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Thomas Spina, MD

Staff Psychiatrist
Languages
English
SPECIALTIES
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Depression
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
PTSD/Trauma
Medication Management

Education and training

  • Sackler School of Medicine (Tel Aviv University) Doctor of Medicine (MD)

Get to know

Thomas Spina, MD

Dr. Thomas Spina is an adult psychiatrist who began his practice at Talkiatry after completing his psychiatry residency at the Eastern Long Island branch of Stony Brook University, where he treated a diverse patient population. Dr. Spina received his undergraduate degree from St. John's University in Queens where he studied Philosophy. Initially interested in a career in law, Dr. Spina decided to change gears and pursue a career in medicine after watching a relative struggle with her diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus. Dr. Spina then completed medical school at Tel Aviv University in Israel, where he fell in love with psychiatry during his clerkship at Ichilov medical center. During that rotation, he came to appreciate how each patient has his or her own unique story, regardless of their diagnosis. Dr. Spina favors a holistic and integrative approach to psychiatry, combining medication management with supportive therapy, elements of cognitive behavioral therapy, while remaining open to other treatment modalities depending on the needs of his patients. When more focused therapy is indicated, Dr. Spina may recommend that his patient work with a provider specializing in a particular modality of therapy as part of their treatment. Dr. Spina treats adult patients with mood disorders including major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder, anxiety spectrum disorders, OCD, PTSD and specific phobias. In his spare time, Dr. Spina enjoys a variety of hobbies, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, running, baseball, and exploring new eateries and shops.

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Lance Briggs, PMHNP

Staff Nurse Practitioner

Lance Briggs is a dedicated Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of clinical and leadership experience. A graduate of the University of North Dakota, Lance began as a psychiatric RN in acute inpatient settings before becoming a psychiatric RN supervisor in a major Houston hospital while pursuing advanced practice.

After becoming a PMHNP, Lance initially worked with outpatient addiction treatment and severe mental illness populations, later expanding into bariatric psychiatry to support patients preparing for weight-loss surgery. When the COVID-19 pandemic paused bariatric procedures, Lance founded a private practice—Grey Matters Mental Health—in Seattle, which was later sold to a larger healthcare organization in Minnesota. Lance then transitioned into correctional mental health, serving underserved populations within the criminal justice system. Currently, Lance is working at Talkiatry, providing compassionate, high-quality care informed by experience across diverse and challenging environments.

Lance understands that every patient is unique. His approach is grounded in Carl Rogers’ principle of unconditional positive regard, creating a safe, calming space where patients feel heard and valued. Lance takes time to explore developmental history, family background, and major life events, recognizing how past experiences shape present challenges. He aims to understand each symptom fully and offers thoughtful, collaborative treatment options.

Kerry O'Leary, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Kerry O'Leary is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who joined Talkiatry after she completed her psychiatry residency. Dr. O'Leary provides patient-centered care and understands the importance of actively involving patients in their treatment journey. She believes that every patient deserves personalized care tailored to their unique needs and circumstances. She utilizes evidence-based treatments combined with a comprehensive approach to address not only the symptoms but also the underlying factors contributing to her patients' distress. Although her practice focuses on medication management, she also provides supportive therapy and may recommend more intensive therapy when indicated. Dr. O'Leary approaches each patient with empathy and understanding, fostering a supportive and nonjudgmental environment. Dr. O'Leary completed her undergraduate training at The University of Texas at Austin and pursued her medical degree at The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. She also graduated with a Master's in Public Health from Columbia University in New York. She went on to complete her general adult psychiatry training at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. Dr. O'Leary focuses on treating the adult population from ages 18+. She utilizes both pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatment interventions and has experience in treating a variety of diagnoses including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, insomnia, PTSD, OCD, and psychotic disorders.

Andrew Lelin, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Background  and credentials    

Dr. Andrew Lelin is a board-certified Psychiatrist in Adult Psychiatry. He  received his bachelor's degree from Johns Hopkins University and a master's  in Medical Humanities, Compassionate Care, and Bioethics from Stony Brook  University. Dr. Lelin earned his medical degree from Hofstra-Northwell School  of Medicine and completed his residency at Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson School  of Medicine, where he specialized in advanced psychopharmacology with diverse  patient populations. He also has extensive training and experience in  psychotherapeutic modalities, including psychodynamic therapy,  cognitive-behavioral therapy, habit-reversal therapy, and cognitive  processing therapy. Following his training, Dr. Lelin provided inpatient  consultation and crisis intervention services in New York City.    

