Richard Hess, MD

Dr. Mark Varela is a board-certified psychiatrist joining Talkiatry directly out of residency. He focuses primarily on medication management, often accompanied by brief cognitive, motivational, or supportive therapy. He may request that you also meet with a therapist regularly for your benefit. Dr. Varela received his medical degree and general psychiatric residency training both from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in West Texas. He treats young adults and adults with a wide variety of mental health concerns, including ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD.

Dr. Robben proudly served in the U.S. Air Force and has been practicing psychiatry for 17 years. He is happy to have completed his medical school education, as well as his residency in general psychiatry and fellowship in addiction psychiatry, all at the University of South Florida in Tampa. Dr. Robben is board certified in both general psychiatry and addiction psychiatry. He has experience in many roles over the span of his career to include working with Veterans diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders, managing specialty clinics for patients with treatment-resistant depression, and working in general outpatient psychiatry clinics, as well as emergency and inpatient psychiatric settings. Dr. Robben also previously served as the Training Director for the University of South Florida Morsani College

of Medicine Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship Program. He is currently the Medical Director at a residential substance use disorder treatment center in Florida. Additionally, Dr. Robben is a certified Medical Review Officer and has additional qualifications in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and Spravato.

(esketamine). Dr. Robben has been voted as Addiction Medicine "Top Doctor" in Tampa Bay, FL by physicians for 8 of the last 9 years. Dr. Robben specializes in treating depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, ADHD and substance use disorders.

Dr. Robben uses a supportive, patient-centered approach, taking into account each individual's personal values and goals when formulating a treatment plan. He educates patients on the most up to date scientific evidence and provides multiple treatment options to help each person determine the most appropriate plan for them.  

Dr. Robben believes in a collaborative and holistic approach to working with his patients. Dr. Robben spends a significant amount of time educating his patients on all forms of mental health treatment, from medications and psychotherapy, to nutrition, exercise, meditation and sleep hygiene. What works well for

One person may not work well for another person. Having options and understanding the potential benefits and risks of each treatment empowers patients to take an active role in their own healthcare.

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Dr. Susan Kim is a board certified psychiatrist who was born and raised in Queens, NY. She has spent much of her time in the North East and is currently residing in New Jersey with her spouse and dog, Luna. Dr. Kim began her medical training at Temple University in Philadelphia and completed her psychiatric residency at Stony Brook University Hospital, where she was chief resident for her final year. She has worked in numerous psychiatric roles. This includes working at a Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP) at Stony Brook University Hospital, as well as the inpatient voluntary psychiatric unit at Holy Name Hospital. She has also worked as a psychiatric consultant for patients admitted to medical-surgical units at Holy Name Hospital. Dr. Kim is well versed in medication management, particularly for depression, anxiety, as well as psychotic disorders. Her treatment style includes several psychotherapeutic techniques, including supportive, cognitive behavioral, and psychodynamic, based on her patient's needs and preferences. She also holds a special interest in cultural psychiatry as well as relational intelligence.

Bethany McCann is a board-certified Adult and Forensic Psychiatrist. After obtaining her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at Kent State University, she received her medical degree from Ohio Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. She then went on to complete her Psychiatry Residency training at The Ohio State University, where she served as a Chief Resident for two years.

Following residency, Dr. McCann pursued an additional year of training through Ohio State, where she completed a Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship. A large portion of her time was spent in the state hospital system, where she learned more about the interplay between psychiatry and the law, provided high-quality psychiatric services to an inpatient forensic population, conducted forensic evaluations, and educated the Court on psychiatric topics through expert testimony.

While Dr. McCann has had experience working in a variety of settings, she has maintained a passion for outpatient psychiatry and building a strong, therapeutic relationship with her patients. Dr. McCann will provide an evidence-based medication management visit for a variety of psychiatric conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, and OCD, while incorporating therapeutic techniques that are tailored to the individual and their goals.

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Background and credentials    

Dr. Alexander Wittenberg is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. He received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University, majoring in Human Biology, Health, and Society. He earned his medical degree from the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he was a  member of the Psi Sigma Alpha Osteopathic Honor Society. As chief resident at  Mount Sinai Beth Israel, he gained extensive experience working in outpatient  settings and managing patient care at one of New York City's busiest clinics. Dr. Wittenberg has expertise in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, trauma and stressor-related disorders, and OCD.    

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Treatment approach    

Dr. Wittenberg offers highly individualized and empathic treatment, primarily focusing on medication management. He frequently recommends integrating therapy into treatment plans and may suggest collaborating with a therapist. Dr. Wittenberg prioritizes a holistic approach, emphasizing overall well-being alongside symptom relief. He encourages the incorporation of mindfulness, self-compassion, exercise, nutrition, and attention to interpersonal relationships into his treatment strategy.    

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What you can expect in a first visit    

During an initial visit with Dr. Wittenberg, patients can anticipate a collaborative, patient-centered, and non-judgmental environment designed to foster a meaningful therapeutic relationship. He will thoroughly discuss individual concerns and treatment goals, exploring potential therapeutic interventions, including medication management and holistic strategies to support mental health and overall wellness.

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.

Dr. Kerry O'Leary is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who joined Talkiatry after she completed her psychiatry residency. Dr. O'Leary provides patient-centered care and understands the importance of actively involving patients in their treatment journey. She believes that every patient deserves personalized care tailored to their unique needs and circumstances. She utilizes evidence-based treatments combined with a comprehensive approach to address not only the symptoms but also the underlying factors contributing to her patients' distress. Although her practice focuses on medication management, she also provides supportive therapy and may recommend more intensive therapy when indicated. Dr. O'Leary approaches each patient with empathy and understanding, fostering a supportive and nonjudgmental environment. Dr. O'Leary completed her undergraduate training at The University of Texas at Austin and pursued her medical degree at The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. She also graduated with a Master's in Public Health from Columbia University in New York. She went on to complete her general adult psychiatry training at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. Dr. O'Leary focuses on treating the adult population from ages 18+. She utilizes both pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatment interventions and has experience in treating a variety of diagnoses including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, insomnia, PTSD, OCD, and psychotic disorders.