Reaghan Hicks, MD

Dr. Michael Watkins is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. He completed his residency at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler. In addition to being thoroughly trained in psychopharmacology, Dr. Watkins has also received extensive training in psychotherapy. From traditional psychodynamic therapy to the more modern mindfulness-based dialectical behavior therapy, Dr. Watkins takes the approach that best serves his patients. In addition to being trained in a variety of therapies, Dr. Watkins also employs a positive psychiatry approach which, as well as addressing a patient's symptoms, also focuses on their strengths and how they can be used to overcome adversity. Prior to pursuing a career in psychiatry, Dr. Watkins was a high school math teacher, and prior to that, he was an NCAA Division I college athlete. His teaching and athletic careers have given him a well-rounded perspective on the human experience. Drawing on his academic training and life experiences, Dr. Watkins meets patients where they are at, helps them overcome their obstacles, and serves as a guide and a resource for them on their journey to their desired destination.

Dr. Garrick Gaffney earned his medical degree from Kansas City University and completed his psychiatry residency at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas. A combat veteran, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps, including a tour in Iraq, and was honored with the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and a Certificate of Commendation for exemplary leadership.  During medical school, Dr. Gaffney pursued advanced training as an Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine fellow. As a resident, he served as Chief Academic Resident and earned accolades such as Intern of the Year and Outstanding Educator of the Year twice consecutively.  

Dr. Gaffney specializes in treating complex psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, and insomnia. He has presented case studies and quality improvement projects at national conferences, including the American Psychiatric Association (APA), Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, and Association for Academic Psychiatry.  

A proponent of holistic care, Dr. Gaffney integrates psychotherapy into medication management and emphasizes lifestyle modifications and evidence-based integrative medicine

New patients receive comprehensive evaluations to rule out medical causes of symptoms, followed by tailored treatment plans combining therapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments. Follow-up visits focus on symptom management through supportive, brief dynamic, or cognitive behavioral therapy, with frequent appointments until stabilization is achieved.  

Dr. Gaffney is committed to collaborative, patient-centered care that addresses both mental and physical well-being

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Dr. Ali is a lifelong New Yorker who has always been fascinated by the complexity of the human mind, behavior, and experience. Growing up in a vibrant and diverse city, she developed a deep appreciation for how culture, environment, and individual background shape a person’s psychological well-being. Driven by this passion, she pursued her medical degree at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, where she gained a strong foundation in both the biological and psychosocial aspects of medicine. She then completed her general psychiatry training at SUNY Stony Brook University Hospital, where she worked closely with a diverse patient population from varied religious, cultural, socioeconomic, and age groups.

Dr. Ali prioritizes open communication and mutual trust, creating a safe, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel respected and empowered to actively engage in their care. She integrates psychotherapy techniques and takes a holistic, person centered approach to treatment.

Dr. Ali believes in collaboration and shared understanding grounded in evidence-based therapies. Her typical process includes developing individualized treatment plans aimed at symptom relief, improved functioning, and overall quality of life. Beyond medication management, she incorporates psychotherapy techniques and psychoeducation to help patients build coping skills and insight.

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Dr Ibrahim joined Talkiatry as a general adult psychiatrist.

Dr Ibrahim earned his medical degree from faculty of medicine, University of Cairo, Egypt.

He completed residency in general psychiatry at Case Western Reserve university and MetroHealth medical center in Cleveland, Ohio.

He practiced psychiatry for 30 years. working in different settings:

Hospitals. inpatient and consultation liaison to other medical services.

Private practice, outpatients treating adults, geriatric and adolescents.

Provided geropsychiatric consultations to long term care facilities and assisted living.

Areas of interest:

Mood and anxiety disorders

cognitive, neuropsychiatric disorders

PTSD , bipolar, OCD

Psychopharmacology and treatment resistant conditions (depression)

Psychoeducation to improve treatment compliance

Dr Ibrahim likes to work with patients on customized treatment plan with active patient participation.

Treatment goals are defined and updated as needed in follow up visits.

Dr Ibrahim encourage his patients to ask questions and learn more about their condition, communication and education are essential for treatment success.

Dr Ibrahim will have an initial evaluation. Providing treatment records can be helpful.

He will share with patient treatment options and create a custom treatment plan.

Follow up appointments are scheduled every 2 weeks at the beginning of treatment.

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Dr. Sierra-Cintron is board-certified in adult psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and has been in practice for 12 years. Dr. Sierra-Cintron focuses her practice on medication management. She also engages in supportive therapy in a comprehensive way, focusing on the patient as a whole and not just the symptoms. Dr. Sierra-Cintron has a broad understanding of vitamin support as an adjunctive treatment to traditional medication. She has broadened her understanding of second-line treatment, having been certified in Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), conducting clinics in Clozapine and Long-Acting Antipsychotics (LOA), and even conducting assessments for patients interested in weight loss surgery. Dr. Sierra-Cintron has a comprehensive approach to treatment, and might consider the addition of therapy, either by referral or collaborating with an existing therapist for a more rounded approach and improved outcome. Dr. Sierra-Cintron received her medical degree from the Universidad Central del Caribe located in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. Upon graduation, she relocated to Philadelphia, where she started her residency program at Einstein Medical Center. After completing her training, she worked for 8 years in a community mental health clinic, treating an underserved population in all modalities of psychiatric care. In her 12-year career, Dr. Sierra-Cintron has treated both adult males and females, including seniors. This has led to varied and wide-ranging diagnoses during the length of her career. After leaving the community clinic setting, she started working for an outpatient clinic in a suburb of Philadelphia. Dr. Sierra-Cintron's current areas of focus are adults with Mood Disorders, Anxiety Co-Occurring Substance disorders, as well as patients with varied concomitant medical problems.‍

Dr. Buonopane is Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She obtained her medical degree with Laude from the University of Rome, La Sapienza, and completed her residency in Psychiatry from Yale School of Medicine. Dr. Buonopane has extensive experience in psychopharmacology and offers state-of-the-art medication management with compassion and empathy. She practices a holistic approach, combining psychiatric medications with elements of psychotherapy and mindfulness. She offers individualized and comprehensive treatment plans which address the whole person, including lifestyle and social engagement, because the latest research findings show that both play an important role in mental and physical health. Education on mental illness and recommendations on diet and exercise are always discussed with the patients, according to the individuals' needs. Dr. Buonopane spends time listening to patients and makes plans based on clinical evidence without an authoritative approach, taking into consideration the patient's level of comfort and views because, in her experience, the best outcomes are always reached when patients fully understand and agree with the management of their conditions. Dr. Buonopane has been in practice for more than twenty years and has extensive experience in general Adult Psychiatry with a focus on mood disorder and anxiety. She has been leading clinical programs and teaching medical students, residents, and fellows in psychiatry and addiction in various clinical settings, such as private institutions and universities, including Yale School of Medicine. Prior to joining Talkiatry, Dr Buonopane had her own in-person clinical services for over ten years and telehealth services over the past four years, treating patients suffering mainly from depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety. When working in private practice, Dr Buonopane received the Compassionate Doctor Recognition (Vitals) and the Patient's Choice Awards (Vitals), both based on patients' reviews.