Skip to main content

Alexandra Baluna, MD

Staff Psychiatrist
Languages
English
SPECIALTIES
ADHD
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Depression
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
PTSD/Trauma
Postpartum Depression

Education and training

  • Indiana University Bloomington, BS
  • Louisiana State University Health Science Center– Shreveport, MD
  • Montefiore Medical Center, Residency and Fellowship

Get to know

Alexandra Baluna, MD

Background and credentials  

Dr. Alexandra Baluna, MD, is board-certified by the American Board of  Psychiatry and Neurology. She received her medical degree from  LSUHC-Shreveport and completed her psychiatry residency training at  Montefiore/Albert-Einstein College of Medicine, where she served as chief of  the Consultation-Liaison (C/L) service. Following residency, Dr. Baluna  served as Senior Chief, during which she was honored with the Leo M. Davidoff  Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Teaching of Medical Students. Her  professional experiences include roles at Fordham University, Albert Einstein  Student Mental Health Counseling Center, and most recently, as an outpatient  psychiatrist at Maimonides Medical Center, where she enjoyed teaching and  supervising residents.  

 

Treatment approach  

Dr. Baluna emphasizes creating a warm, empathic, and nonjudgmental  therapeutic environment. She collaborates closely with patients to develop  personalized treatment plans that consider cultural, biological,  psychological, and social factors. With a strong interest in psychotherapy,  she frequently employs ego-supportive and insight-oriented therapy techniques  during follow-up sessions.  

 

What you can expect in a first visit    

During an initial visit, patients can expect a welcoming and supportive  atmosphere where Dr. Baluna conducts a comprehensive assessment. This  involves exploring the patient's history, current challenges, and individual  circumstances. The goal of the first session is to collaboratively build an  individualized treatment plan tailored specifically to the patient's unique  needs.  

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 speciualize in  medication management and collaborate with you on a treatment plan that fits  your needs and comfort level.

Get matched with a clinician like this one

Ready to book your first appointment? Take our 10-minute assessment. We’ll match you with a clinician who meets your needs, has availability, and takes your insurance.

Get started
More Clinicians

Briana Mathews, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Mathews is an adult psychiatrist who works with young adults and adults struggling with anxiety and depressive disorders. She uses a compassionate, non-judgmental, and reflective approach to listening and working with clients. Dr. Mathews' practice focuses on medication management, offered in conjunction with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. Dr. Mathews completed medical school at Stony Brook University School of Medicine where she also earned her masters in Medical Humanities, Compassionate Care, and Bioethics. She completed her adult psychiatry residency training program at Montefiore/Albert Einstein College of Medicine. The philosophy of Dr. Mathews' practice is to help promote each individual's natural capacity for healing. She ultimately strives to help clients create rich and meaningful lives while also offering mindfulness skills to empower clients to effectively cope with the pain and suffering that life can bring.

Erin Snider, PMHNP

Staff Nurse Practitioner

Erin Snider, PMHNP, brings more than seven years of experience as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse at Lindner Center of HOPE, a full-service psychiatric facility affiliated with the University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Her work has spanned the full spectrum of psychiatric care, including inpatient crisis intervention, partial hospitalization, and outpatient services. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Kentucky and both a BSN and MSN from Wright State University. Erin also recently earned a Mindfulness and Yoga-Studies Certificate from the University of Cincinnati.

Erin prioritizes building a strong therapeutic relationship and values open communication to create a supportive environment for healing. She views psychiatry as a holistic practice, integrating evidence-based approaches that address mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. Patients working with Erin can expect compassion, respect, and a collaborative partnership in their care.

Erin begins each appointment with open conversation to better understand each individual’s story and experiences. She works with patients to identify their concerns, explore barriers to growth, and highlight strengths. Together, she collaborates on a treatment plan that aligns with the patient’s personal goals, ensuring care is both personalized and empowering.

