Cheryl Person, MD

Background and credentials    

Dr. Catherine Cashman is triple board-certified by the American Board of  Psychiatry and Neurology in Adult Psychiatry, Child & Adolescent  Psychiatry, and Forensic Psychiatry. She holds two Bachelor’s degrees: one in  Finance from New York University, and another in Biology from the University  of New Orleans. She earned her medical degree from Nova Southeastern  University and completed an Adult Psychiatry residency at LSU Health Sciences  Center in New Orleans. Dr. Cashman subsequently completed two fellowships:  the first in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at LSU New Orleans, along with  a certification in Infant Mental Health (working with children ages 0–6 years  and their caregivers); the second fellowship was in Forensic Psychiatry at  the University of Rochester and the Rochester Regional Forensic Unit.    

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Treatment approach    

Dr. Cashman brings an extensive and specialized skillset to psychiatry,  informed by her triple board-certifications. Her treatment approach  integrates clinical expertise from adult, child and adolescent, and forensic  psychiatry, emphasizing accurate diagnosis, risk assessment, and  evidence-based care. With specialized expertise in forensic psychiatry and  competency assessments, she employs rigorous evaluation methods to accurately  inform treatment planning and risk management, particularly in complex or  legally-involved cases.    

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What you can expect in a first visit    

Patients visiting Dr. Cashman for the first time can expect a detailed and  comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. Given her forensic and clinical  experience, initial assessments are thorough, focusing on clear diagnostic  understanding, individualized risk assessment, and appropriate treatment  planning. Patients can anticipate a collaborative, professional, and  structured environment aimed at clarifying diagnoses and addressing their  unique mental health needs effectively.    

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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.

Dr. Mo Basith is a board-certified psychiatrist in the field of general adult psychiatry. He offers a mix of pharmacotherapy in conjunction with psychotherapy in 30-minute sessions. Dr. Basith's approach to clinical practice is rooted in fostering a safe atmosphere in which to explore biological and psychosocial factors that affect mental health. He views medication as a tool that patients can use while also engaging in psychotherapy and making lifestyle changes to optimize their mental health. He encourages patients to be actively involved in their healthcare decisions. Although he has an integrative psychotherapy style, Dr. Basith may occasionally believe additional therapy is needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome. Dr. Basith received his medical degree at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He then went on to complete a general psychiatry residency training at Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Since completing his training, Dr. Basith has been working with a wide variety of adults, including as a staff psychiatrist at Georgetown University's Counseling and Psychiatric Service. He has experience treating patients with a wide range of psychiatric concerns including various anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar spectrum disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and substance use disorders. Dr. Basith utilizes pharmacotherapy along with facets of cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and supportive therapy as needed.

Dr. Peter Szeibel is board certified in adult psychiatry and has been practicing for over 36 years. His practice has focused primarily on medication management within the context of a supportive psychotherapeutic relationship. He also utilizes cognitive behavioral techniques. If the patient requires more intensive psychotherapy, Dr. Szeibel refers the patient to a therapist and collaborates with the therapist. Dr. Szeibel has experience in treating Depressive Disorders, PTSD, Panic Disorder, OCD, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, and many other conditions. He feels his personal strengths include his inquisitiveness, scientific curiosity, and his desire to understand his patients better. Dr. Szeibel was born in Hungary, just a few months before the Hungarian Revolution against the Soviets broke out in 1956. He and his family fled under difficult circumstances and immigrated to the United States. Dr. Szeibel grew up in New York City. He attended The Bronx High School of Science, followed by Columbia University for his B.A., where he took a double major in chemistry and music. After obtaining his M.D. from S.U.N.Y in Syracuse, he returned to New York City for residency and fellowship training. During this time he won the Bendheim Fellowship Award at Cohen Children's Medical Center for his research study which examined the effects of background music on the academic performance of children with ADHD. His current areas of interest include adult ADHD, psychiatric and medical co-morbidities, and the LGBTQ population.

Dr. Mark Varela is a board-certified psychiatrist joining Talkiatry directly out of residency. He focuses primarily on medication management, often accompanied by brief cognitive, motivational, or supportive therapy. He may request that you also meet with a therapist regularly for your benefit. Dr. Varela received his medical degree and general psychiatric residency training both from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in West Texas. He treats young adults and adults with a wide variety of mental health concerns, including ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD.

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.

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Dr. Siera Kirkland is an adult general psychiatrist. She is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She has been practicing for 8 years. Dr. Kirkland focuses on collaborative and evidence-based care. She believes it is imperative to form a therapeutic relationship with each individual and work together as a team to formulate the best treatment plan. Her passion is to educate, empower, and support. She specializes in medication management and brief psychotherapy .Dr. Kirkland received her medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine. She completed her residency at The Cleveland Clinic Akron General and Summa HealthSystem in her hometown of Akron, OH. Upon completion of residency, she relocated to Charlotte, NC to start her career as the Lead Psychiatrist at Novant Health Psychiatric Associates- Matthews. Dr. Kirkland has experience in treating various patient populations. Her areas of focus have been perinatal and postpartum depression and anxiety. She has also worked with adults with co-occurring substance use disorders. Special interests include women's health and minority mental health disparities.‍For established patients of Dr. Kirkland, call 917-634-5311 to schedule an appointment and let the care coordinator know you are an established patient.