Sumbal Akhter, DO

Staff Psychiatrist
Languages
English
Conditions Treated
ADHD
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Depression
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Geriatric

Education and training

  • Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
  • University of Nevada School of Medicine (Residency)

Get to know

Sumbal Akhter, DO

Dr. Sumbal Akhter graduated from the University of Nevada at Las Vegas Psychiatry residency program. She has a wide range of experience, having worked at the VA, consult liaison psychiatry, and multiple inpatient/outpatient settings. She provides supportive psychotherapy and takes an integrative approach to her practice.

Get matched with a clinician like this one

Ready to book your first appointment? Take our 10-minute assessment. We’ll match you with a clinician who meets your needs, has availability, and takes your insurance.

Get started
More Clinicians

Daniel Bemporad, DO

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Bemporad is a board-certified psychiatrist. His current practice focuses on medication management and supportive therapy. He completed his undergraduate training at Stony Brook University, then attended medical school at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York City. He completed his psychiatry residency at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he was a chief resident. Dr. Bemporad began his inpatient and forensic psychiatry career for the State of Montana for several years. There, he became the medical staff president and a member of the medical executive committee. He was also a preceptor to nurse practitioners and pharmacy students on campus, and he enjoys teaching. Dr. Bemporad has experience treating many clients in many varied treatment settings. On an outpatient basis, he has experience with an extensive array of psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, and bipolar disorders. Dr. Bemporad's approach to treatment is individualized, and in open discussion with his clients. He also believes in a holistic approach -- that mental and physical health are linked.

Columban Heo, DO

Staff Psychiatrist

Background  and credentials    

Dr. Columban Heo is a board-certified psychiatrist. He earned his medical  degree from Touro University Nevada and completed his residency at Unity  Health White County Medical Center. Dr. Heo further specialized by completing  a fellowship in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry at the Cleveland Clinic,  where he gained extensive experience working within multidisciplinary  healthcare teams, particularly focused on psychiatric care for patients with  complex medical conditions.    

Treatment approach  

Dr. Heo specializes in treating a broad range of psychiatric conditions,  notably mood and anxiety disorders. He integrates medication management with  a holistic, personalized approach to treatment, emphasizing the  interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. Dr. Heo believes in tailoring  treatment plans individually, combining therapy and medications to suit each  patient’s unique needs, and highlights the importance of healthy  relationships in achieving overall mental health.    

What you can expect in a first visit    

Patients visiting Dr. Heo for the first time can expect a comprehensive and  personalized assessment that explores not just their psychiatric symptoms but  their overall well-being and personal relationships. Dr. Heo prioritizes a  holistic evaluation, carefully balancing medication considerations and  therapeutic interventions tailored specifically to each patient’s situation  and goals. He creates an empathetic, collaborative atmosphere to discuss and  develop personalized plans for mental and emotional wellness.  

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.

Juliet Nichols-Nicolescu, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Juliet Nichols has been a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology since 2002 and has been practicing psychiatry for over 25 years. While an expert in psychopharmacology, Dr. Nichols has an integrative approach to treatment and she often incorporates psychotherapeutic techniques when appropriate, tailoring every treatment to each patient's individual needs. She completed her Psychiatry residency at Stony Brook-SUNY and Geriatric Psychiatry Fellowship at the Albert Einstein School of Medicine. Over the last two decades, Dr. Nichols served as an attending psychiatrist at JT Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson, NY, where she became proficient in delivering stellar psychiatric care in a variety of settings. She specializes in treating adult and geriatric mental illnesses, including: Depression, Anxiety Disorders (eg, OCD, Panic Disorder, GAD, PTSD), ADHD, and Cognitive Disorders in the elderly. Dr. Nichols strives to help her patients gain insights into their inner conflicts, unveil their strengths, accept their limitations, and build their coping skills. Her approach is dynamic, straightforward, and empathic so patients always feel safe, understood, and at ease. She engages the patient to be an active participant in treatment decision-making, creating a strong therapeutic alliance.‍

