Anxiety Psychiatrists in North Carolina

I enjoy treating a wide variety of conditions, including mood and anxiety disorders. I incorporate therapeutic techniques into medication management visits when indicated, and I may also recommend collaboration with therapists.

I hold the position of Staff Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. After finishing my undergraduate studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, I completed the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) Master of Science program before enrolling in medical school at the same institution. After graduating from medical school, I completed my residency at UTHSC, during which I trained in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings and treated a broad spectrum of mental health conditions.

I am an experienced, open-minded psychiatrist who prioritizes empathy and understanding in my work. I recognize that each individual's path to wellness is unique and strive to meet patients where they are in this process. I believe that while some individuals may benefit from treatment with medication management alone, psychotherapy is often important for treatment success. I encourage patients to participate in psychotherapy and believe a therapist can be a crucial part of the treatment team. I use 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. I utilize psychopharmacology, psychoeducation, and supportive and psychodynamic psychotherapy skills when working with patients. I have experience treating adults with a variety of mental health problems including anxiety, mood disorders, trauma-related disorders, and psychotic disorders.

I am board-certified in general adult psychiatry and have 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. I received my medical degree from Duke University School of Medicine and completed my psychiatric residency at the University of California, Los Angeles Neuropsychiatric Institute.

My practice focuses on medication management from a holistic perspective, informed by a background in psychotherapy. I believe 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. I have experience treating a variety of mental health concerns but have a particular interest in depression, anxiety, and mental health in the perinatal period. I offer culturally sensitive treatment to people from all backgrounds and sexual orientations.

I attended the University of OK as a National Merit Scholar and went on to graduate with my MD from Eastern Virginia Medical School. I specialized in Adult Psychiatry at the University of NC Hospitals, where I was a chief resident. I received psychotherapy training in insight-oriented and cognitive-behavioral approaches and trained at the Psychoanalytic Institute of the Carolinas. I have 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.

I focus on providing patient-centered care, emphasizing improving quality of life and helping patients reach their specific treatment goals. My approach integrates medication management with supportive therapy. I believe in a collaborative treatment process and may recommend additional therapy support when necessary to optimize outcomes. I take a cautious and limited approach to the use of controlled medications, ensuring responsible medication management.

I am a board-certified psychiatrist with specialized training in treating depression and anxiety disorders. I earned my medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine and also hold a doctorate in pharmacy from the University of Georgia. I completed my residency training in psychiatry at VA Boston/Harvard Medical School and gained significant clinical experience at McLean Hospital. Additionally, I completed a fellowship in psychoanalytic psychotherapy at Columbia University Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research.

During the first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive assessment of their symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals. I take a thoughtful and individualized approach to care, working with patients to develop a treatment plan that incorporates medication management and supportive therapy. Follow-up visits typically last 20-30 minutes and focus on monitoring progress and adjusting treatment as needed. In some cases, I may recommend involving an additional therapist to further enhance the effectiveness of the treatment plan.

I am passionate about integrative medicine, which combines evidence-based alternative therapies with conventional treatments to optimize outcomes. My approach focuses on promoting overall wellness, keeping both the body and mind in harmony. During the diagnostic evaluation, I will review your medical history and past treatments to develop a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan that prioritizes your overall wellness. In addition to medication management, I incorporate supportive, cognitive, or psychodynamic psychotherapy during follow-up visits, as time allows. When appropriate, I may also recommend referrals to specialized psychotherapists to address your individual needs as part of a holistic treatment approach.

I am double board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in both Adult Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. I earned my medical degree from Cairo University, where I also completed my neurology residency at Cairo University Hospitals. Following this, I pursued psychiatric training at New York Medical College at St. Vincent's Hospitals, where I was appointed Chief Resident and recognized as Resident of the Year. I further specialized with a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at UMDNJ/Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

My career includes multiple leadership roles, notably serving as Chief of the Child and Adolescent Partial Hospital Programs (PHP) at Rutgers University in Newark, NJ, where I provided direct care to young patients. I have also held Medical Director positions across various clinical settings, including child and adolescent inpatient units, outpatient programs, and intensive outpatient services for both adolescents and adults with mental health and co-occurring substance use disorders. As an active educator, I have served as a teaching faculty member, delivering lectures and providing supervision and evaluations for medical residents and child and adolescent psychiatry fellows, and I have served as a principal investigator on multiple studies. Throughout my career in leadership and teaching, I maintained an integrative private practice in New Jersey, serving residents of the NJ and NY metropolitan areas before relocating to North Carolina.

Dr. Elena Perea is a board-certified psychiatrist.  She completed her undergraduate training at Wake Forest University followed by medical school and residency training at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC).

Dr. Perea holds an adjunct academic appointment at UNC and has been involved in medical education for her entire career.  She most recently served as Residency Program Director for the Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC) psychiatry residency in Asheville, NC.  She remains involved in didactic education there for both residents and medical students.

