Viga Naik, 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.

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.

Evelyn Kuang, PMHNP, is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of experience spanning clinical practice, research, and teaching. She trained at Columbia School of Nursing and in specialized psychiatric programs including Gracie Square Hospital, NYP Mt. Sinai SAGE elders, and Harlem’s STAY program. Evelyn has worked with diverse communities, including LGBTQ+ youth, older adults, and Asian-American populations, with expertise in sexual health, geriatric psychiatry, and trauma. She is also a musician and composer, integrating creative expression into therapeutic work.

Evelyn provides person-centered, trauma-informed care with an intersectional and decolonized lens. She emphasizes shared decision-making and creates a compassionate environment where patients feel safe and heard. Passionate about addressing implicit bias in healthcare and supporting ethnic identity formation, she focuses on improving access and quality of mental health care for Asian diaspora communities.

Evelyn begins by exploring each patient’s history, concerns, and goals through a trauma-informed, intersectional approach. She develops individualized treatment plans aligned with patient goals, incorporating supportive psychodynamic psychotherapy alongside medication management to ensure holistic care.

Cassandra Thomas-Jingles is a dedicated, board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with dual certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She is deeply passionate about helping others and takes a holistic, evidence-based approach to mental healthcare, empowering patients to live life to their fullest potential.

Her practice focuses on medication management and supportive therapy, offering 30-minute follow-up sessions. When additional therapy is needed, she recommends including a therapist in the care team to ensure the best possible outcomes. With extensive experience in both outpatient and inpatient settings, Cassandra has worked with adults and children facing a wide range of mental health conditions, including ADHD, anxiety, depression, and psychotic disorders. She strongly believes in prioritizing client involvement and fostering interprofessional collaboration.

Your mental health journey is unique, and Cassandra is here to listen with compassion and without judgment. All conversations are confidential, and her goal is to create a safe, welcoming space where you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and concerns.

During your initial appointment, Cassandra will review your mental health history, current symptoms, lifestyle factors, and any previous treatments to gain a comprehensive understanding of your needs. Together, you will develop a personalized treatment plan that may include therapy, medication, or other supportive strategies. She values shared decision-making, ensuring your input is considered at every step of the process.

If medication is part of your treatment, Cassandra will clearly explain its benefits, potential side effects, and how your progress will be monitored. Adjustments can be made as needed to achieve the best possible outcome.

Healing takes time, and Cassandra is committed to supporting you throughout the process. Follow-up appointments are essential for tracking progress, making necessary adjustments, and ensuring you receive the care you need.

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Lindsey Stewart, PMHNP, holds three Bachelor’s degrees in Biology, Medical Technology, and Nursing, as well as a Master of Science in Nursing. She began her nursing career in 2011, working in inpatient psychiatry, and later expanded her experience to community mental health and home health for patients with behavioral health needs. In 2018, she earned her PMHNP certification from the University of Missouri–Kansas City and has since spent six years providing behavioral health medication management at an FQHC, treating patients across the lifespan.

Lindsey is passionate about her work and values each patient’s unique life story. She focuses on meeting patients where they are and creating customized treatment plans that align with their goals. Her care is rooted in a patient-centered approach, ensuring collaboration and respect throughout the treatment process.

Lindsey’s process blends structure with flexibility, tailoring care to each patient’s needs. She begins by establishing a diagnosis and treatment plan, integrating medication management, therapy, collaborative goal-setting, and ongoing progress monitoring. This holistic approach supports both mental health and overall well-being.

Dr. Pallavi Tatapudy, MD, earned her medical degree from the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, where she was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society. She completed Stony Brook’s combined residency in Adult Psychiatry and fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, along with the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Fellowship. Board certified in adult psychiatry and board eligible in child and adolescent psychiatry, she has worked across inpatient, emergency, outpatient, and school settings. Her training includes expertise in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, and Motivational Interviewing, and she incorporates principles from Supportive Psychotherapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Family Systems Therapy.

Dr. Tatapudy’s warm, approachable style values each patient’s lived experience. She practices attunement to align with her patients and prioritizes cura personalis—care for the whole person. She is skilled in medication management for a wide age range and integrates therapeutic skill-building. Outside of work, she enjoys nature, visiting national parks, water activities, Indian Bhangra dance, music, and reflecting on meaningful quotes.

Dr. Tatapudy sets a collaborative agenda, listens attentively, and thoroughly reviews patient history. She includes perspectives from support systems when appropriate, offers psychoeducation with creative examples, and encourages open questions and feedback. She shares credible resources, supports learning together, and helps patients define realistic goals and measurable benchmarks for progress.