Felicitas Koster, DO

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Koster is board certified in psychiatry and forensic psychiatry. After completing her medical education, residency, and fellowship, she started working on a Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) team, followed by working at a community hospital. She then transitioned to a clinic serving patients who were determined severely mentally ill (SMI). Dr. Koster has been involved with teaching residents and working within an academic institution. Dr. Koster is a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, a member of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law and the American Osteopathic Association. Dr. Koster enjoys working with people of diverse backgrounds and experiences. She uses a culturally sensitive and holistic approach in the evaluation and treatment of brain health conditions. She believes in a team approach and her patients' active participation in treatment planning. She incorporates a variety of modalities in her treatment that can include medications, personal medicine, psychotherapy, mindfulness, and lifestyle changes. Dr. Koster specializes in psychopharmacology and believes in using medications when indicated at the lowest effective dose to minimize the risk of side effects. She is experienced in treating depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD and schizophrenia. If Dr. Koster believes you would benefit from additional therapy, she will collaborate with your therapist to achieve the best outcome.

Victor Arballo, DO

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Arballo is a board-certified psychiatrist who completed medical school at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. He received residency training at the University of Texas Health - San Antonio, where in addition to clinical training, he was appointed resident chair of the Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Committee. Since graduation, he has been a staff psychiatrist and the military unit director at Cumberland Hall Hospital, providing comprehensive care to children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients. Dr. Arballo provides evidence-based medication management and psychotherapy to address mental health conditions. He is a strong advocate for patient autonomy, quality improvement and psychoeducation.‍

Farrah Lamoreux, PMHNP

Staff Nurse Practitioner

Farrah has worked almost exclusively in community mental health centers in Iowa and in Arizona for the last 15 years. She has been providing telepsychiatry services since 2013 across several states, serving hospitals, community mental health centers, local jails, and residential treatment facilities. Farrah was lead prescriber for Living Out Loud, a mental health program exclusively for LGBTQ+ persons. She has worked with patients with comorbid mental health & HIV+ status, and a long history of working with persons with severe mental illness.

Farrah has mentored countless new Psychiatric Nurse Graduates in their first year of outpatient practice and precepted students working to achieve their Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Certification. She was also part of the pilot program for the Integrated Behavioral Health Home, which integrated primary care into treatment for SMI patients.

Farrah Lamoreux offers a warm patient centered approach to psychiatry. She is well known for being easy to talk to, and down to earth. Farrah believes that the patient is the most important part of the treatment team, and engaging patients in the decision-making process of their treatment. Patients say that she listens, they feel heard, and that she tailors care to what best fits your needs. She enjoys working with therapists whenever possible to ensure the best outcomes. Farrah specializes in the treatment of ADHD, but also treats Depression, PTSD, Anxiety, Panic, Agoraphobia, OCD, Autism and Bipolar Disorder.

Noor Zayed, DO

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Noor Zayed is a dedicated board-certified adult psychiatrist committed to improving mental health and empowering individuals to achieve their goals. After completing her undergraduate studies at The Ohio State University, Dr. Zayed earned her medical degree from Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine, where she was inducted into the Sigma Sigma Phi Honorary Osteopathic Service Fraternity. She then completed her residency at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, where a significant focus was treating veterans at the Edward Hines VA Hospital. Dr. Zayed's experience spans both rural and urban settings, providing her with a comprehensive approach to mental health care. During her training, she received awards for Excellence in Professionalism and COVID Surge efforts. Her therapeutic style is characterized by empathy, respect, active listening, and collaborative relationships with patients, fostering a safe space for healing. Her practice focuses on medication management combined with psychotherapy, utilizing evidence-based approaches to provide personalized care. Dr. Zayed's clinic interests include treating depressive and anxiety disorders, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders.

Ellen Grant, LCSW

Staff Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Ellen Grant, LCSW, Eagala Certified, brings extensive experience working with adolescents, adults and families in treating mental health and substance use disorders. Ellen is a graduate of The College of Saint Rose, where she obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work. She is a graduate of Fordham University, where she obtained a Master's Degree in Social Work. She obtained a post-graduate certification in Military Trauma from Adelphi University. Ellen is certified in equine-assisted psychotherapy and is learning through the Eagala model. She has been practicing in the field for 12 years. She believes in a person-centered approach to counseling and specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. She is also certified in Seeking Safety.

