Emily Sykes, MD

Dr. Vitaly Chernish is a board-certified psychiatrist. He earned his medical degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, where he also completed his psychiatry residency training. Following residency, he relocated to New York City and worked at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. He also held an academic appointment as Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College. Dr. Chernish specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Dr. Chernish strives to create a therapeutic environment that balances empathy and compassion with structure and clinical clarity. Patients can expect a thoughtful, respectful approach that prioritizes understanding their concerns while providing clear guidance and evidence-based recommendations.

Initial visits involve a comprehensive evaluation of psychiatric, medical, and psychosocial history, current symptoms, and medication use to ensure care is individualized and appropriate. Dr. Chernish emphasizes collaborative, multidisciplinary treatment and regularly coordinates care with primary care physicians, specialists, and therapists when clinically indicated.

Dr. Hess is double board-certified in Adult and Geriatric Psychiatry. He completed his psychiatry internship and residency training at St. Vincent's Hospital and Medical Center in New York City, and then completed a geriatric psychiatry fellowship at Mount Sinai Beth Israel Medical Center. Dr. Hess has practiced inpatient psychiatry at the Long Island College Hospital, NYU Langone Brooklyn, and Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center. He has also worked in emergency rooms, day hospitals, and consultation-liaison settings, as well as seeing geriatric outpatients at a naturally-occurring retirement community (NORC) on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Dr. Hess has taught St. George's University medical students during their clinical rotations in psychiatry. Dr. Hess has more than 24 years of experience providing patients with compassionate psychiatric care for depressive and bipolar disorders, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and dementia. He uses pharmacotherapy as well as supportive psychotherapy. Dr. Hess may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome. The philosophy of his practice is to collaborate with patients to meet their specific needs and make an impact in various stages of their lives.

Dr. Roxanne McClung is a board-certified psychiatrist, specializing in general adult psychiatry.  She completed her General Psychiatry Residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, where she served as Chief Resident in her final year of training. She earned her MD (Doctor of Medicine) from the American University of the Caribbean, a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from the University of Texas at Tyler, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Southern Methodist University. With over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, Dr. McClung brings a uniquely comprehensive and well-rounded approach to psychiatric care.  Having served in multiple roles – including case manager, psychotherapist, and program/clinical director –she has a deep understanding of patient care across various settings and perspectives.

Dr. McClung is passionate about helping people through life’s challenges. She creates a non-judgmental, patient-centered environment that fosters open communication and collaboration. She emphasizes individualized care that integrates medicine, lifestyle interventions, and psychotherapy. Treatment plans are grounded in the understanding that mental health is influenced by biological, psychological, social, and lifestyle factors.

Dr. McClung begins with a thorough assessment to understand each patient’s history, concerns, and goals. She works collaboratively to create a personalized treatment plan, and her approach ensures clarity, respect, and patient involvement throughout the process.

Dr. Avjola Hoxha, MD, has experience practicing in both outpatient and inpatient settings. She earned her medical degree from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine and completed her psychiatry residency and Child and Adolescent fellowship at the University of Florida. She is board-certified and passionate about providing comprehensive, patient-centered care.

Dr. Hoxha values open communication and works collaboratively with patients to set individualized treatment goals. She creates a warm, supportive environment where patients feel heard, respected, and empowered throughout their care.

During the initial session, Dr. Hoxha thoroughly explores each patient’s history, concerns, and goals. She ensures patients fully understand treatment options and develops individualized plans aligned with their goals, always respecting patient autonomy and fostering a collaborative approach to care.

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Dr. Absar Tahir is an adult psychiatrist double-boarded in psychiatry and internal medicine who specializes in evidence-based, holistic, and individualized care. He graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he earned both his undergraduate and medical degrees. Dr. Tahir completed sequential residency training in both internal medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, followed by psychiatry at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Tahir integrates his knowledge of psychiatry and internal medicine to address the complex interplay between mental and physical health, ensuring a comprehensive and thoughtful approach to diagnosis and treatment. Throughout his career, he has helped patients from all walks of life, from diverse backgrounds, with a compassionate and empathetic treatment style. He strives to ensure his patients feel their voice is heard while working collaboratively towards achieving their treatment goals. As a psychiatrist, he specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). He is also highly experienced in treating psychiatric problems in patients with medical comorbidities.

Dr. Govalla is an adult psychiatrist who completed her training at George Washington University and earned her medical degree from the University of Missouri–Kansas City. She is deeply passionate about global mental health and is dedicated to educating her community.

Dr. Govalla values professionalism, honesty, and shared decision-making, using these principles to guide her evidence-based approach to care.

Her process is rooted in understanding each patient as a whole person—not just a diagnosis. She considers a patient’s history, environment, relationships, and personal journey to provide practical, individualized support that empowers them to reach their goals.