Anxiety Psychiatrists in North Carolina

Dr. Natalie Cummings is a board-certified adult psychiatrist, and board-eligible geriatric psychiatrist. She obtained her medical degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and completed her residency training in psychiatry at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and Jackson Memorial Hospital. She then went on to complete her geriatric psychiatry fellowship at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Beth Israel. During her fellowship, Dr. Cummings participated in Mount Sinai's Visiting Doctors Program, providing patient-centered and compassionate care to homebound elder adults in New York City. She also received training at Coler Rehabilitation and Nursing Care Center on Roosevelt Island during her fellowship, and presented at the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry annual meeting. During her training, Dr. Cummings gained extensive experience providing psychiatric care to various patient populations in multiple patient care settings, including in the outpatient clinic, inpatient unit, and emergency department. Following her training, Dr. Cummings worked at New York Presbyterian's Gracie Square Hospital, serving first in the position of float psychiatrist, providing care to patients on every inpatient psychiatric unit (including the young adult/college student program, Orthodox Jewish program, psychotic disorders program, crisis-stabilization program, dual focus program, and Asian Psychiatry program), before transitioning to an established psychiatric attending for the older adult program. During her time at Gracie Square Hospital, Dr. Cummings received the Physician of the Year Award, and served as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine. She worked closely alongside staff psychologist, social workers and nurses to provide multidisciplinary, collaborative care to patients suffering from a variety of mental health conditions. Dr. Cummings primarily focuses on medication management and supportive psychotherapy, but has extensive training in utilizing various therapy modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, reminiscence therapy, and psychodynamic psychotherapy. When appropriate, Dr. Cummings will refer for more extensive psychotherapy and/or collaborate with your established psychotherapist for comprehensive care. Dr. Cummings strongly believes that addressing psychosocial and interpersonal factors (including relationship health, economic stressors, social isolation and loneliness) is as essential as pharmacologic management in treating mental health conditions. She has particular experience and interest in treating older adults and those suffering from memory disorders, but provides treatment for a variety of psychiatric conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorders, trauma-related disorders and substance use disorders. Dr. Cummings is a member of the American Psychiatric Association and American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry.

Dr. Morales is a board-certified psychiatrist who is dedicated to the bio-psycho-sociocultural model. This has been reflected in Dr. Morales' pursuit of treating patients suffering from diverse medical and psychiatric conditions, respective psychological mindedness, and varied socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. As an individual, Dr. Morales is fascinated by the human mind, its mechanisms to pursue goals, and the cyclical patterns seen in maladaptation and suffering. He believes in understanding patients' experiences and developing comprehensive treatment plans towards reconciliation. After completing his medical education at the East Carolina Brody School of Medicine, as a Brody Scholar, he subsequently completed psychiatry residency at Jackson Health System/University of Miami. Dr. Morales has had the opportunity to work with a diverse array of patients including high-functioning patients, veterans, trafficking victims, the severely mentally ill of low socio-economic status, and cancer patients across three distinct hospital systems via telemedicine and face-to-face interactions. His experience includes working with patients suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, adjustment disorder, mood disorders, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and more. He honors active listening, analytic understanding, supportive psychotherapy techniques, and evidence-based and methodological treatment for patient care and actualization. His goal is to assist patients in navigating short- and long-term goals as well as improved quality of life. As a result, Dr. Morales focuses on medication management, which is offered in conjunction with supportive therapy, which is offered in 1-hour initial and 30-minute follow-up visits. Dr. Morales believes that appropriate patients can benefit from additional exploratory and self-actualizing therapy from other valued and specialized therapists to support targeted goals. He will not hesitate to recommend and promote consultations with therapists for such patients who are ready to pursue. Ultimately, Dr. Morales seeks to understand, validate, and treat patients in a collaborative therapeutic alliance.

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.

Dr. Stacey DiMartino is a board-certified psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience. She received her undergraduate education at the University of Rochester and her medical degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo, where she also completed her residency.

