Tara Merchant, LMHC

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Tami Ditkoff, LMHC

Staff Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Tami is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a Master's Degree in the state of NY. She has been a therapist for about 8 years and attended graduate school at night while raising two amazing children. It is important for Tami to disclose this so that you know you are never too old to chase your dreams. She loves helping people and making a difference in people's lives. She uses various tools to help. If one tool isn't right, we search for others, never giving up! Tami is solution-focused but uses different approaches when helping clients. She likes to figure out which methods work best as there isn't a one size fits all way. She is a dedicated therapist with real world experience as well as clinical experience. Clients can expect to have great tools and coping mechanisms moving forward. Clients will know what steps need to be taken on their journey and will feel confident in knowing that they have Tami's support and commitment.

Iris Vanessa Guerrero Urena, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Iris Guerrero Urena is double board-certified in psychiatry and consultation-liaison psychiatry. She received her medical degree from Universidad Iberoamericana in the Dominican Republic and went on to complete psychiatric residency at Lincoln Hospital in New York City. Dr. Guerrero then completed a consultation liaison fellowship at Morningside and West Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, further acquiring proficiency in caring for patients with complex medical and psychiatric comorbidities. After completing training, Dr. Guerrero worked in an acute inpatient unit and as a psychiatric consultant for patients admitted to medical units in Oregon. Dr. Guerrero Urena focuses on medication management while also implementing elements of supportive, dialectical behavioral, and cognitive behavioral therapy within each session to fully address individual needs. At times, Dr. Guerrero Urena may recommend a therapist for additional therapy. Dr. Guerrero Urena is experienced in treating a wide range of psychiatric conditions including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, PTSD, OCD.

Ilisse Perlmutter, MD

Director of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Dr. Illise Perlmutter is the Director of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Talkiatry. She is double board-certified in child and adolescent psychiatry and adult psychiatry. Before joining Talkiatry, Dr. Perlmutter was the Chair of Behavioral Health and Addiction Services at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center. Prior to Bergen New Bridge, she was the Director of Inpatient Psychiatry at Montefiore Medical Center-Wakefield, in New York. Over 35 years, Dr. Perlmutter has held numerous leadership roles with some of the largest hospital systems in the New York Metro Area. Dr. Perlmutter is a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, a Fellow of the American College of Psychiatrists, and a Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She has received awards for her contributions both locally and nationally. Dr. Perlmutter was included in Castle Connolly's "America's Top Doctors” list from 2006-2011 and 2017, as well as "Best Doctors in America” from 2009- 2012. Dr. Perlmutter received her MD from George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. After an internship in pediatrics, she completed a residency in Psychiatry at Mt. Sinai Medical Center followed by a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Columbia University/New York State Psychiatric Institute. Dr. Perlmutter has held leadership roles in several academic institutions and is a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington, D.C. Dr. Perlmutter has authored numerous publications and research articles and has lectured and presented extensively on clinical, epidemiologic, and psychopharmacologic issues in child and adolescent psychiatry. She has made frequent media appearances addressing topical issues in disaster psychiatry during the course of her work in disaster psychiatry outreach.

Karelis Sierra-Cintron, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Sierra-Cintron is board-certified in adult psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and has been in practice for 12 years. Dr. Sierra-Cintron focuses her practice on medication management. She also engages in supportive therapy in a comprehensive way, focusing on the patient as a whole and not just the symptoms. Dr. Sierra-Cintron has a broad understanding of vitamin support as an adjunctive treatment to traditional medication. She has broadened her understanding of second-line treatment, having been certified in Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), conducting clinics in Clozapine and Long-Acting Antipsychotics (LOA), and even conducting assessments for patients interested in weight loss surgery. Dr. Sierra-Cintron has a comprehensive approach to treatment, and might consider the addition of therapy, either by referral or collaborating with an existing therapist for a more rounded approach and improved outcome. Dr. Sierra-Cintron received her medical degree from the Universidad Central del Caribe located in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. Upon graduation, she relocated to Philadelphia, where she started her residency program at Einstein Medical Center. After completing her training, she worked for 8 years in a community mental health clinic, treating an underserved population in all modalities of psychiatric care. In her 12-year career, Dr. Sierra-Cintron has treated both adult males and females, including seniors. This has led to varied and wide-ranging diagnoses during the length of her career. After leaving the community clinic setting, she started working for an outpatient clinic in a suburb of Philadelphia. Dr. Sierra-Cintron's current areas of focus are adults with Mood Disorders, Anxiety Co-Occurring Substance disorders, as well as patients with varied concomitant medical problems.‍

