Mark Simonds, MD

Staff Psychiatrist
Languages
English
Conditions Treated
ADHD
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Depression
LGBTQIA+
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
PTSD/Trauma
Perinatal Psychiatry
Postpartum Depression
Tics/Tourette Syndrome

Education and training

  • Vanderbilt University, MD
  • George Washington, Internship
  • LAC + USC, Residency and Fellowship

Get to know

Mark Simonds, MD

Dr. Mark Simonds is a Board-Certified general psychiatrist with training and certification in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. He has been practicing general psychiatry for about 25 years. His practice focuses on initial assessment of psychiatric conditions, treatment planning, and psychotropic medication management, typically with a one-hour initial intake and 30-minute follow-up visits. Collaboration with a psychotherapist for the best treatment outcome is welcome and encouraged. Dr. Simonds is a graduate of the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. He completed a residency in General Psychiatry at the University of Southern California, followed by a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry also at USC. Dr. Simonds specializes in psychopharmacology, and as a generalist, he has a lot of experience treating patients with mood disorders (including Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Panic Disorder, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder); trauma and reactive psychoses; pain and psychosomatic disorders; and ADHD and Developmental Disorders, such as Aspergers. Having grown up in the Southern Appalachians but having lived most of his professional life in Los Angeles, he has worked with clients of various socioeconomics, religions, and ethnicities, as well as LGBT youth and adults. He lived abroad in Leeds, England, for one year in college, and continues to travel and obtain knowledge through these experiences. He trains regularly in the gym and does long-distance street biking, and he encourages exercise and a good diet as part of his clients' mental health recovery.

Get matched with a clinician like this one

Ready to book your first appointment? Take our 10-minute assessment. We’ll match you with a clinician who meets your needs, has availability, and takes your insurance.

Get started
More Clinicians

Kazi Hossain, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Kazi Hossain is a board-certified psychiatrist with a strong commitment to providing compassionate and comprehensive mental health care. Dr. Hossain developed an early interest in the biological sciences, which led him to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Biology from George Mason University. He earned his medical degree from the American University of Antigua College of Medicine in 2012 and subsequently completed his psychiatry residency at East Carolina University, graduating in 2016. Most recently, Dr. Hossain has served as an inpatient psychiatrist in Florida, where he has been dedicated to supporting individuals during their most vulnerable moments. His approach combines clinical expertise with a genuine understanding of his patients' diverse backgrounds and experiences. Dr. Hossain is deeply aware of the cultural nuances that can influence mental health. He takes pride in bringing this perspective to his practice, ensuring that every patient feels seen, heard, and respected. Dr. Hossain is passionate about giving back to the community. He regularly hosts seminars to raise awareness about mental health, break stigmas, and encourage open, meaningful conversations. His dedication to psychiatry stems from a desire to make a difference in the lives of his patients. Dr. Hossain's combination of professionalism, empathy, and cultural understanding makes him a trusted partner in his patients' journeys toward healing and well-being.

Jessi Munoz, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Background and credentials

Dr. Munoz is a board-eligible adult psychiatrist. He earned his medical degree from Rutgers, New Jersey Medical School and completed his psychiatric residency at Mount Sinai Beth Israel. Throughout his training, he gained experience in a variety of clinical settings, including outpatient and inpatient care, as well as psychiatric emergency services.

Treatment approach

Dr. Munoz provides compassionate psychiatric care through a combination of pharmacotherapy and supportive therapy. He specializes in treating depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and psychotic disorders. He has extensive experience working with LGBTQ+ and Spanish-speaking communities. His treatment philosophy is holistic, viewing patients as whole individuals and addressing their specific needs at different stages of life. He also emphasizes the importance of exercise, relationships, and overall well-being in his approach to mental health care.

What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive and patient-centered evaluation. Dr. Munoz takes the time to understand each patient’s symptoms, background, and personal goals. He collaborates with patients to develop an individualized treatment plan that may include medication management, supportive therapy, and lifestyle modifications to support their overall well-being.

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.

