Alessandra Buonopane, MD

Staff Psychiatrist
Languages
English
Italian
Conditions Treated
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Depression
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
PTSD/Trauma
Geriatric

Education and training

  • Universita Di Roma La Sapienza Doctor of Medicine (MD)
  • Yale University, Residency in Psychiatry
  • Yale University, Fellowship in Addiction Psychiatry

Get to know

Alessandra Buonopane, MD

Dr. Buonopane is Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She obtained her medical degree with Laude from the University of Rome, La Sapienza, and completed her residency in Psychiatry from Yale School of Medicine. Dr. Buonopane has extensive experience in psychopharmacology and offers state-of-the-art medication management with compassion and empathy. She practices a holistic approach, combining psychiatric medications with elements of psychotherapy and mindfulness. She offers individualized and comprehensive treatment plans which address the whole person, including lifestyle and social engagement, because the latest research findings show that both play an important role in mental and physical health. Education on mental illness and recommendations on diet and exercise are always discussed with the patients, according to the individuals' needs. Dr. Buonopane spends time listening to patients and makes plans based on clinical evidence without an authoritative approach, taking into consideration the patient's level of comfort and views because, in her experience, the best outcomes are always reached when patients fully understand and agree with the management of their conditions. Dr. Buonopane has been in practice for more than twenty years and has extensive experience in general Adult Psychiatry with a focus on mood disorder and anxiety. She has been leading clinical programs and teaching medical students, residents, and fellows in psychiatry and addiction in various clinical settings, such as private institutions and universities, including Yale School of Medicine. Prior to joining Talkiatry, Dr Buonopane had her own in-person clinical services for over ten years and telehealth services over the past four years, treating patients suffering mainly from depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety. When working in private practice, Dr Buonopane received the Compassionate Doctor Recognition (Vitals) and the Patient's Choice Awards (Vitals), both based on patients' reviews.

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Michael Escamilla, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Background and credentials

Dr. Escamilla is a board-certified psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience in treating mental health conditions. He is a graduate of Harvard College and earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. He completed his psychiatry training at the University of California at San Francisco and further specialized through a research fellowship with the American Psychiatric Association. In addition to his clinical work, he is a Jungian Analyst and holds academic positions as an adjunct professor at Rutgers University Department of Psychiatry and as the Frank McMillan Jr. Scholar at the Jung Center of Houston.

Treatment approach

Dr. Escamilla brings a deeply analytical and research-driven approach to psychiatry, integrating traditional psychiatric treatment with Jungian analysis. He has a strong background in academic research and clinical psychiatry, contributing extensively to the field through research publications. His expertise spans a wide range of mental health challenges, and he is committed to understanding the complexities of each patient’s experience to tailor a treatment plan that best suits their needs.

What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation that takes into account their personal history, psychological patterns, and treatment goals. Dr. Escamilla’s approach emphasizes thoughtful analysis and evidence-based care, ensuring that each patient receives a personalized and insightful treatment plan. His sessions may incorporate medication management, psychotherapy, and Jungian analytical techniques to provide a holistic and individualized treatment experience.

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.

Victor Arballo, DO

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Arballo is a board-certified psychiatrist who completed medical school at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. He received residency training at the University of Texas Health - San Antonio, where in addition to clinical training, he 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 children, adolescents, adults, 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.‍

Hector Cardiel-Sam, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr Cardiel- Sam is Board Certified in both General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. He completed undergraduate training at the University of Miami followed by medical school at St. George's University. He has completed a residency in psychiatry at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center and a fellowship training in child and adolescent psychiatry at Penn State University. ‍His training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry has given him a unique perspective on mental illness. He has found that these conditions rarely start in adulthood, but rather, are a product of multiple factors and years of lived experience. For this reason, Dr Cardiel-Sam approaches his patients through a trauma-informed lens; an acknowledgement of the unique story and challenges that each individual has faced. He is comfortable treating a wide variety of psychiatric conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD and many more. ‍Working with Dr Cardiel- Sam, you can expect holistic and collaborative psychiatric treatment. He believes that medication along with therapeutic treatment should fit seamlessly into a patient's life, with minimal inconvenience. He strives to empower patients in shared medical decision making, making time to explain risks/benefits and alternatives for treatment.

Michelle Vasquez, LPC

Staff Therapy

Michelle E. Vásquez has been a Licensed Professional Counselor for over 27 years. She has been specializing in grief work since 2012. Many of her clients are living with the loss of loved ones or experiencing other types of non-death loss, such as divorce, job loss, and other significant life changes. Her primary goal is to truly listen to your experience and help you work through it, creating a plan of action together. It is your therapy, and your active involvement is crucial. When dealing with grief, you may still be in pain and need to talk about it long after others want you to stop talking. This is when therapy can be helpful. Your grief journey is at your pace. Michelle uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy, along with other approaches that help you address loss and trauma in unique ways to begin to write your healing story. She has also worked with domestic violence survivors and child abuse survivors. Michelle works with clients both in English and Spanish and has experience with immigrant populations from many countries. Michelle graduated from Our Lady of the Lake University in 1993. She is currently studying Internal Family Systems Therapy to help her provide you with new ways to address the challenges that bring you to therapy.

Cheryl Person, MD

Director of Clinical Quality

Dr. Cheryl Person is the National Director of Clinical Quality at Talkiatry. She is board certified in general adult psychiatry and has been in practice for 20 years. Dr. Person focuses on medication management but believes that is only part of successful treatment. She will spend her time providing motivational interviewing or supportive therapy, and believes it is often critical to have a therapist as part of the treatment team. Dr. Person received her medical degree from Tulane University School of Medicine. She completed her psychiatric residency at Johns Hopkins and a psychiatric epidemiology fellowship at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health with a focus on disaster mental health. After relocating to Texas in 2010, she worked as Director of Psychiatric Services of a large safety-net hospital in Houston. Prior to Talkiatry, she most recently was the executive director/chief physician of a large university student health center and campus pharmacy. In addition to adult psychiatry, Dr. Person has worked extensively with victims of acute trauma and her primary focus is on working with patients who have anxiety and mood disorders.

LaJoya McDonald, LCSW

Staff Therapist

LaJoya McDonald is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with extensive experience across outpatient, telehealth, and managed care settings. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work and specializes in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, and life transitions.

LaJoya is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and collaborative environment where clients feel heard and empowered. Her treatment style is integrative and person-centered, utilizing evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), trauma therapy, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution-Focused Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, supportive therapy, goal-oriented therapy, and mindfulness-based techniques.

LaJoya helps clients explore their thoughts, emotions, and patterns while developing practical tools for coping, healing, and growth. She believes in tailoring each treatment plan to the unique goals, strengths, and values of the individual, and takes pride in walking alongside her clients through life’s challenges with compassion and respect.

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Specialties
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Depression
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
PTSD/Trauma
Geriatric
States
Connecticut
New York
New Jersey
California
Languages
English
Italian