Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in North Carolina
Animo Sano Psychiatry offers specialized Child and Adolescent Psychiatry services for patients ages 4 and older, available via telehealth, providing expert behavioral health care across North Carolina.
Animo Sano Psychiatry offers a wide spectrum of behavioral health services tailored to the unique needs of young individuals. We understand that kids face various challenges as they grow, and our specialized approach ensures that each child receives the personalized care they deserve. Our child and adolescent psychiatry services are available via telehealth to all of North Carolina, we’re dedicated to supporting children through challenges including ADHD, OCD, anxiety, depression, and more, with empathy and expert care.
Our Practice at a Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Care at Animo Sano Psychiatry
Empathetic and Expert Care for Every Child and Teen: We understand the importance of early intervention in mental health and are committed to providing children and adolescents with the understanding and specialized care they deserve. Our psychiatric services, including child therapy and adolescent therapy, are designed to address a broad range of issues from anxiety and depression to autism and eating disorders.
Our Services: We provide a range of personalized mental health solutions, including assessment, diagnosis, and individualized treatment plans encompassing therapy, behavioral adjustments, and medication recommendations when necessary. Our goal is to foster mental well-being and recovery in a patient-centered, compassionate setting.
Accessible Care Across North Carolina: With a location in Durham, North Carolina, and services offered online throughout the state, we ensure that expert behavioral health support is within reach. We’re dedicated to making quality care accessible to every family, promoting resilience and recovery in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Accepted Insurance Plans
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*Coverage varies by plan and state. Send your insurance information to our billing team at VOB@animosanopsychiatry.com to confirm eligibility.
Our Service Areas
We offer online psychiatry and therapy services across North Carolina, including (but not limited to) the following service areas:
Don’t see your city listed? Contact us to check availability or to learn more about the mental health services we provide across the state.
Cities
- Charlotte
- Raleigh
- Greensboro
- Durham
- Winston-Salem
- Jacksonville
- Burlington
- Fayetteville
- Cary
- Wilmington
- High Point
- Chapel Hill
- Fuquay Varina
- Goldsboro
Why Choose Us
Our commitment to providing comprehensive care in a child-friendly, family-centered environment sets us apart. We believe in the power of personalized care, the importance of community resources, and the value of a supportive, non-judgmental space for all our patients.
Meet Dr. Karen Melendez
Karen Melendez, MD
Dr. Karen Melendez, Clinical Advisor and supervising physician at our Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic, guides our team to deliver exceptional care and leads the organization of pediatric and adolescent services for a seamless, supportive experience. Her holistic approach acknowledges the importance of early experiences in shaping emotional development, fueling her dedication to building resilience and lifelong mental well-being. Working closely with our staff, Dr. Melendez fosters collaboration and support throughout the care journey, making her compassionate leadership and clinical expertise invaluable to the mental health and resilience of all children and adolescents in our clinic.
Meet our Pediatric Providers
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Sima Patel
Treats Patients: 4 y/o up to 75
Sima Patel, MD is a board-certified psychiatrist with extensive experience in both outpatient telepsychiatry and inpatient psychiatric care. She has treated patients across the lifespan, including children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric populations. While practicing in Florida and North Carolina, Dr. Patel balanced her work in private practice with her responsibilities in hospital settings, bringing a wealth of clinical expertise to her role.
Dr. Patel earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from the American University of Integrative Sciences and completed her psychiatry residency at East Carolina University. Her academic accomplishments also include a Master’s in Medical Sciences from the University of South Florida and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Drexel University.
Dr. Patel has led wellness initiatives, mentored medical students, and contributed to research aimed at enhancing psychiatric care. Her holistic approach and dedication to excellence make her an invaluable part of the Animo Sano Psychiatry team.
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Tosha Marquardt
Treats Patients: 5 y/o & above
Tosha Marquardt, PA-C, is a board-certified Physician Assistant with specialized certification in psychiatry (CAQ-PSY). She earned her degree in Physician Assistant Studies and Health Care Sciences from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center after completing her studies at Texas State University and The University of Texas at Austin. Her career includes decades of experience treating children, adolescents, and adults in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatry, with additional expertise in wellness medicine, addiction treatment, and pain management.
