OCD Psychiatrists in Colorado

Dr. Mary Stephenson is a board-certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with more than 25 years of clinical experience working with this population. Dr. Stephenson's practice focuses on medication management. She believes that the support and involvement of the family are an integral part of the treatment of the client. Additionally, more therapy support may be needed on occasion, and the recommendation to bring a psychotherapist on the care team may occur to provide an optimal outcome. She received her medical degree from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. She completed her psychiatry residency at the University of Louisville School of Medicine, and her child and adolescent training at the Bingham Child Guidance Center, also part of the University of Louisville, in Louisville, Kentucky. After completion of her training, she moved to Colorado where she worked at The Cleo Wallace Center, in Westminster, CO, providing care for hospitalized youth, and clients in the Day Treatment and Residential setting. In 2000, Dr. Stephenson became the primary Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist on the outpatient team at Denver Health Medical Center in Denver, Colorado. Her role was providing diagnostic evaluations, and medication management in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), and the hospital clinic, working closely with residents, child fellows, and other trainees. She had an academic appointment through the University of Colorado School of Medicine. She treated a varied demographic and had a wide range of diagnoses in the child and adolescent population. From 2016-2021, she worked at Intermountain Health Center in Tucson, AZ providing care in the outpatient setting of the community mental health center. The care was a hybrid model of "in-person” and Telehealth treatment of children and adolescents with various disorders, with an emphasis on diagnostic evaluations of Autism and Autism spectrum disorders.‍

Dr. Jaffarzad is a board eligible adult psychiatrist who completed her undergraduate training at the University of Texas at Austin and earned her medical degree at the American University of the Caribbean. She completed her psychiatry residency at Louisiana State University Our Lady of the Lake Psychiatry Residency Program. After completing residency, she worked in an outpatient setting and provided consultation liaison services at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital. Moreover, she held volunteer academic positions supervising and instructing residents and medical students. She has experience treating culturally diverse patient populations with a variety of mental health conditions. Dr. Jaffarzad primarily offers medication management in conjunction with supportive therapy during follow-up visits. She values the importance of open communication and a strong doctor-patient therapeutic alliance.

Dr. Leslie Chavez is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with a diverse background in clinical and academic medicine. She completed her medical school and residency at the University of New Mexico, where she later served as a psychiatrist and assistant professor, treating high-need patients and teaching residents and medical students. During the pandemic, she transitioned to telehealth and has been dedicated to this field for the past four years. Dr. Chavez is known for making her patients feel seen and heard, using both medication management and supportive psychotherapy. Dr. Chavez began her academic journey as a physics major at UNM and then studied biophysics at the University of San Diego, California. During her postdoctoral fellowship at Los Alamos National Laboratories, she was inspired by presentations about professionals working with patients in African countries, which sparked her interest in medicine. During this time, her father died of cancer, and she saw the impact of mental health therapy on his quality of life, further solidifying her motivation to attend medical school. Witnessing the profound impact of mental health on her patients and family, she specialized in psychiatry. Dr. Chavez is a seasoned psychopharmacologist and emphasizes the importance of nutrition, exercise, and community in mental health. She enjoys all aspects of medicine and combines her extensive knowledge with a patient-centered approach.

Dr. Daniel Weiss is a double board-certified psychiatrist in adult and forensic psychiatry. His expertise is in diagnosing and treating psychiatric conditions, including depression and bipolar spectrum disorders, anxiety, stress and adjustment problems, maternal mental health, OCD, and other disorders. In addition, he has extensive experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, college and graduate students, creative professionals, and a range of working adults. Through a supportive psychopharmacologic approach, Dr. Weiss strives to provide a comfortable experience in which doctor and patient work to understand the presenting problems, reduce symptoms, and optimize functioning. In addition, Dr. Weiss encourages concurrent therapy and will communicate with that provider in a collaborative care arrangement. Dr. Weiss previously served as an attending psychiatrist on the staff of Montefiore Medical Center and was formerly a faculty member at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Before joining Talkiatry, Dr. Weiss spent a decade working at The New School as the university's staff psychiatrist.

