Nirupama Natarajan, MD

Background and credentials

Dr. Lisa Ekeanyanwu is a board-eligible psychiatrist who completed her psychiatry residency training at Stanford University. She has gained experience in a wide range of clinical environments, including inpatient and outpatient care, community mental health settings, emergency rooms, telehealth services, and international clinical fieldwork.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Ekeanyanwu’s practice is centered on pharmacotherapy, which she integrates with supportive therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and psychodynamic therapy to provide comprehensive psychiatric care. She takes a collaborative and individualized approach, tailoring treatment to meet each patient’s unique goals and improve their overall quality of life. She has a special interest in cultural and micro-cultural influences on mental health and strives to provide culturally competent care that respects each patient’s life experiences and values. When she believes additional therapy may be beneficial, she may recommend incorporating a therapist into the care team.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a thorough evaluation where Dr. Ekeanyanwu carefully assesses their symptoms, medical history, and personal treatment goals. She fosters a collaborative and patient-centered environment, ensuring that each treatment plan aligns with the patient’s individual needs. She provides medication management along with therapeutic support and, when appropriate, may recommend additional therapy to optimize outcomes. Her approach prioritizes safe, effective, and culturally sensitive care that evolves to support patients throughout different stages of their lives.

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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.

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Thomas Ittoop, MD has experience practicing in both academic and community settings. He earned his medical degree from Central Michigan University and completed his psychiatry residency at Baylor College of Medicine. His background reflects a commitment to comprehensive, patient-centered care grounded in clinical rigor and human understanding.

Dr. Ittoop fosters a warm, collaborative environment rooted in genuine human connection. He values uncovering core patterns, meaning, and the story beneath symptoms. His approach emphasizes curiosity, emotional insight, and self-understanding. Patients can expect transparency, clear communication, and shared goal-setting that honors their strengths, long-term vision, and capacity for resilience and wholeness.

He begins with a thorough initial evaluation exploring symptoms, personal and family history, personality patterns, and desired life changes. Together, he and his patients identify core goals and develop a personalized treatment plan. His integrative therapeutic style includes thoughtful medication management, regular check-ins, and a focus on long-term transformation—building clarity, resilience, and a grounded sense of self that extends beyond treatment.

Dr. Mendez obtained his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical School in Houston. He subsequently completed his Psychiatry residency training at the same institution, UT Medical School in Houston. Dr. Mendez has extensive training in the field and is board certified in Adult Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. After professional training, Dr. Mendez has had vast experience of 15 years primarily in the outpatient setting including ample experience with telemedicine services to patients. He has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating adult patients dealing with attention deficit disorders and a wide spectrum of adjustment and anxiety disorders. Dr. Mendez has a special interest in the treatment of mood disorders from Major Depression to Bipolar spectrum disorders. Dr. Mendez prioritizes the development of great communication, mutual understanding and trust with his patients as he finds these elements to be key to a successful treatment. He establishes his treatment plans upon evidence-based guidelines and encourages a holistic approach for optimal well-being. Through effective medication management and supportive psychotherapy, Dr. Mendez leads his patients to optimal mental health. He encourages patients to strive to develop fulfillment and optimal functionality in their life's roles.

Elyse Sipka is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with over a decade of experience as a mental health RN in outpatient, inpatient, and residential settings, including eating disorder treatment centers, inpatient psychiatric units, and crisis units. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2021 and has been practicing as a PMHNP in an outpatient setting for over four years, caring for adults with a wide range of mental health needs including depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, substance use, eating disorders, and severe mental illness.

Elyse creates a safe and supportive environment where patients feel heard and valued. She is warm, empathetic, and approachable, providing comprehensive and holistic care that combines medication management, therapy, and lifestyle interventions to help clients achieve their treatment goals.

Elyse begins with an in-depth initial assessment exploring physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. She collaborates with clients to develop individualized treatment plans, integrating medication management with psychotherapy using principles of supportive therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

Dr. Satveet Khela is a board certified physician specializing in adult psychiatry. She has been practicing since 2021. In addition to focusing on medication management, Dr. Khela's practice also prioritizes a whole person approach, incorporating aspects of nutrition, lifestyle, mindfulness, and supportive or brief cognitive behavioral therapy into the treatment plan. Occasionally, Dr. Khela may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you see a separate therapist to provide the best outcome. Dr. Khela received her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Berkeley and her medical degree from A.T. Still University. She completed her residency at University of California San Francisco Fresno, where she served as chief resident in her final year. After completing her training, Dr. Khela worked with medically ill patients with co-morbid psychiatric illnesses. Throughout her career, Dr. Khela has worked with a diverse set of patients in various stages of their lives. Dr. Khela focuses on treating patients with anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar, OCD, and other mental health issues. She believes in empowering her patients to be active players in their treatment plans to facilitate the best care possible.

Background and credentials

Dr. Sabera Saklayen is a board-certified psychiatrist licensed in Adult Psychiatry. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University and her medical degree from Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine. She completed her psychiatry training at Stony Brook University Hospital, where she served as chief resident and was awarded the William Turner Award for outstanding performance in psychiatry residency. She has extensive experience treating diverse populations, including vulnerable and underserved communities, having worked as an outpatient psychiatrist at Bellevue Hospital for two years.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Saklayen specializes in medication management but takes a holistic, patient-centered approach that integrates supportive therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and motivational interviewing (MI). She has extensive experience treating depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety, OCD, insomnia, and substance use disorders. She is particularly skilled in treating college students and individuals navigating difficult life transitions. If more in-depth therapy is needed, she may refer patients to a therapist as part of a comprehensive care plan.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a thorough and compassionate evaluation, where Dr. Saklayen carefully assesses symptoms, history, and treatment goals. She prioritizes collaboration and individualized treatment planning, ensuring that patients feel comfortable and supported in their mental health care. Follow-up visits are typically 30 minutes and focus on medication management and therapy integration, with referrals to additional therapy when needed for the best possible outcome.

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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.

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