Darcie Farrell, PMHNP

Dr. Alexis Kropf is a board-certified adult psychiatrist beginning her practice at Talkiatry after four years of clinical experience in residency. Dr. Kropf primarily focuses on providing medication management during 30-minute follow-up visits, weaving in elements of supportive therapy according to the needs of her clients. When additional therapy is indicated to promote recovery, Dr. Kropf may recommend that her clients work with a therapist as part of the treatment team. Dr. Kropf credits her undergraduate education at Southwestern University, a small liberal arts college, for strengthening her curiosity about and dedication to serving others. She received her medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, where she also completed her psychiatry residency training. During residency, she was involved in medical student education and resident leadership, serving as a chief resident during her final year of training. She also utilized her fluency in Spanish and medical Spanish interpreter training to serve Spanish-speaking patients and to lead Spanish-language group therapy sessions. In addition to psychopharmacology, Dr. Kropf studied psychotherapeutic interventions, including psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral therapies. She has experience working with clients experiencing many different mental health challenges, with a primary clinical focus including the treatment of anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

Dr. Irene Pastis is a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in adult psychiatry.  She completed residency training at East Carolina University in both internal medicine and psychiatry.  After residency, she pursued her passion in psychiatry and stayed on as a clinical assistant professor in the department of psychiatry at East Carolina University.  In this role she specialized in treating adults with mental illness in both the inpatient and outpatient settings.  She has spent a considerable amount of time teaching residents and medical students and has published several papers focusing on the neuroscience pathways of mental health conditions.  In her daily practice, Dr. Pastis focuses on evidence-based treatments utilizing the latest clinical guidelines and current approved treatments.  In addition to medication management, she also incorporates psychotherapy in the treatment of mental health conditions.  Dr. Pastis is passionate about taking a collaborative approach with her patients to help them reach their potential.

Background and credentials

Dr. Sabera Saklayen is a board-certified psychiatrist licensed in Adult Psychiatry. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University and her medical degree from Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine. She completed her psychiatry training at Stony Brook University Hospital, where she served as chief resident and was awarded the William Turner Award for outstanding performance in psychiatry residency. She has extensive experience treating diverse populations, including vulnerable and underserved communities, having worked as an outpatient psychiatrist at Bellevue Hospital for two years.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Saklayen specializes in medication management but takes a holistic, patient-centered approach that integrates supportive therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and motivational interviewing (MI). She has extensive experience treating depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety, OCD, insomnia, and substance use disorders. She is particularly skilled in treating college students and individuals navigating difficult life transitions. If more in-depth therapy is needed, she may refer patients to a therapist as part of a comprehensive care plan.

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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. Saklayen carefully assesses symptoms, history, and treatment goals. She prioritizes collaboration and individualized treatment planning, ensuring that patients feel comfortable and supported in their mental health care. Follow-up visits are typically 30 minutes and focus on medication management and therapy integration, with referrals to additional therapy when needed for the best possible outcome.

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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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Jennifer Murdock is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner from Wisconsin. She specializes in mental health and has over a decade of experience. Seeking treatment for mental health issues can be intimidating and difficult. It can also come at a time of challenges and hardships. If you are dealing with mental health issues that don’t seem to be resolving with traditional talk therapy, it may be necessary to consider more intensive outpatient treatment options such as medication and/or alternative strategies to relieve symptoms. As a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, Jennifer strives to create an open, inviting, and non-judgmental environment with compassion and acceptance. Jennifer, a PMHNP, is here to support, guide, and empower you in your journey to recovery and ultimately in becoming the best version of yourself. With an emphasis on a client-centered approach, she works with each unique client to find an evidence-based psychiatric or substance use treatment model that works best with them and their lifestyle. She will utilize an eclectic, holistic approach to your treatment plan including conventional medicine, supplements, alternative and complementary methods, and lifestyle modifications to help you achieve your goals. Jennifer reflects on her own experiences and feelings to connect with whoever comes into the office on a deep empathic level. She enjoys partnering with patients from teens to geriatrics and is passionate about working with those who struggle with trauma, grief, depression, anxiety and related disorders, mood disorders, and addiction. Jennifer also has experience in treating patients with medical comorbidities. She loves animals and finds them a source of comfort, healing, and humor.

Dr. Absar Tahir is an adult psychiatrist double-boarded in psychiatry and internal medicine who specializes in evidence-based, holistic, and individualized care. He graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he earned both his undergraduate and medical degrees. Dr. Tahir completed sequential residency training in both internal medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, followed by psychiatry at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Tahir integrates his knowledge of psychiatry and internal medicine to address the complex interplay between mental and physical health, ensuring a comprehensive and thoughtful approach to diagnosis and treatment. Throughout his career, he has helped patients from all walks of life, from diverse backgrounds, with a compassionate and empathetic treatment style. He strives to ensure his patients feel their voice is heard while working collaboratively towards achieving their treatment goals. As a psychiatrist, he specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). He is also highly experienced in treating psychiatric problems in patients with medical comorbidities.

Dr. Michael Heneghan earned his medical degree from Cardiff University in Wales, United Kingdom, and practiced in both inpatient and outpatient settings in the UK and Australia before moving to the United States. He completed his psychiatry residency at Tufts Medical Center in Boston and a fellowship in forensic psychiatry at the University of Colorado. Board certified in Psychiatry and Neurology, Dr. Heneghan draws on experience with psychodynamic psychotherapy, CBT, and ACT to provide well-rounded, evidence-based care.

Dr. Heneghan brings a calm, kind, thoughtful, and thorough approach to his work. He prioritizes creating a safe and supportive space where patients feel respected and understood, helping them feel comfortable sharing openly as they move toward recovery and personal growth.

In the initial session, Dr. Heneghan carefully listens to each patient’s concerns, explores their history, and works to understand their goals. He provides a clear assessment and explanation before collaborating on a personalized treatment plan. His process is rooted in open communication, shared decision-making, and a commitment to empowering patients in their journey toward wellness.