Lauren Morris, MD

Dr. Kristin Ratz is a Board-Certified psychiatrist who is an expert in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional and behavioral disorders. She specializes in medication management combined with supportive therapy during 30-minute follow-up sessions. Dr. Ratz recognizes that each patient is unique and believes in an environment of collaboration, in which the patient and psychiatrist work together in order to develop the best individualized treatment plan. A California local, Dr. Ratz obtained her undergraduate education at University of California, Davis, graduating magna cum laude with a degree in Human Development. She then attended medical school at Loma Linda University School of Medicine, obtaining her Medical Doctorate. Following this, she completed her adult psychiatry residency training at the distinguished University of California, Irvine. Dr. Ratz has worked in a diverse range of healthcare settings, including county and community clinics, and is very experienced in telepsychiatry. She pays close attention to not only an individual's emotional state, but also their physical, spiritual, and social well-being, in order to provide her patients with exceptional holistic care.

Dr. Vina Mehta is double-boarded in adult psychiatry and child & adolescent psychiatry. With over 30 years of experience, she has provided compassionate care across inpatient, residential, and outpatient settings. She is committed to supporting patients with a wide range of psychiatric conditions, including PTSD, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, OCD, and ADHD.

Dr. Mehta works collaboratively with her patients, creating a supportive environment that emphasizes understanding and shared decision-making. She values open communication and tailors treatment approaches to align with each patient’s unique goals and needs.

Her approach combines psychotherapy—including cognitive, behavioral, and supportive techniques—with thoughtful medication management. Dr. Mehta establishes individualized treatment plans, focusing on strategies that promote long-term wellness and resilience.

Thomas Sargent, MD, holds a master's degree in pharmacology and a Doctor of Medicine from Tulane University School of Medicine. He completed his psychiatry residency at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai West/Morningside in New York City. Over the past four years, he has treated a wide range of mental health conditions in various clinical settings. Dr. Sargent has extensive experience treating mood, anxiety and psychotic disorders, PTSD, OCD, personality disorders, and substance use issues. He utilizes both medication management and psychotherapy to provide comprehensive care. Dr. Sargent has received specialized training at the VA and the Center for Intensive Treatment of Personality Disorders in NYC. Passionate about holistic treatment, Dr. Sargent considers the biological, psychological, and social factors that influence mental health. He believes in addressing core issues through targeted care rather than defaulting to prescribing multiple medications. Dr. Sargent strives to create a supportive environment where patients can openly express their concerns. He believes in shared decision-making to ensure that care is evidence-based but also tailored to each patient's unique needs. Dr. Sargent takes the time to thoroughly explain diagnoses and treatment options, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their mental health. His approach emphasizes patient autonomy and aims to build trust, leading to more effective and personalized care outcomes.

Dr. Solomon’s presence at Talkiatry brings her career full circle and back to her greatest joy as a psychiatrist—working directly with patients one‑on‑one to help them integrate the complexity of their feelings, beliefs, and personal reality in the context of an increasingly complicated world around them.

Her qualifications include a B.A. in biology from Harvard University and an M.D. from Tufts School of Medicine. She completed psychiatry residencies at Mt. Sinai and Brown and is board certified in both Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. Her four decades of practice have exposed her to an eclectic range of cultures, ethnicities, and pathologies in a wide variety of settings, from solo practice to regional medical centers to academic institutions. Her breadth and depth of clinical and life experience have helped her transcend cultural biases and institutional conventions and to more clearly see each patient as a uniquely complex and lovable individual.

Dr. Solomon takes a compassionate, individualized, and pragmatic approach to treatment, beginning in the first visit with a full history and discussion with the patient of their symptoms, challenges, and goals. Follow‑up visits are tailored to the patient’s evolving needs and combine shared insights and tools such as medications and behavioral practices to support them as she guides them on their unique journey toward their best life, on their terms.

Dr. Tahira Akbar specializes in adult psychiatry, she completed her four years of residency training at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in Paramus NJ and additional two years of geriatric psychiatry fellowship from SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY. During her final year of the of residency training, she was appointed as the chief of research. She utilized her extensive research experience to guide and mentor her fellow residents. Under her supervision the program submitted maximum number of research papers and presented medical posters to various psychiatric platforms including American Psychiatric Association.

Dr. Akbar was introduced to tele-psychiatry during the second year of her fellowship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She appreciated that tele-psychiatry allowed her to continue to serve her patients in the comfort of their own homes. During the challenging times of social distancing, she recognized the importance of collaborative care involving family members, social workers, medical team, and therapist to work together in the best interest of her patients while protecting their privacy and individuality.

Dr. Akbar has excellent communication skills, she believes that an open communication is essential for any relationship to prosper especially that of doctor-patient relationship. She provides a comforting environment for her patients to be able to express their needs and encourages feedback while preparing their individual treatment plan. She is experienced in providing psychiatric care to all age groups while her clinical interest focuses on taking care of adults and geriatric population. Dr. Akbar emphases on medication management utilizing a multidisciplinary methodology when treating each patient based on their requirements and tailoring treatment appropriately.

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.    

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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.    

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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.  

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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.