Richard Hess, MD

Dr. Alfers is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in adult psychiatry. He has been practicing for over 11 years. He completed his undergraduate education at Virginia Tech, graduating Cum Laude with degrees in Biology and Chemistry. Following graduation, he attended a research internship at the National Institutes of Health where he received a Post-baccalaureate Intramural Research Training Award. Dr. Alfers completed his medical degree from the Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, CA. He completed his General Psychiatry Residency at Georgetown University, where he served as Chief Resident. After residency, he entered private practice in McLean, VA. Dr. Alfers takes a comprehensive approach to patient care. He integrates biological, psychological, and environmental factors into treatment planning. He focuses on developing a meaningful therapeutic relationship and providing medication interventions for specific treatment goals. Dr. Alfers provides interpersonal psychotherapy in conjunction with medication management services. Dr. Alfers has a special interest in the treatment of multiple mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, ADHD, and OCD. Dr. Alfers treats adults ages 18 to 65 years old. For established patients of Dr. Alfers, please call 917-634-5311 to schedule an appointment and let the care coordinator know you are an established patient.

Dr. He is board-certified in adult psychiatry and addiction medicine. She is passionate about providing quality and accessible mental health care while considering each patient's concerns, values, and life circumstances. She received her medical doctorate degree from State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Medical Center, and completed her psychiatry residency at George Washington University Hospital in DC. Prior to medical school, she completed a Master of Public Health from Yale School of Public Health. Dr. He has special clinical interests in providing trauma-informed and culturally competent care in the treatment of mental health conditions. She has experience working with special populations, such as minorities, immigrants, perinatal women, and LGBTQ+ communities. She holds a certificate from Harvard in Global Mental Health: Trauma and Recovery Program. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for a non-profit organization in Washington DC to prepare people recovering from mental illness to improve their quality of life. Although Dr. He's practice primarily focuses on medication management, she looks forward to getting to know you and incorporating her experiences with insight-oriented therapy in 20 or 30 minute follow-up visits.

Dr. Vina Mehta is double-boarded in adult psychiatry and child & adolescent psychiatry. With over 30 years of experience, she has provided compassionate care across inpatient, residential, and outpatient settings. She is committed to supporting patients with a wide range of psychiatric conditions, including PTSD, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, OCD, and ADHD.

Dr. Mehta works collaboratively with her patients, creating a supportive environment that emphasizes understanding and shared decision-making. She values open communication and tailors treatment approaches to align with each patient’s unique goals and needs.

Her approach combines psychotherapy—including cognitive, behavioral, and supportive techniques—with thoughtful medication management. Dr. Mehta establishes individualized treatment plans, focusing on strategies that promote long-term wellness and resilience.

Dr. Mattern is board certified in Adult psychiatry. Her approach to mental health is integrative, with the utilization of complementary and alternative treatments such as yoga, lifestyle changes, and nutritional interventions in addition to traditional medication management and therapy. Dr. Mattern prefers to focus on the overall health and well-being of an individual, rather than just treating symptoms.

Dr. Mattern’s practice focuses on medication management along with elements of therapy from different modalities, such as supportive and cognitive behavioral therapy that are patient-tailored.  Dr. Mattern understands the importance of psychotherapy and may ask to bring in a therapist into your treatment team to provide the best care and outcome. Her clinical interests include depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, OCD, and ADHD.

After completing her undergraduate degree in Biology at Ohio Northern University, Dr. Mattern received her medical degree from Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. She went on to complete her residency in psychiatry at The Ohio State University Medical Center.  She also completed yoga teacher training and presented nationally at the APA in 2019 regarding the benefits of yoga for depression.  Dr. Mattern is a member of the American Psychiatric Association, Ohio Psychiatric Physician’s Association, and Psychiatry Society of Central Ohio.

Dr. Mattern is board certified in Adult psychiatry.  Her approach to mental health is integrative, with utilization of complementary and alternative treatments such as yoga, lifestyle changes, and nutritional interventions in addition to traditional medication management and therapy. Dr. Mattern prefers to focus on the overall health and well-being of an individual, rather than just treating symptoms.  Dr. Mattern’s practice focuses on medication management along with elements of therapy.

Background and credentials

Dr. Diane Lewis is board-certified in general psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She earned both her undergraduate and medical degrees at Texas A&M University (College Station and Temple, TX) before completing her general psychiatry residency at UT Southwestern - Austin Programs (now Dell Medical School residency programs). After her residency, she practiced for eight years as a staff psychiatrist at the University of Texas' student counseling center. She also has experience working in hospital admissions and emergency department settings.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Lewis employs a medication-management-focused approach typically paired with supportive therapy during 30-minute follow-up visits. She strongly values a collaborative treatment approach, frequently encouraging patients to incorporate additional therapy for the best outcomes. Her primary specialty is college mental health, treating patients aged 18-45 with a range of mental health conditions from mild to complex. Dr. Lewis emphasizes authenticity, compassion, and recognizing patients beyond their diagnoses, providing care tailored to individual circumstances and goals.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During a first visit, patients can expect Dr. Lewis to conduct a thorough evaluation, carefully listening to their concerns, and considering their symptoms within the broader context of their lives. Her patients appreciate her down-to-earth and compassionate communication style. She aims to create an environment where patients feel understood, respected, and actively involved in shaping their personalized treatment plan, often recommending additional therapy support when beneficial for achieving optimal outcomes.

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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. Patricia de la Cabada earned her medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine and completed her psychiatry residency at the University of Central Florida/HCA Consortium in Gainesville, where she served as outpatient chief resident and received the Excellence in Psychotherapy award. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from the University of Florida and has experience in outpatient, inpatient, and consult-liaison psychiatry. Dr. de la Cabada is fluent in Spanish and has special interests in OCD, depression, perinatal depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and PTSD.

Dr. de la Cabada approaches care with empathy and compassion, creating a warm, supportive environment. She values strong therapeutic relationships and uses a holistic lens that considers lifestyle and psychosocial factors. Her collaborative, patient-centered style focuses on creating personalized treatment plans.

She begins with a thorough history and discussion of concerns and goals. Treatment plans include medication management, supportive therapy, and lifestyle strategies, with follow-up visits to monitor progress and adapt care as needed.