John Whittier, MD

Background and credentials    

Dr. Abernethy is a board-certified psychiatrist who received his medical  degree from the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. He completed  his internship at UT Southwestern in Dallas and earned a Master's of Public  Health in Epidemiology and Occupational and Environmental Health from Texas  A&M. He completed his psychiatry residency training at the University of  Oklahoma Health Science Center. Dr. Abernethy has over 12 years of experience  practicing psychiatry in various outpatient settings, including private  practice and community mental health centers in Texas and Oklahoma,  specifically reaching underserved communities. He has treated a broad  spectrum of mental health symptoms among diverse populations, addressing  issues ranging from mood and anxiety disorders to behavioral manifestations  of Autism and other developmental disorders.    

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Treatment approach    

Dr. Abernethy utilizes a collaborative and patient-centered approach to  psychiatry, focusing primarily on medication interventions that align with  each patient's unique treatment goals and clinical needs. He emphasizes  cooperation with patients to effectively treat and reduce mental  health-related symptoms. His practice centers around medication management,  supplemented by supportive treatments tailored to individual needs. Depending  on each patient’s circumstances, he may recommend additional support from  individual, family, or group counselors and therapists to achieve optimal outcomes.    

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What you can expect in a first visit

In an initial visit, patients can expect a thorough, collaborative  discussion focused on understanding their symptoms, goals, and clinical  needs. Dr. Abernethy will evaluate the patient's condition to determine  appropriate medication interventions and discuss personalized treatment  recommendations. Typical follow-up visits are approximately 20-30 minutes in  length. Depending on the severity and complexity of a patient's situation,  referrals to additional counseling or therapy may also be suggested.    

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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 speciualize in  medication management and collaborate with you on a treatment plan that fits  your needs and comfort level.

Elisabeth Davis is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with an MA, licensed in both Kentucky and Ohio. She is also a Board Certified-TeleMental Health Provider. Her professional journey has been eclectic and wide-ranging, allowing her to work with a diverse range of populations and issues. She specializes in areas such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma from physical and sexual abuse, family and relationship issues, parenting problems, and LGBTQIA+ support. Additionally, she has significant experience working with the military and providing education and career counseling.

One of her main goals is to make counseling / therapy "user friendly. "  Many people are apprehensive about starting therapy, and from the first session she tries to create an atmosphere where they feel safe and supported. Maya Angelou said 'My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.' Her mission is to help you find the best way to overcome and thrive in your life.

Her counseling style is rooted in unconditional positive regard, meaning she always approaches therapy from a strength-based perspective. Her clients are treated with respect, genuine care, compassion, and concern. She will work with clients to create goals and find solutions that best suit their needs. She also considers herself a holistic counselor, focusing on the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. As Plato said, 'The part can never be well unless the whole is well.'

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Jessica Brusgul is a LMHC with over nine years of experience working with individuals with a wide range of mental health challenges. She attended Oswego State and completed her undergraduate degree as an older, non-traditional student. She then pursued graduate school at SUNY Oswego, which she completed in 2016. During this time, Jessica has gained a great deal of experience with clients from various backgrounds who are faced with numerous life challenges. This includes anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and those in need of anger management. Jessica has also worked with those faced with substance abuse related problems, life transitions, career counseling, and parenting education. Her approach is to get to know her clients, their presenting concerns, and some history as well. Through these conversations, Jessica helps her clients feel comfortable in a non-judgmental setting and express themselves freely. Jessica also incorporates a sense of humor, when appropriate, as well as assisting people in identifying their inner strengths and skills. Jessica believes that everyone can overcome their obstacles and make positive changes for themselves. She incorporates such modalities as encouraging clients to maintain a journal and share entries during session, exercise regularly, and begin their journey towards overall wellness. Jessica has found that an eclectic approach, depending upon the needs of the individual, and the client's adherence to this between sessions, can be highly beneficial.

Dr. Chelsea Karson is a board-certified psychiatrist who completed her residency training at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital where she was Chief Resident of her program. Dr. Karson is passionate about patient care, believing in caring for the whole person. While completing her residency training, she led an interprofessional team to bring miniature-therapy horses to the inpatient psychiatry unit and thereby forge a relationship between the organization and all of Advocate Aurora Healthcare. Dr. Karson partnered with a mental health counselor to create a virtual therapy program of resources, the Bridge Project, to close the gap between inpatient and outpatient care that is now used throughout the Advocate Aurora network. At graduation Dr. Karson received the 2024 Advocate Lutheran General Hospital Ruggie Humanitarian Award. The Ruggie Award selects and honors a graduating resident or fellow who displays academic excellence, commitment to the education of others, professional bearing, and a concern for the patient within the light of Human Ecology. Dr. Karson attended undergraduate at Elmhurst University, a biology major with minors in chemistry and medical humanities. She went to medical school at Rosalind Franklin University and was chosen to join the Gold Humanism Honor Society for her dedication to compassionate patient care.

Dr. Gregory Arthmann recently passed the ABPM Addiction Medicine board exam. Dr. Arthmann is an ABPN board‑certified psychiatrist who received his medical degree from the University of Sint Eustatius. He completed two years of Internal Medicine residency at WellSpan York Hospital in Pennsylvania prior to completing his Psychiatry residency training at East Carolina University in North Carolina.

Dr. Arthmann has over 10 years of experience practicing psychiatry and has treated a broad spectrum of acute and chronic psychiatric disorders. He utilizes a patient-centered, biopsychosocial approach to psychiatry, primarily focusing on psychopharmacological interventions that align with each patient’s unique treatment goals and clinical needs. His practice style centers around medication management with adjunctive supportive therapy tailored to individual needs. Depending on each patient’s circumstances, he may recommend additional support from individual, family, or group counselors and therapists to achieve optimal outcomes.

During an initial visit, patients can expect a thorough and collaborative discussion focused on their symptoms, treatment goals, and clinical needs. Dr. Arthmann will evaluate the patient’s condition to determine appropriate medication interventions and discuss personalized treatment recommendations. Typical follow-up visits are approximately 20–30 minutes in length. Depending on the severity and complexity of a patient’s situation, referral for additional counseling or therapy may be suggested.

Dr. Nidhi Sharoha is a double board certified psychiatrist in Psychiatry and Consultation Liaison Psychiatry. She completed her undergraduate training at Stony Brook University followed by medical school at New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine. She has completed both a Residency in Psychiatry and Fellowship in Consultation Liaison Psychiatry at Nassau University Medical Center.

Dr. Sharoha has held academic appointments at Stony Brook University Hospital, practicing as a consultant psychiatrist and Associate Director of Consultation Liaison Psychiatry Fellowship. “Dr. Sharoha has accrued experience and expertise in Perinatal Psychiatry through her training in CL psychiatry. Currently, Dr. Sharoha is serving as President Elect of Long Island District Branch  of APA. She  has formerly served as Associate Director of Clinical Education here at Talkiatry.” She has contributed to education, training and supervision of trainees and physicians throughout her career.   She continues to stay up to date with current psychiatric knowledge.

She has a genuine interest in treating a vast array of psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders, and obsessive compulsive and related disorders. She also has experience in treating patients with medical comorbidities and has training in issues related to women's health. Patients looking for a psychiatric provider will find that Dr. Sharoha has a gentle approach to diagnosis and management of her patients. She believes in the principle that body and mind are interconnected, which allows her to provide comprehensive care to all of her patients.