Telepsychiatry for Brecksville, OH

Photo of Elizabeth Pfalzgraf, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Elizabeth Pfalzgraf
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Brecksville, OH 44141
Elizabeth Pfalzgraf earned her bachelor's degree in psychology and both bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing from Kent State University. Certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, she has experience in outpatient, inpatient, and community mental health care and serves as an educator for undergraduate nursing. She sees ages 6 to 64 and specializes in anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, depressive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and schizophrenia.
Elizabeth Pfalzgraf earned her bachelor's degree in psychology and both bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing from Kent State University. Certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, she has experience in outpatient, inpatient, and community mental health care and serves as an educator for undergraduate nursing. She sees ages 6 to 64 and specializes in anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, depressive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and schizophrenia.
(440) 616-8816 View (440) 616-8816
Photo of Tina Steen, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Tina Steen
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
Brecksville, OH 44141
Tina Steen is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Ohio who has been practicing since 2017. Tina is passionate about providing compassionate, holistic, and comprehensive mental health services to adolescents and adults throughout the lifespan. She possesses strong clinical skills enhanced by a natural ability to build rapport with patients, families, and caregivers. Following evidence-based guidelines, Tina provides care that is informed by years of clinical experience, personal observation, and intuition. As a PMHNP, Tina's role is multifaceted, including educator, mental health advocate, counselor, and scientist.
Tina Steen is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Ohio who has been practicing since 2017. Tina is passionate about providing compassionate, holistic, and comprehensive mental health services to adolescents and adults throughout the lifespan. She possesses strong clinical skills enhanced by a natural ability to build rapport with patients, families, and caregivers. Following evidence-based guidelines, Tina provides care that is informed by years of clinical experience, personal observation, and intuition. As a PMHNP, Tina's role is multifaceted, including educator, mental health advocate, counselor, and scientist.
(440) 745-7155 View (440) 745-7155
Photo of Syed E Ahmed, MD, Psychiatrist
Syed E Ahmed
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Brecksville, OH 44141
I have been practicing psychiatry for the last nearly 30 years and take great pride in my profession. I treat adults of all ages. My goal is to make the most accurate diagnosis possible, help my patients make the behavioral changes that would help them improve, treat them with the least amount of medication and keep them symptoms and side-effects free.
I have been practicing psychiatry for the last nearly 30 years and take great pride in my profession. I treat adults of all ages. My goal is to make the most accurate diagnosis possible, help my patients make the behavioral changes that would help them improve, treat them with the least amount of medication and keep them symptoms and side-effects free.
(440) 271-8492 View (440) 271-8492
Photo of Robert Ussai, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Robert Ussai
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Brecksville, OH 44141
Robert Ussai is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing from Kent State University. His previous experience includes work in hospital and community outpatient practice settings. He currently provides medication management for adults ages 18 to 64. His treatment areas of specialty include anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Robert Ussai is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing from Kent State University. His previous experience includes work in hospital and community outpatient practice settings. He currently provides medication management for adults ages 18 to 64. His treatment areas of specialty include anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
(440) 762-6277 View (440) 762-6277
Photo of Esther Gotfryd, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Esther Gotfryd
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Brecksville, OH 44141
Esther B. Gotfryd is certified by the American Academy of Nurse practitioners in Family practice and by the American Nurse Credentialing Center in psychiatric mental health across the lifespan. She received her Master's and Post Master's degrees in nursing from Ursuline College, specializing in family practice and psychiatry. Her previous experience includes work in outpatient, inpatient, and residential settings. She is a Suboxone provider for the treatment of opiate and opioid disorders. She provides medication management and therapy for ages 15-64.
Esther B. Gotfryd is certified by the American Academy of Nurse practitioners in Family practice and by the American Nurse Credentialing Center in psychiatric mental health across the lifespan. She received her Master's and Post Master's degrees in nursing from Ursuline College, specializing in family practice and psychiatry. Her previous experience includes work in outpatient, inpatient, and residential settings. She is a Suboxone provider for the treatment of opiate and opioid disorders. She provides medication management and therapy for ages 15-64.
(440) 664-1320 View (440) 664-1320
Anthony Smartnick
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Brecksville, OH 44141
Dr. Smartnick holds lifetime certification from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He has more than 25 years of experience in inpatient, outpatient and private practice psychiatry working with adults. He earned his medical degree from Georgetown Medical School and served his residency at University Hospitals of Cleveland, where he was chief resident.
Dr. Smartnick holds lifetime certification from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He has more than 25 years of experience in inpatient, outpatient and private practice psychiatry working with adults. He earned his medical degree from Georgetown Medical School and served his residency at University Hospitals of Cleveland, where he was chief resident.
(440) 739-6200 View (440) 739-6200
Photo of Dawn Whitehair, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Dawn Whitehair
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Brecksville, OH 44141
Dawn is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specializing in both adult and pediatric psychiatry. She has experience in outpatient and inpatient settings, as well as having dedicated 10+ years to cancer research prior to her nursing career in several specialties. During her nursing career, she was a recipient of the DAISY award. Dawn brings empathy, compassion, an easygoing communication style, and a sweet sense of humor, making it easy for her to engage with her patients and their family members. She is licensed to prescribe medications all across the lifespan and has full prescriptive authority.
Dawn is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specializing in both adult and pediatric psychiatry. She has experience in outpatient and inpatient settings, as well as having dedicated 10+ years to cancer research prior to her nursing career in several specialties. During her nursing career, she was a recipient of the DAISY award. Dawn brings empathy, compassion, an easygoing communication style, and a sweet sense of humor, making it easy for her to engage with her patients and their family members. She is licensed to prescribe medications all across the lifespan and has full prescriptive authority.
