Sameerah Akhtar, MD

After graduating from the University of Northern Iowa in 2014, Kendrah worked at a non-profit organization that focused on substance abuse and mental health. She worked there from 2014-2021 initially as a substance abuse counselor and later transitioned into a Clinical Director position. Most recently, Kendrah has been serving patients in a private practice mental health therapist role. Kendrah's interests and specialties are Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Marriage and Family, Culture and Diversity, Dual Diagnosis, Meditation and Dating Violence/Abuse. She also has an interest in Self Image/Self-Esteem and Addictive Behaviors with Substance Use and Gambling.

Dr. Pilar Bare is an adult psychiatrist who completed her psychiatry residency at TriStar Centennial Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, where she served as Chief Resident. She earned her medical degree from Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Northwest in Oregon, where she studied osteopathic medicine which shaped her holistic view of health. She completed an intern year in Family Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences West. She holds a bachelor's degree in chemistry and biology from the University of Arkansas, where she graduated with honors.

Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, backpacking, visiting national parks, and spending time with her senior dog.

Dr. Bare believes that each individual's background plays a significant role in their mental health, and understanding a patient's personal story is critical to their healing journey. She believes in a respectful, collaborative relationship built on trust and open communication. While Dr. Bare integrates evidence-based medication management when clinically appropriate, she also emphasizes the therapeutic benefit of addressing lifestyle, relationships, and internal narratives.

Dr. Bare begins care with a thorough evaluation, exploring developmental history, impactful life events, and emotional patterns. From there, she develops a comprehensive treatment plan that may include medications, wellness strategies, and therapist collaboration. She considers each patient's strengths and challenges to guide care that promotes long-term recovery and personal growth.

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Dr. Jennifer Cenker is a board-certified psychiatrist with a strong foundation in science and mental health care. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology from John Carroll University, completed a PhD in Molecular Virology at Case Western Reserve University, and received her medical degree from The Ohio State University College of Medicine, where she also completed her Psychiatry Residency. She treats a range of conditions including ADHD, depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, and PTSD/trauma.

Dr. Cenker values open communication and a strong therapeutic alliance, creating a supportive and collaborative environment where patients feel heard and respected. She develops individualized treatment plans that typically include both medication management and therapy, guided by evidence-based practices. She also promotes weight-neutral care and emphasizes health-supporting habits.

Dr. Cenker begins with a comprehensive initial appointment focused on understanding each patient’s history and treatment goals. She uses this information to build personalized treatment plans. Follow-up appointments include ongoing medication management and the integration of therapeutic techniques, ensuring care evolves with the patient's needs.

Dr. Nelson is a board-certified psychiatrist who attended the University of Iowa Medical School and completed her psychiatry residency and child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.  She has extensive experience treating active-duty service members, family members of active duty and the veteran population.  She feels comfortable working with a wide range of age groups and enjoys treating challenges with anxiety, mood, sleep, and concentration.

Dr. Nelson believes that the key to success in mental health care is being able to establish a trusting and open relationship between psychiatrist and patient.

While initial sessions include the need to gather background information about the patient overall as well as the symptoms of concern, subsequent sessions are focused on learning the impact of the treatment.

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Dr. Jiang is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. His practice focuses on medication management and supportive therapy. His major goal is for treatment to be patient centered, with a focus on high quality, evidence-based care in the safest and most meaningful way. Dr. Jiang completed an undergraduate degree at the University of California, Los Angeles. He received his medical degree from Oakland University William Beaumont, School of Medicine. He then completed his psychiatry residency at Loyola University Medical Center. Dr. Jiang's areas of interest include depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.‍

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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