PTSD Psychiatrists in Washington

Background and credentials

Dr. Phillip Azouz is a board-certified general adult psychiatrist. He earned his medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School, where he was awarded the Albert M. Barret Award for Distinguished Performance in Psychiatry. He completed his psychiatric residency at Florida Atlantic University. Prior to medical school, he obtained his undergraduate degree in economics with honors from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. His background includes research at the Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Center and the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind-Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. Additionally, he worked as a Mental Health Specialist at McLean Psychiatric Hospital.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Azouz provides a relaxed, conversational, and non-judgmental space for patients to reflect on and integrate all aspects of their lives. He believes that vulnerability is key to healing and growth and works with individuals seeking to improve mood, reduce anxiety, enhance sleep, boost attention, or heal from trauma. His approach blends the latest research in medical treatment with insights from psychotherapy and coaching. He specializes in treating major depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, addiction, and personality disorders.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive and collaborative evaluation where Dr. Azouz takes the time to understand their symptoms, challenges, and goals. He fosters an open and supportive environment, ensuring that treatment plans are personalized and aligned with each patient’s unique needs. His approach integrates evidence-based medication management, psychotherapy techniques, and coaching strategies to help patients achieve their full potential.

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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. Ocean Workman, MD, has experience in outpatient, inpatient, and psychiatric emergency settings. They earned their medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and completed residency in psychiatry at the University of Washington, where they served as Outpatient Chief Resident and completed an area of distinction in psychotherapy. Dr. Workman also holds a Master of Science in Nutrition and Human Performance from Logan University and is a 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher trained in Rishikesh, India. They have a special interest in serving LGBTQIA+, kink/sex-positive, and non-monogamous communities.

Dr. Workman’s style is warm, collaborative, and grounded in respect for each patient’s individuality. They combine evidence-based and personalized treatments that may include medication management, psychotherapy (ACT, DBT, CBT, psychodynamic, and supportive modalities), and holistic wellness approaches. Dr. Workman strives to create a safe, affirming space where patients can explore and grow in ways aligned with their values.

In the initial sessions, Dr. Workman conducts a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s goals, values, history, and concerns. Together, they develop a tailored treatment plan that reflects the patient’s unique needs, emphasizing shared decision-making and ongoing collaboration.

Dr. David Wait, MD is American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology certified and a fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. A skilled psychopharmacologist and psychotherapist, he has over 30 years’ experience successfully helping people overcome a diverse range of emotional, psychiatric, and addiction challenges.

David was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and is a graduate of Augustana College. He obtained his MD at the USD School of Medicine. His residency was at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in Little Rock where he was trained in both psychotherapy and biological management of psychiatric challenges.

Following residency training, Dr. Wait continued to work with UAMS and the State of Arkansas in research and program development focusing on implementing and then teaching novel strengths focused care for people with severe mental illness for the first 12 years of his career.

Later, Dr. Wait moved with his wife and three children to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. He has since been in clinical practice and leadership roles in inpatient, outpatient, and telehealth psychiatric care settings.

Rather than focus primarily on illness or problems, Dr. Wait’s approach is to first evaluate his patients comprehensively, then utilize what’s learned from this to treat and empower them to make and then practice choices that lead to improved health and well-being, using an integrative model that recognizes that mental, physical, social, and spiritual health are one.

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Dr. Anil Joseph (AJ) Kulangara completed additional training in Psychiatry at the University of Washington after working primarily in women’s health, primary care, and military medicine as a Battalion Surgeon in the United States Army.  Following his military service, he trained in Psychiatry and served the mental health needs of our Veteran population. He is excited to now bring his unique expertise and experiences to Talkiatry, as well as his additional training in Women’s Mental Health, Reproductive and Perinatal Psychiatry, PTSD, and trauma-informed ADHD evaluation and treatment.

Dr. AJ’s approach focuses on behavioral change, with medication management and supportive therapies serving as important (and often essential) adjuvants to optimizing mental health.

During your first meetings with Dr. AJ, you should expect a thorough evaluation of your clinical and social histories, as well as some introductory psychoeducation.  Following that screening, anticipate a discussion about his approach to your condition and an initial treatment plan.  Please feel free to bring up any questions or concerns at any time during this process, and note-taking is highly encouraged!

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Dr. Dave Kopacz studied psychology, medicine, and psychiatry at the University of Illinois. He has over 25 years of clinical experience, most recently 11 years at the Seattle Veterans Affairs and as a national VA Whole Health Education Champion, teaching holistic self-care to staff and veterans. Prior to that, Dr. Kopacz was Clinical Director of a psychiatric rehabilitation center in New Zealand. He has worked in private practice, rural community mental health, and ran a VA tele-health program for Native American/Alaskan and Pasifika veterans.

