Maxwell Schauermann, MD

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. Tamoria is a California native whose career has taken him around the country. As a medical student at Temple School of Medicine in Philadelphia, PA he worked in a culturally diverse, urban community. He was Chief Resident at the “President’s Hospital” in Washington DC and spent the first part of his career serving as an active-duty Navy psychiatrist helping servicemembers and veterans. After the Navy, he returned west to WA whereas a Medical Director he led one of the state’s most successful behavioral health programs through COVID and into the telehealth revolution. Now he serves as Talkiatry’s first West Coast Chief leading and supporting psychiatrists across the western US.

Dr. Tamoria works with adults to diagnose and treat a wide variety of mental health conditions including Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, and more. He uses a combination of medication management and psychotherapy treatment to help patients improve and thrive. He is well experienced in caring for patients with complex histories or co-morbid medical conditions.

In the first appointment with Dr. Tamoria he completes a comprehensive evaluation of mental health symptoms, medical history, social supports, and stressors. He works collaboratively with patients to develop a treatment plan that may include lab tests, managing medications, initiating psychotherapy, or referring to other specialists. Over time he builds on the patient’s strengths and resilience to lead to recovery.

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Dr. Zezetko completed her medical training at the University of Georgia/August University Medical Partnership. While in medical school, she received a Master of Business Administration at the University of Georgia. She then moved to North Carolina to complete her psychiatric residency training at the Brody School of Medicine/ECU Health Medical Center. During her training, she gained extensive clinical experience in working with adults and veterans in psychiatric inpatient, outpatient, and emergency settings. She also served as a chief resident of the psychiatry program and published several case studies.

Dr. Zezetko relies on evidence-based treatments to guide pharmacotherapy decisions. In addition to medication management, she also incorporates supportive psychotherapy and psychodynamic psychotherapy techniques in her visits with her patients. When appropriate, Dr. Zezetko will refer patients for further psychotherapy and collaborate with therapists to provide more comprehensive care. Dr. Zezetko takes great pride in forming meaningful connections with her patients and listening to their concerns.

Dr. Zezetko will conduct a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and take time to understand patients’ individual concerns, mental health goals, and history. Dr. Zezetko believes in building a strong therapeutic relationship that empowers patients to join in a collaborative discussion for optimizing their individual treatment plans and reaching their defined goals.

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Dr. Illise Perlmutter is the Director of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Talkiatry. She is double board-certified in child and adolescent psychiatry and adult psychiatry. Before joining Talkiatry, Dr. Perlmutter was the Chair of Behavioral Health and Addiction Services at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center. Prior to Bergen New Bridge, she was the Director of Inpatient Psychiatry at Montefiore Medical Center-Wakefield, in New York. Over 35 years, Dr. Perlmutter has held numerous leadership roles with some of the largest hospital systems in the New York Metro Area. Dr. Perlmutter is a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, a Fellow of the American College of Psychiatrists, and a Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She has received awards for her contributions both locally and nationally. Dr. Perlmutter was included in Castle Connolly's "America's Top Doctors” list from 2006-2011 and 2017, as well as "Best Doctors in America” from 2009- 2012. Dr. Perlmutter received her MD from George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. After an internship in pediatrics, she completed a residency in Psychiatry at Mt. Sinai Medical Center followed by a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Columbia University/New York State Psychiatric Institute. Dr. Perlmutter has held leadership roles in several academic institutions and is a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington, D.C. Dr. Perlmutter has authored numerous publications and research articles and has lectured and presented extensively on clinical, epidemiologic, and psychopharmacologic issues in child and adolescent psychiatry. She has made frequent media appearances addressing topical issues in disaster psychiatry during the course of her work in disaster psychiatry outreach.

Michelle Hamilton is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a special interest in the care of adults with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and PTSD. She earned her Master of Science Degree from The Ohio State University and her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from The Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Oregon. Her background includes both inpatient and outpatient psychiatry, crisis stabilization, and Consult-Liaison Psychiatry. Michelle has a passion for incorporating a holistic, evidenced-based approach to improve the mental health needs of each individual client through medication and therapy while emphasizing practical lifestyle changes such as the incorporation of exercise, healthy nutrition, and stress management techniques.

Dr. Zachary Masuda earned his medical degree at Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha and completed his Psychiatry residency at Creighton University School of Medicine in Phoenix. He went on to complete an Addiction Psychiatry fellowship at Oregon Health and Science University. During training, he was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society, reflecting his commitment to compassionate care. Dr. Masuda is board-certified in general psychiatry and has experience working in outpatient, residential, and inpatient settings.

Dr. Masuda is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where patients feel heard and respected. He emphasizes open communication to establish clear treatment goals and expectations, ensuring patients are active partners in their care. His approach remains flexible, adapting as treatment evolves to best meet patient needs.

Dr. Masuda begins by gaining a thorough understanding of each patient’s history, concerns, and goals during the initial session. He then develops personalized treatment plans that align with those goals, integrating both medication management and therapeutic interventions. His balanced approach allows for individualized care tailored to support long-term recovery and overall well-being.