Find a Psychiatrist in Brooklyn, NY

I earned a BA in Anthropology from Harvard College, an MA in Social Sciences from EHESS in Paris as a Fulbright Scholar, and an MD and PhD in Social/Medical Anthropology from Harvard. I trained in psychiatry at Yale and Harlem Hospital/Columbia. I have worked and conducted health research in the U.S., France, and Rwanda. I research AI and mental health with Brainstorm at Stanford and am adjunct faculty at the University of Global Health Equity in Rwanda.

I value each patient’s unique story, cultural and social background, and perspective. I foster a warm, empathic environment where you feel heard and respected, and work with you to set clear goals. I strongly support combining psychopharmacology and psychotherapy and am comfortable with psychodynamic, supportive, CBT, DBT, and other modalities.

I begin with a thorough history, relevant records, and an understanding of your concerns, goals, and preferences. I learn about your cultural and social background and develop an individualized plan aligned with your goals. We track progress together, adjust care and appointment frequency as needed, and regularly discuss your feedback about your care.

I specialize in providing comprehensive mental health care to diverse patient populations. I combine psychotropic medications with supportive therapy using a psychodynamic listening approach to understand my patients and achieve their treatment goals. I believe in tailoring treatment plans to meet individual needs, fostering a collaborative environment that empowers patients in their recovery. I emphasize the importance of a strong therapeutic alliance and integrate psychodynamic principles, mindfulness techniques, and lifestyle modifications into my practice.

I am a board-certified psychiatrist who is bilingual and fluent in English and Spanish. I earned my Doctor of Medicine degree from Florida International University and completed a residency in Psychiatry at the University of Miami / Jackson Memorial Hospital. During my training, I worked closely with a diverse array of patients, including minority and underserved communities, military veterans, trauma survivors, medically complex individuals with HIV and cancer, geriatric patients, and individuals with severe mental illness in both outpatient and inpatient settings. I received additional training through my participation in specialty clinics focused on mood and anxiety disorders, trauma-related conditions, and geriatric / memory disorders.

Dr. David Schlager is a board-certified psychiatrist with extensive experience across inpatient, outpatient, and telemedicine settings. He specializes in treating depression and bipolar disorders, anxiety and sleep disorders, ADHD, and mental health issues associated with complex medical conditions or co-occurring substance use concerns. Dr. Schlager earned his medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine, completed his psychiatry residency at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, and completed a research fellowship at Columbia University/New York State Psychiatric Institute, where he later conducted research focused on seasonal depression and sleep disorders.

Over long years of practice Dr. Schlager has witnessed, and so in every new case aims for, marked improvement in both emotional distress and day to day function. He is known for being attentive, compassionate, and nonjudgmental and eagerly supports Talkiatry's mission to provide expert mental health care by reducing geographic and insurance obstacles that traditionally limited access.

Dr. Schlager begins by listening openly to each patient's story, including any past experiences of trauma that may be contributing to their current distress. Interviews progress from conversational overview to more specific and problem focused discussion. Diagnosis and treatment response are often best determined by what patients report rather than by conventional blood testing or imaging. As such, he takes care at every stage to help patients articulate their condition and specific concerns, to recognize their meaning in a psychological and social context, and to regularly update goals of care.

I focus on using my extensive medication knowledge to help treat an array of psychiatric disorders. Beyond medication management, I also work on a holistic approach to psychiatry, including working with the patient to get the proper therapy services when clinically indicated. During the initial interview, a thorough assessment is done, including any medical and psychiatric history, medications you may be currently taking, and supplements before any medication is dispensed. My interests include depression, anxiety, ADHD, obsessive compulsive and related disorders, transgender patients on hormone therapies and post-surgical transition. I also have an extensive interest in medical illnesses with a psychiatric component, such as cancer patients, transplant, HIV, and many others alike.

