Shubhada Reddy, MD

Dr. Michael Gravenstein earned his medical degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine, where he also completed his psychiatry residency. During training, he was recognized with multiple awards, including the Malcom Randall VA Resident of the Year Award, the Ross A. McElroy Psychotherapy Award, and the John “J.D.” Dorian Award for best sense of humor. He has worked across outpatient, inpatient, and consult liaison settings, and has experience treating a wide range of conditions including depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, personality disorders, and transitional age concerns. He also has expertise working with LGBTQIA+ patients and provides psychodynamic, CBT, and supportive therapies.

Dr. Gravenstein believes in a comprehensive approach to treatment that integrates medications, therapy, and lifestyle interventions. While medications can be very effective, he views them as just one part of a broader treatment plan tailored to each patient’s needs. He emphasizes individualized care and sees treatment as a team effort, meeting patients where they are and progressing at a pace they feel ready for.

Dr. Gravenstein strives to create a warm, collaborative environment that fosters open communication and genuine connection. He may challenge patients therapeutically but always with careful attention to their readiness and comfort. His goal is to build trust so that meaningful conversations and progress can occur. For him, success is always shared—when patients succeed, they succeed together; when challenges arise, they regroup and move forward together.

Michelle Harris is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). She earned her Master of Science in Nursing in the psychiatric mental health track at the University of Saint Joseph and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Connecticut. Her training includes psychiatric diagnosis, medication management, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing. With over a decade in psychiatric mental health care and 5+ years as a PMHNP, she has worked in outpatient, private practice, telehealth, inpatient, and homecare settings, treating patients from diverse backgrounds, including neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and immigrant populations. She has a particular interest in ADHD, depression, anxiety, and OCD.

Michelle values a holistic approach to mental health and believes culturally sensitive care is essential. She strives to create a supportive environment for patients of all backgrounds and sexual orientations, ensuring each person feels understood, respected, and empowered in their care.

Michelle focuses on medication management with supportive therapy as appropriate. Initial sessions involve gathering a detailed patient history and discussing individual concerns. She works collaboratively with each patient to develop a personalized treatment plan, addressing their unique needs and goals.

Janee Stokes is a highly experienced and dual-certified nurse practitioner, specializing in adult gerontology and psychiatry. With over 20 years of experience as a registered nurse, she brings a comprehensive background in healthcare, having worked with diverse patient populations ranging from young children to older adults.

In 2015, she earned her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and became certified as an adult gerontology nurse practitioner. She later expanded her expertise by obtaining certification in psychiatry, enabling her to provide holistic care for individuals with mental health needs. Her leadership roles have included serving as lead nurse practitioner and associate director of psychiatry at a federally qualified health center, where she played a key role in guiding healthcare teams and delivering quality care to underserved communities.

Janee emphasizes education as a core component of her care approach. She builds strong rapport through clear communication and trust, incorporating techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing to support her patients’ needs. This approach empowers individuals to take an active role in their treatment journey.

Her care process is guided by each patient’s goals, integrating evidence-based practices to ensure personalized and effective support that aligns with their unique needs and aspirations.

‍

Joseph Smith, LMHC, earned his Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Eastern Kentucky University in 2015 and has worked with patients in a clinical capacity for the past six years. While in graduate school, he was exposed to various clinical and research experiences, where he found his passion in examining the motivational factors of human behavior. Joseph's academic work strengthened his interest to work with individuals in a therapeutic capacity, which ultimately led to advanced experiential training in crisis interventions and the treatment of individuals with severe and persistent mental illness. Before relocating to New York City, he worked with individuals in under-served communities in the Appalachian region. Joseph subscribes to a humanistic, motivational enhancement, and cognitive behavioral framework. Understanding the benefit of therapeutic rapport, Joseph fosters an environment of self-acceptance and self-awareness while promoting intrinsic motivation for patients to act as their own catalyst of change. In addition, Joseph has a passion for working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, the LGBTQIA+ community, women with reproductive challenges, and victims of domestic violence.

Dr. Mo Basith is a board-certified psychiatrist in the field of general adult psychiatry. He offers a mix of pharmacotherapy in conjunction with psychotherapy in 30-minute sessions. Dr. Basith's approach to clinical practice is rooted in fostering a safe atmosphere in which to explore biological and psychosocial factors that affect mental health. He views medication as a tool that patients can use while also engaging in psychotherapy and making lifestyle changes to optimize their mental health. He encourages patients to be actively involved in their healthcare decisions. Although he has an integrative psychotherapy style, Dr. Basith may occasionally believe additional therapy is needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome. Dr. Basith received his medical degree at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He then went on to complete a general psychiatry residency training at Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Since completing his training, Dr. Basith has been working with a wide variety of adults, including as a staff psychiatrist at Georgetown University's Counseling and Psychiatric Service. He has experience treating patients with a wide range of psychiatric concerns including various anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar spectrum disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and substance use disorders. Dr. Basith utilizes pharmacotherapy along with facets of cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and supportive therapy as needed.

Background  and credentials    

Dr. Christa DeFries is a board-certified Adult Psychiatrist. She earned her  medical degree from UT Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Texas, and  completed her residency in Adult Psychiatry at Baylor Scott & White in  Temple, Texas. Following residency, Dr. DeFries gained additional experience  treating homeless and formerly homeless populations in New York City,  particularly focusing on individuals with histories of trauma and substance  addiction, prior to joining Talkiatry.    

‍

Treatment approach    

Dr. DeFries practices Adult Psychiatry, employing an integrative treatment  approach combining medication management, psychotherapeutic methods, and  lifestyle modifications. She recognizes that each patient benefits from a  personalized mix of these three aspects of care. Dr. DeFries specializes in  treating diverse psychiatric conditions, including those related to trauma,  substance addictions, and various mental health disorders.    

‍

What you can expect in a first visit    

In a first visit with Dr. DeFries, patients can expect a comprehensive  evaluation aimed at understanding their individual mental health history,  specific concerns, and overall treatment goals. Dr. DeFries emphasizes an  individualized approach, carefully exploring the best combination of  medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments tailored specifically to each  patient's needs. Patients can anticipate an empathetic and collaborative  environment focused on their personal experiences and goals.    

‍

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.