Iesha Whitaker, LCSW

Dr. Karina Fatova is a board certified psychiatrist who hails from New York City but has made New Orleans her home for the past ten years. She is a graduate of Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, NY, and she did her adult psychiatry residency at Tulane University in New Orleans, LA. She was proud to have her first position post-residency at the River Oaks Hospital Trauma Unit in New Orleans, LA where she treated patients with Complex PTSD and eating disorders. The Trauma Unit was one of a few of its kind nationally because it provided very specialized treatment that was affordable to many. Dr. Fatova then went on to work at the New Orleans Veterans Affairs Hospital for the last five years in its ambulatory outpatient mental health clinic. Though her passion is Complex Trauma/PTSD, she also regularly saw veteran patients who have been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and adjustment disorder. During her five years at the New Orleans VA, she received three special commendations from the director of the VA for feedback from her patients about her effective integrative approach to supportive psychotherapy and medication management. She believes that her rapport with her patients, and their therapeutic work together, is just as important as the medication she prescribes to heal or alleviate their symptoms. Dr Fatova employs psychodynamic therapy techniques, at times, to help those patients who would like to explore childhood experiences that may continue to impact them in their adult lives. With respect to medication management she regularly helps patients target symptoms such as sleep issues, nightmares, persistent worry, emotional dysregulation, frequent mood changes, impulsivity, and "toning down the nervous system," among others. She strongly believes that treatment decisions are best approached as a collaboration between patient and doctor. She sees young adults who are just starting their journey into adulthood, as well as adults who have been navigating life with challenges, which may include untreated, or poorly treated, mental health symptoms. Often, by the time Dr. Fatova sees a patient, they may have lost a significant amount of faith in their mental health doctors, and she is particularly attuned to helping individuals with this type of experience.

Dr. Swagato Bhattacharyya has completed his residency training at Northwell and is a board certified psychiatrist. Dr. Bhattacharyya takes a holistic approach to patient care, establishing strong physician-patient relationships built on trust, respect, and communication. He primarily focuses on medication management and also provides supportive psychotherapy. Treatment sessions will be tailored to work towards a common goal to optimize one's mental well-being. Dr. Bhattacharyya graduated magna cum laude from undergraduate Binghamton University, received his medical degree from NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine, and completed his residency in psychiatry at Northwell Mather Hospital. He has trained in various settings, including adult/adolescent psychiatric units and specialty clinics, and has experience in telepsychiatry visits. Dr. Bhattacharyya has experience in treating numerous mental conditions, including depressive disorders, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, ADHD and OCD. Dr. Bhattacharyya also has experience treating patients of diverse cultures, having worked in psychiatric settings in the NYC metro and Long Island area.‍

Dr Cardiel- Sam is Board Certified in both General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. He completed undergraduate training at the University of Miami followed by medical school at St. George's University. He has completed a residency in psychiatry at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center and a fellowship training in child and adolescent psychiatry at Penn State University. ‍His training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry has given him a unique perspective on mental illness. He has found that these conditions rarely start in adulthood, but rather, are a product of multiple factors and years of lived experience. For this reason, Dr Cardiel-Sam approaches his patients through a trauma-informed lens; an acknowledgement of the unique story and challenges that each individual has faced. He is comfortable treating a wide variety of psychiatric conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD and many more. ‍Working with Dr Cardiel- Sam, you can expect holistic and collaborative psychiatric treatment. He believes that medication along with therapeutic treatment should fit seamlessly into a patient's life, with minimal inconvenience. He strives to empower patients in shared medical decision making, making time to explain risks/benefits and alternatives for treatment.

Dr. Lindsay Works is board-certified in psychiatry and addiction medicine. She earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from Rocky Vista University in Colorado and completed her internship and psychiatry residency at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. She has extensive experience in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care, particularly in military and veteran populations.

Dr. Works specializes in psychiatric care and addiction medicine, offering treatment for a range of mental health and substance use disorders. She takes a comprehensive and structured approach, integrating medication management with individualized treatment planning. Her background in military psychiatry allows her to provide specialized care for veterans and active-duty service members, particularly those experiencing PTSD, substance use issues, and other psychiatric conditions.

During the first visit, patients can expect a detailed and structured psychiatric evaluation, where Dr. Works carefully assesses mental health concerns, treatment history, and personal goals. She prioritizes collaboration and patient engagement, ensuring that each treatment plan is tailored to the individual’s needs. She works with patients to develop an approach that may include medication management, therapy referrals, and support for addiction-related challenges, depending on each patient's unique situation.

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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Before graduating from NYU School of Social Work, Dana worked in international human rights and educational environments. She has 13 years of experience as a clinical social worker and prior to assuming her role as psychotherapist at Talkiatry, Dana worked with formerly homeless adults in supportive housing. Dana views therapy as a gift to oneself and recognizes the bravery and courage it takes to be vulnerable and open oneself to the path of self-discovery. She is passionate about creating a warm, validating, culturally responsive and non-judgmental environment where she will work collaboratively with you towards your goals. Whether you are moving through a difficult transition, coping with chronic illness, experiencing work burnout and stress, anxiety, trauma, loss, or just wanting to feel "unstuck”, she will accompany you through these life circumstances and emotions and help you gain new insights about yourself, reinforce or learn new ways of thinking and coping and help you reclaim hope as you work to live your most meaningful life. Dana draws primarily from psychodynamic therapy, though her treatment is collaborative, flexible, and individualized, incorporating mindfulness, CBT and other evidence-based modalities when appropriate.

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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