AboutNYC Psychiatric Associates

As the founder and CEO of NYC Psychiatric Associates, Dr. Mekles has dedicated his career to improving the mental health of New Yorkers. Graduate of the University of Kansas medical center Psychiatry program he scored the highest on the psychiatric in service exam every year in residency, and was among the top performers on this knowledge based in the entire US. A recognized expert in treating all forms of psychiatric conditions, his targeted approach utilizing the biopsychosocial model allows him to zero in on the appropriate medications and therapy to support and enhance the mental wellbeing of his patients. With over eleven years of experience successfully treating the most challenging of all psychiatric pathologies, including substance abuse, psychosis, ADHD, Depression, Anxiety and PTSD, Dr. Mekles focuses on building a strong therapeutic alliance with each and every patient. By providing in-network psychiatric care in a city that by and large does not offer it, his leadership has revolutionized the way mental health is delivered, creating a more efficient and effective model for patients across New York. Dr. Mekles has taken the toughest, most refractory cases in Psychiatry and succeeded. Dr. Mekles prides himself on availability, reliability, and accessibility. He has not missed one day of work in 11 years of practice, and he has never refused to take a patient case.

Dr. Melikian is a board-certified psychiatrist with a pragmatic style of treatment. Utilizing a focused approach with shared decision making, his clients rapidly feel at ease and confident that their treatment goals are within reach. With two years of training in general surgery in addition to his specialty in psychiatry, Dr. Melikian offers an unparalleled understanding of the physiological issues that may affect an individual’s psychological well-being. In addition to his extensive training in psychiatry, Dr. Melikian obtained a master’s degree in Biotechnology from Georgetown University giving him a unique perspective on the latest in drug development to aid him in assessing cutting-edge treatments.

Skilled in treating all manners of psychiatric disorders, you will be in good hands with an excellent support team with Dr. Melikian at NYC Psychiatric Associates. Make an appointment today!

Dr. Faith Consiglio received her doctorate from the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University in New York and completed her residency in Psychiatry at Westchester Medical Center in New York. As a licensed physician, Dr. Consiglio works with adults and couples seeking compassionate care and a deeper understanding of their best selves. She provides effective treatment for conditions such as anxiety, depression, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), personality disorders, grief, and conditions related to women’s health such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Dr. Consiglio is certified in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and works with patients interested in exploring an integrated approach that considers all facets of life including the nuances of their physical, mental and social well-being.

Dr. Paul Cristofano is a graduate of the combined Siena/Albany Medical College program which places a special emphasis on the combination of humanities with the study of medicine. During his medical training, he volunteered his time both locally and internationally. Dr. Cristofano completed his adult psychiatric training at Westchester Medical Center during which time he piloted a mental health hotline that provided real-time psychiatric assistance to health care workers on the front line during the pandemic. He was awarded the New York Medical College Resident Gold Humanism Honor Society Award in 2020. Dr. Paul Cristofano approaches appointments with both patience and empathy, and places special importance on taking the time to fully understand his patients to create a truly collaborative approach to treatment.

Dr. Akeem Mobolaji Aribara is a highly skilled psychiatrist with a passion for providing high-quality care to his patients. Dr. Aribara received his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) from the College of Health Science, University of Ilorin, in Nigeria. He then went on to complete his psychiatry residency at Richmond University Medical Center in Staten Island, New York.

Dr. Aribara cares for adults with a wide range of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, and psychotic disorders. Dr. Aribara is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care to his patients, and looks forward to making a positive impact on their lives.

Dr. Duran is an expert in treating all psychiatric conditions and employs a targeted approach utilizing the biopsychosocial model to target appropriate medications, and utilized the appropriate therapy for mental well being. She has years of success in treating the most refractory of cases. We work together to form the strongest therapeutic alliance so you can be well. She has 10 years of experience managing all psychiatric conditions. Excellence and mastery of psychopharmacology and drug interactions. Successfully have treated the most difficult and refractory of all psychiatric pathologies. Will see patients on weekends. Let’s get you better together! We'll work to treat you together and then maintain the success as we strive for new heights across the board!

