Ethan Bardell, LMHC

More Clinicians

Grace is a LCSW, and LISW-CP licensed in Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences with a specialization in Nutrition from Solusi University in Zimbabwe and a Master of Social Work in Clinical Practice from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, MI. Grace has 20 years of experience providing mental health and psychotherapy services to diverse populations in various settings, including telehealth, outpatient care, residential programs for youth and adults, Assertive Community Treatment, foster care, inpatient units, intensive in-home services, and private practice. Her approach is individualized, solution-focused, holistic, and goal-oriented, emphasizing clients' strengths and fostering a positive, affirming perspective. Grace specializes in treating individuals facing anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-esteem, mood instability, anger, unresolved emotional challenges, relationship difficulties, and life transitions. She works with adults, couples, and families. Grace's therapeutic techniques include counseling for emotional and personal growth, fostering purpose and meaning, and empowering self-esteem. Grace draws on evidence-based practices tailored to each client's needs, including Trauma-Informed Care, CBT, Trauma-Focused CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Collaborative Problem Solving, Positive Behavior Support, and Family Systems approaches.

Kerstin Asquith, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Kerstin Asquith is a board-certified psychiatrist at Talkiatry. She has extensive experience working with a wide range of diagnoses and patient populations, with particular interest in treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD. She also has additional training in college mental health. Dr. Asquith believes in the importance of getting to know each of her patients and the unique issues that bring them into treatment. Her approach involves collaborating with patients to create personalized treatment plans and considering both medication and non-medication methods.

Dr. Asquith is from California and completed her undergraduate studies at the University of California, Davis. She obtained her medical degree from Creighton University School of Medicine and then trained at Stanford University's Adult Psychiatry Residency Program. She subsequently completed a fellowship in student mental health at Stanford University. Most recently, Dr. Asquith worked as an outpatient psychiatrist at The Permanente Medical Group. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, trying new foods, and spending time with friends and family.

Sibi Selvarajah, LCSW

Staff Therapist

Sibi Selvarajah is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) renowned for his compassionate approach and dedication to fostering emotional well-being. Sibi's career in mental health has been marked by a dedication to evidence-based practice and a client-centered approach. His experience working as a group and individual counselor at a private substance abuse outpatient treatment center in Manhattan provided him with invaluable knowledge and insight into helping individuals struggling with substance use disorder, anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues, among others. Sibi earned his Bachelor's degree in Psychology from New York University, where he developed a strong foundation in psychological theories and practices. He went on to complete his Master's degree in Social Work at Yeshiva University, gaining advanced knowledge and hands-on experience in therapeutic techniques. As a licensed clinical social worker, Sibi is known for his empathetic listening skills and his ability to build strong therapeutic alliances with his clients. His therapeutic approach is integrative, drawing from multiple modalities to tailor treatment plans that best meet the unique needs of each individual. Outside of his professional work, Sibi is dedicated to continuous learning and personal growth. He regularly attends workshops and conferences to stay abreast of the latest advancements in mental health therapy. Sibi also believes in the importance of self-care and encourages his clients to engage in practices that promote overall well-being. Through his work, Sibi Selvarajah continues to make a profound impact on the lives of those he serves, helping them navigate their mental health journeys with hope and resilience.

David Arabie, LPC

Staff Licensed Professional Counselor

David Arabie is a licensed professional counselor and certified tobacco treatment specialist with extensive experience working in the mental health field. David has worked directly with clients from various demographics and in various clinical settings, from inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practice, to working with the incarcerated. David has a long history of working with clients with an array of mental health conditions and challenges, from mood disorders, adjustment-related issues, addiction, family dynamics, relationship issues, emotional trauma, behavioral issues, anger management, and clinical anxiety and depression. He has a working knowledge of psychotropic medications to help with med-compliance and treatment barriers. David obtained undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Houston Clear Lake in Houston, Texas. David has been practicing as an LPC for 19 years but has also worked as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor before obtaining his LPC. Working with David, treatment is tailored to the individual, so the goals of therapy can be met, and the client can experience a sense of vested interest in their own emotional contentment and growth. David uses an eclectic approach to therapy, with a strong foundation in Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy. Personally, David is a musician, community theater actor, educator, coach, and swim official.‍

Adele Veksman, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Adele Veksman is double board-certified in adult psychiatry and psychosomatic medicine, with over 14 years of experience diagnosing and treating a wide range of psychiatric conditions. She approaches each patient as a unique individual, offering a non-judgmental space to help patients develop into their best selves. She focuses primarily on medication management to alleviate symptoms while working with patients on behavioral changes to address underlying issues. If additional therapy is needed, she may suggest adding a therapist to your care team to provide the best outcome. Dr. Veksman received her medical degree from St. George's University and then completed a residency in psychiatry and fellowship in psychosomatic medicine at Zucker Hillside Hospital at Northwell Health. Next, she was an attending and ER psychiatrist at North Shore University Hospital providing psychiatric care to medically ill patients. She then transitioned to adult outpatient care at Maimonides Medical Center, treating various psychiatric illnesses. Throughout her career, she taught and supervised residents and medical students.

Tara Merchant, LMHC

Staff Therapist

Tara Merchant is a person-centered, nonjudgmental, relationship-based LMHC (licensed mental health counselor) who recognizes the intrinsic value of all people and holds positive regard for all her clients. Tara views counseling as a collaborative effort that provides psychoeducation and coping skills for the obstacles with which clients may be struggling, and clients provide insights as experts on themselves. She believes that all thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected and have valid underlying factors. Tara seeks to help clients connect the dots, from both past and present, to have a greater understanding of themselves and their environments. She also fosters a safe space for clients to identify and embrace their feelings toward emotional catharsis. Tara received her Bachelor's Degree from Purchase College, State University of NY, and her Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Long Island University. She has an eclectic style that utilizes Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and psychodynamic modality. Tara aims to uphold cultural humility for ongoing learning and awareness that supports racial and social equity. She is experienced in working with relationship issues, anxiety, depression, and child development. Tara is a big proponent of self-care and encourages you to find whatever it is that fills your cup. She, for example, loves to watch TV and sing in her spare time.

