Sarita Sharma, MD

Dr. Clara Kim is a board-certified psychiatrist trained in Adult Psychiatry. She received her medical degree from Yale University and completed her residency training at Cambridge Health Alliance - Harvard Medical School, where she served as Chief Resident of Quality Improvement. Dr. Kim treats each patient with a holistic, evidence-based approach that incorporates psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic best practices. Her priority is to build a safe and trusting working relationship with each patient, keeping in mind their unique biological, psychological, social, and spiritual contexts. Dr. Kim has extensive experience treating depression, anxiety, trauma-related disorders, personality disorders, OCD, and perinatal conditions such as postpartum depression. Other professional interests include forensic psychiatry, combined psychopharmacological and psychotherapy treatment, and ECT, in which she was certified by the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. She has worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds and all socioeconomic strata.

Dr. Jennifer Ruch is a board-certified psychiatrist who strives to understand her patients' lived experiences and aspirations to develop supportive therapeutic relationships through empathetic listening, mutual trust, and respect. She collaboratively creates individualized care plans that align with personal treatment goals in a safe and judgment-free environment. After completing her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Biology with a focus in psychology from the University of California, Merced, she earned her medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Ruch completed her General Psychiatry Residency at Arnot Ogden Medical Center in New York. Her clinical experience involves treating individuals of all age groups from diverse populations and socioeconomic backgrounds suffering from anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, and neurocognitive disorders. She has provided care in inpatient and outpatient psychiatric facilities, the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, emergency rooms, state facilities, and an inpatient chemical dependency center. She also performed pre-procedure psychological evaluations for bariatric and spinal cord surgeries, and psychiatric consult liaison services on medical units and has clinical training in inpatient and outpatient neurology. Her clinical experience incorporated treatment modalities such as pharmacotherapy and interventional psychiatry, including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Spravato. Dr. Ruch integrates a wide array of psychotherapy as needed; however, her practice primarily focuses on medication management while utilizing referrals to therapists and providing collaborative care for optimal outcomes.

Dr. Thomas O’Brien holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and earned his medical degree from Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his psychiatry residency at Loyola University Medical Center. Dr. O’Brien has experience practicing across outpatient, PHP, IOP, and inpatient settings.

He strives to create a supportive environment where patients feel heard, respected, and understood. His approach emphasizes a holistic, whole-person method to healing, guided by the patient’s own goals and values. Dr. O’Brien integrates psychotherapy with medication management, drawing on his background in psychodynamic psychopharmacology and acceptance and commitment therapy.

Dr. O’Brien focuses on understanding each patient as a whole to create individualized treatment plans. This begins with a comprehensive history during the initial session to identify biopsychosocial factors. Treatment is then tailored to align with the patient’s unique goals and values, promoting meaningful progress.

Dr. Debbarma is double board certified in General Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. Dr.Debbarma is also certified in mindfulness therapy. Prior to joining Talkiatry, Dr. Debbarma was working as an attending psychiatrist and teaching faculty in an Academic hospital. She has experience of managing diverse patients ranging from chronic severe mental illness , dual diagnosis patients, crisis management and high functioning outpatients population.

Dr. Debbarma is an International medical graduate from India with post graduate training in Psychiatry and Family Medicine.  

To better understand USA public health and preventive care, Dr. Debbarma pursued advanced degree in Master of Public Health from Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia. Due to interest in global health, Dr. Debbarma worked as a post-doctoral fellow in Global Health at Rutgers university. Dr. Debbarma completed psychiatry residency from Cooper University Hospital and served as a chief resident.

Dr. Debbarma has diverse experiences in health care. Prior to moving to USA, she worked as a medical officer in government hospital system. Dr. Debbarma has years of experience in treating patients from different cultural and religious background.

As an Individual Dr. Debbarma is intrigued by human mind and behavior that’s why she choose to specialize in psychiatry. She focuses on "wholeness" by understanding the whole person not just their symptoms.

Her treatment approach includes bio-psycho-sociocultural model and patient centered care.  She offers medication management and supportive therapy. Based on clinical need Dr. Debbarma also incorporate CBT, Mindfulness, MI.

Dr. Debbarma has special interest in women mental health and cultural psychiatry.

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.

Dr. Shafi completed his undergraduate studies in biology at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. He then earned his medical degree from Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine. He went on to complete his psychiatry residency at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, where he was awarded “Master of the PRITE” for achieving the highest score on the Psychiatry Resident In-Training Examination.

Dr. Shafi specializes in the treatment of various psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and PTSD. He has practiced in multiple settings including inpatient psychiatric facilities, outpatient mental health clinics, and the VA system.  

Dr. Shafi primarily focuses on medication management in conjunction with supportive psychotherapy. Using a collaborative and patient-centered approach, he provides personalized care by tailoring treatment to his patients’ unique needs. Dr. Shafi’s curiosity and compassionate nature allow him to connect with patients from all walks of life. He is committed to creating a supportive environment where patients feel comfortable expressing their mental health concerns.

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