Arif Patel, DO

Background and credentials

Dr. Puja Kumar is trained in adult, child, and adolescent psychiatry and is a board-certified pediatrician. She earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Calgary and her medical degree from St. George’s University in Grenada. She completed her pediatrics residency at Maimonides Medical Center in New York and practiced pediatrics with MedStar Shah Medical Group in Maryland before transitioning to psychiatry. She later trained in child and adult psychiatry at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Kumar provides medication management combined with supportive therapy, typically in 30-minute follow-up visits. She takes a holistic approach to treatment, considering the impact of lifestyle, parenting practices, and family dynamics on mental health. She emphasizes integrative care, ensuring that treatment plans are tailored to each patient’s unique needs and circumstances.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a thorough and compassionate evaluation, where Dr. Kumar takes time to understand their symptoms, medical history, and environmental influences. She prioritizes collaborative decision-making, working closely with patients and, when applicable, their families, to develop a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan. Follow-up visits typically focus on medication adjustments, supportive therapy, and lifestyle recommendations to optimize mental health outcomes.

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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. Rania Elkhatib is a board-certified general psychiatrist with extensive experience in clinical care, teaching, and research. She earned her medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and completed her psychiatry residency at UTHealth Science Center in Houston, where she later served as an Assistant Clinical Professor. During that appointment, Dr. Elkhatib was heavily involved in medical education and has developed courses in cultural psychiatry and psychiatry boot camps for medical students.

Dr. Elkhatib specializes in treating a wide range of psychiatric conditions, including Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, OCD, ADHD, and PTSD. Dr. Elkhatib focuses on evidence-based medication management but will also incorporate supportive therapy and cognitive-behavioral techniques to optimize treatment management and patient’s wellness. She is fluent in Arabic and English and has a strong interest in working with diverse patient populations.

Dr. Elkhatib has a holistic approach with focus on medication management while incorporating supportive therapy and cognitive-behavioral techniques to optimize patient wellness.

Dr. Parrish completed medical school and psychiatry residency at University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital and a Master of Public Health from University of Virginia. She has extensive experience working in community psychiatry, academic psychiatry, veterans' mental health, and correctional psychiatry.

Dr. Parrish is also a member of the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha national medical honor society. She has also produced over 20 peer-reviewed papers and posters.

Dr. Parrish has worked with geriatric patients, individuals who identify as LGBTQ+, patients with serious mental illness, women with perinatal and postpartum needs, individuals with cancer, patients with co-occurring substance use disorders, and combat veterans.

Dr. Parrish takes a patient-centered collaborative approach to tailor treatment plans to meet each individual's goals. Her technique promotes overall wellness. Utilizing her expertise in diagnosis and pharmacology, she optimizes care, monitors progress and ensures treatment success. Dr. Parrish incorporates behavioral activation techniques to promote improved mental health and overall well-being, with the ultimate goal of helping patients feel their best.

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Dr. Mary O'Malley is board certified in Adult Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine. She received her medical degree from Weill Cornell Medical School and PhD in Neurobiology from The Rockefeller University. She completed her Psychiatry residency and Sleep Medicine Fellowship training at the New York University Medical Center. In her psychiatric practice, Dr. O'Malley uses an integrative approach to health, combining evidence-based concepts in neurobiology with psychological, social and spiritual/existential worldviews to understand and treat every patient. Her primary practice is medication management. She also integrates elements of psychotherapy into her work, typically within 30-minute follow-up visits. In addition to medication and psychotherapy, she incorporates wellness tools into visits, such as mindfulness exercises and sleep management strategies. If she believes that additional psychotherapy is needed, she will recommend that you add a therapist to your care team. Dr. O'Malley has extensive experience working with people from many stages of life, with diverse world views and cultural backgrounds. She has always had an inclusive practice and welcomes people who identify as LBGTQIA+. As part of her own life path she became an Interfaith Minister and enjoys including spirituality and the supportive role it can play in healing for her patients. Her primary focus is working with adults with mood and anxiety disorders, trauma symptoms, ADHD, and problems with sleep. She enjoys working with people facing life transitions, especially older adults and women who are struggling with mental health challenges related to pregnancy and post-partum health. Prior to joining Talkiatry, Dr. O'Malley was working at Hartford Healthcare with adults in intensive outpatient programs and at Hackensack Meridian Health outpatient clinics. She was the medical director of the Consultation Liaison Service at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and an assistant professor at UMass Medical School. She has published and presented widely on topics related to Wellness in Psychiatry, Ethics and Sleep Medicine. She is an advocate for finding your voice in medical decision-making and enjoys using sound healing for relaxation and stress management.

Education and training

Stony Brook University (Bachelor of Science)

American University of Integrative Sciences (MD)

Davenport University (MBA)

Bergen New Bridge Medical Center (residency)

University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center/Case Western Reserve University (fellowship)

Dr. Mohammed Islam is board certified in both General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. He completed his undergraduate studies at Stony Brook University and attended medical school at the American University of Integrative Sciences. He completed his psychiatry residency training at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center followed by completion of a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at University Hospitals/Case Western Reserve University where he served as Chief Fellow. Prior to joining Talkiatry, he has trained/worked in a combination of various healthcare systems across New York, New Jersey, Ohio and Kentucky.

Dr. Islam treats patients of various ages- in addition to medication management he is a strong proponent of therapy in various forms. His approach to the treatment of adults and children/adolescents incorporates the impact of various things such as family history of mental health/medical conditions as well as any adverse childhood experiences/trauma. In addition to screening for common conditions such as bipolar disorder, anxiety and depression in all patients, he also emphasizes the importance of screening for conditions that can manifest in childhood (such as ADHD, Autism) as well as first-episode psychosis in young adults.

From the initial visit and onward, Dr. Islam prioritizes a collaborative effort with his patients (and at times their families). In addition to medication adjustments, he emphasizes the importance of optimizing additional tools such as therapy while making appropriate lifestyle changes. During every follow up visit, he takes care to ensure that the current treatment is not hindering his patient’s progress in any way.

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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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