Lopa Rana, MD

Background and credentials    

Dr. Catherine Cashman is triple board-certified by the American Board of  Psychiatry and Neurology in Adult Psychiatry, Child & Adolescent  Psychiatry, and Forensic Psychiatry. She holds two Bachelor’s degrees: one in  Finance from New York University, and another in Biology from the University  of New Orleans. She earned her medical degree from Nova Southeastern  University and completed an Adult Psychiatry residency at LSU Health Sciences  Center in New Orleans. Dr. Cashman subsequently completed two fellowships:  the first in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at LSU New Orleans, along with  a certification in Infant Mental Health (working with children ages 0–6 years  and their caregivers); the second fellowship was in Forensic Psychiatry at  the University of Rochester and the Rochester Regional Forensic Unit.    

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Treatment approach    

Dr. Cashman brings an extensive and specialized skillset to psychiatry,  informed by her triple board-certifications. Her treatment approach  integrates clinical expertise from adult, child and adolescent, and forensic  psychiatry, emphasizing accurate diagnosis, risk assessment, and  evidence-based care. With specialized expertise in forensic psychiatry and  competency assessments, she employs rigorous evaluation methods to accurately  inform treatment planning and risk management, particularly in complex or  legally-involved cases.    

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What you can expect in a first visit    

Patients visiting Dr. Cashman for the first time can expect a detailed and  comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. Given her forensic and clinical  experience, initial assessments are thorough, focusing on clear diagnostic  understanding, individualized risk assessment, and appropriate treatment  planning. Patients can anticipate a collaborative, professional, and  structured environment aimed at clarifying diagnoses and addressing their  unique mental health needs effectively.    

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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. Melody Santos is dual-trained in Internal Medicine and Psychiatry, with experience in both outpatient and inpatient settings. She served as Chief Resident and Deputy Chief Resident in East Carolina University’s combined residency program, where she led academic and clinical initiatives. Dr. Santos has published research on topics including adult ADHD and metabolic psychiatry, with presentations at national conferences. She earned her MD from the American University of the Caribbean and a BS in Biology with a minor in Jazz Piano from the University of Tampa. A native Spanish speaker, she is active in community service and church-based outreach.

Dr. Santos values open and clear communication, creating a safe, non-judgmental space where patients feel heard and respected. She blends traditional and innovative approaches, including metabolic psychiatry and dietary strategies, to support wellness. Her care is culturally sensitive and patient-centered, always tailored to each individual’s needs and values. Through empathy and education, she empowers patients and fosters resilience.

Dr. Santos begins with a thorough assessment of each patient’s medical, psychiatric, and lifestyle history. She collaborates with patients to build personalized, evidence-based treatment plans that reflect their goals and preferences. Her holistic care model considers social, cultural, and environmental influences, and she ensures consistent follow-up to adjust care as needed, promoting informed, long-term wellness.

Dr. Kristina Kurtz is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who graduated from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, Pennsylvania. She completed a Transitional Internship at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Oakland in Pontiac, Michigan, and Psychiatry Residency training at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, Michigan. During her residency training, she held multiple professional leadership positions, including ethics committee consultant, associate chief resident, and chief resident. She has experience developing residency curriculum, and teaching psychiatry residents and medical students. Prior to relocating to Colorado Springs, Dr. Kurtz served as the Adult Inpatient Service Chief at Henry Ford Kingswood Hospital. She joined Talkiatry after serving as the Medical Director of Behavioral Health at UCHealth Memorial Hospital as well as Regional Medical Director for Colorado for Lifestance Health. Dr. Kurtz is passionate about providing holistic, evidence-based care to both adults and geriatric patients. She believes in providing a well-rounded approach to care which includes both medication management as well as psychodynamic psychotherapy and supportive therapy for a wide variety of disorders including depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, substance use disorders, and bipolar disorder. She believes that medication management is most effective when an environment of shared decision-making exists between the prescriber and the patient and tailors her approach to meet each individual patient's needs.

Dr. Ernesto Gonzalez is a board certified adult psychiatrist. He completed his undergraduate training at Yale University and received his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. He completed his residency training at the Cambridge Health Alliance/Harvard Medical School Adult Psychiatry Training Program. Dr. Gonzalez prefers a holistic approach that takes the time to know the whole patient, incorporating biological, psychological, social, and cultural perspectives in crafting a comprehensive, individualized, treatment plan. He practices medication management combined with supportive therapy, typically delivered within 30 minute sessions. Elements of psychodynamic, dialectical behavior and cognitive-behavioral therapy will also be incorporated into sessions based on a patient's individual needs. If additional therapy is needed, Dr. Gonzalez will recommend the addition of an individual therapist to the patient's treatment team. Having dedicated his career to adult outpatient psychiatry, Dr. Gonzalez has worked with patients from a wide range of ages, cultures, ethnicities, and social settings across the New York City area. His primary focus is working with patients with depression, anxiety, ADHD, and PTSD. He also values working with people adjusting to changes in their lives, whether it be grieving the loss of a loved one, changes in employment, relationships, or adjusting to changes that come with age. Prior to joining Talkiatry, Dr. Gonzalez was an Assistant Professor at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine and served as Director of the Adult Outpatient Psychiatric Department, Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team, and Collaborative Care Departments at Woodhull Hospital in Brooklyn, New York. He also had a small practice near his home. Dr. Gonzalez has also had a lifelong interest in meeting new people and experiencing different cultures. This interest has taken him as far away as the townships of Cape Town, South Africa and as close as his local diner, and it edifies the work he does with patients.

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. Dave Kopacz studied psychology, medicine, and psychiatry at the University of Illinois. He has over 25 years of clinical experience, most recently 11 years at the Seattle Veterans Affairs and as a national VA Whole Health Education Champion, teaching holistic self-care to staff and veterans. Prior to that, Dr. Kopacz was Clinical Director of a psychiatric rehabilitation center in New Zealand. He has worked in private practice, rural community mental health, and ran a VA tele-health program for Native American/Alaskan and Pasifika veterans.

Dr. Kopacz is board certified in Psychiatry & Integrative Medicine, a certified yoga instructor and a certified iRest (Integrative Restoration) meditation teacher. He is an author and international speaker on topics of burnout, well-being, medical humanities, creativity and health, and cross-cultural approaches to healing. His books include Caring for Self & Others: Transforming Burnout, Compassion Fatigue, and Soul Loss, and Re-humanizing Medicine. He has also co-authored four books with Joseph Rael (Beautiful Painted Arrow), including Walking the Medicine Wheel: Healing Trauma & PTSD.

"What is your typical process for working with patients?"

Dr. Kopacz combines psychiatric diagnosis with a collaborative and holistic focus on your strengths and personal growth. Combining a psychiatric and self-care assessment, he will help you find a plan for medication, psychotherapy, and well-being work that feels right for you.

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