Benjamin Adler, DO

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Dr. Columban Heo is a board-certified psychiatrist. He earned his medical degree from Touro University Nevada and completed his residency at Unity Health White County Medical Center. Dr. Heo further specialized by completing a fellowship in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry at the Cleveland Clinic, where he gained extensive experience working within multidisciplinary healthcare teams, particularly focused on psychiatric care for patients with complex medical conditions.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Heo specializes in treating a broad range of psychiatric conditions, notably mood and anxiety disorders. He integrates medication management with a holistic, personalized approach to treatment, emphasizing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. Dr. Heo believes in tailoring treatment plans individually, combining therapy and medications to suit each patient’s unique needs, and highlights the importance of healthy relationships in achieving overall mental health.

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What you can expect in a first visit

Patients visiting Dr. Heo for the first time can expect a comprehensive and personalized assessment that explores not just their psychiatric symptoms but their overall well-being and personal relationships. Dr. Heo prioritizes a holistic evaluation, carefully balancing medication considerations and therapeutic interventions tailored specifically to each patient’s situation and goals. He creates an empathetic, collaborative atmosphere to discuss and develop personalized plans for mental and emotional wellness.

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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.

Daniel Bemporad, DO

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Bemporad is a board-certified psychiatrist. His current practice focuses on medication management and supportive therapy. He completed his undergraduate training at Stony Brook University, then attended medical school at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York City. He completed his psychiatry residency at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he was a chief resident. Dr. Bemporad began his inpatient and forensic psychiatry career for the State of Montana for several years. There, he became the medical staff president and a member of the medical executive committee. He was also a preceptor to nurse practitioners and pharmacy students on campus, and he enjoys teaching. Dr. Bemporad has experience treating many clients in many varied treatment settings. On an outpatient basis, he has experience with an extensive array of psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, and bipolar disorders. Dr. Bemporad's approach to treatment is individualized, and in open discussion with his clients. He also believes in a holistic approach -- that mental and physical health are linked.

Sumbal Akhter, DO

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Sumbal Akhter graduated from the University of Nevada at Las Vegas Psychiatry residency program. She has a wide range of experience, having worked at the VA, consult liaison psychiatry, and multiple inpatient/outpatient settings. She provides supportive psychotherapy and takes an integrative approach to her practice.

Ankila Chandran, DO

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Ankila S. Chandran is a board certified general psychiatrist at Talkiatry with over 20 years of experience treating a diverse population of patients. After graduating with her doctorate in Communication Theory and Research from the University of Southern California she attended the Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Northern California and then completed her residency in Psychiatry at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and became board certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Neurology and Psychiatry in 2006. Dr. Chandran has spent the past 20 years fulfilling her passion for practicing integrated and holistic care for adults suffering from mental illness. Her years of experience include working as a Clinical Psychiatrist and Assistant Professor at Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, being an examiner for the oral boards for psychiatrists seeking board certification, engaging in longer term inpatient treatment for chronically ill patients and facilitating consultation-liaison psychiatry with other medical specialties as well as practicing general outpatient psychiatry. Dr. Chandran has an informal and approachable style when treating individuals who suffer from a variety of complex diagnoses, she explains conditions well and helps educate her patients about how to be actively engaged in living their best lives. Concurrent with medication management, Dr. Chandran provides supportive psychotherapy and she has psychodynamic therapy skills that help address the root causes of her patients' distress. If Dr. Chandran feels you would benefit from working separately with a weekly to every other week therapist in conjunction with getting medication management, she welcomes collaboration with your therapist to achieve optimal results. Dr. Chandran strives to empower her patients in advocating for themselves and in achieving an optimal integration of their mental and physical health.

Jacqueline Hong, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Jacqueline Hong is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who takes a genuine interest in her patients and values collaborative decision-making. Over the past 4 years of practicing, she has followed a holistic model of care that accounts for the physical, mental, social, and spiritual needs of the individual. She has a down-to-earth, patient, and warm personality, and prides herself on timeliness and professionalism. Though Dr. Hong focuses on medication management, she has a passion for supportive therapy with elements of CBT, psychodynamic therapy, and mindfulness. She may also recommend that a therapist be included in your care team if more specialized therapy is required. Dr. Hong graduated summa cum laude from Grove City College, and completed medical school at UTMB at Galveston. She finished her residency at Memorial Healthcare System in FL, where she held a leadership position in Graduate Medical Education. Dr. Hong has experience in treating a wide range of disorders, including depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and addiction. She has worked with adolescent, geriatric, pregnant, and medically complex patients. Growing up in a Korean immigrant household and training in the ethnically diverse South Florida region has informed her of the unique struggles that immigrant populations face. Dr. Hong has a special interest in treating mood and anxiety disorders. Outside of the office, Dr. Hong enjoys art, cinema, and powerlifting.

Alexia Ford, LCSW

Staff Therapist

Alexia Ford is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience in various aspects of mental health and co-occurring disorders. She obtained her MSW from Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta, GA.) and later obtained her MDiv and MPT from Columbia Theological Seminary (Decatur, GA.).

