Anantharam Peesapati, MD

Background and credentials

Dr. John Whittier is a board-certified psychiatrist. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology from the University of Colorado at Boulder and went on to obtain a master’s degree in Medical Science from Loyola University Chicago. He completed his medical training at the Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at The University of Vermont and returned to Colorado for his psychiatry residency at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. While in residency, he specialized in the Psychotherapy Scholars Program and has since gained four years of experience treating psychiatric conditions through telehealth.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Whittier primarily focuses on medication management for general psychiatric conditions. His approach is individualized, ensuring that each patient receives a treatment plan tailored to their unique needs. He integrates supportive therapy, medications, and evidence-based alternative therapies to provide a flexible and comprehensive approach. In addition to his general practice, he maintains a psychodynamic psychotherapy panel where he helps patients explore developmental and relational patterns that contribute to their symptoms. His specialties include treating depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, PTSD, insomnia, bipolar disorder, and ADHD.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a one-hour comprehensive intake during which Dr. Whittier thoroughly evaluates their symptoms, medical history, and personal goals. He provides treatment options that prioritize flexibility, allowing patients to take an active role in their care. Follow-up visits typically last 20 to 30 minutes, focusing on assessing treatment progress and making necessary adjustments. For those engaged in psychodynamic psychotherapy, longer one-hour sessions are available for in-depth exploration of underlying psychological patterns.

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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.

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Dr. Kevin Lu is a board certified adult psychiatrist. In addition to medication management, he integrates elements of psychotherapy, psychoeducation, lifestyle changes, and relationship skills into his approach. He enjoys working with a variety of individuals and conditions, with particular experience with veterans, immigrants, and university students. He has a friendly and casual style, and prioritizes strong therapeutic relationships in his work. Dr. Lu completed his undergraduate studies at New York University's Stern School of Business, and after a short career in finance, he made a transition into medicine. He received his medical degree from the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, and completed residency training in psychiatry at the University of Arizona in Tucson.

Dr. Solomon’s presence at Talkiatry brings her career full circle and back to her greatest joy as a psychiatrist—working directly with patients one‑on‑one to help them integrate the complexity of their feelings, beliefs, and personal reality in the context of an increasingly complicated world around them.

Her qualifications include a B.A. in biology from Harvard University and an M.D. from Tufts School of Medicine. She completed psychiatry residencies at Mt. Sinai and Brown and is board certified in both Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. Her four decades of practice have exposed her to an eclectic range of cultures, ethnicities, and pathologies in a wide variety of settings, from solo practice to regional medical centers to academic institutions. Her breadth and depth of clinical and life experience have helped her transcend cultural biases and institutional conventions and to more clearly see each patient as a uniquely complex and lovable individual.

Dr. Solomon takes a compassionate, individualized, and pragmatic approach to treatment, beginning in the first visit with a full history and discussion with the patient of their symptoms, challenges, and goals. Follow‑up visits are tailored to the patient’s evolving needs and combine shared insights and tools such as medications and behavioral practices to support them as she guides them on their unique journey toward their best life, on their terms.

Dr. Jillian Saad is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who specializes in patient-centered care. She has been practicing for over 8 years in private practice and academic medicine .Dr. Saad focuses on medication management in 30-minute follow-up visits in conjunction with supportive and emotionally focused therapy. She takes a patient-centered approach that acknowledges all the psychosocial aspects of each individual to ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible. She received her medical degree from UMDNJ Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in Piscataway, NJ, then moved to Pennsylvania to complete her residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. Upon completion of training, Dr. Saad went into private practice for 5 years in southern NJ where she treated children, adolescents, and adults with a wide array of psychiatric disorders. She then went into academic medicine at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, NJ, where she served as the Associate Program Director of the Psychiatry Residency Program supervising and teaching both residents and medical students .Dr. Saad has experience working with a broad range of psychiatric disorders including mood disorders, PTSD, OCD, and ADHD. She also has a strong interest in Women's Mental Health and alternative treatment options.

Dr. Jerry Sayers is a double board-certified psychiatrist in General Psychiatry and Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry. Dr. Sayers completed an Internal Medicine internship in Youngstown, Ohio. He then completed his residency in General Psychiatry at The Johns Hopkins Hospital followed by fellowship training in Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Neurology at Johns Hopkins Bayview. He most recently finished his fellowship in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry at the University of Maryland. Dr. Sayers has had the opportunity to care for a diverse group of patients with neuropsychiatric, neurological, and other general medical conditions. His work allowed him to work on a proactive, collaborative psychiatric consultation team designed to be involved early in the care of vulnerable patients with complex neuropsychiatric conditions. Dr. Sayers has experience in outpatient, inpatient, residential, and partial hospitalization programs. He works hard to tailor therapy to the needs of the individual patient by adapting techniques that have been successful across different treatment settings. His desire to ensure exceptional care is evident in his ability to relate to and understand an individual patient's needs and concerns.

Dr. Merna Guirguis is a general psychiatrist known for her patient-centered and accessible approach. She blends compassion with evidence-based care, creating a supportive environment where patients feel heard. Her practice integrates psychiatric medication management with psychoeducation, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their treatment.

Dr. Guirguis emphasizes collaboration and transparency. She listens carefully to each patient’s concerns, encourages questions, and works to build a trusting therapeutic relationship. Her style is approachable and adaptable, ensuring patients feel comfortable sharing their experiences and actively participating in their care.

She begins by reviewing each patient’s history, concerns, and goals to craft personalized treatment plans. Dr. Guirguis combines current clinical needs with long-term wellness objectives, adjusting care collaboratively over time. When appropriate, she may recommend additional therapy to complement medication management and optimize outcomes.