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Nina Govalla, MD

Staff Psychiatrist
Languages
English
Conditions Treated
Medication Management
ADHD
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Depression
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
PTSD/Trauma

Education and training

  • University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine Doctor of Medicine (MD)

Get to know

Nina Govalla, MD

Dr. Govalla is an adult psychiatrist who completed her training at George Washington University and earned her medical degree from the University of Missouri–Kansas City. She is deeply passionate about global mental health and is dedicated to educating her community.

Dr. Govalla values professionalism, honesty, and shared decision-making, using these principles to guide her evidence-based approach to care.

Her process is rooted in understanding each patient as a whole person—not just a diagnosis. She considers a patient’s history, environment, relationships, and personal journey to provide practical, individualized support that empowers them to reach their goals.

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Alexandra Gotsche, DO

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Gotsche is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who is dedicated to helping individuals navigate their mental health journey. Originally from Illinois, she completed her undergraduate studies at Illinois State University before earning her medical degree from Kansas City University. She went on to complete her psychiatry residency at the University of Oklahoma. Following residency, she worked at the Kansas City VA Medical Center where she primarily focused on outpatient mental health. Outside of her clinical work, she enjoys cooking, reading, cycling, and hiking.

Dr. Gotsche takes a holistic, integrative, and evidence-based approach to mental health care. She emphasizes the importance of building a strong therapeutic alliance and working closely with each patient to ensure treatment fits their unique needs and goals. She is experienced in treating a variety of psychiatric conditions including mood disorders, anxiety, trauma-related disorders, and ADHD. She is committed to providing comprehensive care in a supportive environment.

Dr. Gotsche will conduct a thorough evaluation to learn each patient’s medical history, current symptoms, and treatment goals. She values open communication and a collaborative approach, ensuring that patients are actively involved in the decision-making process. An individualized treatment plan will be developed which may include medication management, psychotherapy, or referrals to additional services as needed. Her goal is to provide integrated, patient-centered care that promotes long-term well-being.

Puja Kumar, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Background and credentials

Dr. Puja Kumar is trained in adult, child, and adolescent psychiatry and is a board-certified pediatrician. She earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Calgary and her medical degree from St. George’s University in Grenada. She completed her pediatrics residency at Maimonides Medical Center in New York and practiced pediatrics with MedStar Shah Medical Group in Maryland before transitioning to psychiatry. She later trained in child and adult psychiatry at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center.

Treatment approach

Dr. Kumar provides medication management combined with supportive therapy, typically in 30-minute follow-up visits. She takes a holistic approach to treatment, considering the impact of lifestyle, parenting practices, and family dynamics on mental health. She emphasizes integrative care, ensuring that treatment plans are tailored to each patient’s unique needs and circumstances.

What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a thorough and compassionate evaluation, where Dr. Kumar takes time to understand their symptoms, medical history, and environmental influences. She prioritizes collaborative decision-making, working closely with patients and, when applicable, their families, to develop a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan. Follow-up visits typically focus on medication adjustments, supportive therapy, and lifestyle recommendations to optimize mental health outcomes.

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.

Michael Stoddard, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Stoddard earned his medical degree from the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson and completed his residency at the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix. He is board-certified in psychiatry and provides care for adult patient populations. Prior to his career in medicine, he proudly served in the U.S. Air Force.

Although Dr. Stoddard specializes in medication management of psychiatric conditions, supportive psychotherapy is often incorporated into his visits, as he believes a combined approach leads to a more robust treatment response. Additionally, he aims to enhance wellness through discussion of lifestyle modifications that emphasize quality sleep, a healthy diet, and regular exercise.

Initial appointments consist of a psychiatric evaluation and discussion of evidence-based treatment options. If telehealth is deemed to be an appropriate modality and pharmacotherapy is recommended, discussion will consist of selecting a suitable medication to address target symptoms while minimizing adverse effects. Follow-up visits focus on assessing treatment response and adjusting regimens to optimize outcomes.

Michele Schaefer, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Background and credentials

Dr. Schaefer is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with over 16 years of experience. She earned her medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, NE, and completed her adult psychiatry residency at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, OR. She then specialized further by completing a forensic psychiatry fellowship at Yale University. She has worked as a staff psychiatrist at Atrium Health System for over 16 years.

Treatment approach

Dr. Schaefer’s practice primarily focuses on medication management, which she offers in conjunction with supportive therapy and elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). She takes a patient-centered and collaborative approach, ensuring that treatment is tailored to each individual’s needs. If additional therapy is required, she may recommend working with a therapist as part of a comprehensive care plan. Her primary focus areas include depression, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a thorough psychiatric evaluation, where Dr. Schaefer carefully assesses their symptoms, treatment history, and mental health goals. She works collaboratively with patients to develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include medication management and therapy recommendations. Follow-up visits are typically 30 minutes and focus on monitoring progress, adjusting treatment as needed, and ensuring the best possible patient outcomes.

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.

Parker Loy, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Parker Loy holds the position of Staff Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. After finishing undergraduate studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, he completed the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) Master of Science program before enrolling in medical school at the same institution. After graduating from medical school, he completed his residency at UTHSC, during which he trained in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings and treated a broad spectrum of mental health conditions. He enjoys treating a wide variety of conditions, including mood and anxiety disorders. Therapeutic techniques are incorporated into medication management visits when indicated, and collaboration with therapists may also be recommended.

Rabia Choudhry, DO

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Rabia Choudhry, DO, became a psychiatrist with one mission: to provide compassionate, high-quality mental health care accessible to anyone, anywhere. Originally from Pakistan, she pursued her undergraduate degree at Benedictine University in Illinois, medical school at Des Moines University in Iowa, and psychiatry residency at Trinity Health Livonia Hospital/Wayne State University in Michigan. She has experience in inpatient, outpatient, forensic, and community mental health settings.

Dr. Choudhry is committed to meeting patients where they feel most comfortable, whether at home, work, or elsewhere. She offers the same compassion, attentiveness, and expertise as in-person care while removing barriers like travel, time constraints, and distance. Her approach emphasizes that patients are more than a diagnosis, focusing on the whole person—their story, struggles, and strengths.

Dr. Choudhry partners with patients to create individualized therapeutic plans that may include medication management and holistic strategies. Her goal is to promote mood stability, balance emotions, reduce anxiety, quiet overwhelming thoughts, resolve interpersonal conflicts, and strengthen resilience. She believes healing is best achieved through collaboration, open dialogue, and empowering patients to make informed choices about their care.

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Specialties
Medication Management
ADHD
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Depression
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
PTSD/Trauma
States
Washington D.C.
New York
Virginia
Languages
English
Takes insurance
Virtual visits
years experience