Background and credentials
Dr. Agarwal is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. He obtained his bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences from the University of California at Irvine and graduated cum laude with his medical degree from the American University of Antigua. Dr. Agarwal completed his psychiatry residency training at the University of Central Florida, where he was elected chief resident.
Treatment approach
Dr. Agarwal employs a collaborative and patient-centered approach, primarily focusing on medication management in combination with supportive therapy. He is a strong advocate of psychoeducation, believing it to be an integral part of effective psychiatric care. Dr. Agarwal specializes in treating adults experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD, and insomnia. He is also experienced in managing patients with psychiatric conditions complicated by medical comorbidities such as obesity, hypertension, chronic pain, and diabetes.
What you can expect in a first visit
Patients visiting Dr. Agarwal for the first time can anticipate a comprehensive evaluation conducted in a collaborative and supportive environment. Dr. Agarwal prioritizes understanding each patient's individual needs and concerns, creating a personalized treatment plan that integrates medication, supportive therapy, and psychoeducation. Follow-up visits typically last about 30 minutes, allowing time to adjust treatment and reinforce therapeutic strategies.
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.
Dr. Kerstin Asquith is a board-certified psychiatrist at Talkiatry. She has extensive experience working with a wide range of diagnoses and patient populations, with particular interest in treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD. She also has additional training in college mental health. Dr. Asquith believes in the importance of getting to know each of her patients and the unique issues that bring them into treatment. Her approach involves collaborating with patients to create personalized treatment plans and considering both medication and non-medication methods.
Dr. Asquith is from California and completed her undergraduate studies at the University of California, Davis. She obtained her medical degree from Creighton University School of Medicine and then trained at Stanford University's Adult Psychiatry Residency Program. She subsequently completed a fellowship in student mental health at Stanford University. Most recently, Dr. Asquith worked as an outpatient psychiatrist at The Permanente Medical Group. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, trying new foods, and spending time with friends and family.
Dr. Bellavia is an experienced board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in adult psychiatry. He was a faculty member of the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle for 8 years and has been a medical director and attending psychiatrist in several clinical settings including academic medical centers, outpatient private practice and consultation. Dr Bellavia works collaboratively with each patient to identify presenting problems and stressors and utilizes evidence-based medication treatments along with individualized supportive and short-term psychotherapy strategies to reduce symptoms and improve function. If clinically indicated, he may recommend adding a psychotherapist to your care team. Dr. Bellavia has a particular interest in treating psychiatric conditions including, but not limited to, depression and bipolar disorders, ADHD, anxiety disorders, and adjustment problems. He has extensive experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, such as university students, creative and tech professionals, and expat communities. He uses a relaxed, nonjudgmental, empathic approach that is holistic and considers the biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors that impact mental well-being.
Dr. Emmalee Boyle is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who specializes in providing patient-centered care. She offers a mix of medication management in conjunction with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. Dr. Boyle's areas of interest include treating mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and co-occurring substance use disorders. In addition, she enjoys helping the patient explore a holistic approach to their mental health treatment. Dr. Boyle received her medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin. She completed her general psychiatry residency training at Boston University Medical Center, where she was selected as co-chief resident. She also completed an additional post-graduate fellowship at the Massachusetts Institute of Psychoanalysis. During training, Dr. Boyle worked with an ethnically, culturally, and linguistically diverse patient population with various psychiatric illnesses and has experience navigating the many intersecting systems of mental health care. In addition, she worked with experts in the fields of psychosis and substance abuse. She also co-authored a book chapter on the immune system and psychiatric illness. Dr. Boyle also has particular clinical interests in immigrant and refugee health.
Dr. Buonopane is Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She obtained her medical degree with Laude from the University of Rome, La Sapienza, and completed her residency in Psychiatry from Yale School of Medicine. Dr. Buonopane has extensive experience in psychopharmacology and offers state-of-the-art medication management with compassion and empathy. She practices a holistic approach, combining psychiatric medications with elements of psychotherapy and mindfulness. She offers individualized and comprehensive treatment plans which address the whole person, including lifestyle and social engagement, because the latest research findings show that both play an important role in mental and physical health. Education on mental illness and recommendations on diet and exercise are always discussed with the patients, according to the individuals' needs. Dr. Buonopane spends time listening to patients and makes plans based on clinical evidence without an authoritative approach, taking into consideration the patient's level of comfort and views because, in her experience, the best outcomes are always reached when patients fully understand and agree with the management of their conditions. Dr. Buonopane has been in practice for more than twenty years and has extensive experience in general Adult Psychiatry with a focus on mood disorder and anxiety. She has been leading clinical programs and teaching medical students, residents, and fellows in psychiatry and addiction in various clinical settings, such as private institutions and universities, including Yale School of Medicine. Prior to joining Talkiatry, Dr Buonopane had her own in-person clinical services for over ten years and telehealth services over the past four years, treating patients suffering mainly from depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety. When working in private practice, Dr Buonopane received the Compassionate Doctor Recognition (Vitals) and the Patient's Choice Awards (Vitals), both based on patients' reviews.
*CANNOT PRESCRIBE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES FOR WV PATIENTS* Dr. Hong Chen is a board certified adult psychiatrist and has been in practice since 2010. Dr. Chen received her doctorate degree in medicine at the University of Florida. She then completed her residency training at the University of Florida, Department of Psychiatry. She is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Chen has worked mainly in outpatient settings and often tailors individualized treatment to serve the needs of patients with a variety of conditions. She has a lot of experience in treating patients with depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, Bipolar type 2, and ADHD. Dr. Chen's practice is based on a holistic approach to mental health care, with special emphasis on self-care, mindfulness practices, and medication treatment. Dr. Chen truly believes that focusing on wellness in conjunction with medication-mediated symptom reduction will lead to better outcomes for patients. As a result, patients often enjoy the supportive therapy, insight-oriented therapy and psychoeducation that is provided to them during their sessions with Dr. Chen.
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.
Background and credentials
Dr. Christa DeFries is a board-certified Adult Psychiatrist. She earned her medical degree from UT Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Texas, and completed her residency in Adult Psychiatry at Baylor Scott & White in Temple, Texas. Following residency, Dr. DeFries gained additional experience treating homeless and formerly homeless populations in New York City, particularly focusing on individuals with histories of trauma and substance addiction, prior to joining Talkiatry.
Treatment approach
Dr. DeFries practices Adult Psychiatry, employing an integrative treatment approach combining medication management, psychotherapeutic methods, and lifestyle modifications. She recognizes that each patient benefits from a personalized mix of these three aspects of care. Dr. DeFries specializes in treating diverse psychiatric conditions, including those related to trauma, substance addictions, and various mental health disorders.
What you can expect in a first visit
In a first visit with Dr. DeFries, patients can expect a comprehensive evaluation aimed at understanding their individual mental health history, specific concerns, and overall treatment goals. Dr. DeFries emphasizes an individualized approach, carefully exploring the best combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments tailored specifically to each patient's needs. Patients can anticipate an empathetic and collaborative environment focused on their personal experiences and goals.
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.
Dr. Melissa Desa is a board-certified psychiatrist who completed her residency in 2011 at the University of Rochester, where she served as chief resident of acute services. She stayed on at the university working in both the emergency room, or Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP), and community mental health clinic for Severely Mentally Ill (SMI) patients. She enjoyed supervising both medical students and psychiatry residents in both settings, teaching psychopharmacology and psychotherapy. She's also experienced in treating patients in long-term residential treatment, both in a state hospital for Severely Mentally Ill patients, and as part of a coordinated effort to restore competency for incarcerated individuals with severe mood or psychotic disorders. She most recently worked as part of a collaborative mental health team that worked with incarcerated individuals with mental illness. She enjoys collaborative care, through the lens of the biopsychosocial model, and helping patients tell their story in a safe space.
Dr. Lee Dockery is a general psychiatry provider who joined Talkiatry in August 2022. He is board-eligible with expected certification in fall 2022, with further addiction psychiatry board-certification expected in 2023. He has been training and practicing psychiatry since 2018. Dr. Dockery's practice emphasizes medication management within a therapy-informed framework, utilizing skills from Acceptance and Commitment therapy, mindfulness-based therapies, motivation interviewing, and supportive therapy. He typically offers 60-minute new visits and 30-minute follow-up visits. Dr. Dockery received his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia in 2014. He then moved to Nashville, TN to complete his general psychiatry residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he served as chief resident of inpatient services. He expects to complete the addiction psychiatry fellowship in spring 2023 .Dr. Dockery has experience treating most general adult psychiatry complaints, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders. He has a particular focus in the treatment of young adults, and co-occurring mood disorders and substance use disorders.
