Aneela Ali, MD

Dr. Michael Locher completed Adult Psychiatry Residency Training at Los Angeles County, University of Southern California in which he focused two years of training in conducting Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy. Dr. Locher received his Bachelor of Science Undergraduate degree in 3 years with Phi Beta Kappa honors at University of Miami, Florida. In medical school at Stony Brook School of Medicine in New York, Dr. Locher was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society while earning his Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. Dr. Locher has held academic appointments at University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Western University of Health Sciences, and Ventura Community Memorial Health System Psychiatric Residency Training Program. He has an in interest working with immigrants and LGBTQ+ communities.  

Dr. Locher’s approach to medication management is that it is one tool to be used in the broader context of a multi-modal evidence-based treatment approach that draws upon psychotherapy, mindfulness skills, Buddhist psychology, psychedelic AKA “mind manifesting” studies, yoga philosophy, and other integrative practices. He understands that healing is an individualized process that cannot unfold without a safe space. Dr. Locher is dedicated to holding an approachable, empathic space where you can feel empowered to write the next chapter of your life.  

Dr. Locher is well versed in treating the full spectrum of mental illness. Having worked on multidisciplinary teams in acute inpatient psychiatric hospital settings, psychiatric emergency rooms, and mental health urgent cares for the better part of 10 years, he is comfortable helping with not just mild to moderate illness, but also the most severe cases of mental illness. Dr. Locher is especially motivated to work with you to maintain stability, avoid hospitalization, and more broadly, to achieve wellness.

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Gabrielle Delarose is a dually boarded Psychiatric Mental Health and Family nurse practitioner with over ten years of clinical experience. Gabrielle is dedicated to providing culturally competent and evidence-based medication management and psychotherapy to assist individuals in achieving their goals to live their best life. I believe in holistic treatment of individuals, and focus on the individual’s overall well-being, including how they are functioning socially and professionally. In addition to medication and psychotherapy, she is a proponent of incorporating research-supported alternative modalities, including dietary changes, exercise, social interaction, and yoga. She also advocates of forest bathing (“shinrin-yoku”), a practice of spending time in nature that yields both medical and mental health benefits as discovered in research trials from around the world. As a professionally trained cellist, she also frequently incorporates art and music into appointments and treatment plans with patients. Her goal for all her patients is to improve all facets of a person’s life with treatment. Gabrielle is an LGBTQ+ affirming provider and has extensive experience working with diverse populations.

New patients should know that the initial appointment will consist of obtaining their social history in addition to their medical history. This is an important part of establishing a therapeutic relationship in addition to obtaining health information to use in formulating treatment plans. A person’s identity and life experiences are a significant influence on a person’s health and well-being, and Gabrielle believes in discussing these experiences in order to best understand a patient’s background and incorporate that into their care. Patients are encouraged to write down any questions they may have prior to the appointment, as well as any significant points they want to discuss. This is encouraged because, as patients, we may forget to address these points without a prompt from the provider. Gabrielle also encourages patients to actively participate in their care and firmly believes in a patient’s right to autonomy and agency. This patient-centered approach empowers patients to help guide treatment plans that best fit the patient’s needs and abilities at any given time. Patients are also encouraged to discuss any concerns about medications or treatment, particularly if there are concerns about side effects.

Gabrielle works collaboratively with patients to determine appropriate and preferred treatment plans, including medication and therapy. She uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as the primary therapy modality, in conjunction with existential therapy, depending on the patient’s needs and preferences. She prefers to allow patients flexibility in their treatment, so the process may look less structured depending on the immediate needs of the patient. Other times, particularly while working through a specific problem in therapy, appointment agendas may be planned out for several weeks. If at any time, however, a need arises to deviate from preplanned appointment agenda, patients are encouraged to discuss this at the beginning of the appointment. Above all, patients’ needs will guide the agenda.