I am a board-certified Staff Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. I completed my residency at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in Paramus, New Jersey, where I excelled in leadership and knowledge, becoming Chief Resident in just my third year at the busiest outpatient behavioral health clinic in New Jersey. Upon completion of my third year, I went on to become Chief Academic Resident of my program, which allowed me to impart my knowledge of psychiatry to younger psychiatrists in training. After completing my residency in General Psychiatry, I completed a fellowship in the prestigious Mount Sinai Health System in New York City, based primarily out of the Beth Israel location. During this fellowship I studied Consultation-liaison psychiatry, also known as psychosomatic medicine, an exciting subspecialty of psychiatry that focuses on the care of patients with comorbid psychiatric and general medical conditions. Consultation-liaison psychiatry deals with the understanding and advancement of medical science, education, and the provision of healthcare for medically ill and complex patients.

Rather than focus primarily on illness or problems, my approach is to first evaluate patients comprehensively, then utilize what's learned from this to treat and empower them to make and then practice choices that lead to improved health and well-being, using an integrative model that recognizes that mental, physical, social, and spiritual health are one.

I am American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology certified and a fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. A skilled psychopharmacologist and psychotherapist, I have over 30 years' experience successfully helping people overcome a diverse range of emotional, psychiatric, and addiction challenges.

I was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and am a graduate of Augustana College. I obtained my MD at the USD School of Medicine. My residency was at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in Little Rock, where I was trained in both psychotherapy and biological management of psychiatric challenges. Following residency training, I continued to work with UAMS and the State of Arkansas in research and program development, focusing on implementing and then teaching novel strengths-focused care for people with severe mental illness for the first 12 years of my career. Later, I moved with my wife and three children to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and have since been in clinical practice and leadership roles in inpatient, outpatient, and telehealth psychiatric care settings.

Dr. Dawn Westin has experience treating a wide range of mental health conditions in inpatient, outpatient, and residential community settings. She has a special interest in trauma- and stressor-related disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and the connection between mental health and chronic or complex medical conditions. Dr. Westin earned her medical degree from Mercer University School of Medicine in Savannah, Georgia, and completed her psychiatry residency at BayCare Health System in the Tampa Bay area.

Dr. Westin takes a person-centered approach that encourages patients to openly share their experiences, goals, and challenges in a collaborative, supportive, and judgment-free environment. She believes in a multimodal approach that combines medication management, psychotherapeutic strategies, and lifestyle changes to support lasting healing and personal growth.

Dr. Westin begins each initial visit by gathering a comprehensive biopsychosocial history to understand each patient as a unique individual. Together, she and her patients develop personalized treatment plans that reflect their values, goals, and individual needs.

I utilize a collaborative, supportive, and patient-centered approach, combining pharmacotherapy with therapeutic modalities such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, supportive therapy, and interpersonal therapies. I treat a wide variety of conditions, including depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, learning disorders, substance use disorders, PTSD, and schizophrenia. My goal is to partner closely with patients to meet their specific needs, achieve their personal goals, and enhance their overall quality of life.

Patients can expect their initial visit with me to include a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, during which I take the time to understand each patient's individual concerns, goals, and history. I emphasize collaborative planning of treatment, carefully integrating medications and tailored therapeutic interventions. Patients will experience a compassionate and supportive atmosphere designed to set clear expectations and foster progress toward their personal mental health goals.

I am Board Certified in Psychiatry and Board Eligible in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. I completed my psychiatry residency training at the Medical College of Georgia and SUNY Downstate, followed by a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at SUNY Downstate. Throughout my career, I have practiced in various clinical environments, including inpatient child and adolescent psychiatric units, academic outpatient treatment clinics for adults and children, emergency psychiatric settings, and community psychiatry. I have over seven years of experience.

My presence at Talkiatry brings my career full circle and back to my greatest joy as a psychiatrist: working directly with patients one-on-one to help them integrate the complexity of their feelings, beliefs, and personal reality in the context of an increasingly complicated world around them. I take a compassionate, individualized, and pragmatic approach to treatment, beginning in the first visit with a full history and discussion with the patient of their symptoms, challenges, and goals. Follow-up visits are tailored to the patient's evolving needs and combine shared insights and tools such as medications and behavioral practices to support them as I guide them on their unique journey toward their best life, on their terms.

