ADHD Psychiatrists in New Jersey

Dr. Victoria Mustovic is a board-certified psychiatrist trained in general adult psychiatry who specializes in perinatal, postpartum, and LGBTQIA+ behavioral health. Clinical practice focuses on managing a variety of mental health conditions with particular interests in treating ADHD, OCD, anxiety, and mood disorders. A collaborative care approach is utilized to actively engage patients in treatment decisions and planning. Medication management is integrated with therapy to support a more comprehensive clinical approach. Therapy treatment focuses mainly on supportive therapy with use of additional therapy modalities based on patient needs. An evidence-based approach is combined with consideration of individual factors in order to work with patients to create a holistic, patient-centered treatment plan. Dr. Mustovic completed an undergraduate education at Allegheny College with a bachelor's degree in biology and double minor in psychology and chemistry. Dr. Mustovic went on to pursue a Medical Doctorate at Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Buffalo, graduated Summa Cum Laude, and was inducted into Alpha Omega AlphaHonor Society for academic achievement. After medical school, Dr. Mustovic completed psychiatry residency at Allegheny Health Network. Additional experience includes both co-authoring a book chapter on women's behavioral health and presenting posters on several different topics in mental health for the Pittsburgh Psychiatric Society, including a presentation on the identification and management of complex trauma in victims of sex trafficking. Dr. Mustovic has 2 years training in outpatient perinatal and postpartum behavioral health and 6 months experience working as co-facilitator in a perinatal and postpartum intensive outpatient treatment program both through the Alexis Joy D'Achille Foundation for Postpartum Depression at West Penn Hospital. Work as a co-facilitator included assisting patient groups in understanding and developing coping skills for a variety of therapy modalities including mindfulness, behavioral activation, interpersonal, cognitive behavioral (CBT), and dialectical behavioral (DBT) therapies. Dr. Mustovic is also dedicated to serving the LGBTQIA+ community with experience in LGBTQIA+ patient care over 4 years at Allegheny Health Network in a variety of clinical settings including inpatient, outpatient, and intensive outpatient programs. Dr. Mustovic is passionate about providing a supportive treatment environment to help improve equal access to care and support patients in advocating for their needs and concerns in health care settings.

Dr. Stephen Geisler is a board-certified adult psychiatrist and has been practicing for over 37 years. His practice focuses on medication management, and typically offers this in conjunction with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. If Dr. Geisler feels you would benefit from working with a therapist in conjunction with medication management, he welcomes collaboration with your therapist to make for the best outcome. Dr. Geisler is a graduate of the New York University School of Medicine. He completed a fellowship in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy at the Zucker Hillside Hospital of Northwell Health after finishing his residency training there. He is currently an Assistant Clinical Professor at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. Over the years Dr. Geisler has received a number of awards including NAMI Exemplary Psychiatrist Award, The APA Irma Bland Certificate of Excellence in Teaching Residents, the Zucker Hillside Hospital Department of Psychiatry Recognition Award for Education, and twice received the Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award from the graduating residents' class. Dr. Geisler is a member of the American Psychiatric Association, the Nassau Suffolk District Branch of the APA and the American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology. Through the years, Dr. Geisler has participated in many clinical research projects, has been the co-author of many papers, and has made many presentations. Dr. Geisler specializes in psychopharmacology, especially tailoring individualized treatment to serve the needs of patients with a variety of conditions. He has a lot of experience in treating patients with depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, ADHD, and OCD.

Dr. Michael Petetit has worked with people from many different walks of life in clinics, hospitals, and online, providing evidence-based treatments for a wide range of mental health conditions. His professional journey is unique—he began his career as a research chemist, later earned a Master’s degree in psychology and worked with children, before pursuing his medical degree and completing a psychiatry residency.

Dr. Petetit approaches treatment as a true collaboration. He partners with patients to clarify goals and create individualized treatment plans that reflect their priorities and values. He strives to be non-judgmental, direct, and honest in his style, building a therapeutic relationship that supports open communication and trust.

