Mona Ismail, MD

Thomas Sargent, MD, holds a master's degree in pharmacology and a Doctor of Medicine from Tulane University School of Medicine. He completed his psychiatry residency at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai West/Morningside in New York City. Over the past four years, he has treated a wide range of mental health conditions in various clinical settings. Dr. Sargent has extensive experience treating mood, anxiety and psychotic disorders, PTSD, OCD, personality disorders, and substance use issues. He utilizes both medication management and psychotherapy to provide comprehensive care. Dr. Sargent has received specialized training at the VA and the Center for Intensive Treatment of Personality Disorders in NYC. Passionate about holistic treatment, Dr. Sargent considers the biological, psychological, and social factors that influence mental health. He believes in addressing core issues through targeted care rather than defaulting to prescribing multiple medications. Dr. Sargent strives to create a supportive environment where patients can openly express their concerns. He believes in shared decision-making to ensure that care is evidence-based but also tailored to each patient's unique needs. Dr. Sargent takes the time to thoroughly explain diagnoses and treatment options, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their mental health. His approach emphasizes patient autonomy and aims to build trust, leading to more effective and personalized care outcomes.

Dr. Emily Goncalves is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who earned her undergraduate degree at Syracuse University and medical degree from the American University of Antigua. She holds an MBA from Plymouth State University focusing on health care administration. She completed her adult psychiatry residency at Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, where she was chief resident and completed her fellowship in consultation liaison psychiatry at Jackson Memorial Hospital/University of Miami. Dr. Goncalves specializes in treating patients with psychiatric disorders with complex medical illnesses, cancer, and also has expertise in reproductive psychiatry. She is experienced in treating mood disorders, anxiety disorders, PTSD, psychosis, substance use disorders, and adult ADHD. Dr. Goncalves had the opportunity to work in various settings with a diverse patient population including veterans, inmates, cancer patients, and perinatal and postpartum patients. Dr. Goncalves provides medication management along with psychotherapy.

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.

Virginia Hogan, PMHNP, is a dedicated psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with experience in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care. She began her career in general surgery and primary care before pursuing her passion for mental health. Virginia earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology, a BSN in Nursing, and a Master of Science in Nursing from Northern Kentucky University. She is board-certified through the ANCC as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

Virginia is deeply committed to patient-centered care, always taking into account and respecting each individual’s unique needs and experiences. She emphasizes patient strengths when setting treatment goals and fosters a supportive, empathetic environment. Patients can expect someone who listens attentively, values collaboration, and works to build a positive and mutually respectful therapeutic relationship.

During the initial session, Virginia encourages patients to share their stories in order to gain a full understanding of their history, concerns, and goals. Together, she and her patients develop individualized treatment plans that align with those goals. Follow-up appointments are designed to track progress, celebrate growth, and make thoughtful adjustments as needed.

Dr. Kevin DiCesare is a board-certified psychiatrist, treating adults. He received his undergraduate degree at Harvard University, his medical degree at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, and then went on to train at Maine Medical Center for his psychiatric residency. He has 22 years of expertise in diagnosing and treating psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety, Bipolar spectrum disorders, adjustment problems, ADHD and other disorders. He is well versed in psychopharmacological interventions, but is a proponent of patients also being active in psychotherapy whenever appropriate. He prides himself in collaboratively arriving at treatment decisions with his patients, and taking the time to listen to their concerns and answer their questions.

Dr. DiCesare has worked in various settings, including community mental health centers and large hospital systems, with experience in inpatient, outpatient, and consultative roles. Prior to joining Talkiatry, he most recently served as an attending psychiatrist on the staff of Southern New Hampshire Health System, where he provided consultative care to referrals made from primary care providers and various specialists.

Dr.Gusta Shurdut is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with 8 year experience. She completed her medical training at SUNY Downstate Medical center in Brooklyn, and psychiatric residency at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, NYC. After her residency, she worked as an assistant professor at Mount Sinai Psychiatric Ambulatory Services. Dr.Shurdut graduated magna cum laude from Columbia University with an undergraduate degree in biology. Prior to moving to New York, she obtained a degree in communications and public relations and worked as a journalist at her hometown in Latvia.

Dr.Shurdut believes in individual, empathetic, and collaborative treatment approach. Through her residency and work experiences, Dr.Shurdut has developed expertise to treat various mental health conditions including mood disorders, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, PTSD. While her primary focus is medication management, she also incorporates CBT, psychodynamic and supportive psychotherapy.

Dr.Shurdut’s goal is empowering patients to participate in their healthcare choices. As a psychiatrist, she feels honored to witness the complexity of the human experience, and curious to explore the factors that contribute to it.  On intake appointment, she will take time to understand your concern, provide assessment, discuss treatment options and collaboratively decide on most appropriate action. The follow up appointments are usually 30 minutes and include a psychotherapy modality.