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Washington DC

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Cory Alfers, DO
Staff Psychiatrist
Languages
English
Specialties
Medication Management

Dr. Alfers is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in adult psychiatry. He has been practicing for over 11 years. He completed his undergraduate education at Virginia Tech, graduating Cum Laude with degrees in Biology and Chemistry. Following graduation, he attended a research internship at the National Institutes of Health where he received a Post-baccalaureate Intramural Research Training Award. Dr. Alfers completed his medical degree from the Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, CA. He completed his General Psychiatry Residency at Georgetown University, where he served as Chief Resident. After residency, he entered private practice in McLean, VA.

Dr. Alfers takes a comprehensive approach to patient care. He integrates biological, psychological, and environmental factors into treatment planning. He focuses on developing a meaningful therapeutic relationship and providing medication interventions for specific treatment goals. Dr. Alfers provides interpersonal psychotherapy in conjunction with medication management services.
Dr. Alfers has a special interest in the treatment of multiple mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, ADHD, and OCD. Dr. Alfers treats adults ages 18 to 65 years old.

For established patients of Dr. Alfers, please call 917-634-5311 to schedule an appointment and let the care coordinator know you are an established patient.

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Mohammed Basith, MD
Staff Psychiatrist
Languages
English
Specialties
Medication Management

Dr. Mo Basith is a board-certified psychiatrist in the field of general adult psychiatry. He offers a mix of pharmacotherapy in conjunction with psychotherapy in 30-minute sessions.

Dr. Basith’s approach to clinical practice is rooted in fostering a safe atmosphere in which to explore biological and psychosocial factors that affect mental health.  He views medication as a tool that patients can use while also engaging in psychotherapy and making lifestyle changes to optimize their mental health.  He encourages patients to be actively involved in their healthcare decisions.  Although he has an integrative psychotherapy style, Dr. Basith may occasionally believe additional therapy is needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome.

Dr. Basith received his medical degree at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He then went on to complete a general psychiatry residency training at Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Since completing his training, Dr. Basith has been working with a wide variety of adults including as a Staff Psychiatrist at Georgetown University Counseling and Psychiatric Service.  He has experience treating patients with a wide range of psychiatric concerns including various anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar spectrum disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and substance use disorders. Dr. Basith utilizes pharmacotherapy along with facets of cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and supportive therapy as needed.

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Esther Bilenkis, DO
Staff Psychiatrist
Languages
English
Russian
Specialties
Medication Management, Geriatric

Dr. Esther Bilenkis is a board-certified psychiatrist that holds a position of Staff Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. Dr. Bilenkis believes in using an integrative approach, encompassing various treatment modalities for a more holistic and personalized treatment plan.

Dr. Bilenkis received her medical degree from New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed her residency in psychiatry at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Washington, DC. During that time, she was also involved in advocacy work through Washington Psychiatric Society, serving as chair of the Career, Leadership Mentorship committee. Dr. Bilenkis is passionate about Integrative Psychiatry and has received training from University of Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine.

In addition to general psychiatry, Dr. Bilenkis also trained in Psychodynamic Therapy at the Washington School of Psychiatry.  She completed her undergraduate studies at Stony Brook University.  While having treated a wide variety of patients, her primary clinical focus has been in treating young adults with depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

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Alexandra Blaes, MD
Staff Psychiatrist
Languages
English
Specialties
Medication Management, LGBTQ+, Geriatric

Dr. Alexandra (“Sasha”) Blaes is a board-certified psychiatrist. Before joining Talkiatry, she practiced consult-liaison psychiatry, seeing medically ill patients with psychiatric problems at the Department of Veterans Affairs, where she also treated veterans in nursing homes.

Dr. Blaes graduated from New York University with a B.A. in philosophy and photography and worked in nonprofit marketing in New York before deciding she wanted to pursue a life in medicine. Following a post-baccalaureate, pre-medical program at Columbia University, Dr. Blaes completed medical school at The University of Maryland, followed by a psychiatry residency at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. While at Johns Hopkins, she mastered clinical assessment and treatment of general psychiatric problems. She also received specialized training in eating disorders, addiction, reproductive psychiatry, chronic pain, and geriatric psychiatry, an interest she pursued further with a fellowship at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. In fellowship and in her subsequent experience at the VA, she developed expertise in caring for the difficulties that can accompany aging, including depression, anxiety, and memory loss, as well as the stress of medical illness.