Danielle Lopez, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Danielle Lopez is an Adult Psychiatrist. She received her doctorate of medicine at the University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine in 2007, where she later completed residency training in 2012 at Los Angeles County Medical Center. Dr. Lopez has extensive experience with high risk and challenging patient populations. Early in her career she engaged in multidisciplinary outreach (FSP) for those experiencing homelessness and severe mental illness or substance use disorders. Later transitioning to inpatient work and rehabilitation of those individuals with severe and persistent mental illnesses, Dr. Lopez gained vast experience in complicated medication regimens, and agility in deescalating psychiatric emergencies. In 2017, Dr. Lopez moved to Santa Barbara, California, where she gained experience in emergency psychiatry, consultation liaison and inpatient psychiatry, working for the county regional trauma center. Inadvertently transitioning to private practice and telehealth due to COVID restrictions in 2020, Dr. Lopez found her niche in outpatient psychiatric treatment of individuals with mood disorders, trauma, anxiety, ADHD, psychotic disorders, and substance use disorders. Today, she enjoys forging personal connections with her patients, thereby tailoring their medication regimen to suit their individual needs. Education, supportive and motivational therapies, and cognitive behavioral techniques are often employed not only to provide insight and reassurance, but to also impart confidence and skills for patient success. Prior to her medical studies, Dr. Lopez was a high school science teacher and collegiate softball coach. She grew up in Los Angeles and currently resides in Long Beach, California, with her spouse, and English Mastiff named Ella. She enjoys photography, coastal trail walking, and dog training excursions. She and her spouse are avid gardeners; they love to grow and maintain lush succulent and floral gardens.

Derek Miller, LCSW

Staff Therapist

Derek Miller is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who has extensive experience working in the fields of substance abuse and mental health. Derek has worked with clients with a large variety of concerns and backgrounds, with more experience with male and minority populations. Derek attended undergraduate school in Alfred, NY, graduate school in Rochester, NY, including a school-based visit to Estonia to learn about social work systems abroad. Derek's greatest passion is helping people make lasting change in their lives. His approach draws both on professional and personal experiences with addiction, trauma, first responders, relationships and more. By creating a space and relationship where you feel safe, valued, and respected, Derek works together with you to overcome the challenges of today and build resiliency for the challenges yet to come. Therapy can be a truly transformative experience, when it is built on human connection and dedication to change. Derek takes an active approach, which includes asking tough questions while staying respectful, as well as humor and friendly conversations when appropriate. Therapy begins with building trust and a good relationship. Derek utilizes experiences from various practice models, including Cognitive Processing Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Motivational Interviewing.

Saba Mughal, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Saba Mughal is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with over 5 years of experience in providing compassionate, patient-centered care. Specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of a wide range of mental health conditions, Dr. Mughal works closely with individuals facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and OCD.‍Dr. Mughal employs an integrative approach to treatment, combining evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), medication management, and mindfulness techniques, tailored to each patient's needs. In addition to individual therapy, Dr. Mughal collaborates with family members and other healthcare providers to ensure a holistic and coordinated treatment plan.‍With a deep commitment to supporting emotional well-being, Dr. Mughal fosters a warm, non-judgmental environment where patients feel heard, respected, and empowered to take an active role in their mental health journey. Dr. Mughal believes that mental health is integral to overall wellness, and works to reduce stigma surrounding psychiatric care by promoting open dialogue and understanding.‍Dr. Mughal completed her medical school at Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Pakistan and completed her residency training at Nassau University Medical Center, East Meadow, NY. She is a member of APA and a diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. She is passionate about advocating for mental health awareness in the community.

Jabari Jones, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Jabari Jones is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist and an Emotional Health Consultant who has worked extensively with individuals and groups in both the public and private sectors for over a decade. His areas of focus are anxiety, depression, lifecycle-issues, and trauma. Dr. Jones has an interest in Positive Psychology -- a field of study dedicated to human well-being and flourishing. In addition to offering traditional care (Medication and psychotherapy), he also helps patients implement evidence-based interventions such as physical exercise, journaling, and meditation into their lifestyle to help them achieve their unique goals.

Megan Mooney, LPC

Staff Therapist

Megan Mooney is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 10 years of experience in diverse clinical settings. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Auburn University and a Master's degree in Community Counseling from Columbus State University. Throughout her career, Megan has worked with a wide range of demographics, providing personalized therapy that focuses on the unique needs of each client.

