Giulia Ferrero, LCSW

More Clinicians

Bethanie is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who graduated with a Doctorate of Nursing Practice and a Master of Science, Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nursing from Columbia University School of Nursing where she was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society. She has been in practice for over 10 years, seeing patients with Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, and Schizophrenia. Bethanie also has a passion for women's mental health during the perinatal phase of life. She believes in a collaborative partnership between herself and the client so that a mutually agreed upon plan of action can be developed in order to have the greatest chances of success.

Patricia Grendell, PMHNP

Staff Nurse Practitioner

Patricia Grendell is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who provides mental health care using a personalized, holistic approach. Patricia specializes in psychiatric evaluation and medication management along with psychotherapy and integrative interventions. Prior to receiving education and training in Nursing at New York University and Case Western Reserve University, Patricia earned a Master of Social Work from Boston College with a focus on health and mental health.

Patricia specializes in working with adults experiencing a wide range of acute and chronic stressors and mental health symptoms. Patricia tailors' treatment to the goals, needs, and comfort level of each individual at her or his own pace. Patricia builds connections with patients so that they feel heard and understood, and partners with each individual to determine the most appropriate treatment strategies that maximize comfort, safety, and positive results.

Over the past ten years as a Nurse Practitioner in outpatient and inpatient environments, Patricia has helped patients improve and overcome conditions including depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, and insomnia. Using a combination of medication management, individual therapy, and psychoeducation, Patricia develops individualized treatment plans centered around patients’ priorities and safety to achieve improvements in health and quality of life.

Paula Bennett, LPC

Staff Licensed Professional Counselor

Paula Bennett, LPC, has been in practice for over 20 years. She specializes in CBT and individual therapy. Paula strives to provide a client-centered approach based on the individual's needs. Paula has a specific passion for victims of trauma. As a teen and young adult, she struggled with depression. There weren't many treatment options at that time, but she found a counselor who inspired her to help others with mental health issues. Outside of work, Paula is known to enjoy reading, swimming, and watching animals, spending time with family, and watching movies. She also loves being able to help people and watch them grow.

Taylor Jarrett, LMHC

Staff Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Taylor Jarrett is a psychotherapist who holds a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Taylor is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of New York and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). Prior to her work with Talkiatry, Taylor served as a mental health clinician and supervisor at an OMH Article 31 clinic in the Bronx, providing psychotherapy and care to children, adolescents, adults, and families. Taylor's therapeutic approach is person-centered and trauma-informed. Taylor keenly understands there is not a ‘one-size-fits-all' all approach to treatment and meets each client where they are. She individualizes each client's care by utilizing a variety of evidence-based treatment interventions, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy, and Trauma-Focused CBT. Taylor believes simply showing up takes courage and is honored to be a witness to her clients' growth journey. She is committed to helping each person become the best versions of themselves by guiding them to identify and utilize their strengths to persevere through and leverage the challenges of life.

Dana Sommers, LCSW

Staff Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Before graduating from NYU School of Social Work, Dana worked in international human rights and educational environments. She has 13 years of experience as a clinical social worker and prior to assuming her role as psychotherapist at Talkiatry, Dana worked with formerly homeless adults in supportive housing. Dana views therapy as a gift to oneself and recognizes the bravery and courage it takes to be vulnerable and open oneself to the path of self-discovery. She is passionate about creating a warm, validating, culturally responsive and non-judgmental environment where she will work collaboratively with you towards your goals. Whether you are moving through a difficult transition, coping with chronic illness, experiencing work burnout and stress, anxiety, trauma, loss, or just wanting to feel "unstuck”, she will accompany you through these life circumstances and emotions and help you gain new insights about yourself, reinforce or learn new ways of thinking and coping and help you reclaim hope as you work to live your most meaningful life. Dana draws primarily from psychodynamic therapy, though her treatment is collaborative, flexible, and individualized, incorporating mindfulness, CBT and other evidence-based modalities when appropriate.

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.

‍

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.

‍

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.

‍

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.

Nudedrose Guirand, LMHC

Staff Licensed Mental Health Counselor

LMHCNudedrose Guirand, also known as Rose Guirand, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York City who has been practicing since 2017. Rose has worked directly with clients of various demographics such as people with disabilities and neurodivergent people living with a variety of mental health conditions for 6 years. She graduated with a Master of Science in Education, Mental Health Counseling at Hunter College of The City University of New York. During her studies, she attended an internship at Boston Road Medical Center, Psychiatry Department in Bronx, New York. Rose's central approach to therapy is eclectic and based on the needs of each client. She frequently uses person-centered, Strength-based, and collaborative therapy. Also, she enjoys using CBT, ACT and DBT which draw upon the whole person and their intrinsic qualities and talents to forge a thriving way of life. Essentially, Rose likes to empower clients to find their passion and set their goals not only to survive but also to thrive in life. Rose enjoys helping people on their journey and sees the rewards of clients winning themselves back. Rose's work as a therapist comes from the heart and holistic space, and being there for her clients truthfully and inspiring them to become the expert of their lives.

