Stephen Byrd, MD

Dr. Vanessa Valdes is an adult psychiatrist specializing in medication management and psychotherapy, with a strong focus on nutrition, wellness, and mindfulness. She earned her combined MD/MPH degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and completed her psychiatry residency at the University of Miami/Jackson Health System, one of the nation's leading public healthcare systems.‍During her residency, Dr. Valdes gained broad experience in diverse areas of psychiatry, including inpatient psychiatry, emergency psychiatry, outpatient care, psychotherapy, hypnosis, child and adolescent psychiatry, consultation-liaison psychiatry, psycho-oncology, and addiction psychiatry.‍Dr. Valdes primarily provides supportive psychotherapy and acceptance and commitment therapy to help patients better understand and address their stressors. She takes a holistic approach to care, emphasizing the emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being of her patients. Her goal is to inspire meaningful, sustainable changes in patients' lives through compassionate, comprehensive treatment.

Dr. Zachary Masuda earned his medical degree at Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha and completed his Psychiatry residency at Creighton University School of Medicine in Phoenix. He went on to complete an Addiction Psychiatry fellowship at Oregon Health and Science University. During training, he was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society, reflecting his commitment to compassionate care. Dr. Masuda is board-certified in general psychiatry and has experience working in outpatient, residential, and inpatient settings.

Dr. Masuda is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where patients feel heard and respected. He emphasizes open communication to establish clear treatment goals and expectations, ensuring patients are active partners in their care. His approach remains flexible, adapting as treatment evolves to best meet patient needs.

Dr. Masuda begins by gaining a thorough understanding of each patient’s history, concerns, and goals during the initial session. He then develops personalized treatment plans that align with those goals, integrating both medication management and therapeutic interventions. His balanced approach allows for individualized care tailored to support long-term recovery and overall well-being.

Background and credentials

Dr. Nilesh Tannu is a board-certified psychiatrist by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He earned his medical degree from B.J. Medical College in Pune and completed his adult psychiatry residency at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston, where he served as chief resident. During his training, he received awards from the Society of Biological Psychiatry, the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry, and the American Psychiatric Institute for Research and Education. He has been practicing General Psychiatry and Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry for the past seven years at Texas Medical Center in Houston, Texas. Additionally, he has served as an assistant professor of psychiatry at the Texas Medical Center, working at UT Physicians Clinics and Memorial Hermann Hospital. He is also a member of the Editorial Board for BMC Genomics Journal.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Tannu follows the bio-psycho-social model to provide evidence-based psychopharmacologic treatment. He integrates supportive therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) modalities into his practice to create personalized and comprehensive treatment plans. He is committed to mental health care, education, and helping patients achieve optimal functioning in their personal and professional lives. His clinical expertise includes ADHD, anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, insomnia, eating disorders, and complex medical comorbidities.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive assessment where Dr. Tannu takes the time to understand their symptoms, treatment history, and personal goals. He employs a collaborative approach to develop a tailored treatment plan that may include medication management and therapy interventions. His focus is on evidence-based care, ensuring that patients receive treatments that are scientifically backed and aligned with their individual needs.

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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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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.

Dr. Mark Varela is a board-certified psychiatrist joining Talkiatry directly out of residency. He focuses primarily on medication management, often accompanied by brief cognitive, motivational, or supportive therapy. He may request that you also meet with a therapist regularly for your benefit. Dr. Varela received his medical degree and general psychiatric residency training both from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in West Texas. He treats young adults and adults with a wide variety of mental health concerns, including ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD.

Virginia Hogan, PMHNP, is a dedicated psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with experience in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care. She began her career in general surgery and primary care before pursuing her passion for mental health. Virginia earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology, a BSN in Nursing, and a Master of Science in Nursing from Northern Kentucky University. She is board-certified through the ANCC as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

Virginia is deeply committed to patient-centered care, always taking into account and respecting each individual’s unique needs and experiences. She emphasizes patient strengths when setting treatment goals and fosters a supportive, empathetic environment. Patients can expect someone who listens attentively, values collaboration, and works to build a positive and mutually respectful therapeutic relationship.

During the initial session, Virginia encourages patients to share their stories in order to gain a full understanding of their history, concerns, and goals. Together, she and her patients develop individualized treatment plans that align with those goals. Follow-up appointments are designed to track progress, celebrate growth, and make thoughtful adjustments as needed.