health, women’s mental health, and culturally sensitive care.

Dr. Roque believes in building a strong therapeutic alliance grounded in empathy, respect, and curiosity. She values collaboration and open communication, ensuring that patients feel like active partners in their care. Her goal is to create a safe, supportive space where individuals feel understood as whole people, not defined solely by their symptoms. She also prioritizes incorporating cultural background and social determinants of health, including financial stressors and systemic barriers into treatment planning.

In her work, Dr. Roque begins by taking time to understand each patient’s unique story, experiences, and goals. She approaches care through a trauma-informed lens and with cultural sensitivity to ensure treatment feels safe, respectful, and relevant. Her process integrates evidence-based approaches, including psychodynamic therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), while tailoring care plans to meet both clinical needs and patient preferences. Dr. Roque regularly checks in on progress, invites feedback, and adjusts treatment collaboratively to support an ongoing, responsive therapeutic process.

Dr. Prit Patel is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. He obtained his medical degree from the University of South Florida and subsequently completed his residency training at the University of Texas at Austin and Northwell Health’s Zucker Hillside Hospital. During his training, Dr. Patel also served as chief resident of Zucker’s Hillside Hospital’s outpatient psychiatric department.

Following his training, Dr. Patel has previously worked at New York Presbyterian’s Gracie Square Hospital, where he served as an inpatient psychiatrist treating a variety of mental health conditions, utilizing a combination of medication management and therapeutic techniques in helping those experiencing distress due to their conditions.

Throughout his training and career thus far, Dr. Patel has received several awards for his clinical care and contribution to medical and psychiatric education, such as Zucker Hillside’s Psychiatric Educator award. Dr. Patel has also contributed to medical research in the domains of psychiatry as well as LGBTQ+ healthcare.

Dr. Patel has an interest in not only treating disorders but also helping patients improve their overall well-being. He treats a variety of conditions including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and trauma-related disorders, through the use of medication and therapy. He has particular experience and interest in treating LGBTQ+ patients as well as young professionals and young adults.

Thomas Reis is a clinical social worker, independently licensed in Massachusetts. He has 13 years of experience working as a psychotherapist providing psychotherapy to adults both in an outpatient setting and through telehealth. Thomas has experience working with anxiety and mood disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and stress. He specializes in helping people navigate challenging life transitions, existential crisis, addictions, including chemical, behavioral, and process addictions. Thomas helps others empower themselves to improve their self-esteem and the quality of their relationships by teaching healthy boundaries, assertive communication, and active listening skills. By utilizing teach strategies and interventions from Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Solution Focused Brief Therapy Thomas takes a client centered approach while working with his clients. He enjoys his work and is passionate about helping people who want help. He attempts to empower clients to work toward achieving their own individual goals at their own pace while being empathetic and open-minded. Thomas works with his clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment.

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

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

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

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

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

Dr. Micah Turpeau, is a board-certified psychiatrist with experience in both outpatient and inpatient settings. She earned her medical degree from Meharry Medical College and completed her psychiatry residency and child & adolescent psychiatry fellowship at the University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville. Her training and practice reflect a commitment to supporting patients across the lifespan with individualized, evidence-based care.

Dr. Turpeau strives to create a safe, judgment-free space where patients can share their experiences openly. She encourages honest dialogue so patients feel supported, understood, and fully involved in every decision. Her approach emphasizes evidence-based medication management to reduce symptoms and improve functioning, while maintaining flexibility to adapt strategies as needs and goals evolve.

Dr. Turpeau begins with a collaborative exploration of symptoms, personal history, and goals to establish a clear treatment direction. She tailors care to each individual, balancing medication management with supportive therapy when appropriate. Through shared decision-making, She ensures patients remain active participants in their treatment. By closely monitoring progress and adjusting as needed, She provides care that is both responsive and effective.

Dr. Steven Mathew is a trained adult and child and adolescent psychiatrist. He recently completed his child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at the University of Miami/Jackson Health System, where he served as chief fellow. He completed his general psychiatry residency at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Dr. Mathew earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Georgia campus, a satellite campus located in the Atlanta metro area. He graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and afterwards obtained a Master of Public Health in Health Policy and Management.

Dr. Mathew has had extensive clinical experiences caring for patients across the lifespan in specialty inpatient units, partial hospitalization programs, emergency psychiatry, outpatient clinics, consult liaison psychiatry, and telemedicine. He has clinical expertise in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, OCD, ADHD, and tic disorders.

