
Michelle Zaydlin, MD
I believe in a collaborative and compassionate approach to mental health care. I work with patients across their lifespans, integrating psychopharmacology and psychotherapy, and I integrate cultural sensitivity with evidence-based practices to provide individualized, holistic care. My interests include neurodevelopmental disorders (autism, ADHD), mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, and comorbid medical conditions.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist with experience caring for diverse patient populations presenting with an array of diagnoses. I have completed internships in pediatric neuropsychology and worked as a behavior therapist, delivering Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, which has enriched my understanding of development and neurocognitive functioning. Additionally, I actively participate in research and am engaged in educational initiatives for other healthcare providers.
My empathetic approach and clinical knowledge enable me to foster meaningful connections with my patients and facilitate positive treatment outcomes.

Mohammed Islam, MD
I treat patients of various ages, and in addition to medication management I am a strong proponent of therapy in various forms. My approach to the treatment of adults and children/adolescents incorporates the impact of various things such as family history of mental health/medical conditions as well as any adverse childhood experiences/trauma. In addition to screening for common conditions such as bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression in all patients, I also emphasize the importance of screening for conditions that can manifest in childhood (such as ADHD, Autism) as well as first-episode psychosis in young adults. From the initial visit and onward, I prioritize a collaborative effort with my patients (and at times their families). In addition to medication adjustments, I emphasize the importance of optimizing additional tools such as therapy while making appropriate lifestyle changes. During every follow-up visit, I take care to ensure that the current treatment is not hindering my patient's progress in any way.
I am board certified in both General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. I completed my undergraduate studies at Stony Brook University and attended medical school at the American University of Integrative Sciences. I also hold an MBA from Davenport University. I completed my psychiatry residency training at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, followed by a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center/Case Western Reserve University, where I served as Chief Fellow. Prior to joining Talkiatry, I trained and worked across a combination of various healthcare systems in New York, New Jersey, Ohio, and Kentucky.

Neal Palmreuter, MD
Dr. Neal Palmreuter is a board-certified psychiatrist with experience across inpatient, outpatient, and community behavioral health settings. He earned his medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine and completed his psychiatry residency at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia. Before joining Talkiatry, he served as an attending psychiatrist and clinical leader, specializing in psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and integrated care for mood, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders.
Dr. Palmreuter brings a calm, steady presence and believes the best care is built on trust, clear communication, and collaboration. He takes time to explain diagnoses and treatment options, tailoring care to each patient's unique needs, strengths, and experiences. He strives to create a supportive environment where patients feel heard, respected, and empowered.
Dr. Palmreuter begins with a comprehensive evaluation of each patient's history, concerns, and goals. He develops individualized treatment plans that may include medication, therapy, and lifestyle strategies, then regularly reviews progress and adjusts care as needed to support lasting emotional wellness.

Noareen Sheikh, DO
Dr. Noareen Sheikh is a board-eligible psychiatrist with training in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She earned her medical degree from Nova Southeastern University KPCOM and completed her psychiatry residency at Larkin Community Hospital in Miami, Florida, where she also served as Chief Resident. Her clinical background includes treating mood disorders, anxiety, ADHD, trauma-related conditions, and psychosis across diverse patient populations.
Dr. Sheikh prioritizes creating a warm, supportive environment where patients feel heard, respected, and comfortable. She values open communication and collaboration, working closely with patients to establish clear, meaningful goals. Her approach is patient-centered and evidence-based, tailored to each individual’s needs, with a focus on making visits both approachable and productive.
Dr. Sheikh begins by developing a comprehensive understanding of each patient’s history, concerns, and goals. She collaborates with patients to create individualized treatment plans that may include medication, lifestyle strategies, and therapeutic support. She also integrates practical psychotherapy techniques and adjusts care over time based on progress and feedback.

Noor Zayed, DO
My practice focuses on medication management combined with psychotherapy, utilizing evidence-based approaches to provide personalized care. My therapeutic style is characterized by empathy, respect, active listening, and collaborative relationships with patients, fostering a safe space for healing. My clinical interests include treating depressive and anxiety disorders, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders.
I am a board-certified adult psychiatrist committed to improving mental health and empowering individuals to achieve their goals. I completed my undergraduate studies at The Ohio State University and earned my medical degree from Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine, where I was inducted into the Sigma Sigma Phi Honorary Osteopathic Service Fraternity. I then completed my residency at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, where a significant focus was treating veterans at the Edward Hines VA Hospital. My experience spans both rural and urban settings, providing me with a comprehensive approach to mental health care. During my training, I received awards for Excellence in Professionalism and COVID Surge efforts.

