
Dr. Aileen Kim, MD
I approach medication management with an emphasis on shared decision-making within safe, effective options, thorough counseling about what to expect in treatment, and giving attention to the concurrent use of non-medication modalities of treatment alongside optimizing medication. I am accustomed to working with people who have more than one diagnosis. I am skilled and experienced in de-prescribing (methodically streamlining the number of medications being taken) when needed. Patients can see me for medication management, therapy, or both.
I am board certified in Adult Psychiatry. I graduated from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago in 2004. I was selected for the Health Professions Scholarship Program and completed my residency in 2008 at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth in Virginia, where I was chief resident. Following residency, I deployed to Kuwait as a medical officer. I have taught and supervised residents at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. I left active duty in the Navy as a Lieutenant Commander. After becoming a civilian, I went into solo practice, then joined Potomac Behavioral Solutions in 2014, where I served as medical director. I am a past president of the Virginia Psychoanalytic Society. I also lecture advanced mental health professionals for Lingyu International Psychology Centre based in Toronto.
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Dr. Alexandra Blaes, MD
My practice focuses on medication management. I work to foster a safe and collaborative space in which patients can address psychiatric illness and other barriers holding them back from the lives they want to lead. Typically, I offer appointments for medication management coupled with supportive or emotionally focused therapy in 30-minute sessions. When I feel that additional therapy is needed, I will suggest inviting a therapist to join the team for additional support and guidance. I welcome collaborations with other clinicians, be they therapists or other physicians caring for my patients. I strive to build strong therapeutic relationships that help patients grow and meet their goals, whatever their situation, challenge, or life stage. I welcome patients from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds and am LGBTQ+ friendly.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist. Before joining Talkiatry, I practiced consult-liaison psychiatry, seeing medically ill patients with psychiatric problems at the Department of Veterans Affairs, where I also treated veterans in nursing homes. I graduated from New York University with a B.A. in philosophy and photography and worked in nonprofit marketing in New York before deciding to pursue a life in medicine. Following a post-baccalaureate, pre-medical program at Columbia University, I completed medical school at The University of Maryland, followed by a psychiatry residency at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. While at Johns Hopkins, I mastered clinical assessment and treatment of general psychiatric problems. I also received specialized training in eating disorders, addiction, reproductive psychiatry, chronic pain, and geriatric psychiatry, an interest I pursued further with a fellowship at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. In fellowship and in my subsequent experience at the VA, I developed expertise in caring for the difficulties that can accompany aging, including depression, anxiety, and memory loss, as well as the stress of medical illness. In addition to my background in geriatrics, I have experience working with peripartum women and enjoy working with patients navigating major life changes.

Dr. Christopher Bernetski, MD
Christopher Bernetski, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist with experience in inpatient, integrated primary care, and mental health settings. He earned his medical degree from the UNC School of Medicine at Chapel Hill and completed residency training at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth. Dr. Bernetski served for 9 years with the US Navy and US Marine Corps in both primary care and psychiatry roles. He has experience treating mood disorders, anxiety, ADHD, substance use, and trauma-related conditions using supportive therapy, CBT, prolonged exposure therapy, and cognitive processing therapy.
Dr. Bernetski works to create a collaborative, supportive environment without a hierarchical patient-provider dynamic. He aims to be clear and direct in his assessments and recommendations while helping patients feel comfortable discussing their concerns. His approach focuses on shared decision-making so patients can actively participate in building a treatment plan that fits their goals and values.
Dr. Bernetski begins by reviewing a patient’s concerns along with their medical and mental health history. He works with patients to clarify treatment goals and prioritize concerns when multiple issues are present. He then provides a concise assessment and discusses both psychotherapy and medication options, including benefits and drawbacks, so patients can make informed decisions about their care.

Dr. Cory Alfers, DO
I take a comprehensive approach to patient care, integrating biological, psychological, and environmental factors into treatment planning. I focus on developing a meaningful therapeutic relationship and providing medication interventions for specific treatment goals. I provide interpersonal psychotherapy in conjunction with medication management services. I have a special interest in the treatment of multiple mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, ADHD, and OCD. I treat adults ages 18 to 65 years old.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in adult psychiatry and have been practicing for over 11 years. I completed my undergraduate education at Virginia Tech, graduating Cum Laude with degrees in Biology and Chemistry. Following graduation, I attended a research internship at the National Institutes of Health, where I received a Post-baccalaureate Intramural Research Training Award. I completed my medical degree from the Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, CA, and my General Psychiatry Residency at Georgetown University, where I served as Chief Resident. After residency, I entered private practice in McLean, VA.

