Darcie Farrell, PMHNP

More Clinicians

Dr. Caitlin Gardiner is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry and psychotherapy. Dr. Caitlin Gardiner's practice is based on the biopsychosocial model and believes that the foundation of healing is in psychotherapy and human connection. She is known for incorporating therapy into her medication management practice. Typically she offers 30-minute follow-up visits for medication management with focused therapy based on individual needs. As a known helper, Dr. Gardiner started her career with a bachelor's degree in social work from Cazenovia College in Cazenovia, NY. After changing career paths, she received her medical degree from SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY. She stayed upstate to complete her general psychiatry residency, where she was chief resident at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Following this, she completed her child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Upstate due to the high quality of training. Dr. Gardiner has completed 3 years of advanced training in Dynamic Deconstructive Psychotherapy as well as specialized training in DBT. Dr. Gardiner is a well-rounded psychiatrist who enjoys treating youth and young adults during transitional phases of life while providing a safe and supportive environment. She believes strongly in reducing polypharmacy and providing high-quality medication management through a therapeutic and developmental lens.

Ilisse Perlmutter, MD

Director of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Dr. Illise Perlmutter is the Director of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Talkiatry. She is double board-certified in child and adolescent psychiatry and adult psychiatry. Before joining Talkiatry, Dr. Perlmutter was the Chair of Behavioral Health and Addiction Services at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center. Prior to Bergen New Bridge, she was the Director of Inpatient Psychiatry at Montefiore Medical Center-Wakefield, in New York. Over 35 years, Dr. Perlmutter has held numerous leadership roles with some of the largest hospital systems in the New York Metro Area. Dr. Perlmutter is a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, a Fellow of the American College of Psychiatrists, and a Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She has received awards for her contributions both locally and nationally. Dr. Perlmutter was included in Castle Connolly's "America's Top Doctors” list from 2006-2011 and 2017, as well as "Best Doctors in America” from 2009- 2012. Dr. Perlmutter received her MD from George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. After an internship in pediatrics, she completed a residency in Psychiatry at Mt. Sinai Medical Center followed by a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Columbia University/New York State Psychiatric Institute. Dr. Perlmutter has held leadership roles in several academic institutions and is a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington, D.C. Dr. Perlmutter has authored numerous publications and research articles and has lectured and presented extensively on clinical, epidemiologic, and psychopharmacologic issues in child and adolescent psychiatry. She has made frequent media appearances addressing topical issues in disaster psychiatry during the course of her work in disaster psychiatry outreach.

John Whittier, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Background and credentials

Dr. John Whittier is a board-certified psychiatrist. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology from the University of Colorado at Boulder and went on to obtain a master’s degree in Medical Science from Loyola University Chicago. He completed his medical training at the Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at The University of Vermont and returned to Colorado for his psychiatry residency at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. While in residency, he specialized in the Psychotherapy Scholars Program and has since gained four years of experience treating psychiatric conditions through telehealth.

‍

Treatment approach

Dr. Whittier primarily focuses on medication management for general psychiatric conditions. His approach is individualized, ensuring that each patient receives a treatment plan tailored to their unique needs. He integrates supportive therapy, medications, and evidence-based alternative therapies to provide a flexible and comprehensive approach. In addition to his general practice, he maintains a psychodynamic psychotherapy panel where he helps patients explore developmental and relational patterns that contribute to their symptoms. His specialties include treating depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, PTSD, insomnia, bipolar disorder, and ADHD.

‍

What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a one-hour comprehensive intake during which Dr. Whittier thoroughly evaluates their symptoms, medical history, and personal goals. He provides treatment options that prioritize flexibility, allowing patients to take an active role in their care. Follow-up visits typically last 20 to 30 minutes, focusing on assessing treatment progress and making necessary adjustments. For those engaged in psychodynamic psychotherapy, longer one-hour sessions are available for in-depth exploration of underlying psychological patterns.

‍

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.

‍

Emily Wu, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Emily Wu has dedicated over a decade to the study and treatment of psychiatric and neurocognitive disorders, with a particular focus on advanced mediation management and cutting-edge therapies such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Spravato. She is board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Wu completed her residency in General Psychiatry at the University of Texas at Houston, where she trained at one of the national largest psychiatric hospitals. She also holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Science from the University of Texas at Houston.

Dr. Wu has extensive experience in applying holistic approach on treating psychiatric illness country and has earned her a strong reputation among her patients. She is also deeply committed to advancing research in psychiatric disorders, particularly neurocognitive disorders. As a teaching physician at the University of Texas at Houston's General Psychiatry Residency Program, Dr. Wu is passionate about educating the next generation of psychiatrists.

