Shari Sengupta, MD

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Dr. Nieves-Alvarado is a board-certified psychiatrist who completed medical training at Duke University Psychiatry Program. Originally from Puerto Rico, she is fluent in both English and Spanish, which allows her to connect deeply with a diverse patient population. Her practice combines medication management with insight-oriented therapy during every visit, promoting a comprehensive approach to mental health care. She advocates for her patients to engage in therapy alongside medication management, as she believes this integrated approach leads to better outcomes and sustained improvement. Dr. Nieves-Alvarado's practice is rooted in a collaborative, team-based approach, working closely with her patients to achieve long-term mental wellness. Dr. Nieves-Alvarado earned her medical degree from the Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine in Bayamon, PR. Afterward, she moved to North Carolina, where she completed her residency at Duke University Hospital. During her training, she was nominated for a fellowship in psychodynamic practice by the Psychoanalytic Center of the Carolinas, showcasing her expertise in this area. She is also a dedicated advocate against childhood sexual trauma. Her diverse training includes significant experience in jail and forensic psychiatry, as well as the treatment of military veterans under the Veterans Affairs health care system. She has experience in medically assisted treatments (MAT) for substance use disorders, Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and family therapy, enabling her to care for patients with complex needs. Dr. Nieves-Alvarado treats patients across a wide age range, from young adults to the elderly. Passionate about improving access to mental health care, she joined Talkiatry to help patients facing time or transportation challenges receive the care they need. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Nieves-Alvarado remains involved with her alma mater's Behavioral Health Department, contributing to academic education and maintaining a connection with the next generation of medical professionals. She continues to seek ongoing improvement in her field, remaining engaged with medical associations including North Carolina Psychiatric Association, American Psychiatric Association, and Alpha Omega Alpha national medical honor society. Dr. Nieves-Alvarado is committed to working hand-in-hand with her patients to achieve mental wellness.

Shubhada Reddy, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr Reddy is double board certified in adult as well as child and adolescent psychiatry. She has experience working at various levels of mental health care. Dr. Reddy has most recently served as the medical director for a partial hospitalization/intensive outpatient program (PHP/IOP) for adolescents in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. She completed her general psychiatry residency at the University of Illinois at Peoria and went on to pursue her child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at the University of Texas Southwestern. She is knowledgeable in treating patients of all ages and a wide variety of diagnoses including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, and eating disorders. Dr. Reddy is passionate about working with LGBTQIA+ populations, providing culturally informed care, and taking a person-centered approach to providing comprehensive and individualized treatment to her patients. She is well versed in incorporating psychotherapy in conjunction with medication management. She has experience in incorporating supportive, cognitive behavioral, and dialectical behavioral therapeutic approaches in her care.

Michael Escamilla, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Background and credentials

Dr. Escamilla is a board-certified psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience in treating mental health conditions. He is a graduate of Harvard College and earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. He completed his psychiatry training at the University of California at San Francisco and further specialized through a research fellowship with the American Psychiatric Association. In addition to his clinical work, he is a Jungian Analyst and holds academic positions as an adjunct professor at Rutgers University Department of Psychiatry and as the Frank McMillan Jr. Scholar at the Jung Center of Houston.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Escamilla brings a deeply analytical and research-driven approach to psychiatry, integrating traditional psychiatric treatment with Jungian analysis. He has a strong background in academic research and clinical psychiatry, contributing extensively to the field through research publications. His expertise spans a wide range of mental health challenges, and he is committed to understanding the complexities of each patient’s experience to tailor a treatment plan that best suits their needs.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation that takes into account their personal history, psychological patterns, and treatment goals. Dr. Escamilla’s approach emphasizes thoughtful analysis and evidence-based care, ensuring that each patient receives a personalized and insightful treatment plan. His sessions may incorporate medication management, psychotherapy, and Jungian analytical techniques to provide a holistic and individualized treatment experience.

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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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Tiffany Abtahi, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Tiffany Abtahi is board certified in adult psychiatry and has been in practice for over 6 years. She completed her residency at Icahn School of Medicine, Elmhurst Hospital Center program where she served as Chief Resident in her final year. After completing her residency training, Dr Abtahi worked as a staff psychiatrist in the VA Medical Center focusing on PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Dr. Abtahi has held an academic appointment at the University of UT Southwestern medical school and has spent her professional career supervising/teaching medical students and psychiatry residents. Dr. Abtahi's practice focuses on medication management and providing psychoeducation to her patients. However, if indicated, Dr. Abtahi may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome. Dr. Abtahi has experience treating a large variety of mental health conditions across a variety of populations. She strongly believes in tailoring treatments through a holistic and patient-centered approach based on individual and multi-faceted histories. Dr. Abtahi looks forward to working with you.

