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Kewei Yu, MD, PhD, is a highly respected, board-certified neurologist and interventional pain specialist at Atlantic Advanced Spine and Neurology Institute in Bethlehem, Lilburn, and Braselton, Georgia. Dr. Yu has over 25 years of experience diagnosing and treating complex pain conditions and neurological disorders. As the founder of one of Johns Creek's leading interventional pain and neurology clinics, Dr. Yu is committed to helping patients achieve relief through personalized, evidence-based care. 

Dr. Yu's medical journey began in Shanghai, China, where he earned his medical degree from the Second Medical University and completed a PhD in medical science in 1999. After moving to the U.S. in 2002, he pursued neuropathic pain research at Yale School of Medicine, followed by internship training at Prince George's Hospital Center and dual residency programs in Anesthesiology and Neurology at UF Health Shands Hospital. He completed his fellowship in pain management at Alabama Orthopedic Spine & Sports Medicine Associates, training under some of the field's top experts.

Dr. Yu is triple board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN), the American Board of Pain Management (ABPM), and the American Board of Interventional Pain Physicians (ABIPP). He uses a multidisciplinary approach that may include medication management, nerve blocks, spinal cord stimulation, acupuncture, and advanced diagnostics like EMG/NCS, EEG, and autonomic studies to treat conditions such as chronic pain, headaches, neuropathy, and more.

Fluent in both English and Mandarin, Dr. Yu is known for his clear communication, compassionate bedside manner, and dedication to patient education. His goal is to empower patients with the knowledge and tools they need to take control of their health.

Outside of his practice, Dr. Yu enjoys traveling with his family, reading, and performing Shaoxing opera.

Dr. Vasy is a Board-certified psychiatrist. He completed his undergraduate degree at Keuka College and attended St. George’s University School of Medicine, where he earned his MD degree and graduated with summa cum laude distinction. Prior to joining Psych Atlanta, he worked at Ohio State University, serving as a staff psychiatrist at the student mental health clinic.

Reflecting on his experience, Dr. Vasy shares: “I had the privilege of completing my psychiatry residency training at Metropolitan Hospital (New York Medical College) in New York City. At 'Metro,' I gained invaluable experiences while serving New York City's diverse patient population in various clinical settings, including the psychiatric emergency room, adult and pediatric inpatient and outpatient psychiatry, and addiction medicine. This training equipped me with the skills and knowledge to manage a wide range of acute and chronic psychiatric conditions. It also deepened my awareness of the vast array of mental health issues and their impact, not only on individuals but also on their families and, in some cases, entire communities.

Providing appropriate treatment that improves a patient's condition creates a ripple effect, bringing healing and benefits that extend far beyond the individual. Being part of this ripple effect is a deeply fulfilling experience, and I take great pride in my role working with individuals facing mental health challenges.

In addition to my primary responsibilities during residency, I was actively involved in the education and mentorship of medical students and junior residents, and I participated in clinical research.

Therapeutic style:

Dr. Vasy's priority is to provide compassionate, safe, and effective psychiatric care aligned with current evidence-based standards. In his work with patients, he fosters an environment where individuals feel heard, valued, and understood. He places special emphasis on building rapport, establishing trust, and maintaining a human-centered approach in every interaction.

Following a thorough evaluation and diagnosis, Dr. Vasy collaborates with patients to develop an individualized treatment plan that addresses not only presenting symptoms but also considers each person's unique biological, psychological, and social factors. His treatment approach combines pharmacological interventions with elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), supportive therapy, mindfulness practices, psychoeducation, and encourages beneficial lifestyle modifications.

This holistic approach has proven highly effective in helping his patients reach their goals and achieve optimal well-being and functioning. Research supports the superior outcomes associated with such comprehensive, multi-faceted interventions, further reinforcing the effectiveness of Dr. Vasy's therapeutic style.

As the medical director of Psych Atlanta, with locations in Marietta and Roswell, Georgia, Michael D. Banov, MD, provides comprehensive outpatient psychiatric care for adult patients. Dr. Banov is triple-board certified in adult, adolescent, and addiction psychiatry as well as a certified clinical research investigator. 

Dr. Banov completed his Bachelor of Arts in Religion at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. He went on to earn his Doctor of Medicine at the Emory School of Medicine in Atlanta. Dr. Banov served his internal medicine internship at University Hospital in Boston and his psychiatry residency at McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School. 

Dr. Banov has conducted over 150 clinical research studies in all aspects of psychiatry, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He has written over 25 scientific papers and articles. Dr. Banov shares his experience and knowledge as an assistant clinical professor at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta.

Dr. Banov uses this first-hand knowledge of emerging research, treatments, and best practices to provide the most effective care to his patients. His goal is to help patients recover from mental health conditions and develop the skills and strategies they need to lead an active and fulfilling life. 

Contact

770-422-2009

[email protected]

Dr. Banov on the News 01/09/2023

Dr. Banov CV

Thashi Uppalapati, MD is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist with expertise in treating children, adolescents, and adults. Her areas of interest include holistic and integrative psychiatry, nutritional psychiatry, trauma-focused care, and pediatric psychiatry.

She completed her Adult Psychiatry residency at Larkin Community Hospital, and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship at Medical College of Georgia. In recognition of her dedication to patient care, she was named among America’s Best Doctors 2025. 

Dr. Uppalapati emphasizes a holistic approach to care within a compassionate, patient-centered framework. She believes in building strong therapeutic relationships and supporting patients in all aspects of their mental health and overall well-being.

Outside of work, Dr. Uppalapati enjoys chess, racquetball, reading, and traveling.

Dr. Ray Kotwicki, MD, MPH, DFAPA is the President and Chief Medical Officer of Intensive Outpatient Services at Hightop Health.  Until June, 2023 he served as Chief Strategy Officer and before that, the Charles B. West Chief Medical Officer at Skyland Trail, an Atlanta, Georgia-based nationally acclaimed private, nonprofit residential and day treatment organization for adults and adolescents with mental illnesses. Kotwicki also held leadership positions as the Medical Director of Community Outreach Services at Grady Health System as well as Director of Medical Student Education for the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Emory University School of Medicine

Kotwicki trained as a Department of Energy Fellow and was a Medical Scholar at the University of Wisconsin Medical School. He completed post-graduate training at Harvard Medical School, the Boston University School of Medicine, and Emory University, where he earned a Master in Public Health degree in Health Policy and Management. He remains a full professor on the adjunctive faculty at both the Emory University School of Medicine as well as the Rollins School of Public Health. Kotwicki has presented more than 425 invited lectures, symposia, and seminars to thousands of attendees. He is recognized as a trusted national expert and renowned speaker on current issues in psychiatry, mental health, professionalism, and wellness.  

Kotwicki is a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and is a Past President of the Georgia Psychiatric Physicians’ Association. He currently serves as Vice President of the Executive Council of the Southern Psychiatric Association.  Kotwicki was a member of the Leadership Atlanta Class of 2011 and served as President of the Board of Directors of Positive Impact, the Southeast’s premiere HIV mental health program for three years. He also served as a member of the Board of Trustees of The Lovett School until 2022 and was elected to the American College of Psychiatrists in 2019. Throughout his career, Dr. Kotwicki has received numerous distinctions, including Georgia Psychiatric Physicians Association’s 2019-2020 Psychiatrist of the Year award, Emory University’s most prestigious Dean’s “Golden Apple” Teaching Award, Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society, Mental Health America and Eli Lilly’s “Heroes in Fight” Clinical Team Award, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness’ Exemplary Psychiatrist Award. Kotwicki received the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University’s “Distinguished Achievement Alumnus Award” in 2017.