Saisha Saint-Cyr, MD

Dr. R. Neil Johnston grew up in a rural Appalachian county in Virginia and was the first physician in a family of teachers. Fascinated by both science and the arts, he attended William and Mary, where his interests flourished. A college hospital job inspired him to pursue medicine, and part-time work at a children’s psychiatric facility during medical school confirmed his passion for psychiatry. He has since treated diverse populations in inpatient, outpatient, and intensive programs, with special focus on addictions, anxiety, and mood disorders. Helping patients find joy and improved functioning is his calling.

Dr. Johnston’s highest goal is to help patients feel and function better, aiming for relief and ideally full remission. He carefully manages medications, particularly controlled substances, using monitoring and safety protocols to protect patient health. He prioritizes ethical standards, patient confidentiality, and tailored care, incorporating both medication and lifestyle strategies such as nutrition and physical activity. His approach emphasizes understanding each patient as a person, not just a diagnosis. This will include routine clinical checks and frequent follow-up visits meant to protect patient health and welfare.

He begins with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, including review of medical and psychiatric history, recent labs, and relevant records. Communication with other providers and, when appropriate, family members ensures coordinated care. Administrative needs, such as insurance, leave, or social security forms, are addressed during visits. His approach combines thorough assessment, collaboration, and careful follow-up to optimize mental and overall health.

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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. Pilar Bare is an adult psychiatrist who completed her psychiatry residency at TriStar Centennial Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, where she served as Chief Resident. She earned her medical degree from Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Northwest in Oregon, where she studied osteopathic medicine which shaped her holistic view of health. She completed an intern year in Family Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences West. She holds a bachelor's degree in chemistry and biology from the University of Arkansas, where she graduated with honors.

Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, backpacking, visiting national parks, and spending time with her senior dog.

Dr. Bare believes that each individual's background plays a significant role in their mental health, and understanding a patient's personal story is critical to their healing journey. She believes in a respectful, collaborative relationship built on trust and open communication. While Dr. Bare integrates evidence-based medication management when clinically appropriate, she also emphasizes the therapeutic benefit of addressing lifestyle, relationships, and internal narratives.

Dr. Bare begins care with a thorough evaluation, exploring developmental history, impactful life events, and emotional patterns. From there, she develops a comprehensive treatment plan that may include medications, wellness strategies, and therapist collaboration. She considers each patient's strengths and challenges to guide care that promotes long-term recovery and personal growth.

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Dr. Rachel Klein received her medical degree from the UCLA School of Medicine and completed her residency training at Harbor-UCLA. She went on to complete a Consultation Liaison fellowship at Yale New Haven Hospital. Dr. Klein has served as a Consultation Liaison psychiatrist providing psychiatric care to patients across hospital settings and in emergency rooms. She has also worked in community health, delivering outpatient psychiatric care to a diverse range of patients.

Dr. Klein provides care in a supportive, non-judgmental, and empathetic manner. She works collaboratively with patients to identify goals and treatments that are effective, safe, and minimize the risk of dependence. Her approach emphasizes education about mental health and the use of non-pharmacological strategies to enhance wellbeing. She values treating the whole person and considers physical health as an integral part of understanding emotional distress.

Dr. Klein begins by understanding each patient’s history, concerns, and goals during the initial session. She takes time to establish an accurate diagnosis, sometimes gathering additional information from trusted friends or family members when helpful. She develops individualized treatment plans aligned with each patient’s goals, provides education about medications and their side effects when indicated, and closely monitors progress over time.

Dr. Kristofer Joondeph-Breidbart is a board certified adult psychiatrist. He earned his undergraduate degree and Master's in Teaching from Boston University, followed by his medical degree from the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Dr. Joondeph-Breidbart completed his residency in general adult psychiatry at Cambridge Health Alliance, a Harvard teaching hospital. Currently, Dr. Joondeph-Breidbart serves as a staff psychiatrist at Harvard University Health Services, where he works with both undergraduate and graduate students. He has developed significant expertise in working with LGBTQ individuals through his involvement with the Gender and Sexuality Clinic at Cambridge Health Alliance and the LGBTQ Interdisciplinary Team at Harvard University Health Services. While he has extensive expertise in treating college-aged young adults, his practice also includes a broad range of patients, with a particular specialization in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). He is trained in Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy, a highly effective treatment for OCD. Dr. Joondeph-Breidbart takes a holistic approach to mental health care, integrating therapy into his sessions and collaborating with patients to develop individualized medication regimens that best meet their needs. His gentle and understanding approach helps create a supportive environment for his patients, fostering their mental and emotional well-being.

Dr. Alexandra Dunn is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who completed her medical training at the University of California Irvine School of Medicine. She then moved to New York to complete her psychiatric residency training at Mount Sinai Beth Israel. During training, Dr. Dunn gained extensive clinical experience in psychiatric inpatient, outpatient, and emergency settings, allowing her the opportunity to treat patients of all ages and backgrounds. In addition, she co-led a mindfulness group at the outpatient clinic, worked with students at Baruch College, and rotated with the Assertive Community Treatment team at MSBI. Ultimately, Dr. Dunn chose outpatient care, focusing on treating patients with mood and anxiety disorders. While her practice primarily emphasizes medication management, she also incorporates supportive and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques in her sessions with patients. If appropriate, Dr. Dunn will refer you for psychotherapy and collaborate with your therapist to support your care. She looks forward to meeting and working with you to help you feel better.