PTSD Psychiatrists in New York

Sonya R. Isler, PMHNP-BC, began her nursing journey over 30 years ago in a state psychiatric hospital in Goldsboro, NC, inspired by the poised nurse she admired at church as a child. Her path includes roles as LPN, RN, BSN, and multiple advanced practice degrees. Sonya has worked in inpatient and outpatient settings, VA clinics, and private practices. She also serves as a preceptor for PMHNP students at her alma mater, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Sonya creates a welcoming, respectful space where patients feel safe to communicate openly. She practices active listening and values patient input when setting therapy goals. Her approach is holistic—treating the whole person—and she encourages collaboration, helping patients feel seen, heard, and empowered in their care.

Sonya reviews a patient's history before each session and begins with clear introductions and goal setting. She invites open discussion of concerns and tailors' treatment plans with patient input. She often incorporates CBT, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy into care, promoting growth through supportive, personalized strategies.

Evelyn Kuang, PMHNP, is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of experience spanning clinical practice, research, and teaching. She trained at Columbia School of Nursing and in specialized psychiatric programs including Gracie Square Hospital, NYP Mt. Sinai SAGE elders, and Harlem’s STAY program. Evelyn has worked with diverse communities, including LGBTQ+ youth, older adults, and Asian-American populations, with expertise in sexual health, geriatric psychiatry, and trauma. She is also a musician and composer, integrating creative expression into therapeutic work.

Evelyn provides person-centered, trauma-informed care with an intersectional and decolonized lens. She emphasizes shared decision-making and creates a compassionate environment where patients feel safe and heard. Passionate about addressing implicit bias in healthcare and supporting ethnic identity formation, she focuses on improving access and quality of mental health care for Asian diaspora communities.

Evelyn begins by exploring each patient’s history, concerns, and goals through a trauma-informed, intersectional approach. She develops individualized treatment plans aligned with patient goals, incorporating supportive psychodynamic psychotherapy alongside medication management to ensure holistic care.

Dr. Mary Lou Gutierrez is board-certified in both Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and General Psychiatry, with over 20 years of clinical experience. She earned her M.D. from Loyola University Medical Center, where she also completed her residency in Adult Psychiatry. She pursued fellowship training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Northwestern University’s Children’s Memorial Hospital. Her past roles include Medical Director for Compass Health Center’s Under 18 Program and Attending Psychiatrist at Loyola. She has been recognized as a “Top Doctor” in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry by US News and World Report and Negocios Now.

Dr. Gutierrez fosters a warm, collaborative environment where patients and families feel supported and understood. She emphasizes open communication and works closely with patients to define meaningful, realistic treatment goals. Her holistic, family-centered approach integrates medication management, therapy, and psychoeducation with a deep commitment to cultural sensitivity and compassionate care.

Dr. Gutierrez begins by learning each patient’s personal story, clinical history, and goals through a comprehensive evaluation. She creates individualized, evidence-based treatment plans tailored to each child’s unique needs and family context. She continuously collaborates with patients, families, and care teams to ensure treatment remains effective, combining psychotherapy, medication management, and coordination with other providers and resources.

Dr. Ali is a lifelong New Yorker who has always been fascinated by the complexity of the human mind, behavior, and experience. Growing up in a vibrant and diverse city, she developed a deep appreciation for how culture, environment, and individual background shape a person’s psychological well-being. Driven by this passion, she pursued her medical degree at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, where she gained a strong foundation in both the biological and psychosocial aspects of medicine. She then completed her general psychiatry training at SUNY Stony Brook University Hospital, where she worked closely with a diverse patient population from varied religious, cultural, socioeconomic, and age groups.

Dr. Ali prioritizes open communication and mutual trust, creating a safe, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel respected and empowered to actively engage in their care. She integrates psychotherapy techniques and takes a holistic, person centered approach to treatment.

Dr. Ali believes in collaboration and shared understanding grounded in evidence-based therapies. Her typical process includes developing individualized treatment plans aimed at symptom relief, improved functioning, and overall quality of life. Beyond medication management, she incorporates psychotherapy techniques and psychoeducation to help patients build coping skills and insight.

