
Osman Athar, MD
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.

Peter McGowan, MD
I am a board-certified adult psychiatrist with over 14 years of experience, during which time I primarily treated active-duty US Navy sailors, their family members, and military retirees in the outpatient setting. My practice focuses on medication management in addition to supportive and cognitive-behavioral therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. I am a strong advocate of multiple treatment modalities and, in certain situations, may suggest that therapy and/or regular physical exercise be included in your treatment plan to provide the best outcome.
I received my B.S. in Physics from the United States Naval Academy. After serving as an Intelligence Officer in the Navy for eight years, I transitioned to medicine and earned my medical degree from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, MD. After completing an intern year in Family Medicine, I completed residency training in Psychiatry at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, VA, where I remained on staff for the next ten years and was primarily involved in resident training and education. I held academic appointments at the Uniformed Services University and Eastern Virginia Medical School and served as the Psychiatry Residency Program Director for six years. I served my final four years in uniform running the behavioral health department at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, WA, and recently retired from the Navy after a 30-year career.
I have extensive experience in outpatient psychiatric care. In addition to the full spectrum of mood and anxiety disorders, I have treated a very large number of patients with PTSD stemming from combat, natural disasters, and sexual trauma. I believe that, like my service to the country, working alongside others in their journey to better mental health is an incredible privilege.

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.

Poonam Thandi, MD
Dr. Poonam Thandi is a psychiatrist with 16 years of experience in inpatient and outpatient settings. She completed her residency at Morehouse School of Medicine, serving as Chief Resident, and is double board certified in Psychiatry and Neurology and Obesity Medicine. She takes a holistic approach, combining medication management, supportive psychotherapy, and discussions on diet, movement, and sleep.
Dr. Thandi fosters a warm, respectful environment where patients can communicate openly while working together to establish clear treatment goals.
Dr. Thandi believes every patient is unique. During the initial visit, she takes time to understand each patient's concerns and history to develop a thoughtful treatment plan aligned with their goals.

Rabia Choudhry, DO
I became a psychiatrist with one mission: to provide compassionate, high-quality mental health care accessible to anyone, anywhere. My approach emphasizes that patients are more than a diagnosis, focusing on the whole person, their story, struggles, and strengths. I partner with patients to create individualized therapeutic plans that may include medication management and holistic strategies. My goal is to promote mood stability, balance emotions, reduce anxiety, quiet overwhelming thoughts, resolve interpersonal conflicts, and strengthen resilience. I believe healing is best achieved through collaboration, open dialogue, and empowering patients to make informed choices about their care.
I am committed to meeting patients where they feel most comfortable, whether at home, work, or elsewhere. I offer the same compassion, attentiveness, and expertise as in-person care while removing barriers like travel, time constraints, and distance.
Originally from Pakistan, I pursued my undergraduate degree at Benedictine University in Illinois, medical school at Des Moines University in Iowa, and psychiatry residency at Trinity Health Livonia Hospital/Wayne State University in Michigan. I have experience in inpatient, outpatient, forensic, and community mental health settings.

Rachel Lynn, MD
Dr. Rachel Lynn earned her medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, completed her General Adult Psychiatry residency and served as Chief Resident at NYU Langone/Bellevue Hospitals, then completed a Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. For over 15 years, she has provided psychiatric care to patients throughout the cancer journey at NCI-designated Cancer Centers across the U.S.
Dr. Lynn strives to understand each patient as a unique individual. She values open communication, honesty, transparency, and respect while partnering with patients to set clear treatment goals. She fosters a warm, supportive environment where patients feel heard, empowered, and involved in their care, and welcomes patients of all backgrounds, including the LGBTQI community.
Dr. Lynn begins by gathering a thorough medical, social, and psychiatric history to understand each patient's concerns and goals. She works collaboratively to develop an individualized treatment plan, using psychotherapy, medication when appropriate, and other non-pharmacologic approaches, with regular follow-up to support progress.

