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OCD Psychiatrists in New York

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ocd, cigna, new-york

13,000+

5-star reviews

86%

feel better after 2 visits*

6 days

average to first visit
*Based on patient’s responses to PHQ-8 or GAD-7 health questionnaires from 1/24-9/25.
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Finding a psychiatrist for OCD who takes Cigna can be overwhelming and time-consuming. We’ve fixed that.


Talkiatry has 418+ board-certified clinicians licensed in New York who specialize in OCD. We partner with Cigna and only match you with in-network clinicians.


You’ll work with your clinician to build a treatment plan for OCD that may include medication and cognitive behavioral therapy approaches.

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View Meena Shah, MD

Meena Shah, MD

Meena Shah, MD

Dr. Meena Shah is a board-eligible psychiatrist and has been practicing for over 16 years. She specializes in child and adolescent psychiatry. Dr. Shah's practice focuses on medication management in conjunction with supportive and emotionally focused therapy in 30-minute follow up visits. Dr. Shah believes in the importance of building a therapeutic relationship with her patients and families to help achieve their emotional goals. Dr. Shah completed her residency training through Richmond University Medical Center with NY Medical College and completed her fellowship at Brookdale University Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY. Dr. Shah has extensive experience with the child and adolescent population and worked with foster care programs as well as juvenile residential facility programs .Dr. Shah served as Children's Associate Medical Director at Directions for Living Mental Health Clinic and went on to become Medical Director at Sequel Care of Florida. In addition, Dr. Shah also received her Master's degree in Hyperbaric Medicine. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Florida with a major in psychology. Dr. Shah's primary clinical focus has been treating children, and young adults with ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety, and helping them establish coping skills to overcome any life obstacle.

10 years of experience

Licensed in AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY

Takes CignaUnited HealthcareBlue Cross Blue ShiledAetna

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View Michael Heneghan, MD

Michael Heneghan, MD

Michael Heneghan, MD

Dr. Michael Heneghan earned his medical degree from Cardiff University in Wales, United Kingdom, and practiced in both inpatient and outpatient settings in the UK and Australia before moving to the United States. He completed his psychiatry residency at Tufts Medical Center in Boston and a fellowship in forensic psychiatry at the University of Colorado. Board certified in Psychiatry and Neurology, Dr. Heneghan draws on experience with psychodynamic psychotherapy, CBT, and ACT to provide well-rounded, evidence-based care.

Dr. Heneghan brings a calm, kind, thoughtful, and thorough approach to his work. He prioritizes creating a safe and supportive space where patients feel respected and understood, helping them feel comfortable sharing openly as they move toward recovery and personal growth.

In the initial session, Dr. Heneghan carefully listens to each patient’s concerns, explores their history, and works to understand their goals. He provides a clear assessment and explanation before collaborating on a personalized treatment plan. His process is rooted in open communication, shared decision-making, and a commitment to empowering patients in their journey toward wellness.

10 years of experience

Licensed in AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY

Takes CignaUnited HealthcareBlue Cross Blue ShiledAetna

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View Tiffany Chu, MD

Tiffany Chu, MD

Tiffany Chu, MD

Dr. Tiffany Chu earned her medical degree from the University of Southern California and completed her psychiatry residency at the Medical Center of Aurora. She has experience treating a wide range of psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Dr. Chu takes a holistic approach to psychiatry, aiming to promote long-term wellness and address root causes. Along with medication and psychotherapy, she may explore diet, nutrition, lifestyle factors, and integrative therapies. She strives to create a warm, supportive environment where patients feel truly heard.

Dr. Chu values shared decision-making. She listens carefully to patients’ concerns and goals and collaborates with them to develop individualized treatment plans tailored to each person’s needs.

