Alexandra Blaes, MD

More Clinicians

Dr. Hill is a recent graduate of the psychiatry residency program at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. During her residency, she sought out additional training in psychodynamic therapy and EMDR. She participated in the Psych Scholars track, which provided in-depth education and supervision around therapy and psychoanalytic theory. This allows her to better understand the role of both medication and therapy, to utilize, when to couple them, and what limitations they may have. She has additional interests in trauma work; women's mental health, specifically in the peripartum period; and in working with individuals facing progressive diseases or terminal diagnoses.‍

Cyndia Choi, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Cyndia Choi has been board certified in psychiatry since 1991. She has 30 years of experience treating a diverse population of cultures, LGBTQ issues, and different age groups from young adults to seniors. After attending Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore for her bachelor's degree, Dr. Choi received her medical degree from The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey at Rutgers Medical School. She went on to complete a general medical internship at Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia and then her Psychiatric residency at the University of Pennsylvania .Dr. Choi has treated patients who have had a broad spectrum of diagnoses including major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress, bipolar disorder, OCD, panic and anxiety, and addiction. Although the majority of her work has been in outpatient care, Dr. Choi has worked in emergency settings, inpatient units, and as a consultation-liaison to medical units. She has also enjoyed the honor of working with US military veterans. Dr. Choi's specialty is medication management, however, she believes that a therapeutic relationship is crucial to treatment. Dr. Choi values the privilege of getting to know each patient personally to develop a patient-centered plan of care.‍Typical follow-up appointments with Dr. Choi are 30 minutes in length to check on medication effects and for supportive therapy. If she believes that you may benefit from more in-depth therapy, she may recommend adding a therapist to your treatment team. Dr. Choi also believes in a holistic approach toward helping you achieve a healthy and fulfilling quality of life.

Esha Garg, DO

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Esha Garg is a board-eligible psychiatrist who is starting her post-graduate practice in psychiatry. After completing an undergraduate degree in psychology at Johns Hopkins University, she completed her medical degree at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. She is a recent graduate of the Adult Psychiatry Residency program at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Dr. Garg's practice focuses on medication management but she believes in the importance of both therapy and medication management in treating mental illness. She offers medication management with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow up visits. She also utilizes referrals to therapists to enhance collaborative care and management of illness. Dr. Garg believes in the importance of building a strong therapeutic relationship. She focuses on treating patients with depression and anxiety disorders. She believes in a holistic, patient-centered approach to care and encourages patients to explore their physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs in addition to their mental health.

Cheryl Person, MD

Director of Clinical Quality

Dr. Cheryl Person is the National Director of Clinical Quality at Talkiatry. She is board certified in general adult psychiatry and has been in practice for 20 years. Dr. Person focuses on medication management but believes that is only part of successful treatment. She will spend her time providing motivational interviewing or supportive therapy, and believes it is often critical to have a therapist as part of the treatment team. Dr. Person received her medical degree from Tulane University School of Medicine. She completed her psychiatric residency at Johns Hopkins and a psychiatric epidemiology fellowship at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health with a focus on disaster mental health. After relocating to Texas in 2010, she worked as Director of Psychiatric Services of a large safety-net hospital in Houston. Prior to Talkiatry, she most recently was the executive director/chief physician of a large university student health center and campus pharmacy. In addition to adult psychiatry, Dr. Person has worked extensively with victims of acute trauma and her primary focus is on working with patients who have anxiety and mood disorders.

Polly Lybrook, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr Lybrook attended Indiana University for her undergraduate and medical degrees and has been a board-certified practicing psychiatrist since 1993. She has work experience in community mental health, hospital settings, and student health, but spent the majority of her career in private practice treating adult patients with a range of psychiatric disorders. Her particular areas of expertise include the spectrum of depressive and anxiety disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Attention Deficit disorders. She has a passion for education and 25 years of teaching experience with Indiana University School of Medicine. Dr Lybrook values a collaborative approach to patient care. She enjoys learning about her patients' lives, their strengths and challenges, and obtaining a comprehensive assessment to best inform treatment options. She is comfortable working with those hesitant or ambivalent about medication and is happy to provide information that allows the patient to arrive at what feels right for them. While focusing on mental health, she understands the mutual interdependence of physical and mental well-being and encourages lifestyle modifications to optimize both, while providing supportive care.

James Lee Jr., MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Lee is a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in adult psychiatry and minority mental health. He is a graduate of Morehouse College and later received his medical degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN. After graduating from Meharry, he completed his psychiatry residency at the University of South Carolina/ Palmetto Health in Columbia, SC and a forensic psychiatry fellowship at Tulane University. After completing his training, he entered private practice in Rock Hill, SC and served the community for 11+ years. During that time, he also served as Staff Psychiatrist at Winthrop University. Prior to joining Talkiatry, Dr. Lee served as an Attending Psychiatrist and Medical Director of an inpatient psychiatric unit. Throughout his professional career, he has remained passionate about educating individuals about sustaining better mental health and eradicating the stigma of mental illness. Dr. Lee brings a vast array of knowledge to Talkiatry. He has experience treating various psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and ADHD. His approach focuses on evidence-based medication management and incorporates supportive therapy techniques as well as psychoeducation to address the presenting issues in a compassionate and competent manner. If additional therapy is needed, Dr. Lee may recommend that a therapist is part of the treatment team.

