Laura Long, MD

Abdulhafiz Ahmed, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Languages

English, Arabic

Conditions treated:

Anxiety, Depression. Bipolar Disorder, OCD, PTSD/Trauma, ADHD

Education and training:

University of Maryland at College Park, BS

Georgetown School of Medicine, MD

University of Maryland Medical System at Baltimore (UMMS), Residency

and fellowship.

Dr. Abdulhafiz Ahmed is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with over 25 years of clinical experience across community hospitals, university teaching hospitals, the Veterans Administration (VA) medical system, and private practice. He has served as the inpatient medical director at MedStar Harbor Hospital in Baltimore and outpatient medical director at the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake. Dr. Ahmed has extensive expertise diagnosing and treating a wide range of psychiatric conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, adjustment disorders, phobias, thought disorders, trauma, and PTSD.

Dr. Ahmed approaches each patient with empathy, attentiveness, and respect, fostering an environment of safety and trust. He recognizes the importance of cultural diversity and is dedicated to understanding each person’s unique background, values, and life circumstances. His patient-centered philosophy ensures that individuals feel heard, validated, and actively involved in their care.

Dr. Ahmed combines evidence-based psychopharmacology with supportive psychotherapy to provide comprehensive and individualized treatment. He collaborates closely with patients to develop a plan that targets their specific symptoms and goals, focusing on improving functioning, resilience, and overall well-being. His approachable and compassionate demeanor helps patients feel comfortable and confident throughout their journey toward recovery.

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Background and credentials

Dr. Yang is board-certified in both General Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry. She received her medical degree from the Medical School of Nanjing University in China and completed her Ph.D. in Neuroscience at the State University of New York in Buffalo. She conducted neuroscience research at Tufts University and Columbia University. Dr. Yang completed her residency in Psychiatry at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston – McGovern Medical School (UTHealth) and a fellowship in Addiction Psychiatry at Baylor College of Medicine. She has held academic positions at Baylor College of Medicine, supervising medical students, residents, and physician assistant students.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Yang specializes in treating depressive disorders, bipolar disorders, anxiety, substance use disorders, ADHD, and trauma-related disorders. She employs medication management combined with supportive therapy and motivational interviewing techniques. Dr. Yang emphasizes building strong therapeutic relationships, tailoring treatment to each patient's unique goals and needs.

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What you can expect in a first visit

In the initial visit, patients can expect a detailed, personalized evaluation by Dr. Yang. She will explore symptoms, medical history, personal goals, and treatment preferences to design an individualized care plan. Patients can expect a compassionate, collaborative approach with clear communication about medication management options and supportive therapeutic strategies aimed at improving their overall well-being.

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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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For the past 20 years, Dr. Lavin has worked at the University of Denver Health and Counseling Center, where she has treated undergraduate and graduate students. She also worked at a training clinic for students pursuing their PsyD degree. She has supervised and taught psychiatry residents. She taught a psychopharmacology and differential diagnosis course to psychology trainees. Dr. Lavin has a strong interest in functional medicine and alternative therapies. Dr. Lavin has been in practice for 35 years. She is board certified in adult psychiatry. Dr. Lavin focuses on a comprehensive medical assessment, medication management, psychoeducation, wellness, and alternative therapies. She enjoys treating young adults. Dr. Lavin did her undergraduate work at the University of Rochester. She earned her MD from Cornell University Medical College in New York City. Her psychiatry residency was at the University of Boston Medical Center. After training, Dr. Lavin held administrative and clinical positions at Kaiser Permanente in Denver, CO and at the Harvard Community Health Plan in Braintree, Massachusetts. She has written clinical triaging guidelines and patient information pamphlets.‍

Dr. Clara Kim is a board-certified psychiatrist trained in Adult Psychiatry. She received her medical degree from Yale University and completed her residency training at Cambridge Health Alliance - Harvard Medical School, where she served as Chief Resident of Quality Improvement. Dr. Kim treats each patient with a holistic, evidence-based approach that incorporates psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic best practices. Her priority is to build a safe and trusting working relationship with each patient, keeping in mind their unique biological, psychological, social, and spiritual contexts. Dr. Kim has extensive experience treating depression, anxiety, trauma-related disorders, personality disorders, OCD, and perinatal conditions such as postpartum depression. Other professional interests include forensic psychiatry, combined psychopharmacological and psychotherapy treatment, and ECT, in which she was certified by the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. She has worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds and all socioeconomic strata.

Tracy King, PMHNP-BC, is a compassionate and board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner dedicated to supporting individuals on their mental health journeys. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from The Ohio State University and has experience working with individuals across the lifespan.

Tracy has worked in a variety of clinical settings, addressing a broad range of mental health concerns. She is driven by a strong commitment to serving those in need and takes pride in delivering trauma-informed, evidence-based care tailored to each individual’s unique circumstances.

Her approach centers on creating a supportive environment where patients feel heard, valued, and empowered. Tracy’s goal is to help individuals build resilience, enhance well-being, and achieve meaningful, lasting change.

Believing that each person is the expert in their own life, Tracy takes time to listen, understand, and build genuine connections. She collaborates closely with her patients to develop care plans that reflect a whole-person perspective.

Tracy emphasizes shared decision-making and a holistic approach to mental health care. Her calm, positive demeanor and approachable communication style foster trust and openness, allowing her to build strong therapeutic relationships that support healing and growth.

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Background and credentials

Dr. Puja Kumar is trained in adult, child, and adolescent psychiatry and is a board-certified pediatrician. She earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Calgary and her medical degree from St. George’s University in Grenada. She completed her pediatrics residency at Maimonides Medical Center in New York and practiced pediatrics with MedStar Shah Medical Group in Maryland before transitioning to psychiatry. She later trained in child and adult psychiatry at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Kumar provides medication management combined with supportive therapy, typically in 30-minute follow-up visits. She takes a holistic approach to treatment, considering the impact of lifestyle, parenting practices, and family dynamics on mental health. She emphasizes integrative care, ensuring that treatment plans are tailored to each patient’s unique needs and circumstances.

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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. Kumar takes time to understand their symptoms, medical history, and environmental influences. She prioritizes collaborative decision-making, working closely with patients and, when applicable, their families, to develop a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan. Follow-up visits typically focus on medication adjustments, supportive therapy, and lifestyle recommendations to optimize mental health 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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