Benjamin Joe Chambers, MD

More Clinicians

Ilisse Perlmutter, MD

Director of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Dr. Illise Perlmutter is the Director of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Talkiatry. She is double board-certified in child and adolescent psychiatry and adult psychiatry. Before joining Talkiatry, Dr. Perlmutter was the Chair of Behavioral Health and Addiction Services at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center. Prior to Bergen New Bridge, she was the Director of Inpatient Psychiatry at Montefiore Medical Center-Wakefield, in New York. Over 35 years, Dr. Perlmutter has held numerous leadership roles with some of the largest hospital systems in the New York Metro Area. Dr. Perlmutter is a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, a Fellow of the American College of Psychiatrists, and a Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She has received awards for her contributions both locally and nationally. Dr. Perlmutter was included in Castle Connolly's "America's Top Doctors” list from 2006-2011 and 2017, as well as "Best Doctors in America” from 2009- 2012. Dr. Perlmutter received her MD from George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. After an internship in pediatrics, she completed a residency in Psychiatry at Mt. Sinai Medical Center followed by a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Columbia University/New York State Psychiatric Institute. Dr. Perlmutter has held leadership roles in several academic institutions and is a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington, D.C. Dr. Perlmutter has authored numerous publications and research articles and has lectured and presented extensively on clinical, epidemiologic, and psychopharmacologic issues in child and adolescent psychiatry. She has made frequent media appearances addressing topical issues in disaster psychiatry during the course of her work in disaster psychiatry outreach.

Erin Ellis, LMHC

Staff Therapist

Erin Ellis is a licensed clinical mental health counselor with extensive experience working in the mental health field. Erin has worked directly with clients of various demographics, living with a variety of mental health conditions. Erin attended undergraduate school in Rochester, NY and graduate school in Buffalo, NY. Erin has been practicing for 3 years as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor, focusing on anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and mood disorders. Working with Miranda, treatment is tailored to the individual; great effort is put into choosing the treatment modality that best fits the individual's needs. Erin uses an eclectic approach with a foundation in cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and person-centered therapy.

Reaghan Hicks, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Reaghan Hicks is a double board-certified psychiatrist in General and Addiction Psychiatry. She completed her undergraduate training at The College of Charleston followed by medical school at The University of South Carolina School of Medicine. Dr. Hicks completed Residency in General Psychiatry at The University of Florida College of Medicine in Jacksonville followed by Fellowship in Addiction Psychiatry at The Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Hicks is an experienced clinician that specializes in treating individuals with a variety of diagnoses including adjustment disorders, depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and substance use disorders.‍She has an approachable style and values building rapport with her patients. She believes it is a privilege to be a part of someone's journey towards recovery and wellness. Dr. Hicks aims to meet each patient where they are while maintaining a nonjudgemental, patient-centered, and evidenced-based treatment approach. Dr. Hicks provides supportive psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral skills, and utilizes motivational interviewing to meet the needs of her patients. She believes effective utilization of therapy skills in conjunction with medication management can help patients meet their individualized treatment goals.

JinGu Lee, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. JinGu Lee is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist in the states of New Jersey and New York. Dr. Lee focuses on understanding each client's unique background and building a strong therapeutic alliance with his client. He works with ethically and culturally diverse patient populations who struggle with conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, relationship issues, and more. Dr. Lee provides comprehensive medication management, including screening for relevant medical conditions, and incorporates elements of psychotherapy during his regular visits when appropriate. Dr. Lee has a long-standing interest in preventive care and cultural diversity. He studied Public Health and Cultural Anthropology at Rutgers University and received his medical degree from Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine in New Jersey. He completed his Psychiatry residency training at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, New Jersey, where he was recognized for his excellence in outpatient service. Outside of his career, he enjoys traveling, singing, and hiking. He believes in living a balanced lifestyle with clear goals and also focuses on maintaining a close connection with his own family.

Felicitas Koster, DO

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Koster is board certified in psychiatry and forensic psychiatry. After completing her medical education, residency, and fellowship, she started working on a Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) team, followed by working at a community hospital. She then transitioned to a clinic serving patients who were determined severely mentally ill (SMI). Dr. Koster has been involved with teaching residents and working within an academic institution. Dr. Koster is a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, a member of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law and the American Osteopathic Association. Dr. Koster enjoys working with people of diverse backgrounds and experiences. She uses a culturally sensitive and holistic approach in the evaluation and treatment of brain health conditions. She believes in a team approach and her patients' active participation in treatment planning. She incorporates a variety of modalities in her treatment that can include medications, personal medicine, psychotherapy, mindfulness, and lifestyle changes. Dr. Koster specializes in psychopharmacology and believes in using medications when indicated at the lowest effective dose to minimize the risk of side effects. She is experienced in treating depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD and schizophrenia. If Dr. Koster believes you would benefit from additional therapy, she will collaborate with your therapist to achieve the best outcome.