Dr. Marcel Green earned his medical degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. He then went on to complete his Psychiatry residency at Mount Sinai Saint Luke’s and West Hospitals in New York City. He is board certified in Psychiatry and Neurology as well as in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Dr. Green has extensive expertise and vast research knowledge in the treatment of psychiatric and psychological conditions of children, adults, and families He has worked in various care environments, including the New York Presbyterian Hospital, Lifespan (Brown University), and Hofstra-Northwell Health systems. Dr. Green has also worked within the community hospital health systems of Brookdale Hospital, Brooklyn Hospital Center (Brooklyn, NY), Jamaica and Flushing Hospitals (Queens, NY), and the Catholic Health Services of Long Island. His commitment to the mental health of children continues as he works with the adoption and foster care systems as well as a number of community clinics within Manhattan and Brooklyn. Through these many experiences, Dr. Green has developed an exceptional capacity to care for patients of all cultural and social economic stations and all levels of acuity.

Dr. Khanyutin is a board certified psychiatrist, who is passionate about providing high quality integrative care. Her goal is to provide compassionate, comprehensive and collaborative care to all her patients. Treatment plan will include pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches, such as mindfulness based interventions.

Dr. Khanyutin practices general psychiatry for patients eighteen and older. However, she has a particular interest in perinatal mental health and has obtained further training through Postpartum Support International in perinatal psychiatry to provide care to women in need. Dr. Khanyutin is committed to finding a solution that will work best for you.

Prior to attending medical school, Dr. Manna worked as a doctorate level clinical psychologist in private practice for 15 years. She attended the International University of the Health Sciences School of Medicine in St. Kitts, and completed her psychiatric residency at the prestigious Rosalind Franklin School of Medicine in Chicago, Illinois. She is a board certified psychiatrist and a member of the Academy of Medical Psychology. Furthermore, Dr. Manna is a Certified Pet Therapist who alongside her team has helped people recover from or better cope with health problems at various hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. Dr. Manna has extensive experience in both inpatient and outpatient environments, specializing in the treatment of those who suffer from depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and psychosis.

Dr. Marco Christian Micahel, BMedSc (Hons), completed psychiatry residency at State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate where he served as Academic Chief Resident. He earned his Doctorate of Medicine from Universitas Indonesia and an Honors Degree in Biomedical Science from Monash University in Australia. He is currently a geriatric psychiatry fellow at Weill Cornell Medicine / New York Presbyterian Westchester Division. Dr. Micheal has been published in peer-reviewed psychiatric journals and presented in international meetings on a range of topics including geriatric psychiatry, psychotherapy, cultural psychiatry, community and international psychiatry, and interventional psychiatry. Dr. Micheal treats adults aged 18 and older. He provides comprehensive, compassionate psychiatric care and listens actively to the biological, psychological, and socio-environmental factors which contribute to his patients active problem(s). Dr. Micheal is a member of the American Association of Geriatric Psychiatry (AAGP), American Academy of Psychodynamic Psychiatry and Psychoanalysis (AADPP), American Psychiatric Association (APA), and the World Psychiatric Association (WPA) - Psychotherapy Section. Dr. Micheal is fluent in Indonesian, English, and French.

Dr. Sheeima Paramatmuni is board certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She completed her General Psychiatry training at Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center and completed her Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at University of Connecticut. She most recently holds a position as an Attending in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Natchaug Hospital (Hartford Healthcare), Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at University of Connecticut School of Medicine and adjunct faculty member at Quinnipiac Medical School. Dr. Paramatmuni values working with children across all age ranges. Specializes in Mood, Anxiety, ADHD, Autism, OCD, Impulse control and conduct disorders. Her goal is to provide comprehensive and collaborative care with focus on the biopsychosocial model. Dr. Paramatmuni incorporates a motivational approach to support patients and family with a goal of patient centered care approach.

A graduate of Fordham University in Bronx, New York, as well as Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Dr. Brian Pell is a distinguished member of the American Psychiatric Association and the New York Psychiatric Society. Dr. Pell brings 20+ years of experience caring for patients’ mental health and managing a range of psychological issues. Dr. Pell’s guidance, support, and expertise serve as a strong foundation of excellence in care that helps his patients move forward and manage the psychiatric issues that have been holding them back from living the lives they truly deserve.

