Mustafa Taquee, MD

Abdulhafiz Ahmed, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Languages

English, Arabic

Conditions treated:

Anxiety, Depression. Bipolar Disorder, OCD, PTSD/Trauma, ADHD

Education and training:

University of Maryland at College Park, BS

Georgetown School of Medicine, MD

University of Maryland Medical System at Baltimore (UMMS), Residency

and fellowship.

Dr. Abdulhafiz Ahmed is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with over 25 years of clinical experience across community hospitals, university teaching hospitals, the Veterans Administration (VA) medical system, and private practice. He has served as the inpatient medical director at MedStar Harbor Hospital in Baltimore and outpatient medical director at the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake. Dr. Ahmed has extensive expertise diagnosing and treating a wide range of psychiatric conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, adjustment disorders, phobias, thought disorders, trauma, and PTSD.

Dr. Ahmed approaches each patient with empathy, attentiveness, and respect, fostering an environment of safety and trust. He recognizes the importance of cultural diversity and is dedicated to understanding each person’s unique background, values, and life circumstances. His patient-centered philosophy ensures that individuals feel heard, validated, and actively involved in their care.

Dr. Ahmed combines evidence-based psychopharmacology with supportive psychotherapy to provide comprehensive and individualized treatment. He collaborates closely with patients to develop a plan that targets their specific symptoms and goals, focusing on improving functioning, resilience, and overall well-being. His approachable and compassionate demeanor helps patients feel comfortable and confident throughout their journey toward recovery.

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Dr. Komal Shah, M.D. is double board certified in adult & geriatric psychiatry. She did her residency at Nassau University Medical Center, New York & then did fellowship in geriatric psychiatry at LIJ-Albert Einstein school, New York. She has been practicing psychiatry for over 25 years.  

Dr. Shah has extensive experience in evaluating & managing a variety of psychiatric disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, dementia, etc. She held an academic position as a clinical assistant professor at Rutgers-UBHC for several years. Dr. Shah has worked in various clinical settings including inpatient, outpatient clinics, partial hospital programs, nursing homes, thus serving vast variety of patient populations. She has also volunteered her services at NAMI (National Alliance for mental illness)-SAMHAJ to create & promote awareness of mental health issues in the community. All this makes her a very well experienced & efficient psychiatrist.  

Dr. Komal Shah believes in creating a strong therapeutic alliance first with her patients based on mutual trust & honesty. Her primary modality of treatment is medication management, but she may also provide supportive psychotherapy and education, practicing evidence-based medicine. Dr. Shah likes to collaborate patient care with their medical providers and/or therapist.

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Dr. Agnes Tolentino is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with over 20 years of practice experience.  She obtained her undergraduate degree at the University of the Philippines and completed medical school at the University of the East.  She finished her psychiatry residency at the Harvard South Shore program as chief resident in her final year.  She has a strong background in psychotherapy as an adjunct to medication management.  She has extensive experience in treating PTSD, medically ill patients, elderly patients and those with terminal illnesses. She spent the last 15 years treating the geriatric population and those adjusting to co-morbid medical problems.  

She is an empathic listener and collaborative clinician, focused on treating the whole person.  She emphasizes the need to use healthy coping mechanisms as well as lifestyle changes to complement medication management.  In keeping with the “whole person” focus, the role of physical well-being is important. A thorough medical history will be obtained on your initial appointment.  

Gathering a thorough psychiatric and medical history is paramount in a successful therapeutic relationship.  And with time, a trusting therapeutic environment should be fostered.

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Dr. Michael Locher completed Adult Psychiatry Residency Training at Los Angeles County, University of Southern California in which he focused two years of training in conducting Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy. Dr. Locher received his Bachelor of Science Undergraduate degree in 3 years with Phi Beta Kappa honors at University of Miami, Florida. In medical school at Stony Brook School of Medicine in New York, Dr. Locher was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society while earning his Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. Dr. Locher has held academic appointments at University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Western University of Health Sciences, and Ventura Community Memorial Health System Psychiatric Residency Training Program. He has an in interest working with immigrants and LGBTQ+ communities.  

Dr. Locher’s approach to medication management is that it is one tool to be used in the broader context of a multi-modal evidence-based treatment approach that draws upon psychotherapy, mindfulness skills, Buddhist psychology, psychedelic AKA “mind manifesting” studies, yoga philosophy, and other integrative practices. He understands that healing is an individualized process that cannot unfold without a safe space. Dr. Locher is dedicated to holding an approachable, empathic space where you can feel empowered to write the next chapter of your life.  

Dr. Locher is well versed in treating the full spectrum of mental illness. Having worked on multidisciplinary teams in acute inpatient psychiatric hospital settings, psychiatric emergency rooms, and mental health urgent cares for the better part of 10 years, he is comfortable helping with not just mild to moderate illness, but also the most severe cases of mental illness. Dr. Locher is especially motivated to work with you to maintain stability, avoid hospitalization, and more broadly, to achieve wellness.

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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. Megan Marumoto provides holistic and personalized care as an integrative psychiatrist board-certified in General Psychiatry, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Integrative Medicine, and Lifestyle Medicine. She takes a root cause approach to treating mental health conditions as a certified Functional Medicine practitioner. Dr. Marumoto treats a wide range of mental health conditions in children, adolescents, and young adults, including ADHD, anxiety, depression, phobias, OCD, and trauma-related conditions. Patients may expect a comprehensive assessment with evidence-based treatment focusing on nutrition and healthy lifestyle interventions as well as medication management in 20�30-minute sessions. She enjoys working collaboratively with therapists and health coaches to achieve the best outcomes. She also provides supportive therapy and other therapies when indicated. She received her medical degree from the John A Burns School of Medicine and completed her Psychiatry Residency and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship at the University of Hawaii. Wishing to provide comprehensive care beyond medication management and therapy, Dr. Marumoto completed a second fellowship in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona. She has over 20 years of clinical experience working with military and civilian populations.