Jillian Condon, PMHNP

Background  and credentials    

Dr. Christa DeFries is a board-certified Adult Psychiatrist. She earned her  medical degree from UT Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Texas, and  completed her residency in Adult Psychiatry at Baylor Scott & White in  Temple, Texas. Following residency, Dr. DeFries gained additional experience  treating homeless and formerly homeless populations in New York City,  particularly focusing on individuals with histories of trauma and substance  addiction, prior to joining Talkiatry.    

‍

Treatment approach    

Dr. DeFries practices Adult Psychiatry, employing an integrative treatment  approach combining medication management, psychotherapeutic methods, and  lifestyle modifications. She recognizes that each patient benefits from a  personalized mix of these three aspects of care. Dr. DeFries specializes in  treating diverse psychiatric conditions, including those related to trauma,  substance addictions, and various mental health disorders.    

‍

What you can expect in a first visit    

In a first visit with Dr. DeFries, patients can expect a comprehensive  evaluation aimed at understanding their individual mental health history,  specific concerns, and overall treatment goals. Dr. DeFries emphasizes an  individualized approach, carefully exploring the best combination of  medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments tailored specifically to each  patient's needs. Patients can anticipate an empathetic and collaborative  environment focused on their personal experiences and goals.    

‍

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.

Dr. Daniel Azzopardi was born and raised in Malta where he attended medical school and worked in internal medicine for several years before moving to New York in 2017. He then completed a psychiatry residency at SUNY Downstate and stayed on for his Child and Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship, which he completed in June 2024. Dr. Azzopardi is a dedicated adult and child and adolescent psychiatrist who treats individuals of all ages and uses his strong foundation in internal medicine to handle complex cases requiring intricate medication management. This combination of skills allows for comprehensive care that addresses both mental and physical health challenges. Dr. Azzopardi's holistic approach ensures that each patient receives tailored treatment, fostering improved outcomes and overall well-being.

Dr. Rebecca Crosbie is a board-certified adult psychiatrist and has been practicing in outpatient psychiatry for nearly 7 years. Her practice focuses on medication management, and she typically offers medication management combined with supportive therapy or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in 30 minute follow-up visits. If Dr. Crosbie feels you would benefit from working with a dedicated talk therapist, she may encourage you to pursue this or refer you in order to achieve the best outcome. Dr. Crosbie is a graduate of Michigan State College of Human Medicine. She completed her psychiatry residency at Pine Rest/Michigan State University in Grand Rapids, MI. She has previously worked as an outpatient psychiatrist and in tele-psychiatry. She has a lot of experience treating patients with a broad array of mental health conditions, including: anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, bipolar disorder, and ADHD. She also treats combined mental health diagnoses such as ADHD plus another diagnosis. She also has a lot of experience working with patients who identify as LGBTQI+. Her approach is always to meet the patient where they are and educate and enable patients to make good choices about treatment that are in line with their personal preferences and values.

Deborah Bearman, PMHNP, is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner dedicated to helping individuals facing mental health challenges live more fulfilling lives.

She earned her Master of Science in Nursing with a specialty in psychiatry from SUNY Upstate Medical University. Deborah is trained in psychiatric diagnosis, medication management, and both psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral therapies. Over the past 10 years, she has gained valuable experience in a variety of settings, including inpatient and outpatient facilities, community mental health clinics, and private practice.

Deborah approaches adult mental health from a holistic perspective, combining medication management with supportive counseling, which she offers during 30-minute follow-up sessions. While her primary focus is medication management, she believes most individuals benefit from therapy as well. She has extensive experience in both psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral therapies and is committed to providing psychoeducation to patients, families, and caregivers.

As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, Deborah values the therapeutic relationship and its positive impact on daily functioning. By working collaboratively with patients to create comprehensive and effective treatment plans, she supports them in achieving healthier, more satisfying lives.

‍

Dr. Varma grew up in an immigrant family surrounded by aspiring doctors, and her passion for understanding the human mind and behavior blossomed early. This curiosity led her to pursue extensive medical training abroad, beginning at Kasturba Medical College in Southern India, followed by clerkships at the University of the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago. She completed her Adult psychiatry residency at the University of Florida in Gainesville and specialized further with a child/adolescent fellowship at Brookdale University Hospital in Brooklyn, NY.

Dr. Varma believes in a holistic, integrative approach to mental health. Her philosophy centers on identifying the root causes of ailments rather than merely addressing symptoms. She views mental health care as a partnership, where the mind, body, and spirit work together to achieve wellness. Dr. Varma is committed to fostering a safe, confidential therapeutic alliance to help you explore your potential for healing.

Dr. Varma embraces integrative psychiatry, which combines the best of conventional Western medicine with complementary approaches. This involves a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment tailored to each individual, incorporating psychopharmacology alongside lifestyle adjustments in diet, movement, and breathwork. She collaborates with therapists and other professionals to create a well-rounded treatment plan that honors your unique journey.

Dr. Kristofer Joondeph-Breidbart is a board certified adult psychiatrist. He earned his undergraduate degree and Master's in Teaching from Boston University, followed by his medical degree from the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Dr. Joondeph-Breidbart completed his residency in general adult psychiatry at Cambridge Health Alliance, a Harvard teaching hospital. Currently, Dr. Joondeph-Breidbart serves as a staff psychiatrist at Harvard University Health Services, where he works with both undergraduate and graduate students. He has developed significant expertise in working with LGBTQ individuals through his involvement with the Gender and Sexuality Clinic at Cambridge Health Alliance and the LGBTQ Interdisciplinary Team at Harvard University Health Services. While he has extensive expertise in treating college-aged young adults, his practice also includes a broad range of patients, with a particular specialization in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). He is trained in Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy, a highly effective treatment for OCD. Dr. Joondeph-Breidbart takes a holistic approach to mental health care, integrating therapy into his sessions and collaborating with patients to develop individualized medication regimens that best meet their needs. His gentle and understanding approach helps create a supportive environment for his patients, fostering their mental and emotional well-being.