Thomas Spina, MD

Dr. Ethan Atwood is a board-certified psychiatrist. He earned his medical degree from the College of Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. He completed his psychiatry residency and fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and he completed a forensic fellowship at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

New patients can expect a warm and welcoming atmosphere when beginning their journey with Dr. Atwood. He emphasizes a holistic approach to mental health care, combining medication management with supportive therapies. His empathetic nature and commitment to patient well-being ensures a nurturing and supportive environment.

Dr. Atwood believes in a collaborative approach, working closely with his patients to develop treatment goals and adjust treatment strategies as needed. He is committed to providing ongoing support and guidance, ensuring that patients feel confident and supported throughout their mental health journey.

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Background and credentials

Dr. Jenny Joseph is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. She earned her medical degree from St. George's University School of Medicine and completed her adult psychiatry residency at New York Medical College at Metropolitan Hospital Center. She has experience working with diverse patient populations and treating a range of psychiatric conditions.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Joseph specializes in medication management for various psychiatric conditions, including mood, anxiety, and psychotic disorders. She employs a patient-centered approach that emphasizes empathy, open communication, and collaboration. In addition to pharmacological treatment, she incorporates psychoeducation and supportive therapy to help patients better understand and manage their conditions. When beneficial, she may recommend additional therapy and coordinate care with a therapist to ensure comprehensive treatment.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a thorough evaluation that explores their symptoms, treatment history, and personal goals. Dr. Joseph takes the time to listen and understand each patient's needs, ensuring that their treatment plan is tailored to their specific concerns. She provides a compassionate and structured approach to medication management while fostering a collaborative environment where patients feel supported in their mental health journey.

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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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Alana Ward is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). Alan has been practicing since 2018 and has experience with individuals of all ages. Prior to becoming a PMHNP, Alana worked as a registered nurse in critical care and psychiatry. As a PMHNP, she has experience working on inpatient adult and geriatric psychiatric units, as well as providing psychiatric evaluations and consultations to individuals on medical units and emergency rooms at hospitals. Alana is very experienced working in outpatient settings managing various psychiatric diagnoses. She has also helped manage individuals in long term care facilities and assisted living facilities. When Alana is not providing direct patient care, she will on occasion help with instructing future nurses at Kent State University. Alana graduated with her Master's of Science in Nursing from Kent State University, and is board certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner through the American Nurse Credentialing Center. Alana enjoys treating a variety of mental health diagnoses including depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, and various psychotic disorders. She believes in client-centered care, where clients get a say in their treatment in order to help make them feel their best. Alana truly believes that therapy is a crucial part of successfully treating any mental health diagnosis, in combination with medication management when warranted. Alana likes to add mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to her medication management appointments to help individuals receive effective, quality care.

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.

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.

Dr. Matthew Hamilton is a psychiatrist who works with adults at all stages of life in improving mental health. He emphasizes a holistic approach in collaboration with patients to help them identify and achieve their goals. He has experience helping adults from a diversity of backgrounds with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, panic, OCD, ADHD, substance use and autism spectrum disorder. He offers one-hour initial consultation appointments, as well as 20 to 30 minutes for follow-up visits. Dr. Hamilton received his undergraduate education at the University of Texas at Austin, his medical degree at Texas Tech University Health and Sciences Center, and completed his residency training at the University of Texas Medical Branch. During training he worked primarily with adults in local clinics and acute care hospitals in the greater Houston area. He was honored with an award for his accomplishments in psychotherapy during his senior year of residency. Dr. Hamilton offers his expertise in both medication management and psychotherapy in his practice, including cognitive, behavioral, motivational, and supportive therapies. He will collaborate with your therapist when you are working with one and may offer a referral to a specialist therapist if indicated.