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Elena Perea, MD

Staff Psychiatrist
Languages
English
SPECIALTIES
ADHD
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Depression
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Perinatal Psychiatry
Postpartum Depression
Geriatric

Education and training

  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine Doctor of Medicine (MD)
  • Univ of North Carolina Hosps (Residency)

Get to know

Elena Perea, MD

Dr. Elena Perea is a board-certified psychiatrist.  She completed her undergraduate training at Wake Forest University followed by medical school and residency training at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC).

Dr. Perea holds an adjunct academic appointment at UNC and has been involved in medical education for her entire career.  She most recently served as Residency Program Director for the Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC) psychiatry residency in Asheville, NC.  She remains involved in didactic education there for both residents and medical students.

She has a genuine interest in treating a vast array of psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders and obsessive compulsive and related disorders. She is a skilled psychopharmacologist and interested in the mind-body connection. She believes physical health greatly affects mental health and vice versa and loves helping patients with medical comorbidities to feel well.

Patients looking for a psychiatrist will find that Dr. Perea has a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and management of her patients. She believes in the principle that body and mind are interconnected and utilizes psychoeducation and psychotherapeutic approaches in addition to medications for total wellness.

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Leonardo Alexandre, MD

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Dr. Alexandre incorporates a collaborative and compassionate approach to care, combining medication management with elements of cognitive behavioral therapy, behavioral activation, and interpersonal strategies when appropriate.

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Dr. Adams strives to create a cooperative therapeutic experience that fosters open and empathetic communication. He values patient choice in treatment and prioritizes empowering patients through psychoeducation. Drawing on a variety of psychotherapeutic techniques, he tailors care to meet the unique needs of each individual.

Initial appointments with Dr. Adams include a thorough review of the patient’s concerns and the development of both patient and physician treatment goals. He discusses treatment options in detail, providing education on any medications, therapies, or interventions. Together, he and the patient select a dynamic treatment plan and set a follow-up schedule to monitor progress.

Margaret Reyes, PMHNP

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Margaret Mary Reyes, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner committed to delivering patient-centered and compassionate mental health care. A proud Florida native, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and post-master’s certification in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing from Florida Atlantic University (FAU). Her academic research focused on improving outcomes for women living with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD).

Margaret has advanced practice experience in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings. She has treated individuals with a wide range of mental health conditions, including psychotic disorders, bipolar spectrum disorders, depressive and anxiety disorders, trauma-related disorders, attention deficit disorders, personality disorders, substance use and co-occurring disorders, eating disorders, suicidality, homelessness, and severe mental illness (SMI) within the criminal justice system. Her clinical background also includes acute care experience in oncology, medical-surgical, telemetry/cardiac step-down, intensive care, nursing research, and consultation-liaison psychiatry.

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Rishell Tsujimoto-Ryzewski

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Dr. Tsujimoto-Ryzewski is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. She received her medical degree from the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. She completed her residency at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, where she served as a chief resident during her last year of training. Dr. Tsujimoto-Ryzewski has treated patients with a wide variety of diagnoses both during her residency and after her training while working at a busy private practice clinic as well as for the Veterans Administration. Dr Tsujimoto-Ryzewski focuses on medication management and supportive psychotherapy. If she feels that additional therapy is needed, she will ask that you bring in a therapist as part of the treatment team. Dr. Tsujimoto-Ryzewski will work collaboratively with you in a caring environment to assist you in reaching your goals.

Sahar Ali, MD

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Dr. Ali is a lifelong New Yorker who has always been fascinated by the complexity of the human mind, behavior, and experience. Growing up in a vibrant and diverse city, she developed a deep appreciation for how culture, environment, and individual background shape a person’s psychological well-being. Driven by this passion, she pursued her medical degree at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, where she gained a strong foundation in both the biological and psychosocial aspects of medicine. She then completed her general psychiatry training at SUNY Stony Brook University Hospital, where she worked closely with a diverse patient population from varied religious, cultural, socioeconomic, and age groups.

Dr. Ali prioritizes open communication and mutual trust, creating a safe, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel respected and empowered to actively engage in their care. She integrates psychotherapy techniques and takes a holistic, person centered approach to treatment.

Dr. Ali believes in collaboration and shared understanding grounded in evidence-based therapies. Her typical process includes developing individualized treatment plans aimed at symptom relief, improved functioning, and overall quality of life. Beyond medication management, she incorporates psychotherapy techniques and psychoeducation to help patients build coping skills and insight.

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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?

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Specialties
ADHD
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Depression
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Perinatal Psychiatry
Postpartum Depression
Geriatric
States
North Carolina
Florida
Languages
English
Takes insurance
Virtual visits
years experience