Bipolar Disorder Psychiatrists in Virginia

Dr. Amy Lowry is a board-certified psychiatrist who earned her medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston after completing her undergraduate studies at Texas Lutheran University. She was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy and completed her psychiatry residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth. She has provided psychiatric care in outpatient settings across Louisiana and North Carolina, focusing on adult and young adult populations. Dr. Lowry brings extensive experience in comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and psychotherapy, utilizing cognitive-behavioral (CBT), psychodynamic, supportive, and dialectical behavioral (DBT) therapy approaches. Her passion lies in holistic, compassionate, and evidence-based care for a wide range of conditions including depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, and life transitions.

Dr. Lowry creates a warm, respectful environment where patients feel heard and valued. She encourages autonomy through mental health education and open dialogue, working to ensure patients are informed and engaged in their treatment. She prioritizes empathy and trust, believing a strong doctor-patient relationship is key to achieving lasting therapeutic outcomes.

Dr. Lowry begins with a comprehensive understanding of each patient's history, concerns, and goals. She develops individualized treatment plans and incorporates psychotherapy into each session to align with patient goals and enhance treatment response. Patient goals are revisited regularly to adapt plans as progress is made.

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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 a 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.

Dr. Richard Shehane completed medical school at the University of Nevada School of Medicine and then went on to complete psychiatry residency training at Naval Medical Center San Diego. Dr. Shehane is a board-certified psychiatrist that specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders and ADHD. Dr. Shehane has also worked extensively with patients that have experienced sexual trauma in their past and patients struggling with substance and alcohol use addictions.

Dr. Shehane will focus on two main approaches to mental health treatment: medication management and psychotherapy. Appointments will focus on a mix of interactions aimed at tailoring each patient’s specific medication needs as well as promoting mental health wellness through different types of evidence-based therapy techniques including mindfulness, CBT, CPT and psychodynamic psychotherapy.

Dr. Shehane works together patients to develop a plan that fits each patient’s individual needs. Initial appointments will focus on identifying and treating primary concerns, and then later appointments will center on building upon the therapeutic relationship to increase self-awareness, promote emotional insight, and secure lasting positive mental health changes.

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Dr. Syed Abbasi is an adult psychiatrist who completed his undergraduate education at Rutgers University and earned his medical degree at Ross University. He completed his psychiatry residency training at Creedmoor Psychiatric Center with training at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center, additionally as Chief Resident at Columbia University's Outpatient Adult Psychiatry Eye-6 clinic. Dr. Abbasi is passionate about and experienced in providing holistic, thoughtful, evidence-based care for patients with depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, trauma-related disorders, relationship issues and struggles with self-image. He believes empathy and understanding are the most fundamental components of the doctor-patient relationship. He provides psychiatric medication management and integrates supportive psychotherapy, elements of dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), stress management techniques and lifestyle interventions to meet patients where they are and collaborate toward improvement and optimization of their wellness. Occasionally, when appropriate, he may recommend adding a therapist to your care team for further benefit.

Background and credentials

Dr. Joyln Ferrell is a board-certified psychiatrist with specialized training in treating depression and anxiety disorders. She earned her medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine and also holds a doctorate in pharmacy from the University of Georgia. She completed her residency training in psychiatry at VA Boston/Harvard Medical School and gained significant clinical experience at McLean Hospital. Additionally, she completed a fellowship in psychoanalytic psychotherapy at Columbia University Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Ferrell focuses on providing patient-centered care, emphasizing improving quality of life and helping patients reach their specific treatment goals. Her approach integrates medication management with supportive therapy. She believes in a collaborative treatment process and may recommend additional therapy support when necessary to optimize outcomes. She takes a cautious and limited approach to the use of controlled medications, ensuring responsible medication management.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive assessment of their symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals. Dr. Ferrell takes a thoughtful and individualized approach to care, working with patients to develop a treatment plan that incorporates medication management and supportive therapy. Follow-up visits typically last 20-30 minutes and focus on monitoring progress and adjusting treatment as needed. In some cases, she may recommend involving an additional therapist to further enhance the effectiveness of the treatment plan.

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Why Talkiatry?

We’re a virtual mental health practice that makes it easy to find great care. We combine quality and convenience to help you thrive—faster. Our providers, like this one, are highly trained experts who specialize in medication management and collaborate with you on a treatment plan that fits your needs and comfort level.

