Mary Phelps, DO

Education and training

Stony Brook University (Bachelor of Science)

American University of Integrative Sciences (MD)

Davenport University (MBA)

Bergen New Bridge Medical Center (residency)

University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center/Case Western Reserve University (fellowship)

Dr. Mohammed Islam is board certified in both General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. He completed his undergraduate studies at Stony Brook University and attended medical school at the American University of Integrative Sciences. He completed his psychiatry residency training at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center followed by completion of a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at University Hospitals/Case Western Reserve University where he served as Chief Fellow. Prior to joining Talkiatry, he has trained/worked in a combination of various healthcare systems across New York, New Jersey, Ohio and Kentucky.

Dr. Islam treats patients of various ages- in addition to medication management he is a strong proponent of therapy in various forms. His approach to the treatment of adults and children/adolescents incorporates the impact of various things such as family history of mental health/medical conditions as well as any adverse childhood experiences/trauma. In addition to screening for common conditions such as bipolar disorder, anxiety and depression in all patients, he also emphasizes the importance of screening for conditions that can manifest in childhood (such as ADHD, Autism) as well as first-episode psychosis in young adults.

From the initial visit and onward, Dr. Islam prioritizes a collaborative effort with his patients (and at times their families). In addition to medication adjustments, he emphasizes the importance of optimizing additional tools such as therapy while making appropriate lifestyle changes. During every follow up visit, he takes care to ensure that the current treatment is not hindering his patient’s progress in any way.

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Dr. Adeola Mustapha is a board-certified psychiatrist with experience across outpatient, inpatient, and community mental health settings. She completed her psychiatry residency at Indiana University School of Medicine – Vincennes in July 2024 after earning her medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine. Recognized for her exceptional psychotherapy skills, Dr. Mustapha received therapy awards in both her PGY3 and PGY4 years. Her background reflects a commitment to blending strong clinical training with compassionate, patient-focused care.

Dr. Mustapha creates a warm, collaborative, and supportive environment where patients feel respected and understood. She believes in the power of psychotherapy combined with evidence-based psychiatric care, always striving to integrate both in treatment. Open communication and clear, realistic goal setting are central to her approach. She is committed to a holistic perspective that considers emotional, physical, cultural, and social well-being. With an emphasis on empowerment, Dr. Mustapha encourages patients to take an active role in their healing journey.

Dr. Mustapha begins with a comprehensive evaluation to learn each patient’s history, concerns, and goals. She develops individualized treatment plans that may integrate therapy modalities such as CBT, DBT, TF-CBT, psychoanalysis, and FETI, along with medication management when appropriate. Using a goal-oriented, step-by-step process, she tracks progress and adapts treatment as needs evolve. Through ongoing dialogue, she ensures patients feel supported, informed, and engaged throughout their care. Her aim is to foster long-term resilience and overall wellness, not just symptom relief.

Dr. Jacqueline Barrett is Board Certified in Adult and Child Psychiatry and Board Eligible in Forensic Psychiatry. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing at Florida International University and her medical degree at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. She completed her residency in Adult Psychiatry at Henry Ford Hospital and went on to complete fellowships in Child and Forensic Psychiatry at the University of Michigan/Center for Forensic Psychiatry. Dr. Barrett has extensive experience working in a variety of healthcare settings, including community mental health centers, inpatient and outpatient programs, and most recently at the Miami Veterans Affairs.

Dr. Barrett believes in a patient-centered approach that combines careful assessment, evidence-based treatment, and individualized care. She works with each patient to create a personalized plan that addresses both immediate needs and long-term goals. By integrating psychiatric expertise with compassion and collaboration, she empowers patients to take an active role in their mental health journey.

During your first visit, you can expect a thorough and compassionate evaluation in a warm, supportive environment where you will feel heard and respected. Dr. Barrett values open communication and works collaboratively with her patients to establish clear treatment goals. Her approach is rooted in trust, empathy, and partnership, ensuring that every patient feels comfortable and supported throughout their care.

