Skip to main content

Niles Drake, MD

Staff Psychiatrist
Languages
English
SPECIALTIES
ADHD
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Depression
LGBTQIA+
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
PTSD/Trauma
Geriatric
Medication Management

Education and training

  • University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Doctor of Medicine (MD)
  • New York-Columbia University (Fellowship)
  • New York Presbyterian Hospital Psychiatric Institute Program (Residency)

Get to know

Niles Drake, MD

Dr. Niles Drake is a board certified psychiatrist skilled in prescribing medications and working in psychotherapy. He combines a warm demeanor with excellent clinical skills, and has over 15 years' experience working with adult patients of all ages and many walks of life. He has special expertise combining medication and psychotherapy to help patients reduce symptoms and grow as individuals. Dr. Drake's additional training and experience in psychological modes of treatment enhance the quality of care he provides to all his patients, to meet them where they are and prioritize their individual needs and goals. He also provides medication management-only treatments for people who aren't looking for psychotherapy or who already have therapists. Dr. Drake completed his psychiatric residency at Columbia University Medical Center in New York. He also completed psychoanalytic training at the Columbia Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research. He went on to teach classes at the Center, educating candidates about the nuances of combining psychotherapy with other treatment modalities. In addition to providing outpatient psychiatric treatment for over 10 years in private practice, he has worked extensively in psychiatric emergency settings, supervising residents as attending physician at Columbia-New York Presbyterian Hospital and Long Island Jewish Hospital psychiatric emergency rooms. He also has special expertise treating college-aged and young adult patients, having served as staff psychiatrist at Barnard College's Furman Counseling Center and worked with many students from Barnard and Columbia in his private practice. Dr. Drake offers treatment for many psychiatric conditions, including but not limited to depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and personality disorders. He identifies helping people ease and overcome their psychiatric conditions as his calling, and approaches each patient with humility, diligence, and a collaborative spirit.

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

Hong Chen, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Hong Chen is a board certified adult psychiatrist and has been in practice since 2010. Dr. Chen received her doctorate degree in medicine at the University of Florida. She then completed her residency training at the University of Florida, Department of Psychiatry. She is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Dr. Chen has worked mainly in outpatient settings and often tailors individualized treatment to serve the needs of patients with a variety of conditions. She has a lot of experience in treating patients with depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, Bipolar type 2 and ADHD.

Dr. Chen’s practice is based on a holistic approach to mental health care; with special emphasis on self-care, mindfulness practices in addition to medication treatment. Dr. Chen

truly believes that focusing on wellness in conjunction with medication mediated symptom reduction will lead to a better outcome for patients. As a result, patients often enjoy the

supportive therapy, insight-oriented therapy and psychoeducation that is provided to them during their sessions with Dr. Chen.

Steven Mathew, DO

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Steven Mathew is a trained adult and child and adolescent psychiatrist. He recently completed his child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at the University of Miami/Jackson Health System, where he served as chief fellow. He completed his general psychiatry residency at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Dr. Mathew earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Georgia campus, a satellite campus located in the Atlanta metro area. He graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and afterwards obtained a Master of Public Health in Health Policy and Management.

Dr. Mathew has had extensive clinical experiences caring for patients across the lifespan in specialty inpatient units, partial hospitalization programs, emergency psychiatry, outpatient clinics, consult liaison psychiatry, and telemedicine. He has clinical expertise in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, OCD, ADHD, and tic disorders.

Dr. Mathew's treatment approach combines evidence-based medication management with supportive therapy, emphasizing empathy, collaboration, and goal-oriented care tailored to each patient and family.

Sarah Benito Figueroa, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Sarah Benito Figueroa is a board-certified Adult Psychiatrist and a board-certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. She earned her medical degree from the University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus.  She completed her Adult Psychiatry residency at the University of Connecticut. Following this, she sub-specialized in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at New York University. Prior to joining Talkiatry, Dr. Benito Figueroa served as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at a busy academic outpatient clinic and on an inpatient basis, providing care to children with complex medical needs.

Dr. Benito Figueroa strives to provide a patient-centered and collaborative approach when developing treatment plans. She specializes in medication management and supportive psychotherapy. When appropriate, she may make a referral for more specialized therapeutic interventions. For child and adolescent patients, Dr. Benito Figueroa encourages parental involvement at each visit to ensure a family centered approach is being followed to best support the child's needs.