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Brittney is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of New York. She attended SUNY Buffalo where she obtained a Bachelor's in Psychology and a Master's in Education with a Certificate of Advanced Study in School Counseling and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Mental Health Counseling. Brittney started her career as a School Counselor before transitioning full-time to Mental Health Counselor. Brittney is an empathetic and open-minded clinician, striving to meet her clients where they are, build trust, and maintain a safe, non-judgmental environment. She is experienced and passionate about working with teens and adults with various forms of trauma. Additionally, Brittney utilizes SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) for families impacted by anxiety and OCD to help them understand the impact these experiences have on their lives, ultimately finding the resolutions and outcomes they hope for. While EMDR therapy is her primary treatment approach for individuals, or SPACE for families, she also utilizes ACT, Parts Work, Motivational Interviewing, CBT, and others.

Ashley is an ANCC board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of experience in Psychiatry. She has worked in inpatient and outpatient settings, crisis centers, and psychiatric emergency rooms. Ashley is deeply committed to working collaboratively with individuals to enhance their well-being, creating a personalized care plan tailored to each person’s unique needs.

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Her approach integrates medication management, supportive psychotherapy, and lifestyle interventions. As a prescriber specializing in psychopharmacology, Ashley provides comprehensive medication management while utilizing a shared decision-making model. She actively involves clients in their treatment planning, discussing various options to determine the most effective path forward.

During the initial session, Ashley prioritizes establishing a comfortable, open environment where clients feel at ease. She will review medical and psychiatric history, discuss treatment goals, and explore different therapeutic options based on individual preferences. Ashley encourages questions throughout the process to ensure a collaborative and supportive treatment experience.

Dr. Alexandra Dunn is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who completed her medical training at the University of California Irvine School of Medicine. She then moved to New York to complete her psychiatric residency training at Mount Sinai Beth Israel. During training, Dr. Dunn gained extensive clinical experience in psychiatric inpatient, outpatient, and emergency settings, allowing her the opportunity to treat patients of all ages and backgrounds. In addition, she co-led a mindfulness group at the outpatient clinic, worked with students at Baruch College, and rotated with the Assertive Community Treatment team at MSBI. Ultimately, Dr. Dunn chose outpatient care, focusing on treating patients with mood and anxiety disorders. While her practice primarily emphasizes medication management, she also incorporates supportive and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques in her sessions with patients. If appropriate, Dr. Dunn will refer you for psychotherapy and collaborate with your therapist to support your care. She looks forward to meeting and working with you to help you feel better.

Dr. Benita Dieperink, MD, is board-certified in psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She earned her medical degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School and completed residency at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. She has extensive experience in private practice, academic leadership, and faculty roles, with expertise in treating diverse adult populations. She specializes in perinatal and reproductive psychiatry, supporting patients through pregnancy, postpartum, PMS, infertility, and perimenopause/menopause, as well as mood, anxiety, trauma-related, and obsessive-compulsive disorders.

Dr. Dieperink values open communication and a collaborative approach, creating a warm, supportive environment where patients feel heard and respected. She integrates psychopharmacology and psychotherapy to help patients work toward clear treatment goals, while fostering a growth- and strengths-based perspective. She also draws on a wide range of interests—from medical science to psychology and history—to enrich patient education.

Dr. Dieperink begins by thoroughly understanding each patient’s history, concerns, and goals. She develops individualized treatment plans aligned with these goals and regularly reassesses progress to refine strategies as needed, ensuring care is responsive, personalized, and effective.

Dr. Kodali is an adult psychiatrist who completed his psychiatry residency training at Trinity Health Hospital in Livonia, MI, where he was selected to be chief resident. Prior to this, he received his undergraduate bachelor’s degree in Neurology and Anthropology from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD and received his medical degree from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. He completed the psychodynamic psychotherapy fellowship from the Michigan Psychoanalytic Institute and is adept at incorporating psychotherapy principles in all patient care encounters. He provides psychiatric medication management as well as a combination of therapeutic interventions such as supportive, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic, and lifestyle interventions. Dr. Kodali is trained in treating multiple disorders and diagnoses including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as others. He has experience treating adult patients of all ages in multiple treatment settings including outpatient clinics, inpatient hospitals, and emergency departments.