Bih Bikelle, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Bih Bikelle is a compassionate psychiatrist based in Florida, dedicated to creating a warm and welcoming environment for her patients. She focuses on empowering individuals to actively participate in their healing journey. Specialized in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, she combines medication management with psychotherapy techniques during 30-minute sessions. She utilizes evidence-based practices tailored to meet each individual's unique needs. Dr. Bikelle is an experienced psychiatrist in Florida, bringing over 11 years of dedicated service to adults and children facing emotional disturbances. Central to her practice is the creation of a warm, trusting, and welcoming environment where every patient feels heard and empowered to engage actively in their healing process. Dr. Bikelle treats a wide variety of mental health conditions, offering medication management in conjunction with psychotherapy techniques during typically 30-minute appointments. She has a particular passion for women's health and trauma-related issues. Dr. Bikelle earned her medical degree from the Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in Cameroon, followed by residency training at the University of Nevada School of Medicine in Reno. After completing her residency in 2013, she became board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Her commitment to excellence has earned her the distinguished title of Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and recognition as a 'Top Doctor' in 2022. Throughout her career, Dr. Bikelle has served as an attending psychiatrist in various settings, including inpatient facilities, consult-liaison services, outpatient clinics, substance abuse treatment centers, and community behavioral centers, where she also held a role as medical director. Her approach is evidence-based and tailored to meet each individual's unique needs, ensuring that every patient receives the personalized care they deserve.

Allison Cheng, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Cheng is a board-certified psychiatrist who provides medication management alongside supportive therapy. She takes an individualized, patient-centered approach, creating comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each person's needs. With an approachable and caring demeanor, she helps patients address both immediate concerns and underlying stressors. Dr. Cheng believes in evidence-based practices while maintaining sensitivity to each patient's unique mental health journey.

Jessica Matthews, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Background and credentials

Dr. Jessica Matthews is a board-certified general psychiatrist. She earned her medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and completed her psychiatry residency at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, HI. After her training, she was stationed at Fort Hood, TX, where she worked as a staff physician in the inpatient unit at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center and later became the inpatient medical director. She subsequently transitioned to outpatient care, serving as a staff physician and later as clinic chief in the outpatient embedded behavioral health clinics. She continued working as a staff physician after leaving the military.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Matthews specializes in medication management, often incorporating supportive and cognitive-behavioral-focused therapy into treatment. Follow-up visits typically last 30 minutes, during which she evaluates progress and adjusts treatment as needed. She takes a collaborative approach and may recommend additional therapy when she believes it will optimize patient outcomes. Her primary areas of focus include treating adults with depression, anxiety, and stress/trauma-related disorders.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive evaluation where Dr. Matthews takes the time to understand their symptoms, history, and treatment goals. She prioritizes a structured yet patient-centered approach, discussing medication management options while considering therapeutic interventions tailored to individual needs. If necessary, she may recommend additional therapy as part of a well-rounded treatment plan.

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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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Sujal Kotadia, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Kotadia is a board-certified psychiatrist who completed his psychiatry residency training program at Nassau University Medical Center in Long Island, NY. After completing training, he has been practicing outpatient psychiatry and specializes in the evaluation and management of major psychiatric disorders, including depression, and anxiety. He uniquely combines his education, training, and practical experiences into specialized treatment plans. Typically, he offers this in conjunction with supportive or emotionally focused therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. However, occasionally Dr. Kotadia may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome. A story that Dr. Kotadia came across years back still inspires him each day. A man was taking a morning walk at the beach. He saw that along with the morning tide, came hundreds of starfish. When the tide receded, the starfish were left behind and would die in the morning sun. While the tide was fresh, and the starfish were alive, the man took a few steps, picked one up and threw it into the water and continued throwing starfish back into the ocean. Behind him was a stranger who couldn't understand what this man was doing. He caught up with him and asked, "What are you doing? There are hundreds of starfish. How many can you help? What difference does it make?” The man did not reply, rather he took two more steps, picked up another one, threw it into the water, and said, "It makes a difference to this one.”With this story as his motivation and ultimate objective, it has always been Dr. Kotadia's goal, with each patient, to provide superior services.

Michelle Vasquez, LPC

Staff Therapy

Michelle E. Vásquez has been a Licensed Professional Counselor for over 27 years. She has been specializing in grief work since 2012. Many of her clients are living with the loss of loved ones or experiencing other types of non-death loss, such as divorce, job loss, and other significant life changes. Her primary goal is to truly listen to your experience and help you work through it, creating a plan of action together. It is your therapy, and your active involvement is crucial. When dealing with grief, you may still be in pain and need to talk about it long after others want you to stop talking. This is when therapy can be helpful. Your grief journey is at your pace. Michelle uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy, along with other approaches that help you address loss and trauma in unique ways to begin to write your healing story. She has also worked with domestic violence survivors and child abuse survivors. Michelle works with clients both in English and Spanish and has experience with immigrant populations from many countries. Michelle graduated from Our Lady of the Lake University in 1993. She is currently studying Internal Family Systems Therapy to help her provide you with new ways to address the challenges that bring you to therapy.

Steven Solomon, DO

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Solomon is a double board-certified psychiatrist in Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. He completed medical school in his home state at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, where the focus on mind-body connection now fits seamlessly into holistically minded patient care. Dr. Solomon then completed General Psychiatry residency and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship at the University of Colorado, where he was Chief Fellow focused on improving resident/fellow experiences and ensuring all medical students took a firm grasp of psychiatry into their futures. Having worked with patients across their lifespans allows Dr. Solomon to take a well-rounded approach to identifying issues with his patients, especially in family settings. Prior to joining Talkiatry, Dr. Solomon worked in a residential treatment center for teenagers with eating disorders, gaining significant experience with challenging patients and their families. Dr. Solomon uses a variety of therapeutic approaches (supportive, CBT, DBT, psychodynamic) in combination with medication management to help patients identify and develop treatment plans towards their own unique goals. No problem too big nor too small, Dr. Solomon looks forward to helping you get there!

Alexandra Blaes, MD

Education and training

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