Dr. Alexandra Dunn is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who completed her medical training at the University of California Irvine School of Medicine. She then moved to New York to complete her psychiatric residency training at Mount Sinai Beth Israel. During training, Dr. Dunn gained extensive clinical experience in psychiatric inpatient, outpatient, and emergency settings, allowing her the opportunity to treat patients of all ages and backgrounds. In addition, she co-led a mindfulness group at the outpatient clinic, worked with students at Baruch College, and rotated with the Assertive Community Treatment team at MSBI. Ultimately, Dr. Dunn chose outpatient care, focusing on treating patients with mood and anxiety disorders. While her practice primarily emphasizes medication management, she also incorporates supportive and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques in her sessions with patients. If appropriate, Dr. Dunn will refer you for psychotherapy and collaborate with your therapist to support your care. She looks forward to meeting and working with you to help you feel better.
Dr. Kristina Eipl is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. She completed her undergraduate education at Johns Hopkins University, where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a bachelor’s in neuroscience. Dr. Eipl later attended medical school at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Her interest in neuroscience, combined with a passion for the humanistic side of medicine, led her to pursue a psychiatry residency at NYU. There, she gained experience working with a diverse patient population. After completing residency in 2018, Dr. Eipl chose to pursue private practice to allow her to spend more time with patients and build on her interest in psychotherapy. She spent over 6 years in solo and group private practice in Los Angeles. She is committed to working with insurance-based practices as she is passionate about providing affordable access to quality healthcare.
Dr. Eipl takes a collaborative and compassionate approach to both medication management and psychotherapy. She enjoys utilizing various forms of psychotherapy to empower individuals to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. She has experience with many types of psychotherapy and particularly enjoys incorporating elements of supportive, psychodynamic, and cognitive behavioral therapies in all visits. She practices thoughtful and evidence-based medication management.
Dr. Eipl enjoys working with students and adults with anxiety, OCD, PTSD and mood disorders. She also has a special interest in women’s mental health.
Background and credentials
Dr. Lisa Ekeanyanwu is a board-eligible psychiatrist who completed her psychiatry residency training at Stanford University. She has gained experience in a wide range of clinical environments, including inpatient and outpatient care, community mental health settings, emergency rooms, telehealth services, and international clinical fieldwork.
Treatment approach
Dr. Ekeanyanwu’s practice is centered on pharmacotherapy, which she integrates with supportive therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and psychodynamic therapy to provide comprehensive psychiatric care. She takes a collaborative and individualized approach, tailoring treatment to meet each patient’s unique goals and improve their overall quality of life. She has a special interest in cultural and micro-cultural influences on mental health and strives to provide culturally competent care that respects each patient’s life experiences and values. When she believes additional therapy may be beneficial, she may recommend incorporating a therapist into the care team.
What you can expect in a first visit
During the first visit, patients can expect a thorough evaluation where Dr. Ekeanyanwu carefully assesses their symptoms, medical history, and personal treatment goals. She fosters a collaborative and patient-centered environment, ensuring that each treatment plan aligns with the patient’s individual needs. She provides medication management along with therapeutic support and, when appropriate, may recommend additional therapy to optimize outcomes. Her approach prioritizes safe, effective, and culturally sensitive care that evolves to support patients throughout different stages of their lives.
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.
Dr. Luis Espinosa holds the position of adult psychiatrist with Talkiatry. His practice focuses on medication management, and typically offers this in conjunction with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. Dr. Espinosa's approach is holistic. Each patient's care is driven by their unique goals and values, whether they suffer from depression, anxiety, trauma, and stress-related disorders, or obsessive-compulsive disorders. Dr. Espinosa believes in serving patients by combining therapy with medication to provide an experience that is both therapeutic and informative and allows patients to guide their own outcomes in a supportive space. Dr. Espinosa completed his undergraduate studies in philosophy at the University of Florida as the 2013 Ellen Haring Award winner. He was then honored as a Docherty Foundation Scholar to attend the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine. He pursued his specialty training in psychiatry at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. Dr. Espinosa believes in a treatment modality that combines wellness of mind and body to help individuals who are suffering achieve their potential.
Dr. Ferrari is a highly regarded psychiatrist with a strong background in both clinical practice and research. She attended NYU School of Medicine and completed her residency at the University of Tennessee. She is an expert in treatment-resistant depression, anxiety and adult ADHD. She is dedicated to providing patient-centered, evidence-based care with a holistic and compassionate approach. As a mother of three, including a son with autism, Dr. Ferrari is particularly passionate about the complexities of women's mental health. Patients often describe her as caring, knowledgeable, compassionate, and insightful. In addition to English, Dr Ferrari also speaks Portuguese and Spanish.
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. Goicochea is Peruvian and speaks Spanish fluently. She is a "triple Gator” having completed her undergraduate and medical degree at the University of Florida (UF) and psychiatric training at UF Jacksonville. She was recognized by the Gold Humanism Honor Society for exemplary service, integrity, clinical excellence, and compassion and awarded Resident of the Year for exceptional clinical skills and commitment to patients. Dr. Goicochea is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who specializes in providing person-centered mental health care. She believes in a comprehensive, holistic approach to best improve the overall well-being of her patients; she explores psychosocial and physical health contributions to psychiatric symptoms and incorporates therapy into visits to develop a deeper understanding of the particular psychiatric concerns and their impact on patients' lives. Dr. Goicochea actively listens and creates an empathetic, non-judgmental space to work collaboratively with patients in achieving treatment goals. Dr. Goicochea's expertise is in the combination of evidence-based medication management with psychotherapy, which includes supportive, person-centered, cognitive behavioral, acceptance and commitment, interpersonal, and solution-focused therapy. While she enjoys working with young adults, her skills and experience allow her to effectively assist patients of all ages. Her clinical areas of interest include the treatment of depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and ADHD.
Dr. Khandie Graham is a board-certified psychiatrist who completed her medical training at UCLA/Drew Medical Education and her psychiatry training at University of California, San Francisco/Fresno in 2013. She has served as a psychiatrist in the United States Air Force and prior to joining Talkiatry, was an inpatient psychiatrist. Dr. Graham's practice focuses on medication management. Typically, she offers this in conjunction with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. However, occasionally Dr. Graham may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome. Dr. Graham treats all adults and specializes in depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, ADHD, and life changes. She prides herself in partnering with patients to create individualized treatment plans. Dr. Graham is a great listener and spends time with her patients.
Dr. Iris Guerrero Urena is double board-certified in psychiatry and consultation-liaison psychiatry. She received her medical degree from Universidad Iberoamericana in the Dominican Republic and went on to complete psychiatric residency at Lincoln Hospital in New York City. Dr. Guerrero then completed a consultation liaison fellowship at Morningside and West Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, further acquiring proficiency in caring for patients with complex medical and psychiatric comorbidities. After completing training, Dr. Guerrero worked in an acute inpatient unit and as a psychiatric consultant for patients admitted to medical units in Oregon. Dr. Guerrero Urena focuses on medication management while also implementing elements of supportive, dialectical behavioral, and cognitive behavioral therapy within each session to fully address individual needs. At times, Dr. Guerrero Urena may recommend a therapist for additional therapy. Dr. Guerrero Urena is experienced in treating a wide range of psychiatric conditions including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, PTSD, OCD.
Dr. Jennifer Hailey is a board-certified psychiatrist in Psychiatry. She completed her undergraduate training at Michigan State University followed by medical school at Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She has completed a residency in psychiatry at Michigan State University. Dr. Hailey has worked in many different settings including private hospitals, jails, military treatment facilities and private practice. She enjoys educating her fellow providers who specialize in psychiatry as well as other areas of medicine. She has a genuine interest in treating a vast array of psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorders, obsessive compulsive and personality disorders. She also has experience in treating patients with medical comorbidities and has training in issues related to women's health.
