Cecilia Fitz-Gerald, MD

Dr. John's practice focuses on medication management, offered in conjunction with emotionally focused therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. Occasionally, Dr. John may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome. Dr. John strongly believes in a compassionate, collaborative approach and will provide psychoeducation to help patients make informed decisions and achieve their treatment goals.

Dr. Nancy Clayton is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with over 25 years of experience in military and civilian settings. She earned her MD from Saint Louis University School of Medicine through the Naval Health Professions Scholarship Program and completed residency at Naval Medical Center San Diego. She served as an active-duty U.S. Navy psychiatrist and later as a civilian contractor, working across outpatient, emergency, consultative, and telepsychiatry settings. She also holds an MA in English Literature and a BA in International Relations.

Dr. Clayton takes a collaborative, integrative, and patient-centered approach to care. She considers medical, psychological, relational, and environmental factors when making recommendations. She values clear communication and shared decision-making, creating a respectful, supportive space where patients feel heard. Her expertise includes trauma, anxiety, mood disorders, and adult ADHD, and she provides culturally responsive, affirming care grounded in psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral principles.

Dr. Clayton begins with a comprehensive evaluation to understand each patient’s symptoms within their life context. She explores contributing factors and uses practical education to explain the nervous system and treatment options. She provides clear expectations around medications and progress. Treatment plans are individualized, and follow-ups focus on monitoring progress, refining goals, and addressing barriers to improvement.

Dr. Tiffany Abtahi is board certified in adult psychiatry and has been in practice for over 6 years. She completed her residency at Icahn School of Medicine, Elmhurst Hospital Center program where she served as Chief Resident in her final year. After completing her residency training, Dr Abtahi worked as a staff psychiatrist in the VA Medical Center focusing on PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Dr. Abtahi has held an academic appointment at the University of UT Southwestern medical school and has spent her professional career supervising/teaching medical students and psychiatry residents. Dr. Abtahi's practice focuses on medication management and providing psychoeducation to her patients. However, if indicated, Dr. Abtahi may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome. Dr. Abtahi has experience treating a large variety of mental health conditions across a variety of populations. She strongly believes in tailoring treatments through a holistic and patient-centered approach based on individual and multi-faceted histories. Dr. Abtahi looks forward to working with you.

Dr. Cheryl Dasler is a double board certified psychiatrist in General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Following completion of her training, she spent the next 10 years fulfilling her passion for indigent care of children, working in a community mental health center. She went on to complete additional training in Functional Medicine, with the goal of offering patients greater insight into the physical factors contributing to their symptoms. She has also trained in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, and encourages mindfulness as a healing technique along with medication management. Over the following 10 years, Dr. Dasler treated a broad range of patients in a private practice setting, including children and adults. She is passionate about treating ADHD, and utilizes medications plus skill building in her sessions to help her patients maximize their potential. Her extensive experience also includes treating mood disorders, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and OCD. She believes in a mind-body interconnection, and strives to address both aspects to provide truly holistic care. Patients looking for a psychiatrist will find Dr. Dasler is a warm, compassionate provider who genuinely listens. She works in partnership with patients to find a treatment plan that will be effective, while also being sensitive to financial or insurance coverage factors that may impact care.

Dr. Seth Flesher is double board-certified in adult psychiatry and addiction medicine.  Dr. Flesher’s practice focuses on medication management of psychiatric illness without the use of controlled substances.  Typically, he offers this in conjunction with supportive or emotionally focused therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. However, occasionally Dr. Flesher may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome.

Before joining Talkiatry Dr. Flesher was Medical Director of Advanced Psychiatric Services [complex/high profile cases] at Kings County Hospital and Unit Chief of the Covid19 positive unit.  He was also a clinical professor at Downstate Medical College where he was voted educator of the year numerous times by psychiatric residents and medical students.  Dr. Flesher is a graduate of the prestigious combined 6-year BS/MD program at The Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education.  He did research at the neuropsychiatric branch of the National Institute of Mental Health, completed his psychiatric residency at St. Lukes/Roosevelt Hospital, and he received his master’s degree in public health from Columbia University.

Dr. Flesher believes that psychiatry should start with a thorough assessment to arrive at an accurate diagnosis.  Then a discussion with the patient of the different evidence-based options available.  Followed by shared decision-making to arrive at an effective treatment plan to achieve the goals that the patient identifies as being important.  This should be done in an honest, open, non-judgmental, but realistic environment.  Understanding that the ultimate goal is to get the patient to a position where they will no longer need medication and/or therapy.

Getting to know meDr. Kishan Peddanna is a board-certified general psychiatrist with experience treating patients across the lifespan. He attended The Ohio State University for his undergraduate studies and earned his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Peddanna completed his residency in General Psychiatry at The Ohio State University and a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

Dr. Peddanna values continuity of care and collaboration, working with patients toward long-term improvements while building meaningful connections. His approach is grounded in shared decision-making, ensuring treatment plans align with each patient’s goals. He has extensive experience managing conditions such as ADHD, mood disorders, and anxiety.

Dr. Peddanna’s practice focuses on medication management complemented by supportive psychotherapy. He uses evidence-based assessments and interventions to guide individualized treatment planning, fostering a care experience that is both effective and patient-centered.