Robert Whelpley, MD

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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John Whittier, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Background and credentials

Dr. John Whittier is a board-certified psychiatrist. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology from the University of Colorado at Boulder and went on to obtain a master’s degree in Medical Science from Loyola University Chicago. He completed his medical training at the Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at The University of Vermont and returned to Colorado for his psychiatry residency at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. While in residency, he specialized in the Psychotherapy Scholars Program and has since gained four years of experience treating psychiatric conditions through telehealth.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Whittier primarily focuses on medication management for general psychiatric conditions. His approach is individualized, ensuring that each patient receives a treatment plan tailored to their unique needs. He integrates supportive therapy, medications, and evidence-based alternative therapies to provide a flexible and comprehensive approach. In addition to his general practice, he maintains a psychodynamic psychotherapy panel where he helps patients explore developmental and relational patterns that contribute to their symptoms. His specialties include treating depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, PTSD, insomnia, bipolar disorder, and ADHD.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a one-hour comprehensive intake during which Dr. Whittier thoroughly evaluates their symptoms, medical history, and personal goals. He provides treatment options that prioritize flexibility, allowing patients to take an active role in their care. Follow-up visits typically last 20 to 30 minutes, focusing on assessing treatment progress and making necessary adjustments. For those engaged in psychodynamic psychotherapy, longer one-hour sessions are available for in-depth exploration of underlying psychological patterns.

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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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Shama Milon, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Background and credentials

Dr. Shama Milon is a triple-board eligible physician in Pediatrics, Psychiatry, and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She earned her undergraduate degree from Duke University and her medical degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. She completed her combined training in Pediatrics, Psychiatry, and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, where she served as chief resident during her final year of training.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Milon specializes in treating mood disorders, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, and patients with co-occurring psychiatric and medical conditions. She is dedicated to outpatient care, focusing on long-term relationships with her patients. Her treatment approach is comprehensive, integrating medication management with psychotherapy, including psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), play therapy, dyadic therapy, and family therapy. She emphasizes creating an empathetic, judgment-free space where patients and families feel supported and understood. If she believes additional therapy is necessary, she may recommend adding a therapist to the care team.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, where Dr. Milon carefully assesses physical, emotional, and psychological needs. She takes a holistic and patient-centered approach, ensuring that treatment plans are tailored to each individual’s unique circumstances. She prioritizes open communication and collaboration with both patients and families to create a structured, effective treatment plan that may include medication management and therapy interventions.

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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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Ian Goldberg, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Background and credentials

Dr. Ian Goldberg is a board-certified adult and child/adolescent psychiatrist and a licensed physician in New York state. He has been practicing since 1988 and has extensive experience working with patients in private practice, hospital settings, and community-based mental health programs. His professional career has included work both in and outside of the United States.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Goldberg takes an eclectic approach to psychiatric care, integrating various treatment modalities, including psychodynamic perspectives and medication management. His focus is on improving his patients' overall quality of life by tailoring treatment strategies to their unique needs.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the initial visit, patients can expect a comprehensive and individualized evaluation. Dr. Goldberg values collaboration and strives to create a treatment plan that is both effective and adaptable. His experience allows him to approach each case with insight and flexibility, ensuring that patients receive care that is aligned with their personal goals and circumstances.

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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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Phillip Azouz, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Background and credentials

Dr. Phillip Azouz is a board-certified general adult psychiatrist. He earned his medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School, where he was awarded the Albert M. Barret Award for Distinguished Performance in Psychiatry. He completed his psychiatric residency at Florida Atlantic University. Prior to medical school, he obtained his undergraduate degree in economics with honors from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. His background includes research at the Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Center and the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind-Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. Additionally, he worked as a Mental Health Specialist at McLean Psychiatric Hospital.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Azouz provides a relaxed, conversational, and non-judgmental space for patients to reflect on and integrate all aspects of their lives. He believes that vulnerability is key to healing and growth and works with individuals seeking to improve mood, reduce anxiety, enhance sleep, boost attention, or heal from trauma. His approach blends the latest research in medical treatment with insights from psychotherapy and coaching. He specializes in treating major depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, addiction, and personality disorders.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive and collaborative evaluation where Dr. Azouz takes the time to understand their symptoms, challenges, and goals. He fosters an open and supportive environment, ensuring that treatment plans are personalized and aligned with each patient’s unique needs. His approach integrates evidence-based medication management, psychotherapy techniques, and coaching strategies to help patients achieve their full potential.

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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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Jonathan Myrtil, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Background and credentials

Dr. Jonathan Myrtil is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. He earned his medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine and completed his residency in Adult Psychiatry at the University of Central Florida, affiliated with North Florida Regional Medical Center. After completing his training, he remained at North Florida Regional as an adult psychiatrist and supervising physician, gaining experience treating patients in inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient program (IOP) settings.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Myrtil takes a collaborative approach to psychiatric care, integrating medication management with supportive therapy to provide well-rounded treatment. His primary focus is on treating adults with mood and anxiety disorders, PTSD, and ADHD. He prioritizes patient involvement in treatment decisions, ensuring that care plans align with individual needs and goals.

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What you can expect in a first visit

Patients meeting Dr. Myrtil for the first time can expect a thorough evaluation where he assesses their symptoms, treatment history, and personal goals. He fosters a supportive and collaborative environment, working closely with patients to create a personalized treatment plan that incorporates medication management and therapeutic interventions tailored to their specific needs.

