Find the right psychiatrist for your needs

Dr. John Hendrick is a practicing psychiatrist who has recently served as medical director for clinical services at Erlanger Behavioral Health Hospital in Chattanooga, TN. After several years of private practice, he had served as Chief of Inpatient Psychiatric Services and then as Chief of Psychiatry at Mountain Home VA Medical Center. During his time at Mountain Home VA he was also a Professor of Psychiatry at Quillen Medical School at East Tennessee State University where he taught General Psychiatry courses and the Neurosciences of Psychiatry. His specialties include affective and anxiety disorders and he has specific expertise in neuropsychiatry, psychopharmacology and alternative treatments for affective disorders. He is a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and is a Past President of both the Tennessee Psychiatric Association and the Southern Psychiatric Association. He has been awarded a Distinguished Service Award from the United States Public Health Service. He has been twice named the Outstanding Teacher Award from the ETSU Psychiatry Residency program and was awarded Course Director of the year for the Neurosciences residency course he developed. He holds an Irma J. Bland Award for Excellence in Psychiatric Education from the APA. He has an extensive psychiatric background in practice and as a teacher. He practices psychotherapy from an Eriksonian perspective and is well versed in individual and psychodynamic psychotherapies.

Background  and credentials    

Dr. Christa DeFries is a board-certified Adult Psychiatrist. She earned her  medical degree from UT Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Texas, and  completed her residency in Adult Psychiatry at Baylor Scott & White in  Temple, Texas. Following residency, Dr. DeFries gained additional experience  treating homeless and formerly homeless populations in New York City,  particularly focusing on individuals with histories of trauma and substance  addiction, prior to joining Talkiatry.    

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Treatment approach    

Dr. DeFries practices Adult Psychiatry, employing an integrative treatment  approach combining medication management, psychotherapeutic methods, and  lifestyle modifications. She recognizes that each patient benefits from a  personalized mix of these three aspects of care. Dr. DeFries specializes in  treating diverse psychiatric conditions, including those related to trauma,  substance addictions, and various mental health disorders.    

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What you can expect in a first visit    

In a first visit with Dr. DeFries, patients can expect a comprehensive  evaluation aimed at understanding their individual mental health history,  specific concerns, and overall treatment goals. Dr. DeFries emphasizes an  individualized approach, carefully exploring the best combination of  medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments tailored specifically to each  patient's needs. Patients can anticipate an empathetic and collaborative  environment focused on their personal experiences and goals.    

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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.

Background and credentials

Dr. Phillip Azouz is a board-certified general adult psychiatrist. He earned his medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School, where he was awarded the Albert M. Barret Award for Distinguished Performance in Psychiatry. He completed his psychiatric residency at Florida Atlantic University. Prior to medical school, he obtained his undergraduate degree in economics with honors from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. His background includes research at the Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Center and the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind-Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. Additionally, he worked as a Mental Health Specialist at McLean Psychiatric Hospital.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Azouz provides a relaxed, conversational, and non-judgmental space for patients to reflect on and integrate all aspects of their lives. He believes that vulnerability is key to healing and growth and works with individuals seeking to improve mood, reduce anxiety, enhance sleep, boost attention, or heal from trauma. His approach blends the latest research in medical treatment with insights from psychotherapy and coaching. He specializes in treating major depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, addiction, and personality disorders.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive and collaborative evaluation where Dr. Azouz takes the time to understand their symptoms, challenges, and goals. He fosters an open and supportive environment, ensuring that treatment plans are personalized and aligned with each patient’s unique needs. His approach integrates evidence-based medication management, psychotherapy techniques, and coaching strategies to help patients achieve their full potential.

