Justin Jones, MD

What has motivated Dr. Wheatley over the course of her career as a caregiver? Dr. Wheatley is a native Houstonian who grew up in a working-class community. Through curiosity and hard work, she was able to attend a university that included people of vastly different life experiences. She was molded by both communities to appreciate the commonalities of humanity. That broad exposure extended her empathetic spectrum to grasp the needs of the American diaspora.

Dr. Wheatley uses a biopsychosocial approach to evaluate the patient. She gathers patient history with a mindset that considers the neuroscience that chemically shapes mood, thoughts, and behavior. She is able to uncover factors that can inhibit psychological growth and development. She has experience in seeing how the social conditions of the “then” can influence the resiliency of the “now”. Dr. Wheatley appreciates, and is proficient in, advances in technology, but prioritizes the analog relationship between doctor and patient.

Meeting people where they are. It is an old trope, but describes how one allows a patient to set the path forward. An open-ended interview is conducted with an open mind towards resolution. When being evaluated and treated by Dr. Wheatley, a patient can expect to be met in a cordial but professional manner. Treatments are discussed and considered based on the mental state of the patient and the clinical efficacy and scientific evidence of benefit. The patient is invited to ask questions and consider whether they wish to pursue the suggested treatment plan.

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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.

Dr.Gusta Shurdut is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with 8 year experience. She completed her medical training at SUNY Downstate Medical center in Brooklyn, and psychiatric residency at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, NYC. After her residency, she worked as an assistant professor at Mount Sinai Psychiatric Ambulatory Services. Dr.Shurdut graduated magna cum laude from Columbia University with an undergraduate degree in biology. Prior to moving to New York, she obtained a degree in communications and public relations and worked as a journalist at her hometown in Latvia.

Dr.Shurdut believes in individual, empathetic, and collaborative treatment approach. Through her residency and work experiences, Dr.Shurdut has developed expertise to treat various mental health conditions including mood disorders, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, PTSD. While her primary focus is medication management, she also incorporates CBT, psychodynamic and supportive psychotherapy.

Dr.Shurdut’s goal is empowering patients to participate in their healthcare choices. As a psychiatrist, she feels honored to witness the complexity of the human experience, and curious to explore the factors that contribute to it.  On intake appointment, she will take time to understand your concern, provide assessment, discuss treatment options and collaboratively decide on most appropriate action. The follow up appointments are usually 30 minutes and include a psychotherapy modality.

Dr. Clark is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. She is fellowship-trained in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and has been in practice for 11 years. She received her medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Clark then completed her residency training and continued her training in child and adolescent fellowship at the Medical College of Georgia. Dr. Clark works with patients to create an environment where they feel comfortable and supported. She focuses on medication management along with supportive therapy. Normally visits are 30-minute follow-ups that allow time to focus on areas of support needed. If additional therapy is recommended, she will request a therapist be added to your care team to meet all your needs. Dr. Clark has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings with adult, child, and adolescent populations. She has worked in private practice as well as community mental health, where she worked with reaching under-served communities. Dr Clark has a passion for treating both adult and child and adolescent patients with anxiety and depression.

Dr. Michael Padua is a graduate from the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and completed his psychiatry residency training at Loyola University Medical Center at Maywood, IL. He is trained and experienced in diagnosing and treating various psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, psychosis, and bipolar disorder with a focus on posttraumatic stress disorder, women's mental health, and cultural psychiatry. He combines his clinical expertise with a passion for working with underserved populations and the LGBTQIA+ population to address mental health needs across various communities. Dr. Padua has experience working in a variety of settings, which includes working as an outpatient psychiatrist at a federally qualified health center (FQHC), and as a correctional psychiatrist at the Washoe County Sherriff's Office in Reno, NV. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Padua has also participated in research and education, and has co-authored peer-reviewed articles in the fields of psychiatry and biology.

Jeanine Foley is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over a decade of experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She holds a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from the University of Colorado Denver, an MSN from Vanderbilt University, and a BS from Boston University. Her career includes service as an active duty PMHNP in the U.S. Air Force and roles in the VA and private psychiatric hospitals. She also serves as Adjunct Clinical Faculty for a PMHNP graduate program.

Jeanine believes in patient-centered care built on trust, collaboration, and respect for each individual’s life story. She integrates medication management with therapeutic techniques and creates a safe, inclusive space that is trauma-informed and aligned with each patient’s values. Jeanine emphasizes genuine connection and strives to help clients explore root causes of distress—not just manage symptoms.

Jeanine begins with a comprehensive, collaborative assessment of each patient’s medical, psychiatric, and psychosocial history. She partners with patients to develop flexible, personalized treatment plans that support holistic mental health. Her approach combines psychopharmacologic and psychotherapeutic interventions, continuously adjusting plans based on feedback and progress.