Gira Borad, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Borad is a Board Certified Psychiatrist and has specialized in Addiction Psychiatry. She finished her residency at the WVU campus of Charleston, WV, and finished the Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship at UPMC/Western Psychiatry Institute in Pittsburgh, PA. She has previously worked as an Assistant Professor at WVU of Charleston, where she was involved in working with residents in inpatient and outpatient settings, provided psychiatric consult services to hospitalized patients, and was part of the Outpatient Comprehensive Opioid treatment program where she provided Medication Assisted Treatment for patients with substance use disorders. She has an interest in treating patients with mood, anxiety, and psychotic disorders. Dr. Borad has a special interest in treating individuals having a substance use history and struggling to quit, and has expertise in treating patients with a dual diagnosis of substance use with other psychiatric conditions. She primarily does medication management, in addition to providing some supportive therapy and motivational interviewing to her patients in her 30-minute follow-up appointments. In addition, she may suggest bringing in a therapist to add to your care if clinically necessary.

Julia Askinazi, LCSW

Staff Therapist

Julia Askinazi is an LCSW with 14 years of experience and substantial experience working in the field of mental health. Julia has collaborated with clients from diverse backgrounds with a broad range of psychiatric as well as physical health challenges. Julia earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Shepherd College and her Master's degree from the Charleston campus of West Virginia University. Julia has volunteered or worked in nearly every type of setting from daycares to nursing homes, including homeless shelters, hospices, with foster children and adoptive families, psych hospitals, Neuro ICU, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and even private practice. In undergraduate school she was President of the Social Work Association and interned for the National Association of Social Workers in graduate school. She has worked with people in recovery, clients who are HIV positive, those enlisted in the military and their family members, including neurodiverse and LGBTIQA individuals. Julia has been practicing as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for 14 years, with an emphasis on Anxiety Disorders and Complicated Mourning, including symptoms that hinder daily functioning. Engaging with Julia, treatment is client-centered and designed to fit each person's situation. Julia uses a comprehensive approach founded on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, focusing on Mindfulness.

Gretchen Sutphin, LCSW

Staff Therapist

Gretchen attended James Madison University for her undergraduate studies and graduate school at Virginia Commonwealth University and Boston University. She has practiced for three years in various settings, including residential facilities for children, acute care facilities, and private practice, where she successfully supported clients with neurodiversity in improving executive function, emotional regulation, and interpersonal relationships. Recognizing the complexities of neurodiversity beyond traditional clinical frameworks, Gretchen collaborates with medical professionals, educators, and families to create inclusive environments that foster success for individuals with neurodivergent traits.

Clients can expect to gain a deeper understanding of their thought patterns and uncover the underlying meanings behind their reactions. Through a collaborative and reflective process, they’ll develop greater self-awareness, challenge limiting beliefs, and gain clarity in their personal growth journey. This approach empowers clients to make more informed, intentional choices in their lives.

Gretchen takes a direct yet supportive approach, evident from the very first session. She integrates psychoeducation, somatic techniques to enhance body awareness, and strategic reframing to help clients uncover core beliefs that may be contributing to their challenges.