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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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Other Clinicians

Ilisse Perlmutter, MD

Director of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

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.

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Brett Abernethy, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Background and credentials

Dr. Abernethy is a board-certified psychiatrist who received his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. He completed his internship at UT Southwestern in Dallas and earned a Master's of Public Health in Epidemiology and Occupational and Environmental Health from Texas A&M. He completed his psychiatry residency training at the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center. Dr. Abernethy has over 12 years of experience practicing psychiatry in various outpatient settings, including private practice and community mental health centers in Texas and Oklahoma, specifically reaching underserved communities. He has treated a broad spectrum of mental health symptoms among diverse populations, addressing issues ranging from mood and anxiety disorders to behavioral manifestations of Autism and other developmental disorders.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Abernethy utilizes a collaborative and patient-centered approach to psychiatry, focusing primarily on medication interventions that align with each patient's unique treatment goals and clinical needs. He emphasizes cooperation with patients to effectively treat and reduce mental health-related symptoms. His practice centers around medication management, supplemented by supportive treatments tailored to individual needs. Depending on each patient’s circumstances, he may recommend additional support from individual, family, or group counselors and therapists to achieve optimal outcomes.

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What you can expect in a first visit

In an initial visit, patients can expect a thorough, collaborative discussion focused on understanding their symptoms, goals, and clinical needs. Dr. Abernethy will evaluate the patient's condition to determine appropriate medication interventions and discuss personalized treatment recommendations. Typical follow-up visits are approximately 20-30 minutes in length. Depending on the severity and complexity of a patient's situation, referrals to additional counseling or therapy may also be suggested.

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Why Talkiatry?

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Ekta Rathee, PMHNP

Staff Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Ekta Rathee, DNP, PMHNP-C, is an experienced psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner with an extensive clinical background in a variety of patient care settings. Rathee's diverse clinical background has strengthened her belief in a holistic approach for optimal patient outcomes. Though her primary focus remains medication management of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, she equally supports and incorporates the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, motivational interviewing and enhancement therapy, and supportive therapy in her daily patient care practice. Rathee truly believes in an individualized and holistic patient care approach, which requires a wealth of knowledge, experience, and a commitment to stay abreast of the latest in the field. Her favorite learning modality is to learn from unique patient care scenarios, which often requires a deep dive into the existing body of evidence-based knowledge. Her most important advice for her patients is to never lose hope.

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Stephen Byrd, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Stephen Byrd is a clinical psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He is board-certified in both psychiatry and addiction medicine. He has been practicing for over 31 years in a wide variety of settings, including working with inpatients and outpatients in private practice, community mental health, geriatric, VA, and community hospital/medical center settings. Dr. Byrd's practice focuses on evidence-based medication management, usually provided in conjunction with 30-minute supportive psychotherapy, which is informed by cognitive behavior therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and motivational enhancement. When more intensive therapy is needed, Dr Byrd may ask you to include a therapist as part of your care team. He received his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in Ohio and completed his residency training in psychiatry at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, University Hospitals of Cleveland. Throughout his career, he has treated patients with a wide variety of conditions in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Additionally, He has served as director of inpatient geropsychiatry at Lutheran Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, program manager of the substance abuse treatment program at the Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia, and medical director of outpatient behavioral health at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise, Idaho. Throughout his career, Dr. Byrd has been active in training medical students and psychiatry residents, and he has held clinical teaching appointments at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, University of Washington School of Medicine, Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine and Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine.�.�

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Rajesh Gaddam, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Rajesh Gaddam is a Board Certified Psychiatrist who provides compassionate and empathic care. Prior to his formal training, he worked in clinical psychiatric research at Northwell, gaining experience in evidence-based medicine. He completed his adult psychiatry residency at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, followed by Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at The University of Chicago, where he served as Chief Fellow. Dr. Gaddam treats children, adolescents, and adults for a range of conditions including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, OCD, ADHD, and substance use disorders. Dr. Gaddam emphasizes a collaborative and comprehensive approach to understand a person's life, their circumstances, and what has contributed to their symptoms. He recommends including a family member or close friend in at least one session to get a sense of challenges from a different perspective. Besides using elements of supportive and psychodynamic psychotherapy, Dr. Gaddam will refer and work with your psychotherapist to foster self-reflection and growth. He also greatly values a holistic approach to treatment, emphasizing the importance of nutrition, physical activity, sleep hygiene, mindfulness, and a support system to well-being. He wishes to provide a safe space to promote healing and wellness, so individuals can prosper in their lives.

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Albert Fernandez, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Albert Fernandez is a board-certified physician who specializes in adult psychiatry. He has expertise in medication management and psychotherapy. His practice emphasizes a holistic approach to treatment and his style is empathic, insight-oriented, and flexible. He has particular interests in helping individuals struggling with depression, difficulty functioning at work or school, life transitions, bipolar spectrum disorders, ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorders, relationship struggles, anxiety disorders, sleep disturbances, low self-esteem, and more. He received his bachelor's degree in psychology from Princeton University with a certificate in neuroscience. He earned his M.D. from Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University and completed his residency training in psychiatry at the Mount Sinai Morningside and West Hospitals. He has supervised junior residents and medical students. He also worked as a staff psychiatrist at Fordham University and published a review article on the effects of residential relocation on mental health. He is currently a Post-Doctoral Candidate in the Adult Analytic Training Program at the New York Psychoanalytic Society and Institute.

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Robert Whelpley, MD

Education and training

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