Dr. Blaes’ practice focuses on medication management. She works to foster a safe and collaborative space in which patients can address psychiatric illness and other barriers holding them back from the lives they want to lead. Typically, she offers appointments for medication management coupled with supportive or emotionally focused therapy in 30-minute sessions. When Dr. Blaes feels that additional therapy is needed, she will suggest inviting a therapist to join the team for additional support and guidance. She welcomes collaborations with other clinicians, be they therapists or other physicians caring for her patients. She strives to build strong therapeutic relationships that help patients grow and meet their goals - whatever their situation, challenge, or life stage.

Dr. Blaes welcomes patients from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds and is LGBTQ+ friendly. In addition to her background in geriatrics, she has experience working with peripartum women and enjoys working with patients navigating major life changes.

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Serena Chen, MD
Staff Psychiatrist
Languages
English
Mandarin
Specialties
Medication Management

Dr. Serena Chen completed her psychiatry training at Harvard South Shore where she also served as the Chief of Wellness. In addition to her residency training, she pursued further therapy training at the Boston Psychoanalytic Society and Institute.

Dr. Chen believes in combining management and therapy for best treatment outcomes. She takes a patient centered and collaborative approach with the aim of helping patients achieve their own personal vision for improved well-being.

She had previously worked as a consultant before deciding to pursue a career in medicine. After completing her medical training at Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine in Michigan, she moved to Boston for her psychiatry residency at Harvard South Shore. During her time there, she served as the Chief of Wellness and published within this domain. In addition to her psychiatric training, she developed a strong interest in psychotherapy and trained at the Boston Psychoanalytic Society and Institute as a fellow.

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Shuo (Sally) He, MD
Staff Psychiatrist
Languages
English
Specialties
Medication Management

Dr. He is board-certified in adult psychiatry and addiction medicine. She is passionate about providing quality and accessible mental health care while considering each patient’s concerns, values, and life circumstances. She received her Medical Doctor degree from State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Medical Center, and completed her psychiatry residency at George Washington University Hospital in DC. Prior to medical school, she completed Master of Public Health from Yale School of Public Health.

Dr. He has special clinical interests in providing trauma-informed and culturally competent care in the treatment of mental health conditions. She has experiences working with special populations, such as minorities, immigrant, perinatal women, and LGBTQ+ communities. She holds a certificate from Harvard in Global Mental Health: Trauma and Recovery Program. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for a non-profit organization in Washington DC to prepare people recovering from mental illness to improve their quality of life.

Although Dr. He’s practice primarily focuses on medication management, she looks forward to getting to know you and incorporating her experiences with insight-oriented therapy in 20 or 30 minute follow-up visits.

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Christopher Hoffman, MD
Staff Psychiatrist
Languages
English
Specialties
Medication Management, LGBTQ+

Dr. Christopher Hoffman is an American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology certified psychiatrist with three years of experience.

Dr. Hoffman provides patient-centered treatment using medication management, supportive therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Typically, medication management appointments are 30 minutes, and therapy appointments are 45 minutes. Psychotherapy slots with Dr. Hoffman are limited, so he often brings another therapist to the treatment team.

Since graduating from psychiatry residency in 2019, Dr. Hoffman served in the Air Force as the sole psychiatrist, Medical Director, and Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment program director at Edwards Air Force Base and has recently completed a fellowship in Forensic psychiatry.

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Michelle Hornbaker-Park, MD
Staff Psychiatrist
Languages
English
Specialties
Medication Management, Child/Adolescent

Dr. Michelle Hornbaker-Park is a board-certified General and Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with over nine years of experience. Her practice focuses on medication management founded not only on evidence-based medicine but on the understanding that a trusting therapeutic relationship is the cornerstone of behavioral health healing. She incorporates CBT, supportive therapy, and psychoeducation into her medication management appointments and may refer patients for additional psychotherapy to improve outcomes.

