PTSD Psychiatrists in New Jersey

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. Akhtar is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in compassionate and comprehensive mental health care. She focuses on medication management for a wide range of psychiatric conditions, providing supportive therapy to help individuals navigate life's challenges and enhance their overall well-being, while emphasizing lifestyle changes and the development of coping skills. Dr. Akhtar completed her medical degree at the American University of Antigua, gaining a profound understanding of the biological, psychological, and social aspects of mental health. Following her residency at Bergen, Newbridge Medical Center, where she was appointed Chief Resident in her fourth year, she worked for several years in both inpatient and outpatient hospital settings. Committed to holistic wellness, Dr. Akhtar believes in empowering individuals to make positive changes in their lives and offers guidance on nutrition, exercise, sleep hygiene, and stress management techniques. She is dedicated to fostering a therapeutic alliance built on trust, empathy, and collaboration. Her approach is rooted in evidence-based practices and tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual under her care.

Dr. Victoria Mustovic is a board-certified psychiatrist trained in general adult psychiatry who specializes in perinatal, postpartum, and LGBTQIA+ behavioral health. Clinical practice focuses on managing a variety of mental health conditions with particular interests in treating ADHD, OCD, anxiety, and mood disorders. A collaborative care approach is utilized to actively engage patients in treatment decisions and planning. Medication management is integrated with therapy to support a more comprehensive clinical approach. Therapy treatment focuses mainly on supportive therapy with use of additional therapy modalities based on patient needs. An evidence-based approach is combined with consideration of individual factors in order to work with patients to create a holistic, patient-centered treatment plan. Dr. Mustovic completed an undergraduate education at Allegheny College with a bachelor's degree in biology and double minor in psychology and chemistry. Dr. Mustovic went on to pursue a Medical Doctorate at Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Buffalo, graduated Summa Cum Laude, and was inducted into Alpha Omega AlphaHonor Society for academic achievement. After medical school, Dr. Mustovic completed psychiatry residency at Allegheny Health Network. Additional experience includes both co-authoring a book chapter on women's behavioral health and presenting posters on several different topics in mental health for the Pittsburgh Psychiatric Society, including a presentation on the identification and management of complex trauma in victims of sex trafficking. Dr. Mustovic has 2 years training in outpatient perinatal and postpartum behavioral health and 6 months experience working as co-facilitator in a perinatal and postpartum intensive outpatient treatment program both through the Alexis Joy D'Achille Foundation for Postpartum Depression at West Penn Hospital. Work as a co-facilitator included assisting patient groups in understanding and developing coping skills for a variety of therapy modalities including mindfulness, behavioral activation, interpersonal, cognitive behavioral (CBT), and dialectical behavioral (DBT) therapies. Dr. Mustovic is also dedicated to serving the LGBTQIA+ community with experience in LGBTQIA+ patient care over 4 years at Allegheny Health Network in a variety of clinical settings including inpatient, outpatient, and intensive outpatient programs. Dr. Mustovic is passionate about providing a supportive treatment environment to help improve equal access to care and support patients in advocating for their needs and concerns in health care settings.

Rebecca Burns is a licensed clinical social worker with a vast range of experience working in the mental health field. Rebecca has worked directly with individuals of various backgrounds and age ranges. Rebecca attended Fordham University for her Bachelor's degree and attended Rutgers University where she received her MSW. To date, Rebecca has been practicing for 4 years as a clinical social worker in an outpatient setting. Over the years, Rebecca has worked with diverse clients seeking relief from a wide range of symptoms, including anxiety, depression, OCD, childhood/adult trauma, relationship issues, personality disorders, life transitions, stress, and navigating loss and grief. Rebecca is trained and certified in cognitive-based therapies, including CBT and TF-CBT. Practicing from a biopsychosocial lens, Rebecca integrates evidence-based treatments, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Strengths-Based Approaches to individualize treatment plans for each client. It is an important aspect of treatment to identify which approaches and interventions work best for each client's unique needs. Additionally, one of Rebecca's biggest priorities is to create the space for each client to build a trusting, non-judgmental and therapeutic relationship.