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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. Lemaire Leo Pierre is a board certified adult psychiatric provider with over 10 years of experience. He has additional years working in the medical field as a physician assistant. Dr. Pierre's practice entails medication management accompanied by supportive psychotherapy. He frequently encourages other forms of psychotherapy with a counselor to maximize treatment outcomes. After completing medical school at Central America Health Science University, he returned to New York City and completed his psychiatry residency at New York Medical College Program at Metropolitan Hospital Center. Subsequently, he moved to Minnesota and worked with Park Nicollet Health Service/HealthPartners. He had been there for 10.5 years, where he oversaw a successful psychiatric practice and helped his patients who had been struggling with their conditions. Dr. Pierre is a member of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, in addition to the American Psychiatry Association and State Psychiatry Association. He also enjoys attending conferences and reading journals to learn about cutting-edge treatments so that he is updated on the most recent FDA-approved medications.

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. Rodriguez is a board-certified adult psychiatrist, who is also fluent in Spanish. He completed residency at North Florida Regional in Gainesville via the University of Central Florida, where he also served as chief resident for education. He received his medical degree from Lincoln Memorial University – DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine in Tennessee. He also holds a master’s and bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of South Florida, in Tampa.

Dr. Rodriguez has worked with a wide array of patients across various medical settings and has experience treating patients with psychiatric illness who may also be suffering from medical comorbidities, such as obesity, hypertension, pain, and diabetes. He has been deeply involved with teaching and emphasizes psychoeducation while working in collaboration with his patients to help tailor their personalized treatment plan. His 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. He offers supportive therapy as part of his 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. He may also recommend including a therapist in your care team to optimize outcomes.

Dr. Yacoub received his medical degree from Alexandria University and completed his psychiatry residency at Stony Brook University Hospital. He is double board certified in both general adult psychiatry and consultation & liaison psychiatry with over 20 years of clinical experience. After serving as chief resident, he joined Stony Brook University and became Associate Professor in clinical psychiatry. During his tenure at Stony Brook, Dr. Yacoub was director of the ECT service treating many patients with complex psychiatric disorders, which include treatment-resistant depression, severe bipolar disorders, psychotic disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post traumatic stress disorder. He also served as director of the medical student psychiatry clerkship where he received numerous teaching awards like Alpha Omega Alpha and Aesculapius Award for Excellence in Medical Education. Dr. Yacoub is an excellent diagnostician with expertise in complex mood disorders, psychotic disorders, interventional psychiatry, and advanced psychopharmacology. He has multiple publications and abstracts presented. Dr. Yacoub focuses on the interconnectivity of the mind, body, and soul. His care is only exceeded by his vast medical knowledge. In addition to medication management, he is proficient in supportive and interpersonal psychotherapy. He has treated adults, geriatric patients, and diverse populations including but not limited to LGBTQ+ and veterans. He is dedicated and empathetic to all his patients.

Dr. Phelps is a board-eligible adult psychiatrist. She was elected chief resident by her residency program at the University of Central Florida. She obtained her medical degree at Nova Southeastern University. She graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from Louisiana State University. Dr. Phelps believes in patient-centered care and a holistic approach to medicine. Her practice focuses on medication management, in conjunction with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. If additional therapy is needed, she utilizes referrals to psychotherapists to enhance management of mental illness and provide the best treatment outcomes. Dr. Phelps has worked in a variety of medical settings with different patient populations, including outpatient, consult liaison, and inpatient psychiatry. Her primary focus is treating adults with depression, anxiety, ADHD, insomnia, and bipolar disorder. Dr. Phelps aims to build a strong therapeutic relationship and improve the quality of life of her patients.

Dr. Arballo is board-certified psychiatrist who completed medical school at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. He received residency training at University of Texas Health - San Antonio where in addition to clinical training was appointed resident chair of the Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Committee.

Since graduation he has been a staff psychiatrist and the military unit director at Cumberland Hall Hospital providing comprehensive care to child, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients.

Dr. Arballo provides evidence-based medication management and psychotherapy to address mental health conditions. He is a strong advocate for patient autonomy, quality improvement and psychoeducation.