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Dr. Osaji is an Adult Psychiatrist who completed her psychiatry training at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas. She served her program as a chief resident, which helped to build her leadership and interpersonal skills. She also dedicated herself to leading her resident team and fostering a supportive learning environment. She received the award of excellence in psychiatry knowledge during her residency training. She also has a Master's in Public Health from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and is a Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society member.

Dr. Osaji is an adult outpatient psychiatrist who provides care via telehealth. She strives to create a supportive, collaborative space where patients can explore what's bringing them in and work together to determine the best path forward. Whether someone is new to mental health care or returning after some time away, Dr. Osaji recognizes that it's normal to feel a mix of emotions at the start. She takes a thoughtful, personalized approach to treatment that may include medication, therapy recommendations, or simply creating space to talk. While telehealth offers flexibility and convenience, Dr. Osaji is committed to building a meaningful connection with each patient. She does not provide emergency services between sessions but ensures patients can access the appropriate resources when needed. As someone early in her career, Dr. Osaji brings fresh training and a strong commitment to transparency, lifelong learning, and evidence-informed care. She values open communication and believes deeply in each person's capacity for meaningful change.

Dr. Osaji creates a supportive, collaborative space to help patients explore their mental health concerns and goals. She takes a personalized approach that may include medication, therapy referrals, or check-ins, always valuing patient input. Follow-up visits are 20 to 30 minutes, focusing on monitoring progress and adjusting care as needed. She offers convenient access through telehealth while building meaningful, transparent relationships rooted in respect and growth. Dr. Osaji also values collaborative care and often coordinates with therapists or refers patients to therapy when additional support can enhance outcomes.

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Dr. Juliet Nichols has been a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology since 2002 and has been practicing psychiatry for over 25 years. While an expert in psychopharmacology, Dr. Nichols has an integrative approach to treatment and she often incorporates psychotherapeutic techniques when appropriate, tailoring every treatment to each patient's individual needs. She completed her Psychiatry residency at Stony Brook-SUNY and Geriatric Psychiatry Fellowship at the Albert Einstein School of Medicine. Over the last two decades, Dr. Nichols served as an attending psychiatrist at JT Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson, NY, where she became proficient in delivering stellar psychiatric care in a variety of settings. She specializes in treating adult and geriatric mental illnesses, including: Depression, Anxiety Disorders (eg, OCD, Panic Disorder, GAD, PTSD), ADHD, and Cognitive Disorders in the elderly. Dr. Nichols strives to help her patients gain insights into their inner conflicts, unveil their strengths, accept their limitations, and build their coping skills. Her approach is dynamic, straightforward, and empathic so patients always feel safe, understood, and at ease. She engages the patient to be an active participant in treatment decision-making, creating a strong therapeutic alliance.‍

Gary Etter, MD is a board-certified psychiatrist with experience across outpatient, inpatient, and emergency settings, including many years within the John Peter Smith Healthcare System. He has also practiced in federal correctional psychiatric settings and outpatient care through Tarrant County MHMR. Dr. Etter has been extensively involved in psychiatric education for medical students and psychiatry residents. He has participated in organized psychiatry for many years through the Texas Society of Psychiatric Physicians, serving on multiple committees and previously as President of the Texas Psychiatric Society. He earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and completed his psychiatry residency at Timberlawn Psychiatric Hospital in Dallas. He is a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association.

Dr. Etter values ongoing patient input and strives to create a collaborative treatment environment where patients are actively involved in decision-making. He emphasizes a warm, supportive approach that helps patients feel heard, respected, and understood throughout their care.

Dr. Etter begins by developing a thorough understanding of each patient’s psychiatric, medical, family, developmental, and substance use history, while also exploring the patient’s concerns and goals. He then works collaboratively with the patient to develop an individualized treatment plan tailored to their unique needs and objectives.