Dr. Natalie Toski is an adult psychiatrist who earned her medical degree from Texas A&M HSC College of Medicine. She then went on to complete her residency at John Peter Smith Hospital in central Texas. She has a variety of clinical interests; however, she specializes in bipolar disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, stress management, trauma and PTSD. In her practice, Dr. Toski's philosophy of care is centered around the importance of giving patients room to feel comfortable and speak in what can be a very vulnerable experience. She educates and guides patients through their treatment, allowing them to take an active role in their treatment as well.

Dr. Toski became interested in mental and behavioral health care early on in her medical training when she realized mental health care encompasses all fields of medicine and is a strong determinant in patient success. She feels grateful for having the privilege of assisting patients in improving their mental health, and in turn, other aspects of their lives as well.

Dr. Zafar is a board-certified psychiatrist, who received her medical degree from St. George’s University, and then completed her Psychiatric Residency at Richmond University Medical Center in Staten Island, New York. Dr. Zafar also earned her Fellowship in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry from Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, equipping her with the ability to provide the type of evidence-based and compassionate care vulnerable patients need and deserve. She has experience working with patients of all ages and their families. Dr. Zafar is also a distinguished member of the American Psychiatric Association and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Dr. Zafar has a special interest in psychoanalysis and psychodynamic psychiatry and has completed additional education at New York Psychoanalytic Society & Institute. Dr. Zafar believes in working with patients collaboratively in order to provide pharmacological and non-pharmacological based treatment.

Joonkwon Bak (Bak), a board-certified Physician Assistant at NYC Psychiatric Associates, takes a detailed oriented approach involving his patients. After earning an academic scholarship to attend St John’s University, he received his Bachelor's degree in Physician Assistant studies, while on the Dean’s Honor list. After serving at the renowned Montefiore Medical Center in Internal Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Bak brings unique skills to serving patients. Bak seeks to create a safe space for his patients to feel supported while figuring out how to lead a life that is fulfilling for them. To achieve this, Bak focuses on effective treatment plans that aim to address key factors that may be hindering one from their ideal level of well-being.

Belinda Fugalli, who received her degree from CUNY-York College in Physician Assistant Studies, offers over 10 years of comprehensive, board-certified experience in multiple specialties. Belinda has acquired both the unique skills and compassionate understanding to provide better treatment options and outcomes for NYC Psychiatric Associates’ patients. Her background in Internal Medicine, General and Urological Surgery (including OB-GYN), has given Belinda important insight and the ingrained belief that active listening, education, self-empowerment and collaboration are essential to positive patient care.

Effie Rabinowitz grew up in Astoria, New York and is fluent in Greek. She received her undergraduate degree in Biology and her physician assistant studies from St. John's University. She has over 10 years of comprehensive experience in medicine. Effie’s approach to care is rooted in a partnership with each patient, collaborating to develop a treatment plan that aligns best with the patient’s lifestyle and values. She believes through education, pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods, each patient can be empowered to be their best self. She practices with the philosophy that everyone has strengths and building on these strengths we can accomplish individual wellness and growth.

Austin Hamilton is a wellness and relationship advisor and coach. She focuses on the integration between mindful awareness techniques and cognitive behavioral patterning in order to improve her client’s relationship with themselves as well as others. Austin graduated from Columbia University in New York and attended the School of Visual Arts Master's in Art Therapy. She is trained in multiple modalities including; dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, expressive art therapy, guided meditation, somatic therapy, and yoga. Austin’s sessions are geared toward creating a meaningful and supportive conversation with the ultimate goal of establishing solid and effective strategies to aid her clients in more authentic self-development.

For questions or to schedule an appointment with Austin, please contact her directly at:

https://www.aahadvisory.com/contact

As a Well-Being and Lifestyle Coach, Cara specializes in helping others live their best life today, focusing on the shift from survival mode to a place of ease, confidence and health.

She has over 20 years of experience in personal development and lifestyle coaching.

Cara implements an integrative and holistic approach to wellness and helps to create a customized simple healthy living plan through plant-based products and guidance for lifestyle modifications. She assesses individual needs to help clients as an alternative to or working alongside a medical plan for mental and physical health.

Her mission is helping those who want to experience improvements in daily life to discover simple shifts that can make significant changes to their quality of life.