Michael Dicharry, MD

Riley Sapora, MD received his medical degree from the University of Queensland - Ochsner Clinical School, a joint program based in Brisbane, Australia and New Orleans, LA. He completed Adult Psychiatry residency and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship training at Louisiana State University (LSU). He has experience treating children and adults across inpatient and outpatient settings, with training in medications, interventional options such as Ketamine, and psychotherapies including psychodynamic therapy and CBT. He also treats Gut Brain Axis disorders and believes in the mind-body connection, with meditation and a morning jog among his favorite ways to start the day.

Dr. Sapora provides a safe, nonjudgmental environment where patients are understood as whole people, not just diagnoses or symptoms. He approaches each visit with respect and strives to build an authentic therapeutic relationship. Patients can expect comprehensive, thorough, and safe care, with collaborative treatment planning aligned with their goals. He provides evidence-based explanations and psychoeducation to help patients feel empowered.

Dr. Sapora uses each appointment to develop a deeper understanding of the patient, their concerns, and their goals. The initial visit includes a thorough assessment of the patient’s life, symptoms, and history. He works collaboratively to create a personal treatment plan based on the Bio-Psycho-Social model, which may include medication, psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, or a combination of approaches.

Dr. Joel Barrett is a board-certified psychiatrist who treats children, adolescents, and adults. He earned his medical degree and completed his psychiatry residency at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, serving as chief resident, and later completed fellowships in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Forensic Psychiatry at LSU Health Shreveport. Dr. Barrett also completed advanced training in trauma-focused care, developmental assessment, cognitive evaluation, and forensic risk assessment.

Dr. Barrett takes a whole-person approach to care, considering biological, psychological, social, family, and cultural factors rather than focusing only on symptoms. He works to create a respectful, nonjudgmental environment where patients and families feel safe sharing their experiences. His treatment style combines evidence-based medication management with structured psychotherapy tailored to each patient’s needs.

Dr. Barrett begins with a thorough biopsychosocial evaluation that reviews history, functioning, past treatment, and current concerns before making recommendations. He then collaborates with patients and, when appropriate, families to develop individualized treatment plans with clear goals and measurable progress. Care may include medication management, psychotherapy, and coordination with therapists, schools, primary care providers, and other clinicians as needs evolve over time.

I strive to create a warm, collaborative environment where patients feel respected, understood, and supported. My approach combines evidence-based medicine with an appreciation for each patient's unique story, values, and motivations. Patients can expect open, direct communication, shared decision-making, and treatment plans that align with their personal goals. Trust, empathy, and authenticity form the foundation of my therapeutic relationships.

I begin by listening closely to each patient's history, concerns, and hopes for treatment. Together, I work with patients to establish clear goals and develop individualized care plans that may include therapy, medication management, and lifestyle approaches. My focus is on both symptom relief and building long-term resilience, helping patients develop strategies that sustain well-being. Over time, I collaborate with patients to adapt treatment as their needs evolve, ensuring care remains effective and personalized.

I am a board-certified psychiatrist with extensive clinical leadership experience. I earned my MD and completed a combined residency in Internal Medicine and Psychiatry at Tulane University School of Medicine. Previously board certified in Internal Medicine, I am especially comfortable caring for patients with medical comorbidities. I have worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings and held leadership roles as Chief Medical Officer at Arisa Health and Lotic.ai. I also bring a systems-thinking perspective to clinical care from earlier careers in engineering and consulting. I hold active medical licenses in Louisiana and Arkansas.

I foster a warm, supportive environment where patients feel heard and respected. I value open communication and work collaboratively to set clear, personalized treatment goals. During initial sessions, I take time to understand each patient's history, concerns, and goals, and then create individualized treatment plans aligned with each patient's unique needs and preferences. I encourage ongoing dialogue to adapt care plans and support long-term progress.

