Laura Long, MD

Dr. Patel is a distinguished psychiatrist with over 24 years of experience. He completed his psychiatric residency at the University of South Dakota School of Medicine, where he served as chief resident and earned the Outstanding Resident of the Year award. He then pursued a fellowship in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School/Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

He is triple Board certified in Adult Psychiatry, Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, and Sleep Medicine and also holds certification in Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry from the United Council for Neurological Subspecialties. These credentials reflect his expertise in psychiatry, neurology, and the management of complex psychiatric conditions in medically ill patients.

Dr. Patel has worked in diverse settings including inpatient units, psychiatric consult services, outpatient clinics, and nursing homes. He is skilled in neuromodulation treatments such as Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).

In addition to clinical practice, he has served leadership roles of chairman of a psychiatric department, medical director of a behavioral health service line in a regional health system, and founder/CEO of a private psychiatric and TMS clinic. Dedicated to ongoing professional growth, Dr. Patel remains at the forefront of psychiatric advancements in psychiatric care, earning a reputation as a respected leader in the field.

Dr. Patel combines deep knowledge of neurobiology, behavioral health, and the mind-body connection to offer a collaborative, evidence-based, and holistic approach to care. He integrates diet, exercise, yoga, meditation, and lifestyle modifications with psychotherapy and medication management.

His approach emphasizes active listening, curiosity, compassion, and even humor—creating a warm and supportive environment. By encouraging patients to integrate their unique life experiences into their treatment, he fosters ownership, empowerment, and active participation in the healing process.

During your first visit, Dr. Patel will review your symptoms, medical and psychiatric history, past treatments, substance use, psychosocial factors, and family history. He will discuss treatment options—including risks and benefits—and determine if his expertise and the telehealth platform are the right fit for your needs. Your safety is his top priority.

Follow-up visits focus on monitoring progress, adjusting treatments, maintaining stability, and supporting your motivation to achieve your fullest potential.

Dr. Albert Fernandez is a board-certified physician who specializes in adult psychiatry. He has expertise in medication management and psychotherapy. His practice emphasizes a holistic approach to treatment and his style is empathic, insight-oriented, and flexible. He has particular interests in helping individuals struggling with depression, difficulty functioning at work or school, life transitions, bipolar spectrum disorders, ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorders, relationship struggles, anxiety disorders, sleep disturbances, low self-esteem, and more. He received his bachelor's degree in psychology from Princeton University with a certificate in neuroscience. He earned his M.D. from Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University and completed his residency training in psychiatry at the Mount Sinai Morningside and West Hospitals. He has supervised junior residents and medical students. He also worked as a staff psychiatrist at Fordham University and published a review article on the effects of residential relocation on mental health. He is currently a Post-Doctoral Candidate in the Adult Analytic Training Program at the New York Psychoanalytic Society and Institute.

Dr. Gotsche is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who is dedicated to helping individuals navigate their mental health journey. Originally from Illinois, she completed her undergraduate studies at Illinois State University before earning her medical degree from Kansas City University. She went on to complete her psychiatry residency at the University of Oklahoma. Following residency, she worked at the Kansas City VA Medical Center where she primarily focused on outpatient mental health. Outside of her clinical work, she enjoys cooking, reading, cycling, and hiking.

Dr. Gotsche takes a holistic, integrative, and evidence-based approach to mental health care. She emphasizes the importance of building a strong therapeutic alliance and working closely with each patient to ensure treatment fits their unique needs and goals. She is experienced in treating a variety of psychiatric conditions including mood disorders, anxiety, trauma-related disorders, and ADHD. She is committed to providing comprehensive care in a supportive environment.

Dr. Gotsche will conduct a thorough evaluation to learn each patient’s medical history, current symptoms, and treatment goals. She values open communication and a collaborative approach, ensuring that patients are actively involved in the decision-making process. An individualized treatment plan will be developed which may include medication management, psychotherapy, or referrals to additional services as needed. Her goal is to provide integrated, patient-centered care that promotes long-term well-being.

Dr. Maaeesha Pushpita, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist with experience caring for patients across all age groups in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She holds a special interest in college-age populations, women’s and reproductive health, trauma-related care, nutritional psychiatry, and psychodynamic psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. Dr. Pushpita earned her medical degree from Northeast Ohio Medical University and completed her psychiatry residency at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital.

Dr. Pushpita’s approach to care is patient-centered, holistic, empathic, evidence-based, and culturally competent. She values building trust and fostering an environment where patients feel heard, supported, and empowered in their care.

In the initial session, Dr. Pushpita takes time to understand each patient’s history, concerns, and goals. She carefully rules out underlying physical conditions that may impact mental health and cognitive functioning, and collaborates with patients to identify lifestyle changes that can support their well-being. Treatment plans are tailored, evidence-based, and designed to be practical and achievable.

Dr. Mark Varela is a board-certified psychiatrist joining Talkiatry directly out of residency. He focuses primarily on medication management, often accompanied by brief cognitive, motivational, or supportive therapy. He may request that you also meet with a therapist regularly for your benefit. Dr. Varela received his medical degree and general psychiatric residency training both from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in West Texas. He treats young adults and adults with a wide variety of mental health concerns, including ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD.

Dr. Nathan Schulz attended the Ohio State University College of Medicine where he received his degree before completing a residency in psychiatry at the University of Illinois, Chicago. After several years working with veterans at the Jesse Brown VA in Chicago, he returned to his home state of Iowa in 2022. Since then, he has continued to work with a wide variety of clients and conditions in both inpatient and outpatient settings, including at the University of Iowa and Clive Behavioral Health hospital.

Dr. Schulz values open, honest, and ongoing dialogue about how mental health treatment can improve wellbeing and lead to healing. Over time, he tailors treatment recommendations based on individual needs, which may include medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, or other approaches. He avoids a one-size-fits-all model and creates an environment where patients feel respected, understood, and supported as unique individuals.

In the first meeting, Dr. Schulz works to understand each patient’s goals, experiences, and preferences. Some arrive knowing what they want, while others are new to exploring mental health challenges. His goal is to meet patients where they are and adjust treatment focus as needs evolve. He emphasizes collaborative decision-making, clearly discussing treatment options, pros and cons, and next steps, while ensuring patients feel informed and empowered throughout care.