Michele Schaefer, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Background and credentials

Dr. Schaefer is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with over 16 years of experience. She earned her medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, NE, and completed her adult psychiatry residency at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, OR. She then specialized further by completing a forensic psychiatry fellowship at Yale University. She has worked as a staff psychiatrist at Atrium Health System for over 16 years.

‍

Treatment approach

Dr. Schaefer’s practice primarily focuses on medication management, which she offers in conjunction with supportive therapy and elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). She takes a patient-centered and collaborative approach, ensuring that treatment is tailored to each individual’s needs. If additional therapy is required, she may recommend working with a therapist as part of a comprehensive care plan. Her primary focus areas include depression, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

‍

What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a thorough psychiatric evaluation, where Dr. Schaefer carefully assesses their symptoms, treatment history, and mental health goals. She works collaboratively with patients to develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include medication management and therapy recommendations. Follow-up visits are typically 30 minutes and focus on monitoring progress, adjusting treatment as needed, and ensuring the best possible patient outcomes.

‍

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.

‍

Anthony Capozzi, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Anthony Capozzi, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist with 35 years’ experience in clinical psychiatric practice who has seen patients both in the hospital setting and out-patient care. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology as well as the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons and the American Association of Psychiatric Medicine. Originally from Brooklyn, New York and received his MD from New York University after completing a 5th pathway at Booth Memorial Hospital in Queens, New York. He began his experience seeing patients with treatment refractory major psychiatric illnesses at Rockland Psychiatric Center in Rockland County, New York. He served on the psychopharmacology committee at the time. He then went on to practice outpatient psychiatry both at Rockland County Community Mental Health and Westchester County Mental Health for over 20 years in addition to having a private practice while living in New York. He held the position as Associate Director of the division in Westchester County for over 18 years. He has been exposed to all levels of psychiatric care since it was a mixture of patients in the community as well as patients with limited income and dual diagnoses including substance abuse. His approach is to get to know his patients well in order to provide more comprehensive care. He prefers Cognitive Behavioral therapy or Rational Emotive therapy, which he feels is the most time effective and enduring therapy to help patients needs. He also has extensive experience having worked with patients with developmental disabilities, since this is an underserved need. He then went on to work in Florida both for Florida Health Care Plans, which is an HMO, and in private practice for the past 13 years. He worked at the Counseling Center of New Smyrna Beach, providing comprehensive care. He then helped establish the Center for Behavioral Medicine in Port Orange, Florida, which provided care as part of a multidisciplinary practice. He then went on to establish Advanced TMS in Port Orange, Florida. He is interested in treatment-resistant Depression and Anxiety Disorders. He went on to work for Greenbrook TMS in the greater Orlando area practicing Interventional Psychiatry. He is certified in TMS for brain mapping with Neurostar and Cloud TMS and has experience in the use of intranasal ketamine for treatment resistant depression. He has been a member of the Neuroscience Education Institute since 2012, where he holds a certificate as a Master Psychopharmacologist and a member of the Clinical TMS Society. He has active medical licenses in Florida, Arizona and New York. He is also certified in Medical Marijuana and has completed the IV Ketamine Infusion therapy course as well as Botox training certification.

Patients working with Dr. Capozzi know that he is easy to engage with and is most interested in his patients overcoming their obstacles to reach their optimal level of functioning. He enjoys working with patients who have anxiety, mood disorders and ADHD. It is very gratifying watching patient’s blossom and overcome their psychiatric disorder and then function at their best in work, leisure pursuits and relationships. Patients working with Dr. Capozzi should know that he realizes they have been suffering with their symptoms for some time or they would not be seeking help, and he will work with the patient in collaboration to help receive the proper care.

The typical process in working with patients is to first spend time gathering a history of the symptoms. It is then important to also include significant medical history which may be primary or secondary contributing factors. Also, it is important to look at psychosocial profile and how that may contribute to the initiation of the symptoms and prevention of improvement. It is essential to form a differential diagnosis and continue to look at any ongoing issues as well as co-morbidities. He believes it is most important to discuss possible treatment modalities and take into consideration the patient’s participation in ongoing care. It is most essential to be up to date on the latest modalities in treatment and use a combination of medication, nutritional supplements and behavioral therapies that can foster lasting improvement.

‍

Matthew Koller, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Background and credentials

Dr. Matthew Koller is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who completed his undergraduate training at The University of Texas at Austin. He earned his medical degree from The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and completed his general adult psychiatry residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX, where he served as Chief Resident of Education in his final year of training.