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Wu has published numerous peer-reviewed articles and serves on committees for several prestigious organizations, including the American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology, the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry, and the Texas Society of Psychiatric Physicians' Academic Committee.

Dr. Wu has been recognized with multiple national awards, including the American Association's Research Colloquium for Junior Investigators, the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry's Ruth Fox Scholarship, and fellowships from the American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology. She also serves as a reviewer for several scientific journals. Her research focuses on exploring mechanisms and developing novel treatments for psychiatric disorders.

Jerry Sayers, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Jerry Sayers is a double board-certified psychiatrist in General Psychiatry and Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry. Dr. Sayers completed an Internal Medicine internship in Youngstown, Ohio. He then completed his residency in General Psychiatry at The Johns Hopkins Hospital followed by fellowship training in Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Neurology at Johns Hopkins Bayview. He most recently finished his fellowship in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry at the University of Maryland. Dr. Sayers has had the opportunity to care for a diverse group of patients with neuropsychiatric, neurological, and other general medical conditions. His work allowed him to work on a proactive, collaborative psychiatric consultation team designed to be involved early in the care of vulnerable patients with complex neuropsychiatric conditions. Dr. Sayers has experience in outpatient, inpatient, residential, and partial hospitalization programs. He works hard to tailor therapy to the needs of the individual patient by adapting techniques that have been successful across different treatment settings. His desire to ensure exceptional care is evident in his ability to relate to and understand an individual patient's needs and concerns.

Gihan Abdel Razik, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr Razik is a board-certified psychiatrist who has been practicing for over 20 years. Throughout her career she has helped thousands of patients overcome their mental health struggles through medication management and a combination of supportive and psychodynamic psychotherapy. She graduated from Ain Shams University School of Medicine in 1992 and went on to do her psychiatry residency training at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, after which she became board-certified as Dr. Razik has practiced psychiatry in various settings including private practice where she has experience managing patients with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, ADHD, panic disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder. Early on in her career she worked with veterans at the Dayton VA Medical Center as well as with the severely mentally ill patients in community mental health. Dr. Razik lives in Mason, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, cooking, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Ernesto Gonzalez, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Ernesto Gonzalez is a board certified adult psychiatrist. He completed his undergraduate training at Yale University and received his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. He completed his residency training at the Cambridge Health Alliance/Harvard Medical School Adult Psychiatry Training Program. Dr. Gonzalez prefers a holistic approach that takes the time to know the whole patient, incorporating biological, psychological, social, and cultural perspectives in crafting a comprehensive, individualized, treatment plan. He practices medication management combined with supportive therapy, typically delivered within 30 minute sessions. Elements of psychodynamic, dialectical behavior and cognitive-behavioral therapy will also be incorporated into sessions based on a patient's individual needs. If additional therapy is needed, Dr. Gonzalez will recommend the addition of an individual therapist to the patient's treatment team. Having dedicated his career to adult outpatient psychiatry, Dr. Gonzalez has worked with patients from a wide range of ages, cultures, ethnicities, and social settings across the New York City area. His primary focus is working with patients with depression, anxiety, ADHD, and PTSD. He also values working with people adjusting to changes in their lives, whether it be grieving the loss of a loved one, changes in employment, relationships, or adjusting to changes that come with age. Prior to joining Talkiatry, Dr. Gonzalez was an Assistant Professor at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine and served as Director of the Adult Outpatient Psychiatric Department, Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team, and Collaborative Care Departments at Woodhull Hospital in Brooklyn, New York. He also had a small practice near his home. Dr. Gonzalez has also had a lifelong interest in meeting new people and experiencing different cultures. This interest has taken him as far away as the townships of Cape Town, South Africa and as close as his local diner, and it edifies the work he does with patients.

Amanda Wright, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Amanda Wright is a board-certified adult Psychiatrist who has been in practice for ten years. Her practice offers in-depth evaluations for new patients, personalized medication management, and supportive and motivational therapy within 30-minute follow up visits. Dr. Wright's professional interest is in mind-body wellness; she believes in psychotropic medication management as one of the tenants of overall wellness and also recognizes that non-medicinal interventions such as psychotherapy can enhance patients' ability to reach their full potential. To that end, if Dr. Wright feels you would benefit from working with a therapist in conjunction to medication management, she welcomes collaboration with your therapy provider. Dr. Wright is a graduate of the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, where she completed her psychiatric internship and residency training in 2013. From 2013 through 2022 she practiced Psychiatry in Louisiana. While practicing with Ochsner Health System, Dr. Wright was recognized locally (within her practice region) as "Provider of the Month” and later, "Provider of the Quarter” for the larger system of Ochsner. These awards were based primarily on patient feedback and highlight her warm and open approach as well as her genuine care for each patient's best long-term outcomes. In 2022, Dr. Wright and her family moved back to her home state of Texas where she has been practicing both in- and outpatient Psychiatry within a hospital system in the Rio Grande Valley. The broad scope of her professional experience lends itself to working with a variety of Psychiatric issues ranging from mood to anxiety spectrum disorders. Dr. Wright looks forward to returning her focus to outpatient Psychiatry and providing compassionate, individualized care for those seeking treatment.