Dr. Alexandra Hamlyn is a board-certified adult psychiatrist and board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist. She completed her medical education at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University and then completed her residency in adult psychiatry at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Beth Israel. She then went on to complete her child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at NYU Langone and Bellevue Hospital. During this time, she also taught a course titled Love Actually at NYU School of Arts and Science. During training, Dr. Hamlyn gained extensive clinical experience in psychiatric inpatient, outpatient, and emergency settings, allowing her the opportunity to treat patients of all ages and backgrounds in numerous busy hospitals in New York City. Dr. Hamlyn's primary focus is on medication management, though she also has experience working in four different outpatient clinics where she has gained expertise in multiple different therapy modalities. If appropriate, Dr. Hamlyn will refer you for psychotherapy and collaborate with your therapist to support your care. She appreciates the importance of fostering a meaningful therapeutic relationship, and her goal is to make every patient feel welcomed in a non-judgmental treatment environment. She also takes a holistic approach as she understands that good health creates a sense of overall well-being and improved mental health. She strongly emphasizes the importance of mindfulness, self-compassion, exercise, nutrition, and interpersonal relationships throughout treatment. She looks forward to meeting and working with you.

Dr. Komarczyk is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who takes a special interest in developing a therapeutic alliance with each patient by providing an informative, encouraging, and holistic approach to mental health. At the heart of her practice is creating a warm, empathetic, and nonjudgmental space that allows her to work collaboratively with her patients to help them achieve their goals. Her treatment plans include evidence-based medication management, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy.

Background and credentials

Dr. Lillian Cole is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. She completed her undergraduate education at the University of North Carolina Wilmington and went on to earn both a master’s in biomedical sciences and a medical degree from Texas Tech University. She completed her psychiatry residency training at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, where she gained experience working with a diverse range of patient populations across different ethnic, socioeconomic, and clinical backgrounds.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Cole emphasizes a holistic, patient-centered approach that integrates evidence-based medicine, psychotherapeutic techniques, lifestyle interventions, and psychoeducation. She believes that listening, collaboration, and compassion are essential to guiding patients toward recovery. Her practice primarily focuses on psychiatric medication management, and she has extensive experience treating mood disorders, anxiety, trauma-related disorders, and substance use disorders. When additional therapy is necessary for the best outcome, she may recommend integrating a therapist into the treatment plan.

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What you can expect in a first visit

Patients can expect a thorough and compassionate initial evaluation, where Dr. Cole takes the time to understand their symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals. She focuses on fostering a strong doctor-patient relationship and collaborates with each patient to create a personalized treatment plan that may include medication management, therapy, and lifestyle interventions. If additional therapy is indicated, she will coordinate with other providers to ensure comprehensive care tailored to the patient’s 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. Weasen is a board-eligible adult psychiatrist with Talkiatry. He received his medical degree from Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. He then moved to Washington, D.C. to complete his residency training at Saint Elizabeths Hospital, where he served as Chief Resident during his final year. He is a member of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and has presented at the APA Annual Meeting on the topic of virtual fatigue. He has had extensive experience working with a wide array of patients, including college/graduate students, geriatric patients, military veterans, and LGBTQ+ populations.

Dr. Weasen provides a combination of medication management and supportive psychotherapy. Occasionally, he may work with you on finding additional support as well, including bringing on a dedicated therapist as part of your treatment team. He believes in tailoring treatment to each person’s needs. He primarily treats mood disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, and insomnia, but believes in seeing beyond the diagnosis and focusing on the individual first and foremost.

Dr. Nieves-Alvarado is a Board-certified psychiatrist who completed medical training at Duke University Psychiatry Program. Originally from Puerto Rico, she is fluent in both English and Spanish, which allows her to connect deeply with a diverse patient population.

Her practice combines medication management with insight-oriented therapy during every visit, promoting a comprehensive approach to mental health care. She advocates for her patients to engage in therapy alongside medication management, as she believes this integrated approach leads to better outcomes and sustained improvement. Dr. Nieves-Alvarado's practice is rooted in a collaborative, team-based approach, working closely with her patients to achieve long-term mental wellness.