Dr. Hornbaker-Park received her Bachelor of Science degree from Ursinus College in the dual major of Biochemistry/Molecular Biology and Neuroscience. After receiving a Health Professions Scholarship from the Army, she obtained her medical degree from Jefferson Medical College. She went on to enter active duty military service and complete General Psychiatry residency training and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship training at Tripler Army Medical Center before completing active duty service as a staff psychiatrist and 101st Airborne Division psychiatrist at Fort Campbell, KY. There she cared for active duty service members and their families to manage depression, anxiety, trauma, and the unique stressors of military service. She later transitioned to federal civilian service and served as a preceptor for Phase II Physician Assistant trainees and Army Social Work interns, reinforcing a passion for education that carried her to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC).

During her time at WRNMMC, she served in several roles including Deputy Medical Director of Inpatient Psychiatry, core faculty for the National Capital Consortium Psychiatry Residency Program, Associate Program Director, and associate faculty at the Uniform Services University for Health Sciences (USUHS). Prior to transitioning out of federal service to join Talkiatry, she was repeatedly recognized for excellence in academics and mentorship and received multiple teaching awards.  This zeal for education and mentorship, as well as humility, personal growth, and learning, translates directly into her philosophy for patient care. She believes a whole-person approach with open, collaborative teamwork is the key to progress.

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Aileen Kim, MD
Staff Psychiatrist
Languages
English
Specialties
Medication Management, LGBTQ+

Dr. Aileen Kim approaches medication management with an emphasis on shared decision-making within safe, effective options, thorough counseling about what to expect in treatment, and giving attention to the concurrent use of non-medication modalities of treatment alongside optimizing medication. She is accustomed to working with people who have more than one diagnosis. She is skilled and experienced in de-prescribing (methodically streamlining the number of medications being taken) when needed.

Patients can see Dr. Kim for medication management, therapy, or both. Dr. Kim is board certified in Adult Psychiatry. She graduated from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago in 2004. She was selected for the Health Professions Scholarship Program and completed her residency in 2008 at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth in Virginia, where she was chief resident. Following residency, she deployed to Kuwait as a medical officer. She has taught and supervised residents at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. She left active duty in the Navy as a Lieutenant Commander. After becoming a civilian, she went into solo practice, then joined Potomac Behavioral Solutions in 2014, where she served as medical director. Dr. Kim is the past president of the Virginia Psychoanalytic Society. She also lectures advanced mental health professionals for Lingyu International Psychology Centre based in Toronto.

For established patients of Dr. Aileen Kim, please call 833-351-8255 to schedule an appointment and let the patient care coordinator know you are an established patient from her prior practice.  

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Riddhi Kothari, DO
Staff Psychiatrist
Languages
English
Specialties
Medication Management

Dr. Riddhi Kothari is a board-certified general psychiatrist. She completed her undergraduate education at the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Psychology. She completed her medical school education at Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic medicine in 2013. She completed her residency training in adult psychiatry at University of Maryland/Sheppard Pratt Psychiatry residency program in Baltimore, Maryland. During residency, she served as Chief Resident for Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES) and Consult-Liaison Services, and was a recipient of Excellence in Community Psychiatry award.

After residency, she moved to Seattle, Washington where she worked as an attending psychiatrist in the Psychiatric Emergency Services at Harbor Medical Center in Seattle, where she gained an abundance of experience evaluating and treating individuals in acute psychiatric crisis. She relocated to Northern Virginia in 2020, where she joined Inova Health system as Medical Director for Behavioral Health Emergency Services and Inova Psychiatric Assessment Center (IPAC). In this dual role, she had an opportunity to develop her leadership skills and provide supervision to clinicians performing psychiatric evaluations in Inova’s various emergency rooms. She also provided medication management consultations to ER physicians to assist them with managing patients with mental illness. She also worked at IPAC, a unique walk-in clinic, where she provided psychiatric evaluations for medication management for various psychiatric illnesses ranging from depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Dr. Kothari’s treatment approach begins with establishing a good therapeutic rapport with her patients and listening to her patients so that they feel heard. Dr. Kothari likes to spend time providing psychoeducation on medications when discussing treatment plan. Dr. Kothari’s practice focuses on medication management primarily, but may incorporate supportive psychotherapy during medication visits. Dr. Kothari may recommend additional psychotherapy if she feels a patient may benefit from this.

