Bipolar Disorder Psychiatrists in New Jersey

Dr. Panchal is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who works with motivated adults to navigate and discover the root of their mental health struggles. Since working in private practice, Dr. Panchal knows that discovering the root of difficulties allows clients to find healthy perceptions of themselves and strengthen their relationships so they can know themselves as a whole. She is trained in multiple therapeutic modalities as well as medication management, implementing individually tailored treatment. Her educational background includes training in psychodynamic psychotherapy with the Psychoanalytic Association of New York. She has completed her psychiatry training at Delaware Psychiatry Residency Program in New Castle, Delaware.

Dr. Syed Abbasi is an adult psychiatrist who completed his undergraduate education at Rutgers University and earned his medical degree at Ross University. He completed his psychiatry residency training at Creedmoor Psychiatric Center with training at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center, additionally as Chief Resident at Columbia University's Outpatient Adult Psychiatry Eye-6 clinic. Dr. Abbasi is passionate about and experienced in providing holistic, thoughtful, evidence-based care for patients with depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, trauma-related disorders, relationship issues and struggles with self-image. He believes empathy and understanding are the most fundamental components of the doctor-patient relationship. He provides psychiatric medication management and integrates supportive psychotherapy, elements of dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), stress management techniques and lifestyle interventions to meet patients where they are and collaborate toward improvement and optimization of their wellness. Occasionally, when appropriate, he may recommend adding a therapist to your care team for further benefit.

Dr. Mandel received his Bachelor of Arts and Doctor of Medicine degrees from the University of Pennsylvania. He completed his Residency in Psychiatry at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Manhattan. He has been board certified in psychiatry since 2001 and is a Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. He has held numerous clinical and academic appointments including serving as Chairperson of Psychiatry at Huntington Hospital in Huntington, New York, and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine.

Dr. Mandel has over 25 years of clinical experience treating all mental health conditions. He has a strong interest in mood and anxiety disorders, including work-related anxiety. He authored a section on the pharmacology of social anxiety in the book Work Makes Me Nervous. Dr. Mandel also has expertise working with clients diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. He has lectured on the pharmacologic management of this condition, including a presentation at the NIMH International Think Tank for the More Effective Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder.

Dr. Mandel continually seeks to streamline complex medication regimens. He has completed a fellowship in integrative psychiatry and carefully considers the potential contributions of lifestyle and nutrition to overall mental health and well-being. By taking an eclectic approach, Dr. Mandel is able to achieve the best possible outcome for all whom he is privileged to serve.

Dr. Wasser is a staff psychiatrist at Talkiatry, dedicated to providing compassionate and effective care through telepsychiatry. He completed his undergraduate studies at Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where he focused on Neuroscience and Pre-Medical studies. Subsequently, he pursued his medical degree at Rocky Vista University in Parker, Colorado before completing his psychiatry residency at HCA Aurora in Aurora, Colorado. Dr. Wasser was the recipient of the Chairman's Crystal Distinction of Excellence Award, rewarding a resident's exemplary performance and endorsing a resident's future success in the field of psychiatry. With a strong foundation in both neuroscience and psychiatry, Dr. Wasser approaches each patient with a deep understanding of the mind-body connection and the complexities of mental health. When Dr. Wasser is not providing professional care, he is an advocate for personal health and wellness. He enjoys spending quality time with his wife and family, staying active through exercise, relaxing at the Jersey Shore, and exploring new travel destinations.

Dr. Wasser's approach to patient care is rooted in empathy, trust, and collaboration. He is dedicated to listening closely to each patient's unique concerns and crafting personalized treatment plans that address both immediate symptoms and long-term mental well-being. His specialties include managing mood disorders, anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and stress-related conditions, with a particular emphasis on helping individuals navigate life transitions and mental health challenges.

Dr. Wasser believes in a thorough and patient-centered approach. During the first session, he takes the time to understand his patient’s history, current struggles, and goals for treatment. Together, they establish clear and realistic objectives to guide the treatment process. Dr. Wasser offers a combination of psychotherapy, medication management, and wellness strategies to support his patients. He values open communication and ensures that every patient feels heard and empowered throughout their mental health journey.