Kristina Schnitzer, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Background and credentials

Dr. Kristina Schnitzer is a board-certified psychiatrist. She earned her medical degree from the New York University School of Medicine and completed her residency in Adult Psychiatry at the Massachusetts General Hospital/McLean Adult Psychiatry Residency Program. She further specialized by completing a one-year clinical and research fellowship in Public and Community Psychiatry through Massachusetts General Hospital and the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health. In addition to her medical training, she holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. She has over three years of experience practicing psychiatry across inpatient, emergency, and outpatient settings.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Schnitzer focuses on medication management as the foundation of her treatment approach, typically combining it with supportive or emotionally focused therapy during 30-minute follow-up visits. She takes a collaborative and individualized approach to patient care and, when needed, may recommend additional therapy by integrating a therapist into the care team to ensure the best possible outcomes. She has experience treating a broad range of psychiatric disorders in various clinical settings.

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What you can expect in a first visit

Patients can expect a thorough and structured evaluation in their first visit, where Dr. Schnitzer carefully assesses their symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals. She emphasizes open communication and collaboration, ensuring that patients are fully involved in shaping their treatment plans. Follow-up visits typically last 30 minutes, during which she monitors progress, adjusts treatment as needed, and may recommend additional therapeutic support for comprehensive care.

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Why Talkiatry?

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Ian Thistlethwaite, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Thistlethwaite is a board eligible adult psychiatrist and internal medicine physician. He completed his medical education at West Virginia University School of Medicine. Following completion of medical school, Dr. Thistlethwaite completed residency training at WVU/Charleston Area Medical Center with a dual specialization in internal medicine and psychiatry. Dr. Thistlethwaite's training included treatment of patients both in the inpatient and outpatient setting as well as management of patients with comorbid medical conditions. During his training Dr. Thistlethwaite became passionate about approaching patients in a holistic manner that addressed both their physical and mental health. He is especially passionate about ensuring that patients with mental health disorders are provided with appropriate general medical care as they are a marginalized and underserved group. Dr. Thistlethwaite's practice focuses on medication management for a wide array of conditions including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, tic disorder/Tourette's, and post traumatic stress disorder. Dr. Thistlethwaite incorporates supportive psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy interventions, and some psychodynamic therapy skills in his practice as well. Dr. Thistlethwaite believes in a collaborative and holistic approach to mental healthcare that incorporates the patient as well as all members of the healthcare team in every aspect of care.

Stephanie Powers, DO

Staff Psychiatrist

Background and credentials

Dr. Stephanie Powers is a board-eligible psychiatrist with over 18 years of experience in psychiatric care. She earned her advanced medical degree from Adelphi University and completed her psychiatry residency training at SUNY Stony Brook University Hospital and Medical Center. Additionally, she holds a master’s degree in Developmental Psychology from Columbia University. Dr. Powers has held academic roles as an Associate Professor at Stony Brook University Hospital Medical Center and as a clinical instructor at New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, where she has supervised and trained residents and medical students.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Powers specializes in medication management and supportive therapy, providing compassionate psychiatric care tailored to individual patient needs. She has extensive experience treating adults in inpatient, outpatient, and emergency psychiatric settings, with a particular focus on PTSD in veterans. She has worked at Zucker Hillside Hospital, Pederson-Krag, Brookhaven Memorial Hospital, Northport VA Medical Center, Nassau University Medical Center, and Damian Family Care Centers. Her treatment philosophy is centered on helping patients reach their full potential and improve their overall quality of life.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, where Dr. Powers carefully assesses their symptoms, medical history, and personal goals. She prioritizes collaborative treatment planning, ensuring that each patient receives a personalized approach that may include medication management and therapeutic interventions. Her approach is patient-centered and focused on fostering well-being, with ongoing support to help individuals achieve their mental health goals.

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Why Talkiatry?

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Krista Alexander , MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Krista Alexander is a board-certified psychiatrist who loves equipping her fellow human beings to feel and function better. She studied medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and completed her residency at Duke University. She has worked in both private practice and integrated primary care/behavioral health care settings. She is a member of the American Psychiatric Association and the North Carolina Psychiatric Association. Krista offers medication management and supportive psychotherapy for mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma, ADHD, substance use disorders, and other mental health issues. She strives to embody "relational prescribing” and believes that med management is most effective in the context of a relationship of mutual trust, emotional safety, and shared decision-making between provider and patient. She has trained in psychodynamic psychotherapy and various forms of cognitive behavioral therapy, and tailors her approach to each patient's individual strengths and needs. Krista understands that the needs of the whole person must be addressed in order to facilitate growth and healing. She enjoys collaborating with fellow medical/mental health providers to address a patient's complex needs as an integrated team.