Dr. Kodali is an adult psychiatrist who completed his psychiatry residency training at Trinity Health Hospital in Livonia, MI, where he was selected to be chief resident. Prior to this, he received his undergraduate bachelor’s degree in Neurology and Anthropology from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD and received his medical degree from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. He completed the psychodynamic psychotherapy fellowship from the Michigan Psychoanalytic Institute and is adept at incorporating psychotherapy principles in all patient care encounters. He provides psychiatric medication management as well as a combination of therapeutic interventions such as supportive, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic, and lifestyle interventions. Dr. Kodali is trained in treating multiple disorders and diagnoses including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as others. He has experience treating adult patients of all ages in multiple treatment settings including outpatient clinics, inpatient hospitals, and emergency departments.

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Virginia Hogan, PMHNP, is a dedicated psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with experience in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care. She began her career in general surgery and primary care before pursuing her passion for mental health. Virginia earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology, a BSN in Nursing, and a Master of Science in Nursing from Northern Kentucky University. She is board-certified through the ANCC as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

Virginia is deeply committed to patient-centered care, always taking into account and respecting each individual’s unique needs and experiences. She emphasizes patient strengths when setting treatment goals and fosters a supportive, empathetic environment. Patients can expect someone who listens attentively, values collaboration, and works to build a positive and mutually respectful therapeutic relationship.

During the initial session, Virginia encourages patients to share their stories in order to gain a full understanding of their history, concerns, and goals. Together, she and her patients develop individualized treatment plans that align with those goals. Follow-up appointments are designed to track progress, celebrate growth, and make thoughtful adjustments as needed.

Dr. Kristin Ratz is a Board-Certified psychiatrist who is an expert in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional and behavioral disorders. She specializes in medication management combined with supportive therapy during 30-minute follow-up sessions. Dr. Ratz recognizes that each patient is unique and believes in an environment of collaboration, in which the patient and psychiatrist work together in order to develop the best individualized treatment plan. A California local, Dr. Ratz obtained her undergraduate education at University of California, Davis, graduating magna cum laude with a degree in Human Development. She then attended medical school at Loma Linda University School of Medicine, obtaining her Medical Doctorate. Following this, she completed her adult psychiatry residency training at the distinguished University of California, Irvine. Dr. Ratz has worked in a diverse range of healthcare settings, including county and community clinics, and is very experienced in telepsychiatry. She pays close attention to not only an individual's emotional state, but also their physical, spiritual, and social well-being, in order to provide her patients with exceptional holistic care.

Bethanie is a board-certified Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who earned her Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing credentials and a Master’s in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing from Columbia University School of Nursing, where she was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society. She has been in practice for over 10 years, providing care to individuals with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Bethanie also has a strong passion for supporting women’s mental health during the perinatal phase of life.

She believes in a collaborative partnership with her clients, working together to develop a mutually agreed-upon plan of action that maximizes the chances of success.

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Dr. Stephanie Negrey is a board certified psychiatrist. She completed her undergraduate degree in Biology and History at Fordham University in the Bronx and then attended medical school at the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University. She completed her residency at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio as a member of the United States Air Force. Dr. Negrey served as an active duty psychiatrist; her duties included medical director of the mental health clinic at a special operations base as well as a program manager for the Air Force substance use program.

Dr. Negrey has experience treating a wide range of ages and diagnoses, with particular emphasis on personality disorders, depression, anxiety, and post traumatic stress disorder. She integrates supportive and psychodynamic therapies into her medication management appointments with a goal of achieving improvement through a holistic approach. Dr. Negrey will work with patients to reach their goals for their mental health care while also providing a compassionate and collaborative environment.