Dr. Kopacz is board certified in Psychiatry & Integrative Medicine, a certified yoga instructor and a certified iRest (Integrative Restoration) meditation teacher. He is an author and international speaker on topics of burnout, well-being, medical humanities, creativity and health, and cross-cultural approaches to healing. His books include Caring for Self & Others: Transforming Burnout, Compassion Fatigue, and Soul Loss, and Re-humanizing Medicine. He has also co-authored four books with Joseph Rael (Beautiful Painted Arrow), including Walking the Medicine Wheel: Healing Trauma & PTSD.

"What is your typical process for working with patients?"

Dr. Kopacz combines psychiatric diagnosis with a collaborative and holistic focus on your strengths and personal growth. Combining a psychiatric and self-care assessment, he will help you find a plan for medication, psychotherapy, and well-being work that feels right for you.

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Margaret Ngumi, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, is a dual board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of experience in healthcare. She began her career as a Family Nurse Practitioner and later pursued a post-master’s certification in psychiatry to address the growing need for accessible mental health services. Margaret has extensive experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings, treating conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, mood disorders, and substance use disorders.

She takes a collaborative, patient-centered approach to care, creating a safe and supportive environment where individuals feel heard and empowered. With a strong emphasis on holistic care, Margaret considers all aspects of a patient’s well-being—including lifestyle, relationships, and overall health. Whether through medication management, therapy, or lifestyle modifications, she is committed to helping patients achieve meaningful and lasting improvements in their mental health.

Margaret begins with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to understand each patient’s history, concerns, and goals. She then works closely with them to develop a personalized care plan that may include medication, therapy, and evidence-based lifestyle interventions. She prioritizes open communication, patient education, and ongoing collaboration to ensure treatment remains effective and evolves with each patient’s needs. Through her compassionate and evidence-based approach, Margaret is dedicated to helping individuals find balance and improve their overall quality of life.

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Dr. Megan Crochet is board certified in Adult Psychiatry and has completed a fellowship in child and adolescent Psychiatry. Dr. Crochet attended medical school at Drexel University College of Medicine and completed her training at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, followed by Tulane University School of Medicine, where she was a chief resident. Dr. Crochet provides a therapeutic medication management visit, which incorporates therapeutic techniques tailored to the individual patient needs while adjusting medication doses. Her goal is to help patients manage their symptoms while working towards, over time, uncovering the root causes. This comprehensive process helps to empower her patients and provides hope and acceptance of their psychiatric challenges. If indicated, Dr. Crochet may believe that additional therapy is also needed and recommend that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome. Dr. Crochet has worked in hospital systems, private practice, and most recently telemedicine. When not practicing, she enjoys all things water, cooking and spending time with her daughter and dog.

Dr. Regina Fu is a board-certified psychiatrist who began her interest in Psychiatry while studying Psychobiology at UCLA. After completing her General Psychiatry residency at University of Rochester, she emphasizes a holistic approach to mental health treatment using the biopsychosocial foundation. Her approach to patient care combines evidence-based medicine while recognizing the individual factors that can influence well-being. She has a special interest in Cultural Psychiatry and prioritizes providing personalized and effective care to a diverse patient population.

Dr. Barbara Lampert is a board certified psychiatrist, diplomat of The American Board of Addiction Medicine, and Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine. She trained at the Downstate School of Medicine in Brooklyn, NY, completed her internship at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, and her residency in Psychiatry at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA in Los Angeles. Over 30 years, she has worked in inpatient and outpatient settings, taught 3rd-year residents psychopharmacology in the Mood Disorder clinic she created, consulted in the prison system, and volunteered in the aftermath of natural disasters. She joined the New Mexico Medical Reserve Corps and was active in the Corps while working in her private practice. She continued to study the effects of trauma when she returned to California in 2008. She received specialized training in EMDR and Dialectic Behavior Therapy. In addition, she studied substance abuse problems and became a Diplomate of the American Board of Addiction Medicine. Empathy forms the core of Dr. Lampert's approach to treating patients. Working with trauma survivors, she believes that the goal is not to dwell on "the story” because patients often need time to reconstruct an accurate history. Rather, helping patients manage the challenge of living in the present moment is a worthy goal. Dr. Lampert has been named one of the Best Doctors in America for the treatment of mood disorders and one of the Best Doctors in California. She has remained dedicated to the dual path she's followed for years: excellence in Biological Psychiatry and psychology. She looks forward to working with you to help you achieve your treatment goals.

Amber Gordon, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner dedicated to providing personalized mental health care. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration from the University of Memphis, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Union University, and a nursing practice degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

With over a decade of clinical experience, Gordon has worked in a variety of settings, including psychiatry, intensive care, and dialysis. Her psychiatric experience spans inpatient and outpatient care, as well as residential and correctional facilities. She has served diverse populations, addressing a wide range of mental health conditions such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, trauma- and stressor-related disorders, and perinatal psychiatric conditions.