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Dr. Ali Imran is double board-certified in Adult Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He completed his psychiatry residency training at SUNY Downstate Medical Center. He completed his Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Hofstra/Northwell Zucker Hillside Hospital. He has practiced in various settings over his career, including inpatient psychiatric units, adult and child outpatient treatment clinics, urgent care centers, and emergency psychiatric treatment centers. Dr. Imran has more than five years of experience treating patients with depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and learning disorders. Dr. Imran's approach is collaborative, supportive, and patient-centered.�

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 the foster care system. He has 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.

Dr. Richard Mullin brings over a decade of experience in outpatient psychiatric care, with prior roles providing treatment to juveniles in detention and adults in jail and prison systems across West Virginia. He completed his medical degree at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University and trained in psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry at West Virginia University. Dr. Mullin emphasizes the importance of truly listening, so patients feel seen and heard.

Dr. Mullin works collaboratively with his patients to identify their main concerns and to build a treatment plan that feels right for them. He believes treatment should be a shared process in which the patient is empowered and supported in their mental health journey.

Taking a "less is more" approach to medication, Dr. Mullin focuses on minimizing prescriptions while still addressing all of a patient’s needs. His goal is to help patients eventually rely more on therapeutic skills than medication. He views treatment as a partnership—balancing his expertise in psychiatry with each patient's lived experience.

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Dr. McGowan is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with over 14 years of experience, during which time he primarily treated active-duty US Navy sailors, their family members, and military retirees in the outpatient setting. His practice focuses on medication management in addition to supportive and cognitive-behavioral therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. He is a strong advocate of multiple treatment modalities and, in certain situations, may suggest that therapy and/or regular physical exercise be included in your treatment plan to provide the best outcome. He received his B.S. in Physics from the United States Naval Academy. After serving as an Intelligence Officer in the Navy for eight years, he transitioned to medicine and earned his medical degree from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, MD. After completing an intern year in Family Medicine, Dr. McGowan completed residency training in Psychiatry at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, VA, where he remained on staff for the next ten years and was primarily involved in resident training and education. He held academic appointments at the Uniformed Services University and Eastern Virginia Medical School and served as the Psychiatry Residency Program Director for six years. He served his final four years in uniform running the behavioral health department at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, WA. He recently retired from the Navy after a 30-year career. Dr. McGowan has extensive experience in outpatient psychiatric care. In addition to the full spectrum of mood and anxiety disorders, he has treated a very large number of patients with PTSD stemming from combat, natural disasters, and sexual trauma. He believes that, like his service to the country, working alongside others in their journey to better mental health is an incredible privilege.

Dr. Saba Mughal is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with over 5 years of experience in providing compassionate, patient-centered care. Specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of a wide range of mental health conditions, Dr. Mughal works closely with individuals facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and OCD.‍Dr. Mughal employs an integrative approach to treatment, combining evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), medication management, and mindfulness techniques, tailored to each patient's needs. In addition to individual therapy, Dr. Mughal collaborates with family members and other healthcare providers to ensure a holistic and coordinated treatment plan.‍With a deep commitment to supporting emotional well-being, Dr. Mughal fosters a warm, non-judgmental environment where patients feel heard, respected, and empowered to take an active role in their mental health journey. Dr. Mughal believes that mental health is integral to overall wellness, and works to reduce stigma surrounding psychiatric care by promoting open dialogue and understanding.‍Dr. Mughal completed her medical school at Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Pakistan and completed her residency training at Nassau University Medical Center, East Meadow, NY. She is a member of APA and a diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. She is passionate about advocating for mental health awareness in the community.

Dr. Swetha Mummini earned her medical degree from SUNY Downstate Medical Center and completed her psychiatry residency at the University of Maryland/Sheppard Pratt. She has worked across various clinical settings, including inpatient units, residential treatment centers, and substance use disorder clinics. Her clinical interests include mood disorders, OCD, women’s mental health, and eating disorders.

Dr. Mummini takes a holistic approach to mental health, recognizing that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. She thoughtfully integrates medication when appropriate, alongside lifestyle changes, sleep, and stress management. She prioritizes strong therapeutic relationships and uses 30-minute follow-up visits that often include elements of psychotherapy.

In the first appointment, Dr. Mummini gathers a thorough psychiatric history, explores current symptoms, and learns about the patient’s goals. She works collaboratively to develop personalized, evidence-based treatment plans, blending integrative psychiatry with ongoing support for long-term well-being.

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 doctorate 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 a 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 experience working with special populations, such as minorities, immigrants, 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.

