Jennifer Ruch, DO

Dr. S. Taylor Williams is a psychiatrist with Talkiatry. She is board-certified in psychiatry and has been practicing over 14 years. Dr. Williams received her MD from the University of Alabama School of Medicine at UAB. She completed her psychiatry residency at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Prior to joining Talkiatry, she held an academic appointment at UTHSC as Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and was the Clinical Director of the Memphis Mental Health Institute. She specializes in the treatment of young adults and LGBTQ patients. Her practice focuses on medication management.‍

Maegan Roberts, PMHNP, earned her MSN from Indiana University School of Nursing and her BSN from the University of Evansville. She worked as a Registered Nurse in inpatient psychiatry for five years before transitioning to outpatient care as a psychiatric nurse practitioner in 2017. Maegan has experience treating patients across the lifespan, from school-aged children to older adults. She is especially attuned to the challenges of young adulthood, parenting, and navigating complex family dynamics. Committed to lifelong learning, she values the insights and perspectives her patients bring to their care.

Maegan creates a therapeutic environment grounded in dignity, empathy, and respect. She empowers patients through education about diagnoses, symptoms, and medications while promoting autonomy and informed decision-making. Her approach blends psychopharmacology with supportive therapy, skill-building, and sustainable lifestyle strategies, helping patients build insight and resilience.

In the initial appointment, Maegan takes time to understand each patient’s history, concerns, and goals. From there, she collaborates with patients to create and adapt treatment plans that align with their evolving needs, always keeping the individual’s unique context and aspirations at the center of care.

Michael Robbins is a psychiatric nurse practitioner with over 17 years of experience specializing in psychiatric medication management. He earned his MSN from the University of Tennessee in 2006. His career spans various settings, including acute inpatient care, private practice, community mental health, and substance abuse treatment. Michael treats conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, and ADHD. He has worked both remotely and in-person, adapting to the evolving healthcare landscape. Michael is known for his expertise in psychopharmacology, tailoring treatment plans to each patient’s needs while minimizing side effects. His compassionate and patient-centered approach has made him a trusted provider in the mental health community.

Dr. Steven Cartun is a board-certified psychiatrist and faculty member at Yale School of Medicine. He completed dual residencies in Psychiatry and Laboratory Medicine at Yale University Medical Center, where he served as Chief Resident. Dr. Cartun was appointed by the Obama White House to Start Up America, supporting young entrepreneurs. He has worked with Disney, Buena Vista Marketing, and Penn State to enhance public health communication.

Dr. Cartun believes the therapeutic relationship is key to meaningful change. He approaches each patient with genuine curiosity and respect for their personal wisdom. Known for his warm, conversational style, he creates a safe, nonjudgmental space where individuals feel heard and understood. He finds deep joy in knowing his patients and helping them build more fulfilling lives.

Dr. Cartun’s practice centers on understanding the whole person—not just their diagnosis. He listens actively, practices cultural humility, and partners with patients to uncover their unique paths to wellness. His work is fueled by a lifelong curiosity about human nature and a profound respect for each person’s journey toward healing.

Dr. Illise Perlmutter is the Director of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Talkiatry. She is double board-certified in child and adolescent psychiatry and adult psychiatry. Before joining Talkiatry, Dr. Perlmutter was the Chair of Behavioral Health and Addiction Services at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center. Prior to Bergen New Bridge, she was the Director of Inpatient Psychiatry at Montefiore Medical Center-Wakefield, in New York. Over 35 years, Dr. Perlmutter has held numerous leadership roles with some of the largest hospital systems in the New York Metro Area. Dr. Perlmutter is a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, a Fellow of the American College of Psychiatrists, and a Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She has received awards for her contributions both locally and nationally. Dr. Perlmutter was included in Castle Connolly's "America's Top Doctors” list from 2006-2011 and 2017, as well as "Best Doctors in America” from 2009- 2012. Dr. Perlmutter received her MD from George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. After an internship in pediatrics, she completed a residency in Psychiatry at Mt. Sinai Medical Center followed by a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Columbia University/New York State Psychiatric Institute. Dr. Perlmutter has held leadership roles in several academic institutions and is a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington, D.C. Dr. Perlmutter has authored numerous publications and research articles and has lectured and presented extensively on clinical, epidemiologic, and psychopharmacologic issues in child and adolescent psychiatry. She has made frequent media appearances addressing topical issues in disaster psychiatry during the course of her work in disaster psychiatry outreach.

Dr. Stephen Hawk is a board-certified psychiatrist with 25 years of experience. He earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences and completed his psychiatry residency at the University of South Florida, Tampa. He has served in private practice and held leadership roles at the Veterans Administration, including Chief of Mental Health at Bay Pines VA. He led the launch of the VA Suicide Prevention 2.0 Telehealth Program and has training in AI in medicine.

Dr. Hawk combines talking therapies, neuromodulation, and modern psychopharmacology in a collaborative and empathic style. He focuses on family dynamics and integrates psychodynamic and biopsychosocial approaches, using creativity and open dialogue to tailor care.

He begins with open-ended conversations to help patients tell their story, then develops treatment plans together aligned with diagnostic standards. His approach includes medication review, mindfulness, CBT, supportive and psychodynamic therapy, and lifestyle education to support holistic wellness.