Dr. Reaghan Hicks is a double board-certified psychiatrist in General and Addiction Psychiatry. She completed her undergraduate training at The College of Charleston followed by medical school at The University of South Carolina School of Medicine. Dr. Hicks completed Residency in General Psychiatry at The University of Florida College of Medicine in Jacksonville followed by Fellowship in Addiction Psychiatry at The Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Hicks is an experienced clinician that specializes in treating individuals with a variety of diagnoses including adjustment disorders, depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and substance use disorders.She has an approachable style and values building rapport with her patients. She believes it is a privilege to be a part of someone's journey towards recovery and wellness. Dr. Hicks aims to meet each patient where they are while maintaining a nonjudgemental, patient-centered, and evidenced-based treatment approach. Dr. Hicks provides supportive psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral skills, and utilizes motivational interviewing to meet the needs of her patients. She believes effective utilization of therapy skills in conjunction with medication management can help patients meet their individualized treatment goals.
Dr. Jiang is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. His practice focuses on medication management and supportive therapy. His major goal is for treatment to be patient centered, with a focus on high quality, evidence-based care in the safest and most meaningful way. Dr. Jiang completed an undergraduate degree at the University of California, Los Angeles. He received his medical degree from Oakland University William Beaumont, School of Medicine. He then completed his psychiatry residency at Loyola University Medical Center. Dr. Jiang's areas of interest include depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Dr. Kristofer Joondeph-Breidbart is a board certified adult psychiatrist. He earned his undergraduate degree and Master's in Teaching from Boston University, followed by his medical degree from the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Dr. Joondeph-Breidbart completed his residency in general adult psychiatry at Cambridge Health Alliance, a Harvard teaching hospital. Currently, Dr. Joondeph-Breidbart serves as a staff psychiatrist at Harvard University Health Services, where he works with both undergraduate and graduate students. He has developed significant expertise in working with LGBTQ individuals through his involvement with the Gender and Sexuality Clinic at Cambridge Health Alliance and the LGBTQ Interdisciplinary Team at Harvard University Health Services. While he has extensive expertise in treating college-aged young adults, his practice also includes a broad range of patients, with a particular specialization in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). He is trained in Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy, a highly effective treatment for OCD. Dr. Joondeph-Breidbart takes a holistic approach to mental health care, integrating therapy into his sessions and collaborating with patients to develop individualized medication regimens that best meet their needs. His gentle and understanding approach helps create a supportive environment for his patients, fostering their mental and emotional well-being.
Dr. Joshua Kane is a board certified psychiatrist who completed his undergraduate studies at Yale University, medical school at SUNY Downstate and Psychiatry Residency at Brown. Dr. Kane also completed a five-year training program in psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapy at the Boston Psychoanalytic Society and Institute. Dr. Kane has worked in a variety of treatment settings, including partial hospitals, outpatient community mental health clinics, and private practices. Dr. Kane also worked at Brown University Counseling and Psychological services providing medication management and supervision to therapists. Dr. Kane's extensive therapy training sets him apart as a psychiatrist, and his treatment approach reflects this knowledge. While medications play an important role in treatment, Dr. Kane believes that lasting change involves a patient working with a therapist to better understand themselves. Dr. Kane enjoys working with adults who face challenges with depression, anxiety and PTSD.
Dr. Tim Kelly is a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in adult psychiatry. His practice focuses primarily on medication management but often incorporates aspects of supportive, psychodynamic, and cognitive behavioral therapies into his 30-minute follow-up visits. Dr. Kelly also strongly believes in working in conjunction with therapists to achieve the best possible outcomes for his patients. He feels it is important to create strong therapeutic relationships with his patients in order to help patients achieve their treatment goals. Dr. Kelly received his undergraduate degrees in Human Biology and Spanish from Michigan State University. He then completed his medical education and a master's degree in medical humanities and bioethics at Northwestern University. He completed his adult psychiatry residency at the University of Washington. He has authored papers in medical education and LGBTQ advocacy. Dr. Kelly now lives in Pennsylvania with his husband, Kevin, and three dogs: Taquito, Fergie and Mimi. While Dr. Kelly treats adults of all backgrounds, he has a particular interest in working with young adults, students, and LGBTQ individuals.
Dr. Nida Khan is a board-certified psychiatrist starting her post-graduate practice with Talkiatry. She completed her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry at Smith College, earned her medical degree at New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her psychiatry residency training at Northwell Health. During her residency, she was involved in resident leadership and education, serving as academic chief resident during her third year of training. Dr. Khan's practice focuses on a holistic, patient-centered approach. Her practice is rooted in evidence-based practices and focuses on providing medication management during 30-minute visits along with supportive therapy to meet the unique needs of individuals under her care. Occasionally, she may believe that additional therapy is needed and may recommend a therapist be brought into your care team for optimal care.
Dr. Satveet Khela is a board certified physician specializing in adult psychiatry. She has been practicing since 2021. In addition to focusing on medication management, Dr. Khela's practice also prioritizes a whole person approach, incorporating aspects of nutrition, lifestyle, mindfulness, and supportive or brief cognitive behavioral therapy into the treatment plan. Occasionally, Dr. Khela may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you see a separate therapist to provide the best outcome. Dr. Khela received her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Berkeley and her medical degree from A.T. Still University. She completed her residency at University of California San Francisco Fresno, where she served as chief resident in her final year. After completing her training, Dr. Khela worked with medically ill patients with co-morbid psychiatric illnesses. Throughout her career, Dr. Khela has worked with a diverse set of patients in various stages of their lives. Dr. Khela focuses on treating patients with anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar, OCD, and other mental health issues. She believes in empowering her patients to be active players in their treatment plans to facilitate the best care possible.
Dr. Kristina Kurtz is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who graduated from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, Pennsylvania. She completed a Transitional Internship at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Oakland in Pontiac, Michigan, and Psychiatry Residency training at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, Michigan. During her residency training, she held multiple professional leadership positions, including ethics committee consultant, associate chief resident, and chief resident. She has experience developing residency curriculum, and teaching psychiatry residents and medical students. Prior to relocating to Colorado Springs, Dr. Kurtz served as the Adult Inpatient Service Chief at Henry Ford Kingswood Hospital. She joined Talkiatry after serving as the Medical Director of Behavioral Health at UCHealth Memorial Hospital as well as Regional Medical Director for Colorado for Lifestance Health. Dr. Kurtz is passionate about providing holistic, evidence-based care to both adults and geriatric patients. She believes in providing a well-rounded approach to care which includes both medication management as well as psychodynamic psychotherapy and supportive therapy for a wide variety of disorders including depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, substance use disorders, and bipolar disorder. She believes that medication management is most effective when an environment of shared decision-making exists between the prescriber and the patient and tailors her approach to meet each individual patient's needs.
Dr. K�ster is board certified in psychiatry and forensic psychiatry. After completing her medical education, residency, and fellowship, she started working on a Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) team, followed by working at a community hospital. She then transitioned to a clinic serving patients who were determined severely mentally ill (SMI). Dr. K�ster has been involved with teaching residents and working within an academic institution. Dr. K�ster is a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, a member of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law and the American Osteopathic Association. Dr. K�ster enjoys working with people of diverse backgrounds and experiences. She uses a culturally sensitive and holistic approach in the evaluation and treatment of brain health conditions. She believes in a team approach and her patients' active participation in treatment planning. She incorporates a variety of modalities in her treatment that can include medications, personal medicine, psychotherapy, mindfulness, and lifestyle changes. Dr. K�ster specializes in psychopharmacology and believes in using medications when indicated at the lowest effective dose to minimize the risk of side effects. She is experienced in treating depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD and schizophrenia. If Dr. K�ster believes you would benefit from additional therapy, she will collaborate with your therapist to achieve the best outcome.
Dr. Sherrell Lam is a board-certified Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. She particularly enjoys treating PTSD, depression and OCD and working with veterans and managing women's mental health through pregnancy and lactation. Her treatment philosophy is holistic and includes consideration for nonpharmacologic methods of addressing symptoms. She originally hails from the East Coast but has lived in most parts of the country. She attended the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford for medical school and completed a dual internal medicine/psychiatry residency at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Dr. Lam spent 13 years practicing as an Army psychiatrist and has worked as an outpatient psychiatrist, consult-liaison psychiatrist, inpatient psychiatrist and substance use disorder clinical consultant. Most recently she worked as an outpatient psychiatrist at Southern California Permanente Medical Group. In her spare time, Sherrell enjoys traveling, photography, and spending time with her family.
