Ian Goldberg, MD

Background and credentials    

Dr. Alexander Wittenberg is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. He received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University, majoring in Human Biology, Health, and Society. He earned his medical degree from the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he was a  member of the Psi Sigma Alpha Osteopathic Honor Society. As chief resident at  Mount Sinai Beth Israel, he gained extensive experience working in outpatient  settings and managing patient care at one of New York City's busiest clinics. Dr. Wittenberg has expertise in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, trauma and stressor-related disorders, and OCD.    

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Treatment approach    

Dr. Wittenberg offers highly individualized and empathic treatment, primarily focusing on medication management. He frequently recommends integrating therapy into treatment plans and may suggest collaborating with a therapist. Dr. Wittenberg prioritizes a holistic approach, emphasizing overall well-being alongside symptom relief. He encourages the incorporation of mindfulness, self-compassion, exercise, nutrition, and attention to interpersonal relationships into his treatment strategy.    

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What you can expect in a first visit    

During an initial visit with Dr. Wittenberg, patients can anticipate a collaborative, patient-centered, and non-judgmental environment designed to foster a meaningful therapeutic relationship. He will thoroughly discuss individual concerns and treatment goals, exploring potential therapeutic interventions, including medication management and holistic strategies to support mental health and overall wellness.

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. 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. 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.

Dr. Jennifer Yen is a double board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist who has practiced in a variety of settings, including private, community, and academic medicine. She obtained her medical doctorate and general psychiatry residency at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston before completing her child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine. She is currently a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Baylor College of Medicine and has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications on pediatric mental health. Dr. Yen is also a Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and has been on the editorial board of Clinical Psychiatry News. Dr. Yen believes in a collaborative treatment approach that includes use of pharmacology, therapeutic interventions, and support networks. While versed in a broad range of mental disorders, she is most passionate about anxiety, depression, minority mental health, and acculturation and intergenerational conflicts. She enjoys finding creative ways to address ongoing treatment issues, and utilizes digital media in the treatment setting.

Dr. Michael Watkins is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. He completed his residency at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler. In addition to being thoroughly trained in psychopharmacology, Dr. Watkins has also received extensive training in psychotherapy. From traditional psychodynamic therapy to the more modern mindfulness-based dialectical behavior therapy, Dr. Watkins takes the approach that best serves his patients. In addition to being trained in a variety of therapies, Dr. Watkins also employs a positive psychiatry approach which, as well as addressing a patient's symptoms, also focuses on their strengths and how they can be used to overcome adversity. Prior to pursuing a career in psychiatry, Dr. Watkins was a high school math teacher, and prior to that, he was an NCAA Division I college athlete. His teaching and athletic careers have given him a well-rounded perspective on the human experience. Drawing on his academic training and life experiences, Dr. Watkins meets patients where they are at, helps them overcome their obstacles, and serves as a guide and a resource for them on their journey to their desired destination.

Daniel Ebert, MD, earned his medical degree from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and completed his psychiatry residency at Massachusetts General Hospital and McLean Hospital. He has served on the faculty at Harvard Medical School and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine for over 15 years. Board certified in psychiatry by the American College of Psychiatry and Neurology, Dr. Ebert has extensive experience treating mood, anxiety, psychotic, and substance use disorders across inpatient and outpatient settings, including student mental health, community psychiatry, and academic outpatient practices.

Dr. Ebert strives to create a respectful environment where patients feel heard as they build a strong therapeutic alliance. He values long-term collaboration to achieve meaningful treatment goals and improve quality of life. With clinical experience guiding his approach, he offers reasonable therapeutic optimism while addressing challenging symptoms and issues.

Dr. Ebert begins with a comprehensive clinical assessment to understand each patient’s symptoms, life story, behavior, and personality. He develops a collaborative treatment plan, revisiting it over time. Follow-up appointments integrate medication management, if prescribed, and psychotherapy tailored to the individual, using a combination of standard therapeutic approaches aligned with the shared plan.