Xiomara Nieves Alvarado, MD

Staff Psychiatrist
Languages
English
Spanish
Conditions Treated
Medication Management

Education and training

  • University of Puerto Rico - Rio Piedras Campus, BS
  • Universidad Central Del Caribe Escuela De Medicina, MD
  • Duke University Medical Center, Residency

Get to know

Xiomara Nieves Alvarado, MD

Dr. Nieves-Alvarado is a board-certified psychiatrist who completed medical training at Duke University Psychiatry Program. Originally from Puerto Rico, she is fluent in both English and Spanish, which allows her to connect deeply with a diverse patient population. Her practice combines medication management with insight-oriented therapy during every visit, promoting a comprehensive approach to mental health care. She advocates for her patients to engage in therapy alongside medication management, as she believes this integrated approach leads to better outcomes and sustained improvement. Dr. Nieves-Alvarado's practice is rooted in a collaborative, team-based approach, working closely with her patients to achieve long-term mental wellness. Dr. Nieves-Alvarado earned her medical degree from the Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine in Bayamon, PR. Afterward, she moved to North Carolina, where she completed her residency at Duke University Hospital. During her training, she was nominated for a fellowship in psychodynamic practice by the Psychoanalytic Center of the Carolinas, showcasing her expertise in this area. She is also a dedicated advocate against childhood sexual trauma. Her diverse training includes significant experience in jail and forensic psychiatry, as well as the treatment of military veterans under the Veterans Affairs health care system. She has experience in medically assisted treatments (MAT) for substance use disorders, Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and family therapy, enabling her to care for patients with complex needs. Dr. Nieves-Alvarado treats patients across a wide age range, from young adults to the elderly. Passionate about improving access to mental health care, she joined Talkiatry to help patients facing time or transportation challenges receive the care they need. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Nieves-Alvarado remains involved with her alma mater's Behavioral Health Department, contributing to academic education and maintaining a connection with the next generation of medical professionals. She continues to seek ongoing improvement in her field, remaining engaged with medical associations including North Carolina Psychiatric Association, American Psychiatric Association, and Alpha Omega Alpha national medical honor society. Dr. Nieves-Alvarado is committed to working hand-in-hand with her patients to achieve mental wellness.

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*THIS PROVIDER CANNOT PRESCRIBE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES FOR NH PATIENTS* Dr. Kevin DiCesare is a board-certified psychiatrist who treats 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, and other disorders. He is well versed in psychopharmacological interventions, but is a proponent of patients also seeing a therapist whenever appropriate. He prides himself on 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.

Avedon Elliott, LPC

Staff Therapist

Avedon is an LPC with vast experience working in the mental health counseling field. Avedon has experience working with people of various backgrounds, which she believes is essential in a world of diverse communities with diverse cultures. She has 13 years of experience working with adults learning how to navigate and manage various behavioral health issues. Avedon received an undergraduate degree at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, GA; and her master's degree at Hodges University in Ft. Myers, FL. Avedon has been practicing for 8 years as a licensed clinical mental health counselor, and is a firm believer in the person-centered therapy philosophy of "meeting the client where they are at.” She believes in creating a safe environment for all of her clients in order for them to feel secure in expressing their present conflicts, while at the same time gaining and learning coping skills to improve their overall daily functioning. Avedon's preferred theoretical approach with her clients is Humanistic. She believes in being a resource of support for her clients while they are navigating through interruptions that have induced disorder in their daily lives. Avedon uses an integrative therapy approach tailored to each individual's concerns with the basis of CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and a variety of supportive psychotherapy techniques to aid in creating a therapeutic alliance, which leads to the client building skills to help manage emotional distress.

Jane Eisen, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Jane Eisen comes to Talkiatry from her previous position at McLean Hospital, in Boston, where she was Clinical Director of the Depression and Anxiety Division, overseeing the integration of clinical work, faculty development, and research in the division. Clinically, she has experience working with people with significant mood and anxiety difficulties. Dr. Eisen's practice focuses on using an integrated approach to the understanding and treatment of individuals' psychosocial stresses and psychiatric symptoms. Her sessions are usually 30 minutes. She frequently suggests including a family member or friend in at least one session to get a comprehensive sense of each person's strengths and challenges. She received her medical degree from NYU and completed her psychiatric residency at Mt. Sinai Hospital. She spent a number of years in the Brown system, as Training Director for the Brown Psychiatry Residency and as Vice-Chair of the Brown Department of Psychiatry. For several years, she served as Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at Mt. Sinai West/St. Lukes' prior to her position at McLean, as Clinical Director of the McLean Hospital Depression and Anxiety Division. She has worked primarily with outpatients with the exception of a recent period of residential work at the Pavilion at McLean Hospital. Dr. Eisen is a general psychiatrist with a focus on anxiety disorders, OCD, and mood disorders. She is interested in the impact of trauma and personality and has extensive experience working with young adults.