10 years of experience

Licensed in AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY

Takes CignaUnited HealthcareBlue Cross Blue ShiledAetna

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View Cecilia Fitz-Gerald, MD

Cecilia Fitz-Gerald, MD

Cecilia Fitz-Gerald, MD

Dr. Cecilia Fitz-Gerald is a board-certified psychiatrist trained in adult psychiatry and consultation-liaison psychiatry, formerly known as psychosomatic medicine. She has been practicing for over five years and has extensive experience working in a variety of clinical settings, including inpatient, outpatient, and emergency psychiatry. In addition, she specializes in working with patients with acute and chronic medical conditions that may be affecting their mental health, such as cancer, stroke, or a heart condition. She provides patient-centered care utilizing a collaborative approach to help her patients reach their goals. She is a native of Louisiana and a graduate of the LSU School of Medicine in Shreveport. She was elected to the prestigious medical honor society, Alpha Omega Alpha, during her fourth year of medical school and was awarded the John W. Bick Excellence in Psychiatry award. She completed her psychiatry residency training at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center where she served as Chief Resident and was a PRITE Fellow. Afterwards, she completed a fellowship in consultation-liaison psychiatry at Yale-New Haven Hospital. Dr. Fitz-Gerald has multiple scholarly publications, particularly in the fields of emergency psychiatry and hospital delirium and has presented at the annual conference for the Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry. She is passionate about academic medicine and enjoys teaching medical students and residents. Her other areas of clinical interest include ICU delirium and cardiac psychiatry.

10 years of experience

Licensed in AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY

Takes CignaUnited HealthcareBlue Cross Blue ShiledAetna

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View Joshua Riederman, DO

Joshua Riederman, DO

Joshua Riederman, DO

Dr. Joshua Riederman is a board-certified psychiatrist with a specialization in the treatment of adults aged 18 to 65. Dr. Riederman obtained his undergraduate degree in brain, cognition, and neuroscience from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He subsequently attended medical school at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and completed his residency training at JFK Hospital in Palm Beach, Florida.

Dr. Riederman places a strong emphasis on establishing meaningful relationships with his patients and supporting them in achieving their individual life goals through effective treatment. He actively incorporates patient preferences into all treatment plans and integrates psychotherapy with medication management. Dr. Riederman recognizes the importance of educating patients about their care and dedicates time during each appointment to address any questions or concerns they may have.

In his clinical practice, Dr. Riederman begins by facilitating an open dialogue with patients regarding their primary concerns for the appointment. During initial consultations, he conducts a comprehensive assessment, which includes gathering relevant medical, familial, and social histories that may influence the course of treatment. In subsequent appointments, Dr. Riederman engages patients by inquiring about developments that have occurred since their last visit, as well as any issues related to medications or significant life events.

10 years of experience

Licensed in AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY

Takes CignaUnited HealthcareBlue Cross Blue ShiledAetna

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View Antonio Ramirez Capo, MD

Antonio Ramirez Capo, MD

Antonio Ramirez Capo, MD

Dr. Antonio Ramirez earned his medical degree from Ponce Health Sciences University, where he also served as Chief Resident in Psychiatry. He completed residency training at Ponce Health Sciences University and the U.S. Veterans Health Administration, Caribbean Healthcare System, followed by a Fellowship in Consultation–Liaison Psychiatry at Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Board-certified in both Psychiatry and Consultation–Liaison Psychiatry, he has served as Director of Psychiatry at the Roberto Clemente Center and Clinical Assistant Professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Dr. Ramirez is bilingual in Spanish and bicultural, with published research in cultural psychiatry and stress biology, and has been recognized for teaching and leadership.

Dr. Ramirez focuses on compassionate, evidence-based care that integrates psychotherapy and psychotropic medications to promote recovery and growth. His collaborative and respectful style ensures patients feel heard while working toward meaningful goals. He emphasizes setting clear expectations from the start to foster confidence and engagement. With his background in consultation–liaison psychiatry, Dr. Ramirez brings expertise in caring for individuals managing psychiatric conditions alongside significant medical illness.

The first appointment is a comprehensive evaluation, during which Dr. Ramirez carefully explores a patient’s history, conditions, and symptoms. Based on this, he develops a personalized treatment plan and reviews it collaboratively, so expectations are clear. Future visits focus on monitoring progress, adjusting the plan as needed, and integrating both psychotherapy and medication management to best support the patient’s needs and long-term growth.

