About Us
Frank Dowling, MD DFAPA, FASAM (They/Them/Theirs)
Click here to read Dr. Dowling’s CV.
Dr. Frank Dowling (They/Them/Theirs) is board certified in psychiatry and addiction medicine and is a graduate of Stony Brook School of Medicine. They completed their residency in Psychiatry at University Hospital at Stony Brook where they have a faculty appointment as an Associate Professor of Clinical Psychiatry. Dr. Dowling is an active member in various professional organizations, including but not limited to the American Psychiatric Association, NY State Psychiatric Association, American Society of Addiction Medicine, AMA, and MSSNY. As a MSSNY member, Dr. Dowling served as an Officer and liaison for several public health committees including addiction and psychiatric medicine, preventive medicine and family health, emergency preparedness, health equity and others. In the AMA, Dr. Dowling has served as a Delegate to the AMA Houser of Delegates since 2014, the AMA Substance Use and Pain Care Task Force, and the AMA LGBTQ Advisory Committee including Chair of the committee. They have been a leader in advancing policies in NY State and the US, including mental health parity, substance use disorders and overdose prevention, access to quality care for groups who face inequities, self-care and peer support for physicians and emergency responders.
Dr. Dowling has also written several papers, book chapters, and presentations related to: treatment of PTSD and depression; traumatic stress and peer support for emergency responders; PTSD, substance use disorders and related conditions in military veterans; physician stress, wellness and peer support; care and support of LGBTQ+ people.
Dr. Dowling has received several honors and professional recognitions such as the APA’s Bruno Lima Award given for significant contributions to the care and understanding of victims of disaster, an award for Advocacy for Mental Health Parity from the NY Association for Psychosocial Rehabilitation, and two awards from the Medical Student Section of MSSNY for Excellence in Teaching and Mentoring Medical Students. Dr. Dowling is the Medical Advisor to POPPA (Police Organization Providing Peer Assistance), a confidential, non-departmental voluntary assistance program for NYPD officers and is a consultant to the Stony Brook World Trade Center Health Program.
They have a private practice in Islandia and Garden City, NY, which specializes in the care of emergency responders, physicians and other healthcare professionals. They currently provide evaluations, individual treatment and group psychotherapy services for adults aged 18 and older.
Rachna Sharma, MD
Click here to read Dr Sharma’s CV.
Dr. Rachna Sharma is an experienced psychiatrist with board certifications in both General and Childhood and Adolescent Psychiatry. She completed her medical internship and adult psychiatry training at Stony Brook University Medical Center and her fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at NSLIJHS/Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Long Island Jewish Medical Center. She also completed her psychodynamic psychotherapy training the NYU Psychoanalytical Institute. Dr. Sharma specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of mood disorders, anxiety disorders, PTSD and eating disorders. While she has extensive training and experience with prescribing medications, she also has extensive experience in providing individual psychotherapy. She also serves as a consultant to the Stony Brook World Trade Center Health Program. She is a partner at Long Island Behavioral Medicine, PC, a private practice in Islandia, New York. Dr. Sharma is also an active member of various professional organizations including the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Suffolk County Medical Society, Medical Society of the State of New York, National Eating Disorder Association, and the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals. Dr. Sharma provides school evaluations, individual evaluations and treatment for children and adolescents ages 5 and older and for adults through geriatric ages.
Peter Smith, NPP
Click here to read Peter’s CV.
Peter Smith, NPP, is a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC). Peter graduated from Stony Brook University, Summa Cum Laude, with a BSN and also earned his Masters in Advanced Practice at Stony Brook University. Peter is board certified to treat individuals across the lifespan. He has experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and the geriatric population treating a diverse range of mental health concerns.
Peter has worked in mental health for over 30 years with experience in Massachusetts, California, and New York. He currently a consultant for The Association for Mental Health and Wellness at clinics in Ronkonkoma and Riverhead and he also provides services for Family Service League in Riverhead. He has held multiple positions at Stony Brook University Hospital and is currently in the Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program. Additionally, he works with the Stony Brook University School of Nursing to guide, mentor, and educate students in the Advanced Practice program.
Cathy Carballeira, LCSW
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Cathy Carballeira is a licensed clinical social worker, master credentialed alcohol and substance abuse counselor, licensed hypnotherapist, she is certified in DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) and is bilingual in Spanish. She has a BA and MA from Columbia University in History, an MSW in Social Work from Adelphi University and a PhD in Social Work from Stony Brook University.
Cathy has been a practicing psychotherapist for over 20 years, working with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, psychosis and personality disorders. Cathy believes that co-occurring mental health and substance misuse disorders are the rule, not the exception, and uses an integrated, holistic approach to her work.
Gabrielle Chiaramonte, PhD
Click here to read Dr Chiaramonte’s CV.
Gabrielle R. Chiaramonte, Ph.D., received her Doctorate in clinical psychology with specialization in health psychology from Stony Brook University and completed post-doctoral training in the Department of Psychiatry (PATSS) at Weill Cornell Medical College – New York Presbyterian Hospital where she currently serves on the clinical faculty.
Dr. Chiaramonte has expertise in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and has worked with many 9/11 first responders and civilians as well as members of the US Military, victims of accidents and crimes, and burn victims. She also has expertise in stress reduction and the treatment of psychological symptoms in individuals with medical illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, and auto-immune disorders. Her award-winning research has examined factors that contribute to the misdiagnosis of heart disease in women.
