PTSD Psychiatrists in New York

Akif A. Khawaja M.D. is a Clinical General Psychiatrist. He has worked in this field since graduating and obtaining his residency from the University of Mississippi Medical Center Department of Neurology and Behavioral Sciences in 1996. He has worked mostly with adults ranging from 18 to 90 years of age. He has served as a director of Intensive Outpatient Programs in the state of Mississippi. He currently focuses on medical management of patients above 50 years of age and has served as a director of Geriatric Psychiatric Units.

He has a particular interest in treating mood, anxiety, and cognitive disorders, including ADHD. Patients working with him can expect thorough and detailed appointments, as he places special emphasis on gathering comprehensive medical and psychiatric histories, including specific dates of past treatments. During initial visits, he carefully reviews previous medical interventions, particularly procedures such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS).

His approach prioritizes thorough evaluations to ensure accurate diagnoses. He strongly believes that honesty is essential for achieving the best possible treatment outcomes.

Ashlyn Tellers is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She earned her nursing degree with an emphasis in psychiatry in 2020 from the University of Arizona. With over twelve years of experience, she has cared for mental health patients across long-term care, inpatient, residential, and outpatient settings.

Ashlyn specializes in treating adults with depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and OCD through medication management and supportive therapy. She emphasizes patient education and works collaboratively to build therapeutic and safe treatment plans. She encourages open discussions about past mental health history and current stressors to help identify root causes and develop healthy coping strategies. When appropriate, she refers patients to therapists for more specialized care.

‍

Dr. Sarah Benito Figueroa is a board-certified Adult Psychiatrist and a board-certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. She earned her medical degree from the University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus.  She completed her Adult Psychiatry residency at the University of Connecticut. Following this, she sub-specialized in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at New York University. Prior to joining Talkiatry, Dr. Benito Figueroa served as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at a busy academic outpatient clinic and on an inpatient basis, providing care to children with complex medical needs.

Dr. Benito Figueroa strives to provide a patient-centered and collaborative approach when developing treatment plans. She specializes in medication management and supportive psychotherapy. When appropriate, she may make a referral for more specialized therapeutic interventions. For child and adolescent patients, Dr. Benito Figueroa encourages parental involvement at each visit to ensure a family centered approach is being followed to best support the child's needs.

During the first visit, Dr. Benito Figueroa will conduct a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation with a goal of understanding a patient's treatment history, current symptomatology and personal goals. She will work together with her patients to foster a collaborative environment, personalize treatment plans and support patients in achieving an improved quality of life.

‍

Dr. Catherine Bledowski is board-certified in General Psychiatry and Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (Psychosomatic Medicine) by the ABPN. She received her medical degree from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine and completed her residency in General Psychiatry as well as her fellowship in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (Psychosomatic Medicine) at Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Bledowski spent most of her career in large, urban academic medical centers, primarily taking care of patients with severe mental illness, as well as those with mental illness comorbid with other complex medical conditions.

Dr. Bledowski has a passion for medical education and has held faculty appointments at Virginia Commonwealth University, University of Utah, Georgetown University, George Washington University, and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Dr. Bledowski has authored numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and provided academic presentations to both national and international audiences. Her interests include emergency psychiatry, brain stimulation therapies, complex psychopharmacology, and psychopharmacology in the medically ill. Prior to joining Talkiatry, Dr. Bledowski held various leadership positions in academic medicine, emergency psychiatry, consultation-liaison psychiatry, and brain stimulation at multiple academic medical centers.

Dr. Bledowski’s areas of expertise include the management of psychiatric conditions in patients with complex medical illnesses and complex psychopharmacology.  This includes the areas of neuropsychiatry, perinatal and reproductive psychiatry, women’s health throughout all ages of adulthood, transplant psychiatry and psycho-oncology.  Dr. Bledowski’s approach to patient care begins with a thorough medical and psychiatric history, to include evaluation of co-morbid medical conditions and treatments that may be contributing to psychiatric symptoms.  Dr. Bledowski reserves the end of the appointment for education regarding diagnosis, treatment options, any recommended medical work up, as well as reviewing the most up-to-date evidence-based literature.  Dr. Bledowski will also provide recommendations on non-pharmacologic interventions, to include psychotherapy and lifestyle modifications.

