Syed Abbasi, MD

Dr. Cyndia Choi has been board certified in psychiatry since 1991. She has 30 years of experience treating a diverse population of cultures, LGBTQ issues, and different age groups from young adults to seniors. After attending Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore for her bachelor's degree, Dr. Choi received her medical degree from The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey at Rutgers Medical School. She went on to complete a general medical internship at Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia and then her Psychiatric residency at the University of Pennsylvania .Dr. Choi has treated patients who have had a broad spectrum of diagnoses including major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress, bipolar disorder, OCD, panic and anxiety, and addiction. Although the majority of her work has been in outpatient care, Dr. Choi has worked in emergency settings, inpatient units, and as a consultation-liaison to medical units. She has also enjoyed the honor of working with US military veterans. Dr. Choi's specialty is medication management, however, she believes that a therapeutic relationship is crucial to treatment. Dr. Choi values the privilege of getting to know each patient personally to develop a patient-centered plan of care.‍Typical follow-up appointments with Dr. Choi are 30 minutes in length to check on medication effects and for supportive therapy. If she believes that you may benefit from more in-depth therapy, she may recommend adding a therapist to your treatment team. Dr. Choi also believes in a holistic approach toward helping you achieve a healthy and fulfilling quality of life.

Dr. Madiha Halim, MD, has experience practicing psychiatry in both Pakistan and the United States, giving her a well-rounded understanding of mental health across diverse cultures. She earned her medical degree from Army Medical College in Pakistan and completed her psychiatry residency at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, where she also served as Chief Resident Physician. In this role, she gained extensive academic and administrative experience while mentoring junior residents and contributing to program development.

Dr. Halim values open communication and strives to create a therapeutic environment rooted in empathy, warmth, and respect. She collaborates with patients to develop individualized treatment plans that integrate cultural, biological, psychological, and social factors. While her primary focus is on medication management, she often incorporates supportive therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing for a holistic and patient-centered approach.

Dr. Halim begins by taking time to understand each patient’s background, concerns, and goals during the initial session. She emphasizes collaboration, ensuring patients are informed and involved in their treatment decisions. Her process fosters empowerment and partnership, helping patients gain insight, build coping strategies, and achieve long-term mental wellness.

Dr. Kamyl Bogan, a board-certified psychiatrist, attended Vanderbilt University for her undergraduate education and earned her medical degree from the Quillen College of Medicine. She completed her psychiatry residency and community fellowship at the University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville. Dr. Bogan was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society in recognition of her compassionate care and was selected as an APA SAMHSA Fellow, where she designed a conference focused on resources for individuals with substance use disorders.

Dr. Bogan strives to create a welcoming and supportive environment for her patients. She listens with empathy and compassion, ensuring that every individual feels heard and safe throughout their care. She is dedicated to practicing with cultural humility and responsiveness, using evidence-based approaches to meet the diverse needs of those she serves.

In initial appointments, Dr. Bogan takes time to explore each patient’s history, primary concerns, and symptoms. Together, they establish treatment goals and collaborate on a personalized plan that may include medication management, therapy, or a combination of both to promote meaningful and sustainable improvement.

Background and credentials

Dr. Sabera Saklayen is a board-certified psychiatrist licensed in Adult Psychiatry. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University and her medical degree from Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine. She completed her psychiatry training at Stony Brook University Hospital, where she served as chief resident and was awarded the William Turner Award for outstanding performance in psychiatry residency. She has extensive experience treating diverse populations, including vulnerable and underserved communities, having worked as an outpatient psychiatrist at Bellevue Hospital for two years.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Saklayen specializes in medication management but takes a holistic, patient-centered approach that integrates supportive therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and motivational interviewing (MI). She has extensive experience treating depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety, OCD, insomnia, and substance use disorders. She is particularly skilled in treating college students and individuals navigating difficult life transitions. If more in-depth therapy is needed, she may refer patients to a therapist as part of a comprehensive care plan.

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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. Saklayen carefully assesses symptoms, history, and treatment goals. She prioritizes collaboration and individualized treatment planning, ensuring that patients feel comfortable and supported in their mental health care. Follow-up visits are typically 30 minutes and focus on medication management and therapy integration, with referrals to additional therapy when needed for the best possible outcome.

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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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Melissa Sims, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who is passionate about delivering high-quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health care. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2022 and has since worked in both community mental health and correctional settings.

Melissa takes a collaborative approach to care, working closely with other mental health professionals, medical providers, families, and relevant support systems to ensure well-rounded treatment. She emphasizes a patient-centered, individualized approach, combining medication management with psychotherapy to meet each person’s unique needs.

Patients working with Melissa can expect a thorough evaluation, accurate diagnosis, and a personalized treatment plan tailored to their mental health goals. One of her core priorities is to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their care by providing education grounded in research, evidence-based practices, and clinical experience.

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Tracy King, PMHNP-BC, is a compassionate and board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner dedicated to supporting individuals on their mental health journeys. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from The Ohio State University and has experience working with individuals across the lifespan.

Tracy has worked in a variety of clinical settings, addressing a broad range of mental health concerns. She is driven by a strong commitment to serving those in need and takes pride in delivering trauma-informed, evidence-based care tailored to each individual’s unique circumstances.

Her approach centers on creating a supportive environment where patients feel heard, valued, and empowered. Tracy’s goal is to help individuals build resilience, enhance well-being, and achieve meaningful, lasting change.

Believing that each person is the expert in their own life, Tracy takes time to listen, understand, and build genuine connections. She collaborates closely with her patients to develop care plans that reflect a whole-person perspective.

Tracy emphasizes shared decision-making and a holistic approach to mental health care. Her calm, positive demeanor and approachable communication style foster trust and openness, allowing her to build strong therapeutic relationships that support healing and growth.

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