Her approach is individualized and focuses on collaborative care with shared decision-making. Dr. DiMartino specializes in the treatment of adults with a wide range of mental health concerns, including posttraumatic stress disorder, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorders. She has enjoyed working with veterans for over 19 years at the VA Healthcare System.

Her style of practice incorporates medication management and supportive psychotherapy with an emphasis on whole health wellness. She will provide a thorough assessment of your mental health needs and formulate a comprehensive treatment plan. She assists with bolstering insight, enhancing intrinsic coping skills, and attaining life goals. Dr. DiMartino enjoys spending time with family, including her rescue dogs, who may sometimes make a special guest appearance during appointments. She looks forward to meeting with you and working together on achieving a fulfilling, well-balanced life.

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Dr. Luna Sanchez Rivera holds the position of Staff Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. After completing residency in 2016 at the Ponce Medical School Psychiatry Residency in Puerto Rico, she then moved to North Carolina to complete a subspecialty in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Duke University Health System. There, she transitioned into an assistant professor position, focused on structuring pediatric emergency psychiatric services, and helped support the consult and liaison pediatric service. Her years of experience have included working as an integrated care child psychiatrist within outpatient clinics at Duke University Health System, and she trained and worked as a staff psychiatrist at the Inpatient State Facility in North Carolina. She also served in the Dayton Children's Hospital outpatient clinics in Dayton, Ohio, the Appalachian Health System outpatient clinics in Linville, North Carolina, and more recently has been serving the Child and Adolescent inpatient population in Bangor, Maine. Dr. Sanchez Rivera has an approachable style aimed at providing a comprehensive evaluation for all age ranges and is comfortable managing various levels of diagnostic complexities. She provides supportive psychotherapy while using psychodynamic therapy skills to clarify her patient's constellation of symptoms, identify unifying themes and provide thorough psychoeducation throughout the process to drive positive outcomes. She integrates psychodynamic medication management approaches and is adept at family therapy interventions.

Rebecca Siwanowicz is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who began her career in 2013, maintaining various positions in both inpatient and outpatient settings while treating substance use and mental health disorders. Rebecca graduated with her BSW from Florida Atlantic University in 2013 and graduated with her MSW in 2016. Rebecca is trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy and is a Master's Level Certified Addiction Professional in the state of Florida.‍Rebecca's areas of expertise are trauma, anxiety and depressive disorders, issues related to codependency and low self-esteem, life transitions, self-care and emotion regulation. Rebecca takes an individualistic approach when treating clients, greatly valuing and promoting individuality and autonomy. Rebecca practices through the lens of Family Systems Theory and Attachment Theory, utilizing components of Existentialism, Strength Based Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, 12 Step Principles, and Client Centered Therapy. Rebecca takes a psychosocial approach toward treatment, providing her clients with unconditional positive regard, psychoeducation, and practical coping skills to support them in building a life of their choosing.

Background and credentials

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

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Treatment approach

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

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive assessment of their symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals. Dr. Ferrell takes 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, she may recommend involving an additional therapist to further enhance the effectiveness of the treatment plan.

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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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Dr. Melody Santos is dual-trained in Internal Medicine and Psychiatry, with experience in both outpatient and inpatient settings. She served as Chief Resident and Deputy Chief Resident in East Carolina University’s combined residency program, where she led academic and clinical initiatives. Dr. Santos has published research on topics including adult ADHD and metabolic psychiatry, with presentations at national conferences. She earned her MD from the American University of the Caribbean and a BS in Biology with a minor in Jazz Piano from the University of Tampa. A native Spanish speaker, she is active in community service and church-based outreach.

Dr. Santos values open and clear communication, creating a safe, non-judgmental space where patients feel heard and respected. She blends traditional and innovative approaches, including metabolic psychiatry and dietary strategies, to support wellness. Her care is culturally sensitive and patient-centered, always tailored to each individual’s needs and values. Through empathy and education, she empowers patients and fosters resilience.

