No guesswork or phone tag, just great in-network care, fast.
13,000+
86%
6 days
%20(1).webp)
Kristina Schnitzer, MD
Background and credentials
Dr. Kristina Schnitzer is a board-certified psychiatrist. She earned her medical degree from the New York University School of Medicine and completed her residency in Adult Psychiatry at the Massachusetts General Hospital/McLean Adult Psychiatry Residency Program. She further specialized by completing a one-year clinical and research fellowship in Public and Community Psychiatry through Massachusetts General Hospital and the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health. In addition to her medical training, she holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. She has over three years of experience practicing psychiatry across inpatient, emergency, and outpatient settings.
Treatment approach
Dr. Schnitzer focuses on medication management as the foundation of her treatment approach, typically combining it with supportive or emotionally focused therapy during 30-minute follow-up visits. She takes a collaborative and individualized approach to patient care and, when needed, may recommend additional therapy by integrating a therapist into the care team to ensure the best possible outcomes. She has experience treating a broad range of psychiatric disorders in various clinical settings.
What you can expect in a first visit
Patients can expect a thorough and structured evaluation in their first visit, where Dr. Schnitzer carefully assesses their symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals. She emphasizes open communication and collaboration, ensuring that patients are fully involved in shaping their treatment plans. Follow-up visits typically last 30 minutes, during which she monitors progress, adjusts treatment as needed, and may recommend additional therapeutic support for comprehensive care.
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.
Giselle Brito, MD
Dr. Giselle Brito is board-certified in adult psychiatry and has been practicing for over 4 years. She received her medical degree from San Juan Bautista, School of Medicine in Puerto Rico and continued her medical education at Jackson Memorial Hospital & University of Miami Hospital for her 4-year psychiatry residency training program. After completing her training, Dr. Brito worked at the Miami Veterans Affairs Hospital and then the Orlando Veterans Affairs Hospital in the primary care mental health integrated model. Dr. Brito also holds certification in Perinatal Mental Health. Dr. Brito's practice focuses on medication management and supportive psychotherapy in typically 30-min follow up visits. At times, additional psychotherapy is needed and a therapist may be added to provide the best outcome.
Caitlin Gardiner, MD
Dr. Caitlin Gardiner is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry and psychotherapy. Dr. Caitlin Gardiner's practice is based on the biopsychosocial model and believes that the foundation of healing is in psychotherapy and human connection. She is known for incorporating therapy into her medication management practice. Typically she offers 30-minute follow-up visits for medication management with focused therapy based on individual needs. As a known helper, Dr. Gardiner started her career with a bachelor's degree in social work from Cazenovia College in Cazenovia, NY. After changing career paths, she received her medical degree from SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY. She stayed upstate to complete her general psychiatry residency, where she was chief resident at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Following this, she completed her child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Upstate due to the high quality of training. Dr. Gardiner has completed 3 years of advanced training in Dynamic Deconstructive Psychotherapy as well as specialized training in DBT. Dr. Gardiner is a well-rounded psychiatrist who enjoys treating youth and young adults during transitional phases of life while providing a safe and supportive environment. She believes strongly in reducing polypharmacy and providing high-quality medication management through a therapeutic and developmental lens.
Gira Borad, MD
Dr. Borad is a Board Certified Psychiatrist and has specialized in Addiction Psychiatry. She finished her residency at the WVU campus of Charleston, WV, and finished the Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship at UPMC/Western Psychiatry Institute in Pittsburgh, PA. She has previously worked as an Assistant Professor at WVU of Charleston, where she was involved in working with residents in inpatient and outpatient settings, provided psychiatric consult services to hospitalized patients, and was part of the Outpatient Comprehensive Opioid treatment program where she provided Medication Assisted Treatment for patients with substance use disorders. She has an interest in treating patients with mood, anxiety, and psychotic disorders. Dr. Borad has a special interest in treating individuals having a substance use history and struggling to quit, and has expertise in treating patients with a dual diagnosis of substance use with other psychiatric conditions. She primarily does medication management, in addition to providing some supportive therapy and motivational interviewing to her patients in her 30-minute follow-up appointments. In addition, she may suggest bringing in a therapist to add to your care if clinically necessary.
