Mark Varela,MD

Dr. Tony Tu is a board certified adult psychiatrist who emphasizes patient education and a psychodynamic approach to outpatient psychiatry. His passion for empowering patients with knowledge stems from his academic experience in psychiatry residency training. Dr. Tu's practice focuses on blending medication management together with psychotherapy. He also prioritizes collaboration with your therapist and encourages working together as a team. Dr. Tu is a graduate of the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine where he completed an MD and PhD combined program which helped develop his "doctors as teachers” style of practice. Dr. Tu completed his psychiatry residency training at Loyola University Medical Center in Illinois. Dr. Tu served as an Associate Program Director of Loyola's Psychiatry residency training program for two years, and now maintains an Affiliate Assistant Professor of Psychiatry role with Loyola. He continues to contribute to residency training, as well as mentorship of medical students and psychology externs. Over the years, Dr. Tu has received several awards that demonstrate his affinity for teaching, including the Educator of the Year Award in 2022 from the Loyola Psychiatry Residency Program. Areas of specialization include psychopharmacology, patient-centered medicine, and combination treatment of psychiatry and psychotherapy. Dr. Tu understands that medications are not the end-all-be-all of treatment, but just the beginning. For trauma and acute stress, he understands that the journey starts at the tip of the iceberg, with much to explore as you feel more ready.

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.

Dr. Shalin Shah earned his undergraduate degree from Northwestern University, his medical degree from Texas A&M University College of Medicine, and completed psychiatry residency at the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine. He is ABPN certified in Psychiatry and completed a rigorous 3-year psychotherapy scholars track, gaining experience across multiple therapeutic modalities. During residency, he served as outpatient chief resident and was recognized with a selective service excellence and leadership award. Before medical school, he worked as a project manager for a large electronic health corporation.

Dr. Shah believes trust is the foundation of meaningful treatment. He aims to create a space where patients feel seen and supported yet thoughtfully challenged, using genuine curiosity, warm humor, humility, and a direct style. He collaborates with each patient to develop holistic, realistic treatment plans that may or may not include medication. His therapeutic work blends psychodynamic and humanistic approaches, with availability for a limited number of weekly psychotherapy patients.

In the first appointment, Dr. Shah explores each patient’s life story, asking detailed questions to understand them as a whole person. He then focuses on their immediate concerns and works collaboratively over time to refine a treatment plan that balances symptom relief with deeper, long-term healing. He thinks integrative and holistically, considering medical and mental health history, lifestyle, self-narrative, psychological structure, cultural and spiritual background, and broader societal influences.

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.

Cherie Tubeileh, PMHNP-BC, is a compassionate Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner dedicated to providing personalized, evidence-based mental health care. Cherie earned her master’s degree from the Medical College of Ohio and her post-master’s certification from Rush University. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, yoga, and meditation, reinforcing her belief in the importance of balance and self-care.

With expertise in diagnosing and treating various conditions, she empowers patients through psychopharmacology and therapeutic interventions. Cherie embraces a holistic approach, recognizing the vital connection between mind, body, and spirit in the journey to mental wellness.

Her approach integrates evidence-based practices with a holistic understanding of everyone’s unique needs, ensuring personalized and effective care. Cherie has worked extensively with diverse populations, including individuals managing anxiety, depression, trauma, and mood disorders. She is skilled in psychopharmacology, therapeutic interventions, and patient education, fostering a supportive environment that empowers individuals on their journey to wellness.

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Dr. Phelps is a board-eligible adult psychiatrist. She was elected chief resident by her residency program at the University of Central Florida. She obtained her medical degree at Nova Southeastern University. She graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from Louisiana State University. Dr. Phelps believes in patient-centered care and a holistic approach to medicine. Her practice focuses on medication management, in conjunction with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. If additional therapy is needed, she utilizes referrals to psychotherapists to enhance management of mental illness and provide the best treatment outcomes. Dr. Phelps has worked in a variety of medical settings with different patient populations, including outpatient, consult liaison, and inpatient psychiatry. Her primary focus is treating adults with depression, anxiety, ADHD, insomnia, and bipolar disorder. Dr. Phelps aims to build a strong therapeutic relationship and improve the quality of life of her patients.