Anxiety Psychiatrists in New York

Dr. Dave Kopacz studied psychology, medicine, and psychiatry at the University of Illinois. He has over 25 years of clinical experience, most recently 11 years at the Seattle Veterans Affairs and as a national VA Whole Health Education Champion, teaching holistic self-care to staff and veterans. Prior to that, Dr. Kopacz was Clinical Director of a psychiatric rehabilitation center in New Zealand. He has worked in private practice, rural community mental health, and ran a VA tele-health program for Native American/Alaskan and Pasifika veterans.

Dr. Kopacz is board certified in Psychiatry & Integrative Medicine, a certified yoga instructor and a certified iRest (Integrative Restoration) meditation teacher. He is an author and international speaker on topics of burnout, well-being, medical humanities, creativity and health, and cross-cultural approaches to healing. His books include Caring for Self & Others: Transforming Burnout, Compassion Fatigue, and Soul Loss, and Re-humanizing Medicine. He has also co-authored four books with Joseph Rael (Beautiful Painted Arrow), including Walking the Medicine Wheel: Healing Trauma & PTSD.

"What is your typical process for working with patients?"

Dr. Kopacz combines psychiatric diagnosis with a collaborative and holistic focus on your strengths and personal growth. Combining a psychiatric and self-care assessment, he will help you find a plan for medication, psychotherapy, and well-being work that feels right for you.

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Dr. Shari Sengupta attended the University of OK as a National Merit Scholar and went on to graduate with her MD from Eastern Virginia Medical School. She specialized in Adult Psychiatry at the University of NC Hospitals where she was a chief resident. She received psychotherapy training in insight-oriented and cognitive-behavioral approaches and trained at the Psychoanalytic Institute of the Carolinas. She has 18 years of experience providing medication management and psychotherapy in both private practice and community mental health settings and over 10 years of experience in telepsychiatry providing care to underserved communities. Dr. Sengupta has experience treating a variety of mental health concerns but has a particular interest in depression, anxiety, and mental health in the perinatal period. Her practice focuses on medication management from a holistic perspective. She believes that mental health is the cornerstone of overall well-being and that treatment is a collaborative journey toward improved health and function in life, work, and relationships. She offers culturally sensitive treatment to people from all backgrounds and sexual orientations. As a staff psychiatrist at Talkiatry, her treatment approach focuses on medication management informed by a background in psychotherapy.‍

Dr. Sean Culver is an outpatient psychiatrist with experience treating a wide variety of disorders across multiple distinct age groups. He completed his undergraduate education at the University of Pittsburgh, graduating summa cum laude while majoring in neuroscience. He attended medical school at the Ohio State University College of Medicine, where he was granted an annual merit scholarship. Dr. Culver then remained at the OSU Wexner Medical Center for residency training. Outside of psychiatry, he enjoys numerous interests including soccer, hockey, music, photography, and video games.

During residency, Dr. Culver developed particular interest in working with young adults, college students, and athletes, but is comfortable with patients of all ages. He strongly believes in the practice of evidence-based medicine, utilizing the most current research to guide recommendations. He is a strong advocate for patient autonomy and therefore provides psychoeducation on diagnoses and medications so that each patient can make informed decisions which align with their own values.

Dr. Culver approaches each patient in the context of their individual interests, family dynamics, and life goals. He understands that not every patient requires or desires medication and is comfortable in a number of psychotherapy techniques including cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and supportive therapy. He emphasizes a trusting and honest therapeutic relationship with his patients.

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Dr. Jenna Hartman is double board certified in General Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry. Dr. Hartman graduated from Tufts University before completing medical school at New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine. She then completed residency at Maimonides Medical Center, where she was a Chief Resident, and then pursued an addiction psychiatry fellowship at Mount Sinai Beth Israel. Dr. Hartman was also trained in psychodynamic psychotherapy by the Psychoanalytic Association of NY. Following her training, Dr. Hartman returned to Maimonides Medical Center, where she worked as an attending adult outpatient clinic, treating patients from many different backgrounds with a wide array of diagnoses. She holds a special interest in treating mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and OCD. Dr. Hartman uses a compassionate and thoughtful approach in order to form a collaborative partnership with her patients. She believes in treating the person as a whole and tailoring treatments to each individual's specific needs. Dr. Hartman works with patients in 30 30-minute follow up sessions, where in addition to medication management she provides supportive and at times psychodynamic therapeutic techniques.

Dr. Saba Mughal is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with over 5 years of experience in providing compassionate, patient-centered care. Specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of a wide range of mental health conditions, Dr. Mughal works closely with individuals facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and OCD.‍Dr. Mughal employs an integrative approach to treatment, combining evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), medication management, and mindfulness techniques, tailored to each patient's needs. In addition to individual therapy, Dr. Mughal collaborates with family members and other healthcare providers to ensure a holistic and coordinated treatment plan.‍With a deep commitment to supporting emotional well-being, Dr. Mughal fosters a warm, non-judgmental environment where patients feel heard, respected, and empowered to take an active role in their mental health journey. Dr. Mughal believes that mental health is integral to overall wellness, and works to reduce stigma surrounding psychiatric care by promoting open dialogue and understanding.‍Dr. Mughal completed her medical school at Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Pakistan and completed her residency training at Nassau University Medical Center, East Meadow, NY. She is a member of APA and a diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. She is passionate about advocating for mental health awareness in the community.