Lauren Mingle, LPC

Staff Therapist, Clinical Lead

Lauren Mingle is an outpatient therapist at Talkiatry. She is dually licensed in Colorado as a LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) and LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist). Lauren earned her master's degree in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling/Therapy from the University of Northern Colorado. Before joining Talkiatry, Lauren held roles in a diverse array of settings including community mental health, crisis services, and outpatient therapy. Her previous specialty focuses included youth, adolescents, adults, and couples. Lauren uses a variety of evidence-based approaches including, but not limited to, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Dialectal Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing to meet people where they are at and work with them to best reach their personalized therapy goals.

Lawrence Stansberry IV, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Stansberry holds the position of staff psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He is board-certified in Adult Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Stansberry's practice focuses on medication management and also incorporates supportive therapy techniques, typically in 30-minute follow-up visits. In some cases, Dr. Stansberry may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team. Dr. Stansberry received his medical degree from the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. He completed his residency training through the Louisiana State University/Ochsner Health Foundation Psychiatry Residency program. He has experience working in inpatient, emergency, and consult-liaison psychiatry but particularly enjoys the opportunity to work longitudinally with patients in the outpatient setting.**THIS PROVIDER CANNOT PRESCRIBE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES FOR LOUISIANA PATIENTS**

Peter McGowan, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. McGowan is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with over 14 years of experience, during which time he primarily treated active-duty US Navy sailors, their family members, and military retirees in the outpatient setting. His practice focuses on medication management in addition to supportive and cognitive-behavioral therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. He is a strong advocate of multiple treatment modalities and, in certain situations, may suggest that therapy and/or regular physical exercise be included in your treatment plan to provide the best outcome. He received his B.S. in Physics from the United States Naval Academy. After serving as an Intelligence Officer in the Navy for eight years, he transitioned to medicine and earned his medical degree from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, MD. After completing an intern year in Family Medicine, Dr. McGowan completed residency training in Psychiatry at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, VA, where he remained on staff for the next ten years and was primarily involved in resident training and education. He held academic appointments at the Uniformed Services University and Eastern Virginia Medical School and served as the Psychiatry Residency Program Director for six years. He served his final four years in uniform running the behavioral health department at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, WA. He recently retired from the Navy after a 30-year career. Dr. McGowan has extensive experience in outpatient psychiatric care. In addition to the full spectrum of mood and anxiety disorders, he has treated a very large number of patients with PTSD stemming from combat, natural disasters, and sexual trauma. He believes that, like his service to the country, working alongside others in their journey to better mental health is an incredible privilege.

John Bardugon, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

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.

Jessi Munoz, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Background and credentials

Dr. Munoz is a board-eligible adult psychiatrist. He earned his medical degree from Rutgers, New Jersey Medical School and completed his psychiatric residency at Mount Sinai Beth Israel. Throughout his training, he gained experience in a variety of clinical settings, including outpatient and inpatient care, as well as psychiatric emergency services.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Munoz provides compassionate psychiatric care through a combination of pharmacotherapy and supportive therapy. He specializes in treating depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and psychotic disorders. He has extensive experience working with LGBTQ+ and Spanish-speaking communities. His treatment philosophy is holistic, viewing patients as whole individuals and addressing their specific needs at different stages of life. He also emphasizes the importance of exercise, relationships, and overall well-being in his approach to mental health care.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive and patient-centered evaluation. Dr. Munoz takes the time to understand each patient’s symptoms, background, and personal goals. He collaborates with patients to develop an individualized treatment plan that may include medication management, supportive therapy, and lifestyle modifications to support their overall well-being.

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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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Alessandra Buonopane, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Buonopane is Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She obtained her medical degree with Laude from the University of Rome, La Sapienza, and completed her residency in Psychiatry from Yale School of Medicine. Dr. Buonopane has extensive experience in psychopharmacology and offers state-of-the-art medication management with compassion and empathy. She practices a holistic approach, combining psychiatric medications with elements of psychotherapy and mindfulness. She offers individualized and comprehensive treatment plans which address the whole person, including lifestyle and social engagement, because the latest research findings show that both play an important role in mental and physical health. Education on mental illness and recommendations on diet and exercise are always discussed with the patients, according to the individuals' needs. Dr. Buonopane spends time listening to patients and makes plans based on clinical evidence without an authoritative approach, taking into consideration the patient's level of comfort and views because, in her experience, the best outcomes are always reached when patients fully understand and agree with the management of their conditions. Dr. Buonopane has been in practice for more than twenty years and has extensive experience in general Adult Psychiatry with a focus on mood disorder and anxiety. She has been leading clinical programs and teaching medical students, residents, and fellows in psychiatry and addiction in various clinical settings, such as private institutions and universities, including Yale School of Medicine. Prior to joining Talkiatry, Dr Buonopane had her own in-person clinical services for over ten years and telehealth services over the past four years, treating patients suffering mainly from depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety. When working in private practice, Dr Buonopane received the Compassionate Doctor Recognition (Vitals) and the Patient's Choice Awards (Vitals), both based on patients' reviews.

Ethan Bardell, LMHC

Education and training

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