OCD Psychiatrists in New Jersey

Dr. Mann is a double board-certified psychiatrist specializing in the care of adults, with additional expertise in the care of older adults. Her practice focuses on medication management for a wide range of psychiatric conditions. It incorporates various therapeutic modalities in order to optimize symptomatic improvement and enhance quality of life. Dr. Mann received her medical degree from St. George's University School of Medicine. She completed her residency training in psychiatry at Maimonides Medical Center, and fellowship training in geriatric psychiatry at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Dr. Mann's approach is rooted in empathy. She believes in the importance of a strong therapeutic relationship in facilitating the healing process. She strives to empower patients on their journey to recovery by partnering with them in their care.

Dr. Shahan Syed is a Board-Eligible Psychiatrist who offers personable, compassionate, and empathetic care. Before completing his residency in psychiatry, Dr. Syed graduated from International American University College of Medicine and recently completed his residency at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in Paramus, NJ. He gained experience as a clinical researcher, emergency medical technician, and a registered nurse in both psychiatric and emergency departments prior to his formal training. This diverse background equipped him with valuable tools to deliver empathetic care to a wide range of patients with experience treating anxiety disorder, traumatic disorders, depressive and bipolar disorders, substance use disorders, ADHD, OCD, and psychotic disorders. During his residency, Dr. Syed also took on the role of chief resident, demonstrating a remarkable ability to educate both his patients and colleagues. Throughout his residency, Dr. Syed actively pursued additional training opportunities at various safety net hospitals in New Jersey to care for underserved populations.

Dr. Syed places significant importance on collaborating with patients and all relevant parties to gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors affecting the patient's life before making treatment recommendations. Additionally, Dr. Syed emphasizes the importance of lifestyle, sleep, mindfulness, and nutrition, and their impact on overall mental health. He has experience in utilizing interpersonal and supportive psychotherapy, along with principles of motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral therapy, to foster resilience and meaningful change in partnership with other mental health professionals involved in patient care.

Dr. Syed employs a range of therapeutic methods alongside medication management to ensure a thorough and holistic approach for every patient. His goal is to create a safe environment that encourages healing and wellness, enabling individuals to remain motivated and live their lives to the fullest.

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Dr. Brenda Y. Camacho holds the position of Staff Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. She is board-certified in Adult Psychiatry. She has been practicing for over 25 years. While having treated a wide range of adult patients, Dr. Camacho's primary focus is treating adult outpatients with mood or psychotic disorders. Her practice focuses on medication management. Typically, she offers this in conjunction with supportive or insight-oriented therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. On occasion, Dr. Camacho will believe additional therapy is also needed and asks that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome. Dr. Camacho completed her undergraduate studies at Tufts University. She received her medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, PA and then continued with Temple for her residency in adult psychiatry. After completing training, Dr. Camacho worked at Cooper Hospital in Camden, NJ as Associate Director of Consultation/Liaison Service and Psychiatry Residency Training and Co-Director of the Neuropsychiatry Clinic. She then began working exclusively in outpatient settings, joined NewPoint Behavioral Health Care, and served as Medical Director before and after their merge with Acenda Integrated Health.

Education and training

Stony Brook University (Bachelor of Science)

American University of Integrative Sciences (MD)

Davenport University (MBA)

Bergen New Bridge Medical Center (residency)

University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center/Case Western Reserve University (fellowship)

Dr. Mohammed Islam is board certified in both General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. He completed his undergraduate studies at Stony Brook University and attended medical school at the American University of Integrative Sciences. He completed his psychiatry residency training at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center followed by completion of a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at University Hospitals/Case Western Reserve University where he served as Chief Fellow. Prior to joining Talkiatry, he has trained/worked in a combination of various healthcare systems across New York, New Jersey, Ohio and Kentucky.

Dr. Islam treats patients of various ages- in addition to medication management he is a strong proponent of therapy in various forms. His approach to the treatment of adults and children/adolescents incorporates the impact of various things such as family history of mental health/medical conditions as well as any adverse childhood experiences/trauma. In addition to screening for common conditions such as bipolar disorder, anxiety and depression in all patients, he also emphasizes the importance of screening for conditions that can manifest in childhood (such as ADHD, Autism) as well as first-episode psychosis in young adults.

From the initial visit and onward, Dr. Islam prioritizes a collaborative effort with his patients (and at times their families). In addition to medication adjustments, he emphasizes the importance of optimizing additional tools such as therapy while making appropriate lifestyle changes. During every follow up visit, he takes care to ensure that the current treatment is not hindering his patient’s progress in any way.

