Christa DeFries, MD

Dr. Romanow is double board-certified in Adult Psychiatry and Forensic Psychiatry. He graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Medicine/Athletic Training and then attended Drexel University College of Medicine. After medical school, he completed his residency in Adult Psychiatry at the University of Virginia, where he obtained a certificate in additional psychotherapy training. After residency, Dr. Romanow completed a fellowship in Forensic Psychiatry at the University of Virginia. During his fellowship, he trained at the prestigious Institute of Law, Psychiatry, and Public Policy (ILPPP) and Western State Psychiatric Hospital where he performed criminal and civil forensic evaluations. He also provided clinical care at a maximum security prison. Prior to joining Talkiatry, Dr. Romanow worked at a healthcare system in Montana providing inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care involving medication management and psychotherapy. Additionally, he operates a private forensic psychiatry practice that conducts mental health evaluations for the legal system. Dr. Romanow has extensive experience treating various mental health disorders including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and ADHD. His clinical work includes assisting patients who experience mental health disorders with co-occurring substance use problems. He has training in various schools of psychotherapy including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), CBT for insomnia, motivational interviewing and supportive psychotherapy. Dr. Romanow incorporates treatment focusing on the importance of exercise, diet, and good sleep habits as a part of comprehensive mental health care.‍

Dr. Dhaliwal is an integrative psychiatrist with an MPH, a 1-year fellowship through Psychiatry Redefined, as well in intensive inpatient and outpatient training. A Boston University School of Medicine graduate and former Chief Resident at FAU, she blends research-based care, emotional insight, and life optimization. She treats depression, bipolar, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, substance use, and psychotic-spectrum disorders with a holistic, results-driven approach.

Dr. Dhaliwal works with individuals who feel stuck—functioning on the outside but "not like myself" inside. Her warm, structured, and research-driven approach combines medication when needed with integrative tools such as CBT, lifestyle changes, "24-hour approach", and a bio-psycho-social-spiritual lens. She focuses on root causes and helps individuals gain clarity, momentum, and purpose to function at their highest level across home, career, and life.

Dr. Dhaliwal begins with a 360-degree assessment exploring emotional patterns, routine, physical health, neurobiology, and values. Her 24-hour optimization model supports intentional living, clarity, and structure. She fine-tunes medications and augments with an integrative tools to enhance mood, resilience, and wellbeing. Her care is shaped by years in psychiatry and over a decade of coaching future physicians, researchers, and life coaches to reach their highest academic and career potential.

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.

Xavier Diao, MD (he/him) is a board-certified psychiatrist. He earned his undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Biological Sciences at the University of Maryland, where he also obtained his medical degree. Dr. Diao completed his psychiatry residency at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, received additional training in child and adolescent psychiatry at Columbia and Cornell, and finished a psychoanalytic fellowship at the New York Psychoanalytic Society & Institute. Prior to joining Talkiatry, he was an Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania, where he provided clinical care and teaching along the undergraduate-graduate medical education continuum.

Dr. Diao's therapeutic orientation is informed by psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, and dialectical behavior modalities. He has expertise in the treatment of a diverse range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD. Dr. Diao uses a developmentally informed and LGBTQ-affirmative approach in his practice, with the aim of enriching meaning and alleviating suffering in the domains of work, play, and love.

Dr. Diao begins each encounter with gentle curiosity, inviting patients to share their stories without fear of judgment. Together, he crafts an individualized treatment plan with the patient that may include medication, psychotherapy, and/or referrals to subspecialty care, always in close collaboration with other members on the treatment team.

‍

Dr. Laura Mayol is double-boarded in child and adolescent psychiatry and adult psychiatry. She has been practicing for over 12 years. Dr. Mayol practice focuses on medication management, which is offered in conjunction with supportive therapy offered in 30 min visit follow-up visits. However occasionally Dr. Mayolmay believe additional therapy is needed and ask you to bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome.

Dr. Mayol received her medical degree from the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She completed her residency in adult psychiatry at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, FL. She pursued her fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of Florida, in Gainesville. After completing training, Dr. Mayol worked with children and adult in a variety settings including Community Mental Health Centers and hospitals, providing both inpatient and outpatient services.

Dr. Mayol then became a Clinical Assistant Professor for the University of Florida Department of Psychiatry and provided clinical services for UF Student Mental Health at the Counseling and Wellness Center. While treating a wide variety of patients, her clinical focus has been on treating adolescents and young adults with mood and anxiety disorders

Dr. Kerry O'Leary is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who joined Talkiatry after she completed her psychiatry residency. Dr. O'Leary provides patient-centered care and understands the importance of actively involving patients in their treatment journey. She believes that every patient deserves personalized care tailored to their unique needs and circumstances. She utilizes evidence-based treatments combined with a comprehensive approach to address not only the symptoms but also the underlying factors contributing to her patients' distress. Although her practice focuses on medication management, she also provides supportive therapy and may recommend more intensive therapy when indicated. Dr. O'Leary approaches each patient with empathy and understanding, fostering a supportive and nonjudgmental environment. Dr. O'Leary completed her undergraduate training at The University of Texas at Austin and pursued her medical degree at The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. She also graduated with a Master's in Public Health from Columbia University in New York. She went on to complete her general adult psychiatry training at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. Dr. O'Leary focuses on treating the adult population from ages 18+. She utilizes both pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatment interventions and has experience in treating a variety of diagnoses including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, insomnia, PTSD, OCD, and psychotic disorders.