Kevin DiCesare, MD

Dr. Debbarma is double board certified in General Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. Dr. Debbarma is also certified in mindfulness therapy. Prior to joining Talkiatry, Dr. Debbarma worked as an attending psychiatrist and teaching faculty member in an academic hospital. She has experience of managing diverse patients ranging from chronic severe mental illness, dual diagnosis patients, crisis management, and a high functioning outpatients population. Dr. Debbarma is an International medical graduate from India with postgraduate training in Psychiatry and Family Medicine. To better understand public health and preventive care in the USA, Dr. Debbarma pursued an advanced degree in Master of Public Health from Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia. Due to interest in global health, Dr. Debbarma worked as a post-doctoral fellow in Global Health at Rutgers University. Dr. Debbarma completed psychiatry residency from Cooper University Hospital and served as a chief resident. Dr. Debbarma has diverse experiences in health care. Prior to moving to the USA, she worked as a medical officer in the government hospital system. Dr. Debbarma has years of experience in treating patients from different cultural and religious backgrounds. As an individual, Dr. Debbarma is intrigued by the human mind and behavior, and that's why she chose to specialize in psychiatry. She focuses on "wholeness" by understanding the whole person not just their symptoms. Her treatment approach includes a bio-psycho-sociocultural model and patient-centered care. She offers medication management and supportive therapy. Based on clinical needs, Dr. Debbarma also incorporates CBT, mindfulness, and MI. Dr. Debbarma has a special interest in women's mental health and cultural psychiatry.

Chelsea is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 7 years of experience in the field of mental health. Chelsea studied Sociology at the University of North Carolina in Charlotte North Carolina and obtained a master’s degree in social work at Norfolk State in Virginia. She has experience working with adolescents, adults, seniors, and families in various practice settings, such as psychiatric facilities, crisis stabilization/ substance abuse units, and outpatient agencies.

She specializes in working with individuals challenged with PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Self-defeating thoughts, Communication, Boundary setting, Coping Skills, Parenting, and Life transitions. Chelsea is passionate about providing holistic modalities of treatment to assist clients to manage mental health. She has experience using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered, Solution Focused, and Mindfulness Techniques, Person-Centered and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Chelsea's approach is empowering, direct, collaborative, and solution-focused, and she uses treatment modalities specific to the client's needs and goals. She believes in meeting clients where they are, advocating for clients’ needs, and creating a safe space for individual healing.

Chelsea is aware of the stigma created surrounding mental health in vulnerable communities. Chelsea believes that seeking therapy is a sign of strength and resiliency. Chelsea is honored to be able to support you on your journey toward healing and evolving.

Dr. Yacoub received his medical degree from Alexandria University and completed his psychiatry residency at Stony Brook University Hospital. He is double board certified in both general adult psychiatry and consultation & liaison psychiatry with over 20 years of clinical experience. After serving as chief resident, he joined Stony Brook University and became Associate Professor in clinical psychiatry. During his tenure at Stony Brook, Dr. Yacoub was director of the ECT service treating many patients with complex psychiatric disorders, which include treatment-resistant depression, severe bipolar disorders, psychotic disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post traumatic stress disorder. He also served as director of the medical student psychiatry clerkship where he received numerous teaching awards like Alpha Omega Alpha and Aesculapius Award for Excellence in Medical Education. Dr. Yacoub is an excellent diagnostician with expertise in complex mood disorders, psychotic disorders, interventional psychiatry, and advanced psychopharmacology. He has multiple publications and abstracts presented. Dr. Yacoub focuses on the interconnectivity of the mind, body, and soul. His care is only exceeded by his vast medical knowledge. In addition to medication management, he is proficient in supportive and interpersonal psychotherapy. He has treated adults, geriatric patients, and diverse populations including but not limited to LGBTQ+ and veterans. He is dedicated and empathetic to all his patients.

