Puja Kumar, MD

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Dr. Shama Milon is a triple-board eligible physician in Pediatrics, Psychiatry, and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She earned her undergraduate degree from Duke University and her medical degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. She completed her combined training in Pediatrics, Psychiatry, and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, where she served as chief resident during her final year of training.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Milon specializes in treating mood disorders, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, and patients with co-occurring psychiatric and medical conditions. She is dedicated to outpatient care, focusing on long-term relationships with her patients. Her treatment approach is comprehensive, integrating medication management with psychotherapy, including psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), play therapy, dyadic therapy, and family therapy. She emphasizes creating an empathetic, judgment-free space where patients and families feel supported and understood. If she believes additional therapy is necessary, she may recommend adding a therapist to the care team.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, where Dr. Milon carefully assesses physical, emotional, and psychological needs. She takes a holistic and patient-centered approach, ensuring that treatment plans are tailored to each individual’s unique circumstances. She prioritizes open communication and collaboration with both patients and families to create a structured, effective treatment plan that may include medication management and therapy interventions.

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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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Shilpika Varma, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Varma grew up in an immigrant family surrounded by aspiring doctors, and her passion for understanding the human mind and behavior blossomed early. This curiosity led her to pursue extensive medical training abroad, beginning at Kasturba Medical College in Southern India, followed by clerkships at the University of the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago. She completed her Adult psychiatry residency at the University of Florida in Gainesville and specialized further with a child/adolescent fellowship at Brookdale University Hospital in Brooklyn, NY.

Dr. Varma believes in a holistic, integrative approach to mental health. Her philosophy centers on identifying the root causes of ailments rather than merely addressing symptoms. She views mental health care as a partnership, where the mind, body, and spirit work together to achieve wellness. Dr. Varma is committed to fostering a safe, confidential therapeutic alliance to help you explore your potential for healing.

Dr. Varma embraces integrative psychiatry, which combines the best of conventional Western medicine with complementary approaches. This involves a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment tailored to each individual, incorporating psychopharmacology alongside lifestyle adjustments in diet, movement, and breathwork. She collaborates with therapists and other professionals to create a well-rounded treatment plan that honors your unique journey.

Elaine Kwok, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Elaine Kwok is a board-certified Adult Psychiatrist who has been practicing for 9 years. She specializes in depression and anxiety and believes in a holistic approach to the wellness of both the mind and body. Dr. Kwok conducts a comprehensive and individualized assessment for each patient utilizing a combination of medication management, lifestyle changes, and coping skills, creating a safe and therapeutic environment to facilitate healing and growth .Dr. Kwok received her undergraduate degree from New York University and her medical degree from St. George's University. She then completed her residency training at Seton Hall University. After training, she worked in the inpatient and outpatient units at Capital Health Medical Center in Trenton, New Jersey. She was a voluntary faculty member and trained residents and medical students from Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. She has training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. She actively participates in her local community to provide education and training for mental health providers. Dr. Kwok strives to collaborate and address hindrances that may interfere with an individual's best self. She focuses on creating a strong therapeutic relationship to support and facilitate balance, lifestyle enhancement, and emotional well-being. She looks forward to getting to know you and embarking on this journey together.

Moni Baidya, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Background and credentials

Dr. Moni Baidya is double board-certified in adult and geriatric psychiatry with over nine years of experience. She earned her medical degree from Manipal College of Medical Sciences and completed her psychiatry residency and geriatric fellowship training at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville. Her background includes work in nursing homes, acute rehabilitation centers, inpatient psychiatric units, and outpatient settings, providing care for diverse patient populations.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Baidya strongly believes that developing a good therapeutic rapport is essential for successful treatment. Her practice primarily focuses on medication management, often combined with supportive, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), and couple’s therapy in 20–30 minute follow-up visits. She takes a holistic approach, particularly for patients with complex medical conditions that impact emotional health, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and family members when appropriate. In addition to general adult psychiatry, she specializes in geriatric psychiatry and women’s mental health, with a primary focus on treating women with mood and anxiety disorders and geriatric patients with newly diagnosed psychiatric conditions.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive evaluation where Dr. Baidya takes the time to assess their symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals. She fosters a collaborative and supportive environment, ensuring that treatment plans are tailored to individual needs. Follow-up visits typically last 20–30 minutes, with a focus on medication adjustments and therapeutic support. If additional therapy is necessary, she may recommend integrating a therapist into the patient’s care team for the best possible outcome.

