Thomas Crane, MD

Dr. Triston Wong is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who emphasizes a collaborative approach and strong therapeutic alliance in the treatment of psychiatric conditions. Though his practice focuses on medication management, Dr. Wong advocates for a holistic approach to treatment. He may incorporate elements of various psychotherapies, including supportive, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), and insight-oriented therapy. At times, Dr. Wong may believe that additional therapy is needed for the best outcome and recommend that you bring a dedicated therapist into your care team. Dr. Wong completed his undergraduate studies at Tulane University. He received his medical degree from Louisiana State University New Orleans School of Medicine, then completed his residency training in general psychiatry at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Wong has experience working with patients of widely varying backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses. He works primarily with adult patients struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, and grief. ‍

Dr. Mark Varela is a board-certified psychiatrist joining Talkiatry directly out of residency. He focuses primarily on medication management, often accompanied by brief cognitive, motivational, or supportive therapy. He may request that you also meet with a therapist regularly for your benefit. Dr. Varela received his medical degree and general psychiatric residency training both from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in West Texas. He treats young adults and adults with a wide variety of mental health concerns, including ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD.

Dr. John Hendrick is a practicing psychiatrist who has recently served as medical director for clinical services at Erlanger Behavioral Health Hospital in Chattanooga, TN. After several years of private practice, he had served as Chief of Inpatient Psychiatric Services and then as Chief of Psychiatry at Mountain Home VA Medical Center. During his time at Mountain Home VA he was also a Professor of Psychiatry at Quillen Medical School at East Tennessee State University where he taught General Psychiatry courses and the Neurosciences of Psychiatry. His specialties include affective and anxiety disorders and he has specific expertise in neuropsychiatry, psychopharmacology and alternative treatments for affective disorders. He is a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and is a Past President of both the Tennessee Psychiatric Association and the Southern Psychiatric Association. He has been awarded a Distinguished Service Award from the United States Public Health Service. He has been twice named the Outstanding Teacher Award from the ETSU Psychiatry Residency program and was awarded Course Director of the year for the Neurosciences residency course he developed. He holds an Irma J. Bland Award for Excellence in Psychiatric Education from the APA. He has an extensive psychiatric background in practice and as a teacher. He practices psychotherapy from an Eriksonian perspective and is well versed in individual and psychodynamic psychotherapies.

Dr. Nicholas Sahagian is a Psychiatrist in Colorado who has been practicing since 2023. He completed his MD and Adult Psychiatry Residency at the Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University and earned his BA in Neuroscience at Skidmore College. Dr. Sahagian has experience managing a broad array of complex psychiatric diagnoses in patients of diverse socioeconomic, cultural, and clinical backgrounds. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, biking, skiing, playing guitar, reading, and collecting board games.

Dr. Sahagian offers psychiatric medication management while also incorporating elements of cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, internal family systems, and lifestyle interventions. He believes that every patient is unique, and he works to create a supportive environment where individuals feel heard and empowered in their care.

Grounded in the biopsychosocial model, Dr. Sahagian takes a collaborative, patient-centered approach. He partners with patients to develop personalized treatment plans that integrate biological, psychological, and social factors, with the goal of guiding them along their path to improved wellness.

Dr. Panchal is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who works with motivated adults to navigate and discover the root of their mental health struggles. Since working in private practice, Dr. Panchal knows that discovering the root of difficulties allows clients to find healthy perceptions of themselves and strengthen their relationships so they can know themselves as a whole. She is trained in multiple therapeutic modalities as well as medication management, implementing individually tailored treatment. Her educational background includes training in psychodynamic psychotherapy with the Psychoanalytic Association of New York. She has completed her psychiatry training at Delaware Psychiatry Residency Program in New Castle, Delaware.

Dr. Akhtar is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in compassionate and comprehensive mental health care. She focuses on medication management for a wide range of psychiatric conditions, providing supportive therapy to help individuals navigate life's challenges and enhance their overall well-being, while emphasizing lifestyle changes and the development of coping skills. Dr. Akhtar completed her medical degree at the American University of Antigua, gaining a profound understanding of the biological, psychological, and social aspects of mental health. Following her residency at Bergen, Newbridge Medical Center, where she was appointed Chief Resident in her fourth year, she worked for several years in both inpatient and outpatient hospital settings. Committed to holistic wellness, Dr. Akhtar believes in empowering individuals to make positive changes in their lives and offers guidance on nutrition, exercise, sleep hygiene, and stress management techniques. She is dedicated to fostering a therapeutic alliance built on trust, empathy, and collaboration. Her approach is rooted in evidence-based practices and tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual under her care.