Tejaskumar Patel, MD
Dr. Patel is a distinguished psychiatrist with over 24 years of experience. He completed his psychiatric residency at the University of South Dakota School of Medicine, where he served as chief resident and earned the Outstanding Resident of the Year award. He then pursued a fellowship in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School/Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
He is triple Board certified in Adult Psychiatry, Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, and Sleep Medicine and also holds certification in Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry from the United Council for Neurological Subspecialties. These credentials reflect his expertise in psychiatry, neurology, and the management of complex psychiatric conditions in medically ill patients.
Dr. Patel has worked in diverse settings including inpatient units, psychiatric consult services, outpatient clinics, and nursing homes. He is skilled in neuromodulation treatments such as Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
In addition to clinical practice, he has served leadership roles of chairman of a psychiatric department, medical director of a behavioral health service line in a regional health system, and founder/CEO of a private psychiatric and TMS clinic. Dedicated to ongoing professional growth, Dr. Patel remains at the forefront of psychiatric advancements in psychiatric care, earning a reputation as a respected leader in the field.
Dr. Patel combines deep knowledge of neurobiology, behavioral health, and the mind-body connection to offer a collaborative, evidence-based, and holistic approach to care. He integrates diet, exercise, yoga, meditation, and lifestyle modifications with psychotherapy and medication management.
His approach emphasizes active listening, curiosity, compassion, and even humor—creating a warm and supportive environment. By encouraging patients to integrate their unique life experiences into their treatment, he fosters ownership, empowerment, and active participation in the healing process.
During your first visit, Dr. Patel will review your symptoms, medical and psychiatric history, past treatments, substance use, psychosocial factors, and family history. He will discuss treatment options—including risks and benefits—and determine if his expertise and the telehealth platform are the right fit for your needs. Your safety is his top priority.
Follow-up visits focus on monitoring progress, adjusting treatments, maintaining stability, and supporting your motivation to achieve your fullest potential.
Juliet Nicolescu-Nichols, MD
Dr. Juliet Nichols has been a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology since 2002 and has been practicing psychiatry for over 25 years. While an expert in psychopharmacology, Dr. Nichols has an integrative approach to treatment and she often incorporates psychotherapeutic techniques when appropriate, tailoring every treatment to each patient's individual needs. She completed her Psychiatry residency at Stony Brook-SUNY and Geriatric Psychiatry Fellowship at the Albert Einstein School of Medicine. Over the last two decades, Dr. Nichols served as an attending psychiatrist at JT Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson, NY, where she became proficient in delivering stellar psychiatric care in a variety of settings. She specializes in treating adult and geriatric mental illnesses, including: Depression, Anxiety Disorders (eg, OCD, Panic Disorder, GAD, PTSD), ADHD, and Cognitive Disorders in the elderly. Dr. Nichols strives to help her patients gain insights into their inner conflicts, unveil their strengths, accept their limitations, and build their coping skills. Her approach is dynamic, straightforward, and empathic so patients always feel safe, understood, and at ease. She engages the patient to be an active participant in treatment decision-making, creating a strong therapeutic alliance.
Emily Komarczyk, MD
Dr. Komarczyk is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who takes a special interest in developing a therapeutic alliance with each patient by providing an informative, encouraging, and holistic approach to mental health. At the heart of her practice is creating a warm, empathetic, and nonjudgmental space that allows her to work collaboratively with her patients to help them achieve their goals. Her treatment plans include evidence-based medication management, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy.
