Akili Carter, LMHC

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Rebecca Kostopoulos, PMHNP

Director, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners

Rebecca Kostopoulos, PMHNP, is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner dedicated to helping people struggling with mental health concerns find ways to live a full and balanced life. Rebecca's practice focuses on medication management. Typically, she offers this in conjunction with supportive or emotionally focused therapy during 30-minute follow-up visits. However, occasionally Rebecca may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome. She received her Master of Science in Nursing with a specialty in psychiatry from Columbia University and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Boston College. She is trained in psychiatric diagnosis, medication management, and psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral therapies. Rebecca has extensive experience evaluating and treating adults in a variety of settings over the past 10 years. Previously, she worked at Elmhurst Hospital's Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program and at Gracie Square Hospital in an inpatient unit, in addition to community health settings and skilled nursing facilities. As a nurse practitioner, she believes that addressing mental health concerns is just as important as addressing physical concerns. She values the therapeutic relationship with a collaborative and empathic approach to treatment.

Ankila Chandran, DO

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Ankila S. Chandran is a board certified general psychiatrist at Talkiatry with over 20 years of experience treating a diverse population of patients. After graduating with her doctorate in Communication Theory and Research from the University of Southern California she attended the Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Northern California and then completed her residency in Psychiatry at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and became board certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Neurology and Psychiatry in 2006. Dr. Chandran has spent the past 20 years fulfilling her passion for practicing integrated and holistic care for adults suffering from mental illness. Her years of experience include working as a Clinical Psychiatrist and Assistant Professor at Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, being an examiner for the oral boards for psychiatrists seeking board certification, engaging in longer term inpatient treatment for chronically ill patients and facilitating consultation-liaison psychiatry with other medical specialties as well as practicing general outpatient psychiatry. Dr. Chandran has an informal and approachable style when treating individuals who suffer from a variety of complex diagnoses, she explains conditions well and helps educate her patients about how to be actively engaged in living their best lives. Concurrent with medication management, Dr. Chandran provides supportive psychotherapy and she has psychodynamic therapy skills that help address the root causes of her patients' distress. If Dr. Chandran feels you would benefit from working separately with a weekly to every other week therapist in conjunction with getting medication management, she welcomes collaboration with your therapist to achieve optimal results. Dr. Chandran strives to empower her patients in advocating for themselves and in achieving an optimal integration of their mental and physical health.

Rebecca Benedict, LMHC

Staff Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Rebecca Benedict is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with a background in providing mental health services across several diverse settings. She has gained invaluable experience working in two community mental health agencies and completing two internships. Rebecca holds a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Syracuse University, and has been working in the role of mental health counselor for three years. Rebecca specializes in addressing the complex interplay between neuro-divergence and mental health symptoms. Her expertise encompasses a wide range of conditions including anxiety, depression, trauma, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dissociative disorders, and challenges with emotion regulation. Her therapeutic approach is eclectic, incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, narrative therapy, and existentialism. Rebecca is dedicated to tailoring her treatment modalities to fit the unique needs of each client, often integrating creativity and clients' personal hobbies or interests into the therapeutic process to enhance engagement and outcomes. With a compassionate and holistic approach, Rebecca Benedict is committed to fostering a supportive and transformative environment for her clients, guiding them towards improved mental health and overall well-being.

Absar Tahir, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Absar Tahir is an adult psychiatrist double-boarded in psychiatry and internal medicine who specializes in evidence-based, holistic, and individualized care. He graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he earned both his undergraduate and medical degrees. Dr. Tahir completed sequential residency training in both internal medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, followed by psychiatry at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Tahir integrates his knowledge of psychiatry and internal medicine to address the complex interplay between mental and physical health, ensuring a comprehensive and thoughtful approach to diagnosis and treatment. Throughout his career, he has helped patients from all walks of life, from diverse backgrounds, with a compassionate and empathetic treatment style. He strives to ensure his patients feel their voice is heard while working collaboratively towards achieving their treatment goals. As a psychiatrist, he specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). He is also highly experienced in treating psychiatric problems in patients with medical comorbidities.

