Brett Abernethy, MD

Background and credentials

Dr. Yang is board-certified in both General Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry. She received her medical degree from the Medical School of Nanjing University in China and completed her Ph.D. in Neuroscience at the State University of New York in Buffalo. She conducted neuroscience research at Tufts University and Columbia University. Dr. Yang completed her residency in Psychiatry at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston – McGovern Medical School (UTHealth) and a fellowship in Addiction Psychiatry at Baylor College of Medicine. She has held academic positions at Baylor College of Medicine, supervising medical students, residents, and physician assistant students.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Yang specializes in treating depressive disorders, bipolar disorders, anxiety, substance use disorders, ADHD, and trauma-related disorders. She employs medication management combined with supportive therapy and motivational interviewing techniques. Dr. Yang emphasizes building strong therapeutic relationships, tailoring treatment to each patient's unique goals and needs.

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What you can expect in a first visit

In the initial visit, patients can expect a detailed, personalized evaluation by Dr. Yang. She will explore symptoms, medical history, personal goals, and treatment preferences to design an individualized care plan. Patients can expect a compassionate, collaborative approach with clear communication about medication management options and supportive therapeutic strategies aimed at improving their overall well-being.

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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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Background and credentials

Dr. Kristina Schnitzer is a board-certified psychiatrist. She earned her medical degree from the New York University School of Medicine and completed her residency in Adult Psychiatry at the Massachusetts General Hospital/McLean Adult Psychiatry Residency Program. She further specialized by completing a one-year clinical and research fellowship in Public and Community Psychiatry through Massachusetts General Hospital and the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health. In addition to her medical training, she holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. She has over three years of experience practicing psychiatry across inpatient, emergency, and outpatient settings.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Schnitzer focuses on medication management as the foundation of her treatment approach, typically combining it with supportive or emotionally focused therapy during 30-minute follow-up visits. She takes a collaborative and individualized approach to patient care and, when needed, may recommend additional therapy by integrating a therapist into the care team to ensure the best possible outcomes. She has experience treating a broad range of psychiatric disorders in various clinical settings.

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What you can expect in a first visit

Patients can expect a thorough and structured evaluation in their first visit, where Dr. Schnitzer carefully assesses their symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals. She emphasizes open communication and collaboration, ensuring that patients are fully involved in shaping their treatment plans. Follow-up visits typically last 30 minutes, during which she monitors progress, adjusts treatment as needed, and may recommend additional therapeutic support for comprehensive care.

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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. Fatemeh Safian is a board-certified psychiatrist with experience in outpatient, inpatient, and telepsychiatry settings. She completed her residency at Larkin Community Hospital, caring for a diverse range of patients. Dr. Safian diagnoses and treats a wide variety of conditions, including depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma-related disorders, phobias, personality disorders, ADHD, bipolar disorder, postpartum depression, and concerns across all age groups. She is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive space where people feel truly heard—believing good psychiatry starts with listening.

Dr. Safian fosters a warm, respectful, and judgment-free environment where patients can share openly. She takes time to understand each person’s symptoms, story, values, and goals. Medication is just one option; she also considers therapy, lifestyle changes, and other supports. Collaboration and trust are central to her approach, with patients guiding the care decisions.

During the first appointment, Dr. Safian conducts an in-depth, unhurried conversation to explore the patient’s history and goals. Together, they develop a personalized treatment plan that may include medication, therapy referrals, and practical strategies. Ongoing follow-ups provide space to track progress, make adjustments, and ensure the patient feels comfortable and empowered.

Dr. Martha James is board-certified in general adult psychiatry and has more than twenty years of experience working with adults in a variety of mental health care settings including academia, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, university medical centers, VA medical centers, and community mental health settings. Dr. James received her medical degree from Duke University School of Medicine. She completed her psychiatric residency at the University of California, Los Angeles Neuropsychiatric Institute. Dr. James has experience treating adults with a variety of mental health problems including anxiety, mood disorders, trauma related disorders and psychotic disorders.

Dr. James is an experienced, open-minded psychiatrist who prioritizes empathy and understanding in her work. She recognizes that each individual's path to wellness is unique and strives to meet patients where they are in this process. Dr. James believes that while some individuals may benefit from treatment with medication management alone, psychotherapy is often important for treatment success. She encourages patients to participate in psychotherapy and believes a therapist can be a crucial part of the treatment team.

Dr. James uses a collaborative, patient-centered treatment approach with the goal of reducing mental pain and improving wellness so that patients are better able to pursue their unique personal and professional goals. She utilizes psychopharmacology, psychoeducation, and supportive and psychodynamic psychotherapy skills when working with patients.

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Dr. Alexandre is a board-certified psychiatrist who completed his psychiatry training both in Brazil and in the United States, where he served as Chief Resident in both programs. He is fluent in both English and Portuguese and is especially attuned to the unique challenges faced by international and immigrant populations. Dr. Alexandre is passionate about helping patients achieve meaningful and sustained improvements in their mental health.

He brings over a decade of experience in mental health care and has a strong foundation in evidence-based treatment. His clinical interests include mood and anxiety disorders, ADHD, and cross-cultural psychiatry.

Dr. Alexandre incorporates a collaborative and compassionate approach to care, combining medication management with elements of cognitive behavioral therapy, behavioral activation, and interpersonal strategies when appropriate.

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Dr. Patricia Klaine is an attending physician working at Talkiatry. She is board certified in adult psychiatry. After completing her training in adult psychiatry, she continued her education by completing a fellowship in consultation-liaison psychiatry, which enables her to treat patients with a variety of medical comorbidities confidently. Dr. Klaine focuses on medication management. She offers this in addition to supportive psychotherapy in 30-minute follow up visits. For some patients, it may be important to bring in additional psychotherapy for well-rounded care. Dr. Klaine received her medical degree from St. George's University in Grenada, and after that, she completed her training in general adult psychiatry at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. She went on to complete a fellowship in consultation-liaison psychiatry at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. After completing her training, she worked on an inpatient psychiatric unit before deciding to transition into outpatient psychiatric care. She looks forward to a collaborative relationship with her patients.