John Whittier, MD

Dr. Travis Downey has experience in outpatient and medical hospital settings, providing care for patients with co-occurring medical conditions. He earned his undergraduate degree in Cell Biology and Neuroscience from Rutgers University, his DO from Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine, and completed psychiatry residency at Rutgers – Robert Wood Johnson. Dr. Downey enjoys teaching and has received the Excellence in Medical Education Award from Sidney Kimmel Medical College.

Dr. Downey creates a warm, supportive environment where patients feel heard and respected. He is highly collaborative, offering treatment options rather than a single path, and values inclusivity, working with patients from diverse backgrounds. His experience spans diagnoses such as depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, anxiety, trauma, and ADHD, among others.

Dr. Downey begins with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, considering past treatments, family history, social and cultural context, and unique patient factors. He prioritizes understanding each individual, developing accurate diagnoses, and creating treatment plans that align with patient goals. Follow-up appointments integrate therapeutic interventions alongside medication management, ensuring thoughtful, ongoing care.

Dr. Shaily C. Desai, MD is a board-certified psychiatrist who treats adults. She graduated Magna Cum Laude and with General Honors from University of Miami. She completed medical school at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in the prestigious Honors Program in Medicine. She continued her medical education at Jackson Memorial Hospital & University of Miami Hospital for her 4-year psychiatry residency training program. After completing her training, Dr. Desai held an academic appointment at the University of Miami while working at the Miami Veterans Affairs Hospital initially as a behavioral health consultant in the Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PCMHI) model and later as a Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) psychiatrist in the Mental Health Treatment Coordinator (MHTC) role.

Dr. Desai’s background spans clinical care, academic research, and community service, giving a comprehensive understanding of mental healthcare delivery across different settings. Dr. Desai developed expertise in quickly building rapport with patients, conducting medication management assessments, and implementing effective interventions. These experiences taught Dr. Desai how to maintain clinical excellence while showing patience and respect for each patient's unique circumstances. She understands the delicate balance of providing thorough care within the constraints of virtual sessions and she has developed strategies to ensure patients feel supported and understood, even though a screen.

By combining clinical expertise with genuine empathy and persistence, Dr. Desai helps her patients navigate their treatment journey with confidence and hope. Dr. Desai’s practice focuses on medication management and supportive psychotherapy in typically 30-minute follow up visits. At times, additional psychotherapy is needed, and a therapist may be added to provide the best outcome.

Dr. Christopher DeBernard is a board-certified psychiatrist with extensive clinical leadership experience. He earned his MD and completed a combined residency in Internal Medicine and Psychiatry at Tulane University School of Medicine. Previously board certified in Internal Medicine, he is especially comfortable caring for patients with medical comorbidities. Dr. DeBernard has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings and held leadership roles as Chief Medical Officer at Arisa Health and Lotic.ai. He also brings a systems-thinking perspective to clinical care from earlier careers in engineering and consulting. He holds active medical licenses in Louisiana and Arkansas.

Dr. DeBernard strives to create a warm, collaborative environment where patients feel respected, understood, and supported. His approach combines evidence-based medicine with an appreciation for each patient’s unique story, values, and motivations. Patients can expect open, direct communication, shared decision-making, and treatment plans that align with their personal goals. Trust, empathy, and authenticity form the foundation of his therapeutic relationships.

Dr. DeBernard begins by listening closely to each patient’s history, concerns, and hopes for treatment. Together, he works with patients to establish clear goals and develop individualized care plans that may include therapy, medication management, and lifestyle approaches. His focus is on both symptom relief and building long-term resilience, helping patients develop strategies that sustain well-being. Over time, he collaborates with patients to adapt treatment as their needs evolve, ensuring care remains effective and personalized.

Background and credentials

Dr. Robert Whelpley, M.D., is board-certified in both Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Adult Psychiatry. He completed his undergraduate studies at Binghamton University and earned his medical degree from Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York. He then went on to complete his residency and fellowship training at the University of Rochester. Throughout his career, he has worked with patients and families across the lifespan in inpatient, outpatient, and emergency psychiatric settings.

‍

Treatment approach

Dr. Whelpley believes in collaborative care, working closely with treatment providers, patients, and families to ensure that mental health concerns are addressed as a team. His approach integrates talk therapy techniques, including motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and supportive psychotherapy, alongside medication management. He customizes treatment to maximize each patient’s mental health and overall wellness, sometimes incorporating a therapist into the care plan when beneficial.

‍

What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive evaluation where Dr. Whelpley takes time to understand their symptoms, background, and treatment goals. His approach is patient-centered and team-oriented, ensuring that care is personalized and collaborative. He works with patients to develop a treatment plan that balances medication management with therapeutic interventions, fostering long-term mental wellness.

‍

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. John's practice focuses on medication management, offered in conjunction with emotionally focused therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. Occasionally, Dr. John may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome. Dr. John strongly believes in a compassionate, collaborative approach and will provide psychoeducation to help patients make informed decisions and achieve their treatment goals.

Dr. Osman Athar is board certified in General Psychiatry and board eligible in Consult-Liaison Psychiatry. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English from Rice University and McGovern Medical School for his medical doctorate, and went on to complete a psychiatry residency at the University of Texas-Houston, where he served as a chief resident. Afterward, he completed a fellowship in Consult-Liaison Psychiatry at Louisiana State University - Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans. Dr. Athar has experience in treating a wide variety of conditions, including Major Depression, OCD, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, Eating Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, PTSD, Substance Use Disorders, Delirium, Dementia, and Mental Disorders due to Another Medical Condition. Dr. Athar primarily focuses on medication management in his practice but will typically also use supportive therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy skills with his patients in order to maximize wellness and recovery. Dr. Athar held an academic appointment at the University of Mississippi Medical Center where he was an assistant professor of psychiatry. He served as the clerkship director for the Medical Neuroscience and Behavior Course during his appointment, which required a six-week course for third-year medical students, which included four weeks of psychiatry education. During his appointment, Dr. Athar was also very active in resident education, focusing on topics related to consult-liaison psychiatry. Dr. Athar has experience in treating a wide variety of conditions, including Major Depression, OCD, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, Eating Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, PTSD, Substance Use Disorders, Delirium, Dementia, and Mental Disorders due to Another Medical Condition. Dr. Athar primarily focuses on medication management in his practice.