(440) 598-5044 View (440) 598-5044
Photo of Steve Pessefall, APRN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Steve Pessefall
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brecksville, OH 44141
Steve is Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (CNP) with a focus on providing treatment for a broad-spectrum of mental health disorders. He earned his Master of Science in Nursing Degree from The University of Akron and is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He has experience in inpatient, outpatient, as well as community mental health settings as a Nurse Practitioner and over 25 years of experience as a Registered Nurse working in psychiatric / behavioral health hospitals. Steve has also earned his credential for Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) from The University of Maryland.
Steve is Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (CNP) with a focus on providing treatment for a broad-spectrum of mental health disorders. He earned his Master of Science in Nursing Degree from The University of Akron and is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He has experience in inpatient, outpatient, as well as community mental health settings as a Nurse Practitioner and over 25 years of experience as a Registered Nurse working in psychiatric / behavioral health hospitals. Steve has also earned his credential for Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) from The University of Maryland.
(440) 530-6462 View (440) 530-6462
Photo of Areum Kim, MD, Psychiatrist
Areum Kim
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Brecksville, OH 44141
Dr. Kim graduated from The Ohio State University with a BS in Psychology. She completed medical school at Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine in Dayton, Ohio. Dr. Kim was chief resident during her adult psychiatry training at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. She continued on at OSUWMC for her fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry in affiliation with Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. She was actively involved in the recruitment and education of medical students, residents, and fellows and also served as chief fellow in her final year of training.
Dr. Kim graduated from The Ohio State University with a BS in Psychology. She completed medical school at Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine in Dayton, Ohio. Dr. Kim was chief resident during her adult psychiatry training at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. She continued on at OSUWMC for her fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry in affiliation with Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. She was actively involved in the recruitment and education of medical students, residents, and fellows and also served as chief fellow in her final year of training.
(216) 867-6166 View (216) 867-6166
Photo of Christine Douglas, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Christine Douglas
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brecksville, OH 44141
Christine is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who utilizes an empathetic approach in helping patients who are struggling with their mental health. Christine strives to develop individualized treatment plans, through evidence-based practice and medication management, designed to help patients reach their mental health goals. Christine has experience treating across the age span.
Christine is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who utilizes an empathetic approach in helping patients who are struggling with their mental health. Christine strives to develop individualized treatment plans, through evidence-based practice and medication management, designed to help patients reach their mental health goals. Christine has experience treating across the age span.
(440) 597-4672 View (440) 597-4672
Photo of Kamal-Neil S. Dass, DO, Psychiatrist
Kamal-Neil S. Dass
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Brecksville, OH 44141
I am a lifelong Clevelander. I graduated from Beachwood High School in 1987 and completed my undergraduate education at Cleveland State University. I then completed my first two years of medical school in Athens, OH at Ohio University. My last two years of medical school training were done in Warrensville, OH at what used to be called Brentwood Hospital and later Meridia South Pointe Hospital. I graduated medical school in 1996. I then completed a General Psychiatry residency and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship at University Hospitals of Cleveland.
I am a lifelong Clevelander. I graduated from Beachwood High School in 1987 and completed my undergraduate education at Cleveland State University. I then completed my first two years of medical school in Athens, OH at Ohio University. My last two years of medical school training were done in Warrensville, OH at what used to be called Brentwood Hospital and later Meridia South Pointe Hospital. I graduated medical school in 1996. I then completed a General Psychiatry residency and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship at University Hospitals of Cleveland.
(216) 810-3121 View (216) 810-3121
Photo of Kristen Fite, MD, Psychiatrist
Kristen Fite
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Brecksville, OH 44141
Dr. Fite completed her medical degree at Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine in Dayton, OH. She trained in adult psychiatry at the Cleveland Clinic and continued there to complete a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, serving as chief fellow. Dr. Fite offers compassionate and holistic psychiatric care to individuals 6-26 years old, focusing on building trusting therapeutic relationships and understanding mental health symptoms within the context of each individual’s life circumstances.
Dr. Fite completed her medical degree at Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine in Dayton, OH. She trained in adult psychiatry at the Cleveland Clinic and continued there to complete a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, serving as chief fellow. Dr. Fite offers compassionate and holistic psychiatric care to individuals 6-26 years old, focusing on building trusting therapeutic relationships and understanding mental health symptoms within the context of each individual’s life circumstances.
(216) 358-0777 View (216) 358-0777
Leah Stallworth
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Brecksville, OH 44141
Leah Stallworth is a Nurse Practitioner in Ohio who has been practicing since 2002. She attended Indiana Wesleyan University for undergraduate and graduate education. Leah's goal is to meet and accept each patient where they are mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, and work in conjunction with them and their chosen supports to achieve the person they desire to be. Outside of work Leah enjoys reading, aromatherapy, spending time with family and friends, and being a young hip "cat lady.
Leah Stallworth is a Nurse Practitioner in Ohio who has been practicing since 2002. She attended Indiana Wesleyan University for undergraduate and graduate education. Leah's goal is to meet and accept each patient where they are mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, and work in conjunction with them and their chosen supports to achieve the person they desire to be. Outside of work Leah enjoys reading, aromatherapy, spending time with family and friends, and being a young hip "cat lady.
(216) 616-7469 View (216) 616-7469
Online Psychiatrists