10 years of experience

Licensed in AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY

Takes CignaUnited HealthcareBlue Cross Blue ShiledAetna

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View Mary Birse, PMHNP

Mary Birse, PMHNP

Mary Birse, PMHNP

Mary Birse is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (ANCC) with over 20 years of nursing experience. She graduated magna cum laude with a BSN from Florida Atlantic University and earned her MSN from the University of Florida. She completed a Psychiatric NP Residency at the VA in Charleston, SC. Mary has worked in a variety of settings including the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center, the Palm Beach County Firefighter’s Clinic, various outpatient telehealth platforms, and a child and adolescent inpatient facility. She was also an adjunct professor at Palm Beach State College.

Mary believes in empowering patients through education and collaboration so they can play an active role in their mental health journey. She works to create a warm and welcoming space where patients feel safe, heard, and understood. Whether the treatment path includes therapy, medication, integrative approaches, or a combination, she ensures that the plan reflects the patient's needs and goals.

Mary takes a thorough and holistic approach to care. She spends time understanding each patient’s history and past treatments—what has or hasn’t worked—and listens carefully to their current concerns and future goals. By factoring in lifestyle and preferences, she works with patients to build thoughtful, individualized treatment plans.

10 years of experience

Licensed in AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY

Takes CignaUnited HealthcareBlue Cross Blue ShiledAetna

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View Moni Baidya, MD

Moni Baidya, MD

Moni Baidya, MD

Background and credentials

Dr. Moni Baidya is double board-certified in adult and geriatric psychiatry with over nine years of experience. She earned her medical degree from Manipal College of Medical Sciences and completed her psychiatry residency and geriatric fellowship training at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville. Her background includes work in nursing homes, acute rehabilitation centers, inpatient psychiatric units, and outpatient settings, providing care for diverse patient populations.

Treatment approach

Dr. Baidya strongly believes that developing a good therapeutic rapport is essential for successful treatment. Her practice primarily focuses on medication management, often combined with supportive, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), and couple’s therapy in 20–30 minute follow-up visits. She takes a holistic approach, particularly for patients with complex medical conditions that impact emotional health, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and family members when appropriate. In addition to general adult psychiatry, she specializes in geriatric psychiatry and women’s mental health, with a primary focus on treating women with mood and anxiety disorders and geriatric patients with newly diagnosed psychiatric conditions.

What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive evaluation where Dr. Baidya takes the time to assess their symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals. She fosters a collaborative and supportive environment, ensuring that treatment plans are tailored to individual needs. Follow-up visits typically last 20–30 minutes, with a focus on medication adjustments and therapeutic support. If additional therapy is necessary, she may recommend integrating a therapist into the patient’s care team for the best possible outcome.

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.

10 years of experience

Licensed in AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY

Takes CignaUnited HealthcareBlue Cross Blue ShiledAetna

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View Sherra St. Clair, PMHNP

Sherra St. Clair, PMHNP

Sherra St. Clair, PMHNP

Sherra St. Clair is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of experience supporting individuals with a wide range of mental health concerns. Her areas of expertise include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depressive and anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder, and trauma-related conditions.

She completed her advanced nursing degree at the University of Wyoming, where she was recognized for her compassionate and welcoming approach to patient care. Before becoming a nurse practitioner, Sherra was inspired to pursue further education while working as part of an inpatient treatment team that included psychiatrists, psychologists, patients, and their families. Witnessing the profound improvements patients experienced after a crisis motivated her to transition toward outpatient and preventative care.

Prior to her nursing career, Sherra worked as a medical illustrator and animator, having studied at the University of Michigan’s medical school. She enjoyed creating educational materials for patients, physicians, and attorneys.

Sherra is passionate about working with individuals of all genders and socioeconomic backgrounds. She uses a collaborative, strengths-based approach that incorporates evidence-based medication management, psychotherapy, and patient education. She believes each person is the expert in their own life and strives to empower individuals to build on their self-worth, progress, and potential.

10 years of experience

Licensed in AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY

Takes CignaUnited HealthcareBlue Cross Blue ShiledAetna

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View Janee Stokes, PMHNP

Janee Stokes, PMHNP

Janee Stokes, PMHNP

Janee Stokes is a highly experienced and dual-certified nurse practitioner, specializing in adult gerontology and psychiatry. With over 20 years of experience as a registered nurse, she brings a comprehensive background in healthcare, having worked with diverse patient populations ranging from young children to older adults.