Dr. Nieves-Alvarado earned her medical degree from the Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine in Bayamon, PR. Afterward, she moved to North Carolina, where she completed her residency at Duke University Hospital. During her training, she was nominated for a fellowship in psychodynamic practice by the Psychoanalytic Center of the Carolinas, showcasing her expertise in this area. She is also a dedicated advocate against childhood sexual trauma.

Her diverse training includes significant experience in jail and forensic psychiatry, as well as the treatment of military veterans under the veteran affairs health care system. She has experience in medically assisted treatments (MAT) for substance use disorders, Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and family therapy, enabling her to care for patients with complex needs.

Dr. Nieves-Alvarado treats patients across a wide age range, from young adults to the elderly. Passionate about improving access to mental health care, she joined Talkiatry to help patients facing time or transportation challenges receive the care they need.  

In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Nieves-Alvarado remains involved with her alma mater’s Behavioral Health Department, contributing to academic education and maintaining a connection with the next generation of medical professionals. She continues to seek ongoing improvement in her field, remaining engaged with medical associations including North Carolina Psychiatric Association, American Psychiatric Association, and Alpha Omega Alpha national medical honor society. Dr. Nieves-Alvarado is committed to working hand-in-hand with her patients to achieve mental wellness.”

Dr. Tim Kelly is a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in adult psychiatry. His practice focuses primarily on medication management but often incorporates aspects of supportive, psychodynamic, and cognitive behavioral therapies into his 30-minute follow-up visits. Dr. Kelly also strongly believes in working in conjunction with therapists to achieve the best possible outcomes for his patients. He feels it is important to create strong therapeutic relationships with his patients in order to help patients achieve their treatment goals. Dr. Kelly received his undergraduate degrees in Human Biology and Spanish from Michigan State University. He then completed his medical education and a master's degree in medical humanities and bioethics at Northwestern University. He completed his adult psychiatry residency at the University of Washington. He has authored papers in medical education and LGBTQ advocacy. Dr. Kelly now lives in Pennsylvania with his husband, Kevin, and three dogs: Taquito, Fergie and Mimi. While Dr. Kelly treats adults of all backgrounds, he has a particular interest in working with young adults, students, and LGBTQ individuals.‍

Dr. John "Will” Banks is a board-certified psychiatrist who completed his General Psychiatry residency training at Stony Brook University Hospital in Stony Brook, NY. During his residency training at Stony Brook University Hospital, Dr. Banks was selected by faculty to serve as an administrative chief resident based on his leadership qualities and integrity. He received numerous awards during his residency training including the Excellence in Compassionate Care Award, Academic Achievement Award, and Harold Pass Excellence in Psychotherapy Award. He also served as an Outpatient Senior Resident to help junior residents acclimate to the outpatient treatment setting and telehealth format. Dr. Banks implements an integrative approach to his practice that primarily utilizes medication management and various psychotherapy disciplines such as cognitive-behavioral, supportive, and psychodynamic techniques. While Dr. Banks is trained in a variety of therapeutic fields, he works collaboratively with therapists and may recommend their inclusion as part of your treatment team to provide you with the level of care you deserve. The duration of follow-up appointments with Dr. Banks is typically 20-30 minutes. He received his master's degree from the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth, TX. He then completed medical school at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine Seton Hill in Greensburg, PA where he served as president of his medical school's chapter of Sigma Sigma Phi Honorary Service Fraternity and co-founder of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Campus Club. Upon graduation from medical school, Dr. Banks completed his residency training in General Psychiatry at Stony Brook University Hospital in Stony Brook, NY.

