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Sahar Ali, MD

Staff Psychiatrist
Languages
English
Conditions Treated
Medication Management
ADHD
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Depression
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
PTSD/Trauma

Education and training

  • SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University

Get to know

Sahar Ali, MD

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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Stephane Louis, LMFT

Staff Therapist

Dr. Stephane Louis, LMFT, QS, earned a B.S. in Psychology and Biblical Studies from Palm Beach Atlantic University, followed by her M.S. and PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University. In 2020, she was featured in Forbes for her study of resilience and intersecting identities in queer women of Afro-Caribbean descent. Past roles include bilingual mental health assessor, psychology instructor at Broward College, and Student Counselor at Lynn University. As a therapist, Dr. Louis’ work has given her in-depth insight into how multiple systems and important relationships can influence the course of a person’s life.

As a queer woman of Haitian descent, Dr. Louis explores different ways the intersectionality of culture, family, identity, and sexuality can impact our lives. She is fascinated by stories of vulnerability, always looking for strengths and solutions. She helps people feel safe to be themselves and go from where they are to where they can be.

Dr. Louis provides individual, couples, and family therapy, integrating Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Solution-Focused Therapy, collaborative conversations, and systemic approaches to address LGBTQ+ issues, racial trauma, cultural identity exploration, and relational wounds. Dr. Louis will meet you where you are and help you grow into the most authentic version of yourself.

Ekta Rathee, PMHNP

Staff Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Ekta Rathee, DNP, PMHNP-C, is an experienced psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner with an extensive clinical background in a variety of patient care settings. Rathee's diverse clinical background has strengthened her belief in a holistic approach for optimal patient outcomes. Though her primary focus remains medication management of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, she equally supports and incorporates the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, motivational interviewing and enhancement therapy, and supportive therapy in her daily patient care practice. Rathee truly believes in an individualized and holistic patient care approach, which requires a wealth of knowledge, experience, and a commitment to stay abreast of the latest in the field. Her favorite learning modality is to learn from unique patient care scenarios, which often requires a deep dive into the existing body of evidence-based knowledge. Her most important advice for her patients is to never lose hope.

Robert Pasley, LPC

Staff Therapist

Robert Pasley, LPC, NCC, is a licensed professional counselor with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals through life’s challenges. He is licensed in Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida (as a telehealth provider). Robert earned his master’s degree in professional counseling from Amridge University and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Faulkner University. His clinical background includes work in community agencies, hospitals, mental health clinics, and correctional facilities.

Robert specializes in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, interpersonal conflict, chronic illness, and issues related to self-esteem and identity. His areas of focus also include anger management, crisis intervention, substance abuse, and life transitions. His approach integrates evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed care, tailored to each client’s needs.

Robert believes in creating a safe, supportive, and collaborative therapeutic environment. He welcomes clients from all walks of life and encourages open dialogue without judgment. He is committed to helping individuals discover hope, resilience, and personal growth as they navigate toward healing and empowerment.

Vikas Kodali, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Kodali is an adult psychiatrist who completed his psychiatry residency training at Trinity Health Hospital in Livonia, MI, where he was selected to be chief resident. Prior to this, he received his undergraduate bachelor’s degree in Neurology and Anthropology from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD and received his medical degree from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. He completed the psychodynamic psychotherapy fellowship from the Michigan Psychoanalytic Institute and is adept at incorporating psychotherapy principles in all patient care encounters. He provides psychiatric medication management as well as a combination of therapeutic interventions such as supportive, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic, and lifestyle interventions. Dr. Kodali is trained in treating multiple disorders and diagnoses including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as others. He has experience treating adult patients of all ages in multiple treatment settings including outpatient clinics, inpatient hospitals, and emergency departments.

Rachel Cash, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Cash attended Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, where she developed a strong foundation in medicine and a passion for psychiatry. She completed her residency at Wright State University, honing her skills in understanding and treating mental health conditions.

Dr. Cash has worked in various outpatient settings, treating patients with mental health disorders including depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, and mood disorders. She is board-certified in general psychiatry and addiction medicine, and believes in a holistic approach to care. Dr. Cash is committed to helping patients navigate their mental health journeys and to providing compassionate, personalized care.

Dr. Cash works closely with patients to develop treatment plans that combine medication, lifestyle changes, and psychotherapeutic strategies to address their unique needs.

Joy James, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Background and credentials

Dr. James is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with 32 years of clinical experience. She earned her medical degree from Tufts University, Boston’s affiliated program and completed her residency training at Steward St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Boston, where she initiated the residency program and received the Resident Teaching Award for excellence in teaching. Throughout her career, she has served in various leadership roles, including as Chief of Psychiatry at Pro Medica Healthcare Company.

Treatment approach

Dr. James specializes in community adult psychiatry and is deeply invested in providing comprehensive care for individuals and families. She has extensive experience working in outpatient, inpatient, consult-liaison, and emergency room settings, allowing her to tailor treatment to diverse patient needs. Her approach prioritizes holistic, patient-centered care, ensuring that each treatment plan aligns with a patient’s specific challenges and goals.

What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a thorough psychiatric evaluation where Dr. James carefully reviews their symptoms, medical history, and treatment objectives. She fosters a compassionate and collaborative environment, ensuring that patients feel supported in their journey toward better mental health. Her extensive experience allows her to provide personalized treatment strategies, which may include medication management and therapeutic interventions tailored to each individual’s needs.

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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Specialties
Medication Management
ADHD
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Depression
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
PTSD/Trauma
States
New York
Languages
English
Takes insurance
Virtual visits
years experience