Katherine Vital-Daley, MD

More Clinicians

Dr. Irene Pastis is a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in adult psychiatry.  She completed residency training at East Carolina University in both internal medicine and psychiatry.  After residency, she pursued her passion in psychiatry and stayed on as a clinical assistant professor in the department of psychiatry at East Carolina University.  In this role she specialized in treating adults with mental illness in both the inpatient and outpatient settings.  She has spent a considerable amount of time teaching residents and medical students and has published several papers focusing on the neuroscience pathways of mental health conditions.  In her daily practice, Dr. Pastis focuses on evidence-based treatments utilizing the latest clinical guidelines and current approved treatments.  In addition to medication management, she also incorporates psychotherapy in the treatment of mental health conditions.  Dr. Pastis is passionate about taking a collaborative approach with her patients to help them reach their potential.

Carolyn Benson, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Carolyn Benson has 21 years of experience in treating adults, adolescents, and children. After graduating medical school at Brody School of Medicine in Greenville, North Carolina, she moved to Rochester, NY to complete her residency and fellowship at University of Rochester School of Medicine. Her focus over the last ten years has been on working with young adults, children/adolescents, and their families. Her expertise covers a wide array of therapeutic modalities and mental health diagnoses. The primary focus of her sessions is to provide medication management with education on treatment options. She will provide therapy models that are appropriate within that 20�30 minute medication session. If longer therapy time frames are indicated, she will discuss the need to add a therapist to your treatment team to achieve optimal care. Her successful treatment outcomes are based on experience, staying current on psychiatric treatments, and having open communication with patients and families of children/adolescents so they can choose the most effective treatments. Prior to medical school, she worked in both marine and biochemical research venues and was coauthor in several research papers. She has an avid interest in the emerging field of neuroscience and frequently gives talks to colleagues and students on current research topics. Her primary objectives in her work are to help patients achieve success in both treatment and life goals and to always take time to truly listen to her patients.

Sibi Selvarajah, LCSW

Staff Therapist

Sibi Selvarajah is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) renowned for his compassionate approach and dedication to fostering emotional well-being. Sibi's career in mental health has been marked by a dedication to evidence-based practice and a client-centered approach. His experience working as a group and individual counselor at a private substance abuse outpatient treatment center in Manhattan provided him with invaluable knowledge and insight into helping individuals struggling with substance use disorder, anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues, among others. Sibi earned his Bachelor's degree in Psychology from New York University, where he developed a strong foundation in psychological theories and practices. He went on to complete his Master's degree in Social Work at Yeshiva University, gaining advanced knowledge and hands-on experience in therapeutic techniques. As a licensed clinical social worker, Sibi is known for his empathetic listening skills and his ability to build strong therapeutic alliances with his clients. His therapeutic approach is integrative, drawing from multiple modalities to tailor treatment plans that best meet the unique needs of each individual. Outside of his professional work, Sibi is dedicated to continuous learning and personal growth. He regularly attends workshops and conferences to stay abreast of the latest advancements in mental health therapy. Sibi also believes in the importance of self-care and encourages his clients to engage in practices that promote overall well-being. Through his work, Sibi Selvarajah continues to make a profound impact on the lives of those he serves, helping them navigate their mental health journeys with hope and resilience.

Victoria Mustovic, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Victoria Mustovic is a board-certified psychiatrist trained in general adult psychiatry who specializes in perinatal, postpartum, and LGBTQIA+ behavioral health. Clinical practice focuses on managing a variety of mental health conditions with particular interests in treating ADHD, OCD, anxiety, and mood disorders. A collaborative care approach is utilized to actively engage patients in treatment decisions and planning. Medication management is integrated with therapy to support a more comprehensive clinical approach. Therapy treatment focuses mainly on supportive therapy with use of additional therapy modalities based on patient needs. An evidence-based approach is combined with consideration of individual factors in order to work with patients to create a holistic, patient-centered treatment plan. Dr. Mustovic completed an undergraduate education at Allegheny College with a bachelor's degree in biology and double minor in psychology and chemistry. Dr. Mustovic went on to pursue a Medical Doctorate at Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Buffalo, graduated Summa Cum Laude, and was inducted into Alpha Omega AlphaHonor Society for academic achievement. After medical school, Dr. Mustovic completed psychiatry residency at Allegheny Health Network. Additional experience includes both co-authoring a book chapter on women's behavioral health and presenting posters on several different topics in mental health for the Pittsburgh Psychiatric Society, including a presentation on the identification and management of complex trauma in victims of sex trafficking. Dr. Mustovic has 2 years training in outpatient perinatal and postpartum behavioral health and 6 months experience working as co-facilitator in a perinatal and postpartum intensive outpatient treatment program both through the Alexis Joy D'Achille Foundation for Postpartum Depression at West Penn Hospital. Work as a co-facilitator included assisting patient groups in understanding and developing coping skills for a variety of therapy modalities including mindfulness, behavioral activation, interpersonal, cognitive behavioral (CBT), and dialectical behavioral (DBT) therapies. Dr. Mustovic is also dedicated to serving the LGBTQIA+ community with experience in LGBTQIA+ patient care over 4 years at Allegheny Health Network in a variety of clinical settings including inpatient, outpatient, and intensive outpatient programs. Dr. Mustovic is passionate about providing a supportive treatment environment to help improve equal access to care and support patients in advocating for their needs and concerns in health care settings.