She was inspired to pursue mental health care after seeing how deeply it impacts every aspect of life. Motivated by a desire to restore hope and reduce stigma, she is dedicated to supporting patients during their most vulnerable moments. Her approach is compassionate, personalized, and rooted in careful listening, ensuring treatment plans reflect each individual’s unique needs and goals.
In her practice, she emphasizes collaboration and trust, creating a safe and supportive environment where patients feel understood and respected. By integrating evidence-based care with empathy and openness, she empowers individuals and families to build resilience and move toward long-term mental and emotional well-being.
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Meredith Rappaport
Treats Patients: 5 y/o & above
Meredith Rappaport, PA-C, CAQ-PSY, LCSW, is a dedicated and compassionate Physician Assistant who feels incredibly fortunate to contribute to the mental health field, where prioritizing mental well-being is embraced. She has a strong curiosity and profound interest in how people think, feel, and grow.
Since 2008, Meredith has been dedicated to the mental health field, initially working as a social worker and psychotherapist. She later returned to school to become a physician assistant, continuing her work in mental health as a medical practitioner and prescriber. To enhance her capabilities, she pursued and attained additional certification in psychiatry. Her holistic approach combines medication management with a deep understanding of psychotherapy, ensuring comprehensive and empathetic care for all her patients. She continually strives to provide the best care possible.
Meredith offers child and adolescent psychiatry, as well as services for adults. She provides empathetic care for anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, intellectual disabilities, and behavioral challenges, focusing on a stigma-free, supportive environment. Meredith values the trust her patients place in her, considering them her greatest teachers. She eagerly looks forward to meeting new patients and their families, working collaboratively to address their mental health needs through mutual problem-solving and tapping into their inherent strengths.
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Kiana Gizzi
Treats Patients: 9 y/o up to 45
Kiana Gizzi, PA-C, is a board-certified Physician Assistant specializing in Psychiatry with a focus on child and adolescent mental health. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biobehavioral Health from Pennsylvania State University and her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Thomas Jefferson University. During her psychiatry rotation in North Carolina, Kiana discovered her passion for mental health care, which has since become the cornerstone of her practice.
Kiana has experience treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, and eating disorders. She is deeply committed to creating a safe, supportive environment for her patients and emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to mental health care. While recognizing the value of medication as part of treatment, Kiana highlights the critical role of lifestyle factors such as exercise, healthy eating, quality sleep, coping skills, and setting realistic boundaries and expectations.
Originally from Philadelphia, PA, Kiana is an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan who enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, and spending time outdoors. Her dedication to her patients, combined with her belief in a well-rounded approach to mental health, makes her a compassionate and effective provider, committed to helping her patients achieve their best quality of life.
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Hilary Russell
Treats Patients: 10 y/o up to 65
Hilary Russell, PA-C, is a board-certified Physician Assistant with many years of clinical experience spanning psychiatry, hospital medicine, dermatology, and clinical research. She earned her Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Nova Southeastern University and her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Central Florida. Her diverse background in both medical and research settings has shaped a well-rounded, evidence-informed approach to patient care.
Hilary’s passion for mental health was sparked by her deep curiosity about the human mind and the ways it influences daily life. Throughout her career, she found the most meaning in connecting with patients on a personal and emotional level, ultimately leading her to specialize in psychiatry. She works with individuals navigating a variety of challenges, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, and mood disorders. Drawing from both her clinical expertise and personal experience, Hilary brings empathy, insight, and authenticity to every patient interaction.
Her approach is rooted in the belief that emotional and physical health are inherently interconnected. Hilary is dedicated to creating a safe, collaborative space where patients feel genuinely seen, understood, and supported. She emphasizes a whole-person model of care that includes lifestyle balance, trust-building, and ongoing education. Through this framework, she empowers individuals to gain clarity, build resilience, and move toward long-term mental wellness.
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Jordan Espersen
Treats Patients: 12 y/o up to 65
Jordan Esperson, PMHNP-BC, is a compassionate and dedicated Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner committed to patient-centered care. With a strong belief in the power of collaboration, Jordan values her patients’ opinions and goals, integrating them into her treatment plans to enhance overall well-being. She understands that involving patients in every decision fosters a closer connection to their goals, improving both their daily lives and treatment outcomes.
Jordan specializes in working with patients who have anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other mental health conditions. Her comprehensive treatment strategy includes medication management, psychotherapy, and psychoeducation, all tailored to effectively address each patient’s unique needs. Her holistic approach also emphasizes healthy eating, exercise, and calming techniques such as meditation and yoga.