‍

Treatment approach

Dr. Koller believes that understanding a patient fully is essential before treatment begins, emphasizing a collaborative and patient-centered approach to care. His practice is primarily focused on medication management, but he also incorporates supportive therapy and other therapeutic modalities as needed. He may recommend including a therapist in the treatment plan to ensure comprehensive, well-rounded care. He has experience treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, insomnia, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and psychotic disorders.

‍

What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a thorough and individualized psychiatric evaluation, where Dr. Koller takes the time to understand their symptoms, history, and treatment goals. He prioritizes open communication and shared decision-making, working closely with patients to develop personalized treatment plans. While medication management is the foundation of his approach, he remains flexible and adaptive, incorporating therapy and other interventions as needed to help patients achieve optimal mental health.

‍

Why Talkiatry?

‍

Camille Mendez-Maldonado, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Mendez-Maldonado is double board-certified in general psychiatry and geriatric psychiatry. She received her medical degree from the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine. She then moved to New York to complete her residency training at Mount Sinai Beth Israel where she stayed to complete her fellowship in geriatric psychiatry. After her fellowship, she proceeded to work at Woodhull Hospital where she worked as an attending before becoming unit chief and running their Special Pathogens Unit during the COVID-19 pandemic. She focuses on medication management and offers this in conjunction with supportive therapy, cognitive-behavioral techniques, a focus on nutritional psychiatry, and 30-minute follow-up visits. Dr. Mendez-Maldonado focuses on integrating nutrition, physical activity, and mindfulness techniques alongside pharmacotherapy to achieve a well-rounded approach to mental health.‍

Rebecca Siwanowicz, LCSW

Staff Therapist

Rebecca Siwanowicz is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who began her career in 2013, maintaining various positions in both inpatient and outpatient settings while treating substance use and mental health disorders. Rebecca graduated with her BSW from Florida Atlantic University in 2013 and graduated with her MSW in 2016. Rebecca is trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy and is a Master's Level Certified Addiction Professional in the state of Florida.‍Rebecca's areas of expertise are trauma, anxiety and depressive disorders, issues related to codependency and low self-esteem, life transitions, self-care and emotion regulation. Rebecca takes an individualistic approach when treating clients, greatly valuing and promoting individuality and autonomy. Rebecca practices through the lens of Family Systems Theory and Attachment Theory, utilizing components of Existentialism, Strength Based Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, 12 Step Principles, and Client Centered Therapy. Rebecca takes a psychosocial approach toward treatment, providing her clients with unconditional positive regard, psychoeducation, and practical coping skills to support them in building a life of their choosing.

Amanda Kerr, DO

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Amanda Kerr is a board-certified Psychiatrist. Her practice focuses on medication management, though she passionately believes in a holistic approach. She attended Boston University for her undergraduate studies and Loyola Marymount University for graduate school. She then completed her training at Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine for medical school and Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine for residency, where she was selected to serve as Chief Resident during her final year. After completion of her residency in 2016, she dedicated seven years to serving a wide range of patients in a community mental health setting, both in-person and via telepsychiatry. She also serves as a provider at an Intensive Outpatient Program. She has experience treating patients with depressive and bipolar disorders, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and OCD. She also has extensive teaching experience in various settings. Dr. Kerr has a gentle and approachable style when providing medication management in conjunction with supportive psychotherapy, and at times Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques to more fully address each individual's needs. She utilizes mindfulness approaches as well, which she finds personally meaningful in her practices of meditation and yoga. If Dr. Kerr feels you would benefit from working with a therapist as well, she may recommend and values a collaborative approach.

LaTonya Washington, LCSW

Staff Therapist

LaTonya Washington, LICSW-S, PIP, is a trauma and couples' therapist with a Master of Social Work from the University of Alabama and advanced training in Brain spotting, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and the Gottman Method for couples therapy. With over 15 years of experience, she provides compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals and couples navigating trauma, relationship challenges, and major life transitions.

She specializes in helping couples rebuild trust after infidelity, strengthen emotional connection, and improve communication. She also supports individuals facing anxiety, burnout, and the emotional impact of chronic illness, guiding them toward healing and resilience

New clients can expect a warm, supportive space where they feel heard and understood. LaTonya takes a collaborative approach, tailoring therapy to each client’s needs while integrating practical strategies for healing and growth. Her sessions are focused on fostering insight, building emotional resilience, and equipping clients with tools to create lasting change. Whether working with individuals or couples, her goal is to help clients navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity, connection, and confidence.

Benjamin Joe Chambers, MD

Education and training

Get to know