Stephen Geisler, MD

Michelle is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Licensed Independent Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in the mental health field. Michelle has worked in a variety of settings including community mental health, crisis management, outpatient treatment, inpatient treatment, and the private practice setting. Michelle has experience working with patients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma symptoms. Michelle’s passion is working with women who are struggling with managing healthy coping mechanisms in the perinatal/postpartum period.

Michelle has received extensive training from the Postpartum Support International focusing on treating patients struggling with infertility, postpartum anxiety and depression, and pregnancy loss/grief. She utilizes a variety of treatment modalities ranging from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Mindfulness Based Therapy.

Michelle’s approach to therapy is compassionate, collaborative, and warm. She considers it an honor to walk alongside you during this difficult journey. Let’s talk to see how Michelle can best support you.

Elizabeth Shaffer, MD, is an accomplished psychiatrist specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry. She earned her M.D. degree from St. George's University School of Medicine and holds a Bachelor of Science in Child Development from Appalachian State University where she graduated summa cum laude. Dr. Shaffer's passion for working with children and families developed during her involvement in a pre-K Head Start Program in Rural North Carolina. She completed her General Psychiatry Residency and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine at Campbell University. Dr. Shaffer obtained ABPN Board Certification in General Psychiatry in 2023 and is working towards Board Certification in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Dr. Shaffer has received honors and awards for her contributions to psychiatry, including the Laughlin fellowship through The American College of Psychiatrists and Resident of the Year at Cape Fear Valley Health System in 2022.Her areas of interest focus on neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD, Autism, and Intellectual Delay. Dr. Shaffer is affiliated with professional organizations like AACAP and APA, demonstrating her commitment to professional development. Dr. Shaffer is dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and family and patient psychoeducation. Dr. Shaffer emphasizes a joint decision-making approach to treatment options and utilizes local resources to provide wrap-around support. Dr. Shaffer is a respected psychiatrist known for her excellence, compassion, and innovative approach to mental health care. Her extensive education, accolades, research contributions, professional affiliations, and community involvement reflect her commitment to making a positive impact in her patients' lives and the broader community.

Dr. Goel holds the position of Staff Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. She has completed adult psychiatry training and is board certified. She has been actively involved in mental health care in various capacities over the past 7 years.

Dr. Goel's practice focuses on psychopharmacological interventions. Typically, she combines this with a strong emphasis on Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). Dr. Goel also strongly believes that the best outcomes are achieved, when you treat a person and not just illness.

She received her medical degree from one of the largest publicly funded medical schools in India, L.L.R.M. Medical College, Meerut, India, before moving to the US. She gained experience in mental and behavioral health in various roles at some of the most prestigious institutions in the US, namely Northwestern University, Emory University, and North Shore-LIJ. She completed her residency at Nassau University Medical Center, East Meadow, NY. Dr. Goel has been a co-author of several research papers. Her team's research work has also been presented at national and international meetings as well.

While Dr. Goel enjoys working with adults with various psychiatric disorders, her primary focus is on treating adults with various anxiety and depressive disorders. Dr. Goel also has a special interest in co-occuring sleep disorders with these conditions.

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Nisha Saintelus Deratus, LPC, is a proud HBCU graduate of Prairie View A&M University with a Master’s in Counseling and over eight years of experience in the mental health field. She has provided care in inpatient psychiatric hospitals, partial and intensive outpatient programs, community mental health, and private telehealth practice. Nisha supports clients facing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, bipolar disorder, life transitions, anger management, and relationship challenges.

Nisha offers a warm, approachable, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel seen and supported. She believes in a collaborative approach to therapy, working alongside clients to identify the root of their struggles and develop a personalized plan for growth and healing. Her personable nature and tailored care help clients feel comfortable and empowered throughout the process.

In the first session, Nisha reviews teletherapy expectations and confidentiality, and conducts a psychosocial assessment to better understand your background and goals. Together, you’ll explore current challenges, create a vision for your future, and build a practical plan. Using CBT and ACT, she helps you develop tools and insights to apply between sessions for continued progress.

Dr. Shahan Syed is a Board-Eligible Psychiatrist who offers personable, compassionate, and empathetic care. Before completing his residency in psychiatry, Dr. Syed graduated from International American University College of Medicine and recently completed his residency at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in Paramus, NJ. He gained experience as a clinical researcher, emergency medical technician, and a registered nurse in both psychiatric and emergency departments prior to his formal training. This diverse background equipped him with valuable tools to deliver empathetic care to a wide range of patients with experience treating anxiety disorder, traumatic disorders, depressive and bipolar disorders, substance use disorders, ADHD, OCD, and psychotic disorders. During his residency, Dr. Syed also took on the role of chief resident, demonstrating a remarkable ability to educate both his patients and colleagues. Throughout his residency, Dr. Syed actively pursued additional training opportunities at various safety net hospitals in New Jersey to care for underserved populations.

Dr. Syed places significant importance on collaborating with patients and all relevant parties to gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors affecting the patient's life before making treatment recommendations. Additionally, Dr. Syed emphasizes the importance of lifestyle, sleep, mindfulness, and nutrition, and their impact on overall mental health. He has experience in utilizing interpersonal and supportive psychotherapy, along with principles of motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral therapy, to foster resilience and meaningful change in partnership with other mental health professionals involved in patient care.

Dr. Syed employs a range of therapeutic methods alongside medication management to ensure a thorough and holistic approach for every patient. His goal is to create a safe environment that encourages healing and wellness, enabling individuals to remain motivated and live their lives to the fullest.

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Dr. Anantharam Peesapati is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who graduated from General Psychiatry Residency training at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. There, he honed his skills by treating a diverse patient population suffering from various diagnoses, including major depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, PTSD, ADHD, and substance use disorders. Prior to residency, Dr. Peesapati earned his medical degree from Florida Atlantic University Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine & his bachelor's degree in Psychology with a specialization in Behavioral & Cognitive Neuroscience from the University of Florida. Dr. Peesapati is committed to providing comprehensive care to his patients, with a focus on medication management & psychoeducation, as well as supportive psychotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy. His approach is guided by psychodynamic principles and steeped in mindfulness, ensuring a holistic and personalized treatment plan for each individual. Dr. Peesapati's goal is to help every patient achieve their best mental health and well-being, which may include collaboration with a therapist while also considering the impact of lifestyle on their health.