Jordan always wanted to help others from a young age, but ultimately working as a nurse and seeing the overall disparities in our mental healthcare system inspired her to enter the field of psychiatry. Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, she earned her degrees from the University of Alabama at Birmingham before relocating to North Carolina with her husband. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her son and three dogs
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Caleb Whitenack
Treats Patients: 13 y/o up to 70
Dr. Caleb Whitenack, MD is a dedicated psychiatrist providing holistic and patient-centered care with a particular focus on TMS treatment. Caleb received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Texas Medical School in Houston. After medical school, he completed his adult psychiatry residency at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, NC.
Caleb specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of women’s mental health issues, ADD/ADHD, panic attacks, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder. Moreover, he utilizes state-of-the-art TMS treatment for depression, ensuring that his patients receive cutting-edge therapeutic options. His approach is multifaceted and his goal is to treat the whole person, focusing on the unique needs of each individual to foster better mental health outcomes. By combining various therapeutic techniques with medication management, Caleb creates a tailored treatment plan that serves the specific needs of his patients.
Caleb’s career in healthcare was inspired by a pivotal experience during medical school, where he treated a child with type I diabetes who faced substantial psychosocial stressors contributing to repeated hospitalizations. This experience ignited his passion for treating the whole person, both body and mind. Caleb was drawn to Animo Sano Psychiatry because he shared in its mission to strive for a healthy mind. At Animo Sano, he continues to provide comprehensive support, where patients’ unique challenges are met with understanding and effective care strategies.
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Whitney Kost
Treats Patients: 13 y/o up to 35
Whitney Kost, MSPAS, PA-C is deeply committed to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health by creating a safe, welcoming environment where patients feel heard and valued. As a board-certified Physician Assistant and Psychiatric provider, she believes in a collaborative, patient-centered approach, prioritizing shared decision-making to ensure personalized care. Whitney’s passion for patient education and preventive medicine drives her to empower patients on their mental health journey. She provides care for both adolescents and adults, with a particular focus on individuals between the ages of 13-35.
Whitney holds a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from The University of Kentucky. Her clinical experience spans various settings, including telemedicine and hands-on work as a medical assistant and scribe at Lexington Infectious Disease Consultants. Whitney’s dedication to advancing the field is evident in her membership with organizations like the American Osteopathic Academy of Addiction Medicine (AOAAM) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). She has presented her research through the International Academy of Physician Associate Educators (IAPAE) and played an active role on the SAMHSA Awareness Committee.
Whitney’s global perspective allows her to connect deeply with patients from all walks of life. Her holistic, preventive approach fosters a compassionate space where patients can confidently work toward their mental health goals.
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Stefanie Solomon
Treats Patients: 14 y/o up to 85
Stefanie Solomon, PA-C, CAQ-PSY, is a clinically practicing Physician Assistant, specializing in treating a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and ADHD. With her clinical background, Stefanie brings many years of experience and a compassionate approach to her practice, offering medication management and psychotherapy for her patients.
Stefanie believes in partnering with her patients, collaborating to help them through open discussions and exploring all potential treatment options. She understands that mental health can be difficult to navigate and emphasizes the importance of feeling comfortable with a provider. Her goal is not only to help patients develop coping strategies but also to achieve their goals and thrive. Recognizing that every individual is unique, Stefanie is committed to providing personalized care, ensuring that each treatment plan is tailored to the specific needs of her clients.
Stefanie’s passion for medicine and mental health care is deeply rooted in her fascination with the human body and mind. Inspired by her experience shadowing a PA who formed meaningful relationships with her patients, Stefanie was drawn to the field to make a significant impact on people’s lives. Joining Animo Sano Psychiatry was a natural choice for Stefanie, as she was impressed by the team’s undeniable commitment to exceptional patient care. Motivated by the rising mental health challenges, Stefanie is honored to be part of a team that strives to help patients thrive and is dedicated to being the best provider she can be.
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Lauren Easley
Treats Patients: 14 y/o up to 80
Lauren Easley, LCSW, offers a compassionate and insightful approach to mental healthcare, shaped by her extensive education and personal experiences. She holds a Master of Science in Social Work, where she gained a deep understanding of both medical and psychological care. Lauren’s passion for mental health was sparked during her undergraduate years while volunteering at a local children’s advocacy center. Witnessing the courage and authenticity of the families she worked with inspired Lauren to pursue a career in mental healthcare, fueling her desire to make a positive impact in the field.