Kimberly Ford, MD
Dr. Kimberly Ford completed her psychiatry residency training at Harvard University in Boston, Massachusetts. She has enjoyed treating patients for over 25 years in a variety of settings such as inpatient, outpatient mental health clinics, emergency room, and multidisciplinary clinics. She is talented in her ability to connect, understand, and empathize with her patients.She has expertise in treating patients with mood disorders, anxiety, PTSD, and incorporates psychopharmacology when needed, psychodynamic and supportive psychotherapy. She wholeheartedly believes that treating her patients holistically is of high importance, with a focus on their physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Sarah Debrey, MD
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.
John Whittier, MD
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.
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.
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.
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.
Maria Orejarena Serrano, MD
Dr. Orejarena is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She finished her residency from Yale University and the University of Texas Houston. She has done extensive research on psychiatry during her PhD in Neuropsychopharmacology and a Master's in Neuroscience. She is bilingual in Spanish and English. She incorporates different therapy modalities and evidence-based treatments, tailored to each person's needs. She enjoys applying her knowledge in neuroscience and pharmacology into her clinical practice and believes a combination of medication and psychotherapy yields the best treatment outcomes.
Her ultimate goal is to help patients feel their best and accomplish their own goals by developing tools to navigate internal or external obstacles that are part of life. Dr. Orejarena is originally from Colombia, where she earned her medical degree from Universidad Industrial de Santander. She pursued a Master's in Neuroscience at the University of Barcelona and a PhD in Neuropharmacology at the Universidad Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, Spain. Her PhD thesis was honored summa cum laude.
She completed a postdoctoral fellowship training at the Institut de Neurobiologie de la Mediterranee in Marseille, France. She is the author of multiple peer-reviewed publications and has presented her research at national and international meetings. Over the years, she has worked in a variety of settings including outpatient clinics, acute care, psychiatric hospitals as an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center.
Gary Etter, MD
Gary Etter, MD is a board-certified psychiatrist with experience across outpatient, inpatient, and emergency settings, including many years within the John Peter Smith Healthcare System. He has also practiced in federal correctional psychiatric settings and outpatient care through Tarrant County MHMR. Dr. Etter has been extensively involved in psychiatric education for medical students and psychiatry residents. He has participated in organized psychiatry for many years through the Texas Society of Psychiatric Physicians, serving on multiple committees and previously as President of the Texas Psychiatric Society. He earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and completed his psychiatry residency at Timberlawn Psychiatric Hospital in Dallas. He is a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association.
Dr. Etter values ongoing patient input and strives to create a collaborative treatment environment where patients are actively involved in decision-making. He emphasizes a warm, supportive approach that helps patients feel heard, respected, and understood throughout their care.
Dr. Etter begins by developing a thorough understanding of each patient’s psychiatric, medical, family, developmental, and substance use history, while also exploring the patient’s concerns and goals. He then works collaboratively with the patient to develop an individualized treatment plan tailored to their unique needs and objectives.
Seth Sherman, MD
Dr. Seth Sherman is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who has been in practice for over ten years. At the heart of Dr. Sherman's clinical approach is a strong emphasis on establishing trust, rapport, and therapeutic alliance to help persons to feel and live well and to progress toward their goals, both in treatment and in life. Dr. Sherman begins with consultation, a compassionate, collaborative process of discovery that culminates in a working diagnostic impression and, in turn, treatment recommendations. For those with whom he engages in a treatment relationship, Dr. Sherman provides psychoeducation, medication management, and individual psychotherapy, this last modality predominantly drawing from both psychodynamic and behavioral psychological models to tailor treatment to each patient. On some occasions, Dr. Sherman may believe that additional therapy is needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome. Dr. Sherman received his medical degree from Stanford University and went on to complete his residency in psychiatry at Harvard University. After completing training, he cultivated a private practice of psychiatry in San Francisco, California, treating persons with a variety of psychiatric illnesses, while also providing consultation and clinical supervision to psychotherapists in day-treatment and office-based practices. Next, Dr. Sherman served as a psychiatry professor at the Florida Atlantic University Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine in Florida, where, as Associate Director of the Psychiatry Residency Training Program, he provided psychiatric inpatient treatment while bringing leadership, scholarship, teaching, supervision, and mentoring to psychiatry residents and medical students. Most recently, Dr. Sherman worked as a senior medical officer/consultant psychiatrist in New Zealand's public health system, serving local communities with expert diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of mental health conditions. He also continued to supervise U.S.-based psychiatrists, along with New Zealand psychotherapists, in advanced and complex clinical psychopharmacology and psychotherapy.