Background and credentials  

Dr. Alexandra Baluna, MD, is board-certified by the American Board of  Psychiatry and Neurology. She received her medical degree from  LSUHC-Shreveport and completed her psychiatry residency training at  Montefiore/Albert-Einstein College of Medicine, where she served as chief of  the Consultation-Liaison (C/L) service. Following residency, Dr. Baluna  served as Senior Chief, during which she was honored with the Leo M. Davidoff  Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Teaching of Medical Students. Her  professional experiences include roles at Fordham University, Albert Einstein  Student Mental Health Counseling Center, and most recently, as an outpatient  psychiatrist at Maimonides Medical Center, where she enjoyed teaching and  supervising residents.  

Treatment approach  

Dr. Baluna emphasizes creating a warm, empathic, and nonjudgmental  therapeutic environment. She collaborates closely with patients to develop  personalized treatment plans that consider cultural, biological,  psychological, and social factors. With a strong interest in psychotherapy,  she frequently employs ego-supportive and insight-oriented therapy techniques  during follow-up sessions.  

What you can expect in a first visit    

During an initial visit, patients can expect a welcoming and supportive  atmosphere where Dr. Baluna conducts a comprehensive assessment. This  involves exploring the patient's history, current challenges, and individual  circumstances. The goal of the first session is to collaboratively build an  individualized treatment plan tailored specifically to the patient's unique  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 speciualize in  medication management and collaborate with you on a treatment plan that fits  your needs and comfort level.

Background and credentials

Dr. Inano is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from Xavier University in New Orleans and obtained her medical degree from the University of California Davis. She completed her general psychiatry residency at the University of Texas at Austin Dell School of Medicine. Before transitioning to private practice, Dr. Inano worked within the Veterans Affairs healthcare system, where she gained extensive experience treating a diverse range of mental health conditions. She has also served as an Affiliate Faculty member at the University of Texas at Austin Dell School of Medicine, supervising and training psychiatry residents.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Inano employs a kind, collaborative, and patient-centered approach to psychiatry. She specializes in treating depression, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders, with additional training in psychotherapeutic modalities for PTSD. She strives to create a safe and supportive environment where patients feel comfortable exploring their concerns and working toward healing.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a thorough and compassionate evaluation aimed at understanding their unique experiences, symptoms, and treatment goals. Dr. Inano emphasizes collaboration, ensuring that each patient is actively involved in their treatment plan. She provides a supportive space where patients can discuss their concerns, and she tailors treatment options—including therapy and medication management—to meet individual 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. Bailey is a board certified psychiatrist, specializing in medication management and psychotherapy. He enjoys the opportunity to help patients better understand their diagnosis and how biological, psychological and social interventions can be applied to live a more fulfilling life.  

As a recipient of the Army Health Professions Scholarship Program, Dr. Bailey earned his medical degree from the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg, Virginia followed by residency at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD.  

After completing residency, Dr. Bailey served at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX where he held several positions including Chief of Inpatient Behavioral Health Services. He also completed operational assignments, most notably a nine-month deployment to Iraq for which he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. Dr. Bailey enjoys teaching and has held academic appointments at Long School of Medicine and Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.

Dr. Mo Basith is a board-certified psychiatrist in the field of general adult psychiatry. He offers a mix of pharmacotherapy in conjunction with psychotherapy in 30-minute sessions. Dr. Basith's approach to clinical practice is rooted in fostering a safe atmosphere in which to explore biological and psychosocial factors that affect mental health. He views medication as a tool that patients can use while also engaging in psychotherapy and making lifestyle changes to optimize their mental health. He encourages patients to be actively involved in their healthcare decisions. Although he has an integrative psychotherapy style, Dr. Basith may occasionally believe additional therapy is needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome. Dr. Basith received his medical degree at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He then went on to complete a general psychiatry residency training at Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Since completing his training, Dr. Basith has been working with a wide variety of adults, including as a staff psychiatrist at Georgetown University's Counseling and Psychiatric Service. He has experience treating patients with a wide range of psychiatric concerns including various anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar spectrum disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and substance use disorders. Dr. Basith utilizes pharmacotherapy along with facets of cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and supportive therapy as needed.