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.
Dr. Danielle Lopez is an Adult Psychiatrist. She received her doctorate of medicine at the University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine in 2007, where she later completed residency training in 2012 at Los Angeles County Medical Center. Dr. Lopez has extensive experience with high risk and challenging patient populations. Early in her career she engaged in multidisciplinary outreach (FSP) for those experiencing homelessness and severe mental illness or substance use disorders. Later transitioning to inpatient work and rehabilitation of those individuals with severe and persistent mental illnesses, Dr. Lopez gained vast experience in complicated medication regimens, and agility in deescalating psychiatric emergencies. In 2017, Dr. Lopez moved to Santa Barbara, California, where she gained experience in emergency psychiatry, consultation liaison and inpatient psychiatry, working for the county regional trauma center. Inadvertently transitioning to private practice and telehealth due to COVID restrictions in 2020, Dr. Lopez found her niche in outpatient psychiatric treatment of individuals with mood disorders, trauma, anxiety, ADHD, psychotic disorders, and substance use disorders. Today, she enjoys forging personal connections with her patients, thereby tailoring their medication regimen to suit their individual needs. Education, supportive and motivational therapies, and cognitive behavioral techniques are often employed not only to provide insight and reassurance, but to also impart confidence and skills for patient success. Prior to her medical studies, Dr. Lopez was a high school science teacher and collegiate softball coach. She grew up in Los Angeles and currently resides in Long Beach, California, with her spouse, and English Mastiff named Ella. She enjoys photography, coastal trail walking, and dog training excursions. She and her spouse are avid gardeners; they love to grow and maintain lush succulent and floral gardens.
Dr. Michael Lukowski is an adult psychiatrist who holds board certification with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He has been practicing medicine for over 4 years. Dr. Lukowski focuses on medication management combined with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. He practices whole-person medicine, caring for the wellness of your mind, body, and spirit and helping you enjoy your relationships with those around you. Dr. Lukowski received his medical degree from the University of Nevada School of Medicine in Reno, NV, before moving to southern California to complete his residency at Loma Linda University. After completing training, Dr. Lukowski began working with the Southern California Permanente Medical Group in Riverside, CA, where he treated a variety of psychiatric disorders in an outpatient setting. In March of 2020, as the pandemic changed life and medicine forever, Dr. Lukowski adopted a strictly telepsychiatry role at his clinic. He has also held a staff psychiatrist position as an adult inpatient psychiatrist in Tennessee. Dr. Lukowski treats a wide variety of psychiatric disorders within the adult demographic.
Dr. Albert Luong is a Board Certified adult psychiatrist who integrates a friendly and collaborative approach to treating psychiatric conditions. For him, building strong therapeutic relationships is key to helping patients achieve their goals. In line with holistic treatment, Dr. Luong utilizes psychotherapy and medication management to implement a safe, empathic, and individualistic framework that allows for healing and wellness. Dr. Luong works primarily with patients dealing with depression, anxiety, stress management, and lack of fulfillment, among other life challenges. Dr. Luong completed undergraduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley, majoring in biological sciences and graduating with the highest distinction. He received his medical degree from New York University School of Medicine and completed an adult psychiatry residency at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. As part of his training, he was the Chief Resident of the Adult Outpatient Psychiatry Department, supervising trainees and treating patients with various psychiatric illnesses.
Dr. Sujith Maracheril is a board-eligible psychiatrist who provides comprehensive patient care while building a physician-patient relationship centered on communication, empathy, and respect. His primary focus is medication management, and he also provides supportive psychotherapy to help patients work toward long-term improvements. While aligning treatment toward patient goals, he takes a practical approach to changes that can be made to empower patients in their lives. Dr. Maracheril is a graduate of the Sophie Davis Biomedical Education Program at the CUNY School of Medicine, a 7-year BS/MD program. He completed his residency training in psychiatry at the Zucker School of Medicine/Northwell Health at Mather Hospital. He has trained in many settings including inpatient psychiatric units, general and specialized outpatient clinics, and at a partial hospitalization program. Dr. Maracheril has experience treating a broad range of mental health conditions including depressive disorders, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, ADHD, and OCD. He understands that people may experience these conditions in different ways, and he aims to treat each patient in an individualized and holistic way.
Bethany McCann is a board-certified Adult Psychiatrist. After obtaining her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at Kent State University, she received her medical degree from Ohio Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. She then went on to complete her Psychiatry Residency training at The Ohio State University, where she served as a Chief Resident for two years. Following residency, Dr. McCann pursued an additional year of training through Ohio State, where she completed a Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship. A large portion of her time was spent in the state hospital system, where she learned more about the interplay between psychiatry and the law, provided high-quality psychiatric services to an inpatient forensic population, conducted forensic evaluations, and educated the Court on psychiatric topics through expert testimony. While Dr. McCann has had experience working in a variety of settings, she has maintained a passion for outpatient psychiatry and building a strong, therapeutic relationship with her patients. Dr. McCann will provide an evidence-based medication management visit for a variety of psychiatric conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, and OCD, while incorporating therapeutic techniques that are tailored to the individual and their goals.
Dr. Mennella is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. Her practice focuses on medication management and supportive therapy. Treatment emphasizes patient education and autonomy. Dr. Mennella is a proponent of shared decision-making and believes this facilitates a strong therapeutic relationship, greater satisfaction with care, and improved clinical outcomes. She completed an undergraduate degree in Information Technology from Purdue University and a master's degree in information systems from DePaul University. She received her medical degree from the University of Toledo College of Medicine and then completed her psychiatry residency at Loyola University Medical Center. Areas of interest include depression, bipolar, anxiety, and PTSD.
Dr. Marcia Morris is a psychiatrist with over thirty years of experience providing medication management as well as supportive psychotherapy to adult patients. She takes a positive psychiatry approach to treatment, prescribing medication while supporting patient strengths, social connections, and healthy habits. She has worked with university students as well as employees in an employee assistance program. She provides care for patients with depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and ADHD. In her previous role as an Associate Professor at the University of Florida, she has done research on the increase in depression and anxiety as well as the increased use of psychiatric medications among university students. She has published academic papers and given national talks in these topics with the goal of decreasing stigma and improving mental health care for young adults. She is a founding member of the Association for College Psychiatry and a member of the American Psychiatric Association college mental health caucus. Dr. Morris provides education to the public about mental health as a writer and public speaker. Her articles have appeared in the New York Times, the Tampa Bay Times, and the Huffington Post. She also has been interviewed on NPR and several podcasts. She currently writes a Psychology Today parenting blog "College Wellness: Promoting Happiness & Health in the College Years.” Her book, "The Campus Cure: A Parent's Guide to Mental Health & Wellness for College Students,” was published January 2018. Dr. Morris has an undergraduate degree from Harvard, a medical degree from Yale, and psychiatry residency training at New York Hospital Cornell Medical Center. She is a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association.
Dr. Mullenix is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who strives to form strong therapeutic and collaborative environments with patients and values patient empowerment. Dr. Mullenix received his medical degree from the Chicago Medical School and then went on to complete his residency in psychiatry at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. His interests and expertise are in helping patients struggling with depression, anxiety, including social/obsessive compulsive and generalized anxiety disorders, and ADHD. He provides psychiatric medication management along with supportive, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other modalities of therapeutic treatment. Dr. Mullenix's practice focuses primarily on medication management, or pharmacotherapy. He routinely incorporates supportive therapy into his 30-minute follow-up visits. Dr. Mullenix may occasionally recommend that a therapist be part of the care team to provide optimal outcomes. The philosophy of his practice is to actively involve patients in the decision-making process to improve adherence to treatment and build trusting relationships with all patients.
