Shilpika Varma, MD

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Dr. Puja Kumar is trained in adult, child, and adolescent psychiatry and is a board-certified pediatrician. She earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Calgary and her medical degree from St. George’s University in Grenada. She completed her pediatrics residency at Maimonides Medical Center in New York and practiced pediatrics with MedStar Shah Medical Group in Maryland before transitioning to psychiatry. She later trained in child and adult psychiatry at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Kumar provides medication management combined with supportive therapy, typically in 30-minute follow-up visits. She takes a holistic approach to treatment, considering the impact of lifestyle, parenting practices, and family dynamics on mental health. She emphasizes integrative care, ensuring that treatment plans are tailored to each patient’s unique needs and circumstances.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a thorough and compassionate evaluation, where Dr. Kumar takes time to understand their symptoms, medical history, and environmental influences. She prioritizes collaborative decision-making, working closely with patients and, when applicable, their families, to develop a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan. Follow-up visits typically focus on medication adjustments, supportive therapy, and lifestyle recommendations to optimize mental health outcomes.

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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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Hector Cardiel-Sam, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr Cardiel- Sam is Board Certified in both General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. He completed undergraduate training at the University of Miami followed by medical school at St. George's University. He has completed a residency in psychiatry at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center and a fellowship training in child and adolescent psychiatry at Penn State University. ‍His training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry has given him a unique perspective on mental illness. He has found that these conditions rarely start in adulthood, but rather, are a product of multiple factors and years of lived experience. For this reason, Dr Cardiel-Sam approaches his patients through a trauma-informed lens; an acknowledgement of the unique story and challenges that each individual has faced. He is comfortable treating a wide variety of psychiatric conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD and many more. ‍Working with Dr Cardiel- Sam, you can expect holistic and collaborative psychiatric treatment. He believes that medication along with therapeutic treatment should fit seamlessly into a patient's life, with minimal inconvenience. He strives to empower patients in shared medical decision making, making time to explain risks/benefits and alternatives for treatment.

Sarita Sharma, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Sarita Sharma is a board-certified adult psychiatrist dedicated to providing personalized psychiatric treatment that addresses the mind, body, and spirit for optimized health and healing. Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, she earned her medical degree from Avalon University School of Medicine in Curacao and completed her residency at Southern Illinois University in Springfield, Illinois. Dr. Sharma has extensive experience working with underserved patients from diverse backgrounds and with varying severities of psychiatric disorders. She has a genuine interest in treating mood and anxiety disorders like depression and anxiety. She views medication as one of many tools to aid patients, emphasizing the importance of therapy and lifestyle changes aligned with each patient's goals. Believing in a holistic approach, she incorporates mindfulness techniques, lifestyle optimization (sleep, diet, movement), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to target the root causes of unease. She enjoys helping patients navigate meaning and purpose, relationship dynamics, and self-image. With a sincere, direct, and practical approach, Dr. Sharma values empathy and understanding as vital components of effective care. In her free time, she enjoys spontaneous adventures, connecting with fellow human beings, and just being in nature. She is committed to helping you achieve a balanced, fulfilling life.

Pressley Warrick, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Pressley Warrick is a double board-certified psychiatrist specializing in general psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry. Dr. Warrick currently practices full-time, offering comprehensive psychiatric care to children, adolescents, and adults. She previously established and led a Behavioral Health Clinic integrated within a Family Medicine Practice. Prior to this role, Dr. Warrick provided dedicated psychiatric care at a private psychiatry practice for over a decade.

Dr. Warrick earned her medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina, completed residency training at Baylor College of Medicine's Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and pursued additional specialization through a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship at Palmetto Health/USC School of Medicine.

Known for a collaborative and holistic treatment approach, Dr. Warrick emphasizes individualized care and evidence-based practices to support patients’ mental wellness. Her professional excellence has earned recognition as Sumter’s Best Psychiatrist for consecutive years.

Dr. Warrick’s preferred treatment modalities include medication management, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and supportive psychotherapy. She specializes in treating depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism, OCD, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. Her typical approach for new patients involves taking a detailed patient history, establishing rapport, and setting clear treatment goals in partnership with her patients.

Conchata Richards, LPC

Staff Therapist

Conchata has worked as a psychotherapist for over 10 years of practice and over 25 years working in the human/social services field. She received a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Georgia State University and a Master of Science in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University.

Conchata has a passion for working with special populations to include trauma, substance use, domestic violence, offenders, and victims of sexual assault. She gained this insight while working as a correctional officer and earning her undergraduate degree. Conchata has done volunteer work with Partnership Against Domestic Violence (PADV) in Atlanta, GA and Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) in New Britain, CT as a certified sexual assault crisis counselor/advocate.

Conchata mostly utilizes CBT techniques because she believes that retraining the brain is most beneficial when recovering and getting out of your own way. She is a trauma specialist who is compassionate, empathetic, and determined. Conchata is also a certified grief counselor and a certified forensic mental health evaluator. This is a safe and judgment free zone, so if you are ready to work on overcoming life struggles and being a better version of yourself, welcome aboard because you have found a great therapist!

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Moni Baidya, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

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?

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Sofia Pineda Ochoa, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Pineda Ochoa is a board-certified psychiatrist with a deep commitment to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care. She completed her medical degree at the University of Guadalajara, a pediatrics internship at the University of Tennessee, and a psychiatry residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch. Before her psychiatric training, she served as a general physician in the emergency department of the county hospital in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Dr. Pineda Ochoa approaches each patient holistically, combining evidence-based practices with a psychodynamically informed understanding of emotional and psychological challenges. She values collaboration and seeks to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where patients feel heard and empowered.