Christopher Hoffman, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Christopher Hoffman is an American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology certified psychiatrist with three years of experience. Dr. Hoffman provides patient-centered treatment using medication management, supportive therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Typically, medication management appointments are 30 minutes, and therapy appointments are 45 minutes. Psychotherapy slots with Dr. Hoffman are limited, so he often brings another therapist to the treatment team. Since graduating from psychiatry residency in 2019, Dr. Hoffman served in the Air Force as the sole psychiatrist, Medical Director, and Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment program director at Edwards Air Force Base and has recently completed a fellowship in Forensic psychiatry.

Siera Kirkland, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Siera Kirkland is an adult general psychiatrist. She is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She has been practicing for 8 years. Dr. Kirkland focuses on collaborative and evidence-based care. She believes it is imperative to form a therapeutic relationship with each individual and work together as a team to formulate the best treatment plan. Her passion is to educate, empower, and support. She specializes in medication management and brief psychotherapy .Dr. Kirkland received her medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine. She completed her residency at The Cleveland Clinic Akron General and Summa HealthSystem in her hometown of Akron, OH. Upon completion of residency, she relocated to Charlotte, NC to start her career as the Lead Psychiatrist at Novant Health Psychiatric Associates- Matthews. Dr. Kirkland has experience in treating various patient populations. Her areas of focus have been perinatal and postpartum depression and anxiety. She has also worked with adults with co-occurring substance use disorders. Special interests include women's health and minority mental health disparities.‍For established patients of Dr. Kirkland, call 917-634-5311 to schedule an appointment and let the care coordinator know you are an established patient.

Georgia Gaveras, DO

Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer

Dr. Georgia Gaveras holds the position of Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer at Talkiatry. She is triple board-certified in child and adolescent psychiatry, adult psychiatry, and addiction medicine. She has been practicing for over 18 years. Dr. Gaveras's practice focuses on medication management. Typically, she offers this in conjunction with supportive or emotionally focused therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. However, occasionally Dr. Gaveras may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome. She received her medical degree from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine in Biddeford, ME, before moving back to NY to complete her residency at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center and a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital. After completing training, she remained and worked with dually-diagnosed adolescents at the Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Education Service (CARES) before becoming the Director of Training and Education for the Mount Sinai St. Luke's and Roosevelt Hospitals. She was then the associate director of child and adolescent emergency psychiatry at Cohen Children's Medical Center before becoming the Director of the Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP) at Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn. Dr. Gaveras has held academic appointments at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine, Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Zucker School of Medicine, and SUNY Downstate Medical College. In addition, she has appeared in numerous professional publications and authored several research papers. In addition to general, child, and adolescent psychiatry, Dr. Gaveras is also board-certified in addiction medicine and trained in the Eating Disorders, Compulsions and Addictions Service (EDCAS) program at the William Alanson White Institute. She completed her undergraduate studies at New York University. While having treated a wide variety of patients, her primary clinical focus has been in treating adolescents and young adults with co-occurring substance use disorders.

