Depression Psychiatrists in North Carolina

I am a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in adult psychiatry and minority mental health. My approach focuses on evidence-based medication management and incorporates supportive therapy techniques as well as psychoeducation to address presenting issues in a compassionate and competent manner. I have experience treating various psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and ADHD. Throughout my professional career, I have remained passionate about educating individuals about sustaining better mental health and eradicating the stigma of mental illness. If additional therapy is needed, I may recommend that a therapist is part of the treatment team.

I am a graduate of Morehouse College and received my medical degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN. After graduating from Meharry, I completed my psychiatry residency at the University of South Carolina/Palmetto Health in Columbia, SC and a forensic psychiatry fellowship at Tulane University. After completing my training, I entered private practice in Rock Hill, SC and served the community for 11+ years. During that time, I also served as Staff Psychiatrist at Winthrop University. Prior to joining Talkiatry, I served as an Attending Psychiatrist and Medical Director of an inpatient psychiatric unit.

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.

I foster a safe, non-judgmental space where patients can explore their feelings and experiences freely, met with unconditional positive regard. I prioritize active listening and deep empathy, ensuring each patient feels heard, understood, and valued as a unique individual throughout their treatment journey. Initial sessions focus on a collaborative exploration of a patient's history, current challenges, and core values, forming the foundation for a personalized treatment plan. I emphasize shared decision-making, integrating therapeutic modalities (including medication when appropriate) while honoring patient autonomy and aligning with their vision for well-being.

I earned my medical degree from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and completed a psychiatry residency at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, followed by a forensic psychiatry fellowship at the National Capital Consortium. I have experience practicing in outpatient and inpatient settings, as well as with military and confinement populations.

I employ a collaborative, supportive, and patient-centered approach to psychiatric care, integrating medication management with therapy tailored specifically to each patient. I utilize supportive therapy along with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), adjusted according to individual patient needs. My specialty areas include the treatment of depression, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, PTSD, and a broad range of mental health conditions.

I am a board-certified adult psychiatrist with over 12 years of experience. I received my medical degree from Carol Davila University of Medicine in Romania and completed my psychiatry residency at Wayne State University in Detroit. Following residency, I gained extensive clinical experience practicing psychiatry in diverse outpatient settings, including a multi-specialty center in North Dakota and community mental health centers in Ohio and Michigan. I have also served as an assistant professor at the University of North Dakota and Michigan State University, where I taught and supervised medical students and residents.

Patients can expect an initial appointment with me to include a thorough evaluation focusing on their unique psychiatric symptoms, personal experiences, and treatment goals. I offer a supportive and compassionate atmosphere, carefully combining medication management with individualized therapy recommendations, to create a personalized treatment plan that effectively addresses each patient's specific needs.

I believe strongly in the interconnectivity of mental and physical health, especially as it relates to trauma. I have a particular interest in the treatment of Veterans' issues and trauma, and my most recent work saw me caring for both Veterans and Active Duty military through the Fayetteville VA Medical Center in Jacksonville, NC and the Naval Hospital Jacksonville in Florida. I place an emphasis on the importance of both therapy and medication management in the treatment of mental health, and have a strong history of collaboration with therapists and counselors in order to enact the best treatment plan possible.

I am a board certified psychiatrist with more than 20 years of clinical experience. I completed my undergraduate training at Clemson University before continuing to the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in Columbia, SC. From there, I completed my General Psychiatry Internship and General Adult Psychiatry Residency through the University of Virginia in Roanoke. Though I have a wide array of experience in psychiatric care and psychological assessment, my clinical focus has centered on Veterans' issues and trauma.

My practice primarily focuses on medication management, which I offer in conjunction with supportive therapy and elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). I take a patient-centered and collaborative approach, ensuring that treatment is tailored to each individual's needs. If additional therapy is required, I may recommend working with a therapist as part of a comprehensive care plan. My primary focus areas include depression, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

I am a board-certified adult psychiatrist with over 16 years of experience. I earned my medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, NE, and completed my adult psychiatry residency at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, OR. I then specialized further by completing a forensic psychiatry fellowship at Yale University. I have worked as a staff psychiatrist at Atrium Health System for over 16 years.

