Shari Sengupta, MD

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Dr. Elena Perea is a board-certified psychiatrist. She completed her undergraduate training at Wake Forest University followed by medical school and residency training at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC).

Dr. Perea holds an adjunct academic appointment at UNC and has been involved in medical education for her entire career. She most recently served as Residency Program Director for the Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC) psychiatry residency in Asheville, NC. She remains involved in didactic education there for both residents and medical students.

She has a genuine interest in treating a vast array of psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders and obsessive compulsive and related disorders. She is a skilled psychopharmacologist and interested in the mind-body connection. She believes physical health greatly affects mental health and vice versa and loves helping patients with medical comorbidities to feel well.

Patients looking for a psychiatrist will find that Dr. Perea has a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and management of her patients. She believes in the principle that body and mind are interconnected and utilizes psychoeducation and psychotherapeutic approaches in addition to medications for total wellness.

Alexander Wittenberg, DO

Staff Psychiatrist

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.

Peter Szeibel, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Peter Szeibel is board certified in adult psychiatry and has been practicing for over 36 years. His practice has focused primarily on medication management within the context of a supportive psychotherapeutic relationship. He also utilizes cognitive behavioral techniques. If the patient requires more intensive psychotherapy, Dr. Szeibel refers the patient to a therapist and collaborates with the therapist. Dr. Szeibel has experience in treating Depressive Disorders, PTSD, Panic Disorder, OCD, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, and many other conditions. He feels his personal strengths include his inquisitiveness, scientific curiosity, and his desire to understand his patients better. Dr. Szeibel was born in Hungary, just a few months before the Hungarian Revolution against the Soviets broke out in 1956. He and his family fled under difficult circumstances and immigrated to the United States. Dr. Szeibel grew up in New York City. He attended The Bronx High School of Science, followed by Columbia University for his B.A., where he took a double major in chemistry and music. After obtaining his M.D. from S.U.N.Y in Syracuse, he returned to New York City for residency and fellowship training. During this time he won the Bendheim Fellowship Award at Cohen Children's Medical Center for his research study which examined the effects of background music on the academic performance of children with ADHD. His current areas of interest include adult ADHD, psychiatric and medical co-morbidities, and the LGBTQ population.

Stuart Hedgpeth, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Stuart Hedgpeth is a board-certified psychiatrist. While Dr. Hedgpeth primarily focuses on medication management, he understands that mental health often requires approaches from multiple perspectives. Psychodynamic and supportive therapies are offered on an as-needed basis in addition to medication management. New patients are provided 60 minutes for initial visits, and follow-ups are given 30 minutes. Dr. Hedgpeth graduated from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill, NC. He completed his adult psychiatry residency training at Virginia Commonwealth University Health System in Richmond, VA. Dr. Hedgpeth's training has positioned him to care for adults of all ages with a wide spectrum of mental health disorders and related conditions. In his residency he sought out additional experience working with patients undergoing treatment for HIV, patients with trauma-related disorders, and the LGBTQ+ population.

Xiomara Nieves Alvarado, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Nieves-Alvarado is a board-certified psychiatrist who completed medical training at Duke University Psychiatry Program. Originally from Puerto Rico, she is fluent in both English and Spanish, which allows her to connect deeply with a diverse patient population. Her practice combines medication management with insight-oriented therapy during every visit, promoting a comprehensive approach to mental health care. She advocates for her patients to engage in therapy alongside medication management, as she believes this integrated approach leads to better outcomes and sustained improvement. Dr. Nieves-Alvarado's practice is rooted in a collaborative, team-based approach, working closely with her patients to achieve long-term mental wellness. Dr. Nieves-Alvarado earned her medical degree from the Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine in Bayamon, PR. Afterward, she moved to North Carolina, where she completed her residency at Duke University Hospital. During her training, she was nominated for a fellowship in psychodynamic practice by the Psychoanalytic Center of the Carolinas, showcasing her expertise in this area. She is also a dedicated advocate against childhood sexual trauma. Her diverse training includes significant experience in jail and forensic psychiatry, as well as the treatment of military veterans under the Veterans Affairs health care system. She has experience in medically assisted treatments (MAT) for substance use disorders, Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and family therapy, enabling her to care for patients with complex needs. Dr. Nieves-Alvarado treats patients across a wide age range, from young adults to the elderly. Passionate about improving access to mental health care, she joined Talkiatry to help patients facing time or transportation challenges receive the care they need. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Nieves-Alvarado remains involved with her alma mater's Behavioral Health Department, contributing to academic education and maintaining a connection with the next generation of medical professionals. She continues to seek ongoing improvement in her field, remaining engaged with medical associations including North Carolina Psychiatric Association, American Psychiatric Association, and Alpha Omega Alpha national medical honor society. Dr. Nieves-Alvarado is committed to working hand-in-hand with her patients to achieve mental wellness.

America Calderon, LMHC

Staff Therapist

America Calderon is a bilingual, National Certified Counselor (NCC), Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of New York with experience providing services for children, adolescents, and adults. America specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression, trauma, adjustment disorders, life transitions, stress management, and other comorbid disorders. She holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Central Florida and a MSEd. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from St. John's University in New York. America provides patients with a genuine, nonjudgmental, and supportive environment to help empower them and recognize their potential. She utilizes various treatment modalities which include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, and Relational-Cultural Therapy techniques. She practices from a person-centered and multicultural approach to build a meaningful, therapeutic relationship. Prior to becoming licensed as a psychotherapist, America was an educator in the state of Florida and New York with over 5 years of experience in the field. She is passionate about providing psychoeducation as it increases our insight into various mental health issues.

