Anastasia Ruiz, MD

Dr. Candice Hacker is a board-certified Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. She completed her Psychiatry residency and a fellowship in Consultation Liaison Psychiatry at Mount Sinai/St. Luke's Hospital. She is passionate about a holistic approach to patient care, trained in psychosomatic medicine, and she has a deep appreciation for the intricate connection between the mind and body. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Hacker has facilitated excellent outcomes in the treatment of various mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and trauma-related conditions. Dr. Hacker believes in creating a safe, nurturing and non-judgmental environment where patients can openly explore their emotions and experiences. By integrating evidence-based psycho-pharmacological modalities with mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral techniques, she empowers her patients to challenge a negative mindset and reach their goals. Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Hacker is deeply committed to community mental health advocacy and the destigmatization of mental illness.

Thomas Sargent, MD, holds a master's degree in pharmacology and a Doctor of Medicine from Tulane University School of Medicine. He completed his psychiatry residency at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai West/Morningside in New York City. Over the past four years, he has treated a wide range of mental health conditions in various clinical settings. Dr. Sargent has extensive experience treating mood, anxiety and psychotic disorders, PTSD, OCD, personality disorders, and substance use issues. He utilizes both medication management and psychotherapy to provide comprehensive care. Dr. Sargent has received specialized training at the VA and the Center for Intensive Treatment of Personality Disorders in NYC. Passionate about holistic treatment, Dr. Sargent considers the biological, psychological, and social factors that influence mental health. He believes in addressing core issues through targeted care rather than defaulting to prescribing multiple medications. Dr. Sargent strives to create a supportive environment where patients can openly express their concerns. He believes in shared decision-making to ensure that care is evidence-based but also tailored to each patient's unique needs. Dr. Sargent takes the time to thoroughly explain diagnoses and treatment options, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their mental health. His approach emphasizes patient autonomy and aims to build trust, leading to more effective and personalized care outcomes.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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. Kyra Munzenmaier is a board-certified psychiatrist dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized mental health care. A graduate of the University of South Florida's College of Medicine and former Chief Resident at St. Luke’s in Pennsylvania, Dr. Munzenmaier brings extensive training and experience in outpatient psychiatry. She particularly enjoys helping individuals dealing with insomnia, ADHD, anxiety, OCD, mood disorders, and medical trauma. As a Perinatal Mental Health-certified expert, she advocates for women’s mental health needs and supports individuals navigating mental health concerns during pregnancy and beyond.

Dr. Munzenmaier’s treatment approach is rooted in shared decision-making, prioritizing patient goals and preferences to create customized care plans, which typically include psychotherapy in combination with medication. She often integrates evidence-based lifestyle modifications and natural treatments to optimize personal well-being. By taking a holistic view of her patients’ challenges, Dr. Munzenmaier empowers her patients to lead their most fulfilling lives.

Dr. Rachel Sherhart is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who has been in practice for over 4 years. She specializes in medication management with 30-minute follow-up visits. This may be accompanied by elements of supportive therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and psychodynamic therapy. If more in-depth work is needed, she may refer patients to a collaborating psychotherapist. ‍Dr. Sherhart received her medical degree from Texas A&M Health Science Center and completed her psychiatry residency training at the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas, Texas. She has served as faculty at Texas A&M University College of Medicine, providing education and supervision for psychiatry residents and medical students. ‍She has experience treating adult patients from many walks of life with a broad range of diagnoses, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and trauma-related disorders. Dr. Sherhart has a passion for providing excellent patient care and education. Her goal is for patients to feel heard and find a safe place to discuss their concerns. She is motivated to work collaboratively with patients to find a solution that best fits their treatment goals and improves their overall quality of life.‍

Dr. Sharon Kahler is Board Certified in Adult and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and treats patients of all ages. She has over a decade of experience in both community mental health centers and private practice, working with individuals from diverse backgrounds. She earned her medical degree from New York Medical College, completed Adult Psychiatry Residency at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell, and completed Child and Adolescent Fellowship training at NYU Langone and Bellevue Hospital. Her clinical interests include mood and anxiety disorders, PTSD, and childhood psychiatric disorders.

Dr. Kahler is committed to providing compassionate, high-quality mental health care. She fosters a therapeutic, nonjudgmental environment where patients can openly share their concerns and values. Viewing treatment as a partnership, she encourages patients to play an active role in their care and takes a whole-person approach, considering lifestyle, environmental, and social factors that contribute to healing.

Dr. Kahler begins with a comprehensive assessment to understand each patient’s history, background, and treatment priorities. She develops individualized treatment plans using evidence-based approaches, supporting patients in navigating life’s challenges and finding a path to mental wellness.