Gordon’s approach to mental health emphasizes the complex interplay between mental and physical well-being, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors. She integrates conventional medicine with alternative therapies, recognizing the importance of medication while also advocating for therapy, nutrition, and lifestyle changes. This holistic philosophy reflects her belief in each patient’s unique journey to mental wellness. Her therapeutic style is described as warm, empathetic, and empowering, with a strong focus on building a trusting and connected therapeutic relationship.

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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. Mary Lou Gutierrez is board-certified in both Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and General Psychiatry, with over 20 years of clinical experience. She earned her M.D. from Loyola University Medical Center, where she also completed her residency in Adult Psychiatry. She pursued fellowship training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Northwestern University’s Children’s Memorial Hospital. Her past roles include Medical Director for Compass Health Center’s Under 18 Program and Attending Psychiatrist at Loyola. She has been recognized as a “Top Doctor” in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry by US News and World Report and Negocios Now.

Dr. Gutierrez fosters a warm, collaborative environment where patients and families feel supported and understood. She emphasizes open communication and works closely with patients to define meaningful, realistic treatment goals. Her holistic, family-centered approach integrates medication management, therapy, and psychoeducation with a deep commitment to cultural sensitivity and compassionate care.

Dr. Gutierrez begins by learning each patient’s personal story, clinical history, and goals through a comprehensive evaluation. She creates individualized, evidence-based treatment plans tailored to each child’s unique needs and family context. She continuously collaborates with patients, families, and care teams to ensure treatment remains effective, combining psychotherapy, medication management, and coordination with other providers and resources.

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. Jennifer Ruch is a board-certified psychiatrist who strives to understand her patients' lived experiences and aspirations to develop supportive therapeutic relationships through empathetic listening, mutual trust, and respect. She collaboratively creates individualized care plans that align with personal treatment goals in a safe and judgment-free environment. After completing her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Biology with a focus in psychology from the University of California, Merced, she earned her medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Ruch completed her General Psychiatry Residency at Arnot Ogden Medical Center in New York. Her clinical experience involves treating individuals of all age groups from diverse populations and socioeconomic backgrounds suffering from anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, and neurocognitive disorders. She has provided care in inpatient and outpatient psychiatric facilities, the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, emergency rooms, state facilities, and an inpatient chemical dependency center. She also performed pre-procedure psychological evaluations for bariatric and spinal cord surgeries, and psychiatric consult liaison services on medical units and has clinical training in inpatient and outpatient neurology. Her clinical experience incorporated treatment modalities such as pharmacotherapy and interventional psychiatry, including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Spravato. Dr. Ruch integrates a wide array of psychotherapy as needed; however, her practice primarily focuses on medication management while utilizing referrals to therapists and providing collaborative care for optimal outcomes.

Dr. Catherine Shim is a board-certified psychiatrist and completed her training at the University of Washington, where she received additional certifications in Psychotherapy and Community Psychiatry.  Prior to joining Talkiatry, she spent years serving the mental health needs of underserved communities as well as our Veteran population.  Dr. Cat is excited to bring that same dedication and selfless service to her Talkiatry patients!

Dr. Cat is experienced in managing a multitude of mental health conditions, but her specialty is providing behaviorally oriented trauma-informed care.  Her approach is to treat primarily through psychotherapy and behavioral change, with medication management serving as an important (and often essential) adjuvant to optimizing mental health.

Dr. Cat tends to have a very casual engagement style, so expect a frank but open conversation during your first meetings with her.  Following that initial screening, anticipate a candid discussion about her approach to your condition and an initial treatment plan.  Please feel free to bring up any questions or concerns at any time during this process, and note-taking is highly encouraged!

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Dr. Emily Hutchison is a psychiatrist who earned her medical degree at the University of Washington School of Medicine. She brings over 20 years of experience treating patients with chronic illnesses and integrates whole health practices into her clinical approach. In addition to her medical training, she holds a master’s degree in Adult Fitness and Cardiac Rehabilitation, which informs her focus on the connection between physical and mental health. Dr. Hutchison’s practice is grounded in promoting well-being through a holistic lens that considers the whole person.

Dr. Hutchison prioritizes creating a collaborative relationship with every patient, tailoring treatment to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual. She believes in the importance of open communication, mutual trust, and shared decision-making as the foundation for effective care. Patients can expect a supportive and respectful environment where their experiences are valued, and treatment is approached as a partnership.

In her work, Dr. Hutchison begins by exploring each patient’s personal experiences and symptoms in depth, with the goal of understanding the whole picture of their health. She develops holistic treatment plans that integrate both medical and lifestyle considerations to support long-term wellness. Known for her punctuality, excellent communication, and genuine regard for every patient, Dr. Hutchison strives to ensure that care is not only effective but also compassionate and individualized.