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Jason Kudurogianis, DO
Staff Psychiatrist
Languages
English
Specialties
Medication Management

Dr. Jason Kudurogianis holds the position of psychiatrist at Talkiatry.  He is board-certified in adult psychiatry and has been practicing for over five years.

Dr. Kudurogianis’s practices focuses on medication management for adults and he typically offers this in conjunction with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits.  On occasion, Dr. Kudurogianis may believe that additional therapy is also needed and asks that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome.

Dr. Kudurogianis received his undergraduate degree in Exercise Physiology from West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV.  He then went on to receive his medical degree from West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine in Lewisburg, WV.  Following medical school, he completed his psychiatry residency at University of Connecticut in Farmington, CT.  Before joining Talkiatry, Dr. Kudurogianis worked in private practice for five years in Richmond, VA.

For established patients of Dr. Kudurogianis, please call 833-351-8255 to schedule an appointment and let the patient care coordinator know you are an established patient from his prior practice.

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Puja Kumar, MD
Staff Psychiatrist
Languages
English
Specialties
Medication Management, Child/Adolescent

Dr. Puja Kumar is trained in adult and child and adolescent psychiatry. She is a board-certified pediatrician who, after five years of pediatric practice, decided to pursue her passion in psychiatry.

Dr. Kumar provides medication management in conjunction with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. In addition, she believes in taking a holistic approach to each patient and emphasizes the impact of lifestyle, parenting practices, and family dynamics in treatment.

Dr. Kumar completed her BSc at University of Calgary and received her medical degree from St. George's University in Grenada. She completed her residency in pediatrics at Maimonides Medical Center in NY, and went on to practice pediatrics with the MedStar Shah Medical Group in Maryland. Dr. Kumar received her training in child and adult psychiatry at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center.

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Michael Murphy, MD
Staff Psychiatrist
Languages
English
Specialties
Medication Management, Child/Adolescent

Dr. Michael A. Murphy is board-certified in General Psychiatry as well as Child and Adolescent Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He has over 20 years of experience practicing medicine in outpatient, acute, and residential settings.

He provides psychiatric assessments and medication management along with brief supportive psychotherapy. He is a strong advocate of collaboration between psychiatric care and psychotherapeutic interventions and encourages the utilization of therapists and counselors.

Dr. Murphy holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry Pre-med from Florida A & M University and a Medical Degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine. He completed both his residency in General Psychiatry and Fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Virginia. He formally served as Chief of Behavioral Health Services at Ft. Eustis, Virginia. He has previously provided Acute Care and Residential Treatment at Newport News Behavioral Health Center, outpatient services in the community and Foster Care system, and recently served as Medical Director of Harbor Point Behavioral Health Center.

Dr. Murphy has an extensive history of providing care for both the adult and child population. He specializes in the treatment of children with Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, ADHD, and Pervasive Developmental Disorders.

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Nicole Parrish, MD
Staff Psychiatrist
Languages
English
Specialties
Medication Management, Child/Adolescent

Dr. Parrish is a board-certified General Psychiatrist and board-certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist.

In addition to medication management, Dr. Parrish also provides supportive therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques during appointments. When appropriate, she will refer patients for additional psychotherapy and will work to collaborate with therapists to help patients achieve the best outcomes.  

She received her medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia/VCU in Richmond, Virginia. She then traveled to Greenville, South Carolina where she completed a General Psychiatry residency at Greenville Health System/PRISMA Health and then returned to Virginia to complete a Child & Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship at The Virginia Treatment Center for Children/VCU Health System.  

Dr. Parrish is a strong advocate of an integrated approach to treating children and their families. She completed undergraduate training at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia where she studied psychology and elementary education. Prior to entering medical school, she was a licensed elementary school teacher in Virginia where she served children of various learning styles and needs. She continues to have an interest in learning disabilities, other neurodevelopmental disorders, ADHD, mood disorders, as well as many other areas of psychiatry.

