Find a Psychiatrist in Mississippi

Patients working with me can expect thorough and detailed appointments, as I place special emphasis on gathering comprehensive medical and psychiatric histories, including specific dates of past treatments. During initial visits, I carefully review previous medical interventions, particularly procedures such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). My approach prioritizes thorough evaluations to ensure accurate diagnoses. I strongly believe that honesty is essential for achieving the best possible treatment outcomes. I have a particular interest in treating mood, anxiety, and cognitive disorders, including ADHD.

I am a Clinical General Psychiatrist. I have worked in this field since graduating and obtaining my residency from the University of Mississippi Medical Center Department of Neurology and Behavioral Sciences in 1996. I have worked mostly with adults ranging from 18 to 90 years of age. I have served as a director of Intensive Outpatient Programs in the state of Mississippi. I currently focus on medical management of patients above 50 years of age and have served as a director of Geriatric Psychiatric Units.

I specialize in the treatment of anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, mood disorders, developmental disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and family relational problems for both children and adults. I believe that "knowledge is power" and that the more a person can understand about how the brain is affected by various mental health conditions, the more treatment makes sense. Working with survivors of trauma has always been an important part of my practice.

I received my medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, completed my adult training at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, and completed my fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Yale Child Study Center/Riverview Hospital for Children Program. I am board certified in adult, child and adolescent psychiatry and have over 32 years of experience as a practicing psychiatrist.

A native Texan, I returned to Tyler, TX in 2020 to accept the position of Chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, where I also established an accredited child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship. Prior to that, I served as the Director of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Division at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, where I was also the Program Director of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship. I also served as the program director of the Eating Disorders and Trauma Recovery program at Menninger Clinic in Topeka.

I currently serve as the co-chair of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry's Committee on Child Maltreatment and Violence and as a representative for the National Health Collaborative on Violence and Abuse.

I strive to create a cooperative therapeutic experience that fosters open and empathetic communication. I value patient choice in treatment and prioritize empowering patients through psychoeducation. Drawing on a variety of psychotherapeutic techniques, I tailor care to meet the unique needs of each individual.

I earned my medical degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School and completed my residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. I have experience treating a broad range of mental health conditions using both medicinal and psychotherapeutic interventions. I work with children, adolescents, and adults, and have training in cognitive behavioral and psychodynamic psychotherapy.

Initial appointments include a thorough review of the patient's concerns and the development of both patient and physician treatment goals. I discuss treatment options in detail, providing education on any medications, therapies, or interventions. Together, the patient and I select a dynamic treatment plan and set a follow-up schedule to monitor progress.

I am a board-eligible psychiatrist dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care for adults. I earned my medical degree from Dow International Medical College and completed my psychiatry residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, where I trained in inpatient and outpatient psychiatry. I have experience treating depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, personality disorders, and psychiatric emergencies.

I believe everyone deserves to be heard with empathy, respect, and without judgment. My goal is to create a welcoming space where you feel comfortable sharing your concerns. I use an evidence-based, holistic approach that considers the biological, psychological, social, and lifestyle factors affecting your mental health. Together, we'll develop a personalized plan that supports lasting well-being.

I begin by learning about your history, current concerns, goals, and life circumstances. Building trust through open communication and shared decision-making is central to my care. After a comprehensive evaluation, we'll create a treatment plan that may include medication management, psychotherapy-informed strategies, lifestyle recommendations, education, and ongoing support. I monitor your progress closely and adjust treatment as your needs evolve.

Isaac Benmaman Santiago, MD, is a physician specializing in the evaluation and treatment of adults with a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and psychotic disorders. He completed psychiatry residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, with extensive training in outpatient, inpatient, emergency psychiatry, consultation-liaison psychiatry, and veterans’ mental health care. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from Ponce Health Sciences University and provides evidence-based psychiatric care integrating medication management, psychoeducation, and collaborative treatment planning. He is fluent in English and Spanish, serving a diverse patient population.

Dr. Benmaman creates a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel heard and respected. He values open communication and collaborative decision-making, working with patients to develop treatment plans tailored to their goals, needs, and lifestyle, with a focus on meaningful and lasting improvement in mental health.

Dr. Benmaman begins with a thorough evaluation of each patient’s concerns, history, and goals, then develops individualized treatment plans from there. He provides medication management, education, and ongoing support, regularly reviewing progress and adjusting treatment to help patients achieve their goals.

I work collaboratively with my patients to provide treatments tailored to each patient's individualized needs. I prioritize building trusting relationships and fostering open communication. Patients can expect a compassionate approach often with utilization of supportive therapy, mindfulness, and at times cognitive behavioral and psychodynamic psychotherapy techniques to address their psychosocial stressors and unique needs. I am experienced in treating patients with a variety of mental health diagnoses including but not limited to depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, and those with a history of substance use disorders.

I am a psychiatrist board certified in General Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. I completed my medical and psychiatric training at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN and a fellowship in Addiction Medicine at Baptist Memorial Hospital in collaboration with IAC (Integrated Addiction Care) in Memphis, TN. I have clinical experience and practice working with other specialties and disciplines in treatment teams and integrated care models both in the inpatient and outpatient setting. I have held an academic appointment at Baptist Memorial Hospital where I enjoyed teaching and supervising medical residents and fellows in training. I most recently served as the Regional Behavioral Health Medical Director for a group of mental health clinics throughout Tennessee, and as the Chief of Psychiatric Services for a residential treatment facility in Mississippi that also had Partial Hospital and Intensive Outpatient Programming (PHP/IOP).