Dr. Lindsay Works is board-certified in psychiatry and addiction medicine. She earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from Rocky Vista University in Colorado and completed her internship and psychiatry residency at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. She has extensive experience in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care, particularly in military and veteran populations.

Dr. Works specializes in psychiatric care and addiction medicine, offering treatment for a range of mental health and substance use disorders. She takes a comprehensive and structured approach, integrating medication management with individualized treatment planning. Her background in military psychiatry allows her to provide specialized care for veterans and active-duty service members, particularly those experiencing PTSD, substance use issues, and other psychiatric conditions.

During the first visit, patients can expect a detailed and structured psychiatric evaluation, where Dr. Works carefully assesses mental health concerns, treatment history, and personal goals. She prioritizes collaboration and patient engagement, ensuring that each treatment plan is tailored to the individual’s needs. She works with patients to develop an approach that may include medication management, therapy referrals, and support for addiction-related challenges, depending on each patient's unique situation.

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. Carolyn Benson has 21 years of experience in treating adults, adolescents, and children. After graduating medical school at Brody School of Medicine in Greenville, North Carolina, she moved to Rochester, NY to complete her residency and fellowship at University of Rochester School of Medicine. Her focus over the last ten years has been on working with young adults, children/adolescents, and their families. Her expertise covers a wide array of therapeutic modalities and mental health diagnoses. The primary focus of her sessions is to provide medication management with education on treatment options. She will provide therapy models that are appropriate within that 20�30 minute medication session. If longer therapy time frames are indicated, she will discuss the need to add a therapist to your treatment team to achieve optimal care. Her successful treatment outcomes are based on experience, staying current on psychiatric treatments, and having open communication with patients and families of children/adolescents so they can choose the most effective treatments. Prior to medical school, she worked in both marine and biochemical research venues and was coauthor in several research papers. She has an avid interest in the emerging field of neuroscience and frequently gives talks to colleagues and students on current research topics. Her primary objectives in her work are to help patients achieve success in both treatment and life goals and to always take time to truly listen to her patients.

Dr. Santos is a highly experienced, Board-Certified Adult Psychiatrist with over 10 years of clinical experience in English and Spanish. He graduated from the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara School of Medicine and completed a rigorous 4-year psychiatric residency training in NYC at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center.

In his residency and post-residency practice, Dr. Santos has provided high-quality care to culturally diverse communities, and has extensive experience helping patients with Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, and other mental health conditions. He understands that choosing and seeing a psychiatrist can be stressful and is committed to providing a welcoming and non-judgmental environment where patients can feel free to discuss their concerns.

Dr. Santos takes a personalized approach to treatment, considering the unique psychology, biology, and lifestyle of each individual patient when determining the best course of action. His practice focuses on medication management in conjunction with supportive therapy, and he conducts follow-up visits in 30-minute increments. He believes that the most successful treatments integrate physical health, therapy, mindfulness, and medication, when necessary, to provide the most effective solutions for his patients.

If you are looking for a compassionate and experienced psychiatrist who is fluent in both English and Spanish, schedule an appointment with Dr. Santos today. His dedication to his patients and his extensive experience makes him an excellent choice for those seeking to improve their mental health.

Dr. Alicia Garcete is a board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist in practice for over 12 years. Her practice focuses on medication management, recognizing  family involvement is extremely important and is an integral part of treatment. Dr Garcete has treated a wide variety of patients. Her primary focus is treating depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, PTSD and OCD. Additionally, she can provide supportive therapy and elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy but on occasions more therapy support may be needed, and the recommendation to bring a psychotherapist on the care team may occur to provide an optimal outcome. Dr. Garcete is bilingual and provides care in both Spanish and English.

Prior to Talkiatry, Dr Garcete treated children, adolescents, and adults was at the intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization levels of care with focus on behavioral approaches in the Depression recovery and Anxiety/OCD programs.