Dr. Santos begins with a thorough assessment of each patient’s medical, psychiatric, and lifestyle history. She collaborates with patients to build personalized, evidence-based treatment plans that reflect their goals and preferences. Her holistic care model considers social, cultural, and environmental influences, and she ensures consistent follow-up to adjust care as needed, promoting informed, long-term wellness.

Dr. Michele Kerbow is a board certified psychiatrist with more than 20 years of clinical experience. She completed her undergraduate training at Clemson University before continuing to the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in Columbia, SC. From there, she completed her General Psychiatry Internship and General Adult Psychiatry Residency through the University of Virginia in Roanoke. Though she has a wide array of experience in psychiatric care and psychological assessment, Dr. Kerbow has a particular interest in the treatment of Veterans' issues and trauma. Her most recent work saw her caring for both Veterans and Active Duty military through the Fayetteville VA Medical Center in Jacksonville, NC and the Naval Hospital Jacksonville in Florida. She believes strongly in the interconnectivity of mental and physical health, especially as it relates to trauma. Patients seeking psychiatric assistance will find Dr. Kerbow to be an empathetic and approachable provider. She places an emphasis on the importance of both therapy and medication management in the treatment of mental health, and has a strong history of collaboration with therapists and counselors in order to enact the best treatment plan possible.

Background and credentials

Dr. Jonathan Myrtil is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. He earned his medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine and completed his residency in Adult Psychiatry at the University of Central Florida, affiliated with North Florida Regional Medical Center. After completing his training, he remained at North Florida Regional as an adult psychiatrist and supervising physician, gaining experience treating patients in inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient program (IOP) settings.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Myrtil takes a collaborative approach to psychiatric care, integrating medication management with supportive therapy to provide well-rounded treatment. His primary focus is on treating adults with mood and anxiety disorders, PTSD, and ADHD. He prioritizes patient involvement in treatment decisions, ensuring that care plans align with individual needs and goals.

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What you can expect in a first visit

Patients meeting Dr. Myrtil for the first time can expect a thorough evaluation where he assesses their symptoms, treatment history, and personal goals. He fosters a supportive and collaborative environment, working closely with patients to create a personalized treatment plan that incorporates medication management and therapeutic interventions tailored to their specific needs.

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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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Dr. Ismail is double board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in both Adult Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She earned her medical degree from Cairo University, where she also completed her neurology residency at Cairo University Hospitals. Following this, she pursued psychiatric training at New York Medical College at St. Vincent’s Hospitals, where she was appointed Chief Resident and recognized as Resident of the Year.

Dr. Ismail further specialized with a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at UMDNJ/Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Her 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 she provided direct care to young patients. She has 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.

An active educator, Dr. Ismail has been a teaching faculty member, delivering lectures and providing supervision and evaluations for medical residents and child and adolescent psychiatry fellows. Her academic contributions extend to research, where she has served as a principal investigator on multiple studies.

Throughout her career in leadership and teaching, Dr. Ismail maintained an integrative private practice in New Jersey, serving residents of the NJ and NY metropolitan areas before relocating to North Carolina.

Dr. Ismail is passionate about integrative medicine, which combines evidence-based alternative therapies with conventional treatments to optimize outcomes. Her approach focuses on promoting overall wellness, keeping both the body and mind in harmony.

During the diagnostic evaluation, Dr. Ismail 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, she incorporates supportive, cognitive, or psychodynamic psychotherapy during follow-up visits, as time allows. When appropriate, she may also recommend referrals to specialized psychotherapists to address your individual needs as part of a holistic treatment approach.

Dr. Cedric Skillon is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience. Dr. Skillon’s clinical expertise includes treating adults with depressive disorders, bipolar disorders, anxiety disorders, substance -related and addictive disorders, and trauma related disorders. Dr. Skillon has worked in a variety of mental health care settings including academia, community mental health centers, and a substance use treatment center.

