Michele Kerbow, MD

Dr. Absar Tahir is an adult psychiatrist double-boarded in psychiatry and internal medicine who specializes in evidence-based, holistic, and individualized care. He graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he earned both his undergraduate and medical degrees. Dr. Tahir completed sequential residency training in both internal medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, followed by psychiatry at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Tahir integrates his knowledge of psychiatry and internal medicine to address the complex interplay between mental and physical health, ensuring a comprehensive and thoughtful approach to diagnosis and treatment. Throughout his career, he has helped patients from all walks of life, from diverse backgrounds, with a compassionate and empathetic treatment style. He strives to ensure his patients feel their voice is heard while working collaboratively towards achieving their treatment goals. As a psychiatrist, he specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). He is also highly experienced in treating psychiatric problems in patients with medical comorbidities.

Dr. Anantharam Peesapati is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who graduated from General Psychiatry Residency training at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. There, he honed his skills by treating a diverse patient population suffering from various diagnoses, including major depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, PTSD, ADHD, and substance use disorders. Prior to residency, Dr. Peesapati earned his medical degree from Florida Atlantic University Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine & his bachelor's degree in Psychology with a specialization in Behavioral & Cognitive Neuroscience from the University of Florida. Dr. Peesapati is committed to providing comprehensive care to his patients, with a focus on medication management & psychoeducation, as well as supportive psychotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy. His approach is guided by psychodynamic principles and steeped in mindfulness, ensuring a holistic and personalized treatment plan for each individual. Dr. Peesapati's goal is to help every patient achieve their best mental health and well-being, which may include collaboration with a therapist while also considering the impact of lifestyle on their health.

Justin Stone is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with experience in both outpatient and inpatient psychiatric settings, including in-person and telehealth care. He completed his undergraduate and master’s programs at Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, Tennessee. Justin is committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care that addresses the whole person—mind, body, and environment.

Justin works collaboratively with patients to reach personal goals and support a more fulfilled life. He strives to create an open, judgment-free relationship where patients can be completely themselves. His aim is to provide a safe space for vulnerability without fear of judgment, fostering trust and partnership in the therapeutic process.

Patients can expect a thorough initial evaluation to ensure the correct diagnosis is addressed from the start. Justin prioritizes safety and evidence-based best practices while tailoring treatment plans to individual goals. His approach is focused on developing personalized strategies that help patients achieve meaningful improvements in mental health and overall well-being.

Mekayla Davila is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) who has been in practice for 6 years. She has experience working with many diverse populations and mental health conditions. Mekayla attended graduate school at Teachers College Columbia University where she received an M.A. and M.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling. Her education and experience span both psychology and criminal justice fields as she has always been interested in their intersectionality. In previous roles, Mekayla has worked mostly with children, adolescents, and adults of minority populations, with focuses on treating anxiety, depression, trauma, and other stressor-related disorders. Mekayla strongly believes that every therapeutic interaction is unique, so she uses an eclectic approach, with foundations in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy, to tailor treatment to the specific needs of each individual. Mekayla puts emphasis on the therapeutic relationship and finds it important to provide a safe and comforting environment for all.

Dr. Samuel Russell is a psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He is board certified in Addiction Psychiatry and Adult Psychiatry. His particular clinical focus is on the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and behavior addictions, as well as trauma, mood, and anxiety disorders. Dr. Russell's practice focuses on evidence-based treatments for psychiatric illness that utilizes a combination of medications and psychotherapy modalities best suited for an individual patient and their needs. He offers this in conjunction with supportive or emotionally focused therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. Weekly hour-long psychotherapy may be available if indicated. However, occasionally, Dr. Russell may believe that different therapies are also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome. He received his medical education at the University of Washington in Seattle after completing undergraduate studies in psychology and later a post-baccalaureate at Boston University. After residency at the University of Chicago where he specialized in addiction psychiatry and psychotherapy, he completed an Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of Washington in Seattle.

Gary Etter, MD is a board-certified psychiatrist with experience across outpatient, inpatient, and emergency settings, including many years within the John Peter Smith Healthcare System. He has also practiced in federal correctional psychiatric settings and outpatient care through Tarrant County MHMR. Dr. Etter has been extensively involved in psychiatric education for medical students and psychiatry residents. He has participated in organized psychiatry for many years through the Texas Society of Psychiatric Physicians, serving on multiple committees and previously as President of the Texas Psychiatric Society. He earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and completed his psychiatry residency at Timberlawn Psychiatric Hospital in Dallas. He is a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association.

Dr. Etter values ongoing patient input and strives to create a collaborative treatment environment where patients are actively involved in decision-making. He emphasizes a warm, supportive approach that helps patients feel heard, respected, and understood throughout their care.

Dr. Etter begins by developing a thorough understanding of each patient’s psychiatric, medical, family, developmental, and substance use history, while also exploring the patient’s concerns and goals. He then works collaboratively with the patient to develop an individualized treatment plan tailored to their unique needs and objectives.