Treatment approach    

Dr. Lelin employs a compassionate, humanistic approach designed to align  closely with his patients' personal goals and values. His method integrates  advanced psychopharmacology with psychotherapeutic techniques such as  psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, habit-reversal, and cognitive processing  therapies. He aims to carefully balance diagnosis, avoiding both  overdiagnosis and underdiagnosis, to ensure precise and tailored care. Dr.  Lelin’s approach is particularly effective in addressing conditions like  anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, trauma-related issues, and other  psychiatric conditions.    

What you can expect in a first visit    

During the initial visit, patients can expect a comprehensive, detailed  evaluation designed to thoroughly understand their individual experiences and  needs. Dr. Lelin prioritizes establishing a compassionate and comfortable  environment where patients can openly discuss their concerns and goals. This  initial assessment is followed by meticulous and thoughtful follow-ups,  providing clarity and direction in the treatment process.    

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 speciualize in  medication management and collaborate with you on a treatment plan that fits  your needs and comfort level.

Edmund Clark, MD

Chief Psychiatrist

Edmund Clark, MD, serves as Chief Psychiatrist at Talkiatry with over 17 years of board-certified experience, including more than 5 years delivering tele-psychiatric care to underserved areas. His career spans 23 years in public service, including leadership roles as Chief of the VA Mental Health Clinics in Jacksonville, FL, and program manager for the University of Florida’s Psychiatry Residency Training Program. A former U.S. Navy psychiatrist, he deployed multiple times, including to Iraq in support of an Army Combat Stress Control clinic, gaining expertise in evidence-based PTSD treatments. Dr. Clark earned his medical degree from the University of Florida and completed his psychiatry residency at the National Naval Medical Center and Walter Reed, serving as chief resident for over 50 military trainees. Before medicine, he served in the U.S. Peace Corps in Kenya.

Dr. Clark values a collaborative approach built on honesty, rapport, and ensuring patients feel heard. He helps patients identify and address multiple factors influencing their mental health, aiming for positive, lasting changes that improve function across life domains. He encourages evidence-based therapies and, when needed, involves other providers to support comprehensive care.

Dr. Clark uses measurement-based tools to assess medication efficacy and guide treatment decisions. He integrates supportive psychotherapy to strengthen coping skills and reduce negative thinking, while incorporating motivational interviewing techniques to promote recovery and self-improvement.

Kevin DiCesare, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Kevin DiCesare is a board-certified psychiatrist, treating adults. He received his undergraduate degree at Harvard University, his medical degree at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, and then went on to train at Maine Medical Center for his psychiatric residency. He has 22 years of expertise in diagnosing and treating psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety, Bipolar spectrum disorders, adjustment problems, ADHD and other disorders. He is well versed in psychopharmacological interventions, but is a proponent of patients also being active in psychotherapy whenever appropriate. He prides himself in collaboratively arriving at treatment decisions with his patients, and taking the time to listen to their concerns and answer their questions.

Dr. DiCesare has worked in various settings, including community mental health centers and large hospital systems, with experience in inpatient, outpatient, and consultative roles. Prior to joining Talkiatry, he most recently served as an attending psychiatrist on the staff of Southern New Hampshire Health System, where he provided consultative care to referrals made from primary care providers and various specialists.

Austin Bailey, DO

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Bailey is a board certified psychiatrist, specializing in medication management and psychotherapy. He enjoys the opportunity to help patients better understand their diagnosis and how biological, psychological and social interventions can be applied to live a more fulfilling life.  

As a recipient of the Army Health Professions Scholarship Program, Dr. Bailey earned his medical degree from the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg, Virginia followed by residency at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD.  

After completing residency, Dr. Bailey served at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX where he held several positions including Chief of Inpatient Behavioral Health Services. He also completed operational assignments, most notably a nine-month deployment to Iraq for which he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. Dr. Bailey enjoys teaching and has held academic appointments at Long School of Medicine and Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.

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Specialties
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Depression
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
PTSD/Trauma
Medication Management
States
New York
Pennsylvania
New Jersey
Languages
English
Takes insurance
Virtual visits
years experience