Akif Khawaja, MD

Dr. Fang completed his psychiatry residency at Duke University, where he received extensive training in Psychopharmacology, Psychotherapy (“Talk Therapy”), Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), and Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT). Throughout his life, Dr. Fang has lived in various places such as China, Canada, Upstate New York, Maine, and North Carolina, where he currently resides. This rich cultural experience allows him to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds, which is crucial in the field of psychiatry where treatment is so highly personal. Dr. Fang has also practiced in multiple settings including a college mental health clinic, an adult ADHD clinic, a perinatal psychiatry clinic, a VA hospital, and a residential recovery program.

While Dr. Fang’s current practice is primarily focused on medication treatment, he utilizes his training as a therapist to ensure that patients feel understood and empowered to discuss any other issues they might be facing. With experience in many modalities of therapy including Psychodynamic, Supportive, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dr. Fang knows that one size does NOT always fit all. If more in-depth therapy is felt to be beneficial, Dr. Fang may refer clients to a separate therapist.

Michelle Shya, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) at Talkiatry, has provided care in the field for almost a decade. Working with individuals and families, she has connected and fostered ties with a broad spectrum of clients, including adolescent, adult, and geriatric services. Michelle's practice style centers on providing a safe and understanding space for clients to share, learn, identify, and address their unique therapeutic needs. Using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Michelle focuses on the relationships between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to assist the client in discovering their personal strengths and motivation to realize their individual life goals. Michelle completed her undergraduate Social Work education at Millersville University. Later at Marywood University, she earned her Master's in Social Work, with a specialization in Child and Family Practice. Michelle has had a wide variety of experiences working as a Social Worker in therapeutic and social service settings. She has provided case management and therapeutic care in domestic violence shelters, treatment foster care, community organizations, and hospice in-home support. In Michelle's experience in providing therapy, she has maintained a generalist practice, working with a variety of individuals facing personal barriers and challenges. By taking a step-by-step therapeutic approach, the client is able to better understand and process their thoughts as well as feelings to drive actionable change.

Background and credentials

Dr. Ian Goldberg is a board-certified adult and child/adolescent psychiatrist and a licensed physician in New York state. He has been practicing since 1988 and has extensive experience working with patients in private practice, hospital settings, and community-based mental health programs. His professional career has included work both in and outside of the United States.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Goldberg takes an eclectic approach to psychiatric care, integrating various treatment modalities, including psychodynamic perspectives and medication management. His focus is on improving his patients' overall quality of life by tailoring treatment strategies to their unique needs.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the initial visit, patients can expect a comprehensive and individualized evaluation. Dr. Goldberg values collaboration and strives to create a treatment plan that is both effective and adaptable. His experience allows him to approach each case with insight and flexibility, ensuring that patients receive care that is aligned with their personal goals and circumstances.

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Why Talkiatry?

We’re a virtual mental health practice that makes it easy to find great care. We combine quality and convenience to help you thrive—faster. Our providers, like this one, are highly trained experts who specialize in medication management and collaborate with you on a treatment plan that fits your needs and comfort level.

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Dr. Viga Naik takes a holistic approach when practicing, understanding the importance of an integrative treatment care model. She believes optimal patient care goes beyond psychopharmacology and requires incorporation of psychotherapy and psychosocial intervention. She is a strong advocate for her patients, dedicated to being an educator of mental illness to break self, societal, and systemic stigmas. She believes that a strong therapeutic alliance between clinician and patient is essential. She works on creating a safe and empathetic environment while providing psychoeducation to patients, empowering them to play an active role in their treatment. Dr. Naik is an adult psychiatrist with specializations in Addiction Psychiatry and Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, also known as psychosomatic medicine. She completed her residency training at New York Medical College and fellowship training at the Mount Sinai Health Systems located at Bronx Care and Beth Israel Hospital. She has worked in both inpatient and many outpatient specialty clinics such as psych/oncology, transplant, collaborative-care, medication assistance treatment, music and medicine, and gender affirmation surgery treating patients with comorbid mental illness and substance use disorders as well as comorbid mental illness and general medical conditions. Her practice focuses on medication management in combination with supportive therapy and providing psychoeducation to patients. She treats depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, general anxiety disorder, substance use disorders and other associated psychiatric disorders.

Deborah Bearman, PMHNP, is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner dedicated to helping individuals facing mental health challenges live more fulfilling lives.

She earned her Master of Science in Nursing with a specialty in psychiatry from SUNY Upstate Medical University. Deborah is trained in psychiatric diagnosis, medication management, and both psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral therapies. Over the past 10 years, she has gained valuable experience in a variety of settings, including inpatient and outpatient facilities, community mental health clinics, and private practice.

Deborah approaches adult mental health from a holistic perspective, combining medication management with supportive counseling, which she offers during 30-minute follow-up sessions. While her primary focus is medication management, she believes most individuals benefit from therapy as well. She has extensive experience in both psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral therapies and is committed to providing psychoeducation to patients, families, and caregivers.

As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, Deborah values the therapeutic relationship and its positive impact on daily functioning. By working collaboratively with patients to create comprehensive and effective treatment plans, she supports them in achieving healthier, more satisfying lives.

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Kim Van Wuffen, LPC, holds the position of therapist for Talkiatry. After completing her education from Ottawa University, she has spent a majority of her work in both community mental health and private practice. Her years of experience has included working as a therapist in diverse settings. Kim Van Wuffen holds certifications as a clinical trauma specialist, sex trafficking and sexual exploitation with Arizona Trauma Institute and a brain health coach with Amen clinics. She is also an Arizona Board certified clinical supervisor. Kim has a passion for exploring the neurophysiology of trauma.

Most recently, she has been serving as a clinical supervisor for Recovery In The Pines and helps with various recovery groups. Kim Van Wuffen has a client centered approach to treating clients. She considers herself an eclectic therapist who utilizes various modalities for treating clients who suffer various diagnoses, such as EMDR, Attachment Theory, DBT, CBT, Art Therapy, and Somatic Experiencing. Kim values incorporating mindfulness and holistic treatments into therapy. And enjoys collaborating with other providers to optimize the therapeutic process and effectiveness. She also considers herself a roots based therapist who is interested in empowering clients to discover their own healing path and not just focusing on symptoms.