Peter McGowan, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. McGowan is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with over 14 years of experience, during which time he primarily treated active-duty US Navy sailors, their family members, and military retirees in the outpatient setting. His practice focuses on medication management in addition to supportive and cognitive-behavioral therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. He is a strong advocate of multiple treatment modalities and, in certain situations, may suggest that therapy and/or regular physical exercise be included in your treatment plan to provide the best outcome. He received his B.S. in Physics from the United States Naval Academy. After serving as an Intelligence Officer in the Navy for eight years, he transitioned to medicine and earned his medical degree from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, MD. After completing an intern year in Family Medicine, Dr. McGowan completed residency training in Psychiatry at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, VA, where he remained on staff for the next ten years and was primarily involved in resident training and education. He held academic appointments at the Uniformed Services University and Eastern Virginia Medical School and served as the Psychiatry Residency Program Director for six years. He served his final four years in uniform running the behavioral health department at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, WA. He recently retired from the Navy after a 30-year career. Dr. McGowan has extensive experience in outpatient psychiatric care. In addition to the full spectrum of mood and anxiety disorders, he has treated a very large number of patients with PTSD stemming from combat, natural disasters, and sexual trauma. He believes that, like his service to the country, working alongside others in their journey to better mental health is an incredible privilege.

Paulina Bollat Orbea, LCSW

Staff Therapist

Paulina Bollat Orbea is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida and Colorado. She earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work at Florida International University and has worked in a variety of clinical settings including outpatient clinic, psychiatric hospital, correctional facility, community mental health, university counseling and research and private practice environments.

Paulina has experience working with individuals who experience depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, family conflict, LGBTQ+ related concerns, substance use disorders and other mental health concerns. Paulina has worked with people of diverse ethnicities, cultures and identities. As a Guatemalan native, she is also able to offer therapy in Spanish.

Paulina’s therapeutic approach is dependent on the patient’s needs. She largely follows a Cognitive Behavioral approach, while also implementing psychodynamic, Internal Family Systems, Person-Centered and Solution-Focused orientations. Her treatment style prioritizes evidence-based practice and a therapeutic alliance built through empathy, collaboration and cultivating a safe, judgement-free space for the patient.

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.

Sara Mateo, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Sara Mateo holds the position of staff Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. She is a board-eligible adult Psychiatrist. Dr. Mateo completed her Medical degree at the University of Benghazi- Faculty of Medicine and finished General Psychiatry Residency training at Tower Health/DrexelPhoenixville Hospital. Throughout her career, Dr. Mateo has actively contributed to various leadership roles and committees, demonstrating her commitment to advancing medical education and promoting diversity in the field. During her training, she generously shared her knowledge through educational presentations and lectures, fostering the growth of fellow trainees and medical students. Dr. Mateo is dedicated to creating a therapeutic environment characterized by warmth, empathy, and nonjudgmental support. Her approach involves collaborating with patients to develop individualized treatment plans that consider cultural, biological, psychological, and social factors. With a primary focus on medication management, Dr. Mateo's keen interest in psychotherapy is evident, as she often integrates supportive therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and psychodynamic psychotherapy during 30-minute follow-up visits to optimize wellness and recovery. Dr. Mateo brings a wealth of experience in caring for individuals of diverse ages and backgrounds, adeptly addressing a wide spectrum of conditions. Her expertise extends to treating depressive disorders, bipolar disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma and stress related disorders, ADHD, OCD, Insomnia, psychotic disorders; she also has experience treating individuals with medical comorbidities.

Jennifer Hewitt, PMHNP

Staff Nurse Practitioner

Jennifer Hewitt is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). She earned her master’s degree in nursing from Gonzaga University and has extensive experience in treating a wide array of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Jennifer's passion for psychiatry and her commitment to helping patients stem from her years of experience working as an emergency room nurse, as well as her background in emergency medical services (EMS). This foundation has provided her with a unique perspective on the importance of mental health in overall patient care.

With a compassionate approach, Jennifer works with adults, children, and adolescents, understanding that each individual is unique in their journey toward mental wellness. She believes that medication is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to recovery; self-care and therapy are equally vital components of a holistic approach to mental health.

Jennifer is known for her empathetic listening skills and her genuine desire to connect with her patients. Together, she collaborates with them to set achievable goals, empowering them to take an active role in their recovery process. Her kindness and dedication to patient care create a supportive environment where individuals can thrive on their path to mental wellness.

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Tara Merchant, LMHC

Education and training

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