Whitney Cohen obtained her undergraduate degree from Monmouth University where she studied Psychology and Health Studies. Whitney earned her Master's degree in Clinical Social Work from New York University, where she gained a solid foundation in evidence-based practices and therapeutic techniques. She is also a licensed clinical supervisor which has allowed her to train and mentor other aspiring social workers in the field as well as nurse practitioners and other mental health professionals. ‍Whitney has worked in a variety of settings, including education, correctional facilities, substance abuse/outpatient programs, and private practice. Her diverse experiences have equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities that individuals face daily. Whitney has worked with clients of all ages, from children, adolescents, adults, the elderly, and has a special passion for working with couples and families. She specializes in treating a variety of mental health issues, including anxiety, ADHD, stress, family/relational problems, trauma and school avoidance.‍In her practice, Whitney utilizes a scope of therapeutic approaches, CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing. These evidence-based techniques allow her to tailor interventions to meet the unique needs of each client, helping them achieve their goals and overcome obstacles.

Dr. Niles Drake is a board certified psychiatrist skilled in prescribing medications and working in psychotherapy. He combines a warm demeanor with excellent clinical skills, and has over 15 years' experience working with adult patients of all ages and many walks of life. He has special expertise combining medication and psychotherapy to help patients reduce symptoms and grow as individuals. Dr. Drake's additional training and experience in psychological modes of treatment enhance the quality of care he provides to all his patients, to meet them where they are and prioritize their individual needs and goals. He also provides medication management-only treatments for people who aren't looking for psychotherapy or who already have therapists. Dr. Drake completed his psychiatric residency at Columbia University Medical Center in New York. He also completed psychoanalytic training at the Columbia Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research. He went on to teach classes at the Center, educating candidates about the nuances of combining psychotherapy with other treatment modalities. In addition to providing outpatient psychiatric treatment for over 10 years in private practice, he has worked extensively in psychiatric emergency settings, supervising residents as attending physician at Columbia-New York Presbyterian Hospital and Long Island Jewish Hospital psychiatric emergency rooms. He also has special expertise treating college-aged and young adult patients, having served as staff psychiatrist at Barnard College's Furman Counseling Center and worked with many students from Barnard and Columbia in his private practice. Dr. Drake offers treatment for many psychiatric conditions, including but not limited to depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and personality disorders. He identifies helping people ease and overcome their psychiatric conditions as his calling, and approaches each patient with humility, diligence, and a collaborative spirit.

Nisha Saintelus Deratus, LPC, is a proud HBCU graduate of Prairie View A&M University with a Master’s in Counseling and over eight years of experience in the mental health field. She has provided care in inpatient psychiatric hospitals, partial and intensive outpatient programs, community mental health, and private telehealth practice. Nisha supports clients facing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, bipolar disorder, life transitions, anger management, and relationship challenges.

Nisha offers a warm, approachable, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel seen and supported. She believes in a collaborative approach to therapy, working alongside clients to identify the root of their struggles and develop a personalized plan for growth and healing. Her personable nature and tailored care help clients feel comfortable and empowered throughout the process.

In the first session, Nisha reviews teletherapy expectations and confidentiality, and conducts a psychosocial assessment to better understand your background and goals. Together, you’ll explore current challenges, create a vision for your future, and build a practical plan. Using CBT and ACT, she helps you develop tools and insights to apply between sessions for continued progress.

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.

Dr. Goel holds the position of Staff Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. She has completed adult psychiatry training and is board certified. She has been actively involved in mental health care in various capacities over the past 7 years.

Dr. Goel's practice focuses on psychopharmacological interventions. Typically, she combines this with a strong emphasis on Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). Dr. Goel also strongly believes that the best outcomes are achieved, when you treat a person and not just illness.

She received her medical degree from one of the largest publicly funded medical schools in India, L.L.R.M. Medical College, Meerut, India, before moving to the US. She gained experience in mental and behavioral health in various roles at some of the most prestigious institutions in the US, namely Northwestern University, Emory University, and North Shore-LIJ. She completed her residency at Nassau University Medical Center, East Meadow, NY. Dr. Goel has been a co-author of several research papers. Her team's research work has also been presented at national and international meetings as well.

While Dr. Goel enjoys working with adults with various psychiatric disorders, her primary focus is on treating adults with various anxiety and depressive disorders. Dr. Goel also has a special interest in co-occuring sleep disorders with these conditions.

