Christa DeFries, MD

Dr. Dalhy is a psychiatrist with a practical, patient-centered approach to care. She earned her Associate of Arts Degree in General Studies from Valencia College, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Central Florida. She completed a post-baccalaureate program in Health Sciences before earning her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM). She went on to complete four years of psychiatry residency training at Centerstone Behavioral Health Hospital and Addiction Center in Bradenton, Florida.

Dr. Dalhy has inpatient and outpatient practice experience. She is experienced in treating a wide range of conditions, including complex mood disorders, anxiety disorders, addiction medicine, primary psychotic disorders, and patients in acute crisis.

Her treatment style is straightforward and conservative. She focuses on making accurate diagnoses and creating treatment plans that are as simple and effective as possible—prioritizing the lowest effective dose and minimizing unnecessary medications. She works collaboratively with each patient to develop a treatment plan that is realistic, personalized, and sustainable. She incorporates education into her practice and believes that patients make more informed decisions when they understand their options. You can expect a straightforward and honest approach with no judgment or pressure. She always welcomes questions.

Outside of her clinical work, she values spending time with loved ones, including pets. Dr. Dalhy enjoys spending time outdoors and experiencing new adventures. She values honesty, kindness, and compassion, and she integrates those qualities into her personal life and her work with patients.

Dr. Atkins is a staff psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He is board-certified in adult psychiatry and has been in practice for the past 2 years. He has received several awards for teaching and the treatment of chronically ill patients, including Stony Brook University's "William Turner Award" for excellence in education and leadership. Dr. Atkins has focused his practice primarily on medication management. He combines medication management with a therapeutic style that is a blend of supportive therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing. Follow‐up appointments with Dr. Atkins typically last 20‐30 minutes. While Dr. Atkins is trained in a variety of therapeutic techniques, he works collaboratively with therapists and may recommend their inclusion as part of your treatment team, depending on your individualized treatment plan .Dr. Atkins attended the University of Connecticut School of Medicine where he received his medical degree. He completed his psychiatry residency at Stony Brook University Hospital in New York. Post residency, he worked with general adult patients as well as older adults at Manchester Memorial Hospital where he served as both an outpatient psychiatrist and Director of the Geriatric Intensive Outpatient Program. Although Dr. Atkins does not treat child or adolescent patients, he has experience working with people of all ages, from young adults to adults. He has experience treating mood disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, patients in the perinatal period, and patients with co‐co-occurring substance use disorders. He has regularly managed behavioral problems in adults with autism spectrum disorders as well as dementia. He particularly enjoys working with patients dealing with life or role transitions, older adults, and patients with bipolar or other affective disorders.

Dr. Emily Sykes is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree with Magna Cum Laude distinction from Carleton College, where she majored in biology. Dr. Sykes completed her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Toledo. She completed her psychiatry residency at the University of Cincinnati and was the outpatient chief resident physician. Dr. Sykes' specialty interests include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and holistic wellness. She is a certified Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) provider for PTSD. Dr. Sykes provides compassionate, evidence-based, individualized, holistic care for patients suffering from a variety of mental health diagnoses and concerns. She incorporates supportive therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and solutions-focused therapy into her sessions.

Dr. Mouneimne is a Board-Certified bilingual psychiatrist specializing in general adult psychiatry, bringing extensive experience from her residency training in the underserved area of East Texas. She earned her medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Worth and has received broad exposure to child/adolescent, geriatric, and adult inpatient and outpatient psychiatry. With a background in Engineering from Texas A&M University, Dr. Mouneimne employs an analytical approach to diagnose and treat mental health issues through personalized and collaborative care. Her training has included both in-person and virtual encounters to extend care across larger geographic areas. She has experience managing psychiatric care in acute behavioral health units as well as long-term facilities and has focused training in applied Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Dr. Mouneimne prioritizes maintaining strong patient-provider relationships, ensuring that patients feel heard and seen to optimize treatment outcomes. She is committed to de-stigmatizing mental health services and providing culturally competent care. Her practice incorporates medication management as part of a comprehensive treatment strategy, emphasizing a deep understanding of the underlying etiology rather than merely addressing symptoms. Known for her compassionate and open bedside manner, she values each patient's unique story as essential to their care. ‍In addition to medication management, her practice includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and supportive psychotherapy to effectively address complex mental health needs. Dr. Mouneimne strives to promote overall well-being and encourage active patient engagement in their care, ensuring that treatment plans support patient goals, comfort, and meaningful outcomes.

Dr. Ali-Noor Jessani, DO, completed medical school in Des Moines, Iowa, and third-year rotations in Chicago. They finished internship and residency at VCU School of Medicine in Richmond, VA, and are currently completing a forensic psychiatry fellowship in Dallas, Texas.

Dr. Jessani has a conversational style that fosters trust and openness. They encourage patients to ask any and all questions and take pride in helping people understand their symptoms. Patients can expect a provider who genuinely enjoys listening to their stories.

Dr. Jessani begins by thoroughly reviewing each patient’s history, concerns, and goals during the initial session. From there, they develop individualized treatment plans tailored to align with each patient’s objectives, emphasizing collaborative care and clear communication.

Dr. Gregory Arthmann recently passed the ABPM Addiction Medicine board exam. Dr. Arthmann is an ABPN board‑certified psychiatrist who received his medical degree from the University of Sint Eustatius. He completed two years of Internal Medicine residency at WellSpan York Hospital in Pennsylvania prior to completing his Psychiatry residency training at East Carolina University in North Carolina.

Dr. Arthmann has over 10 years of experience practicing psychiatry and has treated a broad spectrum of acute and chronic psychiatric disorders. He utilizes a patient-centered, biopsychosocial approach to psychiatry, primarily focusing on psychopharmacological interventions that align with each patient’s unique treatment goals and clinical needs. His practice style centers around medication management with adjunctive supportive therapy tailored to individual needs. Depending on each patient’s circumstances, he may recommend additional support from individual, family, or group counselors and therapists to achieve optimal outcomes.

During an initial visit, patients can expect a thorough and collaborative discussion focused on their symptoms, treatment goals, and clinical needs. Dr. Arthmann will evaluate the patient’s condition to determine appropriate medication interventions and discuss personalized treatment recommendations. Typical follow-up visits are approximately 20–30 minutes in length. Depending on the severity and complexity of a patient’s situation, referral for additional counseling or therapy may be suggested.