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Alexandra Blaes, MD

Staff Psychiatrist
Languages
English
Conditions Treated
ADHD
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Depression
LGBTQIA+
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
PTSD/Trauma
Perinatal Psychiatry
Postpartum Depression
Tics/Tourette Syndrome
Geriatric

Education and training

  • New York University, BA
  • University of Maryland School of Medicine, MD
  • John Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Internship
  • John Hopkins Hospital, Residency
  • University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Fellowship

Get to know

Alexandra Blaes, MD

Dr. Alexandra ("Sasha”) Blaes is a board-certified psychiatrist. Before joining Talkiatry, she practiced consult-liaison psychiatry, seeing medically ill patients with psychiatric problems at the Department of Veterans Affairs, where she also treated veterans in nursing homes. Dr. Blaes graduated from New York University with a B.A. in philosophy and photography and worked in nonprofit marketing in New York before deciding she wanted to pursue a life in medicine. Following a post-baccalaureate, pre-medical program at Columbia University, Dr. Blaes completed medical school at The University of Maryland, followed by a psychiatry residency at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. While at Johns Hopkins, she mastered clinical assessment and treatment of general psychiatric problems. She also received specialized training in eating disorders, addiction, reproductive psychiatry, chronic pain, and geriatric psychiatry, an interest she pursued further with a fellowship at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. In fellowship and in her subsequent experience at the VA, she 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. Dr. Blaes' practice focuses on medication management. She works 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, she offers appointments for medication management coupled with supportive or emotionally focused therapy in 30-minute sessions. When Dr. Blaes feels that additional therapy is needed, she will suggest inviting a therapist to join the team for additional support and guidance. She welcomes collaborations with other clinicians, be they therapists or other physicians caring for her patients. She strives to build strong therapeutic relationships that help patients grow and meet their goals - whatever their situation, challenge, or life stage. Dr. Blaes welcomes patients from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds and is LGBTQ+ friendly. In addition to her background in geriatrics, she has experience working with peripartum women and enjoys working with patients navigating major life changes.

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Ruchir Arvind, MD

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Dr. Ruchir Arvind is an Adult General psychiatrist. He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He has been practicing for 4 years.

Dr. Arvind believes in collaborative and educational approaches to address his client’s needs. He believes that therapy is a foundational part in building a long term therapeutic relationship with his clients. He tries to put some educational part in helping his client’s to have a deeper understanding about their illness and related struggles and needs. He likes to follow up closely regarding progress towards his client’s goals. He integrates psycho education in all sessions into explaining his reasoning behind the choice of treatment options based on evidence based medicine. He also provides a brief supportive psychotherapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to aid in treatment for depression, anxiety and insomnia.

Dr. Arvind received his medical degree from PramukhSwami Medical College in India and completed his residency training at University of Texas Health Science Center in his Hometown of Houston, Texas. He held an academic position as a faculty with University of Texas Health Science Center – McGovern Medical School in Houston as assistant professor and enjoyed teaching opportunities.

During his pursuit for residency training in psychiatry Dr. Arvind had been extensively involved in clinical research understanding neurobiological and psychological aspects of development of different anxiety disorders and bipolar disorders as early as in childhood populations. He has had Publications for several peer-reviewed articles and manuscripts and presentations at annual conferences.

Dr. Arvind has experience in treating versatile patient populations. His 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. He has also worker with adults with Bipolar illness and pregnancy related anxiety and depression and helping clients with any psychiatric illness due to underlying neurological issues like Seizures, Multiple Sclerosis and NeuroCognitive Issues along with addressing Caregiver Burden for some clients.

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Jessi Munoz, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Background and credentials

Dr. Munoz is a board-eligible adult psychiatrist. He earned his medical degree from Rutgers, New Jersey Medical School and completed his psychiatric residency at Mount Sinai Beth Israel. Throughout his training, he gained experience in a variety of clinical settings, including outpatient and inpatient care, as well as psychiatric emergency services.

Treatment approach

Dr. Munoz provides compassionate psychiatric care through a combination of pharmacotherapy and supportive therapy. He specializes in treating depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and psychotic disorders. He has extensive experience working with LGBTQ+ and Spanish-speaking communities. His treatment philosophy is holistic, viewing patients as whole individuals and addressing their specific needs at different stages of life. He also emphasizes the importance of exercise, relationships, and overall well-being in his approach to mental health care.

What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive and patient-centered evaluation. Dr. Munoz takes the time to understand each patient’s symptoms, background, and personal goals. He collaborates with patients to develop an individualized treatment plan that may include medication management, supportive therapy, and lifestyle modifications to support their overall well-being.

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.

Gaurav Agarwal, MD

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Background and credentials

Dr. Agarwal is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. He obtained his bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences from the University of California at Irvine and graduated cum laude with his medical degree from the American University of Antigua. Dr. Agarwal completed his psychiatry residency training at the University of Central Florida, where he was elected chief resident.

Treatment approach

Dr. Agarwal employs a collaborative and patient-centered approach, primarily focusing on medication management in combination with supportive therapy. He is a strong advocate of psychoeducation, believing it to be an integral part of effective psychiatric care. Dr. Agarwal specializes in treating adults experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD, and insomnia. He is also experienced in managing patients with psychiatric conditions complicated by medical comorbidities such as obesity, hypertension, chronic pain, and diabetes.

What you can expect in a first visit

Patients visiting Dr. Agarwal for the first time can anticipate a comprehensive evaluation conducted in a collaborative and supportive environment. Dr. Agarwal prioritizes understanding each patient's individual needs and concerns, creating a personalized treatment plan that integrates medication, supportive therapy, and psychoeducation. Follow-up visits typically last about 30 minutes, allowing time to adjust treatment and reinforce therapeutic strategies.

Why Talkiatry?

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Shanika is a dedicated and compassionate board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over a decade of experience in the mental health field. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Masters in Nursing Education, and a Post-Master’s Certificate as a Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Shanika is known for her patient-centered approach, prioritizing empathy, respect, and individualized care. She is committed to building strong therapeutic relationships grounded in trust and open communication.

New patients can expect a warm, non-judgmental environment where they feel heard and supported. Shanika collaborates closely with each patient to create personalized treatment plans, helping them feel empowered in their mental health journey.

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Specialties
ADHD
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Depression
LGBTQIA+
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
PTSD/Trauma
Perinatal Psychiatry
Postpartum Depression
Tics/Tourette Syndrome
Geriatric
States
Pennsylvania
Virginia
Washington D.C.
New York
Maryland
Languages
English
Takes insurance
Virtual visits
3 years experience