Dr. Niles (he/him) holds the position of Staff Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He has four years of experience in outpatient psychiatry and is board-certified for adult psychiatry. He has received training in the use of cognitive behavioral therapy, supportive therapy, motivational interviewing, psychodynamic therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy skills. He uses his training in therapy in tandem with medicine management to provide holistic, person-centered care. During his undergraduate studies at the University of Pittsburgh, while completing his pre-medical classes, he also pursued certification in the history and philosophy of medicine. Additionally, he studied the effect of culture and ethics on healthcare. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Chemistry. He attended medical school at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. His psychiatry residency training was completed at Charleston Area Medical Center. While in residency, he worked to improve cultural awareness in the outpatient setting. Dr. Niles is interested in treating patients with a wide variety of diagnoses. He treats mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma-related disorders, personality disorders, OCD, comorbid addiction, mild eating disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, and more. He also strives to provide care that affirms LGBTQIA+ identities and underwent additional training in transgender mental healthcare.
Dr. Laura Obler is board-certified in adult psychiatry. She received her medical degree from David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA in Los Angeles, California, where she stayed to complete her psychiatry residency at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience. During residency she received specialized training in reproductive psychiatry (the treatment of women who are considering pregnancy or are pregnant or postpartum) and acted as Chief Resident of the Women's Life Center at UCLA. Dr. Obler has experience working with a diverse group of patients. She has previously worked in community clinics in the greater Los Angeles area and as a staff psychiatrist at UCLA. She prefers a holistic approach to psychiatric treatment and therefore uses a combination of medication management and talking therapies to treat patients. Techniques she may utilize include cognitive behavioral therapy, experiential psychodynamic therapy, mentalization based therapy, and medical hypnosis.
Dr. Blanca Osorio-Candelaria is a board-certified adult psychiatrist and has been practicing for over 16 years. Her practice focuses on medication management, which she typically combines with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. If Dr. Osorio-Candelaria feels you would benefit from working with a therapist in conjunction with medication management, she welcomes collaboration with your therapist to make for the best outcome. Dr. Osorio-Candelaria is a graduate of the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine in San Juan, PR. She completed her residency at Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii, followed by a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Her years of experience started as a medical officer for the Army, including a deployment to Iraq. Her working experience after her military service includes working as a medical director of a community health center, a medical director of a community hospital, a medical director of an inpatient unit, and working for an Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACT) specializing in the Serious Mentally Ill population.Dr. Osorio-Candelaria specializes in psychopharmacology, especially tailoring individualized treatment to serve the needs of patients with a variety of conditions. She has a lot of experience in treating patients with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders, Insomnia, and ADHD. She also has experience in treating patients with medical comorbidities.
Dr. Michael Padua is a graduate from the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and completed his psychiatry residency training at Loyola University Medical Center at Maywood, IL. He is trained and experienced in diagnosing and treating various psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, psychosis, and bipolar disorder with a focus on posttraumatic stress disorder, women's mental health, and cultural psychiatry. He combines his clinical expertise with a passion for working with underserved populations and the LGBTQIA+ population to address mental health needs across various communities. Dr. Padua has experience working in a variety of settings, which includes working as an outpatient psychiatrist at a federally qualified health center (FQHC), and as a correctional psychiatrist at the Washoe County Sherriff's Office in Reno, NV. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Padua has also participated in research and education, and has co-authored peer-reviewed articles in the fields of psychiatry and biology.
Dr. Diane Papke holds the position of staff psychiatrist at Talkiatry. After graduating from medical school, she completed internship year in Internal Medicine at St. Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix, AZ, followed by two years of neurology residency at Barrow Neurological Institute before completing Psychiatric residency at Maricopa Medical Center in 2005. She then spent the majority of her time caring for SMI/seriously mentally ill patients with a mantra "propelling people forward to wellness.” Working on the supportive level of care for this population honed her skills to care for the highest level of outpatient care through ACT/assertive community treatment. She has a genuine interest in treating psychiatric disorders including anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, and most specifically bipolar. She has experience treating medical comorbidities including neurologic disorders. In 2023, she extended her expertise and skills to the general population to include telehealth management of her patients. With a nonsense approach, she prides herself on collaborating with patients to attain their goals of optimum psychiatric health, believing that the cornerstone of a healthy partnership with any patient is a holistic approach. Listening with an open mind and heart while collaborating with her patients to provide the correct medication management and supportive care has always been the key for her. She is looking forward to meeting you!
Tulsie Patel is a board certified psychiatrist who treats adults. She graduated Cum Laude from Drexel University and attended medical school at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. She completed her psychiatry residency at the University of Texas Southwestern (UTSW) and was elected to serve as Chief Resident during her final year of training. She has worked as an outpatient psychiatrist in California and Florida and has experience in medication management, individual and group therapy, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). She is dedicated to constantly learning and has previously published numerous articles and book chapters on various topics in the fields of psychiatry, dermatology, and psychodermatology. She is also very passionate about education and medical journalism. During her residency training, she worked at ABC News in New York City as a member of their medical unit. She provided consultation on medical stories for programs including Good Morning America and World News with David Muir. She has published a number of articles on the websites for ABC News and Good Morning America. She also has experience presenting as an on-air expert for ABC News and for mental health podcasts. She is committed to continuously evolving as a provider in order to provide the best care for her patients. Her focus is always to provide patient-centered care by prioritizing open communication and collaboration with her patients. She has experience providing care for a variety of psychiatric illnesses. The conditions she treats include but are not limited to depression, anxiety, panic disorder, OCD, PTSD, and ADHD.
Dr. Boski Patel holds the position of psychiatrist at Talkiatry. She is double board-certified in geriatric and adult psychiatry and she has been practicing for over 3 years. Dr. Patel's practice focuses on medication management and she typically in conjunction with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. On occasion, Dr. Patel may believe that additional therapy is also needed and asks that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh, and then went on to receive her medical degree from Penn State University. Following medical school, she completed general psychiatry residency training at the University of Connecticut where she was Chief resident of outpatient psychiatric services. During that time, she was also chosen as an Honors scholar by the American Association of Geriatric Psychiatry. After training, she moved to California to do her geriatric psychiatry fellowship at Stanford. Following her fellowship, she worked at Kaiser Permanente in clinical roles of outpatient, geriatric, and C/L.
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.
Dr. Marla Richard is a Stanford-trained board-certified psychiatrist and is board-eligible for geriatric psychiatry from UCSD. She has been practicing in a variety of settings for the last 30 years. Dr. Richard uses an integrated health paradigm with general and geriatric patients using traditional psychopharmacology, interpersonal neurobiology practices, and personality assessments to look at root motivations for behaviors to address core issues and with medication management as needed. Dr. Marla believes that you need to take a whole-person approach to both mental and physical health. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota, Duluth, and then attended medical school at Stanford Medical School to complete her MD. With visions of becoming a general surgeon, she went to the University Hospitals of Cleveland and completed two years of general surgery training before seeing the light and transferring to psychiatry. She completed her psychiatry training at Stanford University and geriatric training many years later at UCSD. Her focus includes an integrated approach to the consideration of mental and physical health while incorporating mindfulness tools to teach skills of stress and anxiety management in everyday life. In conjunction with medication management, she uses interpersonal neurobiology to help clients understand triggers as well as methods to calm overactive stress responses and reactivity.
Dr. Cindy Rossetti is board certified in Adult Psychiatry. She has been practicing for over 13 years. Dr. Rossetti received her medical degree from The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock. She completed her general psychiatry residency at the University of Kentucky in Lexington where she was chief resident. She worked at Eastern State Hospital in Kentucky treating severe and persistent mental illness. She spent most of her post-graduate time providing outpatient care in a rural and underserved area of Arkansas. Dr. Rossetti offers both medication management and therapy together in 30- and 45-minute follow-up visits. Dr. Rossetti enjoys treating adults of all ages. Her areas of interest include ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, and Autism in adults. She enjoys addressing areas such as personal growth, stress management and self-care. Her treatment is patient-centered and geared toward individual healing and wellness.
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.
Background and credentials
Dr. Ruiz is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in psychiatric diagnosis and treatment for anxiety disorders, mood disorders, trauma and stressor-related disorders, ADHD, and pregnancy-related psychiatric conditions. She received her bachelor's degree in chemistry, graduating Magna Cum Laude from the Honors College. Dr. Ruiz completed medical school at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, followed by four additional years of psychiatric residency training. Her diverse professional experience includes working in psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), partial hospitalization programs (PHP), emergency rooms, and academic teaching environments. Dr. Ruiz has authored research publications and received multiple awards, including the AWP International Fellowship Award and the ADMSEP Innovations Award.