I primarily focus on medication management in my practice, though I will typically also use supportive therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy skills with my patients in order to maximize wellness and recovery. I have experience treating a wide variety of conditions, including Major Depression, OCD, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, Eating Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, PTSD, Substance Use Disorders, Delirium, Dementia, and Mental Disorders due to Another Medical Condition.

I am board certified in General Psychiatry and board eligible in Consult-Liaison Psychiatry. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English from Rice University and completed my medical doctorate at McGovern Medical School. I went on to complete a psychiatry residency at the University of Texas-Houston, where I served as a chief resident, and afterward completed a fellowship in Consult-Liaison Psychiatry at Louisiana State University - Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans.

I held an academic appointment at the University of Mississippi Medical Center as an assistant professor of psychiatry. During that appointment, I served as the clerkship director for the Medical Neuroscience and Behavior Course, which required a six-week course for third-year medical students that included four weeks of psychiatry education. I was also very active in resident education during my appointment, focusing on topics related to consult-liaison psychiatry.

Dr. Raju Kakarlapudi earned his medical degree from NRI Academy of Medical Sciences in India. He completed a transitional year internship at Suburban Community Hospital in Pennsylvania with a focus on internal medicine before completing his psychiatry residency at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center and a Child & Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship at the University of Kansas Medical Center. He has cared for children, adolescents, and adults with a wide range of mental health conditions. Outside of work, he enjoys movies, sports, and spending time with loved ones.

Dr. Kakarlapudi provides a calm, welcoming environment where patients feel heard and respected. He takes a holistic, patient-centered approach, recognizing the important role sleep, nutrition, exercise, and stress management play in mental wellness. He values open communication and partners with patients and families to develop treatment goals that reflect their unique needs and priorities.

Dr. Kakarlapudi begins with a comprehensive evaluation of each patient's medical history, mental health concerns, and personal goals. He develops individualized treatment plans that may include medication management, supportive therapy, lifestyle strategies, and referrals for psychotherapy when appropriate. Follow-up visits focus on monitoring progress, addressing concerns, and adjusting treatment to support continued improvement.

I integrate psychopharmacology with multiple psychotherapy modalities, and I have specialized training in psychodynamic psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and more. I am known for a compassionate, patient-centered approach and look forward to helping patients reach their goals for mental health care while providing a compassionate and collaborative environment.

I am a board-certified psychiatrist with over 25 years of comprehensive experience in delivering exceptional mental health services across various settings. I received my medical degree from the University of Virginia School of Medicine and completed my psychiatry residency training at Duke University School of Medicine. I treat adult patients of all ages.

Dr. Sheela Vaswani is a board-certified psychiatrist who provides care for children, adolescents, and adults. She has experience treating anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and trauma-related disorders. Dr. Vaswani has a special interest in working with college-aged individuals and young adults, recognizing this stage of life as a time of growth, transition, and self-discovery.

Dr. Vaswani’s approach is patient-centered, recognizing that each person’s experiences, goals, and response to treatment are unique. She emphasizes open communication and believes effective treatment often includes a thoughtful combination of medication management, psychotherapy, and lifestyle strategies. She values building a strong therapeutic relationship based on trust, compassion, and collaboration.

Dr. Vaswani works closely with patients to develop personalized treatment plans that align with their values and long-term goals. She values continuity of care and collaborates with patients to identify approaches that support meaningful, lasting improvement.

My practice is focused on the functionality of a person in their life, including relationships, career, physical wellness, and living a robust life. My interests include providing care for various behavioral health concerns, including Adjustment disorder, Mood disorders (including Treatment resistant depression), Anxiety disorders, PTSD, Neurodegenerative illnesses, Somatic disorders, Gender Dysphoria, and LGBTQIA2S+ community inclusive care. I provide primarily medication management but also include Supportive therapy, Action Oriented therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational interviewing when appropriate. My style is very approachable, inclusive, and always grounded in humanistic values.

I am an American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology certified psychiatrist. I earned my bachelor's degree in psychology and arts from the University of Albany, then graduated from St. Matthews University's School of Medicine in the Grand Cayman Islands. After completing my residency at the LSUHSC-Ochsner program in 2016, I worked at Ochsner Medical Center, New Orleans for 7 years. My roles there included working with patients in the field of Consultation Liaison psychiatry, serving as medical director of the behavioral medical unit (IOP), and leading the transcranial magnetic stimulation clinic.

I have been very involved in academics and won the Faculty Member of the Year, Adult Psychiatry Program, LSU-Ochsner 2021, the Teaching Excellence Award in Psychiatry, University of Queensland 2019, and the Roger Hatchette Award of Excellence in Emergency Psychiatry 2016. In 2023, I served in my community at Crescent Care FQHC clinic.

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I have experience treating a wide variety of psychiatric conditions and recognize that lifestyle factors such as sleep, physical activity, and stress-reduction are foundations of good mental health. Alongside medication management, I provide brief supportive psychotherapy, psychoeducation, as well as elements of cognitive behavioral and solution-focused therapies to assist patients in meeting their goals. I often encourage patients to see a therapist in addition to a psychiatrist.

I am a board-certified adult psychiatrist. I completed my Bachelor of Arts degree at Cornell University, followed by a neuroscience research-focused Master's degree at the University of Mississippi. I then attended medical school at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine, graduating with my MD degree as a Medical Student Research Scholar and member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. I completed adult psychiatry residency training at the University of Cincinnati and have since been working primarily in telepsychiatry.