Hector Cardiel-Sam, MD

More Clinicians

Rajesh Gaddam, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Rajesh Gaddam is a Board Certified Psychiatrist who provides compassionate and empathic care. Prior to his formal training, he worked in clinical psychiatric research at Northwell, gaining experience in evidence-based medicine. He completed his adult psychiatry residency at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, followed by Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at The University of Chicago, where he served as Chief Fellow. Dr. Gaddam treats children, adolescents, and adults for a range of conditions including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, OCD, ADHD, and substance use disorders. Dr. Gaddam emphasizes a collaborative and comprehensive approach to understand a person's life, their circumstances, and what has contributed to their symptoms. He recommends including a family member or close friend in at least one session to get a sense of challenges from a different perspective. Besides using elements of supportive and psychodynamic psychotherapy, Dr. Gaddam will refer and work with your psychotherapist to foster self-reflection and growth. He also greatly values a holistic approach to treatment, emphasizing the importance of nutrition, physical activity, sleep hygiene, mindfulness, and a support system to well-being. He wishes to provide a safe space to promote healing and wellness, so individuals can prosper in their lives.

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Puja Kumar, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Background and credentials

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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Vandana Kethini, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Kethini is a board-certified psychiatrist in General psychiatry. She completed her medical degree at St. George's University School of Medicine in Grenada. After completing her residency at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, she transitioned to an attending psychiatrist at the same place where she completed her residency. During her initial years as an attending, she took care of her own patients and supervised third year residents in the outpatient setting. After a few years, she transitioned to an inpatient setting, where she treated both voluntary and involuntary patients. She also continued to evaluate patients in the emergency room as part of the call group for the last 8 years. ‍Dr. Kethini is passionate about and very experienced in providing a holistic approach along with evidence-based care for patients battling depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, ADHD, and PTSD. She integrates supportive psychotherapy along with medication management and lifestyle changes such as nutrition, exercise, sleep hygiene, and stress management. She is focused on having a collaborative approach to treatment and forming a therapeutic alliance with every single patient under her care.

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Shilpika Varma, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Varma grew up in an immigrant family surrounded by aspiring doctors, and her passion for understanding the human mind and behavior blossomed early. This curiosity led her to pursue extensive medical training abroad, beginning at Kasturba Medical College in Southern India, followed by clerkships at the University of the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago. She completed her Adult psychiatry residency at the University of Florida in Gainesville and specialized further with a child/adolescent fellowship at Brookdale University Hospital in Brooklyn, NY.

Dr. Varma believes in a holistic, integrative approach to mental health. Her philosophy centers on identifying the root causes of ailments rather than merely addressing symptoms. She views mental health care as a partnership, where the mind, body, and spirit work together to achieve wellness. Dr. Varma is committed to fostering a safe, confidential therapeutic alliance to help you explore your potential for healing.

Dr. Varma embraces integrative psychiatry, which combines the best of conventional Western medicine with complementary approaches. This involves a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment tailored to each individual, incorporating psychopharmacology alongside lifestyle adjustments in diet, movement, and breathwork. She collaborates with therapists and other professionals to create a well-rounded treatment plan that honors your unique journey.

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Mohammed Basith, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Mo Basith is a board-certified psychiatrist in the field of general adult psychiatry. He offers a mix of pharmacotherapy in conjunction with psychotherapy in 30-minute sessions. Dr. Basith's approach to clinical practice is rooted in fostering a safe atmosphere in which to explore biological and psychosocial factors that affect mental health. He views medication as a tool that patients can use while also engaging in psychotherapy and making lifestyle changes to optimize their mental health. He encourages patients to be actively involved in their healthcare decisions. Although he has an integrative psychotherapy style, Dr. Basith may occasionally believe additional therapy is needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome. Dr. Basith received his medical degree at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He then went on to complete a general psychiatry residency training at Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Since completing his training, Dr. Basith has been working with a wide variety of adults, including as a staff psychiatrist at Georgetown University's Counseling and Psychiatric Service. He has experience treating patients with a wide range of psychiatric concerns including various anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar spectrum disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and substance use disorders. Dr. Basith utilizes pharmacotherapy along with facets of cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and supportive therapy as needed.

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Melissa Desa, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Melissa Desa is a board-certified psychiatrist who completed her residency in 2011 at the University of Rochester, where she served as chief resident of acute services. She stayed on at the university working in both the emergency room, or Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP), and community mental health clinic for Severely Mentally Ill (SMI) patients. She enjoyed supervising both medical students and psychiatry residents in both settings, teaching psychopharmacology and psychotherapy. She's also experienced in treating patients in long-term residential treatment, both in a state hospital for Severely Mentally Ill patients, and as part of a coordinated effort to restore competency for incarcerated individuals with severe mood or psychotic disorders. She most recently worked as part of a collaborative mental health team that worked with incarcerated individuals with mental illness. She enjoys collaborative care, through the lens of the biopsychosocial model, and helping patients tell their story in a safe space.