In 2015, she earned her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and became certified as an adult gerontology nurse practitioner. She later expanded her expertise by obtaining certification in psychiatry, enabling her to provide holistic care for individuals with mental health needs. Her leadership roles have included serving as lead nurse practitioner and associate director of psychiatry at a federally qualified health center, where she played a key role in guiding healthcare teams and delivering quality care to underserved communities.

Janee emphasizes education as a core component of her care approach. She builds strong rapport through clear communication and trust, incorporating techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing to support her patients’ needs. This approach empowers individuals to take an active role in their treatment journey.

Her care process is guided by each patient’s goals, integrating evidence-based practices to ensure personalized and effective support that aligns with their unique needs and aspirations.

10 years of experience

Licensed in AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY

Takes CignaUnited HealthcareBlue Cross Blue ShiledAetna

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View Ariela Karasov, MD

Ariela Karasov, MD

Ariela Karasov, MD

Dr. Ariela Karasov completed her psychiatry residency at Stanford, serving as Chief Resident in her final year, and pursued a fellowship in Neuropsychiatry at Stanford Hospital. She is board certified in Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry and has worked as a National Expert in bipolar disorder at the VA. She has experience treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, and Depression, as well as patients with comorbid neurologic and mental health conditions. Dr. Karasov has also taught residents as adjunct clinical faculty at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics.

Dr. Karasov takes a collaborative approach, actively engaging patients in treatment planning and decision-making. She incorporates therapy into her practice, emphasizing each individual’s values and what gives their life meaning and purpose. Patients can expect a thoughtful, empathetic, and patient-centered environment where their goals and experiences are prioritized.

She values a thorough evaluation to understand how medical, psychological, and social factors contribute to a patient’s presentation. When appropriate, she invites family members or friends to provide collateral information to ensure a complete understanding, guiding a tailored and effective treatment plan.

10 years of experience

Licensed in AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY

Takes CignaUnited HealthcareBlue Cross Blue ShiledAetna

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View Camille Mendez-Maldonado, MD

Camille Mendez-Maldonado, MD

Camille Mendez-Maldonado, MD

Dr. Mendez-Maldonado is double board-certified in general psychiatry and geriatric psychiatry. She received her medical degree from the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine. She then moved to New York to complete her residency training at Mount Sinai Beth Israel where she stayed to complete her fellowship in geriatric psychiatry. After her fellowship, she proceeded to work at Woodhull Hospital where she worked as an attending before becoming unit chief and running their Special Pathogens Unit during the COVID-19 pandemic. She focuses on medication management and offers this in conjunction with supportive therapy, cognitive-behavioral techniques, a focus on nutritional psychiatry, and 30-minute follow-up visits. Dr. Mendez-Maldonado focuses on integrating nutrition, physical activity, and mindfulness techniques alongside pharmacotherapy to achieve a well-rounded approach to mental health.‍

10 years of experience

Licensed in AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY

Takes CignaUnited HealthcareBlue Cross Blue ShiledAetna

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View Alexandra Baluna, MD

Alexandra Baluna, MD

Alexandra Baluna, MD

Background and credentials  

Dr. Alexandra Baluna, MD, is board-certified by the American Board of  Psychiatry and Neurology. She received her medical degree from  LSUHC-Shreveport and completed her psychiatry residency training at  Montefiore/Albert-Einstein College of Medicine, where she served as chief of  the Consultation-Liaison (C/L) service. Following residency, Dr. Baluna  served as Senior Chief, during which she was honored with the Leo M. Davidoff  Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Teaching of Medical Students. Her  professional experiences include roles at Fordham University, Albert Einstein  Student Mental Health Counseling Center, and most recently, as an outpatient  psychiatrist at Maimonides Medical Center, where she enjoyed teaching and  supervising residents.  

 

Treatment approach  

Dr. Baluna emphasizes creating a warm, empathic, and nonjudgmental  therapeutic environment. She collaborates closely with patients to develop  personalized treatment plans that consider cultural, biological,  psychological, and social factors. With a strong interest in psychotherapy,  she frequently employs ego-supportive and insight-oriented therapy techniques  during follow-up sessions.  

