Emily Sykes, MD

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.

Dr. Saba Mughal is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with over 5 years of experience in providing compassionate, patient-centered care. Specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of a wide range of mental health conditions, Dr. Mughal works closely with individuals facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and OCD.‍Dr. Mughal employs an integrative approach to treatment, combining evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), medication management, and mindfulness techniques, tailored to each patient's needs. In addition to individual therapy, Dr. Mughal collaborates with family members and other healthcare providers to ensure a holistic and coordinated treatment plan.‍With a deep commitment to supporting emotional well-being, Dr. Mughal fosters a warm, non-judgmental environment where patients feel heard, respected, and empowered to take an active role in their mental health journey. Dr. Mughal believes that mental health is integral to overall wellness, and works to reduce stigma surrounding psychiatric care by promoting open dialogue and understanding.‍Dr. Mughal completed her medical school at Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Pakistan and completed her residency training at Nassau University Medical Center, East Meadow, NY. She is a member of APA and a diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. She is passionate about advocating for mental health awareness in the community.

Background  and credentials    

Dr. Christa DeFries is a board-certified Adult Psychiatrist. She earned her  medical degree from UT Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Texas, and  completed her residency in Adult Psychiatry at Baylor Scott & White in  Temple, Texas. Following residency, Dr. DeFries gained additional experience  treating homeless and formerly homeless populations in New York City,  particularly focusing on individuals with histories of trauma and substance  addiction, prior to joining Talkiatry.    

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Treatment approach    

Dr. DeFries practices Adult Psychiatry, employing an integrative treatment  approach combining medication management, psychotherapeutic methods, and  lifestyle modifications. She recognizes that each patient benefits from a  personalized mix of these three aspects of care. Dr. DeFries specializes in  treating diverse psychiatric conditions, including those related to trauma,  substance addictions, and various mental health disorders.    

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What you can expect in a first visit    

In a first visit with Dr. DeFries, patients can expect a comprehensive  evaluation aimed at understanding their individual mental health history,  specific concerns, and overall treatment goals. Dr. DeFries emphasizes an  individualized approach, carefully exploring the best combination of  medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments tailored specifically to each  patient's needs. Patients can anticipate an empathetic and collaborative  environment focused on their personal experiences 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 specialize in  medication management and collaborate with you on a treatment plan that fits  your needs and comfort level.

Dr. Tara Thompson-Felix is a board-certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist. Dr. Thompson-Felix has specialized training in perinatal mental health and believes that improving outcomes during pregnancy and the postpartum period has a long-lasting impact on outcomes for a mother and child. She also specializes in treating a wide array of psychiatric conditions affecting children, adolescents, and young adults. Dr. Thompson-Felix's journey into medicine started in her undergraduate studies at Rutgers University. She earned her medical degree at Rutgers, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and trained in adult psychiatry at Temple University Medical School. She completed her child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Yale School of Medicine. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Thompson-Felix has extensive research experience in using neuroscience to understand the impact of maternal mental health on child development. She has authored several publications, presents her work nationally/internationally, and received numerous awards for her clinical work, research, and passion for teaching. Dr. Thompson-Felix believes that trust, communication, and respect between a patient and their physician is the foundation of effective treatment. Her style is welcoming, nonjudgmental, and collaborative. She evaluates mental health based on biological, psychological, and cultural aspects. She uses evidence-based treatments to manage psychiatric symptoms and promote optimal health.

Dr. Paul has worked in outpatient private practice psychiatry for nearly 20 years. Throughout her career, she has combined medication management with talk therapy, to provide comprehensive care tailored to each patient's needs. Dr. Paul received her MD from The University of Iowa. She completed an intern year in Obstetrics and Gynecology at The University of Illinois, Chicago, and went on to psychiatry residency at Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, IL. Dr. Janeen Paul is board certified in Adult Psychiatry. She specializes in Women's Issues, including pregnancy, postpartum and menopause, and has extensive experience treating depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders, including OCD and PTSD. The mind/body connection is at the forefront of her care, with attention paid to diet and exercise as well as breathing and meditation. She often collaborates with primary care physicians and therapists to provide a team approach to treatment. She treats patients over age 18.‍

Dr Ibrahim joined Talkiatry as a general adult psychiatrist.

Dr Ibrahim earned his medical degree from faculty of medicine, University of Cairo, Egypt.

He completed residency in general psychiatry at Case Western Reserve university and MetroHealth medical center in Cleveland, Ohio.

He practiced psychiatry for 30 years. working in different settings:

Hospitals. inpatient and consultation liaison to other medical services.

Private practice, outpatients treating adults, geriatric and adolescents.

Provided geropsychiatric consultations to long term care facilities and assisted living.

Areas of interest:

Mood and anxiety disorders

cognitive, neuropsychiatric disorders

PTSD , bipolar, OCD

Psychopharmacology and treatment resistant conditions (depression)

Psychoeducation to improve treatment compliance

Dr Ibrahim likes to work with patients on customized treatment plan with active patient participation.

Treatment goals are defined and updated as needed in follow up visits.

Dr Ibrahim encourage his patients to ask questions and learn more about their condition, communication and education are essential for treatment success.

Dr Ibrahim will have an initial evaluation. Providing treatment records can be helpful.

He will share with patient treatment options and create a custom treatment plan.

Follow up appointments are scheduled every 2 weeks at the beginning of treatment.

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