Cyndia Choi, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Cyndia Choi has been board certified in psychiatry since 1991. She has 30 years of experience treating a diverse population of cultures, LGBTQ issues, and different age groups from young adults to seniors. After attending Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore for her bachelor's degree, Dr. Choi received her medical degree from The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey at Rutgers Medical School. She went on to complete a general medical internship at Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia and then her Psychiatric residency at the University of Pennsylvania .Dr. Choi has treated patients who have had a broad spectrum of diagnoses including major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress, bipolar disorder, OCD, panic and anxiety, and addiction. Although the majority of her work has been in outpatient care, Dr. Choi has worked in emergency settings, inpatient units, and as a consultation-liaison to medical units. She has also enjoyed the honor of working with US military veterans. Dr. Choi's specialty is medication management, however, she believes that a therapeutic relationship is crucial to treatment. Dr. Choi values the privilege of getting to know each patient personally to develop a patient-centered plan of care.‍Typical follow-up appointments with Dr. Choi are 30 minutes in length to check on medication effects and for supportive therapy. If she believes that you may benefit from more in-depth therapy, she may recommend adding a therapist to your treatment team. Dr. Choi also believes in a holistic approach toward helping you achieve a healthy and fulfilling quality of life.

Joyln Ferrell, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Background and credentials

Dr. Joyln Ferrell is a board-certified psychiatrist with specialized training in treating depression and anxiety disorders. She earned her medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine and also holds a doctorate in pharmacy from the University of Georgia. She completed her residency training in psychiatry at VA Boston/Harvard Medical School and gained significant clinical experience at McLean Hospital. Additionally, she completed a fellowship in psychoanalytic psychotherapy at Columbia University Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research.

Treatment approach

Dr. Ferrell focuses on providing patient-centered care, emphasizing improving quality of life and helping patients reach their specific treatment goals. Her approach integrates medication management with supportive therapy. She believes in a collaborative treatment process and may recommend additional therapy support when necessary to optimize outcomes. She takes a cautious and limited approach to the use of controlled medications, ensuring responsible medication management.

What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive assessment of their symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals. Dr. Ferrell takes a thoughtful and individualized approach to care, working with patients to develop a treatment plan that incorporates medication management and supportive therapy. Follow-up visits typically last 20-30 minutes and focus on monitoring progress and adjusting treatment as needed. In some cases, she may recommend involving an additional therapist to further enhance the effectiveness of the treatment plan.

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.

Aileen Kim, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Aileen Kim approaches medication management with an emphasis on shared decision-making within safe, effective options, thorough counseling about what to expect in treatment, and giving attention to the concurrent use of non-medication modalities of treatment alongside optimizing medication. She is accustomed to working with people who have more than one diagnosis. She is skilled and experienced in de-prescribing (methodically streamlining the number of medications being taken) when needed. Patients can see Dr. Kim for medication management, therapy, or both. Dr. Kim is board certified in Adult Psychiatry. She graduated from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago in 2004. She was selected for the Health Professions Scholarship Program and completed her residency in 2008 at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth in Virginia, where she was chief resident. Following residency, she deployed to Kuwait as a medical officer. She has taught and supervised residents at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. She left active duty in the Navy as a Lieutenant Commander. After becoming a civilian, she went into solo practice, then joined Potomac Behavioral Solutions in 2014, where she served as medical director. Dr. Kim is a past president of the Virginia Psychoanalytic Society. She also lectures advanced mental health professionals for Lingyu International Psychology Centre based in Toronto. For established patients of Dr. Aileen Kim, please call 833-351-8255 to schedule an appointment and let the patient care coordinator know you are an established patient from her prior practice.

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Specialties
Medication Management
States
Florida
North Carolina
New York
Rhode Island
Languages
English
Spanish