Rachel Sherhart, MD
I am a board-certified adult psychiatrist who has been in practice for over 4 years. I specialize 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, I may refer patients to a collaborating psychotherapist.
I received my medical degree from Texas A&M Health Science Center and completed my psychiatry residency training at the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas, Texas. I have served as faculty at Texas A&M University College of Medicine, providing education and supervision for psychiatry residents and medical students. I have 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.
I have a passion for providing excellent patient care and education. My goal is for patients to feel heard and find a safe place to discuss their concerns. I am motivated to work collaboratively with patients to find a solution that best fits their treatment goals and improves their overall quality of life.
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Rania Elkhatib, MD
I specialize in treating a wide range of psychiatric conditions, including Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, OCD, ADHD, and PTSD. My approach is holistic, with a focus on evidence-based medication management while also incorporating supportive therapy and cognitive-behavioral techniques to optimize treatment management and patient wellness.
I am a board-certified general psychiatrist with extensive experience in clinical care, teaching, and research. I earned my medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and completed my psychiatry residency at UTHealth Science Center in Houston, where I later served as an Assistant Clinical Professor. During that appointment, I was heavily involved in medical education and developed courses in cultural psychiatry and psychiatry boot camps for medical students.
I am fluent in Arabic and English and have a strong interest in working with diverse patient populations.

Rebecca Farias, MD
I am a board-certified physician in both adult and child & adolescent psychiatry, with a focus on the diagnosis and treatment of depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma- and stressor-related disorders, and ADHD. I take a holistic approach to treatment, incorporating both medication management and psychotherapy. I utilize principles from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and supportive psychotherapy, recognizing that a combined approach leads to better outcomes for patients.
I graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Houston, majoring in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. I then pursued my medical education at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, earning my Doctor of Medicine degree. I completed a three-year psychiatric residency at TTUHSC, followed by fellowship training in child and adolescent psychiatry. I completed my first year of fellowship at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and my second year at TTUHSC.
With a diverse clinical background, I have gained experience in a variety of settings, including academic psychiatry, consult liaison psychiatry, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), partial hospitalization programs (PHP), emergency psychiatry, and outpatient psychiatry. This broad range of experience allows me to provide comprehensive, individualized care to patients at all stages of life.

Richard McColl, MD
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.

Ruben Mendez, MD
I prioritize the development of great communication, mutual understanding, and trust with my patients, as I find these elements to be key to a successful treatment. I establish my treatment plans upon evidence-based guidelines and encourage a holistic approach for optimal well-being. Through effective medication management and supportive psychotherapy, I lead my patients to optimal mental health. I encourage patients to strive to develop fulfillment and optimal functionality in their life's roles.
I have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating adult patients dealing with attention deficit disorders and a wide spectrum of adjustment and anxiety disorders. I have a special interest in the treatment of mood disorders, from Major Depression to Bipolar spectrum disorders.
I obtained my medical degree from the University of Texas Medical School in Houston and subsequently completed my Psychiatry residency training at the same institution. I am board certified in Adult Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Following my professional training, I have accumulated 15 years of experience primarily in the outpatient setting, including ample experience with telemedicine services to patients.