David Sahadevan, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Sahadevan took an adventurous path to Talkiatry. After perhaps thinking a little too hard about Intro to Philosophy in college - "the unexamined life is not worth living” - he first used his chemistry degree to work in pharmaceutical research. He changed course, working in computer network engineering, before deciding to find a more meaningful path. He worked as an EMT, then earned a Master's in Physiology before finally landing in medical school at Ohio State. Finding a surprising interest in psychiatry, he stayed at Ohio State for residency, and then a fellowship in forensic psychiatry. He is board-certified in both Psychiatry and Forensic Psychiatry. He previously worked as a forensic psychiatrist and evaluator at Ohio's maximum-security state psychiatric facility, as an attending psychiatrist running an inpatient unit for violent or dangerous patients, performing court-ordered evaluations, writing reports, and testifying when necessary. Dr. Sahadevan has also worked as a consultation-liaison psychiatrist, performing psychiatric consults at several general hospitals in Central Ohio's largest hospital system. He found great enjoyment in teaching successive generations of residents and medical students, serving as an adjunct faculty member at Ohio State, Ohio University, Wright State, and OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital. He is excited for the next chapter of his journey, exploring another area of psychiatry at Talkiatry!

Heath Foreman, DO

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Heath Foreman is double board-certified in General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. He is a Texas native and received his Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology from UTSouthwestern Medical Center in Dallas. His medical degree was earned at the University of North Texas Health Science Center - Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Worth. He completed residency and fellowship training at Baylor Scott & White - Texas A&M in Temple and has been practicing since 2015. He served as Medical Director for a community mental health system for 10 years and has experience working with patients who have ADHD, Autism, Intellectual Developmental, Anxiety, Mood and Traumatic Stress Disorders and Psychosis.

Dr. Foreman uses a professional yet conversational style so that patients may feel at ease while developing a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand. He prefers an educational approach so that patients can gain the knowledge and tools required to achieve improvement.

Dr. Foreman will perform a broad evaluation and work with his patients to create an evidence-based, personalized treatment plan. Subsequent meetings will incorporate medication management as well as psychotherapeutics based on Cognitive Behavioral, Trauma Based and Psychodynamic techniques. He will provide referrals for traditional counseling or testing when appropriate.

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Michele Schaefer, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Background and credentials

Dr. Schaefer is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with over 16 years of experience. She earned her medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, NE, and completed her adult psychiatry residency at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, OR. She then specialized further by completing a forensic psychiatry fellowship at Yale University. She has worked as a staff psychiatrist at Atrium Health System for over 16 years.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Schaefer’s practice primarily focuses on medication management, which she offers in conjunction with supportive therapy and elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). She takes a patient-centered and collaborative approach, ensuring that treatment is tailored to each individual’s needs. If additional therapy is required, she may recommend working with a therapist as part of a comprehensive care plan. Her primary focus areas include depression, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a thorough psychiatric evaluation, where Dr. Schaefer carefully assesses their symptoms, treatment history, and mental health goals. She works collaboratively with patients to develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include medication management and therapy recommendations. Follow-up visits are typically 30 minutes and focus on monitoring progress, adjusting treatment as needed, and ensuring the best possible patient outcomes.

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Why Talkiatry?

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Cesar De Paz, MD

Chief Psychiatrist, Texas

Dr. De Paz received his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, TX, and has been practicing for 9 years. He completed his psychiatric residency and child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship training at the University of Texas Medical Branch. After completing training, he worked at the Center for Health Care Services in San Antonio, TX. He worked with special needs children and adults who required the highest level of care both behaviorally and medically. He then continued his treatment of children and young adults at CommuniCare Health Center also in San Antonio. He served as Director of Behavioral Health for CommuniCare for 4 years. Dr. De Paz completed his undergraduate studies in Psychology and Biology at the University of Houston in Houston, TX. While having treated a wide variety of patients, his primary clinical focus has been the treatment of ADHD in children and adults, and working with special needs children and adults who may have Autism Spectrum Disorder or other Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities. Dr. De Paz's practice focuses on medication management. He offers medication management evaluations and follow-up visits. If the need arises, he works with licensed therapists to provide behavioral support.

Shari Sengupta, MD

Education and training

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