Sabrina Ghim, MD

Dr. Erica Mark is a board-certified psychiatrist with experience in both inpatient and outpatient care. She formerly served as a Staff Psychiatrist at a VA Medical Center, where she specialized in the mental health needs of veterans. Dr. Mark earned her B.S. in Biological Sciences, Summa Cum Laude, from Hampton University, received her MD from the University of Texas Medical Branch, and completed her psychiatry residency at Tulane University School of Medicine, serving as Chief Resident in 2017.

Dr. Mark fosters a warm, supportive environment where patients feel heard and respected. She values open communication and works collaboratively to set clear, personalized treatment goals. Deeply committed to service, she has supported underserved and marginalized communities through various nonprofit initiatives.

During initial sessions, Dr. Mark takes time to understand each patient’s history, concerns, and goals. She then creates individualized treatment plans aligned with each patient's unique needs and preferences. Dr. Mark encourages ongoing dialogue to adapt care plans and support long-term progress.

Background  and credentials    

Dr. Columban Heo is a board-certified psychiatrist. He earned his medical  degree from Touro University Nevada and completed his residency at Unity  Health White County Medical Center. Dr. Heo further specialized by completing  a fellowship in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry at the Cleveland Clinic,  where he gained extensive experience working within multidisciplinary  healthcare teams, particularly focused on psychiatric care for patients with  complex medical conditions.    

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Treatment approach  

Dr. Heo specializes in treating a broad range of psychiatric conditions,  notably mood and anxiety disorders. He integrates medication management with  a holistic, personalized approach to treatment, emphasizing the  interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. Dr. Heo believes in tailoring  treatment plans individually, combining therapy and medications to suit each  patient’s unique needs, and highlights the importance of healthy  relationships in achieving overall mental health.    

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What you can expect in a first visit    

Patients visiting Dr. Heo for the first time can expect a comprehensive and  personalized assessment that explores not just their psychiatric symptoms but  their overall well-being and personal relationships. Dr. Heo prioritizes a  holistic evaluation, carefully balancing medication considerations and  therapeutic interventions tailored specifically to each patient’s situation  and goals. He creates an empathetic, collaborative atmosphere to discuss and  develop personalized plans for mental and emotional wellness.  

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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.

Dr. Kothari's treatment approach begins with establishing a good therapeutic rapport with her patients and listening to her patients so that they feel heard. Dr. Kothari likes to spend time providing psychoeducation on medications when discussing the treatment plan. Dr. Kothari's practice focuses on medication management primarily, but may incorporate supportive psychotherapy during medication visits. Dr. Kothari may recommend additional psychotherapy if she feels a patient may benefit from this. Dr. Kothari's current practice does not include the use of any controlled substance medications, such as stimulants, benzodiazepines, and certain sleep aids.

Alana Ward is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). Alan has been practicing since 2018 and has experience with individuals of all ages. Prior to becoming a PMHNP, Alana worked as a registered nurse in critical care and psychiatry. As a PMHNP, she has experience working on inpatient adult and geriatric psychiatric units, as well as providing psychiatric evaluations and consultations to individuals on medical units and emergency rooms at hospitals. Alana is very experienced working in outpatient settings managing various psychiatric diagnoses. She has also helped manage individuals in long term care facilities and assisted living facilities. When Alana is not providing direct patient care, she will on occasion help with instructing future nurses at Kent State University. Alana graduated with her Master's of Science in Nursing from Kent State University, and is board certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner through the American Nurse Credentialing Center. Alana enjoys treating a variety of mental health diagnoses including depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, and various psychotic disorders. She believes in client-centered care, where clients get a say in their treatment in order to help make them feel their best. Alana truly believes that therapy is a crucial part of successfully treating any mental health diagnosis, in combination with medication management when warranted. Alana likes to add mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to her medication management appointments to help individuals receive effective, quality care.

Dr. Karla Garcia is a board-certified psychiatrist trained in Adult Psychiatry. She graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Education. She then went on to complete her medical education and residency training at the University of Chicago. She is board certified in Adult Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Dr. Garcia believes in patient-centered care, seeking to care for the whole person.  She values the therapeutic relationship, working to guide patients in their treatment while also encouraging patients to take an active role in their care. Dr. Garcia cares about getting to know you as a person and helping you reconnect with your values. Her clinical approach is holistic, collaborative, and supportive.

Dr. Garcia focuses on evidence-based treatments for psychiatric illness that utilize a combination of medications and psychotherapy. Using a range of skills and interventions, Dr. Garcia believes in a multi-faceted approach to treatment.

Dr. Garcia has experience working in a wide variety of inpatient, emergency, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient psychiatric settings and in treating a broad spectrum of psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, substance use disorders, personality disorders, ADHD, and OCD. She treats patients in English and Spanish.

Background  and credentials    

Dr. Christa DeFries is a board-certified Adult Psychiatrist. She earned her  medical degree from UT Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Texas, and  completed her residency in Adult Psychiatry at Baylor Scott & White in  Temple, Texas. Following residency, Dr. DeFries gained additional experience  treating homeless and formerly homeless populations in New York City,  particularly focusing on individuals with histories of trauma and substance  addiction, prior to joining Talkiatry.    

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Treatment approach    

Dr. DeFries practices Adult Psychiatry, employing an integrative treatment  approach combining medication management, psychotherapeutic methods, and  lifestyle modifications. She recognizes that each patient benefits from a  personalized mix of these three aspects of care. Dr. DeFries specializes in  treating diverse psychiatric conditions, including those related to trauma,  substance addictions, and various mental health disorders.    

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What you can expect in a first visit    

In a first visit with Dr. DeFries, patients can expect a comprehensive  evaluation aimed at understanding their individual mental health history,  specific concerns, and overall treatment goals. Dr. DeFries emphasizes an  individualized approach, carefully exploring the best combination of  medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments tailored specifically to each  patient's needs. Patients can anticipate an empathetic and collaborative  environment focused on their personal experiences and goals.    

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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.