Michelle Zaydlin, MD
Dr. Michelle Zaydlin is a board-certified psychiatrist who has experience in caring for diverse patient populations presenting with an array of diagnoses. Her interests include neurodevelopmental disorders (autism, ADHD), mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, and comorbid medical conditions. She has completed internships in pediatric neuropsychology and worked as a behavior therapist, delivering Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, enriching her understanding of development and neurocognitive functioning. Additionally, Dr. Zaydlin actively participates in research and is actively engaged in educational initiatives for other healthcare providers. Dr. Zaydlin believes in a collaborative and compassionate approach to mental health care. She works with patients across their lifespans, integrating psychopharmacology and psychotherapy. She integrates cultural sensitivity with evidence-based practices to provide individualized, holistic care. Her empathetic approach and clinical knowledge enable her to foster meaningful connections with her patients and facilitate positive treatment outcomes.
Jennifer Ruch, DO
Dr. Jennifer Ruch is a board-certified psychiatrist who strives to understand her patients' lived experiences and aspirations to develop supportive therapeutic relationships through empathetic listening, mutual trust, and respect. She collaboratively creates individualized care plans that align with personal treatment goals in a safe and judgment-free environment. After completing her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Biology with a focus in psychology from the University of California, Merced, she earned her medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Ruch completed her General Psychiatry Residency at Arnot Ogden Medical Center in New York. Her clinical experience involves treating individuals of all age groups from diverse populations and socioeconomic backgrounds suffering from anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, and neurocognitive disorders. She has provided care in inpatient and outpatient psychiatric facilities, the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, emergency rooms, state facilities, and an inpatient chemical dependency center. She also performed pre-procedure psychological evaluations for bariatric and spinal cord surgeries, and psychiatric consult liaison services on medical units and has clinical training in inpatient and outpatient neurology. Her clinical experience incorporated treatment modalities such as pharmacotherapy and interventional psychiatry, including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Spravato. Dr. Ruch integrates a wide array of psychotherapy as needed; however, her practice primarily focuses on medication management while utilizing referrals to therapists and providing collaborative care for optimal outcomes.
Joyln Ferrell, MD
Background and credentials
Dr. Joyln Ferrell is a board-certified psychiatrist with specialized training in treating depression and anxiety disorders. She earned her medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine and also holds a doctorate in pharmacy from the University of Georgia. She completed her residency training in psychiatry at VA Boston/Harvard Medical School and gained significant clinical experience at McLean Hospital. Additionally, she completed a fellowship in psychoanalytic psychotherapy at Columbia University Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research.
Treatment approach
Dr. Ferrell focuses on providing patient-centered care, emphasizing improving quality of life and helping patients reach their specific treatment goals. Her approach integrates medication management with supportive therapy. She believes in a collaborative treatment process and may recommend additional therapy support when necessary to optimize outcomes. She takes a cautious and limited approach to the use of controlled medications, ensuring responsible medication management.
What you can expect in a first visit
During the first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive assessment of their symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals. Dr. Ferrell takes a thoughtful and individualized approach to care, working with patients to develop a treatment plan that incorporates medication management and supportive therapy. Follow-up visits typically last 20-30 minutes and focus on monitoring progress and adjusting treatment as needed. In some cases, she may recommend involving an additional therapist to further enhance the effectiveness of the treatment plan.
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.
Find the right fit fast
Our process was built to help you get the care you’re looking for quickly, with personalized matches and easy online booking.
What psychiatry shouldn’t be
What you get with Talkiatry
Go from searching to scheduled in minutes
Tell us about you
Enter your location, insurance details, and what kind of care you’re looking for.