Phillip Azouz, MD
I provide a relaxed, conversational, and non-judgmental space for patients to reflect on and integrate all aspects of their lives. I believe that vulnerability is key to healing and growth and work with individuals seeking to improve mood, reduce anxiety, enhance sleep, boost attention, or heal from trauma. My approach blends the latest research in medical treatment with insights from psychotherapy and coaching. I specialize in treating major depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, addiction, and personality disorders.
During the first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive and collaborative evaluation where I take the time to understand their symptoms, challenges, and goals. I foster an open and supportive environment, ensuring that treatment plans are personalized and aligned with each patient's unique needs. My approach integrates evidence-based medication management, psychotherapy techniques, and coaching strategies to help patients achieve their full potential.
I am a board-certified general adult psychiatrist. I earned my medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School, where I was awarded the Albert M. Barret Award for Distinguished Performance in Psychiatry, and completed my psychiatric residency at Florida Atlantic University. Prior to medical school, I obtained my undergraduate degree in economics with honors from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. My background includes research at the Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Center and the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind-Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. I also worked as a Mental Health Specialist at McLean Psychiatric Hospital.
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Ryan Ahmed, MD
Dr. Ryan Ahmed, MD, MBA, completed his undergraduate education at the University of Chicago with a deep focus on the humanities before earning both his medical degree and MBA, with an emphasis on healthcare delivery, from Vanderbilt University. He has trained across outpatient, inpatient, emergency, and interventional psychiatry settings, with additional focus in psychopharmacology, integrated care, addiction medicine, reproductive psychiatry, and therapies including CBT, CBT-I, DBT, psychodynamic therapy, IFS, and supportive therapy.
Dr. Ahmed takes an empathic, collaborative approach grounded in the belief that each patient is the expert on their own life. He views his role as offering guidance and recommendations that support an individual’s unique mental health journey. While he works with patients across the full spectrum of psychiatric conditions, he has particular experience treating complex presentations involving ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and autism spectrum conditions. He warmly welcomes patients from diverse ethnic, sexual, gender, and neurodivergent communities.
Dr. Ahmed begins with a comprehensive evaluation and prioritizes timely follow-up care. Initial visits conclude with clear, actionable next steps, whether that involves continuing an effective treatment or starting a new one. He develops personalized treatment plans that address the whole person, and ongoing appointments combine medication management with therapy-informed discussions that explore patients’ past experiences, present challenges, and future goals.

Sean Culver, MD
I am an outpatient psychiatrist with experience treating a wide variety of disorders across multiple distinct age groups. I strongly believe in the practice of evidence-based medicine, utilizing the most current research to guide recommendations. I am a strong advocate for patient autonomy and therefore provide psychoeducation on diagnoses and medications so that each patient can make informed decisions which align with their own values. I approach each patient in the context of their individual interests, family dynamics, and life goals. I understand that not every patient requires or desires medication and am comfortable in a number of psychotherapy techniques including cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and supportive therapy. I emphasize a trusting and honest therapeutic relationship with my patients.
I completed my undergraduate education at the University of Pittsburgh, graduating summa cum laude while majoring in neuroscience. I attended medical school at the Ohio State University College of Medicine, where I was granted an annual merit scholarship. I then remained at the OSU Wexner Medical Center for residency training. During residency, I developed a particular interest in working with young adults, college students, and athletes, but am comfortable with patients of all ages.
Outside of psychiatry, I enjoy numerous interests including soccer, hockey, music, photography, and video games.

Sheela Vaswani, MD
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.

Sheena Dohar, MD
My practice focuses on medication management. My goals include helping people feel comfortable seeking treatment as well as promoting an understanding of the purpose and reasoning behind the use of various medications to treat psychiatric disorders. Typically, I offer this in conjunction with supportive or emotionally focused therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. When I believe that additional therapy is also needed, I will ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome. I appreciate and value working with therapists within the Talkiatry practice and in the community in a collaborative effort to promote wellness. I strive to build strong therapeutic relationships with the people I see in my practice. I have interests in pharmacogenomics as well as treatment resistant approaches to depression.
I am a board certified general psychiatrist. Before joining Talkiatry, I practiced extensively in community mental health with adults of all ages in both outpatient and inpatient settings and as the medical director of several intensive outpatient and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) based programs. I also have experience in private practice and in the dual diagnoses of mental health and substance abuse disorders. I graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Psychology and then completed medical school at West Virginia University School of Medicine. I trained during my residency at WVU, where I served as a chief resident and received the Brandon K. Fuller Award for Physician Empathy in 2017. I appear in several professional publications.
My passions include working in the community at large to encourage a better understanding of mental health disorders and to promote suicide awareness and prevention.

