Skip to main content

Dennis Valerstain, MD

Staff Psychiatrist
Languages
English
SPECIALTIES
ADHD
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Depression
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
PTSD/Trauma
Child/Adolescent
Geriatric
Medication Management

Education and training

  • Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine Doctor of Medicine (MD)
  • University of Miami Health System | Jackson Health System (Fellowship)
  • University of Miami Health System | Jackson Health System | Miami VA Hospital (Residency)

Get to know

Dennis Valerstain, MD

Dr. Dennis Valerstain is a board-certified Adult and Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. After completing his undergraduate education at Emory University, he attended medical school at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. He subsequently completed psychiatry residency at University of Miami/Jackson Health System and further sub-specialized at University of Miami/Jackson Health System with a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Dr. Valerstain has had the opportunity of working with a diverse array of patients including children, adolescents, the severely mentally ill, veterans, and cancer patients across three distinct hospital systems. Dr. Valerstain has had varied clinical experiences in specialty inpatient psychiatry units, emergency psychiatry, consultation liaison psychiatry, psycho-oncology, and outpatient clinics via telemedicine and face to face interactions. Dr. Valerstain has experience working with patients of all ages, particularly those with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, Tic disorders, substance use disorders, and more. Dr. Valerstain's practice focuses on medication management and also employs empathic listening, supportive psychotherapy techniques, and a comprehensive and methodological approach to his visits. Given his broad and diverse training experiences, he enjoys problem solving and working collaboratively with patients (and their families) to navigate their complex issues and jointly focusing on simple solutions to work towards improving their mental health.

Get matched with a clinician like this one

Ready to book your first appointment? Take our 10-minute assessment. We’ll match you with a clinician who meets your needs, has availability, and takes your insurance.

Get started
More Clinicians

Shilpika Varma, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Varma grew up in an immigrant family surrounded by aspiring doctors, and her passion for understanding the human mind and behavior blossomed early. This curiosity led her to pursue extensive medical training abroad, beginning at Kasturba Medical College in Southern India, followed by clerkships at the University of the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago. She completed her Adult psychiatry residency at the University of Florida in Gainesville and specialized further with a child/adolescent fellowship at Brookdale University Hospital in Brooklyn, NY.

Dr. Varma believes in a holistic, integrative approach to mental health. Her philosophy centers on identifying the root causes of ailments rather than merely addressing symptoms. She views mental health care as a partnership, where the mind, body, and spirit work together to achieve wellness. Dr. Varma is committed to fostering a safe, confidential therapeutic alliance to help you explore your potential for healing.

Dr. Varma embraces integrative psychiatry, which combines the best of conventional Western medicine with complementary approaches. This involves a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment tailored to each individual, incorporating psychopharmacology alongside lifestyle adjustments in diet, movement, and breathwork. She collaborates with therapists and other professionals to create a well-rounded treatment plan that honors your unique journey.

Hala Mouneimne, DO

Staff Psychiatrist

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.

Carolyn Benson, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Carolyn Benson has 21 years of experience in treating adults, adolescents, and children. After graduating medical school at Brody School of Medicine in Greenville, North Carolina, she moved to Rochester, NY to complete her residency and fellowship at University of Rochester School of Medicine. Her focus over the last ten years has been on working with young adults, children/adolescents, and their families. Her expertise covers a wide array of therapeutic modalities and mental health diagnoses. The primary focus of her sessions is to provide medication management with education on treatment options. She will provide therapy models that are appropriate within that 20�30 minute medication session. If longer therapy time frames are indicated, she will discuss the need to add a therapist to your treatment team to achieve optimal care. Her successful treatment outcomes are based on experience, staying current on psychiatric treatments, and having open communication with patients and families of children/adolescents so they can choose the most effective treatments. Prior to medical school, she worked in both marine and biochemical research venues and was coauthor in several research papers. She has an avid interest in the emerging field of neuroscience and frequently gives talks to colleagues and students on current research topics. Her primary objectives in her work are to help patients achieve success in both treatment and life goals and to always take time to truly listen to her patients.

John Weller, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. John Weller, MD, is a psychiatrist with a strong foundation in science and clinical care. He earned his undergraduate degree in molecular genetics from the University of Vermont and conducted neuroscience research in both academic and industry settings. A graduate of St. George’s University School of Medicine, he completed his psychiatry residency at Mather Hospital, Northwell Health, where he was honored as Resident of the Year in 2025 and inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.

Dr. Weller is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care that considers the full spectrum of biological, psychological, and social factors. He builds therapeutic relationships on empathy, respect, and trust. By tailoring treatment plans to each patient’s personal and cultural context, he helps individuals take control of their mental health and work toward long-term recovery and resilience.

In the first session, Dr. Weller takes time to listen carefully and gather a thorough understanding of each patient's concerns, history, and current functioning. He uses empathy and active listening to foster open communication and develop personalized treatment plans that may include therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes, with the goal of restoring wellness and stability.

Julia Wellin, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Wellin is a double board certified psychiatrist specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry and adult psychiatry. She has been in private practice and worked in community clinics for over 44 years. Dr. Wellin's practice focuses on medication management in conjunction with supportive psychotherapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. She encourages a team approach involving psychotherapists, medical doctors, and parents and family when appropriate, to provide holistic care for optimal outcomes. Dr. Wellin received her medical degree from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, in Bronx, NY. She did her residency in adult psychiatry at the Jacobi Hospital Department of Psychiatry in Bronx, NY. Her fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at Columbia University St Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital NYC followed. For the last 5 years, she has been an assistant clinical professor at the Adolescent Health Center at Mt Sinai Hospital NY. During this period she was also a consulting psychiatrist at the McShane Center for Psychological Services at Pace University. Dr. Wellin trained at the Psychoanalytic Institute at NYU. She was certified in hypnosis by NYSEPH in NYC and she has also received training in EMDR. Dr. Wellin worked at a NYC rehab for substance abusers and was the medical director of a private program for children of substance abusers and their families. Her primary current focus is on adolescents and college-aged patients.

Sarita Sharma, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Sarita Sharma is a board-certified adult psychiatrist dedicated to providing personalized psychiatric treatment that addresses the mind, body, and spirit for optimized health and healing. Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, she earned her medical degree from Avalon University School of Medicine in Curacao and completed her residency at Southern Illinois University in Springfield, Illinois. Dr. Sharma has extensive experience working with underserved patients from diverse backgrounds and with varying severities of psychiatric disorders. She has a genuine interest in treating mood and anxiety disorders like depression and anxiety. She views medication as one of many tools to aid patients, emphasizing the importance of therapy and lifestyle changes aligned with each patient's goals. Believing in a holistic approach, she incorporates mindfulness techniques, lifestyle optimization (sleep, diet, movement), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to target the root causes of unease. She enjoys helping patients navigate meaning and purpose, relationship dynamics, and self-image. With a sincere, direct, and practical approach, Dr. Sharma values empathy and understanding as vital components of effective care. In her free time, she enjoys spontaneous adventures, connecting with fellow human beings, and just being in nature. She is committed to helping you achieve a balanced, fulfilling life.

Ready to get matched?

Start our short assessment
Specialties
ADHD
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Depression
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
PTSD/Trauma
Child/Adolescent
Geriatric
Medication Management
States
Florida
Tennessee
Languages
English
Takes insurance
Virtual visits
years experience