My qualifications include a B.A. in biology from Harvard University and an M.D. from Tufts School of Medicine. I completed psychiatry residencies at Mt. Sinai and Brown and am board certified in both Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. My four decades of practice have exposed me to an eclectic range of cultures, ethnicities, and pathologies in a wide variety of settings, from solo practice to regional medical centers to academic institutions. This breadth and depth of clinical and life experience have helped me transcend cultural biases and institutional conventions and to more clearly see each patient as a uniquely complex and lovable individual.

I value compassion and collaboration in the treatment relationship. I help patients navigate depression, anxiety, ADHD, and post-traumatic stress, while also supporting those facing major life transitions. My approach combines evidence-based medication management, supportive therapy, and psychoeducation, and I tailor each treatment plan to the individual while offering encouragement and structure. I bring a systems-based, culturally informed perspective to my work, with specialized interest and expertise in cultural psychiatry.

I am a board-certified adult psychiatrist with over 15 years of experience supporting individuals with diverse backgrounds and identities. I earned my undergraduate degree from Brown University and my medical degree from Morehouse School of Medicine, and I completed psychiatry residency and research fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania. Organizations including the American Psychiatric Association, National Institute of Mental Health, and Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health have recognized my research examining cultural influences on mental health beliefs and service utilization.

My leadership of multidisciplinary teams has included serving as associate medical director of a women's trauma program and founding an integrated care program for underserved communities. I have directed academic training programs, presented at national conferences, and led numerous community-based events focused on mental health awareness and stigma reduction.

With a patient-centered approach, I tailor my methods to fit each client's unique needs, drawing on cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, and spiritual insights when relevant. My treatment style balances evidence-based practices with respect for each individual's background and values, and my dedication to client growth, self-empowerment, and resilience continues to define my work as a psychiatrist.

I am a board-certified adult psychiatrist based in Boston, Massachusetts. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Biology from Howard University, graduating summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, and went on to receive my Doctor of Medicine and Master of Public Health from Harvard University. After completing my psychiatry residency at Boston Medical Center, I stayed on as an Attending Psychiatrist and Associate Professor, where I gained valuable experience in trauma-informed care and culturally responsive treatment, particularly for African Americans and other marginalized communities.

I employ a medication-management-focused approach typically paired with supportive therapy during 30-minute follow-up visits. I strongly value a collaborative treatment approach, frequently encouraging patients to incorporate additional therapy for the best outcomes. My primary specialty is college mental health, treating patients aged 18-45 with a range of mental health conditions from mild to complex. I emphasize authenticity, compassion, and recognizing patients beyond their diagnoses, providing care tailored to individual circumstances and goals.

During a first visit, patients can expect me to conduct a thorough evaluation, carefully listening to their concerns and considering their symptoms within the broader context of their lives. I aim to create an environment where patients feel understood, respected, and actively involved in shaping their personalized treatment plan, often recommending additional therapy support when beneficial for achieving optimal outcomes.

I am board-certified in general psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. I earned both my undergraduate and medical degrees at Texas A&M University (College Station and Temple, TX) before completing my general psychiatry residency at UT Southwestern - Austin Programs (now Dell Medical School residency programs). After my residency, I practiced for eight years as a staff psychiatrist at the University of Texas' student counseling center. I also have experience working in hospital admissions and emergency department settings.

Although my practice focuses on medication management, I also implement supportive therapy and motivational interviewing in sessions to allow for a more comprehensive approach to treatment. My clinical interests include depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, and ADHD.

I am a double board-certified Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist. I received my undergraduate degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, and my medical degree from Ross University, completing all of my clinicals in Maryland, D.C., and NYC. I completed my adult psychiatry residency at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, then returned to the east coast, where I completed my child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow, New York. I have participated in a variety of innovative academic clinical research and have presented research at annual national meetings of the American Psychiatric Association. My robust clinical experience with varying demographics at different clinical sites around the country has allowed me to treat patients in an evidence-based way, tailoring treatment to an individual's specific needs.