Tammara Davis, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Tammara Davis is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with over 15 years of experience treating patients across inpatient, outpatient, emergency, and telepsychiatry settings. She earned her medical degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, completed her psychiatry residency at St. Elizabeths Hospital in Washington, DC, and holds a B.S. from Xavier University of Louisiana.

Dr. Davis previously served as a Primary Care–Mental Health Integration psychiatrist at the Veterans Health Administration, where she helped expand access to care in community-based clinics. She is an active member of the Black Psychiatrists of America, where she advances advocacy and equity in mental health care. While she has treated a wide variety of patients from all walks of life, her clinical focus has been on improving access to quality mental healthcare for historically marginalized communities.

Dr. Davis specializes in mood and anxiety disorders, including depression, PTSD, and perinatal mental health. Her approach is holistic, integrative, and patient-centered—grounded in cultural humility and collaborative care. She does not prescribe benzodiazepines, focusing instead on evidence-based strategies that support long-term wellness. While treating a wide variety of patients, Dr. Davis’ clinical focus has been on adults from marginalized and/or minoritized communities.

Dr. Davis begins care with a consultation to ensure a strong fit and shared treatment goals. Dr. Davis is committed to creating a safe, trusting space where patients feel empowered and in control of their healing. She recognizes that not all patients require medication and integrates culturally affirming support when therapy and education are more appropriate.

Alexandra Blaes, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Alexandra ("Sasha”) Blaes is a board-certified psychiatrist. Before joining Talkiatry, she practiced consult-liaison psychiatry, seeing medically ill patients with psychiatric problems at the Department of Veterans Affairs, where she also treated veterans in nursing homes. Dr. Blaes graduated from New York University with a B.A. in philosophy and photography and worked in nonprofit marketing in New York before deciding she wanted to pursue a life in medicine. Following a post-baccalaureate, pre-medical program at Columbia University, Dr. Blaes completed medical school at The University of Maryland, followed by a psychiatry residency at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. While at Johns Hopkins, she mastered clinical assessment and treatment of general psychiatric problems. She also received specialized training in eating disorders, addiction, reproductive psychiatry, chronic pain, and geriatric psychiatry, an interest she pursued further with a fellowship at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. In fellowship and in her subsequent experience at the VA, she developed expertise in caring for the difficulties that can accompany aging, including depression, anxiety, and memory loss, as well as the stress of medical illness. Dr. Blaes' practice focuses on medication management. She works to foster a safe and collaborative space in which patients can address psychiatric illness and other barriers holding them back from the lives they want to lead. Typically, she offers appointments for medication management coupled with supportive or emotionally focused therapy in 30-minute sessions. When Dr. Blaes feels that additional therapy is needed, she will suggest inviting a therapist to join the team for additional support and guidance. She welcomes collaborations with other clinicians, be they therapists or other physicians caring for her patients. She strives to build strong therapeutic relationships that help patients grow and meet their goals - whatever their situation, challenge, or life stage. Dr. Blaes welcomes patients from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds and is LGBTQ+ friendly. In addition to her background in geriatrics, she has experience working with peripartum women and enjoys working with patients navigating major life changes.

Myleka Garnett, LMFT

Staff Therapist

Myleka Garnett is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. Myleka attended Baruch College in New York City, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree, along with receiving her Master of Arts degree in Psychology from Brandman University in Monterey, California. While working towards her goal to become a licensed Therapist, Myleka completed 3000 supervised clinical hours. Myleka has been a part of the Mental Health field since 2016. Myleka has experience working with clients of all ages, backgrounds, and mental and physical health concerns. Myleka has worked in school settings (elementary, high school, and college) and in a primary care physician's office as an on-site mental health therapist. Myleka's main goal is to build rapport and to provide a safe and nonjudgmental space for all to feel comfortable when expressing how they feel, no matter what the topic of discussion may be. Myleka has provided individual and group therapeutic services, depending on what is most suitable for that specific person. Myleka enjoys using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) when explaining the importance of how our thoughts have an impact on our emotions and our behaviors/actions. Myleka also practices using client-centered and DBT approaches within therapy.

Ready to get matched?

Start our short assessment