Sumeet Singh, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Sumeet Singh is board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in General Adult Psychiatry. He completed his psychiatry residency training at Howard University Hospital and Saint Elizabeth's Hospital in Washington, DC., where he was voted as Chief resident. He went on to serve as vice chair of the Department of Psychiatry at Adventist HealthCare in Maryland, where he worked in both an administrative and clinical role treating adults in inpatient settings. Additionally, he served as a Clinical Instructor of Psychiatry at Georgetown University School of Medicine, teaching medical students about the art of medicine. Dr. Singh received his undergraduate degree in Neuroscience from the University of Michigan and received his medical degree from Xavier University School of Medicine. Most recently, Dr. Singh worked for Life Stance Health, an outpatient telehealth company, where he treated patients between the ages of 18-65 years old with both medication management and therapeutic interventions. Dr. Singh has years of experience treating the following disorders/diagnoses: depression, anxiety and panic attacks, bipolar disorder, PTSD, ADHD, and OCD.‍

Susan Kim, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Susan Kim is a board certified psychiatrist who was born and raised in Queens, NY. She has spent much of her time in the North East and is currently residing in New Jersey with her spouse and dog, Luna. Dr. Kim began her medical training at Temple University in Philadelphia and completed her psychiatric residency at Stony Brook University Hospital, where she was chief resident for her final year. She has worked in numerous psychiatric roles. This includes working at a Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP) at Stony Brook University Hospital, as well as the inpatient voluntary psychiatric unit at Holy Name Hospital. She has also worked as a psychiatric consultant for patients admitted to medical-surgical units at Holy Name Hospital. Dr. Kim is well versed in medication management, particularly for depression, anxiety, as well as psychotic disorders. Her treatment style includes several psychotherapeutic techniques, including supportive, cognitive behavioral, and psychodynamic, based on her patient's needs and preferences. She also holds a special interest in cultural psychiatry as well as relational intelligence.

John Bardugon, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Bardugon is a board-eligible psychiatrist who specializes in the treatment of adults. He has experience in treating patients with various forms of depression and anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, ADHD, PTSD, and substance use disorders. He seeks to provide a safe, non-judgmental, gender affirming space for patients as they strive to lead a happier, more contented life. After a pediatrics residency, Dr Bardugon worked for 13 years as a pediatric ER physician. His interest in psychiatry was piqued during this time as he witnessed the emergence of a child and adolescent mental health crisis. While ultimately deciding to focus his efforts on the treatment of adults, Dr Bardugon is keenly aware of the influence of child development and family systems on the behavioral health of adults. Dr Bardugon employs a holistic, multimodal treatment approach. Aiming to treat the whole person, he stresses the importance of nutrition, exercise, and sleep. Dr Bardugon believes an informed patient actively engaged in decision making surrounding treatment has the best chance of effecting lasting change. Believing in the synergistic effect of talk therapy and medication, he incorporates one or more talk therapy techniques including motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and supportive and psychodynamic psychotherapies into most sessions. He often recommends formal participation in some form of talk therapy and is happy to collaborate with other providers.

Jacqueline Barrett, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Jacqueline Barrett is Board Certified in Adult and Child Psychiatry and Board Eligible in Forensic Psychiatry. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing at Florida International University and her medical degree at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. She completed her residency in Adult Psychiatry at Henry Ford Hospital and went on to complete fellowships in Child and Forensic Psychiatry at the University of Michigan/Center for Forensic Psychiatry. Dr. Barrett has extensive experience working in a variety of healthcare settings, including community mental health centers, inpatient and outpatient programs, and most recently at the Miami Veterans Affairs.

Dr. Barrett believes in a patient-centered approach that combines careful assessment, evidence-based treatment, and individualized care. She works with each patient to create a personalized plan that addresses both immediate needs and long-term goals. By integrating psychiatric expertise with compassion and collaboration, she empowers patients to take an active role in their mental health journey.

During your first visit, you can expect a thorough and compassionate evaluation in a warm, supportive environment where you will feel heard and respected. Dr. Barrett values open communication and works collaboratively with her patients to establish clear treatment goals. Her approach is rooted in trust, empathy, and partnership, ensuring that every patient feels comfortable and supported throughout their care.

Ready to get matched?

Start our short assessment
Specialties
ADHD
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Depression
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
PTSD/Trauma
Postpartum Depression
States
New York
Languages
English
Takes insurance
Virtual visits
4 years experience