OCD Psychiatrists in 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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 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 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 practice patient-centered and trauma-informed care, valuing patient autonomy and collaborative decision-making, and acknowledging the burden many people carry from intersecting oppressions. I believe therapy is important, often equally important as medication, or more, and will work together with you to make a realistic treatment plan that will fit into your life. I also have a niche working with people with complicated relationships with their bodies, whether due to disordered eating, gender dysphoria, chronic illness/disability, or trauma. I welcome LGBTQ+ patients, including trans and non-binary adults. I also enjoy working with patients with OCD, as well as autistic/neurodivergent adults (including those seeking adult autism evaluation). Please note Talkiatry is most appropriate for autistic patients with Level 1 (or case-by-case Level 2) support needs and who are verbal.

Regarding eating disorders: please note that for patient safety, per Talkiatry policy, I am unable to work with patients with current active anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa (or significant relapse in the last 6 months), or with patients requiring current regular medical or lab monitoring for complications of binge-eating disorder or ARFID. Bariatric surgery patients are welcome if medically stable. Patients with current disordered eating that does not rise to the level of a formal diagnosis of anorexia or bulimia, or with a past history of anorexia or bulimia in sustained remission, will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis at the first appointment.

I am a board-certified psychiatrist with a BA in musicology and cognitive science from Oberlin College, an MD from Quinnipiac University in Connecticut, and I completed my general adult psychiatry residency at Duke University.

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

I am a board-certified adult psychiatrist. I earned my medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine and completed my residency in Adult Psychiatry at the University of Central Florida, affiliated with North Florida Regional Medical Center. After completing my training, I 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.

Patients meeting me for the first time can expect a thorough evaluation where I assess their symptoms, treatment history, and personal goals. I foster 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.

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 Talkiatry practice will mostly focus on medication management in conjunction with support or acceptance-based therapy during 30-minute follow-up visits. I hope to collaborate with my patients to help set treatment goals and ways to track progress in between appointments. I enjoy seeing patients with a wide variety of diagnoses including, but not limited to, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder, and I enjoy combining medication management with various therapy techniques.

I am board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in Adult Psychiatry. I completed my residency training at Vidant Medical Center at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina in 2021, where I was the chief resident. Since then, I have worked as an attending physician at an inpatient adult psychiatric unit in Burlington, North Carolina. As a resident and attending, I have treated adults of all ages and in all areas of mental health.

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 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.