Treatment approach
Dr. Ruiz emphasizes an integrated approach, combining medication management and therapy. This method is supported by research indicating improved patient outcomes. She remains current with the latest literature and treatment guidelines to ensure evidence-based care.
What you can expect in a first visit
Patients can anticipate a thorough initial evaluation during their first visit with Dr. Ruiz. She 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.
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 speciualize in medication management and collaborate with you on a treatment plan that fits your needs and comfort level.
Dr. Sahadevan took an adventurous path to Talkiatry. After perhaps thinking a little too hard about Intro to Philosophy in college - "the unexamined life is not worth living” - he first used his chemistry degree to work in pharmaceutical research. He changed course, working in computer network engineering, before deciding to find a more meaningful path. He worked as an EMT, then earned a Master's in Physiology before finally landing in medical school at Ohio State. Finding a surprising interest in psychiatry, he stayed at Ohio State for residency, and then a fellowship in forensic psychiatry. He is board-certified in both Psychiatry and Forensic Psychiatry. He previously worked as a forensic psychiatrist and evaluator at Ohio's maximum-security state psychiatric facility, as an attending psychiatrist running an inpatient unit for violent or dangerous patients, performing court-ordered evaluations, writing reports, and testifying when necessary. Dr. Sahadevan has also worked as a consultation-liaison psychiatrist, performing psychiatric consults at several general hospitals in Central Ohio's largest hospital system. He found great enjoyment in teaching successive generations of residents and medical students, serving as an adjunct faculty member at Ohio State, Ohio University, Wright State, and OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital. He is excited for the next chapter of his journey, exploring another area of psychiatry at Talkiatry!
Background and credentials
Dr. Sabera Saklayen is a board-certified psychiatrist licensed in Adult Psychiatry. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University and her medical degree from Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine. She completed her psychiatry training at Stony Brook University Hospital, where she served as chief resident and was awarded the William Turner Award for outstanding performance in psychiatry residency. She has extensive experience treating diverse populations, including vulnerable and underserved communities, having worked as an outpatient psychiatrist at Bellevue Hospital for two years.
Treatment approach
Dr. Saklayen specializes in medication management but takes a holistic, patient-centered approach that integrates supportive therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and motivational interviewing (MI). She has extensive experience treating depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety, OCD, insomnia, and substance use disorders. She is particularly skilled in treating college students and individuals navigating difficult life transitions. If more in-depth therapy is needed, she may refer patients to a therapist as part of a comprehensive care plan.
What you can expect in a first visit
During the first visit, patients can expect a thorough and compassionate evaluation, where Dr. Saklayen carefully assesses symptoms, history, and treatment goals. She prioritizes collaboration and individualized treatment planning, ensuring that patients feel comfortable and supported in their mental health care. Follow-up visits are typically 30 minutes and focus on medication management and therapy integration, with referrals to additional therapy when needed for the best possible outcome.
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.
Dr. Santos is a psychiatrist with more than 4 years of experience practicing in a variety of settings with an emphasis on psychiatric outpatient care. She is experienced in treating several psychiatric disorders including but not limited to: Bipolar and Related Disorders, Depressive Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, and Substance Related and Addictive Disorders. Dr. Santos received her medical degree from the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia / Ochsner Clinical School in New Orleans, Louisiana. She completed her residency training at Louisiana State University in Shreveport, Louisiana. Dr. Santos tailors her approach to the individual patient. She focuses on medication management and incorporates several therapeutic techniques including supportive therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance therapy and mindfulness.
Dr. Maxwell Schauermann is a board-certified addiction psychiatrist. He completed his medical school and residency training at Loma Linda University in sunny Southern California. He was recognized by his colleagues as Chief Resident of inpatient services for his leadership and problem-solving abilities. His passion for caring for people with substance use disorders led him to complete specialized training in Addiction Psychiatry at the University of Washington in 2024. Dr. Schauermann is known for his patient-centric approach and nonjudgmental, easy-going attitude. He typically offers 60-minute new visits and 30-minute follow-up visits. He excels in treating both psychiatric and addiction disorders, utilizing a broad array of therapeutic modalities, including psychiatric medications, supportive therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, psychodynamic-based therapy, prolonged exposure therapy, and motivational enhancement therapy. His treatment philosophy centers on empowering patients to heal holistically�body, mind, spirit, and relationships�ensuring each individual receives tailored and evidence-based care.
Dr. Rachel Sherhart is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who has been in practice for over 4 years. She specializes in medication management with 30-minute follow-up visits. This may be accompanied by elements of supportive therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and psychodynamic therapy. If more in-depth work is needed, she may refer patients to a collaborating psychotherapist. Dr. Sherhart received her medical degree from Texas A&M Health Science Center and completed her psychiatry residency training at the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas, Texas. She has served as faculty at Texas A&M University College of Medicine, providing education and supervision for psychiatry residents and medical students. She has experience treating adult patients from many walks of life with a broad range of diagnoses, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and trauma-related disorders. Dr. Sherhart has a passion for providing excellent patient care and education. Her goal is for patients to feel heard and find a safe place to discuss their concerns. She is motivated to work collaboratively with patients to find a solution that best fits their treatment goals and improves their overall quality of life.
Dr. Seth Sherman is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who has been in practice for over ten years. At the heart of Dr. Sherman's clinical approach is a strong emphasis on establishing trust, rapport, and therapeutic alliance to help persons to feel and live well and to progress toward their goals, both in treatment and in life. Dr. Sherman begins with consultation, a compassionate, collaborative process of discovery that culminates in a working diagnostic impression and, in turn, treatment recommendations. For those with whom he engages in a treatment relationship, Dr. Sherman provides psychoeducation, medication management, and individual psychotherapy, this last modality predominantly drawing from both psychodynamic and behavioral psychological models to tailor treatment to each patient. On some occasions, Dr. Sherman may believe that additional therapy is needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome. Dr. Sherman received his medical degree from Stanford University and went on to complete his residency in psychiatry at Harvard University. After completing training, he cultivated a private practice of psychiatry in San Francisco, California, treating persons with a variety of psychiatric illnesses, while also providing consultation and clinical supervision to psychotherapists in day-treatment and office-based practices. Next, Dr. Sherman served as a psychiatry professor at the Florida Atlantic University Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine in Florida, where, as Associate Director of the Psychiatry Residency Training Program, he provided psychiatric inpatient treatment while bringing leadership, scholarship, teaching, supervision, and mentoring to psychiatry residents and medical students. Most recently, Dr. Sherman worked as a senior medical officer/consultant psychiatrist in New Zealand's public health system, serving local communities with expert diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of mental health conditions. He also continued to supervise U.S.-based psychiatrists, along with New Zealand psychotherapists, in advanced and complex clinical psychopharmacology and psychotherapy.
Dr. Holly Shiao is a psychiatrist who has worked extensively with medically complex patients, including a special focus in psycho-oncology with cancer patients. She is double board-certified in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Adult Psychiatry. She has been practicing for over 7 years. Before Talkiatry, Dr. Shiao worked as an Assistant Professor at the University of Washington and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. She also worked as an Assistant Professor and was Director of Emergency Psychiatry at the University of Chicago. She has presented nationally at the Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and written a book chapter about psycho-oncology. Dr. Shiao attended medical school at John P. and Kathrine G. McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. She then completed an Adult Psychiatry residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, followed by a Consultation-Liaison fellowship at Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Shiao is interested in the mind-body connection in overall emotional and mental well-being. She likes to integrate therapy modalities, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, supportive therapy, mindfulness and meditation with medication management to optimize a patient's mental health.
Dr. Mark Simonds is a Board-Certified general psychiatrist with training and certification in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. He has been practicing general psychiatry for about 25 years. His practice focuses on initial assessment of psychiatric conditions, treatment planning, and psychotropic medication management, typically with a one-hour initial intake and 30-minute follow-up visits. Collaboration with a psychotherapist for the best treatment outcome is welcome and encouraged. Dr. Simonds is a graduate of the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. He completed a residency in General Psychiatry at the University of Southern California, followed by a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry also at USC. Dr. Simonds specializes in psychopharmacology, and as a generalist, he has a lot of experience treating patients with mood disorders (including Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Panic Disorder, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder); trauma and reactive psychoses; pain and psychosomatic disorders; and ADHD and Developmental Disorders, such as Aspergers. Having grown up in the Southern Appalachians but having lived most of his professional life in Los Angeles, he has worked with clients of various socioeconomics, religions, and ethnicities, as well as LGBT youth and adults. He lived abroad in Leeds, England, for one year in college, and continues to travel and obtain knowledge through these experiences. He trains regularly in the gym and does long-distance street biking, and he encourages exercise and a good diet as part of his clients' mental health recovery.