Khalilah is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) licensed in the states of Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, Alabama, and Georgia. Khalilah received an Associate degree in Arts and Sciences, Magna Cum Laude, from John Tyler Community College Chester, VA; a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, from Virginia State University Petersburg, VA; and a Master's degree in Clinical Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VA. Khalilah is known for a warm, relaxed, and comfortable approach to therapy. Khalilah's approach involves genuine caring, acceptance, and non-judgment. Khalilah also works with clients from a strengths-based, positive, and affirming perspective. Khalilah has been providing Mental Health Treatment and Services to include program coordination/management, psychotherapy, coaching, and case management for 20+ years. Khalilah specializes in treating individuals with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, co-occurring disorders (mental health and substance use disorders), and unresolved emotional issues. Khalilah's therapeutic techniques include individual counseling for personal and emotional growth, creating more meaning and purpose in one's life, and therapy to increase self-esteem and self-empowerment. Khalilah assists adults, couples and families with developing coping strategies, mental health/interpersonal skills, and techniques to mitigate life stressors and mental health symptomology that negatively impact personal functioning and quality of life. Khalilah is a trauma treatment specialist and focuses on the effective treatment for those that have endured sexual, physical, emotional, childhood, and domestic abuse. Khalilah utilizes evidenced-based psychotherapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Attachment Theory, Psychodynamic Theory and Family Systems Theory.

Background and credentials    

Dr. Abernethy is a board-certified psychiatrist who received his medical  degree from the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. He completed  his internship at UT Southwestern in Dallas and earned a Master's of Public  Health in Epidemiology and Occupational and Environmental Health from Texas  A&M. He completed his psychiatry residency training at the University of  Oklahoma Health Science Center. Dr. Abernethy has over 12 years of experience  practicing psychiatry in various outpatient settings, including private  practice and community mental health centers in Texas and Oklahoma,  specifically reaching underserved communities. He has treated a broad  spectrum of mental health symptoms among diverse populations, addressing  issues ranging from mood and anxiety disorders to behavioral manifestations  of Autism and other developmental disorders.    

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Treatment approach    

Dr. Abernethy utilizes a collaborative and patient-centered approach to  psychiatry, focusing primarily on medication interventions that align with  each patient's unique treatment goals and clinical needs. He emphasizes  cooperation with patients to effectively treat and reduce mental  health-related symptoms. His practice centers around medication management,  supplemented by supportive treatments tailored to individual needs. Depending  on each patient’s circumstances, he may recommend additional support from  individual, family, or group counselors and therapists to achieve optimal outcomes.    

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What you can expect in a first visit

In an initial visit, patients can expect a thorough, collaborative  discussion focused on understanding their symptoms, goals, and clinical  needs. Dr. Abernethy will evaluate the patient's condition to determine  appropriate medication interventions and discuss personalized treatment  recommendations. Typical follow-up visits are approximately 20-30 minutes in  length. Depending on the severity and complexity of a patient's situation,  referrals to additional counseling or therapy may also be suggested.    

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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 speciualize in  medication management and collaborate with you on a treatment plan that fits  your needs and comfort level.

Dr. Bardugon is a board-eligible psychiatrist who specializes in the treatment of adults. He has experience in treating patients with various forms of depression and anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, ADHD, PTSD, and substance use disorders. He seeks to provide a safe, non-judgmental, gender affirming space for patients as they strive to lead a happier, more contented life. After a pediatrics residency, Dr Bardugon worked for 13 years as a pediatric ER physician. His interest in psychiatry was piqued during this time as he witnessed the emergence of a child and adolescent mental health crisis. While ultimately deciding to focus his efforts on the treatment of adults, Dr Bardugon is keenly aware of the influence of child development and family systems on the behavioral health of adults. Dr Bardugon employs a holistic, multimodal treatment approach. Aiming to treat the whole person, he stresses the importance of nutrition, exercise, and sleep. Dr Bardugon believes an informed patient actively engaged in decision making surrounding treatment has the best chance of effecting lasting change. Believing in the synergistic effect of talk therapy and medication, he incorporates one or more talk therapy techniques including motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and supportive and psychodynamic psychotherapies into most sessions. He often recommends formal participation in some form of talk therapy and is happy to collaborate with other providers.