Albert Fernandez, MD

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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Dr. Candice Hacker is a board-certified Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. She completed her Psychiatry residency and a fellowship in Consultation Liaison Psychiatry at Mount Sinai/St. Luke's Hospital. She is passionate about a holistic approach to patient care, trained in psychosomatic medicine, and she has a deep appreciation for the intricate connection between the mind and body. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Hacker has facilitated excellent outcomes in the treatment of various mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and trauma-related conditions. Dr. Hacker believes in creating a safe, nurturing and non-judgmental environment where patients can openly explore their emotions and experiences. By integrating evidence-based psycho-pharmacological modalities with mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral techniques, she empowers her patients to challenge a negative mindset and reach their goals. Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Hacker is deeply committed to community mental health advocacy and the destigmatization of mental illness.

Dr. Macdonnell is a double-boarded psychiatrist with over 25 years of experience in adult psychiatry and geriatric psychiatry. Dr. Macdonnell focuses on treating individuals with medication management. Supportive and interpersonal therapy is incorporated as needed. When additional therapy or longer sessions are necessary to enhance the individual's treatment, she invites a therapist to become a member of your care team. Dr. Macdonnell attended undergraduate school at Manhattan School of Music earning a bachelor's and master's degree in violin performance and musicology. She then attended the City University of New York � Hunter College campus majoring in premedical sciences. Dr. Macdonnell attended Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, New York, earning a degree in MD. She completed an internship in internal medicine before entering psychiatry residency at New York-Presbyterian Hospital � Westchester Division. After completing her residency, she stayed for an additional year, completing a fellowship in geriatric psychiatry. She was promoted to Attending Psychiatrist and Unit Chief of the Geriatric Partial Hospital Program. After two years in academic psychiatry, she entered private practice in New York and Connecticut for 8 years. She then served 2 years in the National Health Service providing outpatient care to an underserved area in central Florida. Moving to Georgia, she has worked in private practice and academic psychiatry at Mercer University College of Medicine before moving on to Veterans' care at Atlanta VA and Carl Vinson VA Medical Center. While Dr. Macdonnell has a wide range of experience, she focuses on general adult psychiatry.

Dr. Jordan Kalosieh has experience treating patients across the lifespan in a variety of clinical settings, including inpatient, intensive outpatient, rehabilitation, and outpatient care. She earned her medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine and completed her psychiatry residency at HCA Aventura Hospital, where she served as chief resident.

Dr. Kalosieh believes in open and transparent communication, offering guidance while respecting each patient’s autonomy. She values authenticity in the therapeutic relationship, combining warmth with directness to create a calm, attentive, and nonjudgmental environment where patients feel supported and understood.

Dr. Kalosieh takes a holistic approach, carefully considering each patient’s unique history, needs, and goals when creating treatment plans. She emphasizes shared decision-making by clearly communicating her thought process and engaging patients as active partners throughout their treatment journey.

Dr. Holly Shiao is a psychiatrist who has worked extensively with medically complex patients, including a special focus in psycho-oncology with cancer patients. She is double board-certified in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Adult Psychiatry. She has been practicing for over 7 years. Before Talkiatry, Dr. Shiao worked as an Assistant Professor at the University of Washington and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. She also worked as an Assistant Professor and was Director of Emergency Psychiatry at the University of Chicago. She has presented nationally at the Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and written a book chapter about psycho-oncology. Dr. Shiao attended medical school at John P. and Kathrine G. McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. She then completed an Adult Psychiatry residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, followed by a Consultation-Liaison fellowship at Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Shiao is interested in the mind-body connection in overall emotional and mental well-being. She likes to integrate therapy modalities, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, supportive therapy, mindfulness and meditation with medication management to optimize a patient's mental health.

Dr. Varma grew up in an immigrant family surrounded by aspiring doctors, and her passion for understanding the human mind and behavior blossomed early. This curiosity led her to pursue extensive medical training abroad, beginning at Kasturba Medical College in Southern India, followed by clerkships at the University of the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago. She completed her Adult psychiatry residency at the University of Florida in Gainesville and specialized further with a child/adolescent fellowship at Brookdale University Hospital in Brooklyn, NY.

Dr. Varma believes in a holistic, integrative approach to mental health. Her philosophy centers on identifying the root causes of ailments rather than merely addressing symptoms. She views mental health care as a partnership, where the mind, body, and spirit work together to achieve wellness. Dr. Varma is committed to fostering a safe, confidential therapeutic alliance to help you explore your potential for healing.

Dr. Varma embraces integrative psychiatry, which combines the best of conventional Western medicine with complementary approaches. This involves a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment tailored to each individual, incorporating psychopharmacology alongside lifestyle adjustments in diet, movement, and breathwork. She collaborates with therapists and other professionals to create a well-rounded treatment plan that honors your unique journey.