Dr. Dominique Guelce, MD
Dr. Dominique Guelce is a psychiatrist with experience in inpatient, outpatient, and emergency care settings. He earned his medical degree from Weill Cornell Medicine and completed his psychiatry residency at Howard University Hospital. His diverse clinical background has equipped him to support patients across a wide range of mental health needs.
Dr. Guelce values patient-centered care and works to understand each patient's mental and emotional experiences before developing a safe, effective plan together. He enjoys reviewing progress made between visits and, in therapy-focused settings, exploring the feelings that shape thoughts and behaviors. He strives to create a welcoming environment where patients can move forward at a pace that feels comfortable.
Dr. Guelce begins by establishing a strong therapeutic relationship and creating a comfortable, accepting space for patients to discuss their concerns. He takes a thorough history to understand current circumstances, previous treatments, and their outcomes. From there, he collaborates with patients to develop treatment plans that prioritize safety, satisfaction, and meaningful progress toward their goals.

Dr. Ellen Yin, MD
Dr. Ellen Yin earned her medical degree from NYU School of Medicine and completed her psychiatry residency at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. She has experience with multiple forms of therapy, including psychodynamic therapy, exposure therapy for OCD, and CBT for ADHD. Dr. Yin has worked with a variety of populations and diagnoses, with particular focus on immigrants and young professionals, as well as the treatment of anxiety, OCD, and PTSD.
Dr. Yin creates a kind and accepting environment that fosters a trusting, collaborative, and respectful provider-patient relationship. She takes time to identify underlying issues and approaches treatment thoughtfully, deliberately, and with a strong foundation in evidence-based care.
Dr. Yin's approach centers on fully understanding each patient's experiences, symptoms, and goals to develop a comprehensive assessment. She works collaboratively with patients to create individualized treatment plans designed to help them achieve meaningful and lasting improvements in their lives.

Dr. Ivan Pagan Colon, MD
I value open communication and foster a supportive environment to understand patient concerns, educate on diagnoses and treatments, and collaborate on clear goals. I use a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to evaluation and care, considering social, environmental, and biological factors impacting mental health. Through supportive psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and medication management, I partner with patients to create individualized treatment plans.
I am an ABPN board-certified adult psychiatrist with subspecialty certification in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry. I earned my medical degree from Universidad Iberoamericana (UNIBE) in the Dominican Republic, completed residency at HCA Aventura Hospital and Medical Center where I served as peer-elected Chief Resident, and completed a Consultation-Liaison fellowship at Georgetown School of Medicine/National Institutes of Health. I have also worked as a staff psychiatrist and clinical researcher at the National Institute of Mental Health. I have experience across outpatient and inpatient settings, therapy programs, and addiction recovery centers, and have treated diverse populations of all ages and backgrounds. I am fluent in both English and Spanish.

Dr. Jessica Saetang, DO
My role is to help patients better understand their mental health and, when appropriate, develop a medication plan that fits their life — not just their diagnosis. I provide thorough psychiatric evaluations and ongoing medication management, tailoring care to each patient's unique needs, symptoms, and personal circumstances. Whether a patient is struggling with depression, anxiety, or another mental health concern, I work collaboratively to clarify diagnoses, explain treatment options, and support informed decision-making throughout the care process.
I am a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine with experience practicing in both outpatient and inpatient psychiatric settings. I earned my medical degree from Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed my psychiatry residency at Northwell Health, where I developed a strong foundation in comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and treatment.

Dr. Joshua Weasen, MD
I believe in tailoring treatment to each person's needs, and in seeing beyond the diagnosis and focusing on the individual first and foremost. I primarily treat mood disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, and insomnia. I provide a combination of medication management and supportive psychotherapy. Occasionally, I may work with you on finding additional support as well, including bringing on a dedicated therapist as part of your treatment team.
I am a board-eligible adult psychiatrist with Talkiatry. I received my medical degree from Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, then moved to Washington, D.C. to complete my residency training at Saint Elizabeths Hospital, where I served as Chief Resident during my final year. I am a member of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and have presented at the APA Annual Meeting on the topic of virtual fatigue. I have had extensive experience working with a wide array of patients, including college/graduate students, geriatric patients, military veterans, and LGBTQ+ populations.

Dr. Kirk Ramsey, MD
I am board certified in general and child and adolescent psychiatry. My practice primarily focuses on medication management. I see myself as a collaborator with therapists and counselors in caring for their shared patients and their families. While I specialize in working with patients with anxiety, I do not prescribe benzodiazepines.
I received my medical degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, TN. I completed my residency at West Virginia University Hospitals and WVU School of Medicine and a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at the Yale Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, and Yale-New Haven Hospital in New Haven and Middletown, CT. I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Memphis.
After my fellowship, I remained in CT for two additional years, working in the Department of Children and Families, serving the state's at-risk youth and adolescents at a psychiatric residential treatment facility. I then returned to West Virginia University as clinical faculty in its School of Medicine. During that 12-year academic appointment, I had active roles in educating, training, and supervising medical students, general psychiatry residents, child and adolescent psychiatry fellows, and trainees from various disciplines. I worked for many years with adolescent males at both the Dually Diagnosed and Specialized Residential Treatment Centers within West Virginia University Healthcare. I provided outpatient and acute inpatient care, as well as hospital-based consultation services. Within the community, I provided medication evaluation and management services to residential treatment facilities and university student health. I have been seeing patients and collaborating with providers through telemedicine since 2016.