Dr. Michele Wiener is a psychiatrist with over 35 years of experience treating patients with mental health issues. Dr. Wiener's practice has historically focused on treating patients with varying mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder, often complicated by substance use disorders. Dr. Wiener enjoys working with patients of all ages. She is skilled in both psychotherapy and medication management. While the emphasis will generally be on medication management, Dr Wiener will utilize insight-oriented, cognitive behavioral, and supportive psychotherapy skills to help her patients reach their treatment goals. She completed her internship at Bronx Lebanon Hospital, her residency at Montefiore Medical Center and a two-year fellowship in biological psychiatry, psychopharmacology and geriatric psychiatry at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. She served for over 20 years as Chief of Psychiatric Services for Behavioral Health Services at St John's Riverside Hospital Park Care Pavilion formerly Yonkers General Hospital. Here she was also able to enjoy teaching medical students from The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in their psychiatric rotation. She has been Assistant Medical Director for Arms Acres, in Carmel, NY for over five years.

Ariella Rodriguez, LCSW, has been practicing since 2013 after earning her Master’s in Social Work from New York University. She has experience supporting individuals with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, and interpersonal relationships. Ariella has worked in diverse settings including a mental health clinic, an outpatient hospital program, and a nonprofit specializing in parent-child psychotherapy. She has treated a wide range of conditions including PTSD, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and bipolar disorders.

Ariella believes you are the expert of your own story. She takes an empowering, hands-on approach that highlights your strengths, helping you break down barriers and move toward a life that feels whole, healed, and fulfilling. Her goal is to leave you feeling encouraged and motivated to achieve meaningful change.

Ariella starts by building a safe, trusting space where vulnerability and personal growth can take root. She avoids a one-size-fits-all approach, instead developing customized goals and strategies based on your specific needs. Being seen, heard, and understood is central to her practice. She meets you where you are and supports you in moving toward healing and growth.

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

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

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

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

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.

‍

Background and credentials

Dr. Escamilla is a board-certified psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience in treating mental health conditions. He is a graduate of Harvard College and earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. He completed his psychiatry training at the University of California at San Francisco and further specialized through a research fellowship with the American Psychiatric Association. In addition to his clinical work, he is a Jungian Analyst and holds academic positions as an adjunct professor at Rutgers University Department of Psychiatry and as the Frank McMillan Jr. Scholar at the Jung Center of Houston.

‍

Treatment approach

Dr. Escamilla brings a deeply analytical and research-driven approach to psychiatry, integrating traditional psychiatric treatment with Jungian analysis. He has a strong background in academic research and clinical psychiatry, contributing extensively to the field through research publications. His expertise spans a wide range of mental health challenges, and he is committed to understanding the complexities of each patient’s experience to tailor a treatment plan that best suits their needs.

‍

What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation that takes into account their personal history, psychological patterns, and treatment goals. Dr. Escamilla’s approach emphasizes thoughtful analysis and evidence-based care, ensuring that each patient receives a personalized and insightful treatment plan. His sessions may incorporate medication management, psychotherapy, and Jungian analytical techniques to provide a holistic and individualized treatment experience.

‍

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.

‍

Dr. Tamoria is a California native whose career has taken him around the country. As a medical student at Temple School of Medicine in Philadelphia, PA he worked in a culturally diverse, urban community. He was Chief Resident at the “President’s Hospital” in Washington DC and spent the first part of his career serving as an active-duty Navy psychiatrist helping servicemembers and veterans. After the Navy, he returned west to WA whereas a Medical Director he led one of the state’s most successful behavioral health programs through COVID and into the telehealth revolution. Now he serves as Talkiatry’s first West Coast Chief leading and supporting psychiatrists across the western US.

Dr. Tamoria works with adults to diagnose and treat a wide variety of mental health conditions including Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, and more. He uses a combination of medication management and psychotherapy treatment to help patients improve and thrive. He is well experienced in caring for patients with complex histories or co-morbid medical conditions.

In the first appointment with Dr. Tamoria he completes a comprehensive evaluation of mental health symptoms, medical history, social supports, and stressors. He works collaboratively with patients to develop a treatment plan that may include lab tests, managing medications, initiating psychotherapy, or referring to other specialists. Over time he builds on the patient’s strengths and resilience to lead to recovery.

‍

Darlene Browning is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she is licensed in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. She has been a Social Worker since 2001 has an undergraduate degree from John Jay College of Criminal Justice where she completed in 1992 with a B.S. in Science and majored in Criminal Justice. She then started working as a Correction Counselor with the NYC Department Corrections for few years, working with female inmates who had substance abuse problem and adolescence as well. She facilitated treatment recovery groups and psycho education . In 1998, she worked as with the Administration for Children Services while she was pursuing her Master's Degree degree from Hunter College School of Social Work where she graduated in 2001 with her MSW.

For 19 years she worked as a Discharge Planner in the hospital while attending Metropolitan Institute for Mental Health to study in the Adult Psychoanalytic Division, in 2012, Darlene decided to switch gears and began working as Behavorial Health  Care Manager , while starting her own private practice in the mist of the pandemic. Her practice is called " Live the Life you Want ", because she strongly believes that all individuals should live their own lives the way they want to and desire.

