Marc Whaley, MD

Dr. Sahadevan took an adventurous path to Talkiatry. After perhaps thinking a little too hard about Intro to Philosophy in college - "the unexamined life is not worth living” - he first used his chemistry degree to work in pharmaceutical research. He changed course, working in computer network engineering, before deciding to find a more meaningful path. He worked as an EMT, then earned a Master's in Physiology before finally landing in medical school at Ohio State. Finding a surprising interest in psychiatry, he stayed at Ohio State for residency, and then a fellowship in forensic psychiatry. He is board-certified in both Psychiatry and Forensic Psychiatry. He previously worked as a forensic psychiatrist and evaluator at Ohio's maximum-security state psychiatric facility, as an attending psychiatrist running an inpatient unit for violent or dangerous patients, performing court-ordered evaluations, writing reports, and testifying when necessary. Dr. Sahadevan has also worked as a consultation-liaison psychiatrist, performing psychiatric consults at several general hospitals in Central Ohio's largest hospital system. He found great enjoyment in teaching successive generations of residents and medical students, serving as an adjunct faculty member at Ohio State, Ohio University, Wright State, and OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital. He is excited for the next chapter of his journey, exploring another area of psychiatry at Talkiatry!

Robynn Cavaliere, PMHNP-BC, is a nationally board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She earned her nursing practice degree from the University of San Diego (USD). Her passion for helping others began at the age of 16 when she became an EMT and volunteered with a local emergency unit. Inspired by a strong belief in service to country and a desire to follow in her brothers’ footsteps, she proudly served in the United States Marine Corps.

Robynn’s nursing journey began over two decades ago, driven by a deep calling to care for others. She started her career as an LVN on medical/surgical/telemetry floors, advanced to an RN in the emergency room, and eventually became a psychiatric nurse practitioner.

Her extensive nursing experience spans a wide range of clinical settings and patient populations, shaping her approach to interviewing, assessment, and intervention. Robynn applies the Biopsychosocial Model in every patient encounter, believing that a comprehensive understanding of the whole person leads to more effective treatment recommendations, improved outcomes, and better prognoses.

She is deeply committed to making a positive impact in her patients’ lives and giving back to the nursing profession. Robynn precepts student nurse practitioners in her practice and serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at USD, where she helps educate the next generation of healthcare providers.

Robynn emphasizes the importance of comprehensive assessments, active listening, and building therapeutic alliances that foster trust and create a safe space for patients to share their thoughts and concerns. She collaborates closely with patients to ensure they feel heard, encourages active participation in their treatment, and provides education to enhance insight and promote behavioral change. Her approach includes supportive psychotherapy and incorporates techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy, Reality Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy during medication management visits.

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Dr. Absar Tahir is an adult psychiatrist double-boarded in psychiatry and internal medicine who specializes in evidence-based, holistic, and individualized care. He graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he earned both his undergraduate and medical degrees. Dr. Tahir completed sequential residency training in both internal medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, followed by psychiatry at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Tahir integrates his knowledge of psychiatry and internal medicine to address the complex interplay between mental and physical health, ensuring a comprehensive and thoughtful approach to diagnosis and treatment. Throughout his career, he has helped patients from all walks of life, from diverse backgrounds, with a compassionate and empathetic treatment style. He strives to ensure his patients feel their voice is heard while working collaboratively towards achieving their treatment goals. As a psychiatrist, he specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). He is also highly experienced in treating psychiatric problems in patients with medical comorbidities.

Dr. Alexis Kropf is a board-certified adult psychiatrist beginning her practice at Talkiatry after four years of clinical experience in residency. Dr. Kropf primarily focuses on providing medication management during 30-minute follow-up visits, weaving in elements of supportive therapy according to the needs of her clients. When additional therapy is indicated to promote recovery, Dr. Kropf may recommend that her clients work with a therapist as part of the treatment team. Dr. Kropf credits her undergraduate education at Southwestern University, a small liberal arts college, for strengthening her curiosity about and dedication to serving others. She received her medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, where she also completed her psychiatry residency training. During residency, she was involved in medical student education and resident leadership, serving as a chief resident during her final year of training. She also utilized her fluency in Spanish and medical Spanish interpreter training to serve Spanish-speaking patients and to lead Spanish-language group therapy sessions. In addition to psychopharmacology, Dr. Kropf studied psychotherapeutic interventions, including psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral therapies. She has experience working with clients experiencing many different mental health challenges, with a primary clinical focus including the treatment of anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

Dr. Wilbur is a Double Board Certified Psychiatrist in Adult and Addiction Psychiatry. He completed his undergraduate degree in Public Health Studies at Johns Hopkins University and his medical education at the UMass Chan Medical School. Dr. Wilbur completed his psychiatry residency training and addiction psychiatry fellowship training at Yale School of Medicine. His practice focuses on medication management, typically offered in conjunction with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. Dr. Wilbur has an interest in treating patients with a wide range of psychiatric conditions including but not limited to depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, trauma- and stressor-related disorders, and bipolar disorders. He also has experience treating psychiatric conditions in patients experiencing co-occurring medical illness. Dr. Wilbur believes that successful treatment begins with mutual trust between a patient and their doctor. He uses a warm, nonjudgmental, and collaborative approach. His assessments consider the biological, psychological, and social, and cultural factors that impact mental health. He implements a range of evidence-based treatments to alleviate psychiatric symptoms and improve wellbeing.

Ashley LaBanca provides medication management and supportive psychotherapy services. She has worked in mental health for over 12 years. A graduate of the University of North Dakota, she began her career in an outpatient setting, later transitioning into a lead nurse practitioner role before moving into telehealth services. Her goal is to reach individuals in need when in-person care is not feasible. Ashley lives in North Dakota with her family and enjoys traveling, reading, and spending quality time with them.

Ashley views medication as a tool rather than a cure. She incorporates alternative treatments by assessing physical health, exploring natural alternatives to medication, focusing on nutrition, and helping clients develop coping skills to manage daily stressors. Her guiding principle is the integration of therapy and medication management to support healing and growth. She encourages clients to be active participants in their treatment, fostering a collaborative, respectful, and open therapeutic relationship.

Ashley tailors her collaborative approach to each individual’s needs. She draws from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and other treatment modalities, combining them with evidence-based prescribing to create personalized care plans. She also considers the social dimensions of mental health, addressing relationships, self-esteem, and internal healing.

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