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Dr. Elaine Kwok is a board-certified Adult Psychiatrist who has been practicing for 9 years. She specializes in depression and anxiety and believes in a holistic approach to the wellness of both the mind and body. Dr. Kwok conducts a comprehensive and individualized assessment for each patient utilizing a combination of medication management, lifestyle changes, and coping skills, creating a safe and therapeutic environment to facilitate healing and growth .Dr. Kwok received her undergraduate degree from New York University and her medical degree from St. George's University. She then completed her residency training at Seton Hall University. After training, she worked in the inpatient and outpatient units at Capital Health Medical Center in Trenton, New Jersey. She was a voluntary faculty member and trained residents and medical students from Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. She has training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. She actively participates in her local community to provide education and training for mental health providers. Dr. Kwok strives to collaborate and address hindrances that may interfere with an individual's best self. She focuses on creating a strong therapeutic relationship to support and facilitate balance, lifestyle enhancement, and emotional well-being. She looks forward to getting to know you and embarking on this journey together.

Dr. Buonopane is Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She obtained her medical degree with Laude from the University of Rome, La Sapienza, and completed her residency in Psychiatry from Yale School of Medicine. Dr. Buonopane has extensive experience in psychopharmacology and offers state-of-the-art medication management with compassion and empathy. She practices a holistic approach, combining psychiatric medications with elements of psychotherapy and mindfulness. She offers individualized and comprehensive treatment plans which address the whole person, including lifestyle and social engagement, because the latest research findings show that both play an important role in mental and physical health. Education on mental illness and recommendations on diet and exercise are always discussed with the patients, according to the individuals' needs. Dr. Buonopane spends time listening to patients and makes plans based on clinical evidence without an authoritative approach, taking into consideration the patient's level of comfort and views because, in her experience, the best outcomes are always reached when patients fully understand and agree with the management of their conditions. Dr. Buonopane has been in practice for more than twenty years and has extensive experience in general Adult Psychiatry with a focus on mood disorder and anxiety. She has been leading clinical programs and teaching medical students, residents, and fellows in psychiatry and addiction in various clinical settings, such as private institutions and universities, including Yale School of Medicine. Prior to joining Talkiatry, Dr Buonopane had her own in-person clinical services for over ten years and telehealth services over the past four years, treating patients suffering mainly from depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety. When working in private practice, Dr Buonopane received the Compassionate Doctor Recognition (Vitals) and the Patient's Choice Awards (Vitals), both based on patients' reviews.

Dr. Mendez-Maldonado is double board-certified in general psychiatry and geriatric psychiatry. She received her medical degree from the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine. She then moved to New York to complete her residency training at Mount Sinai Beth Israel where she stayed to complete her fellowship in geriatric psychiatry. After her fellowship, she proceeded to work at Woodhull Hospital where she worked as an attending before becoming unit chief and running their Special Pathogens Unit during the COVID-19 pandemic. She focuses on medication management and offers this in conjunction with supportive therapy, cognitive-behavioral techniques, a focus on nutritional psychiatry, and 30-minute follow-up visits. Dr. Mendez-Maldonado focuses on integrating nutrition, physical activity, and mindfulness techniques alongside pharmacotherapy to achieve a well-rounded approach to mental health.‍

Dr. Michael Underriner is an adult psychiatrist. His approach to treatment is holistic, taking into account the entire person, and emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic bond to help people reduce suffering and achieve their goals. He is a member of the Gold Humanism Honor Society. Dr. Underriner's practice focuses on a mix of medication management, offered in conjunction with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits, and insight-oriented psychotherapy offered in weekly 45-minute visits. He works with people struggling with ADHD, depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, and difficulties with self-esteem and relationships. Occasionally Dr. Underriner may believe that additional therapy is warranted and recommend a separate therapist to provide the best outcome. He received his medical degree from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and completed his residency training at New York University. During training, he gained experience treating patients with various psychiatric illnesses in several different clinics and hospital-based settings. He worked with experts in the field of depression and provided consultations for patients considering transcranial magnetic stimulation. He also published a review article on long-term injectable medications for psychosis. Dr. Underriner has maintained an interest in teaching and remains connected to the psychiatry department at NYU. He has supervised and taught junior residents and medical students. Additionally, he is interested in global health and disparities in access to care and has traveled to Ghana to teach medical students rotating through psychiatry at the university there.

