MIND WORK
Meet John Reitano, MD
John Reitano, MD, was born in Padua, Italy, and raised in Upstate, NY. He is a general psychiatrist with 25 plus years of experience in psychotherapy and psychopharmacology with significant experience in PTSD, Affective Disorders and Substance Use.
Dr. Reitano received a Jesuit education at the University of Scranton where he earned a B.S. in Biochemistry. He obtained his medical degree at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY, where he studied under Thomas Szasz, MD. It was Dr. Szasz’s zeal for personal freedom and responsibility that sparked in Dr. Reitano a greater curiosity for the human spirit.
After completing medical school, Dr. Reitano completed his psychiatric residency training at The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. During his psychiatric residency, he trained in Structural Family Therapy at the Philadelphia Child Guidance Center under the disciples of Salvador Minuchin, MD, in Couples Therapy from Gerald Weeks PhD, and in Cognitive Therapy from Aaron Beck, MD. He was very fortunate to have been “set straight” by the countless mentors and educators who instilled in him the tenets of competence and compassion. One cannot exist without the other.
Dr. Reitano has developed an expertise in Family Therapy and Systems Thinking after his time spent as a resident at what is formerly known as the Marriage Council of Philadelphia, and after a year spent at The Williamson Alanson White Institute, where he studied Organizational Psychology. Dr. Reitano used his expertise to launch a private practice in 1994 with locations in Philadelphia and Ardmore, Pennsylvania.
Dr. Reitano has spent the past 25 years treating private patients, patients at community mental health clinics, and couples and families seeking Family Therapy. He has experience in Forensic Psychiatry (civil and criminal, including death penalty cases), and has spent time working in prisons and juvenile detention centers. He has worked in hospitals—specifically, in adolescent and adult inpatient treatment, crisis and consultation-liaison work.
He obtained his Nevada Medical License at the end of 2019 and relocated to Las Vegas in early 2020 with his wife and children and began practicing psychiatry in Las Vegas in 2020.
MEET CHELSIE LAWTER, PMHNP-BC
Chelsie Lawter, PMHNP-BC, was born and raised among the beaches and Redwoods of sunny California. She is a Certified Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Chelsie received her education at Brigham Young University where she earned a B.S. in Nursing, graduating Summa Cum Laude. She then obtained a Master of Science in Nursing in Psychiatric Mental Health at Vanderbilt University, the #1 ranked psychiatric nurse practitioner program in the country, where she achieved a 4.0. upon graduation. Chelsie is qualified to treat all types of mental health disorders, ranging from anxiety and depression to bipolar disorder, OCD, and psychosis. She is licensed to prescribe medications and integrate therapy into appointments.
After concluding her master's education, Chelsie completed her psychiatric residency training at The VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System in Las Vegas. Here she received further training in PTSD, substance use, and addictive disorder treatments. She transitioned into practicing through community mental health clinics, and group therapy in both Inpatient and Outpatient programs, with a concentration in Behavioral and Addictive Disorders, including opioid use disorders. Chelsie's experience working in the VA's Addictive Disorder Treatment Program, specifically in their Intensive Outpatient Program, sparked particular interest. It is here where she excelled in the necessity to establish understanding by listening to their stories. Chelsie's life experiences particularly lend to her the ability to understand patients’ needs, their goals, and expectations without judgment, and understand the struggle. This is what motivates her to this profession.
Chelsie is adept at utilizing team-based approaches to care. This is what brought her to Delve Psychiatry. Working with as a team, Delve Psychiatry is a unique practice that maximizes care through a team approach.
She obtained her Nevada License in 2020 and lives in Las Vegas with her husband and children and joined Delve Psychiatry in 2021.
Meet DAPHINEE AUSTIN, MSW, LCSW
Daphinee is a New Jersey native, who migrated to Las Vegas 5 years ago, specializing in individual therapy. She works with adults, adolescents, and children both in person and telehealth. Daphinee's goal is to collaborate in a safe, caring environment where genuine self-expression is encouraged and appreciated without judgement. She values the importance of the therapeutic alliance and believes it is a crucial part of the journey toward change. Discovering and utilizing one's natural strengths as you move toward lasting change, will garner the happiness and peace you desire.
Daphinee understands that finding that peace can be a difficult process, and is committed to meeting you where you are, working at your pace and building on goals as you are ready. With empathy and compassion she embraces a client centered, solution focused approach to each client’s unique needs, and has specialized training in DBT and CBT.
"It is my hope that each of my clients leaves our sessions feeling empowered, supported, and with a sense of peace. You have taken an important step today, and if you are ready to move forward in your therapeutic journey, you do not have to go it alone. I would be happy to join you on your journey!" - Daphnee Austin
MEET BRYAN BENDER, PMHNP-BC
Bryan Bender is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He was born in sunny Southern California, where he attended college and became a registered nurse, and worked for many years in emergency nursing. In addition, Bryan has worked in outpatient urgent care, prison, and juvenile detention settings, and has nursing management experience working as a charge nurse in the later years of his nursing career. He has extensive knowledge of caring for critical care patients as well as handling psychiatric emergencies. While working in these settings, Bryan attended Western Governors University and received his Master of Science with an emphasis in Nursing Administration which he completed in 2014.
In 2015 Bryan moved to Las Vegas and continued to work as a charge nurse in a local emergency department. Throughout the years of his career Bryan thoroughly enjoyed providing care to patients in a variety of settings, however particularly enjoyed caring for and helping those suffering from mental health conditions. Bryan's life experiences and ability to connect with his patients sparked Bryan to further his education and pursue a career working as a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Once Bryan graduated from Maryville University with his Post Master's Certificate as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner he has cared for a broad variety of patients ranging from children to geriatrics. In addition, he has experience working with clients suffering from depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. He is licensed to prescribe medications and provide therapy to patients and has been doing this in community mental health clinics located in Las Vegas.
Bryan joined Delve Psychiatry in 2023 and on his days off Bryan spends his time with his two sons and wife engaging in outdoor hobbies such as hiking, camping, and off-roading.
Hours
Monday-Friday: 9am to 7pm
Saturday: By appointment
Sunday: By appointment
*Telemedicine Available*
Las Vegas Medical District
526 S Tonopah Drive, Suite 140-160
Las Vegas, NV 89102
t. 702.897.7250
f. 702.706.4838
hello@delvepsychiatry.com