In 2022, Darlene  received a two year certificate in Integrated Trauma from the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy where she received training in EMDR , Somatic experiencing and  i is currently working obtaining a certification on becoming an  Accelerated Experiential Psychodynamic Psychotherapist  , which is a experiential model that seeks to alleviate patients psychological suffering by helping them process the overwhelming emotions associated with trauma, depression and anxiety.

Darlene Browning has been in the in the mental health for over 30 years.  She continues provide psychotherapy with an eclectic, person-centered, and non-judgmental approach.  Darlene Browning style provides a safe, secure, and empathetic warm environment.  Darlene quotes “ The world can be scary, cold, and insensitive place to be and there is a lot of uncertainty going around, but together we can get through it “.  Although Darlene Browning is part of the of the BIPOC community, she welcomes all Races, creeds and religion. Darlene also has experience working with LGBT community, including relationships, intimacy issues, attachment issues, career difficulties, coaching, and compassion fatigue.  Her clinical approach includes CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic and Trauma informed.

Your first session is all about YOU as well as the second.  Darlene allows to express your reason why you are seeking therapy and more about what you been through in life. We both will get to know other, and we will focus on what areas you want to work on.

‍

Abdulhafiz Ahmed, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Languages

English, Arabic

Conditions treated:

Anxiety, Depression. Bipolar Disorder, OCD, PTSD/Trauma, ADHD

Education and training:

University of Maryland at College Park, BS

Georgetown School of Medicine, MD

University of Maryland Medical System at Baltimore (UMMS), Residency

and fellowship.

Dr. Abdulhafiz Ahmed is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with over 25 years of clinical experience across community hospitals, university teaching hospitals, the Veterans Administration (VA) medical system, and private practice. He has served as the inpatient medical director at MedStar Harbor Hospital in Baltimore and outpatient medical director at the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake. Dr. Ahmed has extensive expertise diagnosing and treating a wide range of psychiatric conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, adjustment disorders, phobias, thought disorders, trauma, and PTSD.

Dr. Ahmed approaches each patient with empathy, attentiveness, and respect, fostering an environment of safety and trust. He recognizes the importance of cultural diversity and is dedicated to understanding each person’s unique background, values, and life circumstances. His patient-centered philosophy ensures that individuals feel heard, validated, and actively involved in their care.

Dr. Ahmed combines evidence-based psychopharmacology with supportive psychotherapy to provide comprehensive and individualized treatment. He collaborates closely with patients to develop a plan that targets their specific symptoms and goals, focusing on improving functioning, resilience, and overall well-being. His approachable and compassionate demeanor helps patients feel comfortable and confident throughout their journey toward recovery.

‍

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.

Dr. Thy Vo is a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in the treatment of adults, adolescents, and children. Dr. Vo approaches patients as whole human beings with the goal of providing a safe therapeutic space that will help patients understand and address their suffering as well as fostering healthy emotional expression and self-awareness. Dr. Vo is collaborative with treatment needs, which may include medication and/or supportive or insight-oriented psychotherapy in 30 or 45 minute follow-up visits. She received a Master's in Global Health Systems and Development at Tulane University and then received her medical degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine. Afterwards, she completed her adult psychiatry residency and child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship training at Western Psychiatric Hospital of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. During her training, Dr. Vo has treated patients of all ages and diverse backgrounds with particular interest in immigrants and refugees. She works with people dealing with trauma, mood and anxiety disorders, ADHD, relationship conflicts, life transitions, and existential concerns. She has also received additional training in psychodynamic psychotherapy.

Dr. Ioana Horotan-Enescu is a board-certified Psychiatrist. Before joining Talkiatry, she was an Active-Duty staff psychiatrist at Blanchfield Army Community Hospital, Fort Campbell, KY. Her military service also included roles such as Medical Director of Behavioral Health and Interim Clinic Chief for Embedded Behavioral Health Clinic. She completed her internship and residency at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and earned her Doctor of Osteopathy Degree from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine. Her clinical experience spanned from the inpatient to the outpatient setting and afforded her the opportunity to develop comprehensive skills in the treatment of PTSD, mood disorders, thought disorders, addiction and perinatal mood disorders. Her teaching experience spanned multiple institutions, where she has served as a preceptor and mentor for medical students, nurse practitioner and physician assistant students. In addition to medication management, she augments her practice by implementing mindfulness, psychodynamic and supportive therapy techniques in her everyday practice to enhance treatment and improve treatment response. Dr. Horotan-Enescu holds several certifications, including in Cognitive Behavioral Health Therapy for Suicide Prevention, Motivational Interviewing and Battlefield Acupuncture. She has delivered presentations at national and international conferences on various topics, reinforcing her commitment to advancing the field of psychiatry.

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.