Dr. Jenna Hartman is double board certified in General Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry. Dr. Hartman graduated from Tufts University before completing medical school at New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine. She then completed residency at Maimonides Medical Center, where she was a Chief Resident, and then pursued an addiction psychiatry fellowship at Mount Sinai Beth Israel. Dr. Hartman was also trained in psychodynamic psychotherapy by the Psychoanalytic Association of NY. Following her training, Dr. Hartman returned to Maimonides Medical Center, where she worked as an attending adult outpatient clinic, treating patients from many different backgrounds with a wide array of diagnoses. She holds a special interest in treating mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and OCD. Dr. Hartman uses a compassionate and thoughtful approach in order to form a collaborative partnership with her patients. She believes in treating the person as a whole and tailoring treatments to each individual's specific needs. Dr. Hartman works with patients in 30 30-minute follow up sessions, where in addition to medication management she provides supportive and at times psychodynamic therapeutic techniques.

Dr. Ernesto Gonzalez is a board certified adult psychiatrist. He completed his undergraduate training at Yale University and received his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. He completed his residency training at the Cambridge Health Alliance/Harvard Medical School Adult Psychiatry Training Program. Dr. Gonzalez prefers a holistic approach that takes the time to know the whole patient, incorporating biological, psychological, social, and cultural perspectives in crafting a comprehensive, individualized, treatment plan. He practices medication management combined with supportive therapy, typically delivered within 30 minute sessions. Elements of psychodynamic, dialectical behavior and cognitive-behavioral therapy will also be incorporated into sessions based on a patient's individual needs. If additional therapy is needed, Dr. Gonzalez will recommend the addition of an individual therapist to the patient's treatment team. Having dedicated his career to adult outpatient psychiatry, Dr. Gonzalez has worked with patients from a wide range of ages, cultures, ethnicities, and social settings across the New York City area. His primary focus is working with patients with depression, anxiety, ADHD, and PTSD. He also values working with people adjusting to changes in their lives, whether it be grieving the loss of a loved one, changes in employment, relationships, or adjusting to changes that come with age. Prior to joining Talkiatry, Dr. Gonzalez was an Assistant Professor at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine and served as Director of the Adult Outpatient Psychiatric Department, Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team, and Collaborative Care Departments at Woodhull Hospital in Brooklyn, New York. He also had a small practice near his home. Dr. Gonzalez has also had a lifelong interest in meeting new people and experiencing different cultures. This interest has taken him as far away as the townships of Cape Town, South Africa and as close as his local diner, and it edifies the work he does with patients.

Dr. Sarah Benito Figueroa is a board-certified Adult Psychiatrist and a board-certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. She earned her medical degree from the University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus.  She completed her Adult Psychiatry residency at the University of Connecticut. Following this, she sub-specialized in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at New York University. Prior to joining Talkiatry, Dr. Benito Figueroa served as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at a busy academic outpatient clinic and on an inpatient basis, providing care to children with complex medical needs.

Dr. Benito Figueroa strives to provide a patient-centered and collaborative approach when developing treatment plans. She specializes in medication management and supportive psychotherapy. When appropriate, she may make a referral for more specialized therapeutic interventions. For child and adolescent patients, Dr. Benito Figueroa encourages parental involvement at each visit to ensure a family centered approach is being followed to best support the child's needs.

During the first visit, Dr. Benito Figueroa will conduct a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation with a goal of understanding a patient's treatment history, current symptomatology and personal goals. She will work together with her patients to foster a collaborative environment, personalize treatment plans and support patients in achieving an improved quality of life.

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Background  and credentials    

Dr. Christine Reyes is a bilingual Spanish-speaking adult psychiatrist with  25 years of experience. She completed her residency in Adult Psychiatry at  Saint Vincent's Hospital and Medical Center in New York City and subsequently  completed a Child Psychiatry fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania in  Philadelphia. Dr. Reyes has extensive experience practicing in outpatient and  community mental health settings.    

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Treatment approach    

Dr. Reyes provides compassionate psychiatric care using pharmacotherapy  combined with supportive psychotherapy. She specializes in treating anxiety,  depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and  numerous other psychiatric conditions. Additionally, Dr. Reyes emphasizes  nutritional counseling, assisting patients in achieving and maintaining a  healthy weight as part of their overall wellness plan.    

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What you can expect in a first visit    

Patients can expect a compassionate and thorough initial assessment aimed  at understanding their psychiatric symptoms, personal health goals, and  lifestyle considerations. Dr. Reyes combines medication evaluation with  supportive psychotherapy and may discuss nutritional guidance as part of a holistic  treatment plan. She prioritizes creating a supportive environment for  bilingual (English/Spanish) patients to openly discuss their mental health  concerns.    

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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.