Robynn Cavaliere, PMHNP-BC, is a nationally board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She earned her nursing practice degree from the University of San Diego (USD). Her passion for helping others began at the age of 16 when she became an EMT and volunteered with a local emergency unit. Inspired by a strong belief in service to country and a desire to follow in her brothers’ footsteps, she proudly served in the United States Marine Corps.

Robynn’s nursing journey began over two decades ago, driven by a deep calling to care for others. She started her career as an LVN on medical/surgical/telemetry floors, advanced to an RN in the emergency room, and eventually became a psychiatric nurse practitioner.

Her extensive nursing experience spans a wide range of clinical settings and patient populations, shaping her approach to interviewing, assessment, and intervention. Robynn applies the Biopsychosocial Model in every patient encounter, believing that a comprehensive understanding of the whole person leads to more effective treatment recommendations, improved outcomes, and better prognoses.

She is deeply committed to making a positive impact in her patients’ lives and giving back to the nursing profession. Robynn precepts student nurse practitioners in her practice and serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at USD, where she helps educate the next generation of healthcare providers.

Robynn emphasizes the importance of comprehensive assessments, active listening, and building therapeutic alliances that foster trust and create a safe space for patients to share their thoughts and concerns. She collaborates closely with patients to ensure they feel heard, encourages active participation in their treatment, and provides education to enhance insight and promote behavioral change. Her approach includes supportive psychotherapy and incorporates techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy, Reality Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy during medication management visits.

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Dr. Robert Smeed, DO, is a board-certified psychiatrist with a passion for healing the human mind and consciousness. He earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his Psychiatry Residency at Wayne State University College of Medicine. Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN), Dr. Smeed served as an outpatient psychiatrist at Veterans Affairs for 11 years, honing his expertise in mental health care. Driven by a deep interest in consciousness and innovative treatments, he combines talking therapies, neuromodulation, and modern psychopharmacology to help patients achieve lasting wellness.

Dr. Smeed is proficient in treating a wide range of psychiatric conditions while specializing in treatment-resistant depression, neurodevelopmental disorders, anxiety and trauma disorders. His treatment style is empathic and collaborative, emphasizing family dynamics and relationships while integrating psychodynamic principles with biopsychosocial models. He approaches each patient with creativity, using open-ended discussions and innovative therapeutic and psychopharmacologic strategies to tailor care, ensuring a personalized and effective treatment experience.

Dr. Smeed begins with open-ended dialogue, allowing patients to develop their narrative, which is often therapeutic. Treatment plans are customized to patient needs and align with diagnostic standards of care. He incorporates medication reviews, mindfulness techniques, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), supportive therapy, and psychodynamic approaches. Dr. Smeed also educates patients on lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise, to support mental health, fostering a holistic and individualized path to wellness.

Evelyn Kuang, PMHNP, is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of experience spanning clinical practice, research, and teaching. She trained at Columbia School of Nursing and in specialized psychiatric programs including Gracie Square Hospital, NYP Mt. Sinai SAGE elders, and Harlem’s STAY program. Evelyn has worked with diverse communities, including LGBTQ+ youth, older adults, and Asian-American populations, with expertise in sexual health, geriatric psychiatry, and trauma. She is also a musician and composer, integrating creative expression into therapeutic work.

Evelyn provides person-centered, trauma-informed care with an intersectional and decolonized lens. She emphasizes shared decision-making and creates a compassionate environment where patients feel safe and heard. Passionate about addressing implicit bias in healthcare and supporting ethnic identity formation, she focuses on improving access and quality of mental health care for Asian diaspora communities.

Evelyn begins by exploring each patient’s history, concerns, and goals through a trauma-informed, intersectional approach. She develops individualized treatment plans aligned with patient goals, incorporating supportive psychodynamic psychotherapy alongside medication management to ensure holistic care.