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Anil Kulangara, MD

Staff Psychiatrist
Languages
English
Conditions Treated
Medication Management
ADHD
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Depression
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
PTSD/Trauma

Education and training

  • New York Medical College – School of Medicine, School of Health Sciences and Practice Doctor of Medicine (MD)

Get to know

Anil Kulangara, MD

Dr. Anil Joseph (AJ) Kulangara completed additional training in Psychiatry at the University of Washington after working primarily in women’s health, primary care, and military medicine as a Battalion Surgeon in the United States Army.  Following his military service, he trained in Psychiatry and served the mental health needs of our Veteran population. He is excited to now bring his unique expertise and experiences to Talkiatry, as well as his additional training in Women’s Mental Health, Reproductive and Perinatal Psychiatry, PTSD, and trauma-informed ADHD evaluation and treatment.

Dr. AJ’s approach focuses on behavioral change, with medication management and supportive therapies serving as important (and often essential) adjuvants to optimizing mental health.

During your first meetings with Dr. AJ, you should expect a thorough evaluation of your clinical and social histories, as well as some introductory psychoeducation.  Following that screening, anticipate a discussion about his approach to your condition and an initial treatment plan.  Please feel free to bring up any questions or concerns at any time during this process, and note-taking is highly encouraged!

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Dr. Kahlon is an experienced Psychiatrist who spent the last 24 years of his career working in Veterans Affairs, where he was able to treat a wide variety of patients. Dr. Kahlon provides medication management along with supportive therapy. In some cases Dr. Kahlon may refer you to a counselor or therapist for further care and collaboration. He has experience treating a wide range of conditions, including major depressive disorder, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and PTSD. Dr. Kahlon utilizes a well-rounded approach to treat the whole person, through medication, active listening, and recommending talk-centered counseling programs. Dr. Kahlon was trained in the VA system associated with Chicago Medical School (Finch University), which is located in North Chicago, Illinois. At the conclusion of his training, he was hired at the VA in Danville, Illinois until 2021. He also had a part-time private practice, which enhanced his experience in adult psychiatry. Dr. Kahlon graduated from a prestigious medical school that has consistently held a high position (4th) among the top 100 medical schools in the world.‍

Nisha Saintelus-Deratus, LPC

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Nisha Saintelus Deratus, LPC, is a proud HBCU graduate of Prairie View A&M University with a Master’s in Counseling and over eight years of experience in the mental health field. She has provided care in inpatient psychiatric hospitals, partial and intensive outpatient programs, community mental health, and private telehealth practice. Nisha supports clients facing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, bipolar disorder, life transitions, anger management, and relationship challenges.

Nisha offers a warm, approachable, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel seen and supported. She believes in a collaborative approach to therapy, working alongside clients to identify the root of their struggles and develop a personalized plan for growth and healing. Her personable nature and tailored care help clients feel comfortable and empowered throughout the process.

In the first session, Nisha reviews teletherapy expectations and confidentiality, and conducts a psychosocial assessment to better understand your background and goals. Together, you’ll explore current challenges, create a vision for your future, and build a practical plan. Using CBT and ACT, she helps you develop tools and insights to apply between sessions for continued progress.

Aileen Kim, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Aileen Kim approaches medication management with an emphasis on shared decision-making within safe, effective options, thorough counseling about what to expect in treatment, and giving attention to the concurrent use of non-medication modalities of treatment alongside optimizing medication. She is accustomed to working with people who have more than one diagnosis. She is skilled and experienced in de-prescribing (methodically streamlining the number of medications being taken) when needed. Patients can see Dr. Kim for medication management, therapy, or both. Dr. Kim is board certified in Adult Psychiatry. She graduated from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago in 2004. She was selected for the Health Professions Scholarship Program and completed her residency in 2008 at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth in Virginia, where she was chief resident. Following residency, she deployed to Kuwait as a medical officer. She has taught and supervised residents at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. She left active duty in the Navy as a Lieutenant Commander. After becoming a civilian, she went into solo practice, then joined Potomac Behavioral Solutions in 2014, where she served as medical director. Dr. Kim is a past president of the Virginia Psychoanalytic Society. She also lectures advanced mental health professionals for Lingyu International Psychology Centre based in Toronto. For established patients of Dr. Aileen Kim, please call 833-351-8255 to schedule an appointment and let the patient care coordinator know you are an established patient from her prior practice.

LaTonya Washington, LCSW

Staff Therapist

LaTonya Washington, LICSW-S, PIP, is a trauma and couples' therapist with a Master of Social Work from the University of Alabama and advanced training in Brain spotting, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and the Gottman Method for couples therapy. With over 15 years of experience, she provides compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals and couples navigating trauma, relationship challenges, and major life transitions.

She specializes in helping couples rebuild trust after infidelity, strengthen emotional connection, and improve communication. She also supports individuals facing anxiety, burnout, and the emotional impact of chronic illness, guiding them toward healing and resilience

New clients can expect a warm, supportive space where they feel heard and understood. LaTonya takes a collaborative approach, tailoring therapy to each client’s needs while integrating practical strategies for healing and growth. Her sessions are focused on fostering insight, building emotional resilience, and equipping clients with tools to create lasting change. Whether working with individuals or couples, her goal is to help clients navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity, connection, and confidence.

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.

Daniel Azzopardi, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Daniel Azzopardi was born and raised in Malta where he attended medical school and worked in internal medicine for several years before moving to New York in 2017. He then completed a psychiatry residency at SUNY Downstate and stayed on for his Child and Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship, which he completed in June 2024. Dr. Azzopardi is a dedicated adult and child and adolescent psychiatrist who treats individuals of all ages and uses his strong foundation in internal medicine to handle complex cases requiring intricate medication management. This combination of skills allows for comprehensive care that addresses both mental and physical health challenges. Dr. Azzopardi's holistic approach ensures that each patient receives tailored treatment, fostering improved outcomes and overall well-being.

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Specialties
Medication Management
ADHD
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Depression
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
PTSD/Trauma
States
Washington
Languages
English
Takes insurance
Virtual visits
years experience