Tetyana Tarnavsky, MD

Dr. John Weller, MD, is a psychiatrist with a strong foundation in science and clinical care. He earned his undergraduate degree in molecular genetics from the University of Vermont and conducted neuroscience research in both academic and industry settings. A graduate of St. George’s University School of Medicine, he completed his psychiatry residency at Mather Hospital, Northwell Health, where he was honored as Resident of the Year in 2025 and inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.

Dr. Weller is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care that considers the full spectrum of biological, psychological, and social factors. He builds therapeutic relationships on empathy, respect, and trust. By tailoring treatment plans to each patient’s personal and cultural context, he helps individuals take control of their mental health and work toward long-term recovery and resilience.

In the first session, Dr. Weller takes time to listen carefully and gather a thorough understanding of each patient's concerns, history, and current functioning. He uses empathy and active listening to foster open communication and develop personalized treatment plans that may include therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes, with the goal of restoring wellness and stability.

Mary Poupon is an experienced board certified psychiatric APRN/psychiatric nurse practitioner with over 30 years' experience in her field. She completed her graduate work at Columbia University and is published in her field. Her practice sites have included inpatient hospital treatment, partial hospital programs, in-home programs, outpatient clinics and alternative therapy including equine assisted therapy.  She was the program director and clinician with the Ryan White Mental Health Program in New York providing innovative mental health treatment for adolescents and adults living with HIV/AIDS in the boroughs of Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx.  In 2013 she became certified as an equine assisted psychotherapist and served as the Director of Mental Health at Embrace Hope in Sandy Hook, CT. She was appointed as the Executive Director of Embrace Hope in 2017. Embrace Hope provided treatment to children, adolescents and adults who were victims of trauma related to the shooting at the Sandy Hook Elementary School. She presented a TED x talk in 2018 regarding her work with victims of trauma. She has provided treatment in the outpatient setting for children, teens, and adults. She has provided treatment to young adults at the Covenant House New York shelter program for homeless young adults.

Mary believes the human spirit is resilient. There are many challenges in the lifespan and self-care is paramount to success.

Mary provides psychiatric consultation and assessment and provides a pathway to change. Treatment may include medication management, therapy, and coping skills to assist with life challenges. Mary believes treatment is a partnership and believes in establishing mutually agreed upon goals.

Mary's process for working with patients begins with active listening. The assessment begins with the patient describing why they are seeking engagement in behavioral health treatment at this time. She will complete a psychiatric assessment and evaluation and establish mutually agreed upon goals for treatment. She offers medication management in conjunction with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. Mary believes therapy and medication management if indicated together provides the best treatment outcomes.

Ashley is an ANCC board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of experience in Psychiatry. She has worked in inpatient and outpatient settings, crisis centers, and psychiatric emergency rooms. Ashley is deeply committed to working collaboratively with individuals to enhance their well-being, creating a personalized care plan tailored to each person’s unique needs.

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Her approach integrates medication management, supportive psychotherapy, and lifestyle interventions. As a prescriber specializing in psychopharmacology, Ashley provides comprehensive medication management while utilizing a shared decision-making model. She actively involves clients in their treatment planning, discussing various options to determine the most effective path forward.

During the initial session, Ashley prioritizes establishing a comfortable, open environment where clients feel at ease. She will review medical and psychiatric history, discuss treatment goals, and explore different therapeutic options based on individual preferences. Ashley encourages questions throughout the process to ensure a collaborative and supportive treatment experience.

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.    

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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.    

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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.    

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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.

Dr. Lucky Ly is a board-eligible psychiatrist who received his medical degree at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed training in the psychiatric residency program at Millcreek Community Hospital. He has experience treating various psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and other related disorders. Dr. Ly uses evidence-based treatments and supportive psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy to help his patients. He encourages open communication and active participation as he believes they are key to successful treatment.

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.