Dr. Caitlin Schroen completed her Psychiatry residency at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in Piscataway, NJ. She received her bachelor's degree in Psychology from Fordham University and then attended medical school at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University. Dr. Schroen provides psychiatric services to adults ages 18 and older. She focuses on medication management and psychoeducation, often along with supportive therapy. With a patient-centered approach, Dr. Schroen believes in fostering a safe and non-judgmental environment where individuals can openly discuss their mental health concerns. Dr. Schroen is well-versed in a wide spectrum of psychiatric conditions and offers evidence-based treatments tailored to each patient's unique needs. She has a particular interest in treating mood disorders, anxiety disorders, OCD, and ADHD. Dr. Schroen is passionate about reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and strives to provide the highest quality care to help individuals lead happier and more fulfilling lives.

Dr. Rabia Choudhry, DO, became a psychiatrist with one mission: to provide compassionate, high-quality mental health care accessible to anyone, anywhere. Originally from Pakistan, she pursued her undergraduate degree at Benedictine University in Illinois, medical school at Des Moines University in Iowa, and psychiatry residency at Trinity Health Livonia Hospital/Wayne State University in Michigan. She has experience in inpatient, outpatient, forensic, and community mental health settings.

Dr. Choudhry is committed to meeting patients where they feel most comfortable, whether at home, work, or elsewhere. She offers the same compassion, attentiveness, and expertise as in-person care while removing barriers like travel, time constraints, and distance. Her approach emphasizes that patients are more than a diagnosis, focusing on the whole person—their story, struggles, and strengths.

Dr. Choudhry partners with patients to create individualized therapeutic plans that may include medication management and holistic strategies. Her goal is to promote mood stability, balance emotions, reduce anxiety, quiet overwhelming thoughts, resolve interpersonal conflicts, and strengthen resilience. She believes healing is best achieved through collaboration, open dialogue, and empowering patients to make informed choices about their care.

Dr. Martha James is board-certified in general adult psychiatry and has more than twenty years of experience working with adults in a variety of mental health care settings including academia, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, university medical centers, VA medical centers, and community mental health settings. Dr. James received her medical degree from Duke University School of Medicine. She completed her psychiatric residency at the University of California, Los Angeles Neuropsychiatric Institute. Dr. James has experience treating adults with a variety of mental health problems including anxiety, mood disorders, trauma related disorders and psychotic disorders.

Dr. James is an experienced, open-minded psychiatrist who prioritizes empathy and understanding in her work. She recognizes that each individual's path to wellness is unique and strives to meet patients where they are in this process. Dr. James believes that while some individuals may benefit from treatment with medication management alone, psychotherapy is often important for treatment success. She encourages patients to participate in psychotherapy and believes a therapist can be a crucial part of the treatment team.

Dr. James uses a collaborative, patient-centered treatment approach with the goal of reducing mental pain and improving wellness so that patients are better able to pursue their unique personal and professional goals. She utilizes psychopharmacology, psychoeducation, and supportive and psychodynamic psychotherapy skills when working with patients.