Dr. Rodriguez is an adult psychiatrist, who is fluent in Spanish and English. She completed residency at St Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital in New York City via Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons followed by a Fellowship in Forensic Psychiatry in a combined Cornell University - Columbia University program with the New York State Psychiatric Institute. She obtained her medical degree at the Pontificia Universidad Catolica Madre y Maestro in the Dominican Republic. Dr. Rodriguez is an adult psychiatrist and has worked with a wide array of patients across various medical settings including extensive experience in Telehealth. Her experience includes Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn, New York, in addition to outpatient experience in both clinics and correctional facilities. Dr. Rodriguez has experience treating patients with psychiatric illness who may also be suffering from medical comorbidities, such as obesity, hypertension, pain, and diabetes. She has been deeply involved with teaching and emphasizes psychoeducation while working in collaboration with her patients to help tailor their personalized treatment plan. Her primary focus has been on treating adults with depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, and PTSD. Dr. Rodriguez has an approachable, patient-centered style, combined with a passion for optimizing sleep as it pertains to management of a psychiatric illness and overall well-being. She offers supportive therapy as part of her medication management visits, and at times may also offer cognitive behavioral therapy to address underlying stressors which may be contributing to one's presenting ailments. She may also recommend including a therapist in your care team to optimize outcomes.

Dr. Olivia Plante is a board-eligible psychiatrist with a focus on evidence-based medicine including psychopharmacology and nutritional psychiatry in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of psychiatric disorders.

She is originally from New York, having completed her undergraduate degree in psychology from The City College of New York, followed by a master’s degree in medical anthropology from Binghamton University and a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University at Buffalo. She completed psychiatric residency training at the Zucker School of Medicine/Northwell Health, with experience in medication management, psychotherapy, and collaborative multidisciplinary care of adults and adolescents in the outpatient, inpatient, partial hospital and emergency settings.

Initial evaluations will involve collecting history about social circumstances; past medical, psychiatric, substance use, and family conditions; as well as current lifestyle habits such as sleep, nutrition, supplement use, level of physical activity, and stress management skills.

Treatment sessions will explore the mind-body connection and individual lifestyle factors in combination with psychoeducation for a personalized wellness approach.

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Dr. Rebecca Crosbie is a board-certified adult psychiatrist and has been practicing in outpatient psychiatry for nearly 7 years. Her practice focuses on medication management, and she typically offers medication management combined with supportive therapy or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in 30 minute follow-up visits. If Dr. Crosbie feels you would benefit from working with a dedicated talk therapist, she may encourage you to pursue this or refer you in order to achieve the best outcome. Dr. Crosbie is a graduate of Michigan State College of Human Medicine. She completed her psychiatry residency at Pine Rest/Michigan State University in Grand Rapids, MI. She has previously worked as an outpatient psychiatrist and in tele-psychiatry. She has a lot of experience treating patients with a broad array of mental health conditions, including: anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, bipolar disorder, and ADHD. She also treats combined mental health diagnoses such as ADHD plus another diagnosis. She also has a lot of experience working with patients who identify as LGBTQI+. Her approach is always to meet the patient where they are and educate and enable patients to make good choices about treatment that are in line with their personal preferences and values.

Dr. Kirk Carruthers is a board-certified psychiatrist with experience in both outpatient and inpatient psychiatry, as well as addiction medicine. He completed his medical degree at Morehouse School of Medicine and trained at University Hospitals – Case Medical Center, where he completed general psychiatry residency and fellowships in addiction and community psychiatry. His experience includes roles in community mental health, academic teaching, and the VA system. Outside of work, he enjoys music production, soccer, spending time with loved ones, and all dogs.

Dr. Carruthers brings a casual, easygoing communication style to create a comfortable space where patients feel at ease. He emphasizes forming strong therapeutic bonds based on trust, and combines supportive therapy with medication management. He encourages collaboration with therapists and uses evidence-based treatment approaches tailored to each individual’s needs.

Dr. Carruthers begins with a thorough understanding of each patient's concerns, history, and goals. He then creates a personalized treatment plan and works collaboratively with the patient to reach their goals, adjusting care as needed for ongoing progress.

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