Marnie Stefan, MD

Dr. Benjamin Adler is a physician who specializes in adult psychiatry. He utilizes medication management in conjunction with therapy. His practice includes the treatment of multiple mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, ADHD, and OCD. Dr. Adler emphasizes a holistic approach to treatment that is non-judgemental and compassionate. He works closely with patients to establish plans that fit their individualized needs. Dr. Adler is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience. He attended medical school at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, graduating with honors. Dr. Adler completed his psychiatry residency at Woodmont Hospital in South Florida, where he supervised junior residents and medical students.

Dr. Michael Miller earned his medical degree with honors and completed his residency in Adult Psychiatry at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. He has worked across a wide range of clinical settings, including inpatient, outpatient, community clinics, and state hospitals. Dr. Miller is also trained in multiple psychotherapy modalities, equipping him to meet diverse patient needs.

Dr. Miller values creating a safe and nonjudgmental space where patients can speak openly about their experiences and goals. He believes in a collaborative approach, working with patients to discover strategies that best suit their lives. He also takes into account lifestyle factors that may influence mental health, supporting a well-rounded and sustainable path to wellness.

Dr. Miller begins care with a comprehensive conversation about current concerns, past mental health, physical health, and life experiences. From there, he works with patients to create a personalized treatment plan—whether through therapy, medication, lifestyle adjustments, or a combination. Follow-ups focus on refining the plan to ensure it continues to support the patient’s journey.

Dr. Zaidi graduated residency from University Hospitals/Case Western Reserve University in 2015. After residency he worked at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center as a staff psychiatrist. He eventually took on the role of Mental Health Lead Psychiatrist and Interim Clinic Director at the Tomball VA Outpatient Clinic. Dr. Zaidi then transferred to a telepsychiatry role at VISN 15 providing mental health coverage for rural areas in Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois. Dr. Zaidi resides in Houston, Texas and enjoys spending time with his family, being outdoors, and watching/playing sports such as Football, Basketball, and Soccer.

Dr. Zaidi has over 15 years of experience in treating different mental health conditions and is currently board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He enjoys getting to learn about patients and working collaboratively to provide the best treatment possible, be it medications or talk therapy. Dr. Zaidi has vast experience treating Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, among many others.

Dr. Zaidi's goal when working with patients is to not come to a generic diagnosis; rather, it is to get to know about the client and try and manage their symptoms in the best way possible. Overall, the process is collaborative, and both parties need to be comfortable with the decisions moving forward.

‍

Dr. Carter chose the field of psychiatry with the goal of empowering her patients and equipping them with the skills and tools to improve their mental health. She strives to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where patients feel heard and supported. She strives to destigmatize mental illness and normalize seeking help when struggling. Her passion for psychiatry stems from a deep interest in connecting with people and understanding their unique stories.

Dr. Carter believes the patient-physician relationship should be a partnership, built on trust, empathy, and shared goals. She encourages honesty, collaboration, and open communication, and believes there are no wrong questions, and your voice matters. She encourages questions and feedback and tailors care to each person’s goals, comfort level, and pace.

Dr. Carter wants to get to know the whole person, not just their symptoms. Together, she works with patients to create a personalized and thoughtful treatment plan that may include therapy, lifestyle support, and/or medication, always with room to adjust based on your evolving needs and preferences.

‍

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. Austin Davidson grew up in Nashville, TN before moving to CA for his undergraduate studies at the University of California, Irvine where he was on the rowing team. He then attended medical school at the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his psychiatry residency training at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

When he’s not practicing medicine, he enjoys spending time with his family, working out in his garage gym, and playing board games.

Dr. Davidson focuses on treating the whole patient. He believes medication is just one of the many important aspect to address when concerning mental health. Therapy, lifestyle changes, diet, and exercise are also equally important modalities that must be considered in treatment.  

Dr. Davidson’s treatment process typically begins with an in-depth history that focuses on getting to know his patients. He prefers to take his time with each patient and to make sure they feel they are heard. He believes the treatment process is a team effort and he takes time to come up with treatment plans that both he and his patients are comfortable with.

‍