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Melissa Racklin is a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience. She works with individuals who have a wide variety of mental health challenges. Melissa helps individuals to work through symptoms that are holding them back and help them live a better, more fulfilling life.‍Melissa is experienced in the areas of panic disorders, generalized anxiety, OCD, phobias, separation anxiety. She particularly enjoys working with adults who are motivated to grow through the process of therapy. Melissa has worked extensively with clients who have depression, bipolar disorder, women's issues, ADHD, personality disorders, marital/relationship issues along with couples counseling, divorce, self-harm, adjustment disorders, and more. Melissa holds certification in clinical supervision as well as school social worker certification. And has training in red flags for suicidality.‍Melissa's approach is custom-tailored for each individual client. She has a supportive, genuine, and authentic style of treatment. Melissa is warm and empathic and strives to create a safe and trusting therapeutic environment for her clients. She utilizes active listening skills and is intuitive and skilled in various modalities of treatment. Most often, Melissa uses CBT, DBT, and a psychodynamic approach in her work with clients.

Dr. Panchal is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who works with motivated adults to navigate and discover the root of their mental health struggles. Since working in private practice, Dr. Panchal knows that discovering the root of difficulties allows clients to find healthy perceptions of themselves and strengthen their relationships so they can know themselves as a whole. She is trained in multiple therapeutic modalities as well as medication management, implementing individually tailored treatment. Her educational background includes training in psychodynamic psychotherapy with the Psychoanalytic Association of New York. She has completed her psychiatry training at Delaware Psychiatry Residency Program in New Castle, Delaware.

Dr. Illise Perlmutter is the Director of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Talkiatry. She is double board-certified in child and adolescent psychiatry and adult psychiatry. Before joining Talkiatry, Dr. Perlmutter was the Chair of Behavioral Health and Addiction Services at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center. Prior to Bergen New Bridge, she was the Director of Inpatient Psychiatry at Montefiore Medical Center-Wakefield, in New York. Over 35 years, Dr. Perlmutter has held numerous leadership roles with some of the largest hospital systems in the New York Metro Area. Dr. Perlmutter is a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, a Fellow of the American College of Psychiatrists, and a Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She has received awards for her contributions both locally and nationally. Dr. Perlmutter was included in Castle Connolly's "America's Top Doctors” list from 2006-2011 and 2017, as well as "Best Doctors in America” from 2009- 2012. Dr. Perlmutter received her MD from George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. After an internship in pediatrics, she completed a residency in Psychiatry at Mt. Sinai Medical Center followed by a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Columbia University/New York State Psychiatric Institute. Dr. Perlmutter has held leadership roles in several academic institutions and is a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington, D.C. Dr. Perlmutter has authored numerous publications and research articles and has lectured and presented extensively on clinical, epidemiologic, and psychopharmacologic issues in child and adolescent psychiatry. She has made frequent media appearances addressing topical issues in disaster psychiatry during the course of her work in disaster psychiatry outreach.

Xavier Diao, MD (he/him) is a board-certified psychiatrist. He earned his undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Biological Sciences at the University of Maryland, where he also obtained his medical degree. Dr. Diao completed his psychiatry residency at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, received additional training in child and adolescent psychiatry at Columbia and Cornell, and finished a psychoanalytic fellowship at the New York Psychoanalytic Society & Institute. Prior to joining Talkiatry, he was an Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania, where he provided clinical care and teaching along the undergraduate-graduate medical education continuum.

Dr. Diao's therapeutic orientation is informed by psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, and dialectical behavior modalities. He has expertise in the treatment of a diverse range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD. Dr. Diao uses a developmentally informed and LGBTQ-affirmative approach in his practice, with the aim of enriching meaning and alleviating suffering in the domains of work, play, and love.

Dr. Diao begins each encounter with gentle curiosity, inviting patients to share their stories without fear of judgment. Together, he crafts an individualized treatment plan with the patient that may include medication, psychotherapy, and/or referrals to subspecialty care, always in close collaboration with other members on the treatment team.