Dr. Pineda Ochoa has a special interest in mood disorders (like depression and anxiety), substance use disorders, and psychiatric conditions co-occurring with medical illnesses, such as brain injuries. She typically combines medication management with therapy principles, tailoring each treatment plan to the individual's unique needs. She has extensive experience working with diverse populations, including outpatient community mental health and correctional settings, and is dedicated to helping patients build resilience and thrive. Her care is grounded in empathy, clinical knowledge, and a deep respect for each patient’s unique story.

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Laura Ginory, MD

Chief Psychiatrist, Florida

Dr. Laura Ginory is double-boarded in child and adolescent psychiatry and adult psychiatry. She has been practicing for over 11 years. Dr. Ginory's practice focuses on medication management, which is offered in conjunction with supportive therapy, offered in 30-minute follow-up visits. However, occasionally Dr. Ginory may believe additional therapy is needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome. Ginory received her medical degree from the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She completed her residency in adult psychiatry at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, FL. She pursued her fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of Florida, in Gainesville. After completing training, Dr. Ginory worked with children and adults in a variety of settings including Community Mental Health Centers and hospitals, providing both inpatient and outpatient services. Dr. Ginory then became a Clinical Assistant Professor for the University of Florida Department of Psychiatry and provided clinical services for UF Student Mental Health at the Counseling and Wellness Center. While treating a wide variety of patients, her clinical focus has been in treating adolescents and young adults with mood and anxiety disorders.

Ian Goldberg, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Background and credentials

Dr. Ian Goldberg is a board-certified adult and child/adolescent psychiatrist and a licensed physician in New York state. He has been practicing since 1988 and has extensive experience working with patients in private practice, hospital settings, and community-based mental health programs. His professional career has included work both in and outside of the United States.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Goldberg takes an eclectic approach to psychiatric care, integrating various treatment modalities, including psychodynamic perspectives and medication management. His focus is on improving his patients' overall quality of life by tailoring treatment strategies to their unique needs.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the initial visit, patients can expect a comprehensive and individualized evaluation. Dr. Goldberg values collaboration and strives to create a treatment plan that is both effective and adaptable. His experience allows him to approach each case with insight and flexibility, ensuring that patients receive care that is aligned with their personal goals and circumstances.

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Why Talkiatry?

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Megan Green, DO

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Green (she/her) holds the position of staff psychiatrist at Talkiatry. She is board-certified in adult psychiatry. She has extensive experience in various settings including inpatient, outpatient, consult-liaison, emergency, Veteran, and community-based environments. She is licensed in the states of Maryland, New York, and Virginia. Dr. Green's practice focuses on the integration of medication management and psychotherapy. Her practice style is collaborative to establish trust and build rapport while meeting patient-specific goals. Dr. Green approaches patient care from a holistic perspective that is individualized, evidence-based, and patient-centered. She received her medical degree from the New York Institute of Technology's College of Osteopathic Medicine on Long Island, NY. Her adult residency training was completed at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond, VA. In addition to general, adult psychiatry, Dr. Green is clinically experienced and interested in treating patients of a wide variety. She is particularly interested in treating patients with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders, trauma-related disorders, and personality disorders. Dr. Green enjoys exploring with patients a holistic approach to mental health treatment, which includes a discussion of interpersonal relationships, lifestyle behaviors (exercise, diet, sleep), and self-compassion. ‍**Dr. Green's current practice does not include the use of any controlled substance medication, such as stimulants or benzodiazepines.

Stuart Hedgpeth, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Stuart Hedgpeth is a board-certified psychiatrist. While Dr. Hedgpeth primarily focuses on medication management, he understands that mental health often requires approaches from multiple perspectives. Psychodynamic and supportive therapies are offered on an as-needed basis in addition to medication management. New patients are provided 60 minutes for initial visits, and follow-ups are given 30 minutes. Dr. Hedgpeth graduated from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill, NC. He completed his adult psychiatry residency training at Virginia Commonwealth University Health System in Richmond, VA. Dr. Hedgpeth's training has positioned him to care for adults of all ages with a wide spectrum of mental health disorders and related conditions. In his residency he sought out additional experience working with patients undergoing treatment for HIV, patients with trauma-related disorders, and the LGBTQ+ population.

Leora Golan, LCSW

Staff Therapist

Leora Golan serves as a dedicated mental health professional with a Master of Social Work degree from Loyola University of Chicago, specializing in mental health. She completed her undergraduate studies at Stockton University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Social Work with a minor in Childhood Studies. Leora brings a rich and diverse clinical background, having worked with children, adolescents, adults, seniors, and active-duty service members/veterans.

Specializing in Anxiety Disorders, Mood Disorders, low self-esteem, stress management, trauma, and addictions, Leora employs a trauma-informed lens, enhanced by her certification in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics. This approach allows her to better understand and address each client’s unique needs through thorough assessment.

Believing in the importance of individualized care, Leora adopts an eclectic therapeutic method tailored to the specific requirements of her clients. She integrates various clinical orientations, including strength-based approaches, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, narrative therapy, and exposure therapy.

Leora emphasizes the significance of building a strong therapeutic alliance, offering a safe, non-judgmental, and collaborative environment for clients to explore their emotions and navigate their challenges. Her compassionate approach fosters meaningful change, empowering clients to achieve their therapeutic goals.

Shilpika Varma, MD

Education and training

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