John Bellavia, MD

Staff Psychiatrist
Languages
English
Conditions Treated
ADHD
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Depression
LGBTQIA+
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
PTSD/Trauma

Education and training

  • State University of New York (SUNY), Downstate College of Medicine, MD
  • University of Pennsylvania, Residency
  • University of Miami, Fellowship

Get to know

John Bellavia, MD

Dr. Bellavia is an experienced board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in adult psychiatry. He was a faculty member of the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle for 8 years and has been a medical director and attending psychiatrist in several clinical settings including academic medical centers, outpatient private practice and consultation. Dr Bellavia works collaboratively with each patient to identify presenting problems and stressors and utilizes evidence-based medication treatments along with individualized supportive and short-term psychotherapy strategies to reduce symptoms and improve function. If clinically indicated, he may recommend adding a psychotherapist to your care team. Dr. Bellavia has a particular interest in treating psychiatric conditions including, but not limited to, depression and bipolar disorders, ADHD, anxiety disorders, and adjustment problems. He has extensive experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, such as university students, creative and tech professionals, and expat communities. He uses a relaxed, nonjudgmental, empathic approach that is holistic and considers the biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors that impact mental well-being.

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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.

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Dr. Ewing is a board-certified psychiatrist who did his undergraduate degree at the University of Texas in Austin, Texas, and then completed his medical training at the University of Texas, in Houston, Texas, where he was inducted into the AOA honor society. After a medical internship in Seattle, he did his psychiatric residency at the University of California, San Diego where he was chief resident. He went on to complete a child and adolescent fellowship at Columbia University in New York, where he was also chief resident, and earned additional board certification in addiction psychiatry.

Over the past twenty plus years, Dr. Ewing has worked with adolescents, adults and families as the Director of Psychiatry at the Wellspring Foundation, a residential treatment facility in Connecticut, where he spent his time treating patients and supervising therapists. For more than a decade he taught Child and Adolescent Psychiatry residents at Columbia University, and has been in private practice in New York and CT. The length of his experience helps him in understanding the treatment of bipolar disorder, major depression, OCD and anxiety disorders, as well as substance use disorders and eating problems and how they evolve over time. He is an expert in the medical management of these disorders. He is a careful listener and a real person, with a wry sense of humor.

Daniel Weiss, MD

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Dr. Daniel Weiss is a double board-certified psychiatrist in adult and forensic psychiatry. His expertise is in diagnosing and treating psychiatric conditions, including depression and bipolar spectrum disorders, anxiety, stress and adjustment problems, maternal mental health, OCD, and other disorders. In addition, he has extensive experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, college and graduate students, creative professionals, and a range of working adults. Through a supportive psychopharmacologic approach, Dr. Weiss strives to provide a comfortable experience in which doctor and patient work to understand the presenting problems, reduce symptoms, and optimize functioning. In addition, Dr. Weiss encourages concurrent therapy and will communicate with that provider in a collaborative care arrangement. Dr. Weiss previously served as an attending psychiatrist on the staff of Montefiore Medical Center and was formerly a faculty member at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Before joining Talkiatry, Dr. Weiss spent a decade working at The New School as the university's staff psychiatrist.

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Background and credentials

Dr. John Whittier is a board-certified psychiatrist. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology from the University of Colorado at Boulder and went on to obtain a master’s degree in Medical Science from Loyola University Chicago. He completed his medical training at the Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at The University of Vermont and returned to Colorado for his psychiatry residency at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. While in residency, he specialized in the Psychotherapy Scholars Program and has since gained four years of experience treating psychiatric conditions through telehealth.

Treatment approach

Dr. Whittier primarily focuses on medication management for general psychiatric conditions. His approach is individualized, ensuring that each patient receives a treatment plan tailored to their unique needs. He integrates supportive therapy, medications, and evidence-based alternative therapies to provide a flexible and comprehensive approach. In addition to his general practice, he maintains a psychodynamic psychotherapy panel where he helps patients explore developmental and relational patterns that contribute to their symptoms. His specialties include treating depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, PTSD, insomnia, bipolar disorder, and ADHD.

What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a one-hour comprehensive intake during which Dr. Whittier thoroughly evaluates their symptoms, medical history, and personal goals. He provides treatment options that prioritize flexibility, allowing patients to take an active role in their care. Follow-up visits typically last 20 to 30 minutes, focusing on assessing treatment progress and making necessary adjustments. For those engaged in psychodynamic psychotherapy, longer one-hour sessions are available for in-depth exploration of underlying psychological patterns.

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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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.