Believing in a holistic approach to mental health, Megan tailors her treatment to foster independence, enhance coping skills, and guide clients through lifestyle changes that promote growth and healing. She utilizes a well-rounded, integrative therapeutic modality, drawing on evidence-based practices to support clients in their journey towards emotional well-being.

Megan’s compassionate and empathetic approach allows her to connect with individuals from all walks of life, helping them navigate challenges and achieve lasting positive change.

Irene Pastis, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

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.

Regina Fu, DO

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Regina Fu is a board-certified psychiatrist who began her interest in Psychiatry while studying Psychobiology at UCLA. After completing her General Psychiatry residency at University of Rochester, she emphasizes a holistic approach to mental health treatment using the biopsychosocial foundation. Her approach to patient care combines evidence-based medicine while recognizing the individual factors that can influence well-being. She has a special interest in Cultural Psychiatry and prioritizes providing personalized and effective care to a diverse patient population.

Janee Stokes, PMHNP

Staff Nurse Practitioner

Janee Stokes is a highly experienced and skilled dual-certified nurse practitioner specializing in adult gerontology and psychiatry. With over 20 years of experience as a registered nurse, she has a comprehensive background in healthcare, working with diverse patient populations ranging from three years old to 70+ years of age. In 2015, she earned her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and became certified as an adult gerontology nurse practitioner. Building on her expertise, she obtained a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in 2018, with a dissertation focused on palliative care. Further advancing her skills, Janee achieved certification in psychiatry, equipping her to deliver holistic care to individuals with mental health concerns. Her leadership experience includes roles as lead nurse practitioner and associate director of psychiatry at a federally qualified healthcare center, where she played an instrumental part in guiding and managing healthcare teams to deliver quality care to underserved populations.

Janee prioritizes education as a key part of her approach to care. She focuses on building rapport through clear communication and trust while incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing techniques to support their needs. This approach helps patients feel empowered and engaged in their treatment journey

Janee's typical process involves guiding treatment based on the patient's goals of care while incorporating evidence-based practices. This ensures that each patient receives personalized, effective support that aligns with their needs and aspirations.

Waded Baquerizo-Mahuad, LPC

Staff Therapist

Waded Baquerizo-Mahuad is an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) in the state of Pennsylvania. She received her Master's (M.A.) in Mental Health Counseling from Kutztown University in 2016. She is also a Clinical Psychologist in her home country of Ecuador. She has provided mental and behavioral services to children and their families as a therapeutic staff support and mobile therapist, providing in-home services and services in the community. She has worked in Community Mental Health and Private Practice where she has gained experience treating various Mental health diagnoses that include PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, OCD, Grief, Adjustment Disorders, etc. As an experienced bilingual counselor, she utilizes an eclectic approach in her practice, taking into consideration the stage and uniqueness of her client's psychological, emotional, and social needs. Some of her approaches in therapy are the person-centered approach, cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic approach, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused approach. She integrates Sensory Motor techniques as well as Mindfulness and Grounding techniques. In her practice, she also applies a Strength-Based Modality and Trauma-informed Focus. She also implements Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) interventions.

Kevin DiCesare, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

*THIS PROVIDER CANNOT PRESCRIBE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES FOR NH PATIENTS* Dr. Kevin DiCesare is a board-certified psychiatrist who treats adults. He received his undergraduate degree at Harvard University, his medical degree at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, and then went on to train at Maine Medical Center for his psychiatric residency. He has 22 years of expertise in diagnosing and treating psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety, Bipolar spectrum disorders, adjustment problems, and other disorders. He is well versed in psychopharmacological interventions, but is a proponent of patients also seeing a therapist whenever appropriate. He prides himself on collaboratively arriving at treatment decisions with his patients and taking the time to listen to their concerns and answer their questions. Dr. DiCesare has worked in various settings, including community mental health centers and large hospital systems, with experience in inpatient, outpatient, and consultative roles. Prior to joining Talkiatry, he most recently served as an attending psychiatrist on the staff of Southern New Hampshire Health System, where he provided consultative care to referrals made from primary care providers and various specialists.

Ready to get matched?

Start our short assessment