Brandi Cihlar, LPC

Staff Therapist

Dr. Brandi Cihlar is a Licensed Professional Counselor in 6 states and the District of Columbia, who has been in the mental health field for 18 years. Brandi has worked in community mental health, substance abuse treatment, as well as psychiatry practices performing psychotherapy. Brandi attended graduate school in Cincinnati, OH, and attended The George Washington University for her PhD. Brandi believes that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Brandi uses a multitude of approaches to help you find the answers to your questions. Working with Brandi means you will gain cognitive and behavioral techniques to regain power in your life and address the mental health concerns that you face. Brandi uses an eclectic approach and interventions learned through many years of treating individuals of all backgrounds.

Richard States, LPC

Staff Therapist

Richard "Rick" States is a Licensed Professional Counselor, with broad and varied professional work experience in behavioral health (inpatient and outpatient, individuals and families, children and adults, direct service and program administration). Rick earned his B.A. in Psychology at Gannon University and his M.A. in Clinical Psychology at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. He's earned a Post-Master's Certificate in General Psychology from Northcentral University and has completed many doctorate credits in Psychology. Since 199, Rick has taught university courses in Psychology, Sociology, and Human Services, most recently at Gannon University and Penn State University. Rick's greatest area of clinical interest and skill centers around self-regulation or "how we manage" our thoughts, feelings, emotions, behaviors, etc. Rick is writing a book on self-regulation and uses the concepts in day-to-life and behavioral health practice. Rick enjoys addressing challenges related to anxiety, stress, depression, substance use, and trauma. Rick employs eclectic but methodical tools, including cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, humanism, and somatic psychology, to assist with these challenges. Rick is EMDR trained and DBT Certified. On a more personal level, Rick is a long-term martial arts instructor, T'ai Chi instructor, and meditator. Relatedly, he also offers a variety of Mindfulness-based tools to clients.

Tulsie Patel, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Tulsie Patel is a board certified psychiatrist who treats adults. She graduated Cum Laude from Drexel University and attended medical school at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. She completed her psychiatry residency at the University of Texas Southwestern (UTSW) and was elected to serve as Chief Resident during her final year of training. She has worked as an outpatient psychiatrist in California and Florida and has experience in medication management, individual and group therapy, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). She is dedicated to constantly learning and has previously published numerous articles and book chapters on various topics in the fields of psychiatry, dermatology, and psychodermatology. She is also very passionate about education and medical journalism. During her residency training, she worked at ABC News in New York City as a member of their medical unit. She provided consultation on medical stories for programs including Good Morning America and World News with David Muir. She has published a number of articles on the websites for ABC News and Good Morning America. She also has experience presenting as an on-air expert for ABC News and for mental health podcasts. She is committed to continuously evolving as a provider in order to provide the best care for her patients. Her focus is always to provide patient-centered care by prioritizing open communication and collaboration with her patients. She has experience providing care for a variety of psychiatric illnesses. The conditions she treats include but are not limited to depression, anxiety, panic disorder, OCD, PTSD, and ADHD.

Matthew Hamilton, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Matthew Hamilton is a psychiatrist who works with adults at all stages of life in improving mental health. He emphasizes a holistic approach in collaboration with patients to help them identify and achieve their goals. He has experience helping adults from a diversity of backgrounds with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, panic, OCD, ADHD, substance use and autism spectrum disorder. He offers one-hour initial consultation appointments, as well as 20 to 30 minutes for follow-up visits. Dr. Hamilton received his undergraduate education at the University of Texas at Austin, his medical degree at Texas Tech University Health and Sciences Center, and completed his residency training at the University of Texas Medical Branch. During training he worked primarily with adults in local clinics and acute care hospitals in the greater Houston area. He was honored with an award for his accomplishments in psychotherapy during his senior year of residency. Dr. Hamilton offers his expertise in both medication management and psychotherapy in his practice, including cognitive, behavioral, motivational, and supportive therapies. He will collaborate with your therapist when you are working with one and may offer a referral to a specialist therapist if indicated.