Daniel Rodriguez, DO

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Dr. Rodriguez is a board eligible adult psychiatrist, who is also fluent in Spanish. He completed residency at North Florida Regional in Gainesville via the University of Central Florida, where he also served as chief resident for education. He received his medical degree from Lincoln Memorial University � DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine in Tennessee. He also holds a master's and bachelor's degree in engineering from the University of South Florida, in Tampa. Dr. Rodriguez has worked with a wide array of patients across various medical settings and has experience treating patients with psychiatric illness who may also be suffering from medical comorbidities, such as obesity, hypertension, pain, and diabetes. He has been deeply involved with teaching and emphasizes psychoeducation while working in collaboration with his patients to help tailor their personalized treatment plan. His primary focus has been on treating adults with depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, and PTSD. Dr. Rodriguez has an approachable, patient-centered style, combined with a passion for optimizing sleep as it pertains to management of a psychiatric illness and overall well-being. He offers supportive therapy as part of his medication management visits, and at times may also offer cognitive behavioral therapy to address underlying stressors which may be contributing to one's presenting ailments. He may also recommend including a therapist in your care team to optimize outcomes.

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Chelsea is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 7 years of experience in the field of mental health. Chelsea studied Sociology at the University of North Carolina in Charlotte North Carolina and obtained a master’s degree in social work at Norfolk State in Virginia. She has experience working with adolescents, adults, seniors, and families in various practice settings, such as psychiatric facilities, crisis stabilization/ substance abuse units, and outpatient agencies.

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Chelsea's approach is empowering, direct, collaborative, and solution-focused, and she uses treatment modalities specific to the client's needs and goals. She believes in meeting clients where they are, advocating for clients’ needs, and creating a safe space for individual healing.

Chelsea is aware of the stigma created surrounding mental health in vulnerable communities. Chelsea believes that seeking therapy is a sign of strength and resiliency. Chelsea is honored to be able to support you on your journey toward healing and evolving.

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Background and credentials

Dr. Diane Lewis is board-certified in general psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She earned both her undergraduate and medical degrees at Texas A&M University (College Station and Temple, TX) before completing her general psychiatry residency at UT Southwestern - Austin Programs (now Dell Medical School residency programs). After her residency, she practiced for eight years as a staff psychiatrist at the University of Texas' student counseling center. She also has experience working in hospital admissions and emergency department settings.

Treatment approach

Dr. Lewis employs a medication-management-focused approach typically paired with supportive therapy during 30-minute follow-up visits. She strongly values a collaborative treatment approach, frequently encouraging patients to incorporate additional therapy for the best outcomes. Her primary specialty is college mental health, treating patients aged 18-45 with a range of mental health conditions from mild to complex. Dr. Lewis emphasizes authenticity, compassion, and recognizing patients beyond their diagnoses, providing care tailored to individual circumstances and goals.

What you can expect in a first visit

During a first visit, patients can expect Dr. Lewis to conduct a thorough evaluation, carefully listening to their concerns, and considering their symptoms within the broader context of their lives. Her patients appreciate her down-to-earth and compassionate communication style. She aims to create an environment where patients feel understood, respected, and actively involved in shaping their personalized treatment plan, often recommending additional therapy support when beneficial for achieving optimal outcomes.

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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Dr. Leslie Chavez is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with a diverse background in clinical and academic medicine. She completed her medical school and residency at the University of New Mexico, where she later served as a psychiatrist and assistant professor, treating high-need patients and teaching residents and medical students. During the pandemic, she transitioned to telehealth and has been dedicated to this field for the past four years. Dr. Chavez is known for making her patients feel seen and heard, using both medication management and supportive psychotherapy. Dr. Chavez began her academic journey as a physics major at UNM and then studied biophysics at the University of San Diego, California. During her postdoctoral fellowship at Los Alamos National Laboratories, she was inspired by presentations about professionals working with patients in African countries, which sparked her interest in medicine. During this time, her father died of cancer, and she saw the impact of mental health therapy on his quality of life, further solidifying her motivation to attend medical school. Witnessing the profound impact of mental health on her patients and family, she specialized in psychiatry. Dr. Chavez is a seasoned psychopharmacologist and emphasizes the importance of nutrition, exercise, and community in mental health. She enjoys all aspects of medicine and combines her extensive knowledge with a patient-centered approach.

Diane Papke, MD

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Dr. Diane Papke holds the position of staff psychiatrist at Talkiatry. After graduating from medical school, she completed internship year in Internal Medicine at St. Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix, AZ, followed by two years of neurology residency at Barrow Neurological Institute before completing Psychiatric residency at Maricopa Medical Center in 2005. She then spent the majority of her time caring for SMI/seriously mentally ill patients with a mantra "propelling people forward to wellness.” Working on the supportive level of care for this population honed her skills to care for the highest level of outpatient care through ACT/assertive community treatment. She has a genuine interest in treating psychiatric disorders including anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, and most specifically bipolar. She has experience treating medical comorbidities including neurologic disorders. In 2023, she extended her expertise and skills to the general population to include telehealth management of her patients. With a nonsense approach, she prides herself on collaborating with patients to attain their goals of optimum psychiatric health, believing that the cornerstone of a healthy partnership with any patient is a holistic approach. Listening with an open mind and heart while collaborating with her patients to provide the correct medication management and supportive care has always been the key for her. She is looking forward to meeting you!

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