Jisoo Park, DO

Maryanne Garnsey is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, who has extensive experience working in multiple disciplines, modalities, and stages of life. Maryanne has worked directly with clients of various demographics, living with a variety of mental health conditions. Maryanne completed her BFA at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and MS in Mentally Health Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy from Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Florida.  

Maryanne’s approach is eclectic, integrative, interdisciplinary, and holistic. This approach incorporates humanistic, family systems, lifestyle, cognitive behavioral, acceptance and commitment, mindfulness, strengths-based, and healthy attachment, as well as many other techniques into each session based on the unique needs, interests, and goals of each client. Maryanne’s love of nature, science, people, and lifelong learning creates a therapeutic environment of curiosity, care, support, guidance, and hope.

Maryanne has experience in finance, education, wellness, entertainment, hospitality, marketing, and sales working with individuals, couples, families, and groups of all ages. Maryanne is easily inspired and enjoys discovering each client’s personal story. Maryanne believes that working as a team with a common goal can foster personal growth, healing, health, and optimum wellbeing.

Karina Eugenio Vargas, LMHC, LPC received a Master of Science in Education and Clinical Mental Health Counseling from St. John's University of New York. She has completed training at Yale's Child Study Center specializing in Child and Adult abuse and has worked in community mental health and outpatient based settings. For the past 5 years, Karina has dedicated her career to trauma-informed care, specifically using CBT. She has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults treating anxiety, depression, family and relationship issues, and other mental health issues. Karina practices from a Psychodynamic framework and integrates other modalities depending on the needs of each client.

Dr. Anantharam Peesapati is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who graduated from General Psychiatry Residency training at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. There, he honed his skills by treating a diverse patient population suffering from various diagnoses, including major depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, PTSD, ADHD, and substance use disorders. Prior to residency, Dr. Peesapati earned his medical degree from Florida Atlantic University Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine & his bachelor's degree in Psychology with a specialization in Behavioral & Cognitive Neuroscience from the University of Florida. Dr. Peesapati is committed to providing comprehensive care to his patients, with a focus on medication management & psychoeducation, as well as supportive psychotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy. His approach is guided by psychodynamic principles and steeped in mindfulness, ensuring a holistic and personalized treatment plan for each individual. Dr. Peesapati's goal is to help every patient achieve their best mental health and well-being, which may include collaboration with a therapist while also considering the impact of lifestyle on their health.

Dr. Maxwell Schauermann is a board-certified addiction psychiatrist. He completed his medical school and residency training at Loma Linda University in sunny Southern California. He was recognized by his colleagues as Chief Resident of inpatient services for his leadership and problem-solving abilities. His passion for caring for people with substance use disorders led him to complete specialized training in Addiction Psychiatry at the University of Washington in 2024. Dr. Schauermann is known for his patient-centric approach and nonjudgmental, easy-going attitude. He typically offers 60-minute new visits and 30-minute follow-up visits. He excels in treating both psychiatric and addiction disorders, utilizing a broad array of therapeutic modalities, including psychiatric medications, supportive therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, psychodynamic-based therapy, prolonged exposure therapy, and motivational enhancement therapy. His treatment philosophy centers on empowering patients to heal holistically�body, mind, spirit, and relationships�ensuring each individual receives tailored and evidence-based care.

Background and credentials

Dr. Phillip Azouz is a board-certified general adult psychiatrist. He earned his medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School, where he was awarded the Albert M. Barret Award for Distinguished Performance in Psychiatry. He completed his psychiatric residency at Florida Atlantic University. Prior to medical school, he obtained his undergraduate degree in economics with honors from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. His background includes research at the Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Center and the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind-Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. Additionally, he worked as a Mental Health Specialist at McLean Psychiatric Hospital.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Azouz provides a relaxed, conversational, and non-judgmental space for patients to reflect on and integrate all aspects of their lives. He believes that vulnerability is key to healing and growth and works with individuals seeking to improve mood, reduce anxiety, enhance sleep, boost attention, or heal from trauma. His approach blends the latest research in medical treatment with insights from psychotherapy and coaching. He specializes in treating major depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, addiction, and personality disorders.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive and collaborative evaluation where Dr. Azouz takes the time to understand their symptoms, challenges, and goals. He fosters an open and supportive environment, ensuring that treatment plans are personalized and aligned with each patient’s unique needs. His approach integrates evidence-based medication management, psychotherapy techniques, and coaching strategies to help patients achieve their full potential.

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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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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.    

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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.    

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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.    

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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.