Bipolar Disorder Psychiatrists in New Jersey

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.

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. Ankila S. Chandran is a board certified general psychiatrist at Talkiatry with over 20 years of experience treating a diverse population of patients. After graduating with her doctorate in Communication Theory and Research from the University of Southern California she attended the Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Northern California and then completed her residency in Psychiatry at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and became board certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Neurology and Psychiatry in 2006. Dr. Chandran has spent the past 20 years fulfilling her passion for practicing integrated and holistic care for adults suffering from mental illness. Her years of experience include working as a Clinical Psychiatrist and Assistant Professor at Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, being an examiner for the oral boards for psychiatrists seeking board certification, engaging in longer term inpatient treatment for chronically ill patients and facilitating consultation-liaison psychiatry with other medical specialties as well as practicing general outpatient psychiatry. Dr. Chandran has an informal and approachable style when treating individuals who suffer from a variety of complex diagnoses, she explains conditions well and helps educate her patients about how to be actively engaged in living their best lives. Concurrent with medication management, Dr. Chandran provides supportive psychotherapy and she has psychodynamic therapy skills that help address the root causes of her patients' distress. If Dr. Chandran feels you would benefit from working separately with a weekly to every other week therapist in conjunction with getting medication management, she welcomes collaboration with your therapist to achieve optimal results. Dr. Chandran strives to empower her patients in advocating for themselves and in achieving an optimal integration of their mental and physical 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.

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.

Dr. Caitlin Schroen completed her Psychiatry residency at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in Piscataway, NJ. She received her bachelor's degree in Psychology from Fordham University and then attended medical school at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University. Dr. Schroen provides psychiatric services to adults ages 18 and older. She focuses on medication management and psychoeducation, often along with supportive therapy. With a patient-centered approach, Dr. Schroen believes in fostering a safe and non-judgmental environment where individuals can openly discuss their mental health concerns. Dr. Schroen is well-versed in a wide spectrum of psychiatric conditions and offers evidence-based treatments tailored to each patient's unique needs. She has a particular interest in treating mood disorders, anxiety disorders, OCD, and ADHD. Dr. Schroen is passionate about reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and strives to provide the highest quality care to help individuals lead happier and more fulfilling lives.

Dr. Ayanna Swinton Jamison is a board-certified psychiatrist with over 18 years of experience in general, as well as child and adolescent psychiatry. She has extensive experience in counseling, and medication management. Dr. Jamison is committed to educating her patients about their illness and providing personalized care for each patient. Dr. Jamison received her undergraduate degree from Jackson State University. She graduated from Saint Louis University Medical School and completed her residency training in general psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of South Carolina. Dr. Jamison is a proud mom of four who enjoys spending time with her family, and attending her kids' sports events.

Dr. Martha James is board-certified in general adult psychiatry and has more than twenty years of experience working with adults in a variety of mental health care settings including academia, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, university medical centers, VA medical centers, and community mental health settings. Dr. James received her medical degree from Duke University School of Medicine. She completed her psychiatric residency at the University of California, Los Angeles Neuropsychiatric Institute. Dr. James has experience treating adults with a variety of mental health problems including anxiety, mood disorders, trauma related disorders and psychotic disorders.

Dr. James is an experienced, open-minded psychiatrist who prioritizes empathy and understanding in her work. She recognizes that each individual's path to wellness is unique and strives to meet patients where they are in this process. Dr. James believes that while some individuals may benefit from treatment with medication management alone, psychotherapy is often important for treatment success. She encourages patients to participate in psychotherapy and believes a therapist can be a crucial part of the treatment team.

Dr. James uses a collaborative, patient-centered treatment approach with the goal of reducing mental pain and improving wellness so that patients are better able to pursue their unique personal and professional goals. She utilizes psychopharmacology, psychoeducation, and supportive and psychodynamic psychotherapy skills when working with patients.