Dr. Petetit begins with a thorough evaluation to understand each patient’s circumstances and challenges. From there, he works with patients to set and prioritize goals, review treatment options, and select a plan that feels both comfortable and practical. As treatment progresses, he regularly revisits and refines the plan, ensuring it remains effective and aligned with the patient’s evolving needs.

Dr. Michael Underriner is an adult psychiatrist. His approach to treatment is holistic, taking into account the entire person, and emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic bond to help people reduce suffering and achieve their goals. He is a member of the Gold Humanism Honor Society. Dr. Underriner's practice focuses on a mix of medication management, offered in conjunction with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits, and insight-oriented psychotherapy offered in weekly 45-minute visits. He works with people struggling with ADHD, depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, and difficulties with self-esteem and relationships. Occasionally Dr. Underriner may believe that additional therapy is warranted and recommend a separate therapist to provide the best outcome. He received his medical degree from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and completed his residency training at New York University. During training, he gained experience treating patients with various psychiatric illnesses in several different clinics and hospital-based settings. He worked with experts in the field of depression and provided consultations for patients considering transcranial magnetic stimulation. He also published a review article on long-term injectable medications for psychosis. Dr. Underriner has maintained an interest in teaching and remains connected to the psychiatry department at NYU. He has supervised and taught junior residents and medical students. Additionally, he is interested in global health and disparities in access to care and has traveled to Ghana to teach medical students rotating through psychiatry at the university there.

Dr. Niles Drake is a board certified psychiatrist skilled in prescribing medications and working in psychotherapy. He combines a warm demeanor with excellent clinical skills, and has over 15 years' experience working with adult patients of all ages and many walks of life. He has special expertise combining medication and psychotherapy to help patients reduce symptoms and grow as individuals. Dr. Drake's additional training and experience in psychological modes of treatment enhance the quality of care he provides to all his patients, to meet them where they are and prioritize their individual needs and goals. He also provides medication management-only treatments for people who aren't looking for psychotherapy or who already have therapists. Dr. Drake completed his psychiatric residency at Columbia University Medical Center in New York. He also completed psychoanalytic training at the Columbia Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research. He went on to teach classes at the Center, educating candidates about the nuances of combining psychotherapy with other treatment modalities. In addition to providing outpatient psychiatric treatment for over 10 years in private practice, he has worked extensively in psychiatric emergency settings, supervising residents as attending physician at Columbia-New York Presbyterian Hospital and Long Island Jewish Hospital psychiatric emergency rooms. He also has special expertise treating college-aged and young adult patients, having served as staff psychiatrist at Barnard College's Furman Counseling Center and worked with many students from Barnard and Columbia in his private practice. Dr. Drake offers treatment for many psychiatric conditions, including but not limited to depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and personality disorders. He identifies helping people ease and overcome their psychiatric conditions as his calling, and approaches each patient with humility, diligence, and a collaborative spirit.

Dr. Hajer Ben Cheikh earned her medical degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School, where she worked with refugee populations and participated in global health initiatives. She completed her psychiatry residency at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, serving as inpatient chief resident. Dr. Ben Cheikh has experience across the full continuum of psychiatric care, including higher levels of care, collaborative care, and outpatient settings. She has a particular interest in perinatal mental health.

Dr. Ben Cheikh values open communication, transparency, and collaboration, and takes a friendly, supportive approach to patient care. She practices evidence-based medicine with a thoughtful, minimalist approach to pharmacologic treatment, often favoring single agents that can address multiple concerns when clinically appropriate.

Her approach to care is holistic, integrating psychiatric diagnoses, comorbid conditions, social context, and lifestyle factors. Sessions include supportive psychotherapy, incorporating techniques from other modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and psychodynamic approaches as appropriate. Initial visits emphasize diagnostic clarity and collaborative goal-setting, while follow-up sessions focus on patient priorities, shared decision-making, and personalized strategies that support meaningful, sustainable progress.

Education and training

Stony Brook University (Bachelor of Science)

American University of Integrative Sciences (MD)

Davenport University (MBA)

Bergen New Bridge Medical Center (residency)

University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center/Case Western Reserve University (fellowship)

Dr. Mohammed Islam is board certified in both General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. He completed his undergraduate studies at Stony Brook University and attended medical school at the American University of Integrative Sciences. He completed his psychiatry residency training at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center followed by completion of a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at University Hospitals/Case Western Reserve University where he served as Chief Fellow. Prior to joining Talkiatry, he has trained/worked in a combination of various healthcare systems across New York, New Jersey, Ohio and Kentucky.

