Mu Xu, MD

Dr. Wellin is a double board certified psychiatrist specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry and adult psychiatry. She has been in private practice and worked in community clinics for over 44 years. Dr. Wellin's practice focuses on medication management in conjunction with supportive psychotherapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. She encourages a team approach involving psychotherapists, medical doctors, and parents and family when appropriate, to provide holistic care for optimal outcomes. Dr. Wellin received her medical degree from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, in Bronx, NY. She did her residency in adult psychiatry at the Jacobi Hospital Department of Psychiatry in Bronx, NY. Her fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at Columbia University St Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital NYC followed. For the last 5 years, she has been an assistant clinical professor at the Adolescent Health Center at Mt Sinai Hospital NY. During this period she was also a consulting psychiatrist at the McShane Center for Psychological Services at Pace University. Dr. Wellin trained at the Psychoanalytic Institute at NYU. She was certified in hypnosis by NYSEPH in NYC and she has also received training in EMDR. Dr. Wellin worked at a NYC rehab for substance abusers and was the medical director of a private program for children of substance abusers and their families. Her primary current focus is on adolescents and college-aged patients.

Alexia Ford is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience in various aspects of mental health and co-occurring disorders. She obtained her MSW from Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta, GA.) and later obtained her MDiv and MPT from Columbia Theological Seminary (Decatur, GA.).

Alexia is a wife, mother, daughter & sister who has also experienced life's challenges that may identify with your story in some way. Alexia is known for her empathic listening and attention to verbal and non-verbal cues. Her approach is individualized and non-judgmental in hopes of creating and holding a safe and comfortable space for all to be their true, authentic selves. Alexia is intentional with developing rapport and meeting clients where they are without criticism but will also gently challenge stagnant behaviors respectfully and when necessary.

Alexia prefers to work with adult age to geriatric age clients and couples using strengths-based and affirming perspectives. She uses several modalities, such as, CBT, ACT, IPT, BA, Solution Focused therapy, Client centered therapy, Mindfulness, meditations, breathing exercises, positive affirmations, spirituality, bereavement, existential concerns and other appropriate evidenced based approaches and interventions. Alexia is a “movie and series buff” and will often incorporate movie scenes, themes and character traits to add to discussion and use to demonstrate examples of behaviors and consequences.

Jenna McDonald is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York State who has extensive experience working in the mental health field. Jenna attended undergraduate school in Amherst, NY, and graduate school in Buffalo, NY, and completed internship programs during her time at both schools. Jenna continues to obtain knowledge through regular trainings and certifications that interest her, including EMDR. Jenna has worked directly with many different kinds of clients, who have experienced an array of mental health concerns at all levels. Jenna also has experience in working with comorbid disorders that can at times go hand-in-hand such as anxiety & depression, or homelessness & substance use. Jenna has been working in mental and behavioral health for approximately 10 years and has continued after being fully licensed, which requires 3000 hours of supervised experience as well. As an LMHC, Jenna likes to focus on helping those with anxiety, depression, relationship/employment concerns, and overall transitions of life ( school/work/medical issues/moving stressors, etc.), which may hinder daily life. Working with Jenna, treatment is tailored to the individual client so that the treatment plan fits that individual's personal struggles. Jenna uses a mix of different approaches typically found in Solution Focused Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Whether the goal is talk therapy or problem solving, Jenna would be more than happy to explore your goals with you.

Background and credentials

Dr. John Whittier is a board-certified psychiatrist. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology from the University of Colorado at Boulder and went on to obtain a master’s degree in Medical Science from Loyola University Chicago. He completed his medical training at the Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at The University of Vermont and returned to Colorado for his psychiatry residency at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. While in residency, he specialized in the Psychotherapy Scholars Program and has since gained four years of experience treating psychiatric conditions through telehealth.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Whittier primarily focuses on medication management for general psychiatric conditions. His approach is individualized, ensuring that each patient receives a treatment plan tailored to their unique needs. He integrates supportive therapy, medications, and evidence-based alternative therapies to provide a flexible and comprehensive approach. In addition to his general practice, he maintains a psychodynamic psychotherapy panel where he helps patients explore developmental and relational patterns that contribute to their symptoms. His specialties include treating depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, PTSD, insomnia, bipolar disorder, and ADHD.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a one-hour comprehensive intake during which Dr. Whittier thoroughly evaluates their symptoms, medical history, and personal goals. He provides treatment options that prioritize flexibility, allowing patients to take an active role in their care. Follow-up visits typically last 20 to 30 minutes, focusing on assessing treatment progress and making necessary adjustments. For those engaged in psychodynamic psychotherapy, longer one-hour sessions are available for in-depth exploration of underlying psychological patterns.

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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 specialize in medication management and collaborate with you on a treatment plan that fits your needs and comfort level.

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Dr. Michael Lukowski is an adult psychiatrist who holds board certification with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He has been practicing medicine for over 4 years. Dr. Lukowski focuses on medication management combined with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. He practices whole-person medicine, caring for the wellness of your mind, body, and spirit and helping you enjoy your relationships with those around you. Dr. Lukowski received his medical degree from the University of Nevada School of Medicine in Reno, NV, before moving to southern California to complete his residency at Loma Linda University. After completing training, Dr. Lukowski began working with the Southern California Permanente Medical Group in Riverside, CA, where he treated a variety of psychiatric disorders in an outpatient setting. In March of 2020, as the pandemic changed life and medicine forever, Dr. Lukowski adopted a strictly telepsychiatry role at his clinic. He has also held a staff psychiatrist position as an adult inpatient psychiatrist in Tennessee. Dr. Lukowski treats a wide variety of psychiatric disorders within the adult demographic.

Rebecca Kostopoulos, PMHNP, is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner dedicated to helping people struggling with mental health concerns find ways to live a full and balanced life. Rebecca's practice focuses on medication management. Typically, she offers this in conjunction with supportive or emotionally focused therapy during 30-minute follow-up visits. However, occasionally Rebecca may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome. She received her Master of Science in Nursing with a specialty in psychiatry from Columbia University and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Boston College. She is trained in psychiatric diagnosis, medication management, and psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral therapies. Rebecca has extensive experience evaluating and treating adults in a variety of settings over the past 10 years. Previously, she worked at Elmhurst Hospital's Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program and at Gracie Square Hospital in an inpatient unit, in addition to community health settings and skilled nursing facilities. As a nurse practitioner, she believes that addressing mental health concerns is just as important as addressing physical concerns. She values the therapeutic relationship with a collaborative and empathic approach to treatment.