Alexia is a wife, mother, daughter & sister who has also experienced life's challenges that may identify with your story in some way. Alexia is known for her empathic listening and attention to verbal and non-verbal cues. Her approach is individualized and non-judgmental in hopes of creating and holding a safe and comfortable space for all to be their true, authentic selves. Alexia is intentional with developing rapport and meeting clients where they are without criticism but will also gently challenge stagnant behaviors respectfully and when necessary.

Alexia prefers to work with adult age to geriatric age clients and couples using strengths-based and affirming perspectives. She uses several modalities, such as, CBT, ACT, IPT, BA, Solution Focused therapy, Client centered therapy, Mindfulness, meditations, breathing exercises, positive affirmations, spirituality, bereavement, existential concerns and other appropriate evidenced based approaches and interventions. Alexia is a “movie and series buff” and will often incorporate movie scenes, themes and character traits to add to discussion and use to demonstrate examples of behaviors and consequences.

Jisoo Park, DO

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Jisoo Park is a board-certified psychiatrist. She obtained her bachelor's degree from Tufts University, where she double majored in Biopsychology and Art History. She attended medical school at Nova Southeastern University, and completed her psychiatry residency at Stony Brook University Medical Center. After graduating with her residency, she was appointed clinical assistant professor at Renaissance School of Medicine, where she worked at the Treatment Resistant Depression Clinic. She was involved in teaching medical students and residents, and was part of various research studies and publications. Dr. Park treats a variety of psychiatric disorders in adults, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. She does not treat patients with ADHD. She emphasizes a patient-centered approach and believes that best treatment outcomes result from a strong therapeutic relationship between a patient and a psychiatrist. She offers medication management and therapy through telehealth sessions. She offers sessions in both English and Korean.

Anastasia Ruiz, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Background and credentials

Dr. Ruiz is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in psychiatric diagnosis and treatment for anxiety disorders, mood disorders, trauma and stressor-related disorders, ADHD, and pregnancy-related psychiatric conditions. She received her bachelor's degree in chemistry, graduating Magna Cum Laude from the Honors College. Dr. Ruiz completed medical school at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, followed by four additional years of psychiatric residency training. Her diverse professional experience includes working in psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), partial hospitalization programs (PHP), emergency rooms, and academic teaching environments. Dr. Ruiz has authored research publications and received multiple awards, including the AWP International Fellowship Award and the ADMSEP Innovations Award.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Ruiz emphasizes an integrated approach, combining medication management and therapy. This method is supported by research indicating improved patient outcomes. She remains current with the latest literature and treatment guidelines to ensure evidence-based care.

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What you can expect in a first visit

Patients can anticipate a thorough initial evaluation during their first visit with Dr. Ruiz. She conducts a comprehensive assessment to understand the patient's symptoms, history, and personal circumstances. This session sets the foundation for collaboratively developing an individualized treatment plan focused on the patient’s specific needs and goals.

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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 speciualize in medication management and collaborate with you on a treatment plan that fits your needs and comfort level.

Gloria Odum, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Gloria Odum is a board-certified psychiatrist who treats adult patients. She completed her undergraduate studies at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, where she received her Bachelor's degree with Honors in Public Health, then completed her medical degree at The University of Texas at Houston. She completed her residency in psychiatry at the University of Texas Dell Medical School in Austin, where she served as chief resident. Dr. Odum has worked in several clinical, leadership and administrative positions and has been actively involved in teaching and community outreach. She previously worked at The Menninger Clinic, which specializes in psychotherapeutic treatments. Dr. Odum has expertise in treating a wide variety of mental health disorders including depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, OCD, and addiction. Dr. Odum strongly believes in treating the person and not the diagnosis. Dr. Odum's approach is holistic, collaborative, supportive, and patient-centered. Dr. Odum has been in practice since 2011.

Algion Seals, LMHC

Staff Therapist

Algion Seals is a LMHC who received his Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern New Hampshire University. He has worked with families, couples, and individuals of varying ages and focused on grief, LGBTQIA+ related issues, anxiety, depression, as well as mood and personality disorders. Mr. Seals has a person-centered approach to therapy along with incorporating CBT, DBT, Adlerian Theory, and elements of trauma therapy as well as elements of sex therapy.

Lisha Jones, LCSW

Staff Therapist

Lisha Jones is a licensed clinical social worker with over 23 years of extensive experience working in the mental health field. Lisha has worked with clients facing a variety of life's challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, as well as perinatal and postpartum mental health. She attended undergraduate school in Albany, GA, and graduate school in Valdosta, GA. Lisha is deeply committed to creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can express their thoughts and feelings freely. Lisha's approach to therapy involves engaging each client with warmth and enthusiasm. She encourages them to be active participants on their journey of emotional growth, healing, and empowerment. Lisha uses therapeutic expertise and various inner-healing approaches to teach clients restorative self-care practices, exercises that cultivate emotional awareness, strategies to manage unhealthy thoughts, and methods to change undesirable behaviors. Working with Lisha, clients can expect to take away from each session a plan of action with detailed steps, easy to apply skills and practical strategies to help them manage stress, heal from hurtful experiences, improve their communication skills and strengthen boundaries in their relationships. They will gain a better understanding about how and why they feel uncomfortable emotions and why they experience strong reactions in response to those associated thoughts.

Benjamin Adler, DO

Education and training

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