Dr. Lawrence Stansberry IV, MD
My practice focuses on medication management and also incorporates supportive therapy techniques, typically in 30-minute follow-up visits. In some cases, I may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team.
I am a staff psychiatrist at Talkiatry, board-certified in Adult Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. I received my medical degree from the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans and completed my residency training through the Louisiana State University/Ochsner Health Foundation Psychiatry Residency program. I have experience working in inpatient, emergency, and consult-liaison psychiatry but particularly enjoy the opportunity to work longitudinally with patients in the outpatient setting.
**THIS PROVIDER CANNOT PRESCRIBE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES FOR LOUISIANA PATIENTS**

Dr. Lorenzo Santos Gutierrez, MD
I take a personalized approach to treatment, considering the unique psychology, biology, and lifestyle of each individual patient when determining the best course of action. My practice focuses on medication management in conjunction with supportive therapy, and I conduct follow-up visits in 30-minute increments. I believe that the most successful treatments integrate physical health, therapy, mindfulness, and medication, when necessary, to provide the most effective solutions for my patients. I understand that choosing and seeing a psychiatrist can be stressful, and I am committed to providing a welcoming and non-judgmental environment where patients can feel free to discuss their concerns.
I am a Board-Certified Adult Psychiatrist with over 10 years of clinical experience in English and Spanish. I graduated from the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara School of Medicine and completed a rigorous 4-year psychiatric residency training in NYC at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center. In my residency and post-residency practice, I have provided high-quality care to culturally diverse communities and have extensive experience helping patients with Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, and other mental health conditions.
Find a psychiatrist in Washington, D.C.
Seeing a psychiatrist in Washington, D.C. can mean long waits and a short list of providers taking new patients. Talkiatry connects you with a psychiatrist licensed in Washington, D.C. who can see you by video, so you can start care from home instead of sitting on a waitlist. Most people schedule a first visit in days, not months.
How online psychiatry works in Washington, D.C.
You start with a free online assessment that asks about your location, your symptoms, and your history. From there, we match you with a psychiatrist licensed in Washington, D.C., and you meet by secure video from wherever you are in the District. Your psychiatrist has to be licensed where you are during the visit, so being in D.C. is what lets you see one of these providers.
Your first appointment lasts 60 minutes, which gives you time to talk through what brought you in, ask questions, and start building a plan together. Follow-up visits are usually about 30 minutes, enough to check how you are doing and adjust your care as needed.
What a psychiatrist in Washington, D.C. can help with
Talkiatry psychiatrists treat a wide range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, and ADHD, along with bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, and more.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors, so they can diagnose conditions, prescribe medication, and manage it over time. Medication is one possible part of a plan, not a guaranteed outcome of a visit. Your psychiatrist listens first, then works with you on an approach that fits your needs. Depending on what you are looking for and what is available, therapy may also be part of that plan.
Does insurance cover a psychiatrist in Washington, D.C.?
Talkiatry is in-network with major insurers. During your free assessment, we check your coverage before you schedule, so you know where you stand up front. What you pay out of pocket depends on your specific plan, so it is worth confirming details like your copay or deductible with your insurer.
Getting mental health care in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. has 10 designated mental health Health Professional Shortage Areas, covering about 126,000 people, and currently none of that psychiatric care need is being met. The federal government estimates that roughly 8 more practitioners would be needed to lift those shortage designations (according to KFF as of 12/31/25).
For you, that shortage often shows up as a long search and a longer wait. Seeing a psychiatrist online helps by connecting you with a licensed psychiatrist who can see you from home, rather than limiting you to the providers who happen to have openings nearby.
Start with a free assessment
Answer a few questions online, get matched with a psychiatrist licensed in Washington, D.C., and schedule your first video visit. Take our free online assessment to get started.
Can I see a psychiatrist online in Washington, D.C.?

Yes. Talkiatry psychiatrists are licensed in Washington, D.C. and see patients by secure video. You take a free online assessment, get matched with a provider, and meet from home, so you do not have to travel or find a local opening.
Do I need to live in Washington, D.C. to be seen?

You need to be physically located in Washington, D.C. during your visit. Your psychiatrist must be licensed where you are at the time of the appointment, which is why care is organized by state and, here, by the District.
Does insurance cover online psychiatry in Washington, D.C.?

Often, yes. Talkiatry is in-network with major insurers, and we check your coverage during the free assessment before you schedule. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan, so confirm the details with your insurer.
Can a psychiatrist prescribe medication online in Washington, D.C.?

A psychiatrist can prescribe and manage medication online when it is clinically appropriate and legally permitted. Medication is never guaranteed, and it is only one possible part of a plan your psychiatrist builds with you.
How soon can I be seen?

Many people schedule a first visit within days rather than waiting months. Your exact timing depends on provider availability and your schedule.
What can I see a psychiatrist for in Washington, D.C.?

Talkiatry psychiatrists treat conditions like anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, and PTSD. Your first visit is 60 minutes, giving you time to explain your symptoms and start a plan that fits you.