Dr. Skillon grew up in Detroit, Michigan. He obtained his Bachelor of Science from the University of Michigan. He received his medical degree from Wayne State University. He completed a General Psychiatry Residency at University Health Center of Pittsburgh, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic

Dr. Skillon combines a wealth of knowledge and experience with a compassion for meeting the patient “where they are” in their healing process. He believes in allowing the patient to feel heard in every session. He fully explains the risk and benefits of each treatment option. Then in collaboration, he and his patient agree on the next step to take towards the patient’s treatment goals.

Dr. Skillon is dedicated to providing hope and healing in a trusting environment. He combines empathy with a patient centered, and evidence-based approach in helping patients reach their treatment goals.

Grace is a LCSW, and LISW-CP licensed in Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences with a specialization in Nutrition from Solusi University in Zimbabwe and a Master of Social Work in Clinical Practice from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, MI. Grace has 20 years of experience providing mental health and psychotherapy services to diverse populations in various settings, including telehealth, outpatient care, residential programs for youth and adults, Assertive Community Treatment, foster care, inpatient units, intensive in-home services, and private practice. Her approach is individualized, solution-focused, holistic, and goal-oriented, emphasizing clients' strengths and fostering a positive, affirming perspective. Grace specializes in treating individuals facing anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-esteem, mood instability, anger, unresolved emotional challenges, relationship difficulties, and life transitions. She works with adults, couples, and families. Grace's therapeutic techniques include counseling for emotional and personal growth, fostering purpose and meaning, and empowering self-esteem. Grace draws on evidence-based practices tailored to each client's needs, including Trauma-Informed Care, CBT, Trauma-Focused CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Collaborative Problem Solving, Positive Behavior Support, and Family Systems approaches.

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. Romanow is double board-certified in Adult Psychiatry and Forensic Psychiatry. He 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, he completed his residency in Adult Psychiatry at the University of Virginia, where he obtained a certificate in additional psychotherapy training. After residency, Dr. Romanow completed a fellowship in Forensic Psychiatry at the University of Virginia. During his fellowship, he trained at the prestigious Institute of Law, Psychiatry, and Public Policy (ILPPP) and Western State Psychiatric Hospital where he performed criminal and civil forensic evaluations. He also provided clinical care at a maximum security prison. Prior to joining Talkiatry, Dr. Romanow worked at a healthcare system in Montana providing inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care involving medication management and psychotherapy. Additionally, he operates a private forensic psychiatry practice that conducts mental health evaluations for the legal system. Dr. Romanow has extensive experience treating various mental health disorders including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and ADHD. His clinical work includes assisting patients who experience mental health disorders with co-occurring substance use problems. He has training in various schools of psychotherapy including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), CBT for insomnia, motivational interviewing and supportive psychotherapy. Dr. Romanow incorporates treatment focusing on the importance of exercise, diet, and good sleep habits as a part of comprehensive mental health care.‍

Dr. Lee is a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in adult psychiatry and minority mental health. He is a graduate of Morehouse College and later received his medical degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN. After graduating from Meharry, he completed his psychiatry residency at the University of South Carolina/ Palmetto Health in Columbia, SC and a forensic psychiatry fellowship at Tulane University. After completing his training, he entered private practice in Rock Hill, SC and served the community for 11+ years. During that time, he also served as Staff Psychiatrist at Winthrop University. Prior to joining Talkiatry, Dr. Lee served as an Attending Psychiatrist and Medical Director of an inpatient psychiatric unit. Throughout his professional career, he has remained passionate about educating individuals about sustaining better mental health and eradicating the stigma of mental illness. Dr. Lee brings a vast array of knowledge to Talkiatry. He has experience treating various psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and ADHD. His approach focuses on evidence-based medication management and incorporates supportive therapy techniques as well as psychoeducation to address the presenting issues in a compassionate and competent manner. If additional therapy is needed, Dr. Lee may recommend that a therapist is part of the treatment team.