John Whittier, MD

Dr. Blackwood was born and raised in Charleston, SC. She completed medical school as well as General Psychiatry Residency and Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship at the Medical University of South Carolina. She went to the College of Charleston for undergraduate studies and double majored in Psychology and Spanish. Dr. Blackwood is the first member of her family to become a physician. Her passion for mental health and her desire to help others are what paved the way for her to become a well-trained and highly motivated psychiatrist.

While working together, Dr. Blackwood will get to know you and will be open to you sharing as much or as little about yourself as you would like. Her goal is to create a safe, judgement-free space where you will feel comfortable and heard. When it comes to mental health, Dr. Blackwood understands that having a strong therapeutic alliance is equally as important as accurate diagnosing and medication management.

Dr. Blackwood strongly believes in a patient-centered model, in which medical decision-making is driven by patient preferences. Her job is to empower patients to make informed decisions regarding their mental health. Dr. Blackwood provides a platform with a no-judgement zone for you to feel safe during your appointments.

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Dr. Tsujimoto-Ryzewski is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. She received her medical degree from the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. She completed her residency at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, where she served as a chief resident during her last year of training. Dr. Tsujimoto-Ryzewski has treated patients with a wide variety of diagnoses both during her residency and after her training while working at a busy private practice clinic as well as for the Veterans Administration. Dr Tsujimoto-Ryzewski focuses on medication management and supportive psychotherapy. If she feels that additional therapy is needed, she will ask that you bring in a therapist as part of the treatment team. Dr. Tsujimoto-Ryzewski will work collaboratively with you in a caring environment to assist you in reaching your goals.

Dr. Prit Patel is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. He obtained his medical degree from the University of South Florida and subsequently completed his residency training at the University of Texas at Austin and Northwell Health's Zucker Hillside Hospital. During his training, Dr. Patel also served as chief resident of Zucker's Hillside Hospital's outpatient psychiatric department. Following his training, Dr. Patel has previously worked at New York Presbyterian's Gracie Square Hospital, where he served as an inpatient psychiatrist treating a variety of mental health conditions, utilizing a combination of medication management and therapeutic techniques in helping those experiencing distress due to their conditions. Throughout his training and career thus far, Dr. Patel has received several awards for his clinical care and contribution to medical and psychiatric education, such as Zucker Hillside's Psychiatric Educator award. Dr. Patel has also contributed to medical research in the domains of psychiatry and LGBTQ+ healthcare .Dr. Patel has an interest in not only treating disorders but also helping patients improve their overall well-being. He treats a variety of conditions including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and trauma-related disorders, through the use of medication and therapy. He has particular experience and interest in treating LGBTQ+ patients as well as young professionals and young adults.

Background and credentials

Dr. Yang is board-certified in both General Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry. She received her medical degree from the Medical School of Nanjing University in China and completed her Ph.D. in Neuroscience at the State University of New York in Buffalo. She conducted neuroscience research at Tufts University and Columbia University. Dr. Yang completed her residency in Psychiatry at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston – McGovern Medical School (UTHealth) and a fellowship in Addiction Psychiatry at Baylor College of Medicine. She has held academic positions at Baylor College of Medicine, supervising medical students, residents, and physician assistant students.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Yang specializes in treating depressive disorders, bipolar disorders, anxiety, substance use disorders, ADHD, and trauma-related disorders. She employs medication management combined with supportive therapy and motivational interviewing techniques. Dr. Yang emphasizes building strong therapeutic relationships, tailoring treatment to each patient's unique goals and needs.

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What you can expect in a first visit

In the initial visit, patients can expect a detailed, personalized evaluation by Dr. Yang. She will explore symptoms, medical history, personal goals, and treatment preferences to design an individualized care plan. Patients can expect a compassionate, collaborative approach with clear communication about medication management options and supportive therapeutic strategies aimed at improving their overall well-being.

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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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Dr. Sophie Fourniquet is a board-certified psychiatrist. She earned her medical degree from Louisiana State University in New Orleans and completed her psychiatry residency at Duke University. She has practiced in both inpatient and outpatient settings and brings experience in neuropsychiatry, interventional psychiatry, transplant psychiatry, and culturally informed global psychiatry. Her clinical approach emphasizes evidence-based psychopharmacology with careful, personalized prescribing.

Dr. Fourniquet works collaboratively with patients to define clear, values-aligned treatment goals. She prioritizes honesty, transparency, and shared decision-making, creating a therapeutic relationship grounded in trust. Her care focuses on improving real-world functioning, clarity of thought, and emotional sustainability rather than symptom reduction alone.

Initial evaluations focus on understanding each patient’s story, treatment history, and goals through a thorough diagnostic assessment. Dr. Fourniquet avoids premature labeling, instead using early visits to develop a thoughtful plan aligned with patients’ values. Treatment plans are individualized and may include psychotherapy, medication, lifestyle modifications, or a combination, with regular reassessment to support durable, meaningful change.

Dr. Brian Ameel is a board-certified psychiatrist with over 30 years of clinical experience and a deep specialization in remote mental health delivery. He has worked in inpatient, outpatient, and residential settings and has served in leadership roles as a Medical Director. Throughout his career, he has leveraged telehealth technology to bridge gaps in care, ensuring that distance is never a barrier to receiving compassionate, timely psychiatric treatment.

Dr. Ameel believes the most effective treatment begins with a genuine partnership where doctor and patient work together with transparency, collaboration, and mutual respect. He takes a “whole person” approach using a biopsychosocial model that considers physical health, life experiences, and environment alongside symptoms. His goal is to combine evidence-based medicine with a personal, accessible approach so patients feel heard and supported.

During the first visit, Dr. Ameel completes a comprehensive psychiatric consultation focused on the concerns that prompted you to seek care, along with a review of symptoms and treatment history. Together you will develop a treatment plan with clear goals. Care often begins with medication management and continues with supportive, insight-oriented conversations during follow-up visits, with additional therapy recommended when helpful