Sarah Debrey, MD

Alana Ward is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). Alan has been practicing since 2018 and has experience with individuals of all ages. Prior to becoming a PMHNP, Alana worked as a registered nurse in critical care and psychiatry. As a PMHNP, she has experience working on inpatient adult and geriatric psychiatric units, as well as providing psychiatric evaluations and consultations to individuals on medical units and emergency rooms at hospitals. Alana is very experienced working in outpatient settings managing various psychiatric diagnoses. She has also helped manage individuals in long term care facilities and assisted living facilities. When Alana is not providing direct patient care, she will on occasion help with instructing future nurses at Kent State University. Alana graduated with her Master's of Science in Nursing from Kent State University, and is board certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner through the American Nurse Credentialing Center. Alana enjoys treating a variety of mental health diagnoses including depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, and various psychotic disorders. She believes in client-centered care, where clients get a say in their treatment in order to help make them feel their best. Alana truly believes that therapy is a crucial part of successfully treating any mental health diagnosis, in combination with medication management when warranted. Alana likes to add mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to her medication management appointments to help individuals receive effective, quality care.

Ekta Rathee, DNP, PMHNP-C, is an experienced psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner with an extensive clinical background in a variety of patient care settings. Rathee's diverse clinical background has strengthened her belief in a holistic approach for optimal patient outcomes. Though her primary focus remains medication management of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, she equally supports and incorporates the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, motivational interviewing and enhancement therapy, and supportive therapy in her daily patient care practice. Rathee truly believes in an individualized and holistic patient care approach, which requires a wealth of knowledge, experience, and a commitment to stay abreast of the latest in the field. Her favorite learning modality is to learn from unique patient care scenarios, which often requires a deep dive into the existing body of evidence-based knowledge. Her most important advice for her patients is to never lose hope.

Dr. Lee is a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in adult psychiatry and minority mental health. He is a graduate of Morehouse College and later received his medical degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN. After graduating from Meharry, he completed his psychiatry residency at the University of South Carolina/ Palmetto Health in Columbia, SC and a forensic psychiatry fellowship at Tulane University. After completing his training, he entered private practice in Rock Hill, SC and served the community for 11+ years. During that time, he also served as Staff Psychiatrist at Winthrop University. Prior to joining Talkiatry, Dr. Lee served as an Attending Psychiatrist and Medical Director of an inpatient psychiatric unit. Throughout his professional career, he has remained passionate about educating individuals about sustaining better mental health and eradicating the stigma of mental illness. Dr. Lee brings a vast array of knowledge to Talkiatry. He has experience treating various psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and ADHD. His approach focuses on evidence-based medication management and incorporates supportive therapy techniques as well as psychoeducation to address the presenting issues in a compassionate and competent manner. If additional therapy is needed, Dr. Lee may recommend that a therapist is part of the treatment team.

Dr. Steven Wilkening is a board-certified adult psychiatrist.He completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Cornell University followed by a neuroscience researchfocused Masters degree at the University of Mississippi. He then attended medical school at theUniversity of Mississippi School of Medicine, graduating with his MD degree as a Medical StudentResearch Scholar and member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. He completed adultpsychiatry residency training at the University of Cincinnati and has since been working primarily intelepsychiatry.He has experience treating a wide variety of psychiatric conditions and also recognizes that lifestylefactors such as sleep, physical activity and stress-reduction are foundations of good mental health.Alongside medication management, he provides brief supportive psychotherapy, psychoeducation, aswell as elements of cognitive behavioral and solution-focused therapies to assist patients in meetingtheir goals. He often encourages patients to see a therapist in addition to a psychiatrist.

Background and credentials

Dr. Robert Whelpley, M.D., is board-certified in both Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Adult Psychiatry. He completed his undergraduate studies at Binghamton University and earned his medical degree from Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York. He then went on to complete his residency and fellowship training at the University of Rochester. Throughout his career, he has worked with patients and families across the lifespan in inpatient, outpatient, and emergency psychiatric settings.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Whelpley believes in collaborative care, working closely with treatment providers, patients, and families to ensure that mental health concerns are addressed as a team. His approach integrates talk therapy techniques, including motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and supportive psychotherapy, alongside medication management. He customizes treatment to maximize each patient’s mental health and overall wellness, sometimes incorporating a therapist into the care plan when beneficial.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive evaluation where Dr. Whelpley takes time to understand their symptoms, background, and treatment goals. His approach is patient-centered and team-oriented, ensuring that care is personalized and collaborative. He works with patients to develop a treatment plan that balances medication management with therapeutic interventions, fostering long-term mental wellness.

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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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Getting to know me...
Dr. David Weber is a highly experienced psychiatrist and medical doctor with dual specialties in psychiatry and primary care medicine. His comprehensive approach integrates both disciplines, allowing him to address mental health concerns with a deep understanding of their medical and psychological aspects.

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Dr. Weber earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and pursued advanced training at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Harvard University, and Georgetown University Medical Center. He is Board-Certified in General Psychiatry and Fellowship-Trained in Forensic Psychiatry and Occupational Medicine, equipping him with the expertise to diagnose and treat a broad spectrum of mental health conditions, considering both medical and psychiatric factors.

What should a new patient know about working with you?
Believing that each patient is more than a diagnosis, Dr. Weber takes a personalized approach, collaborating closely with individuals to develop tailored treatment plans. He views himself as an advisor and facilitator, empowering patients to take charge of their recovery.

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Areas of Focus:
ADHD (Focus & Cognitive Function)
Anxiety & Depression (Mood, Sleep, & Energy Concerns)
Stress & Brain Fog (Cognitive & Emotional Well-Being)

What is your typical process for working with patients?
Dr. Weber is an experienced, compassionate, and dedicated advocate for his patients' mental and physical health. He strongly believes in a collaborative, patient-centered approach to treatment, helping individuals achieve their personal and professional goals.
Committed to a well-balanced life, Dr. Weber is married and has two married daughters, two grandsons and three dogs. His wife, a clinical psychologist, helps ground his therapeutic approach, emphasizing the importance of integrating therapy with medication to enhance overall well-being. Guided by the ethos, "Treat them like you would your own family," he is dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care.