David Jiang, MD

Elizabeth Shaffer, MD, is an accomplished psychiatrist specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry. She earned her M.D. degree from St. George's University School of Medicine and holds a Bachelor of Science in Child Development from Appalachian State University where she graduated summa cum laude. Dr. Shaffer's passion for working with children and families developed during her involvement in a pre-K Head Start Program in Rural North Carolina. She completed her General Psychiatry Residency and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine at Campbell University. Dr. Shaffer obtained ABPN Board Certification in General Psychiatry in 2023 and is working towards Board Certification in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Dr. Shaffer has received honors and awards for her contributions to psychiatry, including the Laughlin fellowship through The American College of Psychiatrists and Resident of the Year at Cape Fear Valley Health System in 2022.Her areas of interest focus on neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD, Autism, and Intellectual Delay. Dr. Shaffer is affiliated with professional organizations like AACAP and APA, demonstrating her commitment to professional development. Dr. Shaffer is dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and family and patient psychoeducation. Dr. Shaffer emphasizes a joint decision-making approach to treatment options and utilizes local resources to provide wrap-around support. Dr. Shaffer is a respected psychiatrist known for her excellence, compassion, and innovative approach to mental health care. Her extensive education, accolades, research contributions, professional affiliations, and community involvement reflect her commitment to making a positive impact in her patients' lives and the broader community.

Dr. Thomas Simeone is Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in Psychiatry.  Following his completion of medical school at Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara, he completed his Fifth Pathway Clinical Training at New York Medical College.  He then completed his Psychiatry Residency at Tuft's University in Boston, MA, and went on to complete a Child and Adolescent Fellowship Program at the University of Florida in Gainesville FL.  He has since worked in both hospital inpatient and outpatient settings, as well as in Residential Treatment for adolescents. Dr. Simeone has treated a wide spectrum of mental health conditions including Anxiety and Depression Disorders, as well as Mood Disorders and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He has also treated ADHD, OCD and Eating Disorders in adults and adolescents. Dr. Simeone has worked in Telehealth Practice for the past 4 years. He is a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and a member of the American Medical Association (AMA).

Dr. Simeone utilizes medication management and psychotherapy practices to achieve treatment goals for his patients.  During an initial assessment and evaluation, a thorough review of the patient's previous mental health treatment is considered.  Dr. Simeone assesses patients' acute symptoms including recent stressors and exacerbating factors and then establishes a comprehensive treatment plan with the patients' goals in mind.  Psychotherapy with medication is incorporated into the treatment plan of all patients.  Dr. Simeone always aims to achieve full remission of symptoms for his patients.

Dr. Simeone's practice focuses on medication management with facets of various psychotherapeutic techniques.  He conducts 30 medication management follow up sessions. Dr. Simeone is a sincere and empathic physician who advocates for patient autonomy and believes in a direct and transparent approach to patient treatment. He encourages active patient participation in their treatment plans.

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Dr. Tahira Akbar specializes in adult psychiatry, she completed her four years of residency training at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in Paramus NJ and additional two years of geriatric psychiatry fellowship from SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY. During her final year of the of residency training, she was appointed as the chief of research. She utilized her extensive research experience to guide and mentor her fellow residents. Under her supervision the program submitted maximum number of research papers and presented medical posters to various psychiatric platforms including American Psychiatric Association.

Dr. Akbar was introduced to tele-psychiatry during the second year of her fellowship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She appreciated that tele-psychiatry allowed her to continue to serve her patients in the comfort of their own homes. During the challenging times of social distancing, she recognized the importance of collaborative care involving family members, social workers, medical team, and therapist to work together in the best interest of her patients while protecting their privacy and individuality.

Dr. Akbar has excellent communication skills, she believes that an open communication is essential for any relationship to prosper especially that of doctor-patient relationship. She provides a comforting environment for her patients to be able to express their needs and encourages feedback while preparing their individual treatment plan. She is experienced in providing psychiatric care to all age groups while her clinical interest focuses on taking care of adults and geriatric population. Dr. Akbar emphases on medication management utilizing a multidisciplinary methodology when treating each patient based on their requirements and tailoring treatment appropriately.

Tamara Lazenby, MD is a board-certified psychiatrist with more than 20 years of clinical and academic experience in emergency mental health, disaster response, and trauma-focused care. She earned her undergraduate degree at George Mason University and completed her medical degree at Eastern Virginia Medical School. After the September 11th attacks, Dr. Lazenby trained in psychiatry at New York Medical College’s Saint Vincent’s Hospital, specializing in emergency and trauma psychiatry.

She previously served as Associate Director of Wellness & Emergency Response Services at New York University’s Student Health Center, leading a team that cared for more than 50,000 global NYU students. Dr. Lazenby also previously served as Staff Psychiatrist and Team Lead for the Combat PTSD Clinical Team at the Hampton VA Medical Center, providing care for veterans with service-related trauma and implementing National VA Standards of Care.

Dr. Lazenby believes healing happens when mind, body, and spirit are aligned. She creates a compassionate and collaborative environment where patients feel deeply heard and empowered in their own care. Her approach blends conventional psychiatric treatment with nutrition, mindfulness, movement, and stress-reduction strategies to support long-term mental wellness.  She values authenticity, open communication, and shared decision-making, empowering patients to build resilience and restore balance in their lives.

She begins with a comprehensive assessment exploring medical, psychological, and lifestyle factors that influence mental health. Treatment plans are personalized and may include psychotherapy, targeted laboratory testing, lifestyle modifications, supplements, and medication when appropriate. Dr. Lazenby works closely with patients to restore balance, resilience, and overall well-being through a truly integrative approach. Regular collaboration and feedback, helping patients heal, grow, and thrive.

Dr. Cheng is a board-certified psychiatrist who provides medication management alongside supportive therapy. She takes an individualized, patient-centered approach, creating comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each person's needs. With an approachable and caring demeanor, she helps patients address both immediate concerns and underlying stressors. Dr. Cheng believes in evidence-based practices while maintaining sensitivity to each patient's unique mental health journey.

Background and credentials

Dr. Nereida Gonzalez-Berrios is a general psychiatrist fluent in English and Spanish. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from the University of Puerto Rico and her medical doctorate from Ponce School of Medicine (now Ponce Health Sciences University). She completed her General Psychiatry Training Program at the University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, graduating in 2008. After practicing privately in Puerto Rico, she relocated to Texas, where she worked for over five years at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Health System, providing mental health care to veterans. She has also gained extensive experience in telemedicine, working both within the VA system and as a locum tenens provider.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Gonzalez-Berrios has extensive experience treating a wide range of psychiatric conditions, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, intellectual impairment, ADHD, eating disorders, PTSD, and personality disorders. She integrates traditional psychiatric treatment with a holistic wellness approach, drawing on her background as a motivational speaker, wellness coach, certified personal fitness trainer, nutrition coach, and weight-loss specialist. Her approach emphasizes improving overall mental and physical well-being through personalized treatment plans that incorporate psychiatric care, wellness strategies, and lifestyle modifications.

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What you can expect in a first visit

Patients can expect a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation where Dr. Gonzalez-Berrios carefully assesses their symptoms, medical history, and personal wellness goals. She takes a collaborative and patient-centered approach, ensuring that treatment is tailored to each individual’s mental and physical health needs. As an experienced telemedicine provider, she offers accessible and flexible mental health care, combining medication management and holistic wellness strategies to help patients achieve lasting well-being.

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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.

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