Dr. Amanda Kerr is a board-certified Psychiatrist. Her practice focuses on medication management, though she passionately believes in a holistic approach. She attended Boston University for her undergraduate studies and Loyola Marymount University for graduate school. She then completed her training at Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine for medical school and Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine for residency, where she was selected to serve as Chief Resident during her final year. After completion of her residency in 2016, she dedicated seven years to serving a wide range of patients in a community mental health setting, both in-person and via telepsychiatry. She also serves as a provider at an Intensive Outpatient Program. She has experience treating patients with depressive and bipolar disorders, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and OCD. She also has extensive teaching experience in various settings. Dr. Kerr has a gentle and approachable style when providing medication management in conjunction with supportive psychotherapy, and at times Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques to more fully address each individual's needs. She utilizes mindfulness approaches as well, which she finds personally meaningful in her practices of meditation and yoga. If Dr. Kerr feels you would benefit from working with a therapist as well, she may recommend and values a collaborative approach.

Bryce Thacker grew up in a rural community, where he learned the value of helping others achieve their best selves to support overall community health and well-being. With a passion for helping people live their best lives, he earned his undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Nebraska and completed his nursing education at Creighton University. He went on to earn a Master of Science in Nursing, specializing as a Family Nurse Practitioner and in Community Health, from Creighton University, and later completed a nursing practice degree at the University of Colorado with a focus on population and community health. He also holds a post-graduate certification in psychiatric mental health from Washburn University.

Bryce practiced family medicine for 18 years before transitioning to psychiatric mental health in 2022. His background in both physical and mental health gives him a holistic perspective on care. Since shifting his focus, he has helped individuals improve their quality of life through medication management for mood disorders, PTSD, anxiety, ADHD, and other mental health conditions. He continues to live in a rural community with his family and remains committed to helping people become their best selves.

Bryce believes that each person’s “best self” is unique and that mental health care should meet individuals where they are. He emphasizes a collaborative, client-centered approach, always keeping the individual’s goals at the heart of care. He is dedicated to helping clients identify and overcome the symptoms and stressors that interfere with their well-being, and he works to dismantle limiting beliefs or labels that may have been placed on them.

By taking the time to understand each person’s challenges and aspirations, Bryce helps clients find sustainable, holistic paths to wellness. His care is grounded in empathy, respect, and a deep commitment to supporting each person’s journey toward a fulfilling and balanced life.

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Dr. Shalin Shah earned his undergraduate degree from Northwestern University, his medical degree from Texas A&M University College of Medicine, and completed psychiatry residency at the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine. He is ABPN certified in Psychiatry and completed a rigorous 3-year psychotherapy scholars track, gaining experience across multiple therapeutic modalities. During residency, he served as outpatient chief resident and was recognized with a selective service excellence and leadership award. Before medical school, he worked as a project manager for a large electronic health corporation.

Dr. Shah believes trust is the foundation of meaningful treatment. He aims to create a space where patients feel seen and supported yet thoughtfully challenged, using genuine curiosity, warm humor, humility, and a direct style. He collaborates with each patient to develop holistic, realistic treatment plans that may or may not include medication. His therapeutic work blends psychodynamic and humanistic approaches, with availability for a limited number of weekly psychotherapy patients.

In the first appointment, Dr. Shah explores each patient’s life story, asking detailed questions to understand them as a whole person. He then focuses on their immediate concerns and works collaboratively over time to refine a treatment plan that balances symptom relief with deeper, long-term healing. He thinks integrative and holistically, considering medical and mental health history, lifestyle, self-narrative, psychological structure, cultural and spiritual background, and broader societal influences.