Lena Champlin, PMHNP

Staff Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Lena Champlin, PMHNP-BC is a dual certified Family Practice and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She received her Family Nurse Practitioner degree from the University of South Florida and her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree from Augusta University. Since beginning practice in 2013, she has worked in inpatient and outpatient settings seeing a wide range of clients. Her expertise covers psychiatric issues of all types, including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and ADHD. She is committed to finding solutions for her clients by using a holistic approach that takes into account physical and mental issues. Treatments include therapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications. She enjoys working with clients who are motivated to change and feel better. She takes time to listen to clients and treats each as an individual.

Ronald Moruzzi, DO

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Moruzzi is board certified and completed his residency at Tripler Army Medical Center in 2000. He served as an Army Psychiatrist for a total of 24 years providing specialty care to active duty service members and their families. During this time, he has served in multiple roles, including but not limited to section leader, service chief, consultant, and department chiefs at multiple duty stations. He also served as the senior psychiatrist and officer in charge for two combat deployments in 2002-2003 and 2009-2010. He specializes in treating Mood, Anxiety, PTSD, and Sleep disorders. Throughout his 28-year career, Dr Moruzzi has remained actively involved in teaching psychiatry residents, psychiatric nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and medical students. Dr. Moruzzi retired from the Army in the summer of 2020 and for the past 4 years has been working as a staff psychiatrist at Northern Arizona University (NAU). Here he provided specialty care to NAU undergraduate and graduate students as well as to faculty, staff, and their family members. He provides supportive and educational therapy and as needed will utilize lifestyle skills integration (i.e. sleep, outdoor time…) to help patients reduce their primary stressors. He believes in taking a holistic approach to leverage non-medication interventions along with medication management to obtain the best outcome for his patients.

Kenneth Kavanagh, PMHNP

Staff Nurse Practitioner

Kenneth Kavanagh is board certified as both a Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and an Adult Nurse Practitioner. His career has spanned 30 years with the last 17 years devoted exclusively to psychiatry. He integrates his knowledge of psychiatry and primary care into evidence-based medication management strategies. He also possesses a good working knowledge of alternative treatments and integrating alternative treatments into more traditional approaches. When needed to enhance patient care outcomes, he frequently works collaboratively with psychotherapists, primary care providers, and/or medical specialists.

Kenneth currently focuses on managing depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, adjustment disorders, ADHD, somatic disorders, OCD, and bipolar disorders. Kenneth has significant experience in working with diverse groups, including urban and rural populations across socioeconomic spectrums, professionals and college students on all levels, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals confronting life stage transitions, and people living with chronic medical conditions.

Kenneth’s psychotherapeutic methods are diverse and evolve to meet collaboratively developed treatment goals. Kenneth’s interaction style is always empathic and respectful but can range from comforting and supportive to more directive and therapeutically confrontational strategies to maximize treatment goals, often with significant doses of humor throughout the therapeutic relationship.

Alexandra Blaes, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Alexandra ("Sasha”) Blaes is a board-certified psychiatrist. Before joining Talkiatry, she practiced consult-liaison psychiatry, seeing medically ill patients with psychiatric problems at the Department of Veterans Affairs, where she also treated veterans in nursing homes. Dr. Blaes graduated from New York University with a B.A. in philosophy and photography and worked in nonprofit marketing in New York before deciding she wanted to pursue a life in medicine. Following a post-baccalaureate, pre-medical program at Columbia University, Dr. Blaes completed medical school at The University of Maryland, followed by a psychiatry residency at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. While at Johns Hopkins, she mastered clinical assessment and treatment of general psychiatric problems. She also received specialized training in eating disorders, addiction, reproductive psychiatry, chronic pain, and geriatric psychiatry, an interest she pursued further with a fellowship at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. In fellowship and in her subsequent experience at the VA, she developed expertise in caring for the difficulties that can accompany aging, including depression, anxiety, and memory loss, as well as the stress of medical illness. Dr. Blaes' practice focuses on medication management. She works to foster a safe and collaborative space in which patients can address psychiatric illness and other barriers holding them back from the lives they want to lead. Typically, she offers appointments for medication management coupled with supportive or emotionally focused therapy in 30-minute sessions. When Dr. Blaes feels that additional therapy is needed, she will suggest inviting a therapist to join the team for additional support and guidance. She welcomes collaborations with other clinicians, be they therapists or other physicians caring for her patients. She strives to build strong therapeutic relationships that help patients grow and meet their goals - whatever their situation, challenge, or life stage. Dr. Blaes welcomes patients from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds and is LGBTQ+ friendly. In addition to her background in geriatrics, she has experience working with peripartum women and enjoys working with patients navigating major life changes.

Peter Truong, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

*THIS PROVIDER CANNOT PRESCRIBE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES FOR NH PATIENTS* Dr. Peter Truong is a board-certified psychiatrist trained in Adult Psychiatry. He received his medical degree from FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine in Miami, Florida, and completed his residency training at Cambridge Health Alliance – Harvard Medical School.

Dr. Truong treats each patient with a holistic, evidence-based approach that incorporates psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic best practices. His priority is to build a safe and trusting working relationship with each patient, keeping in mind their unique biological, psychological, social, and spiritual contexts.

Dr. Truong has extensive experience treating depression, anxiety, ADHD, and trauma-related disorders. He incorporates therapy modalities such as supportive, psychodynamic, CBT, and EFT. Other professional interests include LGBTQIA and college mental health, mindfulness, and interventional psychiatry. He has worked with individuals with diverse backgrounds from all walks of life.

Yaejin Park, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Yaejin Park is a board-certified adult Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. She received her medical degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Medicine and completed her psychiatry residency training at Mount Sinai Morningside West. Dr. Park has professional interests in treating a wide range of psychiatry conditions including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and eating disorders. She strives to provide compassionate and holistic care with the integration of supportive psychotherapy and medication management.

Shari Sengupta, MD

Education and training

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