Shaneika Lindsay, PMHNP

Dr. Rodriguez is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. He earned his medical degree from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and completed his residency at the University of Southern California. Dr. Rodriguez has experience working in a variety of settings, including inpatient, outpatient, community mental health, and correctional facilities.

Dr. Rodriguez specializes in treating depression and anxiety. He acknowledges that while medications can be necessary, they are not magic, and a holistic approach is essential for achieving mental health. With this understanding, Dr. Rodriguez spends time getting to know his patients, focusing on helping them achieve mental wellness rather than simply prescribing medications. When he became a doctor, he made a pledge to "do no harm." He takes this commitment seriously and only prescribes medications, especially those with addictive properties, when it is safe and clearly indicated.

The first one or two appointments focus on a thorough assessment to establish a provisional diagnosis, which is essential for effective treatment planning. Once this initial diagnosis is made, Dr. Rodriguez collaborates with his patients to develop tailored treatment recommendations. During follow-up appointments, he actively listens to his patients and proposes adjustments to the treatment plan as needed.

Melissa Medina, LCSW, began her journey in mental healthcare with a Bachelor’s in Psychology followed by a Master of Social Work degree. From 2015 to 2018, she completed her clinical hours at a community mental health agency in Los Angeles, where she gained experience working with diverse populations facing complex challenges. Melissa’s therapeutic approach integrates psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, interpersonal, strengths-based, dialectical behavioral, and EMDR modalities. She is dedicated to providing culturally sensitive, neurodivergent-friendly, person-centered care to support individuals and families navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, panic attacks, grief, family conflict, and life transitions.

Melissa believes therapy is both a journey and a destination. She takes an eclectic approach, tailoring interventions and communication to best fit each patient’s needs and preferences. Patients can expect an atmosphere of warmth, empathy, and collaboration. Through motivational interviewing and narrative techniques, Melissa helps individuals articulate their stories, identify strengths, and reframe challenges as opportunities for growth. She is committed to meeting patients where they are while supporting them in reaching their goals.

Melissa’s process begins with building rapport, listening to each patient’s story, and understanding their unique needs and hopes for therapy. Early sessions focus on creating a safe, supportive space while developing a treatment plan tailored to the individual. Patients can expect to gain fresh perspectives, practical coping strategies, and deeper self-awareness. Melissa’s goal is for patients to feel heard, understood, and empowered as they strengthen relationships, build resilience, and move toward a greater sense of fulfillment.

Dawn Parks, LMHC, has worked in hospitals, forensics, community clinics, private practice, and research with Harvard Medical School, where she served as project director for a two-year addictions study for couples. She holds an undergraduate degree in exercise physiology, a master’s in clinical psychology, and a PhD in psychology. Dawn is a HeartMath practitioner with certifications in clinical stress, anxiety, and self-regulation treatment, as well as trauma-sensitive interventions. She also holds advanced certifications in addictions and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and has extensive training in trauma work, couples therapy, nutrition for mental health, and healthy lifestyle development.

Dawn values open communication and works with patients to set clear treatment goals. She creates a warm, supportive environment where patients feel heard and respected. She emphasizes the mind-body connection, encouraging movement toward health from both perspectives, and meets patients where they are, providing a non-judgmental, trusting space conducive to growth.

She begins by thoroughly understanding each patient’s history, concerns, and goals during the initial session. Dawn develops individualized treatment plans aligned with patient objectives. Using a collaborative approach, she matches interventions to each client’s needs, fostering teamwork and supporting patients in achieving sustainable progress.

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Dr. Anil Joseph (AJ) Kulangara completed additional training in Psychiatry at the University of Washington after working primarily in women’s health, primary care, and military medicine as a Battalion Surgeon in the United States Army.  Following his military service, he trained in Psychiatry and served the mental health needs of our Veteran population. He is excited to now bring his unique expertise and experiences to Talkiatry, as well as his additional training in Women’s Mental Health, Reproductive and Perinatal Psychiatry, PTSD, and trauma-informed ADHD evaluation and treatment.

Dr. AJ’s approach focuses on behavioral change, with medication management and supportive therapies serving as important (and often essential) adjuvants to optimizing mental health.

During your first meetings with Dr. AJ, you should expect a thorough evaluation of your clinical and social histories, as well as some introductory psychoeducation.  Following that screening, anticipate a discussion about his 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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Dr. Kat Atadjanova is a board-certified psychiatrist dedicated to providing holistic and compassionate care for individuals navigating mental health challenges. She earned her MD from Tulane University School of Medicine and completed a combined residency in Internal Medicine and Psychiatry at Tulane. With experience in both fields, she is especially comfortable caring for patients with medical comorbidities and takes an integrative approach to treatment.

Dr. Atadjanova values collaboration and believes that treatment works best when patients are active participants in their own care. She is committed to creating a safe, supportive environment where patients feel heard and respected. Her approach combines evidence-based medication management with psychotherapy and lifestyle guidance, tailoring each treatment plan to the unique needs and goals of the individual.

In her work, Dr. Atadjanova begins by taking time to understand a patient’s history, strengths, and challenges. From there, she develops a personalized plan that may include medication, therapy, or supportive interventions. She emphasizes shared decision-making, patient education, and holistic strategies—such as nutrition, exercise, and sleep hygiene—to help patients achieve sustainable improvements in their mental health and overall well-being.

Dr. Kerry O'Leary is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who joined Talkiatry after she completed her psychiatry residency. Dr. O'Leary provides patient-centered care and understands the importance of actively involving patients in their treatment journey. She believes that every patient deserves personalized care tailored to their unique needs and circumstances. She utilizes evidence-based treatments combined with a comprehensive approach to address not only the symptoms but also the underlying factors contributing to her patients' distress. Although her practice focuses on medication management, she also provides supportive therapy and may recommend more intensive therapy when indicated. Dr. O'Leary approaches each patient with empathy and understanding, fostering a supportive and nonjudgmental environment. Dr. O'Leary completed her undergraduate training at The University of Texas at Austin and pursued her medical degree at The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. She also graduated with a Master's in Public Health from Columbia University in New York. She went on to complete her general adult psychiatry training at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. Dr. O'Leary focuses on treating the adult population from ages 18+. She utilizes both pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatment interventions and has experience in treating a variety of diagnoses including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, insomnia, PTSD, OCD, and psychotic disorders.