Dr. Islam treats patients of various ages- in addition to medication management he is a strong proponent of therapy in various forms. His approach to the treatment of adults and children/adolescents incorporates the impact of various things such as family history of mental health/medical conditions as well as any adverse childhood experiences/trauma. In addition to screening for common conditions such as bipolar disorder, anxiety and depression in all patients, he also emphasizes the importance of screening for conditions that can manifest in childhood (such as ADHD, Autism) as well as first-episode psychosis in young adults.

From the initial visit and onward, Dr. Islam prioritizes a collaborative effort with his patients (and at times their families). In addition to medication adjustments, he emphasizes the importance of optimizing additional tools such as therapy while making appropriate lifestyle changes. During every follow up visit, he takes care to ensure that the current treatment is not hindering his patient’s progress in any way.

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Dr. Ellis is a graduate of Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in Piscataway, NJ. He completed his psychiatric residency at Cooper Hospital/University Medical Center in Camden, NJ, where he served as Chief Resident his senior year. Dr. Ellis has served as Assistant Medical Director of the community mental health center of Gloucester County for 28 years, providing care to a diverse population. Additionally, Dr. Ellis maintained a private practice for 15 years, treating individuals and their families with ongoing collaboration with therapists and other health care providers

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.‍

Dr. Schwartz is a board-certified Staff Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He completed his residency at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in Paramus, New Jersey, where he excelled in his leadership and knowledge, becoming the Chief Resident in just his third year of residency at the busiest outpatient behavioral health clinic in New Jersey. Upon completion of his third year of residency, he went on to become Chief Academic Resident of his program, which allowed him to bestow his knowledge of psychiatry on younger psychiatrists in training. After completing his residency in General Psychiatry, he went on to complete a fellowship in the prestigious Mount Sinai Health System in New York City, based primarily out of the Beth Israel location. During this fellowship he studied Consultation-liaison psychiatry, also known as psychosomatic medicine. It is an exciting subspecialty of psychiatry that focuses on the care of patients with comorbid psychiatric and general medical conditions. Consultation-liaison psychiatry deals with the understanding and advancement of medical science, education, and the provision of healthcare for medically ill and complex patients. Using his training, Dr. Schwartz can focus on using his extensive medication knowledge to help treat an array of psychiatric disorders. Despite medication management, he also works on a holistic approach to psychiatry, including working with the patient to get the proper therapy services when clinically indicated. During the initial interview, a thorough assessment is done, including any medical and psychiatric history, medications you may be currently taking, and supplements before any medication is dispensed. Using his knowledge in psychiatry and consult-liaison psychiatry, Dr. Schwartz's interests include depression, anxiety, ADHD, obsessive compulsive and related disorders, transgender patients on hormone therapies and post-surgical transition. He also has an extensive interest in medical illnesses with a psychiatric component such as cancer patients, transplant, HIV, and many others alike. He looks forward to working with you to enhance your emotional well-being.

Melissa Racklin is a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience. She works with individuals who have a wide variety of mental health challenges. Melissa helps individuals to work through symptoms that are holding them back and help them live a better, more fulfilling life.‍Melissa is experienced in the areas of panic disorders, generalized anxiety, OCD, phobias, separation anxiety. She particularly enjoys working with adults who are motivated to grow through the process of therapy. Melissa has worked extensively with clients who have depression, bipolar disorder, women's issues, ADHD, personality disorders, marital/relationship issues along with couples counseling, divorce, self-harm, adjustment disorders, and more. Melissa holds certification in clinical supervision as well as school social worker certification. And has training in red flags for suicidality.‍Melissa's approach is custom-tailored for each individual client. She has a supportive, genuine, and authentic style of treatment. Melissa is warm and empathic and strives to create a safe and trusting therapeutic environment for her clients. She utilizes active listening skills and is intuitive and skilled in various modalities of treatment. Most often, Melissa uses CBT, DBT, and a psychodynamic approach in her work with clients.