Shelah Radke, MD
I am a double board-certified Child and Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist specializing in the well-being of children, adolescents, and young adults. A staunch advocate for evidence-based approaches, I integrate lifestyle and pharmacological interventions to foster mental health resilience among my patients. I am particularly passionate about the shared decision-making model, which enhances patient empowerment and satisfaction by actively involving patients in their treatment plans. My approach is deeply holistic, informed by my training in integrative medicine and my personal commitment to wellness.
I currently serve in St. Louis, MO, where I am known for my dynamic leadership as a Medical Director and my robust clinical practice. Throughout my career, I have held pivotal roles, including Medical Director of Crisis Psychiatry Services at Mercy Hospital and key positions in several reputable outpatient clinics across the U.S. My clinical acumen spans a diverse range of settings, from private practice and crisis care to specialized programs in residential and educational institutions. Complementing my medical expertise, I hold a Juris Doctorate, with a focus on public health and social policy, which enriches my understanding of the legal and systemic aspects of healthcare.
My academic contributions are equally notable. I have developed educational curriculums that significantly improve health outcomes and have shared my expertise through numerous media appearances and professional talks. My commitment to medical education is reflected in my mentorship of nurse practitioners and my involvement in creating community psychiatry programs.
On a personal level, I practice wellness through nutrition, exercise, and travel with my family. My professional journey is driven by a commitment to optimizing mental health outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for my patients and their families.

Shelley Sellinger, MD
My practice focuses on medication management as well as supportive and insight-oriented psychotherapy. I believe that a combination of therapy and medications helps provide a patient with the best outcome. My goal is to help patients live their best and most fulfilling lives. In addition to general psychiatry, I have a keen interest in mood disorders, helping creatives achieve their goals, and the LGBTQ community.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist who has been in practice for 25 years. My career has been devoted to serving both my local community as well as high-risk and underserved patients. As a pioneer and advocate for the use of telepsychiatry years prior to the pandemic, I have presented at the American Telehealth conference as well as at grand rounds.
Talkiatry psychiatrists licensed in Ohio see people across Columbus by video. You meet from home, on your own schedule, with no commute and no local waitlist. Because care is virtual, you are not limited to the few psychiatrists who happen to have a Columbus office.
Online psychiatry for Columbus residents
Getting started is simple. You answer a few questions online, then get matched with a psychiatrist licensed in Ohio. From there you schedule a video visit, often within days.
Your first visit runs about 60 minutes, so there is time to talk through what is going on. Follow-up visits are usually around 30 minutes. A psychiatrist must be licensed in the state where you are during your visit, so you will be matched with a doctor licensed in Ohio.
What a psychiatrist in Columbus can help with
Psychiatrists are medical doctors. They can diagnose conditions, prescribe and manage medication, and coordinate therapy when it helps.
Talkiatry psychiatrists work with patients on many common conditions, including anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Care also covers bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, and postpartum mental health.
Does insurance cover a psychiatrist in Columbus, OH?
Talkiatry is in-network with major insurers, and your coverage is checked during the free assessment. Costs vary by plan, so confirm the details with your insurance company. You will not need to look up your plan information before you start.
Mental health care in Columbus
Access to psychiatry is limited across Ohio. Ohio has 138 federally designated mental health professional shortage areas, and only about 33.7% of the state's need for mental health practitioners is met. An estimated 247 more psychiatrists would be needed to lift those shortage designations, according to KFF. Video care helps close that gap by connecting Columbus residents with Ohio-licensed psychiatrists without a local wait.
Psychiatry across Ohio
Talkiatry psychiatrists are licensed across Ohio, not just in Columbus. To see the full list of psychiatrists licensed statewide, visit our Ohio psychiatrist page. If you are closer to another metro, you can also see our Cincinnati psychiatrist page.
Start with a free assessment
Ready to get started? Answer a few questions online, get matched with a psychiatrist licensed in Ohio, and schedule your first video visit. Take our free online assessment.
Can I go straight to a psychiatrist in Columbus?

In most cases, yes. You usually do not need a referral to start with a Talkiatry psychiatrist. You begin with a short online assessment, then get matched with a doctor licensed in Ohio. Some insurance plans do ask for a referral, so it is worth checking yours.
What is the 3 month rule in mental health?

There is no single, formal "3 month rule" in mental health, and people use the phrase in different ways. Some use it to describe how long a medication can take to show its full effect. Others use it to describe how long symptoms are tracked before a plan is adjusted. If you have heard it in a specific context, your psychiatrist can explain what applies to you.
Why is it so difficult to see a psychiatrist?

Demand is high and there are not enough psychiatrists, especially in shortage areas. That leads to long waits in many places. Because Talkiatry care is virtual, Columbus residents can often be seen within days rather than months.
Is it better to see a psychiatrist or a psychologist?

It depends on what you need. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can diagnose conditions and prescribe medication. Psychologists focus on therapy and testing, and in most states they do not prescribe. Many people work with both, and a psychiatrist can help you decide.
Can I get a prescription from an online psychiatrist in Columbus?

Sometimes. Medication is prescribed only when it is clinically appropriate and legally permissible. A prescription is never guaranteed, and some medications may not be available for online prescribing. Your psychiatrist will talk through the options with you.