Is online therapy as effective as in-person?

Numerous studies suggest that online therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy. However, further research is needed to determine if online therapy provides the same benefits across all client populations. Individuals with severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, or those who may benefit from in-person check-ins, like those with eating disorders, may not experience the same level of benefit from online therapy. Nonetheless, the success of online therapy, much like in-person therapy, often hinges on the quality of the therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the client rather than the specific modality of therapy used.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of therapy conducted online?

One of the main advantages of online therapy is its convenience for both clients and therapists. It also allows clients who require specialized therapy to access a wider range of professionals than they could with only in-person sessions. Additionally, online therapy may be a more affordable option in some cases and often offers the same insurance benefits as in-person therapy. However, online therapy may not be suitable for everyone, especially those who value face-to-face interaction with a therapist. Therapists may find it more challenging to assess clients accurately in an online setting due to reduced nonverbal cues on camera. There is also the increased risk that disruptions caused by external factors, such as technology malfunctions, can hinder the therapy session. For these reasons, many therapists offer a "hybrid" therapeutic approach, alternating between seeing clients in-person and online.

Is online therapy suitable for children and adolescents?

Just like with adults, the accessibility and convenience of online therapy can greatly benefit children and adolescents. In fact, children and adolescents may be more accustomed to navigating online platforms than older adults, making online sessions feel more natural for them. Teens might also be interested in using additional online tools, such as therapist-recommended apps, as an adjunct to online therapy sessions. Apps for developing CBT skills, practicing mindfulness exercises, or tracking thoughts and moods can be helpful for teens receiving therapy. However, it's important to note that not all therapeutic modalities are well-suited to online therapy, especially those used with younger children. For example, play therapy, which helps younger children express their emotions, often requires in-person sessions to be fully effective.

Can I receive prescriptions and medication management with online therapy?

The ability for psychiatrists to prescribe medications through online therapy varies based on the medication and the states where the medical professional and client are located. While many prescribing regulations were relaxed during the COVID-19 pandemic, some states still enforce rules, especially concerning controlled substances, which may mandate an in-person visit before prescribing. Generally, however, medical professionals can prescribe non-controlled substances through online therapy sessions just as they do during in-person sessions.