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Zeynep Altun, MD, PhD

Staff Psychiatrist
Languages
English
Turkish
SPECIALTIES
Medication Management
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Depression
Postpartum Depression

Education and training

• Istanbul Üniversitesi Doctor of Medicine, MD

• Sisli Etfal Hospital

• Cornell University, PhD in Neurobiology and Neurosciences

• Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, Montefiore Medical Center, Internship & Residency

• Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Fellowship

Get to know

Zeynep Altun, MD, PhD

Dr. Zeynep Altun is board-certified in Psychiatry and holds a Ph.D. in Neuroscience. Dr. Altun graduated cum laude from Istanbul University, Istanbul Medical School. She completed her residency training in Neurology and is Turkish board-certified in clinical Neurology. Subsequently, she moved to the U.S. and finished her Ph.D. in cellular Neuroscience at Cornell University Graduate School of Medical Sciences. Dr. Altun completed her psychiatry residency training at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and after, her clinical fellowship in Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program at Columbia University Medical College, New York Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Altun has practiced in various settings including Bellevue Hospital, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia Doctors Faculty Practice Office, Mount Sinai West and Mount Sinai Morningside Hospitals. Dr. Altun has held various academic appointments at New York University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry; New York Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Medical College Department of Psychiatry; New York State Psychiatric Institute and Mount Sinai School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry. She spent most of her professional career supervising and teaching medical students, psychiatry residents and nurse practitioners. As an adult psychiatrist, Dr. Altun has extensive theoretical knowledge of the nervous system and its disorders and more than 10 years of experience in treating various mental illnesses including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, autism-spectrum and neuropsychiatric disorders, psychiatric emergencies and crisis management as well as cognitive behavioral and supportive psychotherapy. In Columbia Doctors, she collaborated closely with the Lieber Recovery Clinic, treating young adults with various mental illnesses. The philosophy of her practice is to collaborate with patients and work together with them so that they can lead symptom-free, productive, and stable lives.

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Motivation for change is a large part of the healing process, and for many people recovery doesn't happen with medication alone. Dr. Perington asks all her patients to play an active role in their treatment.

A thorough diagnostic assessment with discussion of the best treatment setting and modality, then regular follow up visits with emphasis on psychotherapy in addition to medication management (if indicated).

Anastasia Ruiz, MD

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Dr. Ruiz is a compassionate psychiatrist specializing in adult and maternal mental health. She develops personalized treatment plans to address anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, PMDD, and perinatal conditions. Her goal is to help patients reconnect with their values and live balanced, fulfilled, and meaningful lives.

Her passion for medicine began in childhood, inspired by curiosity about the mind and body. She earned an Honors Chemistry degree with  magna cum laude and completed her medical training and psychiatry residency at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. With a strong scientific foundation, Dr. Ruiz understands the role of medications, and embraces holistic healing through connection, gratitude, and spirituality.

Dr. Ruiz has experience in diverse clinical settings and has received national awards including the AWP International Fellowship and ADMSEP Innovations Award. She is dedicated to advancing maternal mental health screening and treatment through clinical care and education.

Dr. Ruiz combines pharmacotherapy (medication) with psychotherapy to create individualized treatment plans. Therapy provides powerful tools to manage thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that support balanced brain chemistry. Research shows that medication helps restore this balance more quickly and effectively, especially in moderate to severe cases.  

Dr. Ruiz likens medication for the brain to fertilizer for a garden. Imagine your mental health as a vibrant garden—when well-nourished, it can thrive with resilience, beauty, and balance. But when symptoms like depression, anxiety, ADHD, or mood instability take hold, they act like invasive weeds, crowding out healthy growth and making it hard to enjoy the space. Medication acts like fertilizer, strengthening the garden’s natural systems so the healthy parts can reclaim their place and flourish. Just as some gardens need only seasonal care while others require more consistent tending, medication plans are personalized to support each person’s long-term mental wellness. When the garden is healthy, there's more room to grow, connect, and fully enjoy life.

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David Weber, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Getting to know me...
Dr. David Weber is a highly experienced psychiatrist and medical doctor with dual specialties in psychiatry and primary care medicine. His comprehensive approach integrates both disciplines, allowing him to address mental health concerns with a deep understanding of their medical and psychological aspects.


Dr. Weber earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and pursued advanced training at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Harvard University, and Georgetown University Medical Center. He is Board-Certified in General Psychiatry and Fellowship-Trained in Forensic Psychiatry and Occupational Medicine, equipping him with the expertise to diagnose and treat a broad spectrum of mental health conditions, considering both medical and psychiatric factors.

What should a new patient know about working with you?
Believing that each patient is more than a diagnosis, Dr. Weber takes a personalized approach, collaborating closely with individuals to develop tailored treatment plans. He views himself as an advisor and facilitator, empowering patients to take charge of their recovery.


Areas of Focus:
ADHD (Focus & Cognitive Function)
Anxiety & Depression (Mood, Sleep, & Energy Concerns)
Stress & Brain Fog (Cognitive & Emotional Well-Being)

What is your typical process for working with patients?
Dr. Weber is an experienced, compassionate, and dedicated advocate for his patients' mental and physical health. He strongly believes in a collaborative, patient-centered approach to treatment, helping individuals achieve their personal and professional goals.
Committed to a well-balanced life, Dr. Weber is married and has two married daughters, two grandsons and three dogs. His wife, a clinical psychologist, helps ground his therapeutic approach, emphasizing the importance of integrating therapy with medication to enhance overall well-being. Guided by the ethos, "Treat them like you would your own family," he is dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care.

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Specialties
Medication Management
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Depression
Postpartum Depression
States
New York
New Jersey
Languages
English
Turkish
Takes insurance
Virtual visits
10 years experience