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Why Talkiatry?

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Pressley Warrick, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Pressley Warrick is a double board-certified psychiatrist specializing in general psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry. Dr. Warrick currently practices full-time, offering comprehensive psychiatric care to children, adolescents, and adults. She previously established and led a Behavioral Health Clinic integrated within a Family Medicine Practice. Prior to this role, Dr. Warrick provided dedicated psychiatric care at a private psychiatry practice for over a decade.

Dr. Warrick earned her medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina, completed residency training at Baylor College of Medicine's Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and pursued additional specialization through a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship at Palmetto Health/USC School of Medicine.

Known for a collaborative and holistic treatment approach, Dr. Warrick emphasizes individualized care and evidence-based practices to support patients’ mental wellness. Her professional excellence has earned recognition as Sumter’s Best Psychiatrist for consecutive years.

Dr. Warrick’s preferred treatment modalities include medication management, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and supportive psychotherapy. She specializes in treating depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism, OCD, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. Her typical approach for new patients involves taking a detailed patient history, establishing rapport, and setting clear treatment goals in partnership with her patients.

Adele Veksman, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Adele Veksman is double board-certified in adult psychiatry and psychosomatic medicine, with over 14 years of experience diagnosing and treating a wide range of psychiatric conditions. She approaches each patient as a unique individual, offering a non-judgmental space to help patients develop into their best selves. She focuses primarily on medication management to alleviate symptoms while working with patients on behavioral changes to address underlying issues. If additional therapy is needed, she may suggest adding a therapist to your care team to provide the best outcome. Dr. Veksman received her medical degree from St. George's University and then completed a residency in psychiatry and fellowship in psychosomatic medicine at Zucker Hillside Hospital at Northwell Health. Next, she was an attending and ER psychiatrist at North Shore University Hospital providing psychiatric care to medically ill patients. She then transitioned to adult outpatient care at Maimonides Medical Center, treating various psychiatric illnesses. Throughout her career, she taught and supervised residents and medical students.

Patricia Grendell, PMHNP

Staff Nurse Practitioner

Patricia Grendell is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who provides mental health care using a personalized, holistic approach. Patricia specializes in psychiatric evaluation and medication management along with psychotherapy and integrative interventions. Prior to receiving education and training in Nursing at New York University and Case Western Reserve University, Patricia earned a Master of Social Work from Boston College with a focus on health and mental health.

Patricia specializes in working with adults experiencing a wide range of acute and chronic stressors and mental health symptoms. Patricia tailors' treatment to the goals, needs, and comfort level of each individual at her or his own pace. Patricia builds connections with patients so that they feel heard and understood, and partners with each individual to determine the most appropriate treatment strategies that maximize comfort, safety, and positive results.

Over the past ten years as a Nurse Practitioner in outpatient and inpatient environments, Patricia has helped patients improve and overcome conditions including depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, and insomnia. Using a combination of medication management, individual therapy, and psychoeducation, Patricia develops individualized treatment plans centered around patients’ priorities and safety to achieve improvements in health and quality of life.

Samantha Iannuzzi, LMHC

Staff Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Samantha Iannuzzi is a licensed Mental Health Counselor who specializes in grief and bereavement. Samantha specialized in trauma and loss in her graduate program at Pace University. It was there, where she learned the importance of talking about the inevitable and the uniqueness of each bereaved individual's experience. Before joining Talkiatry, she was both an intern and Bereavement Counselor at Calvary Hospital, where she provided both individual and group support to bereaved members of New York's five boroughs. Samantha is experienced working with both adults and young adults. Samantha provides a safe space for all her clients where they can be heard, validated, and supported in their individual process. Samantha also provides psychoeducation and coping strategies and explores ways to navigate life changes. In addition to her clinical work, Samantha has presented to many community organizations, engaged in outreach for crisis intervention and lectured for informative clinical courses. Samantha's experience and expertise with death, cumulative loss and trauma responses due to loss helps provide clients with effective treatment and a space where their experience will never be disenfranchised.