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Kirk Ramsey, MD
Staff Psychiatrist
Languages
English
Specialties
Medication Management, Child/Adolescent

Dr. Ramsey is board certified in general and child and adolescent psychiatry. His practice primarily focuses on medication management. He sees himself as a collaborator with therapists and counselors in caring for their shared patients and their families. He received his medical degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, TN. He completed his residency at West Virginia University Hospitals and WVU School of Medicine and a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at the Yale Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, and Yale-New Haven Hospital in New Haven and Middletown, CT. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Memphis.

Dr. Ramsey remained in CT for two additional years, working in the Department of Children and Families, serving the state’s at-risk youth and adolescents at a psychiatric residential treatment facility. He then returned to West Virginia University as clinical faculty in its School of Medicine. During the12 year academic appointment, he had active roles in educating, training, and supervising medical students, general psychiatry residents, child and adolescent psychiatry fellows, and trainees from various disciplines. He worked for many years with adolescent males at both the Dually Diagnosed and Specialized Residential Treatment Centers within West Virginia University Healthcare. He provided outpatient and acute inpatient care, and hospital based consultation services. Within the community, he provided medication evaluation and management services to residential treatment facilities and university student health. He has been seeing patients and collaborating with providers through telemedicine since 2016.

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Lorenzo Santos Gutierrez, MD
Staff Psychiatrist
Languages
English
Spanish
Specialties
Medication Management

Dr. Santos is a highly experienced, Board-Certified Adult Psychiatrist with over 10 years of clinical experience in English and Spanish. He graduated from the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara School of Medicine and completed a rigorous 4-year psychiatric residency training in NYC at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center.

In his residency and post-residency practice, Dr. Santos has provided high-quality care to culturally diverse communities, and has extensive experience helping patients with Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, and other mental health conditions. He understands that choosing and seeing a psychiatrist can be stressful and is committed to providing a welcoming and non-judgmental environment where patients can feel free to discuss their concerns.

Dr. Santos takes a personalized approach to treatment, considering the unique psychology, biology, and lifestyle of each individual patient when determining the best course of action. His practice focuses on medication management in conjunction with supportive therapy, and he conducts follow-up visits in 30-minute increments. He believes that the most successful treatments integrate physical health, therapy, mindfulness, and medication, when necessary, to provide the most effective solutions for his patients.

If you are looking for a compassionate and experienced psychiatrist who is fluent in both English and Spanish, schedule an appointment with Dr. Santos today. His dedication to his patients and his extensive experience makes him an excellent choice for those seeking to improve their mental health.

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Lawrence Stansberry IV, MD
Staff Psychiatrist
Languages
English
Specialties
Medication Management, Geriatric

Dr. Stansberry holds the position of staff psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He is board-certified in Adult Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology

Dr. Stansberry’s practice focuses on medication management and also incorporates supportive therapy techniques, typically in 30-minute follow-up visits. In some cases, Dr. Stansberry may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team.

Dr. Stansberry received his medical degree from the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. He completed his residency training through the Louisiana State University/Ochsner Health Foundation Psychiatry Residency program. He has experience working in inpatient, emergency, and consult-liaison psychiatry but particularly enjoys the opportunity to work longitudinally with patients in the outpatient setting.

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Tony Tu, MD
Staff Psychiatrist
Languages
English
Specialties
Medication Management,

Dr. Tony Tu is a board certified adult psychiatrist who emphasizes patient education and a psychodynamic approach to outpatient psychiatry. His passion for empowering patients with knowledge stems from his academic experience in psychiatry residency training. Dr. Tu's practice focuses on blending medication management together with psychotherapy. He also prioritizes collaboration with your therapist and encourages working together as a team.

Dr. Tu is a graduate of the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine where he completed an MD and PhD combined program which helped develop his “doctors as teachers” style of practice. Dr. Tu completed his psychiatry residency training at Loyola University Medical Center in Illinois. Dr. Tu served as an Associate Program Director of Loyola’s Psychiatry residency training program for two years, and now maintains an Affiliate Assistant Professor of Psychiatry role with Loyola. He continues to contribute to residency training, as well as mentorship of medical students and psychology externs. Over the years, Dr. Tu has received several awards that demonstrate his affinity for teaching, including the Educator of the Year Award in 2022 from the Loyola Psychiatry Residency Program.