 

What you can expect in a first visit    

During an initial visit, patients can expect a welcoming and supportive  atmosphere where Dr. Baluna conducts a comprehensive assessment. This  involves exploring the patient's history, current challenges, and individual  circumstances. The goal of the first session is to collaboratively build an  individualized treatment plan tailored specifically to the patient's unique  needs.  

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 speciualize in  medication management and collaborate with you on a treatment plan that fits  your needs and comfort level.

10 years of experience

Licensed in AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY

Takes CignaUnited HealthcareBlue Cross Blue ShiledAetna

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View Nilsa De Jesus Rosario, MD

Nilsa De Jesus Rosario, MD

Nilsa De Jesus Rosario, MD

Dr. De Jesus is a bilingual psychiatrist, fluent in English and Spanish. She is a double board-certified psychiatrist in Adult Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Dr. De Jesus provides medication management services in combination with supportive therapy during 30-minute follow-up visits. Dr. De Jesus received her medical degree from the Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. She completed her Adult Psychiatry residency at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, FL. Subsequently, Dr. De Jesus pursued her fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Pennsylvania and was a Chief Resident during her last year of training. Dr. De Jesus has been providing psychiatric services in the community mental health setting for 8 years. Her clinical focus has been in treating children, adolescents, and young adults with depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and ADHD. Dr. De Jesus believes in the importance of establishing an individualized treatment approach to meet each individual's need while providing comprehensive care to her patients.

10 years of experience

Licensed in AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY

Takes CignaUnited HealthcareBlue Cross Blue ShiledAetna

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View Nina Jacobs, MD

Nina Jacobs, MD

Nina Jacobs, MD

Background and credentials

Dr. Nina Jacobs is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry with over 20 years of clinical experience. She earned her medical degree from the University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine and completed her adult, child, and adolescent psychiatry training at NYU School of Medicine. Additionally, she has specialized training in psychodynamic psychotherapy from the New York Psychoanalytic Institute. Before joining Talkiatry, she served as Chief of Adult Behavioral Health at a busy urban community health clinic.

Treatment approach

Dr. Jacobs believes that understanding and compassion are fundamental to effective psychiatric care. She provides engaged, patient-centered treatment, focusing on reducing symptoms and restoring well-being. Her approach includes comprehensive evaluations, thoughtful medication management, supportive therapy, and the development of stress management skills. She treats youth ages 13-17 and adults with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, and other mental health conditions. For adolescent patients, she includes parental involvement during a portion of appointments to discuss progress and treatment plans.

What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive evaluation in which Dr. Jacobs takes time to understand their symptoms, history, and goals. She fosters a collaborative and compassionate environment, ensuring that treatment plans are personalized and patient-centered. Her approach may include medication management, therapy recommendations, and stress management techniques to support patients in achieving their mental health and well-being goals.

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.

10 years of experience

Licensed in AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY

Takes CignaUnited HealthcareBlue Cross Blue ShiledAetna

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View Melissa Sims, PMHNP

Melissa Sims, PMHNP

Melissa Sims, PMHNP

Melissa Sims, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who is passionate about delivering high-quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health care. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2022 and has since worked in both community mental health and correctional settings.

Melissa takes a collaborative approach to care, working closely with other mental health professionals, medical providers, families, and relevant support systems to ensure well-rounded treatment. She emphasizes a patient-centered, individualized approach, combining medication management with psychotherapy to meet each person’s unique needs.

Patients working with Melissa can expect a thorough evaluation, accurate diagnosis, and a personalized treatment plan tailored to their mental health goals. One of her core priorities is to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their care by providing education grounded in research, evidence-based practices, and clinical experience.

10 years of experience

Licensed in AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY

Takes CignaUnited HealthcareBlue Cross Blue ShiledAetna

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Only see matches that take Cigna

Tell us your insurance and we’ll make sure all your matches work with your plan.

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Find the right fit fast

Our process was built to help you get the care you’re looking for quickly, with personalized matches and easy online booking.