Dr. Mustafa Taquee is a board-certified Adult Psychiatrist. After receiving his undergraduate degree from Wayne State University in Detroit, he completed his medical degree at Oakland University William Beaumont in Rochester, MI. He is a graduate of the Adult Psychiatry Residency Program at St. Mary Mercy Hospital in Livonia, MI. As a testament to Dr. Taquee's desire to help patients reach their full potential, he has also completed a psychotherapy fellowship through the Michigan Psychoanalytic Institute. Dr. Taquee believes that every patient brings their own mosaic of experiences embedded in a unique story. He understands that building a strong therapeutic relationship through empathy, compassion, trust, and respect is essential. He enjoys taking time to understand his patient's goals, offer psychoeducation, and create a collaborative plan for treatment with the patient. He believes in a holistic approach to mental health treatment, which includes medication management, supportive and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, as well as mind-body medicine techniques. He also has a special interest in psychodynamic therapy, an in-depth therapy modality, which he incorporates in all patient interactions and sessions. Due to the diversity and richness of culture in southeast Michigan, Dr.Taquee has experience working with patients from varied backgrounds. He enjoys the challenge such a heterogeneous environment brings and is particularly fond of working with young adults experiencing life transitions. He also has experience working with patients from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, as well as adolescents and geriatric populations.
Dr. Tara Thompson-Felix is a board-certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist. Dr. Thompson-Felix has specialized training in perinatal mental health and believes that improving outcomes during pregnancy and the postpartum period has a long-lasting impact on outcomes for a mother and child. She also specializes in treating a wide array of psychiatric conditions affecting children, adolescents, and young adults. Dr. Thompson-Felix's journey into medicine started in her undergraduate studies at Rutgers University. She earned her medical degree at Rutgers, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and trained in adult psychiatry at Temple University Medical School. She completed her child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Yale School of Medicine. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Thompson-Felix has extensive research experience in using neuroscience to understand the impact of maternal mental health on child development. She has authored several publications, presents her work nationally/internationally, and received numerous awards for her clinical work, research, and passion for teaching. Dr. Thompson-Felix believes that trust, communication, and respect between a patient and their physician is the foundation of effective treatment. Her style is welcoming, nonjudgmental, and collaborative. She evaluates mental health based on biological, psychological, and cultural aspects. She uses evidence-based treatments to manage psychiatric symptoms and promote optimal health.
Dr. Duy Tran is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. He received his medical doctorate degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and completed his residency training in general psychiatry at the University of Michigan. Dr. Tran aims to provide mental health care that helps patients live more fulfilling lives. In his training, Dr. Tran gained extensive experience treating psychiatric disorders in diverse populations, including college students, LGBTQ+ individuals, perinatal women, veterans, and those with socioeconomic disadvantages. He has worked with experts on cases of treatment-resistant depression and provided consultations for patients considering procedural interventions, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and ketamine infusion therapy. Although Dr. Tran's practice primarily focuses on medication management, he uses a holistic approach in developing individualized treatment plans. He typically incorporates elements of various psychotherapy modalities, including supportive, cognitive behavioral (CBT), dialectical behavioral (DBT), and insight-oriented therapy, in 30- or 45-minute follow-up visits. Occasionally, Dr. Tran may believe that more intensive therapy is needed and recommend that you bring a dedicated therapist into your care team for an optimal outcome.
Dr. Sophie Weinberg is a double board‐certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist. She completed her General Psychiatry residency at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY, and her fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Nassau University Medical Center in Long Island, NY. Dr. Weinberg's approach is patient-centered, collaborative, and holistic, emphasizing the importance of a healthy diet, sleep, exercise, and other pleasurable activities to heal the body and mind. Dr. Weinberg has expertise in treating numerous health conditions, from mood disorders to anxieties and traumas, as well as ADHD and sleep issues. Dr. Weinberg is also LGBTQIA friendly. Dr. Weinberg offers highly individualized medication management with 30‐minute follow-up sessions. In some instances, Dr. Weinberg may recommend additional support via a therapist to help facilitate the healing process and provide the best outcome.
Background and credentials
Dr. John Whittier is a board-certified psychiatrist. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology from the University of Colorado at Boulder and went on to obtain a master’s degree in Medical Science from Loyola University Chicago. He completed his medical training at the Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at The University of Vermont and returned to Colorado for his psychiatry residency at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. While in residency, he specialized in the Psychotherapy Scholars Program and has since gained four years of experience treating psychiatric conditions through telehealth.
Treatment approach
Dr. Whittier primarily focuses on medication management for general psychiatric conditions. His approach is individualized, ensuring that each patient receives a treatment plan tailored to their unique needs. He integrates supportive therapy, medications, and evidence-based alternative therapies to provide a flexible and comprehensive approach. In addition to his general practice, he maintains a psychodynamic psychotherapy panel where he helps patients explore developmental and relational patterns that contribute to their symptoms. His specialties include treating depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, PTSD, insomnia, bipolar disorder, and ADHD.
What you can expect in a first visit
During the first visit, patients can expect a one-hour comprehensive intake during which Dr. Whittier thoroughly evaluates their symptoms, medical history, and personal goals. He provides treatment options that prioritize flexibility, allowing patients to take an active role in their care. Follow-up visits typically last 20 to 30 minutes, focusing on assessing treatment progress and making necessary adjustments. For those engaged in psychodynamic psychotherapy, longer one-hour sessions are available for in-depth exploration of underlying psychological patterns.
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.
Dr. Williams-Jules is an adult psychiatrist who focuses primarily on medication management in conjunction with supportive therapy. She completed her undergraduate training at Spelman College in Atlanta, GA, followed by her master's in public health degree at New York Medical College. She has completed medical school at American University of Antigua and finished her residency in psychiatry at the University of Texas Southwestern. Dr. Williams-Jules has a passion for treating adults with mental health disorders, especially within the perinatal population. She has a genuine interest in management of trauma, while also treating a vast array of disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder. She has worked with clients of varying cultures and demographics, and has experience with treating patients with medical comorbidities. Dr. Williams-Jules takes a delicate approach to diagnosis and management and believes in holistic care, which incorporates mindfulness and deep breathing techniques to address the mind and body connection. She tailors individualized treatment to address the specific needs of patients. Dr. Williams-Jules is a member of the American Psychiatric Association and the Dallas County Medical Society. She has presented her research at the Annual APA conference and is co-author of many published psychiatric papers.
Dr. Jen Wygant is a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in adult psychiatry. She completed her residency training in general adult psychiatry at the University of Michigan and received her medical degree from Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine. However, she took a non-traditional path to medical school. She earned her undergraduate degree in nursing at Northern Michigan University where she also did Army ROTC and competed on their cross-country ski team. After graduation, she went on to work as a nurse in the Army and compete on the US National Biathlon Team. During her training, Dr. Wygant gained extensive experience treating a wide range of diagnoses with particular emphasis on PTSD, anxiety and depression in diverse populations, including college students, LGBTQIA+ individuals, perinatal individuals, Veterans and those with socioeconomic disadvantages. Through her work as an Army nurse, lifestyle as an elite level athlete, and training as an Osteopathic physician she has developed a holistic and compassionate approach to providing care as well as an understanding of challenges unique to athletes and Service members. She integrates multiple types of therapy into her medication management appointments and collaborates with patients to form an individualized and empowering care plan that aligns with their goals and priorities. Dr. Wygant looks forward to working with you!
Mu Xu, MD is a Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He obtained his medical doctorate degree from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and PhD from New York University. He completed his psychiatry residency at New York University. Dr Xu is licensed to practice in California, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. Dr. Xu provides both medication management for a variety of psychiatric conditions. Dr. Xu is fluent in English and Mandarin. Dr. Xu is a general adult psychiatrist specializing in medication management. He values building strong connections with patients from all walks of life and tailoring treatments to their unique needs. His working style is characterized by attentive listening, detailed follow-up questions, and straightforward communication, fostering a collaborative and empathetic environment.