Areas of specialization include psychopharmacology, patient-centered medicine, and combination treatment of psychiatry and psychotherapy. Dr. Tu understands that medications are not the end-all-be-all of treatment, but just the beginning. For trauma and acute stress, he understands that the journey starts at the tip of the iceberg, with much to explore as you feel more ready.

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Joshua Weasen, MD
Staff Psychiatrist
Languages
English
Specialties
Medication Management, LGBTQ+

Dr. Weasen is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with Talkiatry. He received his medical degree from Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. He then moved to Washington, D.C. to complete his residency training at Saint Elizabeth's Hospital, where he served as Chief Resident during his final year. He is a member of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and has presented at the APA Annual Meeting on the topic of virtual fatigue. He has had extensive experience working with a wide array of patients, including college/graduate students, geriatric patients, military veterans, and LGBTQ+ populations.

Dr. Weasen provides a combination of medication management and supportive psychotherapy. Occasionally, he may work with you on finding additional support as well, including bringing on a dedicated therapist as part of your treatment team. He believes in tailoring treatment to each person’s needs. He primarily treats mood disorders, anxiety disorders, PTSD, OCD, and insomnia, but believes in seeing beyond the diagnosis and focusing on the individual first and foremost.

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How it works

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Online assessment
Tell us how you've been feeling. It only takes about 10 minutes.
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Meet your psychiatrist
Have your first visit in days with a psychiatrist that fits your needs.
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Treatment plan
Treatment typically includes medication and supportive therapy.
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Insurance accepted

The majority of our visits cost patients $30 or less after insurance.*

and more
*Includes all types of patient costs: copayment, deductible, coinsurance, and $0 payments. Excludes no-shows. Your medical visit costs can vary depending on insurance coverage. Learn more.

Care by the numbers

1,000

,000+

visits completed

300

+

expert psychiatrists

135

,000+

people matched with a psychiatrist

Mental health care that cares

Our team of psychiatrists are vetted for experience, expertise, and empathy and adhere to the highest standards of care.
Start our short assessment

Frequently asked questions

What is a psychiatrist?

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions through medication management and supportive therapy. Think of a psychiatrist as a doctor for your mind. If you’re struggling with your mental health and aren’t sure where to start, a psychiatrist can help.

Take our 10-minute assessment to see if Talkiatry is right for you and get matched with a psychiatrist in

Washington DC

who meets your needs.

Is it better to see a psychiatrist or psychologist?

You may not need to choose between a psychologist and a psychiatrist—although there are differences in the types of treatment and expertise mental health professionals can provide, they often collaborate on your care.

That said, here’s a quick guide to help you decide if a psychologist or psychiatrist is the best starting place.

See a psychiatrist if:

  • You’re experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition that are making it hard to go about your day-to-day life.
  • You’re experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition and/or have a family history of mental health issues.
  • You’re interested in exploring psychiatric medications, such as antidepressants, for mental health treatment.

See a psychologist if:

  • You’re looking for a psychotherapy outlet to help address behavioral or emotional challenges.
  • The concern you’re hoping to address is specific to relationship challenges, stress, grieving, or a life transition.  

Not sure if your symptoms are severe enough to warrant medication? We always recommend consulting with a psychiatrist first to discuss your options. Also, keep in mind that if you’re looking for virtual care, you need to be sure your doctor or psychologist is registered to practice in

Washington DC

(or, for non-

Washington DC

residents, the state where you live).

What is a psychiatrist vs therapist?

The term “therapist” can apply to a range of professionals including social workers, mental health counselors, psychologists, professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, and psychoanalysts. Working with a therapist generally involves regular talk therapy sessions where you discuss your feelings, problem-solving strategies, and coping mechanisms to help with your condition.

Psychiatrists are doctors who have specialized training in diagnosing and treating complex mental health conditions through medication management. If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, or similar, a psychiatrist may be a good place to start. Other signs that you should see a psychiatrist include:

  • Your primary care doctor or another doctor thinks you may benefit from the services of a psychiatrist and provides a referral
  • You are interested in taking medication to treat a mental health condition
  • Your symptoms are severe enough to regularly interfere with your everyday life

While both therapy and psychiatry are both available online, you’ll still need to be sure that the therapist or clinician is licensed to practice in

Washington DC

(or, for non-

Washington DC

residents, the state where you live).