Steven Atkins, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Atkins is a staff psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He is board-certified in adult psychiatry and has been in practice for the past 2 years. He has received several awards for teaching and the treatment of chronically ill patients, including Stony Brook University's "William Turner Award" for excellence in education and leadership. Dr. Atkins has focused his practice primarily on medication management. He combines medication management with a therapeutic style that is a blend of supportive therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing. Follow‐up appointments with Dr. Atkins typically last 20‐30 minutes. While Dr. Atkins is trained in a variety of therapeutic techniques, he works collaboratively with therapists and may recommend their inclusion as part of your treatment team, depending on your individualized treatment plan .Dr. Atkins attended the University of Connecticut School of Medicine where he received his medical degree. He completed his psychiatry residency at Stony Brook University Hospital in New York. Post residency, he worked with general adult patients as well as older adults at Manchester Memorial Hospital where he served as both an outpatient psychiatrist and Director of the Geriatric Intensive Outpatient Program. Although Dr. Atkins does not treat child or adolescent patients, he has experience working with people of all ages, from young adults to adults. He has experience treating mood disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, patients in the perinatal period, and patients with co‐co-occurring substance use disorders. He has regularly managed behavioral problems in adults with autism spectrum disorders as well as dementia. He particularly enjoys working with patients dealing with life or role transitions, older adults, and patients with bipolar or other affective disorders.

Stephen Byrd, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

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.�.�

Tara Merchant, LMHC

Staff Therapist

Tara Merchant is a person-centered, nonjudgmental, relationship-based LMHC (licensed mental health counselor) who recognizes the intrinsic value of all people and holds positive regard for all her clients. Tara views counseling as a collaborative effort that provides psychoeducation and coping skills for the obstacles with which clients may be struggling, and clients provide insights as experts on themselves. She believes that all thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected and have valid underlying factors. Tara seeks to help clients connect the dots, from both past and present, to have a greater understanding of themselves and their environments. She also fosters a safe space for clients to identify and embrace their feelings toward emotional catharsis. Tara received her Bachelor's Degree from Purchase College, State University of NY, and her Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Long Island University. She has an eclectic style that utilizes Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and psychodynamic modality. Tara aims to uphold cultural humility for ongoing learning and awareness that supports racial and social equity. She is experienced in working with relationship issues, anxiety, depression, and child development. Tara is a big proponent of self-care and encourages you to find whatever it is that fills your cup. She, for example, loves to watch TV and sing in her spare time.

Lisa Oliveri, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Lisa Oliveri is a double board-certified psychiatrist in Psychiatry and Forensic Psychiatry. She completed her undergraduate training at the University of Florida, followed by medical school at the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University. She completed both her residency in Psychiatry and fellowship in Forensic Psychiatry at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital. Since graduating from fellowship, Dr. Oliveri has held an academic appointment at the University of Miami, teaching medical students, residents, and fellows, and serving as the Miami Veterans Healthcare System Site Director for the University of Miami Psychiatry residency and fellowship programs. Additionally, she has served as the Medical Director of the inpatient psychiatry unit and subsequently as the Assistant Chief of Psychiatry for the Miami VA Healthcare System. Dr. Oliveri has a strong interest in treating a broad range of psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and substance use disorders. She has extensive experience in treating adults with severe psychiatric illnesses in the inpatient setting. Patients looking for a psychiatrist will find that Dr. Oliveri is approachable, open-minded, and collaborative in her diagnostic interviews and treatment planning. She believes that a strong doctor-patient relationship with a thorough understanding of a patient's condition and concerns is key to effective treatment.

Tara Thompson-Felix, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Tara Thompson-Felix is a board-certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist. Dr. Thompson-Felix has specialized training in perinatal mental health and believes that improving outcomes during pregnancy and the postpartum period has a long-lasting impact on outcomes for a mother and child. She also specializes in treating a wide array of psychiatric conditions affecting children, adolescents, and young adults. Dr. Thompson-Felix's journey into medicine started in her undergraduate studies at Rutgers University. She earned her medical degree at Rutgers, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and trained in adult psychiatry at Temple University Medical School. She completed her child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Yale School of Medicine. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Thompson-Felix has extensive research experience in using neuroscience to understand the impact of maternal mental health on child development. She has authored several publications, presents her work nationally/internationally, and received numerous awards for her clinical work, research, and passion for teaching. Dr. Thompson-Felix believes that trust, communication, and respect between a patient and their physician is the foundation of effective treatment. Her style is welcoming, nonjudgmental, and collaborative. She evaluates mental health based on biological, psychological, and cultural aspects. She uses evidence-based treatments to manage psychiatric symptoms and promote optimal health.

Katherine Vital-Daley, MD

Education and training

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