Lopa Rana, MD

Dr. Yacoub received his medical degree from Alexandria University and completed his psychiatry residency at Stony Brook University Hospital. He is double board certified in both general adult psychiatry and consultation & liaison psychiatry with over 20 years of clinical experience. After serving as chief resident, he joined Stony Brook University and became Associate Professor in clinical psychiatry. During his tenure at Stony Brook, Dr. Yacoub was director of the ECT service treating many patients with complex psychiatric disorders, which include treatment-resistant depression, severe bipolar disorders, psychotic disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post traumatic stress disorder. He also served as director of the medical student psychiatry clerkship where he received numerous teaching awards like Alpha Omega Alpha and Aesculapius Award for Excellence in Medical Education. Dr. Yacoub is an excellent diagnostician with expertise in complex mood disorders, psychotic disorders, interventional psychiatry, and advanced psychopharmacology. He has multiple publications and abstracts presented. Dr. Yacoub focuses on the interconnectivity of the mind, body, and soul. His care is only exceeded by his vast medical knowledge. In addition to medication management, he is proficient in supportive and interpersonal psychotherapy. He has treated adults, geriatric patients, and diverse populations including but not limited to LGBTQ+ and veterans. He is dedicated and empathetic to all his patients.

Dr. Nathan Schulz attended the Ohio State University College of Medicine where he received his degree before completing a residency in psychiatry at the University of Illinois, Chicago. After several years working with veterans at the Jesse Brown VA in Chicago, he returned to his home state of Iowa in 2022. Since then, he has continued to work with a wide variety of clients and conditions in both inpatient and outpatient settings, including at the University of Iowa and Clive Behavioral Health hospital.

Dr. Schulz values open, honest, and ongoing dialogue about how mental health treatment can improve wellbeing and lead to healing. Over time, he tailors treatment recommendations based on individual needs, which may include medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, or other approaches. He avoids a one-size-fits-all model and creates an environment where patients feel respected, understood, and supported as unique individuals.

In the first meeting, Dr. Schulz works to understand each patient’s goals, experiences, and preferences. Some arrive knowing what they want, while others are new to exploring mental health challenges. His goal is to meet patients where they are and adjust treatment focus as needs evolve. He emphasizes collaborative decision-making, clearly discussing treatment options, pros and cons, and next steps, while ensuring patients feel informed and empowered throughout care.

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. Jillian Saad is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who specializes in patient-centered care. She has been practicing for over 8 years in private practice and academic medicine .Dr. Saad focuses on medication management in 30-minute follow-up visits in conjunction with supportive and emotionally focused therapy. She takes a patient-centered approach that acknowledges all the psychosocial aspects of each individual to ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible. She received her medical degree from UMDNJ Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in Piscataway, NJ, then moved to Pennsylvania to complete her residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. Upon completion of training, Dr. Saad went into private practice for 5 years in southern NJ where she treated children, adolescents, and adults with a wide array of psychiatric disorders. She then went into academic medicine at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, NJ, where she served as the Associate Program Director of the Psychiatry Residency Program supervising and teaching both residents and medical students .Dr. Saad has experience working with a broad range of psychiatric disorders including mood disorders, PTSD, OCD, and ADHD. She also has a strong interest in Women's Mental Health and alternative treatment options.

Dr. Kyra Munzenmaier is a board-certified psychiatrist dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized mental health care. A graduate of the University of South Florida's College of Medicine and former Chief Resident at St. Luke’s in Pennsylvania, Dr. Munzenmaier brings extensive training and experience in outpatient psychiatry. She particularly enjoys helping individuals dealing with insomnia, ADHD, anxiety, OCD, mood disorders, and medical trauma. As a Perinatal Mental Health-certified expert, she advocates for women’s mental health needs and supports individuals navigating mental health concerns during pregnancy and beyond.

Dr. Munzenmaier’s treatment approach is rooted in shared decision-making, prioritizing patient goals and preferences to create customized care plans, which typically include psychotherapy in combination with medication. She often integrates evidence-based lifestyle modifications and natural treatments to optimize personal well-being. By taking a holistic view of her patients’ challenges, Dr. Munzenmaier empowers her patients to lead their most fulfilling lives.

Dr. Maralys Colón is a board-certified psychiatrist. She graduated from the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, and she completed a subspecialty in Forensic Psychiatry at the University of Tulane. Dr. Colón is keen in involving and guiding her patients in their treatment; she believes that patients benefit from taking an active role in their care. Dr. Colón specializes in psychopharmacology, tailoring the medication to your needs and preferences. She has experience in treating patients with depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, bipolar and psychotic disorders. Her practice focuses on medication management in conjunction with techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy and supportive therapy. Her years of experience include working as an inpatient psychiatrist, an intensive outpatient program, and consultation and liaison. She has helped train physician assistants at Valparaiso University, helping expand the knowledge of future providers. Dr. Colón is looking forward to working with you to improve your mental health and quality of life.