Faiza Farooq, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Background and credentials

Dr. Farooq obtained her medical degree from Dow Medical College, one of the most prestigious medical schools in Pakistan. She completed her residency in General Psychiatry at New York Medical College-Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, New York. Dr. Farooq is ECFMG certified and an active member of the American Psychiatric Association. During her training, she gained diverse clinical experience in psychiatric inpatient, outpatient, and emergency care settings.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Farooq emphasizes a friendly, collaborative, and patient-centered treatment approach, focusing on building strong therapeutic relationships. Her practice primarily centers on medication management, combined with supportive therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and motivational interviewing. She tailors treatment approaches to the unique needs and goals of each patient.

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What you can expect in a first visit

Patients meeting Dr. Farooq for the first time can anticipate a welcoming and collaborative atmosphere. Her initial evaluation focuses on understanding each patient’s symptoms, concerns, and individual treatment goals. Dr. Farooq integrates medication management with supportive therapy and therapeutic modalities such as CBT and motivational interviewing, ensuring treatment plans are personalized and aligned with patient-care objectives.

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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.

Lisa Citarella, LPC

Staff Licensed Professional Counselor

Lisa is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Pennsylvania. She attended Connecticut College for her undergraduate work and the College of St. Joseph for graduate school. She has worked in the mental health field for 18 years, in a variety of settings including homes, communities, schools, and offices. During that time, she has worked as a case manager, one-on-one supporter, family therapist, and outpatient therapist. Lisa's clients have included people from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds. She particularly enjoys working with families, adolescents and young adults, and with the LGBTQIA+ population. Lisa's primary treatment philosophy is that people are doing the best they can with what they know. With supportive listening, care, and education, people can grow and reach their goals. She draws on her knowledge of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and mindfulness to deliver personalized care for each client. Lisa is also experienced in working with trauma, and is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy.

Nathan Roberson, LPC

Staff Therapist

Nathan Roberson is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina and a Licensed Professional Counselor in South Carolina and Texas. Nathan has a Masters in Counseling from Southern Methodist University. He has worked in primarily in outpatient settings that focused on mental health and substance use.

Nathan enjoys helping adults identify what is holding them back from creating the life that they want and working together to overcome the feelings, limiting beliefs, traumas, etc, that stand in the way of that goal.

When working with clients, the approach Nathan will use varies with what is needed to help address the issues at hand. During the sessions, Nathan will draw upon CBT, Solution-Focused, psychodynamic, and reality theory, among others. Nathan believes having the flexibility to use the best tool for the job helps because every client is different and will respond differently to a specific approach.

Avishay Adri, PMHNP

Staff Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Avi Adri is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with a passion for helping others achieve their goals through medication management and psychotherapy. He is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and supportive therapy. He has experience helping others with depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, PTSD and ADHD. He is an LGBTQIA+ affirming provider believing in empowering others in their life. He received his Master of Science in Nursing with a specialty in psychiatry from Stony Brook University and his Doctorate Degree in Nursing Practice from Chatham University. Avi believes in providing evidence-based compassionate treatment for mental health conditions to improve quality of life. His previous experience includes working at Columbia University Medical Center for 2 years on an inpatient psychiatric unit and for four years on the medical consultation liaison psychiatric team treating patients with an array of acute and chronic medical conditions while providing medication management and psychotherapy. His experience at Columbia includes treating an array of psychiatric conditions with the goal of reaching remission of symptoms. Additionally, he has experience practicing at a private practice in New York City focusing on interventional techniques such as TMS and Ketamine while providing medication management and psychotherapy. Through mindful techniques and compassionate care, Avi strives for the well-being of his clients. He believes clients are more than a diagnosis through the lens of client-centered holistic care.

Akili Carter, LMHC

Education and training

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