Michelle Scott, PMHNP

Staff Nurse Practitioner

Michelle Scott is a dual board certified Psychiatric, Family, and Emergency Nurse Practitioner with 16 years experience. Michelle Scott has extensive experience working in Psychiatry across the lifespan, Emergency Medicine, and Internal Medicine. Psychiatric experience specifically includes a focus on adult outpatient and inpatient psychiatry. Michelle Scott has additionally provided care as an acute care hospitalist and as an Assistant Medical Director, in multiple acute care psychiatric facilities. Michelle has additional experience in addiction treatment, CBT, motivational, and problem focused therapy. She provides holistic care, addressing the needs of mood disorders, anxiety disorders, autism, genetic disabilities, and adult mood, anxiety, and adult addiction issues. With 16 years of experience treating all ages in the areas of acute and chronic medical conditions and psychiatry, I have seen the difference the right provider can make in the lives of patients. Her goal is positive and sustainable outcomes, with an emphasis on combined treatment modalities, treating the whole person, and concurrent issues.

Patricia Grendell, PMHNP

Staff Nurse Practitioner

Patricia Grendell is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who provides mental health care using a personalized, holistic approach. Patricia specializes in psychiatric evaluation and medication management along with psychotherapy and integrative interventions. Prior to receiving education and training in Nursing at New York University and Case Western Reserve University, Patricia earned a Master of Social Work from Boston College with a focus on health and mental health.

Patricia specializes in working with adults experiencing a wide range of acute and chronic stressors and mental health symptoms. Patricia tailors' treatment to the goals, needs, and comfort level of each individual at her or his own pace. Patricia builds connections with patients so that they feel heard and understood, and partners with each individual to determine the most appropriate treatment strategies that maximize comfort, safety, and positive results.

Over the past ten years as a Nurse Practitioner in outpatient and inpatient environments, Patricia has helped patients improve and overcome conditions including depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, and insomnia. Using a combination of medication management, individual therapy, and psychoeducation, Patricia develops individualized treatment plans centered around patients’ priorities and safety to achieve improvements in health and quality of life.

Gregory Miller, DO

Staff Psychiatrist

Gregory Miller, DO, is an adult psychiatrist who prioritizes understanding his patients by first listening to their stories. He collaborates with them to develop both pharmacological and non-pharmacological solutions aimed at improving their functionality. Dr. Miller emphasizes that functioning better often leads to feeling better. Whenever possible, he approaches treatment within the context of the family system surrounding the individual. Raised in South Carolina, and now residents of Florida, Dr. Miller and his wife of 31 years have six children. He enjoys outdoor activities and team sports and is an avid fan of Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. He at times incorporates analogies from their works into therapy if appropriate.

KaShunda Davis, LPC

Staff Licensed Professional Counselor

KaShunda "Shun” Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas. She received her Master of Science in Counseling at Amberton University and postgraduate studies in Professional Counseling and Development at Lamar University. Shun has worked in various settings in the mental health field including community-based counseling centers, private practice, and large group practices providing counseling services to adults, couples, and adolescents. Her professional experience has focused on mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder, persistent affective disorder), anxiety, trauma, personality disorders, self-esteem and confidence, gender identity and LGBTQIA+ concerns; relationship concerns, and life transitions. Shun's integrative therapeutic style provides an emotionally safe space that supports self-exploration, empowerment, and authenticity. Specializing in cognitive behavior therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, trauma-focused therapy, narrative therapy, and mindfulness; she tailors her approach to meet the unique needs of each individual. She is dedicated and passionate about assisting individuals to work through barriers to create the lives and relationships that they desire and to develop a sense of personal strength and self-acceptance. She celebrates and welcomes the diversity of all clients and strives to create an affirming, inclusive, and non-judgmental space to explore individual needs and therapeutic goals.

Darcie Farrell, PMHNP

Education and training

Get to know