Sarita Sharma, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Sarita Sharma is a board-certified adult psychiatrist dedicated to providing personalized psychiatric treatment that addresses the mind, body, and spirit for optimized health and healing. Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, she earned her medical degree from Avalon University School of Medicine in Curacao and completed her residency at Southern Illinois University in Springfield, Illinois. Dr. Sharma has extensive experience working with underserved patients from diverse backgrounds and with varying severities of psychiatric disorders. She has a genuine interest in treating mood and anxiety disorders like depression and anxiety. She views medication as one of many tools to aid patients, emphasizing the importance of therapy and lifestyle changes aligned with each patient's goals. Believing in a holistic approach, she incorporates mindfulness techniques, lifestyle optimization (sleep, diet, movement), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to target the root causes of unease. She enjoys helping patients navigate meaning and purpose, relationship dynamics, and self-image. With a sincere, direct, and practical approach, Dr. Sharma values empathy and understanding as vital components of effective care. In her free time, she enjoys spontaneous adventures, connecting with fellow human beings, and just being in nature. She is committed to helping you achieve a balanced, fulfilling life.

Kathryn Hu, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Kathryn Hu is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. She majored in biology and neuroscience at Brandeis University, attended medical school at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and completed residency training at Stony Brook University Hospital. ‍Dr. Hu practices a patient-centered approach to mental health care. She works collaboratively on goals of treatment, with a focus on medication management while incorporating supportive therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness. ‍Dr. Hu treats a variety of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and ADHD.

Derek Robben, MD

Staff Psychiatrist.

Dr. Robben proudly served in the U.S. Air Force and has been practicing psychiatry for 17 years. He is happy to have completed his medical school education, as well as his residency in general psychiatry and fellowship in addiction psychiatry, all at the University of South Florida in Tampa. Dr. Robben is board certified in both general psychiatry and addiction psychiatry. He has experience in many roles over the span of his career to include working with Veterans diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders, managing specialty clinics for patients with treatment-resistant depression, and working in general outpatient psychiatry clinics, as well as emergency and inpatient psychiatric settings. Dr. Robben also previously served as the Training Director for the University of South Florida Morsani College

of Medicine Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship Program. He is currently the Medical Director at a residential substance use disorder treatment center in Florida. Additionally, Dr. Robben is a certified Medical Review Officer and has additional qualifications in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and Spravato.

(esketamine). Dr. Robben has been voted as Addiction Medicine "Top Doctor" in Tampa Bay, FL by physicians for 8 of the last 9 years. Dr. Robben specializes in treating depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, ADHD and substance use disorders.

Dr. Robben uses a supportive, patient-centered approach, taking into account each individual's personal values and goals when formulating a treatment plan. He educates patients on the most up to date scientific evidence and provides multiple treatment options to help each person determine the most appropriate plan for them.

Dr. Robben believes in a collaborative and holistic approach to working with his patients. Dr. Robben spends a significant amount of time educating his patients on all forms of mental health treatment, from medications and psychotherapy, to nutrition, exercise, meditation and sleep hygiene. What works well for

One person may not work well for another person. Having options and understanding the potential benefits and risks of each treatment empowers patients to take an active role in their own healthcare.

‍

Caitlin Gardiner, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Caitlin Gardiner is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry and psychotherapy. Dr. Caitlin Gardiner's practice is based on the biopsychosocial model and believes that the foundation of healing is in psychotherapy and human connection. She is known for incorporating therapy into her medication management practice. Typically she offers 30-minute follow-up visits for medication management with focused therapy based on individual needs. As a known helper, Dr. Gardiner started her career with a bachelor's degree in social work from Cazenovia College in Cazenovia, NY. After changing career paths, she received her medical degree from SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY. She stayed upstate to complete her general psychiatry residency, where she was chief resident at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Following this, she completed her child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Upstate due to the high quality of training. Dr. Gardiner has completed 3 years of advanced training in Dynamic Deconstructive Psychotherapy as well as specialized training in DBT. Dr. Gardiner is a well-rounded psychiatrist who enjoys treating youth and young adults during transitional phases of life while providing a safe and supportive environment. She believes strongly in reducing polypharmacy and providing high-quality medication management through a therapeutic and developmental lens.

Anastasia Ruiz, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Background and credentials

Dr. Ruiz is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in psychiatric diagnosis and treatment for anxiety disorders, mood disorders, trauma and stressor-related disorders, ADHD, and pregnancy-related psychiatric conditions. She received her bachelor's degree in chemistry, graduating Magna Cum Laude from the Honors College. Dr. Ruiz completed medical school at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, followed by four additional years of psychiatric residency training. Her diverse professional experience includes working in psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), partial hospitalization programs (PHP), emergency rooms, and academic teaching environments. Dr. Ruiz has authored research publications and received multiple awards, including the AWP International Fellowship Award and the ADMSEP Innovations Award.

‍

Treatment approach

Dr. Ruiz emphasizes an integrated approach, combining medication management and therapy. This method is supported by research indicating improved patient outcomes. She remains current with the latest literature and treatment guidelines to ensure evidence-based care.

‍

What you can expect in a first visit

Patients can anticipate a thorough initial evaluation during their first visit with Dr. Ruiz. She conducts a comprehensive assessment to understand the patient's symptoms, history, and personal circumstances. This session sets the foundation for collaboratively developing an individualized treatment plan focused on the patient’s specific needs and goals.

‍

Why Talkiatry?

Giulia Ferrero, LCSW

Education and training

Get to know