Bethanie Berson, NP

Serena Mirchandani is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with extensive experience treating serious mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. She also provides care for individuals with depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, autism spectrum disorder, and substance use disorders. Serena earned both a Master of Science in Nursing and a Doctorate in Nursing Practice in psychiatry from Columbia University. She completed a Nurse Practitioner Fellowship at Community Healthcare Network and worked at Bellevue Hospital for 2.5 years, providing care on an inpatient psychiatric unit for a diverse, underserved population.

Serena’s approach is grounded in open communication, evidence-based care, and deep respect for each patient’s lived experience. She prioritizes a collaborative, safe space where individuals feel heard, respected, and empowered. Her holistic style supports honest conversation, transparency in treatment options, and patient-centered goals.

Serena begins with a comprehensive assessment to understand each patient's full story—biological, psychological, and social. She then partners with patients to develop personalized, evidence-based treatment plans that align with their values and goals. She emphasizes education, transparency, and regular follow-up to support ongoing progress and informed decision-making.

Dr. Ellis is a graduate of Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in Piscataway, NJ. He completed his psychiatric residency at Cooper Hospital/University Medical Center in Camden, NJ, where he served as Chief Resident his senior year. Dr. Ellis has served as Assistant Medical Director of the community mental health center of Gloucester County for 28 years, providing care to a diverse population. Additionally, Dr. Ellis maintained a private practice for 15 years, treating individuals and their families with ongoing collaboration with therapists and other health care providers

Background and credentials    

Dr. Alexander Wittenberg is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. He received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University, majoring in Human Biology, Health, and Society. He earned his medical degree from the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he was a  member of the Psi Sigma Alpha Osteopathic Honor Society. As chief resident at  Mount Sinai Beth Israel, he gained extensive experience working in outpatient  settings and managing patient care at one of New York City's busiest clinics. Dr. Wittenberg has expertise in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, trauma and stressor-related disorders, and OCD.    

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Treatment approach    

Dr. Wittenberg offers highly individualized and empathic treatment, primarily focusing on medication management. He frequently recommends integrating therapy into treatment plans and may suggest collaborating with a therapist. Dr. Wittenberg prioritizes a holistic approach, emphasizing overall well-being alongside symptom relief. He encourages the incorporation of mindfulness, self-compassion, exercise, nutrition, and attention to interpersonal relationships into his treatment strategy.    

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What you can expect in a first visit    

During an initial visit with Dr. Wittenberg, patients can anticipate a collaborative, patient-centered, and non-judgmental environment designed to foster a meaningful therapeutic relationship. He will thoroughly discuss individual concerns and treatment goals, exploring potential therapeutic interventions, including medication management and holistic strategies to support mental health and overall wellness.

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. Tobias Murphy is a psychiatrist with Talkiatry who is licensed to provide care in the states of Ohio, West Virginia, and New York. He completed medical school and psychiatry residency at Marshall University's School of Medicine. He has additional training in neuropsychiatry and geriatric psychiatry. During his training, Dr. Murphy was actively involved in teaching medical students and residents. His most frequent lectures included LGBT and transgender mental health. He is a member of the American Psychiatric Association, the American Association of Gay and Lesbian Psychiatrists, the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association, the World Professional Association for Transgender Health. He was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society and given awards for Inclusion and Advocacy as well as Honors in Community Service during training. He has published papers, presented at conferences, and served as an ad-hoc reviewer for medical journals. Dr. Murphy approaches medication management through the lens of compassionate listening and psychotherapy, seeking to reduce the stigma of mental illness and put patients at ease during their visits. He has experience treating a variety of conditions, including bipolar disorder, depression, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, and anxiety. He enjoys working with a diverse population of patients providing culturally informed care. Follow-up patient visits will include both supportive therapy and medication management during 30-minute encounters.

Dr. Melody Stupey is a board-certified psychiatrist with over 26 years of experience treating adults in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She earned her medical degree from Oregon Health Sciences University and completed her residency at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Dr. Stupey is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Dr. Stupey believes in a collaborative approach to treatment, emphasizing active listening, compassion, and respect. She strives to create a warm, supportive environment where patients feel safe and empowered to speak openly without fear of judgment.

Her treatment process is holistic, considering physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors. She evaluates diet, physical activity, sleep habits, and thought patterns alongside medication needs. Dr. Stupey prioritizes using the lowest effective dose of medication to meet treatment goals while supporting the patient’s overall well-being.

Dr. Lee is a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in adult psychiatry and minority mental health. He is a graduate of Morehouse College and later received his medical degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN. After graduating from Meharry, he completed his psychiatry residency at the University of South Carolina/ Palmetto Health in Columbia, SC and a forensic psychiatry fellowship at Tulane University. After completing his training, he entered private practice in Rock Hill, SC and served the community for 11+ years. During that time, he also served as Staff Psychiatrist at Winthrop University. Prior to joining Talkiatry, Dr. Lee served as an Attending Psychiatrist and Medical Director of an inpatient psychiatric unit. Throughout his professional career, he has remained passionate about educating individuals about sustaining better mental health and eradicating the stigma of mental illness. Dr. Lee brings a vast array of knowledge to Talkiatry. He has experience treating various psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and ADHD. His approach focuses on evidence-based medication management and incorporates supportive therapy techniques as well as psychoeducation to address the presenting issues in a compassionate and competent manner. If additional therapy is needed, Dr. Lee may recommend that a therapist is part of the treatment team.