Dr. Garcete earned her Medical Degree from the Universidad Nacional de Asuncion, Facultad de Ciencias Medicas in Paraguay. She completed her general psychiatrist residency at Maimonides Medical Center in New York. She was also a Fellow in Psychoanalysis at the Psychoanalytic Institute, Affiliate to New York University School of Medicine, and completed her child and adolescent psychiatrist fellowship at Elmhurst Hospital Center, affiliate to Mount Sinai Hospital. Dr. Garcete also held a clinical assistant professor appointment from the department of psychiatry at SUNY Downstate Medical Center.

Dr. Orejarena is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She finished her residency from Yale University and the University of Texas Houston. She has done extensive research on psychiatry during her PhD in Neuropsychopharmacology and a Master's in Neuroscience. She is bilingual in Spanish and English. She incorporates different therapy modalities and evidence-based treatments, tailored to each person's needs. She enjoys applying her knowledge in neuroscience and pharmacology into her clinical practice and believes a combination of medication and psychotherapy yields the best treatment outcomes.

Her ultimate goal is to help patients feel their best and accomplish their own goals by developing tools to navigate internal or external obstacles that are part of life. Dr. Orejarena is originally from Colombia, where she earned her medical degree from Universidad Industrial de Santander. She pursued a Master's in Neuroscience at the University of Barcelona and a PhD in Neuropharmacology at the Universidad Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, Spain. Her PhD thesis was honored summa cum laude.

She completed a postdoctoral fellowship training at the Institut de Neurobiologie de la Mediterranee in Marseille, France. She is the author of multiple peer-reviewed publications and has presented her research at national and international meetings. Over the years, she has worked in a variety of settings including outpatient clinics, acute care, psychiatric hospitals as an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center.‍‍

Dr. Tsujimoto-Ryzewski is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. She received her medical degree from the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. She completed her residency at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, where she served as a chief resident during her last year of training. Dr. Tsujimoto-Ryzewski has treated patients with a wide variety of diagnoses both during her residency and after her training while working at a busy private practice clinic as well as for the Veterans Administration. Dr Tsujimoto-Ryzewski focuses on medication management and supportive psychotherapy. If she feels that additional therapy is needed, she will ask that you bring in a therapist as part of the treatment team. Dr. Tsujimoto-Ryzewski will work collaboratively with you in a caring environment to assist you in reaching your goals.

Dr. Alexandra ("Sasha”) Blaes is a board-certified psychiatrist. Before joining Talkiatry, she practiced consult-liaison psychiatry, seeing medically ill patients with psychiatric problems at the Department of Veterans Affairs, where she also treated veterans in nursing homes. Dr. Blaes graduated from New York University with a B.A. in philosophy and photography and worked in nonprofit marketing in New York before deciding she wanted to pursue a life in medicine. Following a post-baccalaureate, pre-medical program at Columbia University, Dr. Blaes completed medical school at The University of Maryland, followed by a psychiatry residency at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. While at Johns Hopkins, she mastered clinical assessment and treatment of general psychiatric problems. She also received specialized training in eating disorders, addiction, reproductive psychiatry, chronic pain, and geriatric psychiatry, an interest she pursued further with a fellowship at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. In fellowship and in her subsequent experience at the VA, she developed expertise in caring for the difficulties that can accompany aging, including depression, anxiety, and memory loss, as well as the stress of medical illness. Dr. Blaes' practice focuses on medication management. She works to foster a safe and collaborative space in which patients can address psychiatric illness and other barriers holding them back from the lives they want to lead. Typically, she offers appointments for medication management coupled with supportive or emotionally focused therapy in 30-minute sessions. When Dr. Blaes feels that additional therapy is needed, she will suggest inviting a therapist to join the team for additional support and guidance. She welcomes collaborations with other clinicians, be they therapists or other physicians caring for her patients. She strives to build strong therapeutic relationships that help patients grow and meet their goals - whatever their situation, challenge, or life stage. Dr. Blaes welcomes patients from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds and is LGBTQ+ friendly. In addition to her background in geriatrics, she has experience working with peripartum women and enjoys working with patients navigating major life changes.