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Dr. Shahan Syed is a Board-Eligible Psychiatrist who offers personable, compassionate, and empathetic care. Before completing his residency in psychiatry, Dr. Syed graduated from International American University College of Medicine and recently completed his residency at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in Paramus, NJ. He gained experience as a clinical researcher, emergency medical technician, and a registered nurse in both psychiatric and emergency departments prior to his formal training. This diverse background equipped him with valuable tools to deliver empathetic care to a wide range of patients with experience treating anxiety disorder, traumatic disorders, depressive and bipolar disorders, substance use disorders, ADHD, OCD, and psychotic disorders. During his residency, Dr. Syed also took on the role of chief resident, demonstrating a remarkable ability to educate both his patients and colleagues. Throughout his residency, Dr. Syed actively pursued additional training opportunities at various safety net hospitals in New Jersey to care for underserved populations.

Dr. Syed places significant importance on collaborating with patients and all relevant parties to gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors affecting the patient's life before making treatment recommendations. Additionally, Dr. Syed emphasizes the importance of lifestyle, sleep, mindfulness, and nutrition, and their impact on overall mental health. He has experience in utilizing interpersonal and supportive psychotherapy, along with principles of motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral therapy, to foster resilience and meaningful change in partnership with other mental health professionals involved in patient care.

Dr. Syed employs a range of therapeutic methods alongside medication management to ensure a thorough and holistic approach for every patient. His goal is to create a safe environment that encourages healing and wellness, enabling individuals to remain motivated and live their lives to the fullest.

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Dr. Jillian Saad is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who specializes in patient-centered care. She has been practicing for over 8 years in private practice and academic medicine .Dr. Saad focuses on medication management in 30-minute follow-up visits in conjunction with supportive and emotionally focused therapy. She takes a patient-centered approach that acknowledges all the psychosocial aspects of each individual to ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible. She received her medical degree from UMDNJ Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in Piscataway, NJ, then moved to Pennsylvania to complete her residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. Upon completion of training, Dr. Saad went into private practice for 5 years in southern NJ where she treated children, adolescents, and adults with a wide array of psychiatric disorders. She then went into academic medicine at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, NJ, where she served as the Associate Program Director of the Psychiatry Residency Program supervising and teaching both residents and medical students .Dr. Saad has experience working with a broad range of psychiatric disorders including mood disorders, PTSD, OCD, and ADHD. She also has a strong interest in Women's Mental Health and alternative treatment options.

Dr. Panchal is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who works with motivated adults to navigate and discover the root of their mental health struggles. Since working in private practice, Dr. Panchal knows that discovering the root of difficulties allows clients to find healthy perceptions of themselves and strengthen their relationships so they can know themselves as a whole. She is trained in multiple therapeutic modalities as well as medication management, implementing individually tailored treatment. Her educational background includes training in psychodynamic psychotherapy with the Psychoanalytic Association of New York. She has completed her psychiatry training at Delaware Psychiatry Residency Program in New Castle, Delaware.

Dr. Buonopane is Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She obtained her medical degree with Laude from the University of Rome, La Sapienza, and completed her residency in Psychiatry from Yale School of Medicine. Dr. Buonopane has extensive experience in psychopharmacology and offers state-of-the-art medication management with compassion and empathy. She practices a holistic approach, combining psychiatric medications with elements of psychotherapy and mindfulness. She offers individualized and comprehensive treatment plans which address the whole person, including lifestyle and social engagement, because the latest research findings show that both play an important role in mental and physical health. Education on mental illness and recommendations on diet and exercise are always discussed with the patients, according to the individuals' needs. Dr. Buonopane spends time listening to patients and makes plans based on clinical evidence without an authoritative approach, taking into consideration the patient's level of comfort and views because, in her experience, the best outcomes are always reached when patients fully understand and agree with the management of their conditions. Dr. Buonopane has been in practice for more than twenty years and has extensive experience in general Adult Psychiatry with a focus on mood disorder and anxiety. She has been leading clinical programs and teaching medical students, residents, and fellows in psychiatry and addiction in various clinical settings, such as private institutions and universities, including Yale School of Medicine. Prior to joining Talkiatry, Dr Buonopane had her own in-person clinical services for over ten years and telehealth services over the past four years, treating patients suffering mainly from depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety. When working in private practice, Dr Buonopane received the Compassionate Doctor Recognition (Vitals) and the Patient's Choice Awards (Vitals), both based on patients' reviews.

