Emily Sykes, MD

Background and credentials

Dr. Schaefer is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with over 16 years of experience. She earned her medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, NE, and completed her adult psychiatry residency at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, OR. She then specialized further by completing a forensic psychiatry fellowship at Yale University. She has worked as a staff psychiatrist at Atrium Health System for over 16 years.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Schaefer’s practice primarily focuses on medication management, which she offers in conjunction with supportive therapy and elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). She takes a patient-centered and collaborative approach, ensuring that treatment is tailored to each individual’s needs. If additional therapy is required, she may recommend working with a therapist as part of a comprehensive care plan. Her primary focus areas include depression, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

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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. Schaefer carefully assesses their symptoms, treatment history, and mental health goals. She works collaboratively with patients to develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include medication management and therapy recommendations. Follow-up visits are typically 30 minutes and focus on monitoring progress, adjusting treatment as needed, and ensuring the best possible patient 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. Alfers is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in adult psychiatry. He has been practicing for over 11 years. He completed his undergraduate education at Virginia Tech, graduating Cum Laude with degrees in Biology and Chemistry. Following graduation, he attended a research internship at the National Institutes of Health where he received a Post-baccalaureate Intramural Research Training Award. Dr. Alfers completed his medical degree from the Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, CA. He completed his General Psychiatry Residency at Georgetown University, where he served as Chief Resident. After residency, he entered private practice in McLean, VA. Dr. Alfers takes a comprehensive approach to patient care. He integrates biological, psychological, and environmental factors into treatment planning. He focuses on developing a meaningful therapeutic relationship and providing medication interventions for specific treatment goals. Dr. Alfers provides interpersonal psychotherapy in conjunction with medication management services. Dr. Alfers has a special interest in the treatment of multiple mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, ADHD, and OCD. Dr. Alfers treats adults ages 18 to 65 years old. For established patients of Dr. Alfers, please call 917-634-5311 to schedule an appointment and let the care coordinator know you are an established patient.

Dr. Fisher is a psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience in adult psychiatry, military health, addiction medicine, business leadership, and executive consultation.  His background has given him the opportunity to work with a diverse range of individuals, and he brings that breadth of experience to every patient relationship. In addition to his medical training, Dr. Fisher completed advanced training in psychodynamic and person-centered psychotherapy, which helps him provide care that’s not only evidence-based, but also deeply respectful of each person’s unique story.

Patients often describe Dr. Fisher as easygoing, kind, and patient. He takes pride in being someone who truly listens. he strives to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can be yourself—no matter where you're starting from. His goal is to meet you where you are, both emotionally and practically, and help you move toward where you want to be.

Dr. Fisher's approach is collaborative and flexible. He begins by getting to know you—your history, your concerns, and your goals. From there, we work together to create a treatment plan that may include therapy, medication, or both, depending on what’s appropriate for your needs. He integrate both psychodynamic insight and person-centered techniques, always with an emphasis on mutual respect and open communication. Progress takes time, and he's here to support you every step of the way.

Dr. Hajr Ben Cheikh earned her medical degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School, where she worked with refugee populations and participated in global health initiatives in Haiti. She completed her psychiatry residency at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, serving as inpatient chief resident. Dr. Ben Cheikh has experience across diverse settings including inpatient units, PHPs, IOPs, collaborative care, academic and community clinics, and perinatal mental health.

Dr. Ben Cheikh values open communication, transparency, and collaboration, and she takes a friendly, supportive approach to patient care. She practices evidence-based medicine with a minimalist perspective on pharmacologic treatment, often preferring single agents that can address multiple concerns when clinically appropriate.

Dr. Ben Cheikh approaches care holistically, considering diagnoses, comorbidities, social background, and lifestyle. Initial sessions focus on diagnostic clarity, with treatment goals developed collaboratively. Follow-ups center on patient priorities, emphasizing shared goals and personalized strategies for meaningful progress.

Dr. Orejarena is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She finished her residency from Yale University and the University of Texas Houston. She has done extensive research on psychiatry during her PhD in Neuropsychopharmacology and a Master's in Neuroscience. She is bilingual in Spanish and English. She incorporates different therapy modalities and evidence-based treatments, tailored to each person's needs. She enjoys applying her knowledge in neuroscience and pharmacology into her clinical practice and believes a combination of medication and psychotherapy yields the best treatment outcomes.

Her ultimate goal is to help patients feel their best and accomplish their own goals by developing tools to navigate internal or external obstacles that are part of life. Dr. Orejarena is originally from Colombia, where she earned her medical degree from Universidad Industrial de Santander. She pursued a Master's in Neuroscience at the University of Barcelona and a PhD in Neuropharmacology at the Universidad Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, Spain. Her PhD thesis was honored summa cum laude.

She completed a postdoctoral fellowship training at the Institut de Neurobiologie de la Mediterranee in Marseille, France. She is the author of multiple peer-reviewed publications and has presented her research at national and international meetings. Over the years, she has worked in a variety of settings including outpatient clinics, acute care, psychiatric hospitals as an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center.‍‍

Dr. Swetha Mummini earned her medical degree from SUNY Downstate Medical Center and completed her psychiatry residency at the University of Maryland/Sheppard Pratt. She has worked across various clinical settings, including inpatient units, residential treatment centers, and substance use disorder clinics. Her clinical interests include mood disorders, OCD, women’s mental health, and eating disorders.

Dr. Mummini takes a holistic approach to mental health, recognizing that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. She thoughtfully integrates medication when appropriate, alongside lifestyle changes, sleep, and stress management. She prioritizes strong therapeutic relationships and uses 30-minute follow-up visits that often include elements of psychotherapy.

In the first appointment, Dr. Mummini gathers a thorough psychiatric history, explores current symptoms, and learns about the patient’s goals. She works collaboratively to develop personalized, evidence-based treatment plans, blending integrative psychiatry with ongoing support for long-term well-being.