What to expect from your first psychiatrist visit?

It’s ok to be a little nervous about your first visit with your psychiatrist. But remember, they’re there to help you feel better. Psychiatrists have years of experience working with new patients and will help you feel comfortable during your sessions.

Here’s what to expect in your first visit at Talkiatry:

Evaluation: During your first visit with a Talkiatry psychiatrist, you’ll get to meet each other and answer questions about your current symptoms, personal history, medical history, and mental health goals.

Diagnosis: Based on the information you’ve shared, your psychiatrist will be able to provide a diagnosis of your condition, if you have one. Getting a diagnosis can feel scary, but it can also feel validating to finally put a name to what you've been experiencing. Your psychiatrist will help you navigate any emotions that come up and work with you on a path to move forward.

Treatment plan: You’ll collaborate with your psychiatrist on the best way to manage your symptoms. If medication is appropriate, you’ll discuss your options, including the benefits and potential side effects of each medication. Your psychiatrist will provide supportive therapy throughout your session and may also recommend working with one of our therapists. Our therapists partner with our psychiatrists in a collaborative model to provide holistic care.

To get started, take our free online assessment, to see if Talkiatry is right for you and get matched with a psychiatrist.

Will I need medication?

Medication can be an effective part of your treatment plan but medication is not right for everyone. Your psychiatrist will work with you to determine if medication is right for you.  

Ready to talk with a psychiatrist? Take our 10-minute online assessment

to see if Talkiatry is right for you and get matched with a psychiatrist who serves in

Washington DC

.

Also note that prescribing laws can vary from state to state. During your first visit, your doctor will be able to talk you through how it works in

Washington DC

(or, for non-

Washington DC

residents, the state where you live).

What is the cost of a psychiatrist visit in
Washington DC

The main factor that determines the cost of your visit is your insurance coverage. The majority of our patients pay $25 or less per visit.* If you have a deductible plan and haven’t met your deductible yet, the average cost is between $325 and $414. The best way to get an estimate of your total cost is to contact your insurance company and ask about their coverage for outpatient psychiatric services.

*Includes all types of patient costs: copayment, deductible, and coinsurance. Excludes no-shows and includes $0 payments.

What treatments are available for mental disorders?

Medication and talk therapy (also called psychotherapy) are the gold standard for treating mental health conditions but treatment is highly personalized. A treatment that works for you may not work for someone else. Luckily, psychiatrists are experts in treating mental health conditions and can guide you through different treatment options and help you find one that’s right for you.

At Talkiatry, we make it easy to find a psychiatrist in

Washington DC

who matches your needs. Take our 10-minute online assessment to see if Talkiatry is right for you.

What can’t Talkiatry treat?

Our goal is to help you find the best treatment option for your needs and there may be some cases where virtual care isn't the right fit. If this is the case, your psychiatrist will be able to recommend other treatment options within your first visit. Our 10-minute online assessment will also help you determine whether or not Talkiatry is the right fit for your care.

What we can’t treat: Schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorders: This is a complex condition that responds best to treatments that aren’t safe to provide in an online-only setting. Since we’re a virtual practice, we aren’t able to treat patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorders.

Certain personality disorders, like borderline personality disorder: Generally, borderline personality disorder doesn’t respond well to medication. As a psychiatry practice, one of our main focuses is medication management. One of the most effective treatments for borderline personality disorder is dialectical behavioral therapy, which is something our clinicians aren’t specialized in.

Patients who have been hospitalized or required to stay overnight in a clinic or in-patient setting for a mental health condition in the last 6 months: Our goal is to provide safe, effective care. For patients who have been required to stay overnight for a condition, a virtual practice can’t provide the right level of care.

Patients looking for therapy only: Our psychiatrists specialize in medication management. While we do have some therapists on staff to support patients who’d benefit from both medication and dedicated therapy, we don’t treat patients looking for talk therapy only.

We have excellent clinicians serving in

43

states, including

Washington DC

. Want to find a psychiatrist in

Washington DC

? We’ll match you with one through our online assessment. It just takes 10 minutes.

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