Ruchir Arvind, MD
I believe in collaborative and educational approaches to address my clients' needs. I believe that therapy is a foundational part of building a long-term therapeutic relationship with my clients. I try to incorporate an educational component to help my clients develop a deeper understanding of their illness and related struggles and needs. I like to follow up closely regarding progress toward my clients' goals. I integrate psychoeducation into all sessions, explaining my reasoning behind the choice of treatment options based on evidence-based medicine. I also provide brief supportive psychotherapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to aid in treatment for depression, anxiety, and insomnia. My areas of focus have been anxiety disorders, acute stress and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Tics and Tourette Syndrome, insomnia, and depression. I have also worked with adults with bipolar illness and pregnancy-related anxiety and depression, and with clients experiencing psychiatric illness due to underlying neurological issues such as seizures, Multiple Sclerosis, and neurocognitive issues, along with addressing caregiver burden for some clients. I tend to approach treatment with individualized plans based on different needs for different clients and will always welcome any questions regarding the plan to reach a client's goals.
I am an Adult General Psychiatrist and a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, practicing for 4 years. I received my medical degree from PramukhSwami Medical College in India and completed my residency training at the University of Texas Health Science Center in my hometown of Houston, Texas. I held an academic position as Assistant Professor with the University of Texas Health Science Center, McGovern Medical School in Houston, where I enjoyed teaching opportunities. During my residency training, I was extensively involved in clinical research examining neurobiological and psychological aspects of the development of different anxiety disorders and bipolar disorders as early as in childhood populations. I have publications in several peer-reviewed articles and manuscripts and have presented at annual conferences.
Find a psychiatrist in Austin, TX
Getting a psychiatry appointment in Austin can mean long waits and a short list of nearby providers who are taking new patients. Online psychiatry changes that. You can meet with a psychiatrist licensed in Texas by secure video, from home or anywhere in the Austin area, without sitting on a waitlist for months.
Because care is online, you are not limited to the clinicians who are close to you. You get matched based on your needs, then meet from wherever you are.
Online psychiatry for Austin residents
When you start with Talkiatry, you answer a few questions about your location, what you are dealing with, and your mental health history. From there, you get matched with a psychiatrist licensed in Texas, so you can be seen by video from anywhere in Austin.
Your first appointment lasts 60 minutes, which gives you time to talk through your symptoms, ask questions, and work with your psychiatrist on a plan that fits your life. Follow-up visits are usually about 30 minutes. Every visit happens by video, so there is no commute and no office to drive to across town.
What a psychiatrist in Austin can help with
Talkiatry psychiatrists are medical doctors who evaluate what you are experiencing and personalize care around it. Medication may be one part of your plan, but it is never the automatic result of a visit. Depending on your needs and availability, therapy may also be part of the plan, and psychiatrists work alongside therapists to support that.
Psychiatrists at Talkiatry work with people on conditions such as:
- Anxiety: ongoing worry, tension, or panic that gets in the way of daily life.
- Depression: low mood, loss of interest, or fatigue that lasts for weeks.
- ADHD: trouble with focus, follow-through, and impulsivity across settings.
Mental health care in Austin
Across Texas, there are 393 designated mental health Health Professional Shortage Areas covering about 13.44 million people, and only about 32.2% of the need for psychiatric care is currently met (KFF). For someone in Austin, that shortage is one reason appointments can be hard to find and wait times can feel long. Online psychiatry helps by connecting you with a licensed psychiatrist across the state, rather than limiting your options to the providers in your immediate area.
Does insurance cover a psychiatrist in Austin?
Talkiatry is in-network with major insurers, and your coverage is verified during the free assessment before you schedule a visit. What you pay out of pocket depends on your specific plan, so it is worth confirming the details with your insurer. You will not need to look up your insurance information ahead of time; the assessment checks it for you.
Psychiatry across Texas
For the full list of psychiatrists licensed across the state, visit our Texas psychiatrist page. If you are closer to another metro or splitting time between cities, you can also see care options in Dallas and Houston.
Start with a free assessment
Answer a few questions online, get matched with a psychiatrist licensed in Texas, and schedule a video visit, often within days. Take our free online assessment.
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Can I see a psychiatrist online in Austin?

Yes. You can meet with a psychiatrist licensed in Texas by secure video from anywhere in Austin. You get matched after a short online assessment, then schedule your first visit.
Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist in Austin?

No referral is needed to get started with Talkiatry. You begin with a free online assessment, and if online psychiatry is a good fit, you get matched with a psychiatrist licensed in Texas.
Does insurance cover online psychiatry in Austin?

Talkiatry is in-network with major insurers, and your coverage is checked during the free assessment before you schedule. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan, so confirm the specifics with your insurer.
Can I get a prescription from an online psychiatrist in Austin?

A psychiatrist can prescribe and manage medication when it is clinically appropriate and legally permitted. Medication is one possible part of a plan, not a guaranteed outcome, and your psychiatrist decides with you based on your evaluation.
Why is it so hard to see a psychiatrist in Austin?

Texas has a shortage of psychiatric providers, so local appointments can fill up and waits can be long. Online psychiatry helps by matching you with a licensed psychiatrist across the state instead of only those near you.
How soon can I see a psychiatrist in Austin?

Many people are seen within days rather than months. Timing depends on your schedule and match, so there is no fixed promise, but online scheduling is designed to be faster than waiting for a nearby opening.