What psychiatry shouldn’t be

Overwhelming directories and hours spent searching
Request forms, phone tag, and waitlists
Out-of-network dead ends and surprise bills

What you get with Talkiatry

Personalized matches based on your needs, preferences, and availability
Instant online booking
In-network options only

Go from searching to scheduled in minutes

Patient attending a virtual psychiatry appointment on a laptop with a provider on a video call
1

Tell us about you

Enter your location, insurance details, and what kind of care you’re looking for.

2

Get in-network matches

We’ll show you clinicians who take your insurance, specialize in your concerns, and have availability.

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3

Get seen quickly

Great care shouldn’t mean a long wait. Our average time to a first visit is 6 days, not weeks or months.

FAQs

How does Talkiatry work?

Talkiatry is an online psychiatry practice designed to make high-quality mental health care more accessible. We’re 100% virtual, in-network with major insurance plans, and first appointments are typically available in days.

To get started, you’ll complete a quick online assessment to tell us what you’re looking for. We’ll match you with psychiatrists who are licensed in your state, in-network with your insurance, and experienced in treating your concerns. You’ll choose the clinician you’d like to work with.

Your first visit is an in-depth evaluation where your psychiatrist will listen, provide a diagnosis, and work with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your goals and preferences. You’ll continue seeing the same clinician over time, adjusting your plan as your needs evolve. Our team is always here to help with scheduling, insurance, and questions about your care.

Do you provide therapy?

Care at Talkiatry starts with psychiatry. If you already have a Talkiatry psychiatrist, they can refer you to one of our therapists if you’ve decided together that therapy is the right next step. However, you can’t see a Talkiatry therapist if you aren’t already seeing one of our psychiatrists.

What should I do if I’m having an emergency?

Talkiatry does not provide emergency care. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please visit your nearest emergency room, call 911, or call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

How much will my visit cost?

The majority of our visits cost patients $25 or less after insurance*, but your exact out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan. The best way to get a clear estimate is to contact your insurance provider directly. Here’s what to ask them:

  • Do I have mental health benefits that include outpatient psychiatry?
  • Is Talkiatry in-network for my plan?
  • What’s my copay or coinsurance for outpatient psychiatry visits?
  • Do I have a deductible? If so, how close am I to meeting it?
  • Do I have an out-of-pocket maximum? If so, how close am I to reaching it?
  • Are virtual or telehealth psychiatry visits covered the same as in-person care?
  • Is prior authorization required for outpatient psychiatry?
  • Can you provide a cost estimate for an in-network psychiatry visit using CPT code 99204?
  • Can you provide a cost estimate for an in-network psychotherapy visit using CPT code 90833?

*Includes all patient costs from 9/24-9/25: copayment, deductible, coinsurance, and $0 payments. Excludes missed appt. fees.  Your medical visit costs can vary depending on insurance coverage.

What if I don’t want to take medication?

Psychiatrists are medical doctors, and medication is often part of how they treat mental health conditions. At Talkiatry, your psychiatrist will start by listening and discussing your options with you. Medication is always your choice, but if it’s not something you’re open to considering, we may not be the best fit for ongoing care at this time.

How do I know if Talkiatry can help me?

Talkiatry provides virtual, in-network psychiatric care for people struggling with mild to moderate mental health issues. Here’s what we can help with:

  • Anxiety
  • ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder)
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Child & adolescent care
  • Depression
  • OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder)
  • Pregnancy & postpartum care
  • PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)
  • Substance use disorder

Our goal is to connect you with the best possible care for you. At your first visit, your doctor will confirm whether Talkiatry is the right fit. If they recommend in-person or higher-level care, they’ll guide you to the appropriate resources.

What if my insurance changes from Cigna?

Insurance changes are common, and we’re here to help. Talkiatry is in-network with thousands of plans. If your insurance changes, reach out to a Care Coordinator to update your information and confirm your coverage by calling 833-351-TALK (8255).

Do I still take the assessment if I’m already diagnosed with OCD?

Yes. Our online assessment is an important part of how we match you with the right psychiatrist. Your first visit will include a thorough evaluation so your psychiatrist can confirm your diagnosis and tailor your treatment plan to your current needs.

More ways we can support you

Our Cigna clinicians in New York can also help with:

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