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Dr. Niles Drake is a board certified psychiatrist skilled in prescribing medications and working in psychotherapy. He combines a warm demeanor with excellent clinical skills, and has over 15 years' experience working with adult patients of all ages and many walks of life. He has special expertise combining medication and psychotherapy to help patients reduce symptoms and grow as individuals. Dr. Drake's additional training and experience in psychological modes of treatment enhance the quality of care he provides to all his patients, to meet them where they are and prioritize their individual needs and goals. He also provides medication management-only treatments for people who aren't looking for psychotherapy or who already have therapists. Dr. Drake completed his psychiatric residency at Columbia University Medical Center in New York. He also completed psychoanalytic training at the Columbia Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research. He went on to teach classes at the Center, educating candidates about the nuances of combining psychotherapy with other treatment modalities. In addition to providing outpatient psychiatric treatment for over 10 years in private practice, he has worked extensively in psychiatric emergency settings, supervising residents as attending physician at Columbia-New York Presbyterian Hospital and Long Island Jewish Hospital psychiatric emergency rooms. He also has special expertise treating college-aged and young adult patients, having served as staff psychiatrist at Barnard College's Furman Counseling Center and worked with many students from Barnard and Columbia in his private practice. Dr. Drake offers treatment for many psychiatric conditions, including but not limited to depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and personality disorders. He identifies helping people ease and overcome their psychiatric conditions as his calling, and approaches each patient with humility, diligence, and a collaborative spirit.

Dr. Schwartz is a board-certified Staff Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He completed his residency at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in Paramus, New Jersey, where he excelled in his leadership and knowledge, becoming the Chief Resident in just his third year of residency at the busiest outpatient behavioral health clinic in New Jersey. Upon completion of his third year of residency, he went on to become Chief Academic Resident of his program, which allowed him to bestow his knowledge of psychiatry on younger psychiatrists in training. After completing his residency in General Psychiatry, he went on to complete a fellowship in the prestigious Mount Sinai Health System in New York City, based primarily out of the Beth Israel location. During this fellowship he studied Consultation-liaison psychiatry, also known as psychosomatic medicine. It is an exciting subspecialty of psychiatry that focuses on the care of patients with comorbid psychiatric and general medical conditions. Consultation-liaison psychiatry deals with the understanding and advancement of medical science, education, and the provision of healthcare for medically ill and complex patients. Using his training, Dr. Schwartz can focus on using his extensive medication knowledge to help treat an array of psychiatric disorders. Despite medication management, he also works on a holistic approach to psychiatry, including working with the patient to get the proper therapy services when clinically indicated. During the initial interview, a thorough assessment is done, including any medical and psychiatric history, medications you may be currently taking, and supplements before any medication is dispensed. Using his knowledge in psychiatry and consult-liaison psychiatry, Dr. Schwartz's interests include depression, anxiety, ADHD, obsessive compulsive and related disorders, transgender patients on hormone therapies and post-surgical transition. He also has an extensive interest in medical illnesses with a psychiatric component such as cancer patients, transplant, HIV, and many others alike. He looks forward to working with you to enhance your emotional well-being.

Dr. Caitlin Schroen completed her Psychiatry residency at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in Piscataway, NJ. She received her bachelor's degree in Psychology from Fordham University and then attended medical school at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University. Dr. Schroen provides psychiatric services to adults ages 18 and older. She focuses on medication management and psychoeducation, often along with supportive therapy. With a patient-centered approach, Dr. Schroen believes in fostering a safe and non-judgmental environment where individuals can openly discuss their mental health concerns. Dr. Schroen is well-versed in a wide spectrum of psychiatric conditions and offers evidence-based treatments tailored to each patient's unique needs. She has a particular interest in treating mood disorders, anxiety disorders, OCD, and ADHD. Dr. Schroen is passionate about reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and strives to provide the highest quality care to help individuals lead happier and more fulfilling lives.

Dr. Komal Shah, M.D. is double board certified in adult & geriatric psychiatry. She did her residency at Nassau University Medical Center, New York & then did fellowship in geriatric psychiatry at LIJ-Albert Einstein school, New York. She has been practicing psychiatry for over 25 years.  

Dr. Shah has extensive experience in evaluating & managing a variety of psychiatric disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, dementia, etc. She held an academic position as a clinical assistant professor at Rutgers-UBHC for several years. Dr. Shah has worked in various clinical settings including inpatient, outpatient clinics, partial hospital programs, nursing homes, thus serving vast variety of patient populations. She has also volunteered her services at NAMI (National Alliance for mental illness)-SAMHAJ to create & promote awareness of mental health issues in the community. All this makes her a very well experienced & efficient psychiatrist.  

Dr. Komal Shah believes in creating a strong therapeutic alliance first with her patients based on mutual trust & honesty. Her primary modality of treatment is medication management, but she may also provide supportive psychotherapy and education, practicing evidence-based medicine. Dr. Shah likes to collaborate patient care with their medical providers and/or therapist.