She has a genuine interest in treating a vast array of psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders and obsessive compulsive and related disorders. She is a skilled psychopharmacologist and interested in the mind-body connection. She believes physical health greatly affects mental health and vice versa and loves helping patients with medical comorbidities to feel well.

Patients looking for a psychiatrist will find that Dr. Perea has a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and management of her patients. She believes in the principle that body and mind are interconnected and utilizes psychoeducation and psychotherapeutic approaches in addition to medications for total wellness.

I am a Board-certified psychiatrist who completed medical training at Duke University Psychiatry Program. My practice combines medication management with insight-oriented therapy during every visit, promoting a comprehensive approach to mental health care. I advocate for my patients to engage in therapy alongside medication management, as I believe this integrated approach leads to better outcomes and sustained improvement. My practice is rooted in a collaborative, team-based approach, working closely with my patients to achieve long-term mental wellness.

I earned my medical degree from the Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine in Bayamon, PR. Afterward, I moved to North Carolina, where I completed my residency at Duke University Hospital. During my training, I was nominated for a fellowship in psychodynamic practice by the Psychoanalytic Center of the Carolinas. I am also a dedicated advocate against childhood sexual trauma. My diverse training includes significant experience in jail and forensic psychiatry, as well as the treatment of military veterans under the veteran affairs health care system. I have experience in medically assisted treatments (MAT) for substance use disorders, Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and family therapy, enabling me to care for patients with complex needs. I treat patients across a wide age range, from young adults to the elderly.

Originally from Puerto Rico, I am fluent in both English and Spanish, which allows me to connect deeply with a diverse patient population. Passionate about improving access to mental health care, I joined Talkiatry to help patients facing time or transportation challenges receive the care they need. In addition to my clinical practice, I remain involved with my alma mater's Behavioral Health Department, contributing to academic education and maintaining a connection with the next generation of medical professionals. I continue to seek ongoing improvement in my field, remaining engaged with medical associations including the North Carolina Psychiatric Association, American Psychiatric Association, and Alpha Omega Alpha national medical honor society.

I am dedicated to building a collaborative relationship with patients and their families where shared-decision making is respected and encouraged. I am passionate about providing continuity of care to my patients as they navigate life's changes and challenges. I utilize medication management and psychotherapy in my clinical practice, and my areas of interest include ADHD across the lifespan, anxiety disorders, mood disorders (depression and bipolar disorder), and OCD. I am experienced in treating children, adolescents, and adults.

I am double-board certified in General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Originally from Delaware, I earned my medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2017. I also obtained a Master of Science in Biological Sciences from Drexel University and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Juniata College. In 2017, I moved south and am happy to call North Carolina my home. I completed my internship at Campbell University/Harnett Health in 2018, then went on to complete a General Psychiatry Residency followed by a Fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine. Prior to joining Talkiatry in 2025, I was in private practice at North Raleigh Psychiatry in Raleigh, NC.

I combine both psychotherapy and medication treatment to provide holistic care that addresses not only your mental health but also the parts of your life that surround and are deeply intertwined with your mental health. When more intensive psychotherapy is warranted, I collaborate with an experienced psychotherapist to serve you better. With my experience in internal medicine, I am also comfortable navigating complex medical issues that may interact with your mental health.

I am board-certified in both adult psychiatry and internal medicine. I am a graduate of St. George's University School of Medicine and completed a combined Psychiatry & Internal Medicine residency training program at East Carolina University. Following residency, I completed a fellowship in Clinical Informatics at Oregon Health & Science University, learning how to use modern digital technologies and patient data to improve patient care. Since graduation from residency, I also gained specialized experience in treating veterans with terminal illness, specifically Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (aka Lou Gehrig's Disease), at the VA Medical Center in Portland, OR.

My academic activities include a presentation I have given multiple times on Illness Identity, teaching other clinicians how having an illness can change how we perceive our place in the world and how to help patients manage their relationship with illness.

I am an accomplished attending psychiatrist dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health care. I am passionate about employing supportive and psychodynamic therapy approaches, tailoring treatment plans to meet each patient's unique needs. Embracing a holistic approach to psychiatry, I integrate medication management with a focus on nutrition, diet, and lifestyle factors to foster overall well-being, reflecting my belief in treating the whole person and ensuring optimal mental and physical health for each individual I serve.

I earned my medical degree from Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed my residency at HCA's The Medical Center of Aurora North. With a diverse clinical background, I have honed my expertise across various settings including inpatient, outpatient, PHP/IOP, and specialized areas such as geriatrics, eating disorders, addiction, and child and adolescent psychiatry. I am also proficient in innovative treatments like Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).

Outside of my professional commitments, I am an advocate for personal health and wellness. I enjoy enhancing my fitness and nutrition, engaging with enlightening podcasts, and exploring the great outdoors.