Dr. Mathew's treatment approach combines evidence-based medication management with supportive therapy, emphasizing empathy, collaboration, and goal-oriented care tailored to each patient and family.

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Dr. Caitlin Meyer is a board-certified in adult psychiatry with experience in a wide variety of psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, women's mental health, and ADHD. Dr. Meyer's practice is focused on medication management with supportive therapy offered in 30-minute follow-up visits. Dr. Meyer received her medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, where she received the North Texas Society of Psychiatric Physicians' Award for outstanding medical student in Psychiatry. She pursued her residency in adult psychiatry at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, with particular interest and training in child, adolescent, and young adult Psychiatry. After completing training, Dr. Meyer worked with children and adults in a variety of treatment settings including Community Mental Health Centers and hospitals, providing inpatient, residential and outpatient services. Prior to joining the Talkiatry team, Dr. Meyer participated in psychiatric research developing new treatment methods for complex psychiatric disorders. Dr. Meyer enjoys treating patients across the lifespan from young adulthood through senior care. She sees each patient as a unique individual and works together with her patients to develop a treatment plan specific to their needs and goals.

Dr. Rodriguez is an adult psychiatrist, who is fluent in Spanish and English. She completed residency at St Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital in New York City via Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons followed by a Fellowship in Forensic Psychiatry in a combined Cornell University - Columbia University program with the New York State Psychiatric Institute. She obtained her medical degree at the Pontificia Universidad Catolica Madre y Maestro in the Dominican Republic. Dr. Rodriguez is an adult psychiatrist and has worked with a wide array of patients across various medical settings including extensive experience in Telehealth. Her experience includes Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn, New York, in addition to outpatient experience in both clinics and correctional facilities. Dr. Rodriguez has experience treating patients with psychiatric illness who may also be suffering from medical comorbidities, such as obesity, hypertension, pain, and diabetes. She has been deeply involved with teaching and emphasizes psychoeducation while working in collaboration with her patients to help tailor their personalized treatment plan. Her 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. She offers supportive therapy as part of her 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. She may also recommend including a therapist in your care team to optimize outcomes.

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.

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.‍

Barbara (Barb) Pack is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with the Supervision Endorsement and a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor, Clinical Supervisor Endorsement who has been providing mental health treatment for over 24 years and addiction treatment for over 27 years. Barb utilizes a combination of approaches in working with her clients, including person-centered, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, solution focused techniques, and a variety of other techniques. She has experience in several different types of treatment settings and treatment modalities in both Ohio and Florida. Barb enjoys working with individuals who also have co-occurring disorders, both mental health and substance use. Barb has experience working with a wide range of age groups and mental health issues including but not limited to depression, anxiety, trauma, stress management, grief, relationship issues, and a wide range of substance use issues. She will assess individuals' needs in their first few visits and work with them to develop an individualized treatment plan. Barb works to provide the empathetic listening and emotional support that her clients need to reach their goals. Her dream has been to work herself out of a job, as she wants to help her clients find healing and happiness. Barb attended the University of Akron for graduate school in a Community Counseling Program and attended Malone College, now University, and majored in Psychology.

Dr. Zezetko completed her medical training at the University of Georgia/August University Medical Partnership. While in medical school, she received a Master of Business Administration at the University of Georgia. She then moved to North Carolina to complete her psychiatric residency training at the Brody School of Medicine/ECU Health Medical Center. During her training, she gained extensive clinical experience in working with adults and veterans in psychiatric inpatient, outpatient, and emergency settings. She also served as a chief resident of the psychiatry program and published several case studies.

Dr. Zezetko relies on evidence-based treatments to guide pharmacotherapy decisions. In addition to medication management, she also incorporates supportive psychotherapy and psychodynamic psychotherapy techniques in her visits with her patients. When appropriate, Dr. Zezetko will refer patients for further psychotherapy and collaborate with therapists to provide more comprehensive care. Dr. Zezetko takes great pride in forming meaningful connections with her patients and listening to their concerns.

Dr. Zezetko will conduct a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and take time to understand patients’ individual concerns, mental health goals, and history. Dr. Zezetko believes in building a strong therapeutic relationship that empowers patients to join in a collaborative discussion for optimizing their individual treatment plans and reaching their defined goals.

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