Samuel Russell, MD

Background and credentials

Dr. Phillip Azouz is a board-certified general adult psychiatrist. He earned his medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School, where he was awarded the Albert M. Barret Award for Distinguished Performance in Psychiatry. He completed his psychiatric residency at Florida Atlantic University. Prior to medical school, he obtained his undergraduate degree in economics with honors from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. His background includes research at the Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Center and the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind-Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. Additionally, he worked as a Mental Health Specialist at McLean Psychiatric Hospital.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Azouz provides a relaxed, conversational, and non-judgmental space for patients to reflect on and integrate all aspects of their lives. He believes that vulnerability is key to healing and growth and works with individuals seeking to improve mood, reduce anxiety, enhance sleep, boost attention, or heal from trauma. His approach blends the latest research in medical treatment with insights from psychotherapy and coaching. He specializes in treating major depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, addiction, and personality disorders.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive and collaborative evaluation where Dr. Azouz takes the time to understand their symptoms, challenges, and goals. He fosters an open and supportive environment, ensuring that treatment plans are personalized and aligned with each patient’s unique needs. His approach integrates evidence-based medication management, psychotherapy techniques, and coaching strategies to help patients achieve their full potential.

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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. Zhou is a board-certified psychiatrist who has more than 4 years of experience practicing in various clinical settings with an emphasis on mental health care in outpatient settings. She practices a holistic approach to developing an individualized plan to work toward a patient's goals. Dr. Zhou is experienced in treating depression, bipolar spectrum disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety, and other related psychiatric disorders. Dr. Zhou received her medical degree from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine and completed her adult psychiatry residency training at LSU Health Shreveport. Dr. Zhou's background and experiences have broadened her understanding of cultural stigmas and the relationship it plays in psychiatric care. She incorporates a multitude of treatment modalities such as supportive therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness practices as an adjunct to pharmacotherapy. Dr. Zhou recognizes the value of a multifaceted approach to wellbeing and may recommend treatment modalities that are complementary to medication management.

For the past 20 years, Dr. Lavin has worked at the University of Denver Health and Counseling Center, where she has treated undergraduate and graduate students. She also worked at a training clinic for students pursuing their PsyD degree. She has supervised and taught psychiatry residents. She taught a psychopharmacology and differential diagnosis course to psychology trainees. Dr. Lavin has a strong interest in functional medicine and alternative therapies. Dr. Lavin has been in practice for 35 years. She is board certified in adult psychiatry. Dr. Lavin focuses on a comprehensive medical assessment, medication management, psychoeducation, wellness, and alternative therapies. She enjoys treating young adults. Dr. Lavin did her undergraduate work at the University of Rochester. She earned her MD from Cornell University Medical College in New York City. Her psychiatry residency was at the University of Boston Medical Center. After training, Dr. Lavin held administrative and clinical positions at Kaiser Permanente in Denver, CO and at the Harvard Community Health Plan in Braintree, Massachusetts. She has written clinical triaging guidelines and patient information pamphlets.‍

Dr. Coy Bolton was born and raised in South Texas, and was a teacher before becoming a physician. He completed medical school training and residency at Texas Tech Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, TX. Dr. Bolton has wanted to be a Psychiatrist for as long as he could remember. He will do his best to thoroughly and carefully work with his patients to determine the most accurate Psychiatric diagnosis/diagnoses possible.

While working together, Dr. Bolton may ask sensitive questions, but will do so in a nonjudgmental way with the only goal of helping his patients. He will also work in psychotherapy techniques during the sessions together. Dr. Bolton takes a holistic approach when working with patients, that focuses on multiple aspects of their lives.

Dr. Bolton prides himself on creating a safe and nonjudgmental space where the focus is simply on helping patients. He strives to work collaboratively with his patients, to ensure that he and the patient are both on the same page when it comes to their mental healthcare.

Tiffany Reilly is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 8 years of experience providing therapeutic services to children, adolescents, and families in Seattle and New York City. She received her Master's in Counseling from Northwest University in 2015. Before coming to Talkiatry, Tiffany worked as a Family Therapist and Supervisor at Children's Aid. This role gave her experience navigating the complexities of adolescence, young adulthood, marriage, and other interpersonal stressors. She was also able to pursue additional trainings in motivational interviewing, trauma systems, and LGBTQIA supportive counseling. Tiffany focuses on treating mood and anxiety disorders, as well as the complexities of grief and loss. She has additional experience working with trauma, conduct disorder, ODD, and personality disorders. She utilizes a variety of therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Psychoanalytic Theory, and Person-Centered Counseling. Tiffany approaches each therapeutic relationship with empathy and compassion, understanding the uniqueness of personal experience. She believes that all behavior maintains something for each individual and that when we bravely uncover our patterns, we can use our inherent strengths to work towards change.

Elyse Sipka is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with over a decade of experience as a mental health RN in outpatient, inpatient, and residential settings, including eating disorder treatment centers, inpatient psychiatric units, and crisis units. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2021 and has been practicing as a PMHNP in an outpatient setting for over four years, caring for adults with a wide range of mental health needs including depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, substance use, eating disorders, and severe mental illness.

Elyse creates a safe and supportive environment where patients feel heard and valued. She is warm, empathetic, and approachable, providing comprehensive and holistic care that combines medication management, therapy, and lifestyle interventions to help clients achieve their treatment goals.

Elyse begins with an in-depth initial assessment exploring physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. She collaborates with clients to develop individualized treatment plans, integrating medication management with psychotherapy using principles of supportive therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).