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Dr. Schwartz is a board-certified Staff Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He completed his residency at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in Paramus, New Jersey, where he excelled in his leadership and knowledge, becoming the Chief Resident in just his third year of residency at the busiest outpatient behavioral health clinic in New Jersey. Upon completion of his third year of residency, he went on to become Chief Academic Resident of his program, which allowed him to bestow his knowledge of psychiatry on younger psychiatrists in training. After completing his residency in General Psychiatry, he went on to complete a fellowship in the prestigious Mount Sinai Health System in New York City, based primarily out of the Beth Israel location. During this fellowship he studied Consultation-liaison psychiatry, also known as psychosomatic medicine. It is an exciting subspecialty of psychiatry that focuses on the care of patients with comorbid psychiatric and general medical conditions. Consultation-liaison psychiatry deals with the understanding and advancement of medical science, education, and the provision of healthcare for medically ill and complex patients. Using his training, Dr. Schwartz can focus on using his extensive medication knowledge to help treat an array of psychiatric disorders. Despite medication management, he also works on a holistic approach to psychiatry, including working with the patient to get the proper therapy services when clinically indicated. During the initial interview, a thorough assessment is done, including any medical and psychiatric history, medications you may be currently taking, and supplements before any medication is dispensed. Using his knowledge in psychiatry and consult-liaison psychiatry, Dr. Schwartz's interests include depression, anxiety, ADHD, obsessive compulsive and related disorders, transgender patients on hormone therapies and post-surgical transition. He also has an extensive interest in medical illnesses with a psychiatric component such as cancer patients, transplant, HIV, and many others alike. He looks forward to working with you to enhance your emotional well-being.

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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Kathleen Francois, LCSW, brings a rich background in outpatient, community mental health, crisis intervention, and behavioral health settings. She holds a degree in psychology and a master’s degree in clinical social work and addiction, allowing her to support individuals through a wide range of challenges with expertise and compassion.

Kathleen values authenticity, deep connection, and creating a safe space where people feel truly seen and supported. She approaches care with warmth, curiosity, and compassion, fostering a collaborative environment where clients feel empowered to explore and grow.

Kathleen’s approach is rooted in trauma-focused care and holistic wellness, honoring the mind-body connection and the influence of social wellbeing. She integrates evidence-based practices with a holistic lens to promote lasting healing, balance, and personal growth.

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. Arif Patel is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. He obtained his medical degree from Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency training at Authority Health, an affiliate of Michigan State University. In addition, he has completed a Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Fellowship from the Michigan Psychoanalytic Institute. He has 4 years of clinical experience. Dr. Patel's practice focuses primarily on medication management. Follow-up appointments typically last 30 minutes and incorporate elements of supportive psychotherapy, CBT, and motivational interviewing. Dr. Patel utilizes a collaborative approach to treatment, ensuring that treatment plans align with patients' goals and values. Dr. Patel has extensive clinical experience in various psychiatric settings including inpatient, outpatient, and emergency settings. He has treated patients of various ages and of diverse cultural and spiritual backgrounds. He has extensive training in the community mental health system, where he has treated patients with severe mental illness and substance use disorders. Dr. Patel practices general adult psychiatry. His practice focuses on medication management in conjunction with supportive psychotherapy. Dr. Patel has experience in treating a wide array of psychiatric disorders including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma, and ADHD.

Dr. Adele Veksman is double board-certified in adult psychiatry and psychosomatic medicine, with over 14 years of experience diagnosing and treating a wide range of psychiatric conditions. She approaches each patient as a unique individual, offering a non-judgmental space to help patients develop into their best selves. She focuses primarily on medication management to alleviate symptoms while working with patients on behavioral changes to address underlying issues. If additional therapy is needed, she may suggest adding a therapist to your care team to provide the best outcome. Dr. Veksman received her medical degree from St. George's University and then completed a residency in psychiatry and fellowship in psychosomatic medicine at Zucker Hillside Hospital at Northwell Health. Next, she was an attending and ER psychiatrist at North Shore University Hospital providing psychiatric care to medically ill patients. She then transitioned to adult outpatient care at Maimonides Medical Center, treating various psychiatric illnesses. Throughout her career, she taught and supervised residents and medical students.

Dr. Molly Fels is a board-certified psychiatrist. She completed her undergraduate education at Barnard College followed by medical school at Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Dr Fels then completed her psychiatry residency training at Mount Sinai Beth Israel. She has previously worked in the Mount Sinai health system in the psychiatric emergency department and inpatient psychiatric unit. Dr. Fels has an interest in treating patients with a wide variety of psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, ADHD, and in working with patients who have experienced trauma. She believes in addressing holistic and lifestyle factors with her patients, including nutrition and sleep, in addition to pharmacology. Dr. Fels combines medication management and supportive psychotherapy to provide well-rounded and comprehensive care to her patients and prioritizes involving patients actively in each step of their psychiatric treatment.