Dr. Meyen graduated from the University of Missouri School of Medicine and completed her psychiatry residency training at Harvard South Shore. She completed a fellowship in geriatric psychiatry through Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA. Dr. Meyen was employed by the Department of Veteran Affairs for 10 years prior to joining Talkiatry. She is board certified in both adult and geriatric psychiatry. She specializes in depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, OCD, ADHD, and many other mental health disorders.

Dr. Meyen is a Harvard trained, board certified, adult psychiatrist who specializes in creating individually tailored treatment plans for patients using high quality evidence and up-to-date clinical guidelines. She has a passion for shared decision making, which means empathetic listening to each patient, and making a customized plan that supports their individual values and preferences.  

When meeting with a patient for the first time, Dr. Meyen carefully reviews current symptoms, past history, patient values/preferences. She works with the patient to develop individual treatment goals. Dr. Meyen values developing a trusting relationship with each patient and wants each patient to feel heard and valued.

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Dr. Ismail is double board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in both Adult Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She earned her medical degree from Cairo University, where she also completed her neurology residency at Cairo University Hospitals. Following this, she pursued psychiatric training at New York Medical College at St. Vincent’s Hospitals, where she was appointed Chief Resident and recognized as Resident of the Year.

Dr. Ismail further specialized with a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at UMDNJ/Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Her career includes multiple leadership roles, notably serving as Chief of the Child and Adolescent Partial Hospital Programs (PHP) at Rutgers University in Newark, NJ, where she provided direct care to young patients. She has also held Medical Director positions across various clinical settings, including child and adolescent inpatient units, outpatient programs, and intensive outpatient services for both adolescents and adults with mental health and co-occurring substance use disorders.

An active educator, Dr. Ismail has been a teaching faculty member, delivering lectures and providing supervision and evaluations for medical residents and child and adolescent psychiatry fellows. Her academic contributions extend to research, where she has served as a principal investigator on multiple studies.

Throughout her career in leadership and teaching, Dr. Ismail maintained an integrative private practice in New Jersey, serving residents of the NJ and NY metropolitan areas before relocating to North Carolina.

Dr. Ismail is passionate about integrative medicine, which combines evidence-based alternative therapies with conventional treatments to optimize outcomes. Her approach focuses on promoting overall wellness, keeping both the body and mind in harmony.

During the diagnostic evaluation, Dr. Ismail will review your medical history and past treatments to develop a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan that prioritizes your overall wellness. In addition to medication management, she incorporates supportive, cognitive, or psychodynamic psychotherapy during follow-up visits, as time allows. When appropriate, she may also recommend referrals to specialized psychotherapists to address your individual needs as part of a holistic treatment approach.

Dr. Romanow is double board-certified in Adult Psychiatry and Forensic Psychiatry. He graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Medicine/Athletic Training and then attended Drexel University College of Medicine. After medical school, he completed his residency in Adult Psychiatry at the University of Virginia, where he obtained a certificate in additional psychotherapy training. After residency, Dr. Romanow completed a fellowship in Forensic Psychiatry at the University of Virginia. During his fellowship, he trained at the prestigious Institute of Law, Psychiatry, and Public Policy (ILPPP) and Western State Psychiatric Hospital where he performed criminal and civil forensic evaluations. He also provided clinical care at a maximum security prison. Prior to joining Talkiatry, Dr. Romanow worked at a healthcare system in Montana providing inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care involving medication management and psychotherapy. Additionally, he operates a private forensic psychiatry practice that conducts mental health evaluations for the legal system. Dr. Romanow has extensive experience treating various mental health disorders including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and ADHD. His clinical work includes assisting patients who experience mental health disorders with co-occurring substance use problems. He has training in various schools of psychotherapy including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), CBT for insomnia, motivational interviewing and supportive psychotherapy. Dr. Romanow incorporates treatment focusing on the importance of exercise, diet, and good sleep habits as a part of comprehensive mental health care.‍

Dr. Irene Pastis is a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in adult psychiatry.  She completed residency training at East Carolina University in both internal medicine and psychiatry.  After residency, she pursued her passion in psychiatry and stayed on as a clinical assistant professor in the department of psychiatry at East Carolina University.  In this role she specialized in treating adults with mental illness in both the inpatient and outpatient settings.  She has spent a considerable amount of time teaching residents and medical students and has published several papers focusing on the neuroscience pathways of mental health conditions.  In her daily practice, Dr. Pastis focuses on evidence-based treatments utilizing the latest clinical guidelines and current approved treatments.  In addition to medication management, she also incorporates psychotherapy in the treatment of mental health conditions.  Dr. Pastis is passionate about taking a collaborative approach with her patients to help them reach their potential.