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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. Jillian Saad is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who specializes in patient-centered care. She has been practicing for over 8 years in private practice and academic medicine .Dr. Saad focuses on medication management in 30-minute follow-up visits in conjunction with supportive and emotionally focused therapy. She takes a patient-centered approach that acknowledges all the psychosocial aspects of each individual to ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible. She received her medical degree from UMDNJ Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in Piscataway, NJ, then moved to Pennsylvania to complete her residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. Upon completion of training, Dr. Saad went into private practice for 5 years in southern NJ where she treated children, adolescents, and adults with a wide array of psychiatric disorders. She then went into academic medicine at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, NJ, where she served as the Associate Program Director of the Psychiatry Residency Program supervising and teaching both residents and medical students .Dr. Saad has experience working with a broad range of psychiatric disorders including mood disorders, PTSD, OCD, and ADHD. She also has a strong interest in Women's Mental Health and alternative treatment options.

Dr. Wilbur is a Double Board Certified Psychiatrist in Adult and Addiction Psychiatry. He completed his undergraduate degree in Public Health Studies at Johns Hopkins University and his medical education at the UMass Chan Medical School. Dr. Wilbur completed his psychiatry residency training and addiction psychiatry fellowship training at Yale School of Medicine. His practice focuses on medication management, typically offered in conjunction with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. Dr. Wilbur has an interest in treating patients with a wide range of psychiatric conditions including but not limited to depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, trauma- and stressor-related disorders, and bipolar disorders. He also has experience treating psychiatric conditions in patients experiencing co-occurring medical illness. Dr. Wilbur believes that successful treatment begins with mutual trust between a patient and their doctor. He uses a warm, nonjudgmental, and collaborative approach. His assessments consider the biological, psychological, and social, and cultural factors that impact mental health. He implements a range of evidence-based treatments to alleviate psychiatric symptoms and improve wellbeing.

Dr. Alexandra Dunn is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who completed her medical training at the University of California Irvine School of Medicine. She then moved to New York to complete her psychiatric residency training at Mount Sinai Beth Israel. During training, Dr. Dunn gained extensive clinical experience in psychiatric inpatient, outpatient, and emergency settings, allowing her the opportunity to treat patients of all ages and backgrounds. In addition, she co-led a mindfulness group at the outpatient clinic, worked with students at Baruch College, and rotated with the Assertive Community Treatment team at MSBI. Ultimately, Dr. Dunn chose outpatient care, focusing on treating patients with mood and anxiety disorders. While her practice primarily emphasizes medication management, she also incorporates supportive and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques in her sessions with patients. If appropriate, Dr. Dunn will refer you for psychotherapy and collaborate with your therapist to support your care. She looks forward to meeting and working with you to help you feel better.

Dr. Ismail is double board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in both Adult Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She earned her medical degree from Cairo University, where she also completed her neurology residency at Cairo University Hospitals. Following this, she pursued psychiatric training at New York Medical College at St. Vincent’s Hospitals, where she was appointed Chief Resident and recognized as Resident of the Year.

Dr. Ismail further specialized with a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at UMDNJ/Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Her career includes multiple leadership roles, notably serving as Chief of the Child and Adolescent Partial Hospital Programs (PHP) at Rutgers University in Newark, NJ, where she provided direct care to young patients. She has also held Medical Director positions across various clinical settings, including child and adolescent inpatient units, outpatient programs, and intensive outpatient services for both adolescents and adults with mental health and co-occurring substance use disorders.

An active educator, Dr. Ismail has been a teaching faculty member, delivering lectures and providing supervision and evaluations for medical residents and child and adolescent psychiatry fellows. Her academic contributions extend to research, where she has served as a principal investigator on multiple studies.

Throughout her career in leadership and teaching, Dr. Ismail maintained an integrative private practice in New Jersey, serving residents of the NJ and NY metropolitan areas before relocating to North Carolina.

Dr. Ismail is passionate about integrative medicine, which combines evidence-based alternative therapies with conventional treatments to optimize outcomes. Her approach focuses on promoting overall wellness, keeping both the body and mind in harmony.

During the diagnostic evaluation, Dr. Ismail will review your medical history and past treatments to develop a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan that prioritizes your overall wellness. In addition to medication management, she incorporates supportive, cognitive, or psychodynamic psychotherapy during follow-up visits, as time allows. When appropriate, she may also recommend referrals to specialized psychotherapists to address your individual needs as part of a holistic treatment approach.