Raafay Deen, DO

Renee is a licensed therapist in the states of Texas and Florida. She earned a Master’s degree in Counseling from Sam Houston State University. Renee brings 15 years of experience in the mental health field supporting adults, adolescents, and children across a diverse range of therapeutic needs in the private practice and school setting.

Renee is dedicated to helping clients navigate life's complexities with confidence and resilience. Renee provides a safe, empathetic space where clients can explore their challenges and discover their inner strength.

Drawing from evidence-based practices, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Renee partners with clients to develop practical coping strategies, foster self-awareness, and build emotional resilience. Whether you're facing anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, or life transitions, Renee is here to support your journey toward wellness. She believes in building on your existing strengths while developing new tools to help you thrive, not just survive.

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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. Zac Myslinski is a staff psychiatrist who provides thoughtful, evidence-based care for adults facing a wide range of difficulties. He is committed to creating a welcoming, collaborative space where patients from all backgrounds, including but not limited to the LGBTQ+ community, feel heard and supported.

He earned his undergraduate degree in chemistry from Dartmouth College and his medical degree from Weill Cornell Medicine, where he received the Richard Kohl Prize for Excellence in Psychiatry. He completed his psychiatry residency at Harvard-Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, where he served as chief resident of the Consult-Liaison/Emergency Department Psychiatry service. He has also conducted research on Alzheimer’s disease and health system economics.

New patients can expect a personalized approach that includes discussion of both medication and therapy. Dr. Myslinski values understanding your treatment preferences and aims to serve as a consultant and collaborator in identifying the best path forward. He believes that developing a shared understanding of your background and current difficulties is essential to effective treatment.

Dr. Myslinski is well-trained in using a wide range of medications and interventions alongside talk therapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). His approach emphasizes flexibility, autonomy, and curiosity, with a focus on symptom relief and deeper self-understanding.

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Dr. Vitaly Chernish is a board-certified psychiatrist. He earned his medical degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, where he also completed his psychiatry residency training. Following residency, he relocated to New York City and worked at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. He also held an academic appointment as Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College. Dr. Chernish specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Dr. Chernish strives to create a therapeutic environment that balances empathy and compassion with structure and clinical clarity. Patients can expect a thoughtful, respectful approach that prioritizes understanding their concerns while providing clear guidance and evidence-based recommendations.

Initial visits involve a comprehensive evaluation of psychiatric, medical, and psychosocial history, current symptoms, and medication use to ensure care is individualized and appropriate. Dr. Chernish emphasizes collaborative, multidisciplinary treatment and regularly coordinates care with primary care physicians, specialists, and therapists when clinically indicated.

Barbara Thomas is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with 8 years of experience in outpatient and in-home settings. She earned her Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Seton Hall University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Pennsylvania State University. Licensed in Pennsylvania for 5 years and recently in North Carolina, Barbara provides trauma-focused, culturally competent care for Anxiety, Depression, Mood Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and LGBTQ+ issues.

Barbara offers systemic, client-centered, and cognitive behavioral therapy for children, adults, couples, and families. She tailors each session to individual needs, incorporating family systems and relational dynamics. She creates a safe, open environment that fosters collaboration and growth, helping patients explore new perspectives, achieve goals, and strengthen personal fulfillment.

Barbara begins with an intake session that includes a psychosocial assessment and discussion of the client’s history and goals. She develops individualized treatment plans in collaboration with patients and begins sessions with open-ended prompts to focus on client priorities. Through ongoing assessment, dialogue, and adaptable session structure, she builds trust, promotes change, and ensures each patient’s needs are met.

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.