Alexandra Held, MD

Dr. Syed Abbasi is an adult psychiatrist who completed his undergraduate education at Rutgers University and earned his medical degree at Ross University. He completed his psychiatry residency training at Creedmoor Psychiatric Center with training at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center, additionally as Chief Resident at Columbia University's Outpatient Adult Psychiatry Eye-6 clinic. Dr. Abbasi is passionate about and experienced in providing holistic, thoughtful, evidence-based care for patients with depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, trauma-related disorders, relationship issues and struggles with self-image. He believes empathy and understanding are the most fundamental components of the doctor-patient relationship. He provides psychiatric medication management and integrates supportive psychotherapy, elements of dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), stress management techniques and lifestyle interventions to meet patients where they are and collaborate toward improvement and optimization of their wellness. Occasionally, when appropriate, he may recommend adding a therapist to your care team for further benefit.

Dr. Danielle Gelfond is an Adult Psychiatrist and a graduate from Loyola University Medical Center's residency program in Chicago, IL. Prior to attending residency, Dr. Gelfond graduated from Rush Medical College at Rush University. Throughout residency, Dr. Gelfond spent time focusing on her clinical interests which include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, and women's mental health. During her training, Dr. Gelfond spent several years working with the Perinatal population and completed a year-long program focusing on Women's Mental Health through the National Curriculum in Reproductive Psychiatry organization. She held the role of Chief Resident of her program during the last two years of her training and received several awards commending her leadership style and rapport with patients through her program. Dr. Gelfond takes on a holistic and "patient-centered" approach in her treatment style. She incorporates both medication management, supportive psychotherapy, and discussions surrounding lifestyle and wellness into her appointments and emphasizes patient education and autonomy, which she believes helps support the therapeutic relationship, improve clinical outcomes, and helps treatment align with the patient's goals of care.

Dr. Laura Obler is board-certified in adult psychiatry. She received her medical degree from David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA in Los Angeles, California, where she stayed to complete her psychiatry residency at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience. During residency she received specialized training in reproductive psychiatry (the treatment of women who are considering pregnancy or are pregnant or postpartum) and acted as Chief Resident of the Women's Life Center at UCLA. Dr. Obler has experience working with a diverse group of patients. She has previously worked in community clinics in the greater Los Angeles area and as a staff psychiatrist at UCLA. She prefers a holistic approach to psychiatric treatment and therefore uses a combination of medication management and talking therapies to treat patients. Techniques she may utilize include cognitive behavioral therapy, experiential psychodynamic therapy, mentalization based therapy, and medical hypnosis.

Dr. Kyra Munzenmaier is a board-certified psychiatrist dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized mental health care. A graduate of the University of South Florida's College of Medicine and former Chief Resident at St. Luke’s in Pennsylvania, Dr. Munzenmaier brings extensive training and experience in outpatient psychiatry. She particularly enjoys helping individuals dealing with insomnia, ADHD, anxiety, OCD, mood disorders, and medical trauma. As a Perinatal Mental Health-certified expert, she advocates for women’s mental health needs and supports individuals navigating mental health concerns during pregnancy and beyond.

Dr. Munzenmaier’s treatment approach is rooted in shared decision-making, prioritizing patient goals and preferences to create customized care plans, which typically include psychotherapy in combination with medication. She often integrates evidence-based lifestyle modifications and natural treatments to optimize personal well-being. By taking a holistic view of her patients’ challenges, Dr. Munzenmaier empowers her patients to lead their most fulfilling lives.

Background  and credentials    

Dr. Christa DeFries is a board-certified Adult Psychiatrist. She earned her  medical degree from UT Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Texas, and  completed her residency in Adult Psychiatry at Baylor Scott & White in  Temple, Texas. Following residency, Dr. DeFries gained additional experience  treating homeless and formerly homeless populations in New York City,  particularly focusing on individuals with histories of trauma and substance  addiction, prior to joining Talkiatry.    

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Treatment approach    

Dr. DeFries practices Adult Psychiatry, employing an integrative treatment  approach combining medication management, psychotherapeutic methods, and  lifestyle modifications. She recognizes that each patient benefits from a  personalized mix of these three aspects of care. Dr. DeFries specializes in  treating diverse psychiatric conditions, including those related to trauma,  substance addictions, and various mental health disorders.    

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What you can expect in a first visit    

In a first visit with Dr. DeFries, patients can expect a comprehensive  evaluation aimed at understanding their individual mental health history,  specific concerns, and overall treatment goals. Dr. DeFries emphasizes an  individualized approach, carefully exploring the best combination of  medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments tailored specifically to each  patient's needs. Patients can anticipate an empathetic and collaborative  environment focused on their personal experiences and goals.    

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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.

Dr. Irene Pastis is a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in adult psychiatry.  She completed residency training at East Carolina University in both internal medicine and psychiatry.  After residency, she pursued her passion in psychiatry and stayed on as a clinical assistant professor in the department of psychiatry at East Carolina University.  In this role she specialized in treating adults with mental illness in both the inpatient and outpatient settings.  She has spent a considerable amount of time teaching residents and medical students and has published several papers focusing on the neuroscience pathways of mental health conditions.  In her daily practice, Dr. Pastis focuses on evidence-based treatments utilizing the latest clinical guidelines and current approved treatments.  In addition to medication management, she also incorporates psychotherapy in the treatment of mental health conditions.  Dr. Pastis is passionate about taking a collaborative approach with her patients to help them reach their potential.