Dr. Chiaramonte joined Long Island Behavioral Medicine, PC, (LIBM) in 2012 and provides psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and families. She founded the Center for Mindfulness at LIBM (CFM-LIBM) in 2014. The CFM-LIBM offers mindfulness-based interventions including the 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) groups for depression and anxiety, and a 10-week Mindfulness Course for young people ages 11-18. Dr. Chiaramonte’s clinical approach is integrative with a strong focus on cultivating an individual’s strengths in order to improve coping and increase resilience and well-being.
Jenny Hwang, PhD
Click here to read Dr. Hwang’s CV.
Dr. Jenny Hwang is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of trauma, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, and borderline personality disorder. She graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a Bachelor’s in History and obtained her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After working at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center as a research psychologist, she joined the staff at Stony Brook University where she worked for eight years to develop and lead community-level mental health prevention and intervention initiatives for the university population of over 23,000 students.
With extensive training and supervision in psychodynamic psychotherapy, completion of intensive trainings in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at the Beck Institute and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) from Behavioral Tech, as well as clinical experience with first responders, military service members, and physicians, Dr. Hwang brings a broad evidence-based approach to treatment with the goal of helping patients feel relief as well as have a greater sense of efficacy in their lives.
Dr. Hwang provides individual and group psychotherapy services for adolescents (15+ years old) and adults. She is a recognized provider by the World Trade Center Health Program and Committee on Physician Health. She is intensively trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, offering both individual and skills group services as part of a comprehensive DBT program at LIBM and its sister practice – Long Island Mind and Body.
Cheryl Meddles-Torres, DNP, PMHNP-BC
Click here to read Cheryl’s CV.
Dr. Cheryl Meddles-Torres is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, with a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Stony Brook University. She additionally holds board certifications as a family nurse practitioner and an emergency nurse practitioner. She is a clinical assistant professor at Stony Brook University School of Nursing in the Family Health, Psychiatric Mental Health, and Adult Health programs.
Dr. Meddles-Torres provides a holistic approach by utilizing her knowledge and background in medicine and psychiatry to diagnose and treat concomitant psychiatric and medical conditions. Dr. Meddles-Torres provides evaluations and treatment for mental health/wellness concerns for children and adolescents ages 5 years and older and for adults to end of life.
Kelly Stanley, LCSW
Click here to read Kelly’s CV.
Kelly Stanley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who graduated from Fordham University’s Graduate School of Social Service where she focused on the effects of and recovery from trauma and crisis. She is a member of the NASW (National Association of Social Workers), a trained Crisis Counselor and Board Member for Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Long Island.
Prior to joining this practice, Kelly provided individual, family and couples counseling at a community Agency with a focus on the client in their environment, encompassing the mental, physical and relational challenges affecting a person’s well-being.
Kelly’s approach to treatment starts with the establishment of a respectful, non-judgmental rapport which fosters an environment that allows for honest discourse regarding relevant issues and the formulation of a plan to achieve mutually agreed upon goals. Kelly uses a positive, strengths-based approach to help facilitate clients in gaining the insight needed to make the desired changes which can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Laura Schlageter, LMHC
Click here to read Laura’s CV.
Laura Schlageter is a Licensed Mental Health counselor who is passionate about wellness and providing a nonjudgmental and safe space for all individuals. Laura feels privileged to work with those who are seeking support to deal with all of life’s challenges. Through a person-centered and trauma informed therapeutic approach, Laura recognizes the importance of building relationships in order to establish realistic and attainable treatment goals.
Laura specializes in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, and mood disorders. Laura graduated from St. Joseph’s college with a BA in Psychology, and earned her Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Long Island University. Upon graduation from St. Joseph’s College, Laura joined the staff of the Association of Mental Health and Wellness, formerly known as Clubhouse of Suffolk, where she was employed for fifteen years. During her last position as Assistant Program Director, Laura was actively involved in program development and management, evaluations and admissions. Laura also provided direct services to participants in the program and was acknowledged and recognized by the Geriatric Mental Health Alliance for creating programs to address the needs of older adults.
Laura is also a recognized provider for the WTCHP monitoring program. Laura utilizes a blend of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution focused therapy and Psychoeducation. Laura currently offers evaluations, individual and group psychotherapy services for adults of all ages and adolescents.
Crystal Comerchero, LCSW
Click here to read Crystal’s CV.
Crystal is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with years of experience working with adolescents and adults who struggle with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, schizophrenia, ADHD and substance abuse. She creates a non-judgmental, inclusive and supportive environment so clients feel safe to share what is going on in their minds and lives. Through a person-centered, strength based and trauma informed therapeutic approach she helps people identify their treatment goals. She incorporates skills from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Psychoeducation to help people reach their goals.
Prior to joining this practice, Crystal worked full-time for the Association of Mental Health and Wellness (MHAW), where she was employed for seventeen years. During her time at MHAW, she held several positions, her last position held was as the Clinic Coordinator, in Riverhead. This position gave Crystal the opportunity to provided individual therapy, group therapy, conduct clinical assessments/intakes and work closely with psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners. In 2020 she stated working part-time at a private practice providing individual therapy and later transitioned to working full-time at a private practice.
Crystal currently offers evaluations, individual and group psychotherapy services for adults of all ages and adolescents.