Richard Hess, MD

Dr. Anil Joseph (AJ) Kulangara completed additional training in Psychiatry at the University of Washington after working primarily in women’s health, primary care, and military medicine as a Battalion Surgeon in the United States Army.  Following his military service, he trained in Psychiatry and served the mental health needs of our Veteran population. He is excited to now bring his unique expertise and experiences to Talkiatry, as well as his additional training in Women’s Mental Health, Reproductive and Perinatal Psychiatry, PTSD, and trauma-informed ADHD evaluation and treatment.

Dr. AJ’s approach focuses on behavioral change, with medication management and supportive therapies serving as important (and often essential) adjuvants to optimizing mental health.

During your first meetings with Dr. AJ, you should expect a thorough evaluation of your clinical and social histories, as well as some introductory psychoeducation.  Following that screening, anticipate a discussion about his approach to your condition and an initial treatment plan.  Please feel free to bring up any questions or concerns at any time during this process, and note-taking is highly encouraged!

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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.

Dr. Nida Khan is a board-certified psychiatrist starting her post-graduate practice with Talkiatry. She completed her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry at Smith College, earned her medical degree at New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her psychiatry residency training at Northwell Health. During her residency, she was involved in resident leadership and education, serving as academic chief resident during her third year of training. Dr. Khan's practice focuses on a holistic, patient-centered approach. Her practice is rooted in evidence-based practices and focuses on providing medication management during 30-minute visits along with supportive therapy to meet the unique needs of individuals under her care. Occasionally, she may believe that additional therapy is needed and may recommend a therapist be brought into your care team for optimal care.

Shaneika Lindsay, PMHNP, is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner dedicated to providing personalized and empathetic care to those in need of mental health care. Her academic journey began with a B.S. in Biology from the University at Albany. She later received her B.S. in Nursing from Pace University and attained her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner M.S. from Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing, graduating magna cum laude. Shaneika's practice focuses on medication management. Occasionally, Shaneika may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome. For the last seven years, Shaneika has diligently provided care to our nation's veterans, working on a dual diagnosis inpatient psychiatric unit in the VA New York Harbor Healthcare System. In her time at the VA, she has gained extensive experience in managing substance abuse and co-morbid psychiatric disorders. In addition, while attending Hunter College, she completed a yearlong clinical rotation at Casa Promesa, a mental health outpatient and inpatient facility that services some of the most vulnerable and underserved populations in the South Bronx. As a Nurse Practitioner, her primary focus is holistic care, taking into consideration all physical, psychological, interpersonal, and environmental factors when creating unique treatment plans. She strongly believes that all of these factors are interconnected and play a significant role in any individual's mental health and vitality. Shaneika's goal is to work with clients to create a safe, non-judgmental, and collaborative treatment environment that promotes sustained healing and positive self-development.

Leanne Booth is a board-certified Family Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who brings over two decades of experience in psychiatric nursing and advanced practice care. She offers a warm, collaborative approach grounded in empathy and whole-person care. Clients describe her as calm, attentive, and deeply compassionate, and she aims to create a safe, supportive environment where individuals feel heard, respected, and understood.

Leanne believes that trust and honesty are the foundation of effective treatment. She values open dialogue and strives to meet clients where they are, without judgment. Her approach is person-centered and trauma-informed, with a focus on empowering clients in their care decisions. She works closely with each patient to understand their goals, preferences, and challenges, while offering evidence-based treatment tailored to individual needs.

In sessions, Leanne blends medication management with supportive therapy, psychoeducation, and motivational interviewing. She takes a holistic view of each patient’s health, considering possible medical causes for psychiatric symptoms and coordinating with primary care providers when appropriate. Her goal is to provide thoughtful, integrated care that supports clients in achieving long-term wellness.

Dr. Jillian Saad is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who specializes in patient-centered care. She has been practicing for over 8 years in private practice and academic medicine .Dr. Saad focuses on medication management in 30-minute follow-up visits in conjunction with supportive and emotionally focused therapy. She takes a patient-centered approach that acknowledges all the psychosocial aspects of each individual to ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible. She received her medical degree from UMDNJ Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in Piscataway, NJ, then moved to Pennsylvania to complete her residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. Upon completion of training, Dr. Saad went into private practice for 5 years in southern NJ where she treated children, adolescents, and adults with a wide array of psychiatric disorders. She then went into academic medicine at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, NJ, where she served as the Associate Program Director of the Psychiatry Residency Program supervising and teaching both residents and medical students .Dr. Saad has experience working with a broad range of psychiatric disorders including mood disorders, PTSD, OCD, and ADHD. She also has a strong interest in Women's Mental Health and alternative treatment options.