Rebecca Johnson, LCSW

Dr. Telonis is a board-eligible adult psychiatrist who had been in practice for four years. Her focus is on using a collaborative approach and shared-decision making to help patients achieve their treatment goals. Dr. Telonis typically provides monthly 30-minute follow-ups with a focus on medication management and supportive therapy. In some instances, she may recommend a separate therapist to help facilitate the best care possible. Dr. Telonis earned her bachelor's degree in History of Art from Johns Hopkins University and then completed her master's at King's College London in international development with a focus on climate change. She received her medical degree from St. George's University School of Medicine and completed her psychiatry training at Mount Sinai Morningside and West Hospitals. Dr. Telonis has worked with a diverse patient population while training at Mount Sinai Morningside.‍

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. Melissa Desa is a board-certified psychiatrist who completed her residency in 2011 at the University of Rochester, where she served as chief resident of acute services. She stayed on at the university working in both the emergency room, or Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP), and community mental health clinic for Severely Mentally Ill (SMI) patients. She enjoyed supervising both medical students and psychiatry residents in both settings, teaching psychopharmacology and psychotherapy. She's also experienced in treating patients in long-term residential treatment, both in a state hospital for Severely Mentally Ill patients, and as part of a coordinated effort to restore competency for incarcerated individuals with severe mood or psychotic disorders. She most recently worked as part of a collaborative mental health team that worked with incarcerated individuals with mental illness. She enjoys collaborative care, through the lens of the biopsychosocial model, and helping patients tell their story in a safe space.

Bryce Thacker grew up in a rural community. He learned to be part of a community where helping everyone achieve their “best ‘selves” meant improving/maintaining community health and helping the community thrive. With his passion for helping people live “their best lives”, he received his undergrad in biology from the University of Nebraska and Creighton University where he majored in nursing. He obtained a Master of Science majoring in nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner) and Community health from Creighton University, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Colorado where he focused on population and community health. He then obtained a post doctorate/graduate certification in psychiatric mental health from Washburn University.

Bryce practiced for 18 years in family practice before specializing in psychiatric mental health. This helped him gain a holistic view of mental and physical health. Since focusing on psychiatric mental health in 2022, he has helped people live “their best lives” through medication management. Whether mood disorders, PTSD, anxiety, ADHD, or other mental health conditions which may disrupt your desired QOL, he would like to be part of your journey to achieve your desired mental health goals. Bryce still lives in a rural community with his family and continues to enjoy being part of helping people live “their best ‘selves”.

Bryce understands that his goals are not your goals, and that everyone’s “best ‘self” is unique to them. He understands “meeting someone where they are at” regarding their mental health is important when helping them on their journey to “living their best life” and having a quality of life they desire. He will always keep you at the center of your care and would love to be part of your journey to achieve your mental health goals in a safe, sustaining way.  

Bryce will take time to learn about you and understand what adverse symptoms are disrupting your quality of life, and how they impact your ability to “live your best self”. Keeping your personal quality of life goals at the center, he will work with you to help overcome self-defeating thoughts and mental health labels you may have been told there is only a certain way to achieve goals that may not even be your goals. Finding a safe, sustainable way for you to achieve your desired quality of life in a holistic approach will always be at the center of your care.

Dr. JinGu Lee is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist in the states of New Jersey and New York. Dr. Lee focuses on understanding each client's unique background and building a strong therapeutic alliance with his client. He works with ethically and culturally diverse patient populations who struggle with conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, relationship issues, and more. Dr. Lee provides comprehensive medication management, including screening for relevant medical conditions, and incorporates elements of psychotherapy during his regular visits when appropriate. Dr. Lee has a long-standing interest in preventive care and cultural diversity. He studied Public Health and Cultural Anthropology at Rutgers University and received his medical degree from Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine in New Jersey. He completed his Psychiatry residency training at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, New Jersey, where he was recognized for his excellence in outpatient service. Outside of his career, he enjoys traveling, singing, and hiking. He believes in living a balanced lifestyle with clear goals and also focuses on maintaining a close connection with his own family.

Dr. John "Will” Banks is a board-certified psychiatrist who completed his General Psychiatry residency training at Stony Brook University Hospital in Stony Brook, NY. During his residency training at Stony Brook University Hospital, Dr. Banks was selected by faculty to serve as an administrative chief resident based on his leadership qualities and integrity. He received numerous awards during his residency training including the Excellence in Compassionate Care Award, Academic Achievement Award, and Harold Pass Excellence in Psychotherapy Award. He also served as an Outpatient Senior Resident to help junior residents acclimate to the outpatient treatment setting and telehealth format. Dr. Banks implements an integrative approach to his practice that primarily utilizes medication management and various psychotherapy disciplines such as cognitive-behavioral, supportive, and psychodynamic techniques. While Dr. Banks is trained in a variety of therapeutic fields, he works collaboratively with therapists and may recommend their inclusion as part of your treatment team to provide you with the level of care you deserve. The duration of follow-up appointments with Dr. Banks is typically 20-30 minutes. He received his master's degree from the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth, TX. He then completed medical school at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine � Seton Hill in Greensburg, PA where he served as president of his medical school's chapter of Sigma Sigma Phi Honorary Service Fraternity and co-founder of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Campus Club. Upon graduation from medical school, Dr. Banks completed his residency training in General Psychiatry at Stony Brook University Hospital in Stony Brook, NY.