Shilpa Amara, MD

Dr. Maria Teresa Carvajal is an adult, child, and adolescent psychiatrist. She is originally from Guayaquil, Ecuador, and is bilingual in Spanish and English. Dr. Carvajal earned her medical degree from Universidad de Guayaquil in Ecuador. She then participated in a medical program at The William J. Harrington Training Program for Latin America and the Caribbean, at Jackson Memorial Hospital, an affiliate of the University of Miami in Florida. Afterwards, she completed her adult psychiatry residency at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Bronx Care Health System, and her fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at Northwell Health in New York. She has experience working in various settings, including inpatient, outpatient, and emergency departments. Dr. Carvajal has submitted and presented work to the American Psychiatric Association and has also collaborated on a book publication. Dr. Carvajal has experience treating children and adults with anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, dementia, etc. She utilizes medication management in conjunction with emotional and supportive therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. She is passionate about her work and understands the impact of mental illnesses in daily life activities and in the family system. She will work with each patient in an individualized manner and will tailor personalized treatment plans that may include pharmacological treatment. In addition, Dr. Carvajal may recommend including a therapist in your care team to provide the best outcome.‍

Dr. Nidhi Sharoha is a double board certified psychiatrist in Psychiatry and Consultation Liaison Psychiatry. She completed her undergraduate training at Stony Brook University followed by medical school at New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine. She has completed both a Residency in Psychiatry and Fellowship in Consultation Liaison Psychiatry at Nassau University Medical Center.

Dr. Sharoha has held academic appointments at Stony Brook University Hospital, practicing as a consultant psychiatrist and Associate Director of Consultation Liaison Psychiatry Fellowship. “Dr. Sharoha has accrued experience and expertise in Perinatal Psychiatry through her training in CL psychiatry. Currently, Dr. Sharoha is serving as President Elect of Long Island District Branch  of APA. She  has formerly served as Associate Director of Clinical Education here at Talkiatry.” She has contributed to education, training and supervision of trainees and physicians throughout her career.   She continues to stay up to date with current psychiatric knowledge.

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 also has experience in treating patients with medical comorbidities and has training in issues related to women's health. Patients looking for a psychiatric provider will find that Dr. Sharoha has a gentle approach to diagnosis and management of her patients. She believes in the principle that body and mind are interconnected, which allows her to provide comprehensive care to all of her patients.

Dr. Heather Paxton is a physician with over 20 years of experience in psychiatry. She earned her medical degree from Yale University School of Medicine and completed her internship and residency at Yale New Haven Hospital and affiliated programs. She also earned a fellowship certificate in College Mental Health at Yale University Health Services. Dr. Paxton has extensive experience in outpatient, intensive outpatient, and inpatient settings, treating individuals of all ages and a wide range of psychiatric conditions.

Dr. Paxton values treating each person as an individual and considers it an honor to be trusted with someone’s vulnerability. She strives to understand each patient’s perspective on therapy and medication, honoring their preferences while providing clear education to reduce fear and build trust.

Dr. Paxton reviews written information before visits to focus on meaningful dialogue. She seeks to understand daily life, goals, and desired outcomes, including preferences about therapy, medication, and side effects. She ensures each patient understands and agrees with the plan, emphasizing collaboration.

Dr. Kat Atadjanova is a board-certified psychiatrist dedicated to providing holistic and compassionate care for individuals navigating mental health challenges. She earned her MD from Tulane University School of Medicine and completed a combined residency in Internal Medicine and Psychiatry at Tulane. With experience in both fields, she is especially comfortable caring for patients with medical comorbidities and takes an integrative approach to treatment.

Dr. Atadjanova values collaboration and believes that treatment works best when patients are active participants in their own care. She is committed to creating a safe, supportive environment where patients feel heard and respected. Her approach combines evidence-based medication management with psychotherapy and lifestyle guidance, tailoring each treatment plan to the unique needs and goals of the individual.

In her work, Dr. Atadjanova begins by taking time to understand a patient’s history, strengths, and challenges. From there, she develops a personalized plan that may include medication, therapy, or supportive interventions. She emphasizes shared decision-making, patient education, and holistic strategies—such as nutrition, exercise, and sleep hygiene—to help patients achieve sustainable improvements in their mental health and overall well-being.

Monique Randle, LCSW, has been a licensed mental health therapist since 2009. She earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and holds a certification in sex therapy from the Sexual Health Alliance. Monique has training in trauma and couples therapy, including EMDR, TFCBT, PACT, Gottman, Prepare/Enrich, and SYMBIS. She has experience in outpatient and private practice settings, as well as supervising MSW interns and LCSW candidates.

Monique creates a warm, supportive, and non-judgmental space for clients to be their whole selves. She values honesty, collaboration, and open communication, blending evidence-based approaches like CBT, ACT, and narrative therapy with relational and mindfulness techniques. Her work is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, sex-positive, and LGBTQIA+ affirming. She helps clients build emotional awareness, set healthy boundaries, and cultivate self-compassion, addressing both the “why” behind patterns and practical tools for change.

Monique begins by exploring each client’s story, history, and goals. Together, they create individualized, evidence-based treatment plans, regularly adjusting as needed. Sessions are collaborative, providing insight, practical tools, and emotional support to apply in real life. Progress is measured not only by symptom reduction but by increased self-awareness, emotional stability, and confidence in navigating challenges.

With a lifelong commitment to helping others, Erica Boncella, LPC, began her career in Law Enforcement, focusing on Protection from Abuse cases. This experience inspired her to specialize in therapeutic practices that support healing. Symbolized by the lotus flower, her practice emphasizes resilience and transformation. Erica brings over 18 years of combined clinical and forensic experience, specializing in trauma recovery, PTSD, domestic violence, disordered eating, addiction, and support for Veterans and Law Enforcement professionals. She holds certifications as a CCTP, in Dual Disordered Eating/Trauma & Shame, and in Addictions.

Erica provides a compassionate, non-judgmental environment where clients feel understood and empowered. She treats everyone with respect and sensitivity, recognizing the courage it takes to pursue change. Her approach is individualized, helping clients cultivate healthier relationships with themselves. As she often says, “You don’t have to do it alone. I am here to support and empower you every step of the way.”

Erica begins each session with an open dialogue to understand clients’ questions and concerns. She collaboratively establishes preliminary goals, emphasizing that these may evolve naturally. She creates a safe space where clients are never pressured to discuss topics prematurely. Her practice is grounded in empathy, sensitivity, and individualized care, guiding clients toward a more fulfilling and empowered life.