Dennis Valerstain, MD

Background and credentials

Dr. Phillip Azouz is a board-certified general adult psychiatrist. He earned his medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School, where he was awarded the Albert M. Barret Award for Distinguished Performance in Psychiatry. He completed his psychiatric residency at Florida Atlantic University. Prior to medical school, he obtained his undergraduate degree in economics with honors from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. His background includes research at the Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Center and the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind-Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. Additionally, he worked as a Mental Health Specialist at McLean Psychiatric Hospital.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Azouz provides a relaxed, conversational, and non-judgmental space for patients to reflect on and integrate all aspects of their lives. He believes that vulnerability is key to healing and growth and works with individuals seeking to improve mood, reduce anxiety, enhance sleep, boost attention, or heal from trauma. His approach blends the latest research in medical treatment with insights from psychotherapy and coaching. He specializes in treating major depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, addiction, and personality disorders.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive and collaborative evaluation where Dr. Azouz takes the time to understand their symptoms, challenges, and goals. He fosters an open and supportive environment, ensuring that treatment plans are personalized and aligned with each patient’s unique needs. His approach integrates evidence-based medication management, psychotherapy techniques, and coaching strategies to help patients achieve their full potential.

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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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Background and credentials

Dr. Escamilla is a board-certified psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience in treating mental health conditions. He is a graduate of Harvard College and earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. He completed his psychiatry training at the University of California at San Francisco and further specialized through a research fellowship with the American Psychiatric Association. In addition to his clinical work, he is a Jungian Analyst and holds academic positions as an adjunct professor at Rutgers University Department of Psychiatry and as the Frank McMillan Jr. Scholar at the Jung Center of Houston.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Escamilla brings a deeply analytical and research-driven approach to psychiatry, integrating traditional psychiatric treatment with Jungian analysis. He has a strong background in academic research and clinical psychiatry, contributing extensively to the field through research publications. His expertise spans a wide range of mental health challenges, and he is committed to understanding the complexities of each patient’s experience to tailor a treatment plan that best suits their needs.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation that takes into account their personal history, psychological patterns, and treatment goals. Dr. Escamilla’s approach emphasizes thoughtful analysis and evidence-based care, ensuring that each patient receives a personalized and insightful treatment plan. His sessions may incorporate medication management, psychotherapy, and Jungian analytical techniques to provide a holistic and individualized treatment experience.

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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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Suzann Gordon, DNP is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who graduated with her Doctor in Nursing Practice from the University of Nevada Reno. Her years of experience in the mental health field began when she became a behavioral health counselor working with adolescents, then as a psychiatric nurse working with patients across the life span. She's worked in various healthcare settings including pediatric and adolescent residential treatment, acute inpatient care and outpatient as a nurse case manager on the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team for the state hospital.

Since Suzann has become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, she has worked in community health clinics providing both psychiatric medication management and medication-assisted treatment to patients. She has treated patients with various diagnoses including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, bipolar disorders, schizoaffective disorders, schizophrenias, alcohol abuse disorder and substance use disorders.

As a nurse practitioner, she believes in focusing on patient-centered care, providing a holistic approach to patient management and having a collaborative approach to mental health treatment. She uses supportive psychotherapy and at times cognitive behavioral therapy to help her patients change their thoughts and behaviors in managing their stressors.

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Background and credentials

Dr. Sonal Harneja is a board-certified adult psychiatrist specializing in medication management and psychotherapy for anxiety and depressive disorders. She earned her undergraduate degree from Stony Brook University and her medical degree from the University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (now called the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences). She completed her adult psychiatry residency at Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Dr. Harneja has held academic appointments at New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical College and Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, providing collaborative and client-centered psychiatric care.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Harneja specializes in medication management and supportive psychotherapy, with a strong emphasis on promoting well-being, resilience, and mindfulness. She works closely with patients to develop individualized treatment plans, ensuring that care is collaborative and patient-centered. Follow-up visits typically last 30 minutes, during which she evaluates treatment progress and adjusts care as needed. If additional therapy is beneficial, she may recommend working with a therapist as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a thorough psychiatric evaluation, where Dr. Harneja takes time to understand their symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals. She prioritizes open communication and trust, working collaboratively to create a personalized care plan that aligns with the patient’s mental health needs. Whether through medication management, therapy, or mindfulness techniques, she aims to foster long-term well-being and emotional resilience.

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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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Amber Gordon, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner dedicated to providing personalized mental health care. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration from the University of Memphis, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Union University, and a nursing practice degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

With over a decade of clinical experience, Gordon has worked in a variety of settings, including psychiatry, intensive care, and dialysis. Her psychiatric experience spans inpatient and outpatient care, as well as residential and correctional facilities. She has served diverse populations, addressing a wide range of mental health conditions such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, trauma- and stressor-related disorders, and perinatal psychiatric conditions.

Gordon’s approach to mental health emphasizes the complex interplay between mental and physical well-being, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors. She integrates conventional medicine with alternative therapies, recognizing the importance of medication while also advocating for therapy, nutrition, and lifestyle changes. This holistic philosophy reflects her belief in each patient’s unique journey to mental wellness. Her therapeutic style is described as warm, empathetic, and empowering, with a strong focus on building a trusting and connected therapeutic relationship.

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MassachusettsHolly James Corrigan, RN, MSN, PMHNP, is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner committed to helping people navigate their mental health with skill and heart. She earned her BSN from Russell Sage College in 2009, her MSN from Massachusetts General Hospital Institute for Health Professions in 2016, and completed Psychiatry Redefined’s Fellowship in Functional and Integrated Psychiatry in 2025. Holly keeps current by attending top conferences, like the International Trauma Conference in Boston, ensuring she’s always at the forefront of her field.

Holly’s philosophy is simple yet powerful: care should fit the person, not just the diagnosis. She’s passionate about tackling complex issues—suicide prevention, C-PTSD, chronic depression, ASD, OCD—and advocating for underserved communities. For Holly, it’s about delivering real, meaningful support to those who need it most.

Her career began as a registered nurse in neurology, pediatrics, and emergency care, before she found her calling in psychiatry. Since then, she’s provided medication management and supportive psychotherapy in outpatient clinics and worked in inpatient units serving adults and adolescents.

Holly believes in patient-centered care based on the individual, rather than focusing only on a diagnostic algorithm. The first appointment will include a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and a discussion about what your goals of treatment are. Pharmacological and therapeutic recommendations are both important elements of the treatment plan. Follow up appointments will be more concise, but may include various therapeutic modalities, medication changes, and supportive psychotherapy.