I am a board-certified psychiatrist with experience in both inpatient and outpatient care. I formerly served as a Staff Psychiatrist at a VA Medical Center, where I specialized in the mental health needs of veterans. I earned my B.S. in Biological Sciences, Summa Cum Laude, from Hampton University, received my MD from the University of Texas Medical Branch, and completed my psychiatry residency at Tulane University School of Medicine, serving as Chief Resident in 2017.

Deeply committed to service, I have supported underserved and marginalized communities through various nonprofit initiatives.

I am a Board-Certified Adult Psychiatrist with specialized training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. I practice with a patient-centered approach, blending evidence-based medicine with compassion and patient collaboration in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment. I work closely with each patient to understand their unique story and help them move toward meaningful, personal goals. I am especially passionate about supporting minority and marginalized communities, and I strive to ensure everyone feels valued and cared for.

My treatment often includes psycho-education, supportive therapy, and medication management, always shaped by what matters most to the patient. I take time to build strong, trusting relationships and conduct thorough evaluations to understand each person's symptoms, challenges, experiences, and needs. I work with my patients to set clear goals that align with their preferences. I have experience treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including ADHD, PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, OCD, and Bipolar Disorder.

I earned my medical degree from Andes University in Colombia, completed my Psychiatry Residency at The Wright Center in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and pursued further training through a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship at Louisiana State University in New Orleans.

I create a welcoming, supportive space for children, adolescents, and their families. I take a compassionate and collaborative approach to care, focusing on medication management while integrating supportive therapy, brief cognitive techniques, parent guidance, psychoeducation, and motivational strategies. When ongoing therapy is needed, I work closely with therapists to ensure connected, comprehensive care. I am passionate about meeting young people where they are, honoring their individuality, and working with families to navigate challenges together. With a strong foundation in human development and a deep commitment to equity, I am building a practice that supports the whole person and every story.

I am a board-certified Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist. I earned my undergraduate degree from Howard University and a master's in biological sciences from Mississippi College. I completed medical school at LSU Health Sciences Center – Shreveport, followed by a general psychiatry residency and child & adolescent psychiatry fellowship at LSU Health Sciences Center – New Orleans, where I served as Chief Fellow.

I believe that my rapport with my patients, and our therapeutic work together, is just as important as the medication I prescribe to heal or alleviate their symptoms. I strongly believe that treatment decisions are best approached as a collaboration between patient and doctor. I employ psychodynamic therapy techniques, at times, to help those patients who would like to explore childhood experiences that may continue to impact them in their adult lives. With respect to medication management, I regularly help patients target symptoms such as sleep issues, nightmares, persistent worry, emotional dysregulation, frequent mood changes, impulsivity, and "toning down the nervous system," among others. I see young adults who are just starting their journey into adulthood, as well as adults who have been navigating life with challenges, which may include untreated, or poorly treated, mental health symptoms. Often, by the time I see a patient, they may have lost a significant amount of faith in their mental health doctors, and I am particularly attuned to helping individuals with this type of experience.

I am a board certified psychiatrist who hails from New York City but has made New Orleans my home for the past ten years. I am a graduate of Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, NY, and I completed my adult psychiatry residency at Tulane University in New Orleans, LA. I was proud to have my first position post-residency at the River Oaks Hospital Trauma Unit in New Orleans, LA, where I treated patients with Complex PTSD and eating disorders. The Trauma Unit was one of a few of its kind nationally because it provided very specialized treatment that was affordable to many. I then went on to work at the New Orleans Veterans Affairs Hospital for the last five years in its ambulatory outpatient mental health clinic. Though my passion is Complex Trauma/PTSD, I also regularly saw veteran patients who have been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and adjustment disorder. During my five years at the New Orleans VA, I received three special commendations from the director of the VA for feedback from my patients about my effective integrative approach to supportive psychotherapy and medication management.