Swarnalata Debbarma, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Debbarma is double board certified in General Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. Dr. Debbarma is also certified in mindfulness therapy. Prior to joining Talkiatry, Dr. Debbarma worked as an attending psychiatrist and teaching faculty member in an academic hospital. She has experience of managing diverse patients ranging from chronic severe mental illness, dual diagnosis patients, crisis management, and a high functioning outpatients population. Dr. Debbarma is an International medical graduate from India with postgraduate training in Psychiatry and Family Medicine. To better understand public health and preventive care in the USA, Dr. Debbarma pursued an advanced degree in Master of Public Health from Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia. Due to interest in global health, Dr. Debbarma worked as a post-doctoral fellow in Global Health at Rutgers University. Dr. Debbarma completed psychiatry residency from Cooper University Hospital and served as a chief resident. Dr. Debbarma has diverse experiences in health care. Prior to moving to the USA, she worked as a medical officer in the government hospital system. Dr. Debbarma has years of experience in treating patients from different cultural and religious backgrounds. As an individual, Dr. Debbarma is intrigued by the human mind and behavior, and that's why she chose to specialize in psychiatry. She focuses on "wholeness" by understanding the whole person not just their symptoms. Her treatment approach includes a bio-psycho-sociocultural model and patient-centered care. She offers medication management and supportive therapy. Based on clinical needs, Dr. Debbarma also incorporates CBT, mindfulness, and MI. Dr. Debbarma has a special interest in women's mental health and cultural psychiatry.

Aneela Ali, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Aneela Ali is a Board-certified Adult Psychiatrist. She completed medical school at Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, and her Psychiatry Residency training at Metropolitan Hospital Center, New York. After her residency, she pursued some additional training in consult liaison psychiatry, further developing her expertise in caring for patients with complex medical and psychiatric comorbidities. ‍She was part of the esteemed faculty at Stony Brook University as an Assistant clinical Professor and staff Psychiatrist. She has also gained experience in Telehealth, providing virtual care to patients and enjoying the flexibility and convenience it offers. She treats various mental health conditions including depression, anxiety disorders, Bipolar disorder, PTSD, and OCD. Dr. Ali takes time to explain complex concepts in a clear and accessible way, equipping her patients with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their care. Her compassionate approach puts patients at ease, allowing them to open up and embark on a journey of healing and recovery. By actively involving patients in their treatment, Dr. Ali empowers them to take an informed and active role in their care, fostering a collaborative relationship that promotes well-being and understanding.

Gaurav Agarwal, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Background and credentials

Dr. Agarwal is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. He obtained his bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences from the University of California at Irvine and graduated cum laude with his medical degree from the American University of Antigua. Dr. Agarwal completed his psychiatry residency training at the University of Central Florida, where he was elected chief resident.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Agarwal employs a collaborative and patient-centered approach, primarily focusing on medication management in combination with supportive therapy. He is a strong advocate of psychoeducation, believing it to be an integral part of effective psychiatric care. Dr. Agarwal specializes in treating adults experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD, and insomnia. He is also experienced in managing patients with psychiatric conditions complicated by medical comorbidities such as obesity, hypertension, chronic pain, and diabetes.

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What you can expect in a first visit

Patients visiting Dr. Agarwal for the first time can anticipate a comprehensive evaluation conducted in a collaborative and supportive environment. Dr. Agarwal prioritizes understanding each patient's individual needs and concerns, creating a personalized treatment plan that integrates medication, supportive therapy, and psychoeducation. Follow-up visits typically last about 30 minutes, allowing time to adjust treatment and reinforce therapeutic strategies.

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Why Talkiatry?

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Vanessa Valdes, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Vanessa Valdes is an adult psychiatrist specializing in medication management and psychotherapy, with a strong focus on nutrition, wellness, and mindfulness. She earned her combined MD/MPH degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and completed her psychiatry residency at the University of Miami/Jackson Health System, one of the nation's leading public healthcare systems.‍During her residency, Dr. Valdes gained broad experience in diverse areas of psychiatry, including inpatient psychiatry, emergency psychiatry, outpatient care, psychotherapy, hypnosis, child and adolescent psychiatry, consultation-liaison psychiatry, psycho-oncology, and addiction psychiatry.‍Dr. Valdes primarily provides supportive psychotherapy and acceptance and commitment therapy to help patients better understand and address their stressors. She takes a holistic approach to care, emphasizing the emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being of her patients. Her goal is to inspire meaningful, sustainable changes in patients' lives through compassionate, comprehensive treatment.

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Puja Kumar, MD

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Shama Milon, MD

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