Dr. Ali is a lifelong New Yorker who has always been fascinated by the complexity of the human mind, behavior, and experience. Growing up in a vibrant and diverse city, she developed a deep appreciation for how culture, environment, and individual background shape a person’s psychological well-being. Driven by this passion, she pursued her medical degree at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, where she gained a strong foundation in both the biological and psychosocial aspects of medicine. She then completed her general psychiatry training at SUNY Stony Brook University Hospital, where she worked closely with a diverse patient population from varied religious, cultural, socioeconomic, and age groups.

Dr. Ali prioritizes open communication and mutual trust, creating a safe, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel respected and empowered to actively engage in their care. She integrates psychotherapy techniques and takes a holistic, person centered approach to treatment.

Dr. Ali believes in collaboration and shared understanding grounded in evidence-based therapies. Her typical process includes developing individualized treatment plans aimed at symptom relief, improved functioning, and overall quality of life. Beyond medication management, she incorporates psychotherapy techniques and psychoeducation to help patients build coping skills and insight.

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Dr. Lemaire Leo Pierre is a board certified adult psychiatric provider with over 10 years of experience. He has additional years working in the medical field as a physician assistant. Dr. Pierre's practice entails medication management accompanied by supportive psychotherapy. He frequently encourages other forms of psychotherapy with a counselor to maximize treatment outcomes. After completing medical school at Central America Health Science University, he returned to New York City and completed his psychiatry residency at New York Medical College Program at Metropolitan Hospital Center. Subsequently, he moved to Minnesota and worked with Park Nicollet Health Service/HealthPartners. He had been there for 10.5 years, where he oversaw a successful psychiatric practice and helped his patients who had been struggling with their conditions. Dr. Pierre is a member of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, in addition to the American Psychiatry Association and State Psychiatry Association. He also enjoys attending conferences and reading journals to learn about cutting-edge treatments so that he is updated on the most recent FDA-approved medications.

Jeanine Foley is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over a decade of experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She holds a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from the University of Colorado Denver, an MSN from Vanderbilt University, and a BS from Boston University. Her career includes service as an active duty PMHNP in the U.S. Air Force and roles in the VA and private psychiatric hospitals. She also serves as Adjunct Clinical Faculty for a PMHNP graduate program.

Jeanine believes in patient-centered care built on trust, collaboration, and respect for each individual’s life story. She integrates medication management with therapeutic techniques and creates a safe, inclusive space that is trauma-informed and aligned with each patient’s values. Jeanine emphasizes genuine connection and strives to help clients explore root causes of distress—not just manage symptoms.

Jeanine begins with a comprehensive, collaborative assessment of each patient’s medical, psychiatric, and psychosocial history. She partners with patients to develop flexible, personalized treatment plans that support holistic mental health. Her approach combines psychopharmacologic and psychotherapeutic interventions, continuously adjusting plans based on feedback and progress.

Dr. Michael Fiori is Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. He has practiced general psychiatry for 37 years, and has also sub-specialized in Addiction Psychiatry for the past 20 years. Dr. Fiori's practice emphasizes Diagnostic Clarification, which is an ongoing process. He is highly trained and experienced in the biological and psychosocial underpinnings of psychiatric problems. He typically follows diagnostic evaluations with 30-minute follow up visits for medication adjustments and brief therapy. Dr. Fiori often enjoys collaborating with outside therapists when needed. Dr. Fiori graduated from Amherst College and received his medical degree from NY Medical College. He subsequently completed his residency in psychiatry at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in NYC. He excelled in Academic Psychiatry as both a teacher and a mentor. His practice has always combined medications with evidence-based therapies to alleviate suffering and maximize functioning. In addition to his work as a Board Certified Adult Psychiatrist, he has specialized in helping patients suffering from Substance Use Disorders. Dr. Fiori is Board Certified in Addiction Medicine, and helps patients understand the interrelationships between their Substance Use Disorders and their Psychiatric illnesses.

Dr. Anantharam Peesapati is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who graduated from General Psychiatry Residency training at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. There, he honed his skills by treating a diverse patient population suffering from various diagnoses, including major depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, PTSD, ADHD, and substance use disorders. Prior to residency, Dr. Peesapati earned his medical degree from Florida Atlantic University Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine & his bachelor's degree in Psychology with a specialization in Behavioral & Cognitive Neuroscience from the University of Florida. Dr. Peesapati is committed to providing comprehensive care to his patients, with a focus on medication management & psychoeducation, as well as supportive psychotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy. His approach is guided by psychodynamic principles and steeped in mindfulness, ensuring a holistic and personalized treatment plan for each individual. Dr. Peesapati's goal is to help every patient achieve their best mental health and well-being, which may include collaboration with a therapist while also considering the impact of lifestyle on their health.