Lauren specializes in managing ADHD, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, autism, women’s issues, and adjustment difficulties and disorders. She employs a variety of psychotherapeutic techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Person-Centered Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Strength-Based approaches. She tailors these diverse methods to each individual’s needs, ensuring effective treatment and creates a safe and welcoming environment for her patients.
Growing up in a rural area with limited mental health services, Lauren witnessed the long-term consequences of unmet needs, fueling her dedication to offering accessible care. Her commitment to accessible, high-quality care led her to Animo Sano Psychiatry, where she offers empathetic and comprehensive support to her patients.
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Kelly Ogawa
Treats Patients: 14 y/o up to 65
Kelly Ogawa, PA-C, is a board-certified Physician Assistant with clinical experience in psychiatry and vascular medicine. She earned her Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Monmouth University in Long Branch, New Jersey, following a long career in healthcare as an ultrasound sonographer in Philadelphia. Originally from New Jersey, she relocated to North Carolina in 2023 with her family.
Kelly provides psychiatric care for children, adolescents, and adults, addressing a broad range of mental health conditions including ADHD, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and childhood behavioral challenges. Her clinical approach emphasizes collaboration, open communication, and evidence-based treatment planning that reflects each patient’s individual goals.
Her commitment to mental health care is guided by a focus on reducing stigma and fostering an environment of trust and understanding. She also recognizes the strong connection between physical and emotional health, encouraging patients to maintain active lifestyles and engage in regular follow-up with their healthcare providers.
Through a patient-centered and holistic approach, Kelly strives to support individuals and families in achieving long-term emotional well-being and improved quality of life.
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Jamilah Broderick
Treats Patients: 14 y/o up to 70
Jamilah Broderick, PA-C, CAQ-PSY, is a dedicated physician assistant with a deep passion for treating patients who feel unseen and unheard. As the child of immigrant parents who worked hard to provide for their family, Jamilah is committed to advocating for underserved, minority, and more vulnerable populations.
Jamilah earned their master’s degree in physician assistant studies from South University in Savannah, GA, and has utilized her education to improve her medical practice. Jamilah’s extensive experience in addiction medicine and treating adolescents and adults with depression, anxiety, severe mental illness (SMI), mood, and neurodevelopmental conditions showcases their dedication to mental health care. Her expertise also includes the treatment of ADHD, behavioral issues, SMI, bipolar disorder, chronic impulsivity, eating disorders, and sleep or insomnia. Her approach to care is culturally sensitive, and she uses motivational interviewing, multicultural, positive psychology, and solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) approaches in her treatments.
Jamilah’s goal is to provide compassionate, holistic, patient-centered, and goal-oriented care. She believes in spending quality time with patients, where they can feel heard and understood. Utilizing evidence-based approaches and comprehensive evaluations to track outcomes, Jamilah ensures the highest quality care through data monitoring. Whether patients are taking their first steps toward regaining joy or resuming mental health care, Jamilah is committed to being by their side, supporting them in managing their behavioral health and achieving their best lives.
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Asra Khan
Treats Patients: 14 y/o up to 65
Asra Khan, PA-C, is a compassionate and dedicated Physician Assistant with a commitment to mental health. She specializes in diagnosing and treating a variety of psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and ADHD, while striving to break the stigma surrounding psychiatric care. Asra graduated from the University of Tampa with a Master’s in PA Medicine and has practiced on the East Coast. She believes in a collaborative, team-based approach to the patient-provider relationship, emphasizing healthy lifestyle choices and a holistic approach to promote mental well-being. At every appointment, Asra provides patients with competent, evidence-based, and compassionate care, focusing on their personal goals.
Mental health affects everyone. It is crucial to understand how our mind and body work together to make changes and live our best lives. As a first-generation American, Asra is passionate about breaking the stigma around psychiatric care. With experience treating children, adolescents, and adults for various behavioral health concerns, she recognizes that small daily changes can lead to long-term benefits. Dedicated to continuous learning, Asra provides individualized, holistic care for each patient. When not seeing patients, she enjoys spending time outdoors, listening to audiobooks, exercising, and trying out new recipes.
