Amrish Pipalia, MD

Dr. Zeshen Wu is an ABPN board certified psychiatrist with more than 10 years of experience. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Texas at Austin, followed by medical school at the University of Texas Medical Branch. He completed residency in psychiatry at Dell Medical School in Austin. Dr. Wu focuses on effective and safe medication management as well as supportive and psychodynamic therapy in his practice. He likes to focus on a gentle, collaborative, and patient-centered approach. He specializes in forming individualized pharmacological treatments as well as taking time to explore stressors and psychological issues to achieve complete and comprehensive care. Dr. Wu had previously served as assistant professor of psychiatry at UTHealth McGovern Medical School in Houston and has been involved in many years of teaching and mentorship. At UTHealth, he also served as clinical faculty in one of the nation's largest inpatient psychiatric campuses and is experienced in treating a wide range of adult mental illnesses including mood disorders, anxiety, OCD, and ADHD.

Dr. Kim Brownell, MD, has extensive experience in both outpatient and inpatient settings. While on active duty, she practiced across the country in diverse rural and urban environments. Most recently, she spent eight years working with veterans in the VA healthcare system. She earned her medical degree from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, completed a Pediatrics Residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and later trained in Adult and Child Psychiatry at The Institute of Living, Hartford, CT.

Dr. Brownell values open communication and works with patients to set clear, achievable treatment goals. She fosters a warm, supportive environment where patients feel heard and respected. Her approach combines psychiatric medication management with supportive psychotherapy, elements of DBT, stress management techniques, and cross-cultural wisdom to meet patients where they are and collaboratively optimize wellness.

Dr. Brownell begins with a thorough one-hour evaluation to discuss current symptoms, treatment history, medical background, and personal goals. She listens carefully to each patient’s story to design an individualized plan that aligns with their objectives. Rooted in compassion and collaboration, she integrates her clinical expertise and life experience—including working with veterans and underserved populations—to identify strengths and guide patients on their mental health journey.

Dr. Diane Papke holds the position of staff psychiatrist at Talkiatry. After graduating from medical school, she completed internship year in Internal Medicine at St. Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix, AZ, followed by two years of neurology residency at Barrow Neurological Institute before completing Psychiatric residency at Maricopa Medical Center in 2005. She then spent the majority of her time caring for SMI/seriously mentally ill patients with a mantra "propelling people forward to wellness.” Working on the supportive level of care for this population honed her skills to care for the highest level of outpatient care through ACT/assertive community treatment. She has a genuine interest in treating psychiatric disorders including anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, and most specifically bipolar. She has experience treating medical comorbidities including neurologic disorders. In 2023, she extended her expertise and skills to the general population to include telehealth management of her patients. With a nonsense approach, she prides herself on collaborating with patients to attain their goals of optimum psychiatric health, believing that the cornerstone of a healthy partnership with any patient is a holistic approach. Listening with an open mind and heart while collaborating with her patients to provide the correct medication management and supportive care has always been the key for her. She is looking forward to meeting you!

Background and credentials

Dr. Gerald Matthews is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. He earned his medical degree from the University of Louisville School of Medicine in Louisville, KY. Following medical school, he entered active duty service in the U.S. Army, where he completed his psychiatry residency at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, HI. After completing his training, he practiced as a staff psychiatrist at Fort Hood, TX, fulfilling his service obligation.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Matthews specializes in medication management, working primarily with adult patients in an outpatient setting. While his primary focus is pharmacological treatment, he frequently collaborates with therapists to provide comprehensive care when indicated. He has extensive experience treating civilians, active-duty military personnel, and veterans, addressing conditions such as mood and anxiety disorders, psychosis, and trauma-related disorders.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a thorough psychiatric evaluation where Dr. Matthews takes time to understand their history, symptoms, and treatment goals. He provides a structured yet compassionate approach to care, discussing medication options and potential therapeutic interventions. For patients who may benefit from additional therapy, he collaborates with therapists to ensure a well-rounded treatment plan tailored to each individual's needs.

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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. Raafay Deen is a board eligible adult psychiatrist. At the heart of Dr. Deen's clinical approach is a strong emphasis on establishing trust and building a therapeutic relationship to help patients achieve their goals. Dr. Deen's practice focuses on medication management. Typically, he offers this in conjunction with supportive or emotionally focused therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. Occasionally, Dr. Deen may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome .Dr. Deen received his medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and went on to complete his residency in psychiatry at Westchester Medical Center. He has practiced in various settings over his career, including inpatient psychiatric units, outpatient clinics, emergency rooms, and inpatient substance abuse rehab/detox programs where he treated patients with a variety of psychiatric illnesses. The philosophy of his practice is to collaborate with patients to meet their specific needs and make an impact in various stages of their lives.‍

Dr. Kirk Carruthers is a board-certified psychiatrist with experience in both outpatient and inpatient psychiatry, as well as addiction medicine. He completed his medical degree at Morehouse School of Medicine and trained at University Hospitals – Case Medical Center, where he completed general psychiatry residency and fellowships in addiction and community psychiatry. His experience includes roles in community mental health, academic teaching, and the VA system. Outside of work, he enjoys music production, soccer, spending time with loved ones, and all dogs.

Dr. Carruthers brings a casual, easygoing communication style to create a comfortable space where patients feel at ease. He emphasizes forming strong therapeutic bonds based on trust, and combines supportive therapy with medication management. He encourages collaboration with therapists and uses evidence-based treatment approaches tailored to each individual’s needs.

Dr. Carruthers begins with a thorough understanding of each patient's concerns, history, and goals. He then creates a personalized treatment plan and works collaboratively with the patient to reach their goals, adjusting care as needed for ongoing progress.

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