During the first visit, patients can expect a thorough psychiatric evaluation, where I carefully assess their symptoms, treatment history, and mental health goals. I work collaboratively with patients to develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include medication management and therapy recommendations. Follow-up visits are typically 30 minutes and focus on monitoring progress, adjusting treatment as needed, and ensuring the best possible patient outcomes.

I have an approachable style aimed at providing a comprehensive evaluation for all age ranges and am comfortable managing various levels of diagnostic complexities. I provide supportive psychotherapy while using psychodynamic therapy skills to clarify my patients' constellation of symptoms, identify unifying themes, and provide thorough psychoeducation throughout the process to drive positive outcomes. I integrate psychodynamic medication management approaches and am adept at family therapy interventions.

I am a Staff Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. After completing residency in 2016 at the Ponce Medical School Psychiatry Residency in Puerto Rico, I moved to North Carolina to complete a subspecialty in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Duke University Health System. There, I transitioned into an assistant professor position, focused on structuring pediatric emergency psychiatric services, and helped support the consult and liaison pediatric service. My experience has included working as an integrated care child psychiatrist within outpatient clinics at Duke University Health System, and I trained and worked as a staff psychiatrist at the Inpatient State Facility in North Carolina. I 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 have been serving the Child and Adolescent inpatient population in Bangor, Maine.

I am committed to providing compassionate, high-quality mental health care. I foster a therapeutic, nonjudgmental environment where patients can openly share their concerns and values. Viewing treatment as a partnership, I encourage patients to play an active role in their care and take a whole-person approach, considering lifestyle, environmental, and social factors that contribute to healing. My clinical interests include mood and anxiety disorders, PTSD, and childhood psychiatric disorders.

I begin with a comprehensive assessment to understand each patient's history, background, and treatment priorities. I develop individualized treatment plans using evidence-based approaches, supporting patients in navigating life's challenges and finding a path to mental wellness.

I am Board Certified in Adult and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and treat patients of all ages. I earned my medical degree from New York Medical College, completed Adult Psychiatry Residency at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell, and completed Child and Adolescent Fellowship training at NYU Langone and Bellevue Hospital. I have over a decade of experience in both community mental health centers and private practice, working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

I am dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and family and patient psychoeducation. I emphasize a joint decision-making approach to treatment options and utilize local resources to provide wrap-around support. My areas of interest focus on neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD, Autism, and Intellectual Delay.

I earned my M.D. from St. George's University School of Medicine and hold a Bachelor of Science in Child Development from Appalachian State University, where I graduated summa cum laude. My passion for working with children and families developed during my involvement in a pre-K Head Start Program in Rural North Carolina. I completed my General Psychiatry Residency and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine at Campbell University. I obtained ABPN Board Certification in General Psychiatry in 2023 and am working towards Board Certification in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. I have received honors and awards for my contributions to psychiatry, including the Laughlin Fellowship through The American College of Psychiatrists and Resident of the Year at Cape Fear Valley Health System in 2022. I am affiliated with professional organizations including AACAP and APA.

My extensive education, accolades, research contributions, professional affiliations, and community involvement reflect my commitment to making a positive impact in my patients' lives and the broader community.

I work with patients to create an environment where they feel comfortable and supported. I focus on medication management along with supportive therapy. Normally visits are 30-minute follow-ups that allow time to focus on areas of support needed. If additional therapy is recommended, I will request a therapist be added to your care team to meet all your needs. I have a passion for treating both adult and child and adolescent patients with anxiety and depression.

I am a board-certified adult psychiatrist, fellowship-trained in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and have been in practice for 11 years. I received my medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina, then completed my residency training and child and adolescent fellowship at the Medical College of Georgia.

I have worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings with adult, child, and adolescent populations. I have worked in private practice as well as community mental health, where I focused on reaching under-served communities.

