Joy James, MD

Dr. Buonopane is Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She obtained her medical degree with Laude from the University of Rome, La Sapienza, and completed her residency in Psychiatry from Yale School of Medicine. Dr. Buonopane has extensive experience in psychopharmacology and offers state-of-the-art medication management with compassion and empathy. She practices a holistic approach, combining psychiatric medications with elements of psychotherapy and mindfulness. She offers individualized and comprehensive treatment plans which address the whole person, including lifestyle and social engagement, because the latest research findings show that both play an important role in mental and physical health. Education on mental illness and recommendations on diet and exercise are always discussed with the patients, according to the individuals' needs. Dr. Buonopane spends time listening to patients and makes plans based on clinical evidence without an authoritative approach, taking into consideration the patient's level of comfort and views because, in her experience, the best outcomes are always reached when patients fully understand and agree with the management of their conditions. Dr. Buonopane has been in practice for more than twenty years and has extensive experience in general Adult Psychiatry with a focus on mood disorder and anxiety. She has been leading clinical programs and teaching medical students, residents, and fellows in psychiatry and addiction in various clinical settings, such as private institutions and universities, including Yale School of Medicine. Prior to joining Talkiatry, Dr Buonopane had her own in-person clinical services for over ten years and telehealth services over the past four years, treating patients suffering mainly from depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety. When working in private practice, Dr Buonopane received the Compassionate Doctor Recognition (Vitals) and the Patient's Choice Awards (Vitals), both based on patients' reviews.

Background and credentials

Dr. Nereida Gonzalez-Berrios is a general psychiatrist fluent in English and Spanish. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from the University of Puerto Rico and her medical doctorate from Ponce School of Medicine (now Ponce Health Sciences University). She completed her General Psychiatry Training Program at the University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, graduating in 2008. After practicing privately in Puerto Rico, she relocated to Texas, where she worked for over five years at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Health System, providing mental health care to veterans. She has also gained extensive experience in telemedicine, working both within the VA system and as a locum tenens provider.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Gonzalez-Berrios has extensive experience treating a wide range of psychiatric conditions, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, intellectual impairment, ADHD, eating disorders, PTSD, and personality disorders. She integrates traditional psychiatric treatment with a holistic wellness approach, drawing on her background as a motivational speaker, wellness coach, certified personal fitness trainer, nutrition coach, and weight-loss specialist. Her approach emphasizes improving overall mental and physical well-being through personalized treatment plans that incorporate psychiatric care, wellness strategies, and lifestyle modifications.

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What you can expect in a first visit

Patients can expect a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation where Dr. Gonzalez-Berrios carefully assesses their symptoms, medical history, and personal wellness goals. She takes a collaborative and patient-centered approach, ensuring that treatment is tailored to each individual’s mental and physical health needs. As an experienced telemedicine provider, she offers accessible and flexible mental health care, combining medication management and holistic wellness strategies to help patients achieve lasting 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. Melody Stupey is a board-certified psychiatrist with over 26 years of experience treating adults in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She earned her medical degree from Oregon Health Sciences University and completed her residency at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Dr. Stupey is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Dr. Stupey believes in a collaborative approach to treatment, emphasizing active listening, compassion, and respect. She strives to create a warm, supportive environment where patients feel safe and empowered to speak openly without fear of judgment.

Her treatment process is holistic, considering physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors. She evaluates diet, physical activity, sleep habits, and thought patterns alongside medication needs. Dr. Stupey prioritizes using the lowest effective dose of medication to meet treatment goals while supporting the patient’s overall well-being.

Dr. Delima-Tokarz is double Board Certified in Psychiatry and Lifestyle medicine. She completed her psychiatry residency training at the University of Maryland/Sheppard Pratt, where she served as the chief resident. She has practiced in various settings over her career, including working for the Department of Defense, private practice, and community mental health. Dr. Delima-Tokarz is fluent in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. Dr. Delima-Tokarz has more than five years of experience treating patients with anxiety, depression, PTSD, Bipolar, OCD, ADHD, and other mental health issues. She employs pharmacotherapy along with supportive therapy and integrative approaches. Dr. Delima-Tokarz is currently working on completing her Ph.D. in Integrative Medicine and is passionate about a holistic and integrative approach to mental health. Her philosophy includes a healing-oriented approach that considers the whole person, including all lifestyle aspects. Dr. Delima-Tokarz aims to provide collaborative and comprehensive care, which may include medication management, lifestyle interventions, stress reduction techniques, and other integrative approaches. She believes building a strong therapeutic relationship where the patient feels empowered is the key to healing.‍

Dr. Cedric Skillon is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience. Dr. Skillon’s clinical expertise includes treating adults with depressive disorders, bipolar disorders, anxiety disorders, substance -related and addictive disorders, and trauma related disorders. Dr. Skillon has worked in a variety of mental health care settings including academia, community mental health centers, and a substance use treatment center.

Dr. Skillon grew up in Detroit, Michigan. He obtained his Bachelor of Science from the University of Michigan. He received his medical degree from Wayne State University. He completed a General Psychiatry Residency at University Health Center of Pittsburgh, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic

Dr. Skillon combines a wealth of knowledge and experience with a compassion for meeting the patient “where they are” in their healing process. He believes in allowing the patient to feel heard in every session. He fully explains the risk and benefits of each treatment option. Then in collaboration, he and his patient agree on the next step to take towards the patient’s treatment goals.

Dr. Skillon is dedicated to providing hope and healing in a trusting environment. He combines empathy with a patient centered, and evidence-based approach in helping patients reach their treatment goals.

Dr. Stephen Byrd is a clinical psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He is board-certified in both psychiatry and addiction medicine. He has been practicing for over 31 years in a wide variety of settings, including working with inpatients and outpatients in private practice, community mental health, geriatric, VA, and community hospital/medical center settings. Dr. Byrd's practice focuses on evidence-based medication management, usually provided in conjunction with 30-minute supportive psychotherapy, which is informed by cognitive behavior therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and motivational enhancement. When more intensive therapy is needed, Dr Byrd may ask you to include a therapist as part of your care team. He received his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in Ohio and completed his residency training in psychiatry at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, University Hospitals of Cleveland. Throughout his career, he has treated patients with a wide variety of conditions in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Additionally, He has served as director of inpatient geropsychiatry at Lutheran Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, program manager of the substance abuse treatment program at the Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia, and medical director of outpatient behavioral health at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise, Idaho. Throughout his career, Dr. Byrd has been active in training medical students and psychiatry residents, and he has held clinical teaching appointments at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, University of Washington School of Medicine, Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine and Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine.�.