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Mina Boazak
Treats Patients: 14 y/o up to 80
Dr. Mina Boazak, MD, is a dedicated psychiatrist and researcher with a passion for behavioral health care. With expertise in ADHD, Anxiety, Mood Disorders and a strong understanding of public health policy, Mina is passionate about expanding access to care and addressing issues of interoperability in healthcare technology. As the founder of Animo Sano Psychiatry, Mina aims to provide personalized, comprehensive care for his patients, ensuring they receive the support and treatment they need to thrive.
Mina’s approach focuses on the individual and their unique story, striving to help patients achieve their goals and passions. Driven by the belief that a healthy mind is key to overall wellness, Mina and his team at Animo Sano Psychiatry are committed to creating a supportive and empathetic environment for their patients. Mina’s dedication to mental health advocacy and his holistic approach to care make him a valuable asset in the field, honored to assist individuals on their journey towards wellness.
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Sydney Johnston
Treats Patients: 16 y/o up to 70
Sydney Johnston, DMSc, PA-C, is a passionate Physician Assistant with a Doctorate in Medical Science. She is a strong advocate of telehealth services as it offers accessibility to mental health care. She specializes in treating an array of mental health conditions, including addiction, ADHD, alcohol use, anxiety, depression, drug abuse, and eating disorders.
Sydney is passionate about helping patients navigate life transitions, handle grief, and improve self-esteem. She has extensive experience with adjustment difficulties, stress, substance abuse, women’s issues, phobias, burnout, self-harming behaviors, sleep or insomnia problems, and panic disorders. Sydney is dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health care through personalized and tailored treatment plans, and medication management as needed.
Sydney’s approach to care emphasizes collaboration and open communication, recognizing the uniqueness of each patient. She believes that mental health is the cornerstone of overall well-being and that a solid provider-patient connection is critical to effective treatment. Sydney strives to understand her patients’ experiences in order to personalize their care. Her dedication to the telemedicine model at Animo Sano Psychiatry reflects her commitment to flexibility and accessibility for her patients. Sydney’s ultimate goal is to build a trusting relationship with patients so that she can support them in achieving a fulfilling, healthier, happier life.
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Charlotte Sime
Treats Patients: 17 y/o up to 85
Charlotte Sime, LCMHC, is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor working with patients who are struggling with their mental health. Her goal as a provider is to ensure everyone feels heard and that their unique needs are being met.
Charlotte often works with patients who are dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and substance use. She is passionate about addressing life transitions such as divorce, family conflicts, infertility, and grief. As an LGBTQIA+ friendly therapist, Charlotte is committed to supporting individuals no matter how they identify. She aims to provide a welcoming and safe space for her patients.
Charlotte supports patients through a holistic approach to care, combining it in addition to medications to optimize their mental health. Her holistic treatments can range from exercise to learning habit stacking to improving sleep hygiene. By paying attention to these details, she believes she can support her patients’ goals. Additionally, Charlotte also offers spirituality counseling, if requested by patients.
Growing up, Charlotte was the person people came to discuss their hurts and struggles, and although she didn’t know how to help then, she wanted to. Now trained and continually learning, she aims to help those with similar challenges. She was drawn to Animo Sano Psychiatry by the opportunity to work alongside those who are dedicated to sharpening their skills and growing professionally.
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Kelly Zoe Pruitt
Treats Patients: 17 y/o up to 75
Kelly Zoe Pruitt, LCMHC, specializes in working with patients who are struggling with a range of mental health conditions. She earned her Master’s in Counseling from Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA, and has been practicing as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) since 2013.
Kelly is dedicated to helping her patients develop coping skills and manage grief, OCD, panic attacks, peer relationships, self-esteem, stress, and women’s issues. Kelly loves working with patients open to exploring holistic options alongside traditional therapies. She specializes in treating trauma, PTSD, depression, and anxiety, while also addressing complex issues such as ADHD, anger management, antisocial personality disorder, behavioral problems, and career counseling.
She employs an “eclectic” therapeutic approach, incorporating behavioral and person-centered therapy to ensure personalized treatment plans. By integrating aspects of well-being such as exercise, habit stacking, and sleep hygiene, Kelly aims to help her patients achieve their mental health goals. Her “non-judgmental” approach to treatment includes developing a trusting clinical alliance early on in the treatment process with clients. Kelly aims to provide a welcoming and safe space where everyone feels heard and their unique needs are met.
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