Viga Naik, MD

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.

Dr. Krithika Mittakanti is a board-certified psychiatrist with experience in both outpatient and inpatient settings. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin and her medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. She completed her psychiatry residency at Baylor College of Medicine Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences in Houston, TX. Dr. Mittakanti previously served as a Staff Psychiatrist at the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center for over seven years, where she evaluated and treated veterans with a wide range of psychiatric conditions including depression, anxiety and panic disorders, PTSD, bipolar-related disorders, ADHD, and substance use disorders.

Dr. Mittakanti practices with empathy, compassion, and active listening, maintaining a non-judgmental approach to create a safe and respectful environment. She values open communication and works closely with patients to establish clear, shared treatment goals.

Dr. Mittakanti begins by gaining a thorough understanding of each patient’s history, concerns, and goals. She takes a holistic approach, considering biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors. Treatment plans are individualized and may include medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes, with a collaborative team-based approach when appropriate.

Shaneika Lindsay, PMHNP, is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner dedicated to providing personalized and empathetic care to those in need of mental health care. Her academic journey began with a B.S. in Biology from the University at Albany. She later received her B.S. in Nursing from Pace University and attained her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner M.S. from Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing, graduating magna cum laude. Shaneika's practice focuses on medication management. Occasionally, Shaneika may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome. For the last seven years, Shaneika has diligently provided care to our nation's veterans, working on a dual diagnosis inpatient psychiatric unit in the VA New York Harbor Healthcare System. In her time at the VA, she has gained extensive experience in managing substance abuse and co-morbid psychiatric disorders. In addition, while attending Hunter College, she completed a yearlong clinical rotation at Casa Promesa, a mental health outpatient and inpatient facility that services some of the most vulnerable and underserved populations in the South Bronx. As a Nurse Practitioner, her primary focus is holistic care, taking into consideration all physical, psychological, interpersonal, and environmental factors when creating unique treatment plans. She strongly believes that all of these factors are interconnected and play a significant role in any individual's mental health and vitality. Shaneika's goal is to work with clients to create a safe, non-judgmental, and collaborative treatment environment that promotes sustained healing and positive self-development.

Dr. Rodriguez is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. He earned his medical degree from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and completed his residency at the University of Southern California. Dr. Rodriguez has experience working in a variety of settings, including inpatient, outpatient, community mental health, and correctional facilities.

Dr. Rodriguez specializes in treating depression and anxiety. He acknowledges that while medications can be necessary, they are not magic, and a holistic approach is essential for achieving mental health. With this understanding, Dr. Rodriguez spends time getting to know his patients, focusing on helping them achieve mental wellness rather than simply prescribing medications. When he became a doctor, he made a pledge to "do no harm." He takes this commitment seriously and only prescribes medications, especially those with addictive properties, when it is safe and clearly indicated.

The first one or two appointments focus on a thorough assessment to establish a provisional diagnosis, which is essential for effective treatment planning. Once this initial diagnosis is made, Dr. Rodriguez collaborates with his patients to develop tailored treatment recommendations. During follow-up appointments, he actively listens to his patients and proposes adjustments to the treatment plan as needed.

Dr. Arif Patel is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. He obtained his medical degree from Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency training at Authority Health, an affiliate of Michigan State University. In addition, he has completed a Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Fellowship from the Michigan Psychoanalytic Institute. He has 4 years of clinical experience. Dr. Patel's practice focuses primarily on medication management. Follow-up appointments typically last 30 minutes and incorporate elements of supportive psychotherapy, CBT, and motivational interviewing. Dr. Patel utilizes a collaborative approach to treatment, ensuring that treatment plans align with patients' goals and values. Dr. Patel has extensive clinical experience in various psychiatric settings including inpatient, outpatient, and emergency settings. He has treated patients of various ages and of diverse cultural and spiritual backgrounds. He has extensive training in the community mental health system, where he has treated patients with severe mental illness and substance use disorders. Dr. Patel practices general adult psychiatry. His practice focuses on medication management in conjunction with supportive psychotherapy. Dr. Patel has experience in treating a wide array of psychiatric disorders including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma, and ADHD.

Dr. Sophia Mikityanskiy is a board-certified psychiatrist with extensive experience in outpatient and psychiatric emergency settings in Brooklyn, where she served a diverse patient population. She earned her medical degree from the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her adult psychiatry residency at Maimonides Medical Center, where she was Chief of Outpatient Psychiatry. Dr. Mikityanskiy spent six years as Associate Program Director and Director of Medical Student Education, mentoring future clinicians and leading initiatives to support mental health professionals.

Dr. Mikityanskiy creates a warm, supportive environment where patients feel heard and understood. She is collaborative, culturally sensitive, and integrates talk therapy with lifestyle interventions to address mental health holistically. She is thoughtful, detail-oriented, and values open communication to develop clear, personalized treatment plans with each patient.

Dr. Mikityanskiy begins with a comprehensive initial evaluation, listening closely to patient concerns, medical and psychiatric history, and treatment goals. She then develops an individualized plan, incorporating lifestyle modifications and shared decision-making. Throughout care, she remains actively involved, continuously adjusting plans to ensure patients feel informed and empowered.