Dr. Yacoub received his medical degree from Alexandria University and completed his psychiatry residency at Stony Brook University Hospital. He is double board certified in both general adult psychiatry and consultation & liaison psychiatry with over 20 years of clinical experience. After serving as chief resident, he joined Stony Brook University and became Associate Professor in clinical psychiatry. During his tenure at Stony Brook, Dr. Yacoub was director of the ECT service treating many patients with complex psychiatric disorders, which include treatment-resistant depression, severe bipolar disorders, psychotic disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post traumatic stress disorder. He also served as director of the medical student psychiatry clerkship where he received numerous teaching awards like Alpha Omega Alpha and Aesculapius Award for Excellence in Medical Education. Dr. Yacoub is an excellent diagnostician with expertise in complex mood disorders, psychotic disorders, interventional psychiatry, and advanced psychopharmacology. He has multiple publications and abstracts presented. Dr. Yacoub focuses on the interconnectivity of the mind, body, and soul. His care is only exceeded by his vast medical knowledge. In addition to medication management, he is proficient in supportive and interpersonal psychotherapy. He has treated adults, geriatric patients, and diverse populations including but not limited to LGBTQ+ and veterans. He is dedicated and empathetic to all his patients.
Dr. David Zhang is a board-eligible Psychiatrist specializing in general adult psychiatry, with a keen focus on treating depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, and ADHD in individuals aged 18-65. His practice emphasizes a comprehensive approach, integrating medication management with supportive therapy typically during 30-minute follow-up visits. Dr. Zhang attended Rice University for his bachelor's degree in Psychology and attended Baylor College of Medicine for his medical degree. He completed psychiatry residency at Ohio State University. Dr. Zhang's fascination with psychiatry stems from his interest in understanding patients' narratives and his commitment to guide, educate, and empower his patients to actively participate in their healing journey. He adopts a holistic approach, collaborating closely with patients to address their concerns and priorities through a blend of medication management and lifestyle interventions. With a strong belief in the therapeutic value of long-term relationships, Dr. Zhang values continuity of care and endeavors to build trusting, supportive connections with his patients. Beyond his professional endeavors, Dr. Zhang enjoys playing sports, including volleyball, rock climbing, and soccer as well as playing the piano.
How it works
Insurance accepted
The majority of our visits cost patients $30 or less after insurance.*
Care by the numbers
1,000
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300
+
175
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Mental health care that cares
Frequently asked questions
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions through medication management and supportive therapy. Think of a psychiatrist as a doctor for your mind. If you’re struggling with your mental health and aren’t sure where to start, a psychiatrist can help.
Take our 10-minute assessment to see if Talkiatry is right for you and get matched with a psychiatrist in
California
who meets your needs.
You may not need to choose between a psychologist and a psychiatrist—although there are differences in the types of treatment and expertise mental health professionals can provide, they often collaborate on your care.
That said, here’s a quick guide to help you decide if a psychologist or psychiatrist is the best starting place.
See a psychiatrist if:
- You’re experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition that are making it hard to go about your day-to-day life.
- You’re experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition and/or have a family history of mental health issues.
- You’re interested in exploring psychiatric medications, such as antidepressants, for mental health treatment.
See a psychologist if:
- You’re looking for a psychotherapy outlet to help address behavioral or emotional challenges.
- The concern you’re hoping to address is specific to relationship challenges, stress, grieving, or a life transition.
Not sure if your symptoms are severe enough to warrant medication? We always recommend consulting with a psychiatrist first to discuss your options. Also, keep in mind that if you’re looking for virtual care, you need to be sure your doctor or psychologist is registered to practice in
California
(or, for non-
California
residents, the state where you live).
The term “therapist” can apply to a range of professionals including social workers, mental health counselors, psychologists, professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, and psychoanalysts. Working with a therapist generally involves regular talk therapy sessions where you discuss your feelings, problem-solving strategies, and coping mechanisms to help with your condition.
Psychiatrists are doctors who have specialized training in diagnosing and treating complex mental health conditions through medication management. If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, or similar, a psychiatrist may be a good place to start. Other signs that you should see a psychiatrist include:
- Your primary care doctor or another doctor thinks you may benefit from the services of a psychiatrist and provides a referral
- You are interested in taking medication to treat a mental health condition
- Your symptoms are severe enough to regularly interfere with your everyday life
While both therapy and psychiatry are both available online, you’ll still need to be sure that the therapist or clinician is licensed to practice in
California
(or, for non-
California
residents, the state where you live).
It’s ok to be a little nervous about your first visit with your psychiatrist. But remember, they’re there to help you feel better. Psychiatrists have years of experience working with new patients and will help you feel comfortable during your sessions.
Here’s what to expect in your first visit at Talkiatry:
Evaluation: During your first visit with a Talkiatry psychiatrist, you’ll get to meet each other and answer questions about your current symptoms, personal history, medical history, and mental health goals.
Diagnosis: Based on the information you’ve shared, your psychiatrist will be able to provide a diagnosis of your condition, if you have one. Getting a diagnosis can feel scary, but it can also feel validating to finally put a name to what you've been experiencing. Your psychiatrist will help you navigate any emotions that come up and work with you on a path to move forward.
Treatment plan: You’ll collaborate with your psychiatrist on the best way to manage your symptoms. If medication is appropriate, you’ll discuss your options, including the benefits and potential side effects of each medication. Your psychiatrist will provide supportive therapy throughout your session and may also recommend working with one of our therapists. Our therapists partner with our psychiatrists in a collaborative model to provide holistic care.
To get started, take our free online assessment, to see if Talkiatry is right for you and get matched with a psychiatrist.
Medication can be an effective part of your treatment plan but medication is not right for everyone. Your psychiatrist will work with you to determine if medication is right for you.
Ready to talk with a psychiatrist? Take our 10-minute online assessment
to see if Talkiatry is right for you and get matched with a psychiatrist who serves in
California
.
Also note that prescribing laws can vary from state to state. During your first visit, your doctor will be able to talk you through how it works in
California
(or, for non-
California
residents, the state where you live).
The main factor that determines the cost of your visit is your insurance coverage. The majority of our patients pay $25 or less per visit.* If you have a deductible plan and haven’t met your deductible yet, the average cost is between $325 and $414. The best way to get an estimate of your total cost is to contact your insurance company and ask about their coverage for outpatient psychiatric services.
*Includes all types of patient costs: copayment, deductible, and coinsurance. Excludes no-shows and includes $0 payments.
Medication and talk therapy (also called psychotherapy) are the gold standard for treating mental health conditions but treatment is highly personalized. A treatment that works for you may not work for someone else. Luckily, psychiatrists are experts in treating mental health conditions and can guide you through different treatment options and help you find one that’s right for you.
At Talkiatry, we make it easy to find a psychiatrist in
California
who matches your needs. Take our 10-minute online assessment to see if Talkiatry is right for you.
Our goal is to help you find the best treatment option for your needs and there may be some cases where virtual care isn't the right fit. If this is the case, your psychiatrist will be able to recommend other treatment options within your first visit. Our 10-minute online assessment will also help you determine whether or not Talkiatry is the right fit for your care.
What we can’t treat: Schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorders: This is a complex condition that responds best to treatments that aren’t safe to provide in an online-only setting. Since we’re a virtual practice, we aren’t able to treat patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorders.
Certain personality disorders, like borderline personality disorder: Generally, borderline personality disorder doesn’t respond well to medication. As a psychiatry practice, one of our main focuses is medication management. One of the most effective treatments for borderline personality disorder is dialectical behavioral therapy, which is something our clinicians aren’t specialized in.
Patients who have been hospitalized or required to stay overnight in a clinic or in-patient setting for a mental health condition in the last 6 months: Our goal is to provide safe, effective care. For patients who have been required to stay overnight for a condition, a virtual practice can’t provide the right level of care.
Patients looking for therapy only: Our psychiatrists specialize in medication management. While we do have some therapists on staff to support patients who’d benefit from both medication and dedicated therapy, we don’t treat patients looking for talk therapy only.
We have excellent clinicians serving in
43
states, including
California
. Want to find a psychiatrist in
California
? We’ll match you with one through our online assessment. It just takes 10 minutes.