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Dr. Wasser is a staff psychiatrist at Talkiatry, dedicated to providing compassionate and effective care through telepsychiatry. He completed his undergraduate studies at Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where he focused on Neuroscience and Pre-Medical studies. Subsequently, he pursued his medical degree at Rocky Vista University in Parker, Colorado before completing his psychiatry residency at HCA Aurora in Aurora, Colorado. Dr. Wasser was the recipient of the Chairman's Crystal Distinction of Excellence Award, rewarding a resident's exemplary performance and endorsing a resident's future success in the field of psychiatry. With a strong foundation in both neuroscience and psychiatry, Dr. Wasser approaches each patient with a deep understanding of the mind-body connection and the complexities of mental health. When Dr. Wasser is not providing professional care, he is an advocate for personal health and wellness. He enjoys spending quality time with his wife and family, staying active through exercise, relaxing at the Jersey Shore, and exploring new travel destinations.

Dr. Wasser's approach to patient care is rooted in empathy, trust, and collaboration. He is dedicated to listening closely to each patient's unique concerns and crafting personalized treatment plans that address both immediate symptoms and long-term mental well-being. His specialties include managing mood disorders, anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and stress-related conditions, with a particular emphasis on helping individuals navigate life transitions and mental health challenges.

Dr. Wasser believes in a thorough and patient-centered approach. During the first session, he takes the time to understand his patient’s history, current struggles, and goals for treatment. Together, they establish clear and realistic objectives to guide the treatment process. Dr. Wasser offers a combination of psychotherapy, medication management, and wellness strategies to support his patients. He values open communication and ensures that every patient feels heard and empowered throughout their mental health journey.

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Dr. Esha Garg is a board-certified psychiatrist starting her post-graduate practice with Talkiatry. After completing an undergraduate degree in psychology at Johns Hopkins University, she completed her medical degree at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. She is a recent graduate from the Adult Psychiatry Residency at University of Kansas Medical Center.

Dr. Garg's practice focuses on medication management but she believes in the importance of both therapy and medication management in treating mental illness. She offers medication management with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow up visits. She also utilizes referrals to therapists to enhance collaborative care and management of illness.

Dr. Garg believes in the importance of building a strong therapeutic relationship. She focuses on treating patients with depression and anxiety disorders. She believes in a holistic, patient-centered approach to care and encourages patient's to explore their physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs in addition to their mental health.

Dr. Tahira Akbar specializes in adult psychiatry, she completed her four years of residency training at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in Paramus NJ and additional two years of geriatric psychiatry fellowship from SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY. During her final year of the of residency training, she was appointed as the chief of research. She utilized her extensive research experience to guide and mentor her fellow residents. Under her supervision the program submitted maximum number of research papers and presented medical posters to various psychiatric platforms including American Psychiatric Association.

Dr. Akbar was introduced to tele-psychiatry during the second year of her fellowship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She appreciated that tele-psychiatry allowed her to continue to serve her patients in the comfort of their own homes. During the challenging times of social distancing, she recognized the importance of collaborative care involving family members, social workers, medical team, and therapist to work together in the best interest of her patients while protecting their privacy and individuality.

Dr. Akbar has excellent communication skills, she believes that an open communication is essential for any relationship to prosper especially that of doctor-patient relationship. She provides a comforting environment for her patients to be able to express their needs and encourages feedback while preparing their individual treatment plan. She is experienced in providing psychiatric care to all age groups while her clinical interest focuses on taking care of adults and geriatric population. Dr. Akbar emphases on medication management utilizing a multidisciplinary methodology when treating each patient based on their requirements and tailoring treatment appropriately.

Dr. Goel holds the position of Staff Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. She has completed adult psychiatry training and is board certified. She has been actively involved in mental health care in various capacities over the past 7 years.

Dr. Goel's practice focuses on psychopharmacological interventions. Typically, she combines this with a strong emphasis on Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). Dr. Goel also strongly believes that the best outcomes are achieved, when you treat a person and not just illness.

She received her medical degree from one of the largest publicly funded medical schools in India, L.L.R.M. Medical College, Meerut, India, before moving to the US. She gained experience in mental and behavioral health in various roles at some of the most prestigious institutions in the US, namely Northwestern University, Emory University, and North Shore-LIJ. She completed her residency at Nassau University Medical Center, East Meadow, NY. Dr. Goel has been a co-author of several research papers. Her team's research work has also been presented at national and international meetings as well.

While Dr. Goel enjoys working with adults with various psychiatric disorders, her primary focus is on treating adults with various anxiety and depressive disorders. Dr. Goel also has a special interest in co-occuring sleep disorders with these conditions.

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