Jacqueline Hong, MD

Dr. Michael Kim, DO, is an accomplished attending psychiatrist dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health care. He earned his medical degree from Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency at HCA's The Medical Center of Aurora North. With a diverse clinical background, Dr. Kim has honed his expertise across various settings including inpatient, outpatient, PHP/IOP, and specialized areas such as geriatrics, eating disorders, addiction, and child and adolescent psychiatry. Dr. Kim is proficient in innovative treatments like Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). He is passionate about employing supportive and psychodynamic therapy approaches, tailoring treatment plans to meet each patient's unique needs. Embracing a holistic approach to psychiatry, Dr. Kim integrates medication management with a focus on nutrition, diet, and lifestyle factors to foster overall well-being. Dr. Kim is committed to delivering high-quality, personalized care to his patients. Outside of his professional commitments, he is an advocate for personal health and wellness. He enjoys enhancing his fitness and nutrition, engaging with enlightening podcasts, and exploring the great outdoors. Dr. Kim's holistic approach to psychiatry reflects his belief in treating the whole person, ensuring optimal mental and physical health for each individual he serves.

Dr. Jacqueline Barrett is Board Certified in Adult and Child Psychiatry and Board Eligible in Forensic Psychiatry. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing at Florida International University and her medical degree at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. She completed her residency in Adult Psychiatry at Henry Ford Hospital and went on to complete fellowships in Child and Forensic Psychiatry at the University of Michigan/Center for Forensic Psychiatry. Dr. Barrett has extensive experience working in a variety of healthcare settings, including community mental health centers, inpatient and outpatient programs, and most recently at the Miami Veterans Affairs.

Dr. Barrett believes in a patient-centered approach that combines careful assessment, evidence-based treatment, and individualized care. She works with each patient to create a personalized plan that addresses both immediate needs and long-term goals. By integrating psychiatric expertise with compassion and collaboration, she empowers patients to take an active role in their mental health journey.

During your first visit, you can expect a thorough and compassionate evaluation in a warm, supportive environment where you will feel heard and respected. Dr. Barrett values open communication and works collaboratively with her patients to establish clear treatment goals. Her approach is rooted in trust, empathy, and partnership, ensuring that every patient feels comfortable and supported throughout their care.

Dr. Mark Varela is a board-certified psychiatrist joining Talkiatry directly out of residency. He focuses primarily on medication management, often accompanied by brief cognitive, motivational, or supportive therapy. He may request that you also meet with a therapist regularly for your benefit. Dr. Varela received his medical degree and general psychiatric residency training both from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in West Texas. He treats young adults and adults with a wide variety of mental health concerns, including ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD.

Dr. Kim Brownell, MD, has extensive experience in both outpatient and inpatient settings. While on active duty, she practiced across the country in diverse rural and urban environments. Most recently, she spent eight years working with veterans in the VA healthcare system. She earned her medical degree from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, completed a Pediatrics Residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and later trained in Adult and Child Psychiatry at The Institute of Living, Hartford, CT.

Dr. Brownell values open communication and works with patients to set clear, achievable treatment goals. She fosters a warm, supportive environment where patients feel heard and respected. Her approach combines psychiatric medication management with supportive psychotherapy, elements of DBT, stress management techniques, and cross-cultural wisdom to meet patients where they are and collaboratively optimize wellness.

Dr. Brownell begins with a thorough one-hour evaluation to discuss current symptoms, treatment history, medical background, and personal goals. She listens carefully to each patient’s story to design an individualized plan that aligns with their objectives. Rooted in compassion and collaboration, she integrates her clinical expertise and life experience—including working with veterans and underserved populations—to identify strengths and guide patients on their mental health journey.

Tamara Lazenby, MD is a board-certified psychiatrist with more than 20 years of clinical and academic experience in emergency mental health, disaster response, and trauma-focused care. She earned her undergraduate degree at George Mason University and completed her medical degree at Eastern Virginia Medical School. After the September 11th attacks, Dr. Lazenby trained in psychiatry at New York Medical College’s Saint Vincent’s Hospital, specializing in emergency and trauma psychiatry.

She previously served as Associate Director of Wellness & Emergency Response Services at New York University’s Student Health Center, leading a team that cared for more than 50,000 global NYU students. Dr. Lazenby also previously served as Staff Psychiatrist and Team Lead for the Combat PTSD Clinical Team at the Hampton VA Medical Center, providing care for veterans with service-related trauma and implementing National VA Standards of Care.

Dr. Lazenby believes healing happens when mind, body, and spirit are aligned. She creates a compassionate and collaborative environment where patients feel deeply heard and empowered in their own care. Her approach blends conventional psychiatric treatment with nutrition, mindfulness, movement, and stress-reduction strategies to support long-term mental wellness.  She values authenticity, open communication, and shared decision-making, empowering patients to build resilience and restore balance in their lives.

She begins with a comprehensive assessment exploring medical, psychological, and lifestyle factors that influence mental health. Treatment plans are personalized and may include psychotherapy, targeted laboratory testing, lifestyle modifications, supplements, and medication when appropriate. Dr. Lazenby works closely with patients to restore balance, resilience, and overall well-being through a truly integrative approach. Regular collaboration and feedback, helping patients heal, grow, and thrive.

Dr. Pallavi Tatapudy, MD, earned her medical degree from the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, where she was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society. She completed Stony Brook’s combined residency in Adult Psychiatry and fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, along with the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Fellowship. Board certified in adult psychiatry and board eligible in child and adolescent psychiatry, she has worked across inpatient, emergency, outpatient, and school settings. Her training includes expertise in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, and Motivational Interviewing, and she incorporates principles from Supportive Psychotherapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Family Systems Therapy.

Dr. Tatapudy’s warm, approachable style values each patient’s lived experience. She practices attunement to align with her patients and prioritizes cura personalis—care for the whole person. She is skilled in medication management for a wide age range and integrates therapeutic skill-building. Outside of work, she enjoys nature, visiting national parks, water activities, Indian Bhangra dance, music, and reflecting on meaningful quotes.

Dr. Tatapudy sets a collaborative agenda, listens attentively, and thoroughly reviews patient history. She includes perspectives from support systems when appropriate, offers psychoeducation with creative examples, and encourages open questions and feedback. She shares credible resources, supports learning together, and helps patients define realistic goals and measurable benchmarks for progress.