Whitney Cohen obtained her undergraduate degree from Monmouth University where she studied Psychology and Health Studies. Whitney earned her Master's degree in Clinical Social Work from New York University, where she gained a solid foundation in evidence-based practices and therapeutic techniques. She is also a licensed clinical supervisor which has allowed her to train and mentor other aspiring social workers in the field as well as nurse practitioners and other mental health professionals. ‍Whitney has worked in a variety of settings, including education, correctional facilities, substance abuse/outpatient programs, and private practice. Her diverse experiences have equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities that individuals face daily. Whitney has worked with clients of all ages, from children, adolescents, adults, the elderly, and has a special passion for working with couples and families. She specializes in treating a variety of mental health issues, including anxiety, ADHD, stress, family/relational problems, trauma and school avoidance.‍In her practice, Whitney utilizes a scope of therapeutic approaches, CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing. These evidence-based techniques allow her to tailor interventions to meet the unique needs of each client, helping them achieve their goals and overcome obstacles.

Dr. Varma grew up in an immigrant family surrounded by aspiring doctors, and her passion for understanding the human mind and behavior blossomed early. This curiosity led her to pursue extensive medical training abroad, beginning at Kasturba Medical College in Southern India, followed by clerkships at the University of the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago. She completed her Adult psychiatry residency at the University of Florida in Gainesville and specialized further with a child/adolescent fellowship at Brookdale University Hospital in Brooklyn, NY.

Dr. Varma believes in a holistic, integrative approach to mental health. Her philosophy centers on identifying the root causes of ailments rather than merely addressing symptoms. She views mental health care as a partnership, where the mind, body, and spirit work together to achieve wellness. Dr. Varma is committed to fostering a safe, confidential therapeutic alliance to help you explore your potential for healing.

Dr. Varma embraces integrative psychiatry, which combines the best of conventional Western medicine with complementary approaches. This involves a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment tailored to each individual, incorporating psychopharmacology alongside lifestyle adjustments in diet, movement, and breathwork. She collaborates with therapists and other professionals to create a well-rounded treatment plan that honors your unique journey.

Dr. Danielle Jackson is a board certified Adult Psychiatrist by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She is a graduate of Yale University's Psychiatry Residency and Howard University College of Medicine. Dr. Jackson's practice focuses on a combination of psychopharmacology (medication) and psychotherapy techniques including supportive therapy, motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy. She approaches care from an individualized, patient-centered, collaborative perspective. She often integrates evidence-based lifestyle recommendations in areas such as nutrition, sleep hygiene, exercise, and stress management tools in treatment to help patients achieve their wellness goals. Her interests include adjustment disorder, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD and trauma-related disorders. In addition, she enjoys helping patients navigate the challenges that can accompany changes in life (careers, parenthood, relationships, chronic illness). Prior to joining Talkiatry, Dr. Jackson served as medical director for substance use and co-occurring disorders at Sunset Terrace Family Health Centers at NYU Langone. She has experience caring for a diverse patient population including those with perinatal mood disorders (postpartum anxiety/depression), substance use disorders and those from minoritized and marginalized communities.

Dr. Kristen Clark earned her medical degree from Jefferson Medical College and completed her psychiatry residency at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson. She has extensive experience practicing primarily in outpatient settings, along with additional experience in inpatient, consultation, and emergency psychiatry. Dr. Clark is licensed in Indiana, New Jersey, and New York. She has also served in academic roles, teaching and mentoring trainees in both medical school and residency. She is board-certified in Psychiatry and in Addiction Medicine.

Dr. Clark prioritizes creating a welcoming environment where patients feel comfortable sharing their experiences. She values building strong rapport and approaches care holistically, recognizing that each patient is unique and deserves an individualized treatment plan. She appreciates the ongoing nature of outpatient care and adapts her approach as patients’ goals and priorities evolve over time.

Dr. Clark takes a collaborative approach to treatment, working closely with patients to ensure their understanding of all available options. She empowers patients to make informed choices and partners with them to develop plans that best align with their needs, values, and goals for treatment.

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.