My current practice is primarily focused on medication treatment, though I utilize my training as a therapist to ensure that patients feel understood and empowered to discuss any other issues they might be facing. With experience in many modalities of therapy including Psychodynamic, Supportive, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), I know that one size does NOT always fit all. If more in-depth therapy is felt to be beneficial, I may refer clients to a separate therapist.

I am a board-certified psychiatrist who completed my psychiatry residency at Duke University, where I received extensive training in Psychopharmacology, Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy), Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), and Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT). I have also practiced in multiple settings including a college mental health clinic, an adult ADHD clinic, a perinatal psychiatry clinic, a VA hospital, and a residential recovery program.

Throughout my life, I have lived in various places such as China, Canada, Upstate New York, Maine, and North Carolina, where I currently reside. This rich cultural experience allows me to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds, which is crucial in the field of psychiatry where treatment is so highly personal.

I have extensive experience treating various mental health disorders including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and ADHD. My clinical work includes assisting patients who experience mental health disorders with co-occurring substance use problems. I have training in various schools of psychotherapy including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), CBT for insomnia, motivational interviewing, and supportive psychotherapy. I incorporate treatment focusing on the importance of exercise, diet, and good sleep habits as a part of comprehensive mental health care.

I am double board-certified in Adult Psychiatry and Forensic Psychiatry. I graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Medicine/Athletic Training and then attended Drexel University College of Medicine. After medical school, I completed my residency in Adult Psychiatry at the University of Virginia, where I obtained a certificate in additional psychotherapy training. After residency, I completed a fellowship in Forensic Psychiatry at the University of Virginia. During my fellowship, I trained at the prestigious Institute of Law, Psychiatry, and Public Policy (ILPPP) and Western State Psychiatric Hospital, where I performed criminal and civil forensic evaluations. I also provided clinical care at a maximum security prison. Prior to joining Talkiatry, I worked at a healthcare system in Montana providing inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care involving medication management and psychotherapy. Additionally, I operate a private forensic psychiatry practice that conducts mental health evaluations for the legal system.

I am a board-certified psychiatrist. My practice focuses on medication management and supportive therapy. I believe in a collaborative approach to treatment planning because shared decision-making helps provide the best outcome for patients.

I went to college at the University of Rochester in Rochester, NY, where I received my degree in Microbiology. I completed my medical education at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Spartanburg, SC, and completed my residency training at Creighton University School of Medicine-Valleywise Health in Phoenix, AZ. I served as vice chief resident during my residency training. I have additional post-residency experience working in the outpatient setting treating multiple conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, insomnia, OCD, and psychotic disorders. Areas of interest include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and ADHD.

I wholeheartedly believe that treating patients holistically is of high importance, with a focus on their physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. I have expertise in treating patients with mood disorders, anxiety, and PTSD, and I incorporate psychopharmacology when needed, as well as psychodynamic and supportive psychotherapy.

I completed my psychiatry residency training at Harvard University in Boston, Massachusetts. I have enjoyed treating patients for over 25 years in a variety of settings such as inpatient, outpatient mental health clinics, emergency room, and multidisciplinary clinics.

My approach is individualized and focuses on collaborative care with shared decision-making. I specialize in the treatment of adults with a wide range of mental health concerns, including posttraumatic stress disorder, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorders. My style of practice incorporates medication management and supportive psychotherapy with an emphasis on whole health wellness. I will provide a thorough assessment of your mental health needs and formulate a comprehensive treatment plan, assisting with bolstering insight, enhancing intrinsic coping skills, and attaining life goals.

I am a board-certified psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience. I received my undergraduate education at the University of Rochester and my medical degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo, where I also completed my residency. I have enjoyed working with veterans for over 19 years at the VA Healthcare System.

I enjoy spending time with family, including my rescue dogs, who may sometimes make a special guest appearance during appointments.

I combine a wealth of knowledge and experience with a compassion for meeting the patient "where they are" in their healing process. I believe in allowing the patient to feel heard in every session. I fully explain the risks and benefits of each treatment option, and then in collaboration, my patient and I agree on the next step to take toward their treatment goals. I am dedicated to providing hope and healing in a trusting environment, combining empathy with a patient-centered and evidence-based approach in helping patients reach their treatment goals. My clinical expertise includes treating adults with depressive disorders, bipolar disorders, anxiety disorders, substance-related and addictive disorders, and trauma-related disorders.

I am a board-certified adult psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience. I grew up in Detroit, Michigan. I obtained my Bachelor of Science from the University of Michigan and received my medical degree from Wayne State University. I completed a General Psychiatry Residency at University Health Center of Pittsburgh, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic. I have worked in a variety of mental health care settings, including academia, community mental health centers, and a substance use treatment center.