Beatrice Desir, DO

Dr. Lemaire Leo Pierre is a board certified adult psychiatric provider with over 10 years of experience. He has additional years working in the medical field as a physician assistant. Dr. Pierre's practice entails medication management accompanied by supportive psychotherapy. He frequently encourages other forms of psychotherapy with a counselor to maximize treatment outcomes. After completing medical school at Central America Health Science University, he returned to New York City and completed his psychiatry residency at New York Medical College Program at Metropolitan Hospital Center. Subsequently, he moved to Minnesota and worked with Park Nicollet Health Service/HealthPartners. He had been there for 10.5 years, where he oversaw a successful psychiatric practice and helped his patients who had been struggling with their conditions. Dr. Pierre is a member of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, in addition to the American Psychiatry Association and State Psychiatry Association. He also enjoys attending conferences and reading journals to learn about cutting-edge treatments so that he is updated on the most recent FDA-approved medications.

Dr. Alicia Garcete is a board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist in practice for over 12 years. Her practice focuses on medication management, recognizing  family involvement is extremely important and is an integral part of treatment. Dr Garcete has treated a wide variety of patients. Her primary focus is treating depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, PTSD and OCD. Additionally, she can provide supportive therapy and elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy but on occasions more therapy support may be needed, and the recommendation to bring a psychotherapist on the care team may occur to provide an optimal outcome. Dr. Garcete is bilingual and provides care in both Spanish and English.

Prior to Talkiatry, Dr Garcete treated children, adolescents, and adults was at the intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization levels of care with focus on behavioral approaches in the Depression recovery and Anxiety/OCD programs.

Dr. Garcete earned her Medical Degree from the Universidad Nacional de Asuncion, Facultad de Ciencias Medicas in Paraguay. She completed her general psychiatrist residency at Maimonides Medical Center in New York. She was also a Fellow in Psychoanalysis at the Psychoanalytic Institute, Affiliate to New York University School of Medicine, and completed her child and adolescent psychiatrist fellowship at Elmhurst Hospital Center, affiliate to Mount Sinai Hospital. Dr. Garcete also held a clinical assistant professor appointment from the department of psychiatry at SUNY Downstate Medical Center.

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.

Tamara Lazenby, MD is a board-certified psychiatrist with more than 20 years of clinical and academic experience in emergency mental health, disaster response, and trauma-focused care. She earned her undergraduate degree at George Mason University and completed her medical degree at Eastern Virginia Medical School. After the September 11th attacks, Dr. Lazenby trained in psychiatry at New York Medical College’s Saint Vincent’s Hospital, specializing in emergency and trauma psychiatry.

She previously served as Associate Director of Wellness & Emergency Response Services at New York University’s Student Health Center, leading a team that cared for more than 50,000 global NYU students. Dr. Lazenby also previously served as Staff Psychiatrist and Team Lead for the Combat PTSD Clinical Team at the Hampton VA Medical Center, providing care for veterans with service-related trauma and implementing National VA Standards of Care.

Dr. Lazenby believes healing happens when mind, body, and spirit are aligned. She creates a compassionate and collaborative environment where patients feel deeply heard and empowered in their own care. Her approach blends conventional psychiatric treatment with nutrition, mindfulness, movement, and stress-reduction strategies to support long-term mental wellness.  She values authenticity, open communication, and shared decision-making, empowering patients to build resilience and restore balance in their lives.

She begins with a comprehensive assessment exploring medical, psychological, and lifestyle factors that influence mental health. Treatment plans are personalized and may include psychotherapy, targeted laboratory testing, lifestyle modifications, supplements, and medication when appropriate. Dr. Lazenby works closely with patients to restore balance, resilience, and overall well-being through a truly integrative approach. Regular collaboration and feedback, helping patients heal, grow, and thrive.

Dr. Wasser is a staff psychiatrist at Talkiatry, dedicated to providing compassionate and effective care through telepsychiatry. He completed his undergraduate studies at Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where he focused on Neuroscience and Pre-Medical studies. Subsequently, he pursued his medical degree at Rocky Vista University in Parker, Colorado before completing his psychiatry residency at HCA Aurora in Aurora, Colorado. Dr. Wasser was the recipient of the Chairman's Crystal Distinction of Excellence Award, rewarding a resident's exemplary performance and endorsing a resident's future success in the field of psychiatry. With a strong foundation in both neuroscience and psychiatry, Dr. Wasser approaches each patient with a deep understanding of the mind-body connection and the complexities of mental health. When Dr. Wasser is not providing professional care, he is an advocate for personal health and wellness. He enjoys spending quality time with his wife and family, staying active through exercise, relaxing at the Jersey Shore, and exploring new travel destinations.

Dr. Wasser's approach to patient care is rooted in empathy, trust, and collaboration. He is dedicated to listening closely to each patient's unique concerns and crafting personalized treatment plans that address both immediate symptoms and long-term mental well-being. His specialties include managing mood disorders, anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and stress-related conditions, with a particular emphasis on helping individuals navigate life transitions and mental health challenges.

Dr. Wasser believes in a thorough and patient-centered approach. During the first session, he takes the time to understand his patient’s history, current struggles, and goals for treatment. Together, they establish clear and realistic objectives to guide the treatment process. Dr. Wasser offers a combination of psychotherapy, medication management, and wellness strategies to support his patients. He values open communication and ensures that every patient feels heard and empowered throughout their mental health journey.

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Dr. Elena Perea is a board-certified psychiatrist.  She completed her undergraduate training at Wake Forest University followed by medical school and residency training at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC).

Dr. Perea holds an adjunct academic appointment at UNC and has been involved in medical education for her entire career.  She most recently served as Residency Program Director for the Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC) psychiatry residency in Asheville, NC.  She remains involved in didactic education there for both residents and medical students.

She has a genuine interest in treating a vast array of psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders and obsessive compulsive and related disorders. She is a skilled psychopharmacologist and interested in the mind-body connection. She believes physical health greatly affects mental health and vice versa and loves helping patients with medical comorbidities to feel well.

Patients looking for a psychiatrist will find that Dr. Perea has a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and management of her patients. She believes in the principle that body and mind are interconnected and utilizes psychoeducation and psychotherapeutic approaches in addition to medications for total wellness.