Find a Psychiatrist in North Carolina

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

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

I value patient autonomy and strive to provide the knowledge needed for patients to make informed decisions. I prioritize building a strong therapeutic alliance and integrating evidence-based medicine to guide care. I begin by listening to the patient's full story to understand them as a whole, exploring their past, present, and future to create a comprehensive treatment plan designed to empower patients to move forward and improve their mental health. I also specialize in interventional treatments, including Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).

I earned my Bachelor's degree from Duke University and my M.D., along with completing my psychiatry residency, at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. I am board-certified in psychiatry and bring extensive experience from both outpatient and inpatient settings.

Dr. Jessamine Fazli-Ahmed is a physician with extensive experience across inpatient, outpatient, consult-liaison, and emergency psychiatric settings. She completed her undergraduate studies at Barnard College, earned her medical degree from SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, and completed her residency and consultation-liaison psychiatry fellowship at Mount Sinai Morningside-West.

Dr. Fazli-Ahmed values open communication and takes an empathetic approach to care. She prioritizes creating a supportive environment and understanding each patient’s unique story. Her therapeutic style is grounded in psychodynamic psychotherapy, with flexibility to incorporate supportive and CBT-oriented techniques based on individual needs.

Dr. Fazli-Ahmed begins by gaining a comprehensive understanding of a patient’s medical and psychiatric history to provide holistic care. She collaborates with patients to set meaningful goals and develops personalized treatment plans to help them make steady, meaningful progress.

Dr. Johnathan Heller is a board-certified psychiatrist in general and forensic psychiatry with over a decade of experience treating complex mental health conditions across diverse settings. He earned his medical degree from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, completed residency in Portsmouth, Virginia, and fellowship training at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. A retired U.S. Navy physician of over 20 years, Dr. Heller also holds an MBA, bringing a systems-level, objective approach to patient care.

Dr. Heller takes a straightforward, non-judgmental approach grounded in clarity and honesty. He believes patients deserve open conversations about diagnoses, treatment options, and trade-offs. He views patients as experts in their own lives and focuses on early identification of concerns before they escalate. His style fosters a calm, structured space where patients feel respected and understood.

Dr. Heller begins with a thorough, unhurried evaluation of history, current concerns, and personal goals. He emphasizes early or subtle symptoms that impact quality of life and develops individualized, evidence-based plans combining medication and practical strategies. He explains the reasoning behind each recommendation and closely monitors progress, adjusting care as needed.

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 focus on providing patient-centered care, emphasizing improving quality of life and helping patients reach their specific treatment goals. My approach integrates medication management with supportive therapy. I believe in a collaborative treatment process and may recommend additional therapy support when necessary to optimize outcomes. I take a cautious and limited approach to the use of controlled medications, ensuring responsible medication management.

I am a board-certified psychiatrist with specialized training in treating depression and anxiety disorders. I earned my medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine and also hold a doctorate in pharmacy from the University of Georgia. I completed my residency training in psychiatry at VA Boston/Harvard Medical School and gained significant clinical experience at McLean Hospital. Additionally, I completed a fellowship in psychoanalytic psychotherapy at Columbia University Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research.

During the first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive assessment of their symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals. I take a thoughtful and individualized approach to care, working with patients to develop a treatment plan that incorporates medication management and supportive therapy. Follow-up visits typically last 20-30 minutes and focus on monitoring progress and adjusting treatment as needed. In some cases, I may recommend involving an additional therapist to further enhance the effectiveness of the treatment plan.

Justin O'Brien, MD has experience in both outpatient and inpatient psychiatry. He earned his medical degree from UT Southwestern Medical School and completed his residency through the UT Southwestern Psychiatry Residency Program.

Dr. O'Brien values hearing each patient's story and history. One of his favorite questions is, "What is the most important thing you think I should know about you?" He encourages patients to ask every question they have so they never leave with unanswered concerns.

Dr. O'Brien spends the beginning of a first visit getting to know each patient, understanding what brings them to care, and creating a comfortable environment. He encourages open communication throughout treatment so patients feel heard and involved in their care.

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

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

I wholeheartedly believe that treating patients holistically is of high importance, with a focus on their physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. I have expertise in treating patients with mood disorders, anxiety, and PTSD, and I incorporate psychopharmacology when needed, as well as psychodynamic and supportive psychotherapy.

I completed my psychiatry residency training at Harvard University in Boston, Massachusetts. I have enjoyed treating patients for over 25 years in a variety of settings such as inpatient, outpatient mental health clinics, emergency room, and multidisciplinary clinics.

I offer medication management and supportive psychotherapy for mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma, ADHD, substance use disorders, and other mental health issues. I strive to embody "relational prescribing" and believe that medication management is most effective in the context of a relationship of mutual trust, emotional safety, and shared decision-making between provider and patient. I have trained in psychodynamic psychotherapy and various forms of cognitive behavioral therapy, and I tailor my approach to each patient's individual strengths and needs. I understand that the needs of the whole person must be addressed in order to facilitate growth and healing, and I enjoy collaborating with fellow medical and mental health providers to address a patient's complex needs as an integrated team.

I am a board-certified psychiatrist who loves equipping my fellow human beings to feel and function better. I studied medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and completed my residency at Duke University. I have worked in both private practice and integrated primary care/behavioral health care settings, and I am a member of the American Psychiatric Association and the North Carolina Psychiatric Association.

My practice focuses on medication management and incorporates insight-oriented therapy during visits. I take a patient-centered, evidence-based approach to psychiatry.

I am a board-certified psychiatrist and a graduate of the Duke Psychiatry residency program. I am originally from NC — I studied Neuroscience at NCSU and attended medical school at ECU. I am joining the Talkiatry team after working as a staff psychiatrist at the Durham VA, where I also served as a consulting professor for the Duke psychiatry residency program.

In my free time, I enjoy hiking and traveling.

Dr. Leonard Marcus is a board-certified psychiatrist with more than 34 years of experience caring for patients in inpatient and outpatient settings, emergency departments, and consultation services. He earned his medical degree from LSU Medical Center and completed his psychiatry residency through the UVA Roanoke/Salem Psychiatric Medicine Program. Dr. Marcus serves as Chair of Psychotherapy Education at the Roanoke VAMC and is an Associate Professor of Clinical Psychiatric Medicine at UVA. He has been board certified by the ABPN since 1996 and received the Mulholland Society Excellence in Teaching Award in 1998.

Dr. Marcus strives to create a warm, supportive, and respectful environment where patients feel heard and valued. His client-centered approach emphasizes collaboration, helping patients develop practical tools to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and build a more meaningful and rewarding life.

Dr. Marcus begins with a comprehensive evaluation that explores a patient’s history, current concerns, symptoms, and treatment goals. Together, he and his patients develop individualized treatment plans tailored to their needs and priorities. His clinical interests include chronic PTSD, ADHD, mood disorders, panic and anxiety disorders, mindfulness in medicine, and holistic approaches to healing.

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