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Other Clinicians

Chelsea Bey-Moon, LCSW

Staff Therapist

Chelsea is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 7 years of experience in the field of mental health. Chelsea studied Sociology at the University of North Carolina in Charlotte North Carolina and obtained a master’s degree in social work at Norfolk State in Virginia. She has experience working with adolescents, adults, seniors, and families in various practice settings, such as psychiatric facilities, crisis stabilization/ substance abuse units, and outpatient agencies.

She specializes in working with individuals challenged with PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Self-defeating thoughts, Communication, Boundary setting, Coping Skills, Parenting, and Life transitions. Chelsea is passionate about providing holistic modalities of treatment to assist clients to manage mental health. She has experience using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered, Solution Focused, and Mindfulness Techniques, Person-Centered and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Chelsea's approach is empowering, direct, collaborative, and solution-focused, and she uses treatment modalities specific to the client's needs and goals. She believes in meeting clients where they are, advocating for clients’ needs, and creating a safe space for individual healing.

Chelsea is aware of the stigma created surrounding mental health in vulnerable communities. Chelsea believes that seeking therapy is a sign of strength and resiliency. Chelsea is honored to be able to support you on your journey toward healing and evolving.

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Sarah Flatin, LCSW

Staff Therapist

Sarah Flatin is a licensed clinical social worker in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. She received her Master of Social Work degree from Simmons University. Sarah has over three years of experience providing client-centered individual and family therapy services to a wide variety of clients. Sarah has worked in a variety of settings including community mental health, an outpatient clinic, and in-home therapy services. Sarah has experience working with clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, grief, family and relationship issues, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and other mental health concerns. As a clinical social worker, she believes that the best approach to therapy is a collaborative process with the client to achieve their goals. Sarah has experience with modalities including psychodynamic, tri-phasic trauma therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing.

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Barbara Lampert, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Barbara Lampert is a board certified psychiatrist, diplomat of The American Board of Addiction Medicine, and Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine. She trained at the Downstate School of Medicine in Brooklyn, NY, completed her internship at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, and her residency in Psychiatry at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA in Los Angeles. Over 30 years, she has worked in inpatient and outpatient settings, taught 3rd-year residents psychopharmacology in the Mood Disorder clinic she created, consulted in the prison system, and volunteered in the aftermath of natural disasters. She joined the New Mexico Medical Reserve Corps and was active in the Corps while working in her private practice. She continued to study the effects of trauma when she returned to California in 2008. She received specialized training in EMDR and Dialectic Behavior Therapy. In addition, she studied substance abuse problems and became a Diplomate of the American Board of Addiction Medicine. Empathy forms the core of Dr. Lampert's approach to treating patients. Working with trauma survivors, she believes that the goal is not to dwell on "the story” because patients often need time to reconstruct an accurate history. Rather, helping patients manage the challenge of living in the present moment is a worthy goal. Dr. Lampert has been named one of the Best Doctors in America for the treatment of mood disorders and one of the Best Doctors in California. She has remained dedicated to the dual path she's followed for years: excellence in Biological Psychiatry and psychology. She looks forward to working with you to help you achieve your treatment goals.

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Kerry O'Leary, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Kerry O'Leary is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who joined Talkiatry after she completed her psychiatry residency. Dr. O'Leary provides patient-centered care and understands the importance of actively involving patients in their treatment journey. She believes that every patient deserves personalized care tailored to their unique needs and circumstances. She utilizes evidence-based treatments combined with a comprehensive approach to address not only the symptoms but also the underlying factors contributing to her patients' distress. Although her practice focuses on medication management, she also provides supportive therapy and may recommend more intensive therapy when indicated. Dr. O'Leary approaches each patient with empathy and understanding, fostering a supportive and nonjudgmental environment. Dr. O'Leary completed her undergraduate training at The University of Texas at Austin and pursued her medical degree at The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. She also graduated with a Master's in Public Health from Columbia University in New York. She went on to complete her general adult psychiatry training at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. Dr. O'Leary focuses on treating the adult population from ages 18+. She utilizes both pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatment interventions and has experience in treating a variety of diagnoses including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, insomnia, PTSD, OCD, and psychotic disorders.

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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.

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Zeshen Wu, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Zeshen Wu is an ABPN board certified psychiatrist with more than 10 years of experience. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Texas at Austin, followed by medical school at the University of Texas Medical Branch. He completed residency in psychiatry at Dell Medical School in Austin. Dr. Wu focuses on effective and safe medication management as well as supportive and psychodynamic therapy in his practice. He likes to focus on a gentle, collaborative, and patient-centered approach. He specializes in forming individualized pharmacological treatments as well as taking time to explore stressors and psychological issues to achieve complete and comprehensive care. Dr. Wu had previously served as assistant professor of psychiatry at UTHealth McGovern Medical School in Houston and has been involved in many years of teaching and mentorship. At UTHealth, he also served as clinical faculty in one of the nation's largest inpatient psychiatric campuses and is experienced in treating a wide range of adult mental illnesses including mood disorders, anxiety, OCD, and ADHD.

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Hector Cardiel-Sam, MD

Education and training

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