My practice is focused on the functionality of a person in their life, including relationships, career, physical wellness, and living a robust life. My interests include providing care for various behavioral health concerns, including Adjustment disorder, Mood disorders (including Treatment resistant depression), Anxiety disorders, PTSD, Neurodegenerative illnesses, Somatic disorders, Gender Dysphoria, and LGBTQIA2S+ community inclusive care. I provide primarily medication management but also include Supportive therapy, Action Oriented therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational interviewing when appropriate. My style is very approachable, inclusive, and always grounded in humanistic values.

I am an American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology certified psychiatrist. I earned my bachelor's degree in psychology and arts from the University of Albany, then graduated from St. Matthews University's School of Medicine in the Grand Cayman Islands. After completing my residency at the LSUHSC-Ochsner program in 2016, I worked at Ochsner Medical Center, New Orleans for 7 years. My roles there included working with patients in the field of Consultation Liaison psychiatry, serving as medical director of the behavioral medical unit (IOP), and leading the transcranial magnetic stimulation clinic.

I have been very involved in academics and won the Faculty Member of the Year, Adult Psychiatry Program, LSU-Ochsner 2021, the Teaching Excellence Award in Psychiatry, University of Queensland 2019, and the Roger Hatchette Award of Excellence in Emergency Psychiatry 2016. In 2023, I served in my community at Crescent Care FQHC clinic.

**THIS PROVIDER CANNOT PRESCRIBE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES FOR LOUISIANA PATIENTS**

I am a board-certified adult psychiatrist and have been practicing for over 16 years. My practice focuses on medication management, which I typically combine with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. If I feel you would benefit from working with a therapist in conjunction with medication management, I welcome collaboration with your therapist to make for the best outcome. I specialize in psychopharmacology, especially tailoring individualized treatment to serve the needs of patients with a variety of conditions. I have a lot of experience in treating patients with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders, insomnia, and ADHD, as well as experience in treating patients with medical comorbidities.

I am a graduate of the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine in San Juan, PR. I completed my residency at Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii, followed by a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. My years of experience started as a medical officer for the Army, including a deployment to Iraq. My working experience after my military service includes working as a medical director of a community health center, a medical director of a community hospital, a medical director of an inpatient unit, and working for an Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACT) specializing in the Serious Mentally Ill population.

I primarily offer medication management in conjunction with supportive therapy during follow-up visits. I value the importance of open communication and a strong doctor-patient therapeutic alliance. I have experience treating culturally diverse patient populations with a variety of mental health conditions.

I am a board eligible adult psychiatrist. I completed my undergraduate training at the University of Texas at Austin and earned my medical degree at the American University of the Caribbean. I completed my psychiatry residency at Louisiana State University Our Lady of the Lake Psychiatry Residency Program. After completing residency, I worked in an outpatient setting and provided consultation liaison services at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital. I also held volunteer academic positions supervising and instructing residents and medical students.

My practice focuses on medication management and also incorporates supportive therapy techniques, typically in 30-minute follow-up visits. In some cases, I may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team.

I am a staff psychiatrist at Talkiatry, board-certified in Adult Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. I received my medical degree from the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans and completed my residency training through the Louisiana State University/Ochsner Health Foundation Psychiatry Residency program. I have experience working in inpatient, emergency, and consult-liaison psychiatry but particularly enjoy the opportunity to work longitudinally with patients in the outpatient setting.

**THIS PROVIDER CANNOT PRESCRIBE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES FOR LOUISIANA PATIENTS**

I am a board-certified psychiatrist who practices a holistic approach to developing an individualized plan to work toward a patient's goals. I am experienced in treating depression, bipolar spectrum disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety, and other related psychiatric disorders. I incorporate a multitude of treatment modalities such as supportive therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness practices as an adjunct to pharmacotherapy, and I recognize the value of a multifaceted approach to wellbeing and may recommend treatment modalities that are complementary to medication management.

I received my medical degree from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine and completed my adult psychiatry residency training at LSU Health Shreveport. I have more than 4 years of experience practicing in various clinical settings with an emphasis on mental health care in outpatient settings. My background and experiences have broadened my understanding of cultural stigmas and the relationship it plays in psychiatric care.