I believe in building strong therapeutic relationships with my patients, integrating conservative psychological treatments and lifestyle modifications to enhance overall well-being and quality of life. I primarily provide medication management combined with supportive or emotionally focused therapy, and I emphasize creating individualized care plans tailored to each patient's unique needs. While medication and supportive therapy are central to my approach, I occasionally recommend involving an additional therapist to optimize treatment outcomes. I specialize in managing a broad range of psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, postpartum depression, OCD, and PTSD.

Patients meeting me for the first time can expect a thoughtful and comprehensive assessment focused on building rapport and understanding their personal and clinical needs. I emphasize creating a strong therapeutic relationship and developing an individualized care plan designed specifically to address each patient's symptoms and lifestyle. Follow-up appointments typically last around 30 minutes, during which medication management and supportive therapy are provided. Depending on patient needs, I might suggest incorporating additional therapeutic support to achieve the best possible results.

I am board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida, and obtained my medical degree in Osteopathic Medicine from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. I completed my psychiatry residency training at Palm Beach Consortium for Graduate Medical Education in Tamarac, Florida. After my training, I served as an attending psychiatrist with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Miami, Florida, and as an attending psychiatrist and mentor for psychiatry residents in training at the University of Miami, Florida International University, and University Hospital and Medical Center in Tamarac.

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.

I take a holistic approach to mental healthcare, combining medication management, psychotherapy, and lifestyle modifications to help my patients achieve a quality of life that allows them to pursue their goals. I see the position of the psychiatrist as helping to educate and guide patients, allowing them to take an active role in their own recovery. I believe diversity is a strength and embrace providing high quality services that affirm the dignity, worth, and value of all individuals, including the LGBTQ+ community. I take an evidence-based approach in my treatment of individuals suffering with depression, anxiety, trauma, difficulty focusing and concentrating, sleep issues, and interpersonal problems. I utilize insight-oriented care, believing that gaining understanding of a person's feelings, thoughts, and actions will provide them the knowledge needed to make the positive change they desire. Therapy may be a key part of a person's treatment, and if greater frequency is needed outside of our sessions, I will refer and collaborate with a psychotherapist to help maximize a patient's success.

I am double board-certified in adult and consultation liaison psychiatry. My fellowship training helped me gain greater insight into the interface between medicine and mental healthcare. I have been practicing for seven years and have worked closely with individuals with co-occurring chronic medical issues, specifically organ transplantation.

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.

I primarily focus on medication management and supportive psychotherapy, but have extensive training in utilizing various therapy modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, reminiscence therapy, and psychodynamic psychotherapy. When appropriate, I will refer for more extensive psychotherapy and/or collaborate with your established psychotherapist for comprehensive care. I strongly believe 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. I have particular experience and interest in treating older adults and those suffering from memory disorders, but provide treatment for a variety of psychiatric conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorders, trauma-related disorders, and substance use disorders.

I am a board-certified adult psychiatrist and board-eligible geriatric psychiatrist. I obtained my medical degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and completed my residency training in psychiatry at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and Jackson Memorial Hospital. I then completed my geriatric psychiatry fellowship at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Beth Israel. During my fellowship, I participated in Mount Sinai's Visiting Doctors Program, providing patient-centered and compassionate care to homebound elder adults in New York City. I also received training at Coler Rehabilitation and Nursing Care Center on Roosevelt Island and presented at the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry annual meeting. During my training, I gained extensive experience providing psychiatric care to various patient populations in multiple settings, including the outpatient clinic, inpatient unit, and emergency department.

Following my training, I worked at New York Presbyterian's Gracie Square Hospital, serving first as float psychiatrist across 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 my time at Gracie Square Hospital, I received the Physician of the Year Award and served as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine. I worked closely alongside staff psychologists, social workers, and nurses to provide multidisciplinary, collaborative care to patients suffering from a variety of mental health conditions. I am a member of the American Psychiatric Association and the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry.

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.