Get in-network matches
We’ll show you clinicians who take your insurance, specialize in your concerns, and have availability.
Get seen quickly
Great care shouldn’t mean a long wait. Our average time to a first visit is 6 days, not weeks or months.
FAQs
How does Talkiatry work?
Is there a cost to my health system?
Talkiatry is an online psychiatry practice designed to make high-quality mental health care more accessible. We’re 100% virtual, in-network with major insurance plans, and first appointments are typically available in days.
To get started, you’ll complete a quick online assessment to tell us what you’re looking for. We’ll match you with psychiatrists who are licensed in your state, in-network with your insurance, and experienced in treating your concerns. You’ll choose the clinician you’d like to work with.
Your first visit is an in-depth evaluation where your psychiatrist will listen, provide a diagnosis, and work with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your goals and preferences. You’ll continue seeing the same clinician over time, adjusting your plan as your needs evolve. Our team is always here to help with scheduling, insurance, and questions about your care.
Do you provide therapy?
Is there a cost to my health system?
Care at Talkiatry starts with psychiatry. If you already have a Talkiatry psychiatrist, they can refer you to one of our therapists if you’ve decided together that therapy is the right next step. However, you can’t see a Talkiatry therapist if you aren’t already seeing one of our psychiatrists.
What should I do if I’m having an emergency?
Is there a cost to my health system?
Talkiatry does not provide emergency care. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please visit your nearest emergency room, call 911, or call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
How much will my visit cost?
Is there a cost to my health system?
The majority of our visits cost patients $25 or less after insurance*, but your exact out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan. The best way to get a clear estimate is to contact your insurance provider directly. Here’s what to ask them:
- Do I have mental health benefits that include outpatient psychiatry?
- Is Talkiatry in-network for my plan?
- What’s my copay or coinsurance for outpatient psychiatry visits?
- Do I have a deductible? If so, how close am I to meeting it?
- Do I have an out-of-pocket maximum? If so, how close am I to reaching it?
- Are virtual or telehealth psychiatry visits covered the same as in-person care?
- Is prior authorization required for outpatient psychiatry?
- Can you provide a cost estimate for an in-network psychiatry visit using CPT code 99204?
- Can you provide a cost estimate for an in-network psychotherapy visit using CPT code 90833?
*Includes all patient costs from 9/24-9/25: copayment, deductible, coinsurance, and $0 payments. Excludes missed appt. fees. Your medical visit costs can vary depending on insurance coverage.
What if I don’t want to take medication?
Is there a cost to my health system?
Psychiatrists are medical doctors, and medication is often part of how they treat mental health conditions. At Talkiatry, your psychiatrist will start by listening and discussing your options with you. Medication is always your choice, but if it’s not something you’re open to considering, we may not be the best fit for ongoing care at this time.
How do I know if Talkiatry can help me?
Is there a cost to my health system?
Talkiatry provides virtual, in-network psychiatric care for people struggling with mild to moderate mental health issues. Here’s what we can help with:
- Anxiety
- ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder)
- Bipolar disorder
- Child & adolescent care
- Depression
- OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder)
- Pregnancy & postpartum care
- PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)
- Substance use disorder
Our goal is to connect you with the best possible care for you. At your first visit, your doctor will confirm whether Talkiatry is the right fit. If they recommend in-person or higher-level care, they’ll guide you to the appropriate resources.
What if my insurance changes from United Healthcare?
Is there a cost to my health system?
Insurance changes are common, and we’re here to help. Talkiatry is in-network with thousands of plans. If your insurance changes, reach out to a Care Coordinator to update your information and confirm your coverage by calling 833-351-TALK (8255).
Do I still take the assessment if I’m already diagnosed with Postpartum Depression?
Is there a cost to my health system?
Yes. Our online assessment is an important part of how we match you with the right psychiatrist. Your first visit will include a thorough evaluation so your psychiatrist can confirm your diagnosis and tailor your treatment plan to your current needs.
