Deborah Bearman, PMHNP

Dr. Shari Sengupta attended the University of OK as a National Merit Scholar and went on to graduate with her MD from Eastern Virginia Medical School. She specialized in Adult Psychiatry at the University of NC Hospitals where she was a chief resident. She received psychotherapy training in insight-oriented and cognitive-behavioral approaches and trained at the Psychoanalytic Institute of the Carolinas. She has 18 years of experience providing medication management and psychotherapy in both private practice and community mental health settings and over 10 years of experience in telepsychiatry providing care to underserved communities. Dr. Sengupta has experience treating a variety of mental health concerns but has a particular interest in depression, anxiety, and mental health in the perinatal period. Her practice focuses on medication management from a holistic perspective. She believes that mental health is the cornerstone of overall well-being and that treatment is a collaborative journey toward improved health and function in life, work, and relationships. She offers culturally sensitive treatment to people from all backgrounds and sexual orientations. As a staff psychiatrist at Talkiatry, her treatment approach focuses on medication management informed by a background in psychotherapy.‍

Dr. Matthew Richter has experience practicing in outpatient and inpatient settings, as well as with military and confinement populations. He earned his medical degree from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and completed a psychiatry residency at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, followed by a forensic psychiatry fellowship at the National Capital Consortium.

Dr. Richter fosters a safe, non-judgmental space where patients can explore their feelings and experiences freely, met with unconditional positive regard. He prioritizes active listening and deep empathy, ensuring each patient feels heard, understood, and valued as a unique individual throughout their treatment journey.

Initial sessions focus on a collaborative exploration of a patient’s history, current challenges, and core values, forming the foundation for a personalized treatment plan. Dr. Richter emphasizes shared decision-making, integrating therapeutic modalities—including medication when appropriate—while honoring patient autonomy and aligning with their vision for well-being.

Dr. Elena Perea is a board-certified psychiatrist.  She completed her undergraduate training at Wake Forest University followed by medical school and residency training at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC).

Dr. Perea holds an adjunct academic appointment at UNC and has been involved in medical education for her entire career.  She most recently served as Residency Program Director for the Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC) psychiatry residency in Asheville, NC.  She remains involved in didactic education there for both residents and medical students.

She has a genuine interest in treating a vast array of psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders and obsessive compulsive and related disorders. She is a skilled psychopharmacologist and interested in the mind-body connection. She believes physical health greatly affects mental health and vice versa and loves helping patients with medical comorbidities to feel well.

Patients looking for a psychiatrist will find that Dr. Perea has a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and management of her patients. She believes in the principle that body and mind are interconnected and utilizes psychoeducation and psychotherapeutic approaches in addition to medications for total wellness.

Dr. Khandie Graham is a board-certified psychiatrist who completed her medical training at UCLA/Drew Medical Education and her psychiatry training at University of California, San Francisco/Fresno in 2013. She has served as a psychiatrist in the United States Air Force and prior to joining Talkiatry, was an inpatient psychiatrist. Dr. Graham's practice focuses on medication management. Typically, she offers this in conjunction with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. However, occasionally Dr. Graham may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome. Dr. Graham treats all adults and specializes in depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, ADHD, and life changes. She prides herself in partnering with patients to create individualized treatment plans. Dr. Graham is a great listener and spends time with her patients.

Dr. Patricia Klaine is an attending physician working at Talkiatry. She is board certified in adult psychiatry. After completing her training in adult psychiatry, she continued her education by completing a fellowship in consultation-liaison psychiatry, which enables her to treat patients with a variety of medical comorbidities confidently. Dr. Klaine focuses on medication management. She offers this in addition to supportive psychotherapy in 30-minute follow up visits. For some patients, it may be important to bring in additional psychotherapy for well-rounded care. Dr. Klaine received her medical degree from St. George's University in Grenada, and after that, she completed her training in general adult psychiatry at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. She went on to complete a fellowship in consultation-liaison psychiatry at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. After completing her training, she worked on an inpatient psychiatric unit before deciding to transition into outpatient psychiatric care. She looks forward to a collaborative relationship with her patients.

Background and credentials

Dr. Phillip Azouz is a board-certified general adult psychiatrist. He earned his medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School, where he was awarded the Albert M. Barret Award for Distinguished Performance in Psychiatry. He completed his psychiatric residency at Florida Atlantic University. Prior to medical school, he obtained his undergraduate degree in economics with honors from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. His background includes research at the Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Center and the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind-Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. Additionally, he worked as a Mental Health Specialist at McLean Psychiatric Hospital.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Azouz provides a relaxed, conversational, and non-judgmental space for patients to reflect on and integrate all aspects of their lives. He believes that vulnerability is key to healing and growth and works with individuals seeking to improve mood, reduce anxiety, enhance sleep, boost attention, or heal from trauma. His approach blends the latest research in medical treatment with insights from psychotherapy and coaching. He specializes in treating major depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, addiction, and personality disorders.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive and collaborative evaluation where Dr. Azouz takes the time to understand their symptoms, challenges, and goals. He fosters an open and supportive environment, ensuring that treatment plans are personalized and aligned with each patient’s unique needs. His approach integrates evidence-based medication management, psychotherapy techniques, and coaching strategies to help patients achieve their full potential.

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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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