Dr. Shafi completed his undergraduate studies in biology at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. He then earned his medical degree from Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine. He went on to complete his psychiatry residency at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, where he was awarded “Master of the PRITE” for achieving the highest score on the Psychiatry Resident In-Training Examination.

Dr. Shafi specializes in the treatment of various psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and PTSD. He has practiced in multiple settings including inpatient psychiatric facilities, outpatient mental health clinics, and the VA system.  

Dr. Shafi primarily focuses on medication management in conjunction with supportive psychotherapy. Using a collaborative and patient-centered approach, he provides personalized care by tailoring treatment to his patients’ unique needs. Dr. Shafi’s curiosity and compassionate nature allow him to connect with patients from all walks of life. He is committed to creating a supportive environment where patients feel comfortable expressing their mental health concerns.

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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.

Background and credentials

Dr. Robert Whelpley, M.D., is board-certified in both Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Adult Psychiatry. He completed his undergraduate studies at Binghamton University and earned his medical degree from Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York. He then went on to complete his residency and fellowship training at the University of Rochester. Throughout his career, he has worked with patients and families across the lifespan in inpatient, outpatient, and emergency psychiatric settings.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Whelpley believes in collaborative care, working closely with treatment providers, patients, and families to ensure that mental health concerns are addressed as a team. His approach integrates talk therapy techniques, including motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and supportive psychotherapy, alongside medication management. He customizes treatment to maximize each patient’s mental health and overall wellness, sometimes incorporating a therapist into the care plan when beneficial.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive evaluation where Dr. Whelpley takes time to understand their symptoms, background, and treatment goals. His approach is patient-centered and team-oriented, ensuring that care is personalized and collaborative. He works with patients to develop a treatment plan that balances medication management with therapeutic interventions, fostering long-term mental wellness.

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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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Sibi Selvarajah is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) renowned for his compassionate approach and dedication to fostering emotional well-being. Sibi's career in mental health has been marked by a dedication to evidence-based practice and a client-centered approach. His experience working as a group and individual counselor at a private substance abuse outpatient treatment center in Manhattan provided him with invaluable knowledge and insight into helping individuals struggling with substance use disorder, anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues, among others. Sibi earned his Bachelor's degree in Psychology from New York University, where he developed a strong foundation in psychological theories and practices. He went on to complete his Master's degree in Social Work at Yeshiva University, gaining advanced knowledge and hands-on experience in therapeutic techniques. As a licensed clinical social worker, Sibi is known for his empathetic listening skills and his ability to build strong therapeutic alliances with his clients. His therapeutic approach is integrative, drawing from multiple modalities to tailor treatment plans that best meet the unique needs of each individual. Outside of his professional work, Sibi is dedicated to continuous learning and personal growth. He regularly attends workshops and conferences to stay abreast of the latest advancements in mental health therapy. Sibi also believes in the importance of self-care and encourages his clients to engage in practices that promote overall well-being. Through his work, Sibi Selvarajah continues to make a profound impact on the lives of those he serves, helping them navigate their mental health journeys with hope and resilience.

Dr. Thomas O’Brien holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and earned his medical degree from Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his psychiatry residency at Loyola University Medical Center. Dr. O’Brien has experience practicing across outpatient, PHP, IOP, and inpatient settings.

He strives to create a supportive environment where patients feel heard, respected, and understood. His approach emphasizes a holistic, whole-person method to healing, guided by the patient’s own goals and values. Dr. O’Brien integrates psychotherapy with medication management, drawing on his background in psychodynamic psychopharmacology and acceptance and commitment therapy.

Dr. O’Brien focuses on understanding each patient as a whole to create individualized treatment plans. This begins with a comprehensive history during the initial session to identify biopsychosocial factors. Treatment is then tailored to align with the patient’s unique goals and values, promoting meaningful progress.

Ashley is an ANCC board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of experience in Psychiatry. She has worked in inpatient and outpatient settings, crisis centers, and psychiatric emergency rooms. Ashley is deeply committed to working collaboratively with individuals to enhance their well-being, creating a personalized care plan tailored to each person’s unique needs.

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Her approach integrates medication management, supportive psychotherapy, and lifestyle interventions. As a prescriber specializing in psychopharmacology, Ashley provides comprehensive medication management while utilizing a shared decision-making model. She actively involves clients in their treatment planning, discussing various options to determine the most effective path forward.

During the initial session, Ashley prioritizes establishing a comfortable, open environment where clients feel at ease. She will review medical and psychiatric history, discuss treatment goals, and explore different therapeutic options based on individual preferences. Ashley encourages questions throughout the process to ensure a collaborative and supportive treatment experience.