During the first visit, Dr. Benito Figueroa will conduct a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation with a goal of understanding a patient's treatment history, current symptomatology and personal goals. She will work together with her patients to foster a collaborative environment, personalize treatment plans and support patients in achieving an improved quality of life.

Holly Hunter, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Board-Certified General Psychiatrist | Board-Eligible Child and Adolescent PsychiatristLicensed in New York, Illinois, and Arkansas

Dr. Holly Hunter is a dedicated child and adolescent psychiatrist, licensed to practice in New York, Illinois, and Arkansas. She earned her medical degree from LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, Louisiana, and completed her psychiatry residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). Dr. Hunter went on to complete a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at UAMS, where she also participated in the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) Program, specializing in neurodevelopmental disorders.

While Dr. Hunter has treated a wide variety of psychiatric conditions, her primary clinical focus is on children, adolescents, and young adults dealing with trauma and co-occurring mental health disorders. Her approach centers on providing medication management in conjunction with supportive therapy, typically through 30-minute follow-up visits. In cases where additional therapeutic intervention is needed, Dr. Hunter may suggest involving a therapist as part of a comprehensive care team to ensure the best possible outcomes.With experience at Burrell Behavioral Health, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, and UAMS, Dr. Hunter brings a wealth of expertise to her practice.

She is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to treatment, emphasizing individualized care and a holistic understanding of each patient’s unique needs.

Shahan Syed, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Shahan Syed is a Board-Eligible Psychiatrist who offers personable, compassionate, and empathetic care. Before completing his residency in psychiatry, Dr. Syed graduated from International American University College of Medicine and recently completed his residency at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in Paramus, NJ. He gained experience as a clinical researcher, emergency medical technician, and a registered nurse in both psychiatric and emergency departments prior to his formal training. This diverse background equipped him with valuable tools to deliver empathetic care to a wide range of patients with experience treating anxiety disorder, traumatic disorders, depressive and bipolar disorders, substance use disorders, ADHD, OCD, and psychotic disorders. During his residency, Dr. Syed also took on the role of chief resident, demonstrating a remarkable ability to educate both his patients and colleagues. Throughout his residency, Dr. Syed actively pursued additional training opportunities at various safety net hospitals in New Jersey to care for underserved populations.

Dr. Syed places significant importance on collaborating with patients and all relevant parties to gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors affecting the patient's life before making treatment recommendations. Additionally, Dr. Syed emphasizes the importance of lifestyle, sleep, mindfulness, and nutrition, and their impact on overall mental health. He has experience in utilizing interpersonal and supportive psychotherapy, along with principles of motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral therapy, to foster resilience and meaningful change in partnership with other mental health professionals involved in patient care.

Dr. Syed employs a range of therapeutic methods alongside medication management to ensure a thorough and holistic approach for every patient. His goal is to create a safe environment that encourages healing and wellness, enabling individuals to remain motivated and live their lives to the fullest.

Michael Escamilla, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

Background and credentials

Dr. Escamilla is a board-certified psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience in treating mental health conditions. He is a graduate of Harvard College and earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. He completed his psychiatry training at the University of California at San Francisco and further specialized through a research fellowship with the American Psychiatric Association. In addition to his clinical work, he is a Jungian Analyst and holds academic positions as an adjunct professor at Rutgers University Department of Psychiatry and as the Frank McMillan Jr. Scholar at the Jung Center of Houston.

Treatment approach

Dr. Escamilla brings a deeply analytical and research-driven approach to psychiatry, integrating traditional psychiatric treatment with Jungian analysis. He has a strong background in academic research and clinical psychiatry, contributing extensively to the field through research publications. His expertise spans a wide range of mental health challenges, and he is committed to understanding the complexities of each patient’s experience to tailor a treatment plan that best suits their needs.

What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation that takes into account their personal history, psychological patterns, and treatment goals. Dr. Escamilla’s approach emphasizes thoughtful analysis and evidence-based care, ensuring that each patient receives a personalized and insightful treatment plan. His sessions may incorporate medication management, psychotherapy, and Jungian analytical techniques to provide a holistic and individualized treatment experience.

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.

Ready to get matched?

Start our short assessment
Specialties
ADHD
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Depression
LGBTQIA+
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
PTSD/Trauma
Geriatric
Medication Management
States
New Jersey
Massachusetts
Languages
English
Takes insurance
Virtual visits
years experience