Dr. Ritchie is trained in both adult and child & adolescent psychiatry, with a focus on the diagnosis and treatment of depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma- and stressor-related disorders, and ADHD.  He received his bachelor's degree in biology with a minor in French, from The University of Central Florida. Dr. Ritchie completed medical school at Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine. Following medical school, he completed General psychiatry residency and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. His professional experiences include working in inpatient psychiatric hospitals, consult-liaison psychiatry, outpatient clinics, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), partial hospitalization programs (PHP), and emergency rooms. This broad range of experience allows him to provide comprehensive, individualized care to patients at all stages of life.

Dr. Ritchie emphasizes a holistic approach, combining medication management and psychotherapy. He utilizes principles from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and supportive psychotherapy This method is supported by research indicating improved patient outcomes.

Patients can anticipate a thorough initial evaluation during their first visit with Dr. Ritchie. He conducts a comprehensive assessment to understand the patient's symptoms, history, and personal circumstances. This session sets the foundation for collaboratively developing an individualized treatment plan focused on the patient's specific needs and goals.

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Background and credentials

Dr. Gerald Matthews is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. He earned his medical degree from the University of Louisville School of Medicine in Louisville, KY. Following medical school, he entered active duty service in the U.S. Army, where he completed his psychiatry residency at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, HI. After completing his training, he practiced as a staff psychiatrist at Fort Hood, TX, fulfilling his service obligation.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Matthews specializes in medication management, working primarily with adult patients in an outpatient setting. While his primary focus is pharmacological treatment, he frequently collaborates with therapists to provide comprehensive care when indicated. He has extensive experience treating civilians, active-duty military personnel, and veterans, addressing conditions such as mood and anxiety disorders, psychosis, and trauma-related disorders.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a thorough psychiatric evaluation where Dr. Matthews takes time to understand their history, symptoms, and treatment goals. He provides a structured yet compassionate approach to care, discussing medication options and potential therapeutic interventions. For patients who may benefit from additional therapy, he collaborates with therapists to ensure a well-rounded treatment plan tailored to each individual's needs.

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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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Suzann Gordon, DNP is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who graduated with her Doctor in Nursing Practice from the University of Nevada Reno. Her years of experience in the mental health field began when she became a behavioral health counselor working with adolescents, then as a psychiatric nurse working with patients across the life span. She's worked in various healthcare settings including pediatric and adolescent residential treatment, acute inpatient care and outpatient as a nurse case manager on the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team for the state hospital.

Since Suzann has become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, she has worked in community health clinics providing both psychiatric medication management and medication-assisted treatment to patients. She has treated patients with various diagnoses including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, bipolar disorders, schizoaffective disorders, schizophrenias, alcohol abuse disorder and substance use disorders.

As a nurse practitioner, she believes in focusing on patient-centered care, providing a holistic approach to patient management and having a collaborative approach to mental health treatment. She uses supportive psychotherapy and at times cognitive behavioral therapy to help her patients change their thoughts and behaviors in managing their stressors.

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Ms. Celeste Boyd is a dual board certified Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner.  She is the CEO and Founder of Metamorphosis Psyche, a psychiatric mental health resource platform.  She has practiced in family medicine since 2011 and psychiatric mental health medicine since 2013.  She has clinical experience and expertise in substance use disorders, addiction rehabilitation, sleep medicine, general psychiatry, and serious mental illness (SMI) in both private and public sectors.  In Academia, she has extended her knowledge and experience as Adjunct Clinical Faculty at School of Nursing Graduate Programs.

Since 2017, Ms. Boyd has been practicing general psychiatry in the outpatient private sector.  Ms. Boyd provides medication management and psychotherapy for acute, chronic, and comorbid psychiatric conditions that include Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Mood Disorders, ADHD, OCD, and PTSD.  Her clinical treatment modalities include supportive therapy, solution-focused therapy, motivational enhancement, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

As a clinician, she promotes mental health awareness to reduce stigmatization and empower those suffering and struggling with mental illness. Ms. Boyd clinical practices are oriented towards the Mental Health Recovery Model, which permits individuals to go through an active process of change, being in control, strengthening, and empowering themselves to improve their mental health and well-being.