
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.
.jpeg)
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.

Siera Kirkland, MD
I am an adult general psychiatrist and a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. I focus on collaborative and evidence-based care. I believe it is imperative to form a therapeutic relationship with each individual and work together as a team to formulate the best treatment plan. My passion is to educate, empower, and support. I specialize in medication management and brief psychotherapy.
I received my medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine and completed my residency at The Cleveland Clinic Akron General and Summa HealthSystem in my hometown of Akron, OH. Upon completion of residency, I relocated to Charlotte, NC to start my career as the Lead Psychiatrist at Novant Health Psychiatric Associates- Matthews. I have experience treating various patient populations. My areas of focus have been perinatal and postpartum depression and anxiety, and I have also worked with adults with co-occurring substance use disorders. Special interests include women's health and minority mental health disparities.

Steven Solomon, DO
I use a variety of therapeutic approaches (supportive, CBT, DBT, psychodynamic) in combination with medication management to help patients identify and develop treatment plans towards their own unique goals. Having worked with patients across their lifespans allows me to take a well-rounded approach to identifying issues with my patients, especially in family settings.
I am a double board-certified psychiatrist in Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. I completed medical school in my home state at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, where the focus on mind-body connection now fits seamlessly into holistically minded patient care. I then completed General Psychiatry residency and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship at the University of Colorado, where I was Chief Fellow focused on improving resident/fellow experiences and ensuring all medical students took a firm grasp of psychiatry into their futures. Prior to joining Talkiatry, I worked in a residential treatment center for teenagers with eating disorders, gaining significant experience with challenging patients and their families.

Thomas Crane, MD
I am a board-certified psychiatrist who practices general adult psychiatry, with a special interest in managing depression, anxiety, OCD, and ADHD. I place special emphasis on a triple-pronged approach to treating conditions, using medication, therapy, and lifestyle guidance. I enjoy building a therapeutic relationship with my patients, and I value longer-term continuity of care when appropriate. I recognize that psychiatric conditions can hinder someone from enjoying their life in a way that they otherwise could, and my focus is on helping my patients obtain more happiness, while reducing frustration/pain.
I attended Calvin College for my Bachelor's Degree and Michigan State University College of Human Medicine for my Medical Degree. I then completed my Residency in Psychiatry at Ohio State University. After spending six months serving the prison population, I am back to doing what I find most rewarding, which is one-on-one outpatient psychiatry.

Timothy Kelly, MD
I am a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in adult psychiatry. My practice focuses primarily on medication management but often incorporates aspects of supportive, psychodynamic, and cognitive behavioral therapies into my 30-minute follow-up visits. I also strongly believe in working in conjunction with therapists to achieve the best possible outcomes for my patients. I feel it is important to create strong therapeutic relationships with my patients in order to help them achieve their treatment goals.
I received my undergraduate degrees in Human Biology and Spanish from Michigan State University. I then completed my medical education and a master's degree in medical humanities and bioethics at Northwestern University, and completed my adult psychiatry residency at the University of Washington. I have authored papers in medical education and LGBTQ advocacy.
I now live in Pennsylvania with my husband, Kevin, and three dogs: Taquito, Fergie, and Mimi. While I treat adults of all backgrounds, I have a particular interest in working with young adults, students, and LGBTQ individuals.

Tobias Murphy, MD
I approach medication management through the lens of compassionate listening and psychotherapy, seeking to reduce the stigma of mental illness and put patients at ease during their visits. I have experience treating a variety of conditions, including bipolar disorder, depression, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, and anxiety. I enjoy working with a diverse population of patients, providing culturally informed care. Follow-up patient visits will include both supportive therapy and medication management during 30-minute encounters.
I am a psychiatrist with Talkiatry, licensed to provide care in Ohio, West Virginia, and New York. I completed medical school and psychiatry residency at Marshall University's School of Medicine, and I have additional training in neuropsychiatry and geriatric psychiatry. During my training, I was actively involved in teaching medical students and residents; my most frequent lectures included LGBT and transgender mental health. I have published papers, presented at conferences, and served as an ad-hoc reviewer for medical journals.
I am a member of the American Psychiatric Association, the American Association of Gay and Lesbian Psychiatrists, the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association, and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health. I was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society and given awards for Inclusion and Advocacy as well as Honors in Community Service during training.
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.