Dr. Liu is board certified in Adult Psychiatry. She primarily focuses on medication management but integrates therapeutic support into her sessions. For more in-depth therapy needs, Dr. Liu encourages patients to have their own individual therapist. She received her undergraduate and medical degrees at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC. She then moved to Morgantown, West Virginia to complete her psychiatry residency. Dr. Liu has experience working with patients from different backgrounds in inpatient, outpatient, and partial hospitalization settings. She particularly enjoys working with young adults and in areas related to women's health, such as perinatal mental health. She welcomes people from all cultures and is LGBTQ+ friendly.

Dr. Elaine Kwok is a board-certified Adult Psychiatrist who has been practicing for 9 years. She specializes in depression and anxiety and believes in a holistic approach to the wellness of both the mind and body. Dr. Kwok conducts a comprehensive and individualized assessment for each patient utilizing a combination of medication management, lifestyle changes, and coping skills, creating a safe and therapeutic environment to facilitate healing and growth .Dr. Kwok received her undergraduate degree from New York University and her medical degree from St. George's University. She then completed her residency training at Seton Hall University. After training, she worked in the inpatient and outpatient units at Capital Health Medical Center in Trenton, New Jersey. She was a voluntary faculty member and trained residents and medical students from Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. She has training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. She actively participates in her local community to provide education and training for mental health providers. Dr. Kwok strives to collaborate and address hindrances that may interfere with an individual's best self. She focuses on creating a strong therapeutic relationship to support and facilitate balance, lifestyle enhancement, and emotional well-being. She looks forward to getting to know you and embarking on this journey together.

Dr. Monica Badillo is double board-certified in child and adolescent psychiatry and adult psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She received additional training and certification in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy at the New York Medical College Psychoanalytic Institute. Dr. Badillo is bilingual and speaks Spanish and English to deliver quality care for patients and parents. She provides medication management while incorporating psychoeducation, supportive, and psychodynamic psychotherapies. Generally, she employs 30-minute follow up sessions, and she may request a psychotherapist to participate in treatment. She listens and builds rapport with patients and families, while utilizing a trauma-informed, patient-centered, comprehensive, and collaborative approach. She completed her undergraduate degree at Fordham University in New York, and subsequently received her medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine in Dominica. She then completed general psychiatry residency and child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, BronxCare Health System. She excelled in her program and was awarded honors as Chief Fellow in achievement and professionalism. After completing training, Dr. Badillo continued to work at the institution as an attending psychiatrist in the Child and Adult Outpatient Services, Pediatric Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP), and Pediatric Consultation Liaison services. She has held leadership roles, and instructed medical students, fellows, and resident physicians. Dr. Badillo has treated patients of all age ranges and diverse backgrounds in community mental health settings. Her primary focus is treating children, adolescents, and young-early adults for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, ADHD, trauma-related disorders, disruptive behavior disorders, and other psychiatric conditions.

Dr. Debbarma is double board certified in General Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. Dr.Debbarma is also certified in mindfulness therapy. Prior to joining Talkiatry, Dr. Debbarma was working as an attending psychiatrist and teaching faculty in an Academic hospital. She has experience of managing diverse patients ranging from chronic severe mental illness , dual diagnosis patients, crisis management and high functioning outpatients population.

Dr. Debbarma is an International medical graduate from India with post graduate training in Psychiatry and Family Medicine.  

To better understand USA public health and preventive care, Dr. Debbarma pursued advanced degree in Master of Public Health from Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia. Due to interest in global health, Dr. Debbarma worked as a post-doctoral fellow in Global Health at Rutgers university. Dr. Debbarma completed psychiatry residency from Cooper University Hospital and served as a chief resident.

Dr. Debbarma has diverse experiences in health care. Prior to moving to USA, she worked as a medical officer in government hospital system. Dr. Debbarma has years of experience in treating patients from different cultural and religious background.

As an Individual Dr. Debbarma is intrigued by human mind and behavior that’s why she choose to specialize in psychiatry. She focuses on "wholeness" by understanding the whole person not just their symptoms.

Her treatment approach includes bio-psycho-sociocultural model and patient centered care.  She offers medication management and supportive therapy. Based on clinical need Dr. Debbarma also incorporate CBT, Mindfulness, MI.

Dr. Debbarma has special interest in women mental health and cultural psychiatry.