Sarah Debrey, MD

Dr. Atkins is a staff psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He is board-certified in adult psychiatry and has been in practice for the past 2 years. He has received several awards for teaching and the treatment of chronically ill patients, including Stony Brook University's "William Turner Award" for excellence in education and leadership. Dr. Atkins has focused his practice primarily on medication management. He combines medication management with a therapeutic style that is a blend of supportive therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing. Follow‐up appointments with Dr. Atkins typically last 20‐30 minutes. While Dr. Atkins is trained in a variety of therapeutic techniques, he works collaboratively with therapists and may recommend their inclusion as part of your treatment team, depending on your individualized treatment plan .Dr. Atkins attended the University of Connecticut School of Medicine where he received his medical degree. He completed his psychiatry residency at Stony Brook University Hospital in New York. Post residency, he worked with general adult patients as well as older adults at Manchester Memorial Hospital where he served as both an outpatient psychiatrist and Director of the Geriatric Intensive Outpatient Program. Although Dr. Atkins does not treat child or adolescent patients, he has experience working with people of all ages, from young adults to adults. He has experience treating mood disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, patients in the perinatal period, and patients with co‐co-occurring substance use disorders. He has regularly managed behavioral problems in adults with autism spectrum disorders as well as dementia. He particularly enjoys working with patients dealing with life or role transitions, older adults, and patients with bipolar or other affective disorders.

Yvette Ramirez is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over a decade of experience providing care to individuals, couples, and families. She began her career working in-home with patients to build understanding around diagnosis, symptoms, and medication adherence. She later transitioned to integrated care, using solution-focused therapy for clients with co-occurring medical and mental health conditions. Yvette is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), and has provided trauma-informed care across various populations, including children, adolescents, and teenagers.

Yvette offers a compassionate, supportive space where patients feel heard, safe, and respected. She integrates EMDR and trauma-focused CBT to help adolescents, teenagers, and adults process trauma and enhance well-being. Her creative use of play, art, and narrative therapy fosters emotional expression in younger clients. She has experience supporting LGBTQ+ individuals and families navigating identity and relationship concerns. Patients can expect open communication and collaborative goal setting throughout their journey.

Yvette begins treatment by learning about the patient’s concerns and sharing the therapies she offers. By the second session, she works collaboratively with patients to create personalized treatment goals. From the third session onward, sessions focus on progress, practical tools, and check-ins to reinforce healing. Every step of care is structured, collaborative, and empowering.

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Background and credentials

Dr. Schaefer is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with over 16 years of experience. She earned her medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, NE, and completed her adult psychiatry residency at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, OR. She then specialized further by completing a forensic psychiatry fellowship at Yale University. She has worked as a staff psychiatrist at Atrium Health System for over 16 years.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Schaefer’s practice primarily focuses on medication management, which she offers in conjunction with supportive therapy and elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). She takes a patient-centered and collaborative approach, ensuring that treatment is tailored to each individual’s needs. If additional therapy is required, she may recommend working with a therapist as part of a comprehensive care plan. Her primary focus areas include depression, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a thorough psychiatric evaluation, where Dr. Schaefer carefully assesses their symptoms, treatment history, and mental health goals. She works collaboratively with patients to develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include medication management and therapy recommendations. Follow-up visits are typically 30 minutes and focus on monitoring progress, adjusting treatment as needed, and ensuring the best possible patient 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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Lisa is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the states of PA, NJ, and CT. She has worked in the mental health field for 18 years in a variety of settings including homes, communities, schools, and offices. During that time, she has worked as a case manager, family therapist, and outpatient therapist. Lisa's clients have included people from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds. She particularly enjoys working with families, adolescents and young adults, and with the neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ populations.

Lisa's primary treatment philosophy is that people are doing the best they can with what they know. With supportive listening, care, and education, people can grow and reach their goals. She draws on her knowledge of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and mindfulness to deliver personalized care for each client. Lisa is also experienced in working with trauma, and is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy.

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Dr. Clayton Stone (he/him) is a native of the Tennessee mountains who specializes in treating both children and adults. He completed a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Washington University in St. Louis and a general psychiatry residency in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Stone has worked in academic medical centers, public schools, state hospitals, a transgender health clinic, and a residential eating disorder center. He is experienced in caring for LGBTQIA+ individuals and underserved rural communities.

Dr. Stone offers a friendly, nonjudgmental space where patients feel supported and empowered. His collaborative style emphasizes respect, transparency, and shared decision-making. He is especially passionate about helping people navigate stress, build self-esteem, and develop healthy relationships. Depending on patient needs, he uses tools like talk therapy, lifestyle changes, parent coaching, and medication management to support healing.

Sessions begin with a detailed review of each patient's history, current concerns, and goals. Dr. Stone then works together with the patient to create a personalized care plan that may include therapy techniques, medications, psychoeducation, or coping strategies. When treating children or teens, he often includes family involvement or parent coaching to promote meaningful progress.

Dr. Ryan Rode is a board-certified psychiatrist with experience in both outpatient and inpatient settings, treating a wide range of mental health conditions. He earned his medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine and completed his psychiatry residency at the University of Kansas. Dr. Rode holds medical licenses in New York, South Carolina, and Georgia.

Dr. Rode values open communication and prioritizes patient education. He collaborates with patients to set clear treatment goals and fosters a supportive environment where individuals feel heard and respected.

In the first session, Dr. Rode focuses on understanding each patient’s history, concerns, and goals. He then develops individualized treatment plans aligned with these goals and works with patients to update their plans as needed to ensure care remains effective and personalized.