Psychiatry with compassion

Ilya Bernstein is a dual-licensed Acute Care and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over ten years of experience caring for medically and psychologically complex patients. He has received training and education from the University of California at Berkeley, Columbia University, and New York University, where he holds a graduate-level Adjunct Faculty appointment.

As a result of working on various medical services, Ilya has significant experience helping patients dealing with acute stress, anxiety, depression, accommodating medical illness, as well as both large and “everyday” traumas. His goal is to help people live optimally, experiencing life happily with their entire body and mind. To this end, Ilya integrates all aspects of your wellness, using whatever combination of medications, psychotherapy, diet, exercise, and nutritional supplements is the best fit.

Working with Ilya, you can expect a safe, connected, non-judgmental space in which to explore yourself, past and present. He tailors his sessions to address your unique needs, optimizing the use of attachment theories, acceptance and mindfulness strategies, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP). He has a particular interest in working with health care workers.

I am a compassionate and dedicated psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner specializing in psychopharmacology and psychotherapy. My work with oncology patients has provided me with a deep understanding of the profound connection between mind and body. My clinical expertise encompasses a wide range of issues, including addiction, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and PTSD.

Utilizing a Rogerian, person-centered approach with curiosity, empathy, and passion, I aim to create a warm environment where clients feel heard and understood. I value and appreciate the significant role that culture plays in our mental health journey. Through a supportive and non-judgmental framework, I aim to empower individuals to navigate their mental health challenges, combining medication management with holistic treatments when needed, to achieve greater well-being.

I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner providing collaborative, holistic, and client-oriented care. My approach to treatment emphasizes improving self-esteem, enhancing meaning, and reducing suffering. I have an in-depth knowledge of psychiatric medications and their ability to increase energy, reduce symptoms, and improve daily functioning. However, medications are only one aspect of overall treatment. I am trained in cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing, which I use to address issues with relationships, anxiety, and life transitions. I have worked in mental health for over 10 years and am committed to utilizing my broad experience to address your specific mental health goals. I look forward to working together soon.

As a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I am dedicated to helping individuals navigate their mental health challenges with compassion, expertise, and a personalized approach.

Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, or more complex mental health conditions, my goal is to work with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that meets your unique needs.

I take the time to listen to your concerns, understand your individual experiences, and work collaboratively with you to achieve your goals for wellness. My approach is holistic and evidence-based, ensuring that all aspects of your well-being are considered. I aim to empower my patients to take an active role in their mental health, offering both medication management and psychotherapy as needed. I treat children, adolescents, and adults, and am happy to collaborate with the rest of your care team to optimize your care.

James Demer, M.D, is a board certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Notre Dame. He then completed medical school at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York. Dr. Demer completed his internship and psychiatry residency at the National Capital Consortium in Washington, D.C. He completed fellowship training in Child Psychiatry at Upstate Medical University.

Over the last 20 years Dr. Demer has devoted his time to both clinical and academic pursuits in the field of Child Psychiatry. He served as the Director of the Child Psychiatry Fellowship Program at Upstate Medical University. He has published several articles and contributed to book chapters on topics related to military psychiatry and the treatment of trauma.

As a Child Psychiatrist over the last two decades Dr. Demer has practiced as an Attending Psychiatrist in multiple settings to include: School-based psychiatry, Day Treatment Programs, Residential Treatment Facilities, Inpatient programs, Outpatient Clinics, consultation to Pediatricians and hospital settings, Emergency Rooms, and private practice. In addition, during his tenure as a Military Psychiatrist he deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to Afghanistan.

Currently, he is working with young adults who have experienced first-episode psychotic illness. He continues to work with children and youth in a community mental health clinic.

Dr. Demer has received numerous teaching awards in his work with residents and fellows. He is currently a member of the American Psychiatric Association and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

Shane Gallagher is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner who practices in New York City. He has experience working in two large academic medical centers in Manhattan and is faculty at the NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing. He has expertise in treating depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, ADHD and psychotic disorders. He has extensive experience in providing care to individuals with addiction/substance use disorders, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Philosophy

My goal in working with patients is to understand each patient’s unique story and development to create an individualized treatment plan. This plan may include psychotherapy, medication management or both. I believe that mental health treatment should be pragmatic, evidence-based and collaborative.

Treatment approach

My style in working with patients is eclectic and largely draws from principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). I prioritize the goals of patients so that the care they receive is holistic and draws upon their existing strengths.

Credentials

I am board-certified as a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and licensed to practice in New York State.

My name is Joseph Spitalieri and I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am currently licensed in the states of New York, New Jersey and Florida. I have experience in treating Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, among others. I believe in working collaboratively with my patients in a down-to-earth and practical manner while offering the most up-to-date and scientifically proven treatment.

I am a Columbia University trained Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), MBA, and thrilled to be part of Empire State Psychiatry! I focus on ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and substance use disorders. Licensed in New York, I integrate psychotherapy, alternative medicine, and evidence-based pharmacology to deliver high-performance mental health care in a compassionate and structured way.

Having competed at the high school, collegiate, and professional levels in sports, and coached professional athletes, corporate executives, artists, and entrepreneurs, I understand the demands of high achievers, especially in New York City, where stress, anxiety, and the elusive extra hour of sleep are constant challenges. As a guest speaker at Harvard Business School in Strategy, I adopt a compassion-first, results-driven approach to mental health, helping clients develop strategic, sustainable solutions for long-term success. My experience working with athletes at the highest level and organizations, alongside busy professionals balancing multiple time zones, has given me a unique awareness of the pressures placed on individuals and their families.

ADHD remains underdiagnosed in women, often misinterpreted as anxiety, emotional dysregulation, or perfectionism. I emphasize executive functioning skills as a core part of therapy, helping professionals, creatives, and high-performing individuals develop the tools necessary for sustained success.

I believe in customized, data-driven treatment that balances structure with flexibility. I incorporate relaxation techniques from my training in Vipassana meditation and lessons from my athletic background, using stress management and preparation strategies that ultimately build confidence. While I bring deep clinical expertise, I’m also easygoing and approachable, ensuring therapy is engaging and impactful.

What I hope you leave each session with is confidence, a clear plan, a commitment to continued growth, and the solid support of your provider and the backing of a dynamic group practice that Empire State Psychiatry has built. I look forward to custom-creating a roadmap with you to bring the changes you envision to life!

I’m a psychiatric nurse practitioner offering both remote and in-person services in NYC. I trained at Columbia University where I earned both my master’s degree and doctorate. In my role as a nurse practitioner, I specialize in medication management and treatment planning.

I believe strongly in person-centered, evidence-based care, and my goal is to create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can share your experiences, thoughts, and feelings freely.

I provide education so that you can make fully informed decisions about your mental health and how to achieve your personal goals. Together, we’ll work to ensure you feel empowered and in control of your own care.