Michael Fiori, MD

Dr. Liu is board certified in Adult Psychiatry. She primarily focuses on medication management but integrates therapeutic support into her sessions. For more in-depth therapy needs, Dr. Liu encourages patients to have their own individual therapist. She received her undergraduate and medical degrees at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC. She then moved to Morgantown, West Virginia to complete her psychiatry residency. Dr. Liu has experience working with patients from different backgrounds in inpatient, outpatient, and partial hospitalization settings. She particularly enjoys working with young adults and in areas related to women's health, such as perinatal mental health. She welcomes people from all cultures and is LGBTQ+ friendly.

Dr. Michael Watkins is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. He completed his residency at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler. In addition to being thoroughly trained in psychopharmacology, Dr. Watkins has also received extensive training in psychotherapy. From traditional psychodynamic therapy to the more modern mindfulness-based dialectical behavior therapy, Dr. Watkins takes the approach that best serves his patients. In addition to being trained in a variety of therapies, Dr. Watkins also employs a positive psychiatry approach which, as well as addressing a patient's symptoms, also focuses on their strengths and how they can be used to overcome adversity. Prior to pursuing a career in psychiatry, Dr. Watkins was a high school math teacher, and prior to that, he was an NCAA Division I college athlete. His teaching and athletic careers have given him a well-rounded perspective on the human experience. Drawing on his academic training and life experiences, Dr. Watkins meets patients where they are at, helps them overcome their obstacles, and serves as a guide and a resource for them on their journey to their desired destination.

Dr. Alexis Kropf is a board-certified adult psychiatrist beginning her practice at Talkiatry after four years of clinical experience in residency. Dr. Kropf primarily focuses on providing medication management during 30-minute follow-up visits, weaving in elements of supportive therapy according to the needs of her clients. When additional therapy is indicated to promote recovery, Dr. Kropf may recommend that her clients work with a therapist as part of the treatment team. Dr. Kropf credits her undergraduate education at Southwestern University, a small liberal arts college, for strengthening her curiosity about and dedication to serving others. She received her medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, where she also completed her psychiatry residency training. During residency, she was involved in medical student education and resident leadership, serving as a chief resident during her final year of training. She also utilized her fluency in Spanish and medical Spanish interpreter training to serve Spanish-speaking patients and to lead Spanish-language group therapy sessions. In addition to psychopharmacology, Dr. Kropf studied psychotherapeutic interventions, including psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral therapies. She has experience working with clients experiencing many different mental health challenges, with a primary clinical focus including the treatment of anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

Dr. Elena Perea is a board-certified psychiatrist.  She completed her undergraduate training at Wake Forest University followed by medical school and residency training at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC).

Dr. Perea holds an adjunct academic appointment at UNC and has been involved in medical education for her entire career.  She most recently served as Residency Program Director for the Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC) psychiatry residency in Asheville, NC.  She remains involved in didactic education there for both residents and medical students.

She has a genuine interest in treating a vast array of psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders and obsessive compulsive and related disorders. She is a skilled psychopharmacologist and interested in the mind-body connection. She believes physical health greatly affects mental health and vice versa and loves helping patients with medical comorbidities to feel well.

Patients looking for a psychiatrist will find that Dr. Perea has a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and management of her patients. She believes in the principle that body and mind are interconnected and utilizes psychoeducation and psychotherapeutic approaches in addition to medications for total wellness.

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. S. Taylor Williams is a psychiatrist with Talkiatry. She is board-certified in psychiatry and has been practicing over 14 years. Dr. Williams received her MD from the University of Alabama School of Medicine at UAB. She completed her psychiatry residency at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Prior to joining Talkiatry, she held an academic appointment at UTHSC as Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and was the Clinical Director of the Memphis Mental Health Institute. She specializes in the treatment of young adults and LGBTQ patients. Her practice focuses on medication management.‍