Deborah Ford, PMHNP

Dr. Bardugon is a board-eligible psychiatrist who specializes in the treatment of adults. He has experience in treating patients with various forms of depression and anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, ADHD, PTSD, and substance use disorders. He seeks to provide a safe, non-judgmental, gender affirming space for patients as they strive to lead a happier, more contented life. After a pediatrics residency, Dr Bardugon worked for 13 years as a pediatric ER physician. His interest in psychiatry was piqued during this time as he witnessed the emergence of a child and adolescent mental health crisis. While ultimately deciding to focus his efforts on the treatment of adults, Dr Bardugon is keenly aware of the influence of child development and family systems on the behavioral health of adults. Dr Bardugon employs a holistic, multimodal treatment approach. Aiming to treat the whole person, he stresses the importance of nutrition, exercise, and sleep. Dr Bardugon believes an informed patient actively engaged in decision making surrounding treatment has the best chance of effecting lasting change. Believing in the synergistic effect of talk therapy and medication, he incorporates one or more talk therapy techniques including motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and supportive and psychodynamic psychotherapies into most sessions. He often recommends formal participation in some form of talk therapy and is happy to collaborate with other providers.

Lindsey Stewart, PMHNP, holds three Bachelor’s degrees in Biology, Medical Technology, and Nursing, as well as a Master of Science in Nursing. She began her nursing career in 2011, working in inpatient psychiatry, and later expanded her experience to community mental health and home health for patients with behavioral health needs. In 2018, she earned her PMHNP certification from the University of Missouri–Kansas City and has since spent six years providing behavioral health medication management at an FQHC, treating patients across the lifespan.

Lindsey is passionate about her work and values each patient’s unique life story. She focuses on meeting patients where they are and creating customized treatment plans that align with their goals. Her care is rooted in a patient-centered approach, ensuring collaboration and respect throughout the treatment process.

Lindsey’s process blends structure with flexibility, tailoring care to each patient’s needs. She begins by establishing a diagnosis and treatment plan, integrating medication management, therapy, collaborative goal-setting, and ongoing progress monitoring. This holistic approach supports both mental health and overall well-being.

Dr. Osamudiamen Osa-Edoh is board-certified in general adult psychiatry. He earned his medical degree from the University of Benin in Nigeria and completed his psychiatry residency at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, where he served as Chief Resident and received multiple honors. He previously served as Medical Director at Sumner Regional Hospital and Assistant Professor at Meharry Medical College.

As a psychiatrist, Dr. Osa-Edoh diagnoses and treats mental illnesses through medication management and psychotherapy. He believes in a kind, compassionate, and evidence-based approach that prioritizes patient needs and fosters a supportive, healing environment.

Dr. Osa-Edoh creates a welcoming, collaborative space where patients feel heard and supported. He takes time to listen, building trust and a strong therapeutic relationship. His goal is to partner with each patient to support their mental health and help them reach their personal wellness goals.

Our team of professional healthcare writers work closely with our clinical staff and are trained in scientific research methods. As a medical practice, we adhere to principles of evidence-based medicine and are dedicated to bringing you accurate, accessible, and up-to-date information.

Mu Xu, MD is a Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He obtained his medical doctorate degree from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and PhD from New York University. He completed his psychiatry residency at New York University. Dr Xu is licensed to practice in California, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. Dr. Xu provides both medication management for a variety of psychiatric conditions. Dr. Xu is fluent in English and Mandarin. Dr. Xu is a general adult psychiatrist specializing in medication management. He values building strong connections with patients from all walks of life and tailoring treatments to their unique needs. His working style is characterized by attentive listening, detailed follow-up questions, and straightforward communication, fostering a collaborative and empathetic environment.

Dr. Nieves-Alvarado is a Board-certified psychiatrist who completed medical training at Duke University Psychiatry Program. Originally from Puerto Rico, she is fluent in both English and Spanish, which allows her to connect deeply with a diverse patient population.

Her practice combines medication management with insight-oriented therapy during every visit, promoting a comprehensive approach to mental health care. She advocates for her patients to engage in therapy alongside medication management, as she believes this integrated approach leads to better outcomes and sustained improvement. Dr. Nieves-Alvarado's practice is rooted in a collaborative, team-based approach, working closely with her patients to achieve long-term mental wellness.

Dr. Nieves-Alvarado earned her medical degree from the Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine in Bayamon, PR. Afterward, she moved to North Carolina, where she completed her residency at Duke University Hospital. During her training, she was nominated for a fellowship in psychodynamic practice by the Psychoanalytic Center of the Carolinas, showcasing her expertise in this area. She is also a dedicated advocate against childhood sexual trauma.

Her diverse training includes significant experience in jail and forensic psychiatry, as well as the treatment of military veterans under the veteran affairs health care system. She has experience in medically assisted treatments (MAT) for substance use disorders, Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and family therapy, enabling her to care for patients with complex needs.

Dr. Nieves-Alvarado treats patients across a wide age range, from young adults to the elderly. Passionate about improving access to mental health care, she joined Talkiatry to help patients facing time or transportation challenges receive the care they need.  

In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Nieves-Alvarado remains involved with her alma mater’s Behavioral Health Department, contributing to academic education and maintaining a connection with the next generation of medical professionals. She continues to seek ongoing improvement in her field, remaining engaged with medical associations including North Carolina Psychiatric Association, American Psychiatric Association, and Alpha Omega Alpha national medical honor society. Dr. Nieves-Alvarado is committed to working hand-in-hand with her patients to achieve mental wellness.”