Saisha Saint-Cyr, MD

Dr. Komal Shah, M.D. is double board certified in adult & geriatric psychiatry. She did her residency at Nassau University Medical Center, New York & then did fellowship in geriatric psychiatry at LIJ-Albert Einstein school, New York. She has been practicing psychiatry for over 25 years.  

Dr. Shah has extensive experience in evaluating & managing a variety of psychiatric disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, dementia, etc. She held an academic position as a clinical assistant professor at Rutgers-UBHC for several years. Dr. Shah has worked in various clinical settings including inpatient, outpatient clinics, partial hospital programs, nursing homes, thus serving vast variety of patient populations. She has also volunteered her services at NAMI (National Alliance for mental illness)-SAMHAJ to create & promote awareness of mental health issues in the community. All this makes her a very well experienced & efficient psychiatrist.  

Dr. Komal Shah believes in creating a strong therapeutic alliance first with her patients based on mutual trust & honesty. Her primary modality of treatment is medication management, but she may also provide supportive psychotherapy and education, practicing evidence-based medicine. Dr. Shah likes to collaborate patient care with their medical providers and/or therapist.

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Dr. Mark Varela is a board-certified psychiatrist joining Talkiatry directly out of residency. He focuses primarily on medication management, often accompanied by brief cognitive, motivational, or supportive therapy. He may request that you also meet with a therapist regularly for your benefit. Dr. Varela received his medical degree and general psychiatric residency training both from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in West Texas. He treats young adults and adults with a wide variety of mental health concerns, including ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD.

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?

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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Dr. Mouneimne is a Board-Certified bilingual psychiatrist specializing in general adult psychiatry, bringing extensive experience from her residency training in the underserved area of East Texas. She earned her medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Worth and has received broad exposure to child/adolescent, geriatric, and adult inpatient and outpatient psychiatry. With a background in Engineering from Texas A&M University, Dr. Mouneimne employs an analytical approach to diagnose and treat mental health issues through personalized and collaborative care. Her training has included both in-person and virtual encounters to extend care across larger geographic areas. She has experience managing psychiatric care in acute behavioral health units as well as long-term facilities and has focused training in applied Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Dr. Mouneimne prioritizes maintaining strong patient-provider relationships, ensuring that patients feel heard and seen to optimize treatment outcomes. She is committed to de-stigmatizing mental health services and providing culturally competent care. Her practice incorporates medication management as part of a comprehensive treatment strategy, emphasizing a deep understanding of the underlying etiology rather than merely addressing symptoms. Known for her compassionate and open bedside manner, she values each patient's unique story as essential to their care. ‍In addition to medication management, her practice includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and supportive psychotherapy to effectively address complex mental health needs. Dr. Mouneimne strives to promote overall well-being and encourage active patient engagement in their care, ensuring that treatment plans support patient goals, comfort, and meaningful outcomes.

Dr. Lee is a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in adult psychiatry and minority mental health. He is a graduate of Morehouse College and later received his medical degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN. After graduating from Meharry, he completed his psychiatry residency at the University of South Carolina/ Palmetto Health in Columbia, SC and a forensic psychiatry fellowship at Tulane University. After completing his training, he entered private practice in Rock Hill, SC and served the community for 11+ years. During that time, he also served as Staff Psychiatrist at Winthrop University. Prior to joining Talkiatry, Dr. Lee served as an Attending Psychiatrist and Medical Director of an inpatient psychiatric unit. Throughout his professional career, he has remained passionate about educating individuals about sustaining better mental health and eradicating the stigma of mental illness. Dr. Lee brings a vast array of knowledge to Talkiatry. He has experience treating various psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and ADHD. His approach focuses on evidence-based medication management and incorporates supportive therapy techniques as well as psychoeducation to address the presenting issues in a compassionate and competent manner. If additional therapy is needed, Dr. Lee may recommend that a therapist is part of the treatment team.

Dr. Catherine Shim is a board-certified psychiatrist and completed her training at the University of Washington, where she received additional certifications in Psychotherapy and Community Psychiatry.  Prior to joining Talkiatry, she spent years serving the mental health needs of underserved communities as well as our Veteran population.  Dr. Cat is excited to bring that same dedication and selfless service to her Talkiatry patients!

Dr. Cat is experienced in managing a multitude of mental health conditions, but her specialty is providing behaviorally oriented trauma-informed care.  Her approach is to treat primarily through psychotherapy and behavioral change, with medication management serving as an important (and often essential) adjuvant to optimizing mental health.

Dr. Cat tends to have a very casual engagement style, so expect a frank but open conversation during your first meetings with her.  Following that initial screening, anticipate a candid discussion about her 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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