PTSD Psychiatrists in Washington

Dr. Regina Fu is a board-certified psychiatrist who began her interest in Psychiatry while studying Psychobiology at UCLA. After completing her General Psychiatry residency at University of Rochester, she emphasizes a holistic approach to mental health treatment using the biopsychosocial foundation. Her approach to patient care combines evidence-based medicine while recognizing the individual factors that can influence well-being. She has a special interest in Cultural Psychiatry and prioritizes providing personalized and effective care to a diverse patient population.

LaJoya McDonald is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with extensive experience across outpatient, telehealth, and managed care settings. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work and specializes in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, and life transitions.

LaJoya is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and collaborative environment where clients feel heard and empowered. Her treatment style is integrative and person-centered, utilizing evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), trauma therapy, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution-Focused Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, supportive therapy, goal-oriented therapy, and mindfulness-based techniques.

LaJoya helps clients explore their thoughts, emotions, and patterns while developing practical tools for coping, healing, and growth. She believes in tailoring each treatment plan to the unique goals, strengths, and values of the individual, and takes pride in walking alongside her clients through life’s challenges with compassion and respect.

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Dr. Jennifer Ruch is a board-certified psychiatrist who strives to understand her patients' lived experiences and aspirations to develop supportive therapeutic relationships through empathetic listening, mutual trust, and respect. She collaboratively creates individualized care plans that align with personal treatment goals in a safe and judgment-free environment. After completing her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Biology with a focus in psychology from the University of California, Merced, she earned her medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Ruch completed her General Psychiatry Residency at Arnot Ogden Medical Center in New York. Her clinical experience involves treating individuals of all age groups from diverse populations and socioeconomic backgrounds suffering from anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, and neurocognitive disorders. She has provided care in inpatient and outpatient psychiatric facilities, the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, emergency rooms, state facilities, and an inpatient chemical dependency center. She also performed pre-procedure psychological evaluations for bariatric and spinal cord surgeries, and psychiatric consult liaison services on medical units and has clinical training in inpatient and outpatient neurology. Her clinical experience incorporated treatment modalities such as pharmacotherapy and interventional psychiatry, including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Spravato. Dr. Ruch integrates a wide array of psychotherapy as needed; however, her practice primarily focuses on medication management while utilizing referrals to therapists and providing collaborative care for optimal outcomes.

Dr. Mott grew up in southeastern Idaho. She earned a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from the University of California at Berkeley in 2009, and her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree in 2014 from the University of Chicago. She completed her psychiatry residency at the University of Utah in 2018 and became board certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in 2019. Following her residency, she worked as an inpatient psychiatrist at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute in Salt Lake City, Utah and served as an assistant clinical professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Utah. In 2021 she moved to Dallas, Texas to work in a residential and partial hospitalization treatment center for eating disorders. She loves to incorporate psychotherapeutic techniques and goal setting together with medication management to help patients achieve wellness and fulfillment in their lives.

Dr. Mott enjoys treating a wide variety of psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, eating disorders and substance use disorders. She believes strongly in individualized treatment that focuses on holistic, compassionate and collaborative care with patients.

She loves to incorporate psychotherapeutic techniques and goal setting together with medication management to help patients achieve wellness and fulfillment in their lives.

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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.

Dr. Yacoub received his medical degree from Alexandria University and completed his psychiatry residency at Stony Brook University Hospital. He is double board certified in both general adult psychiatry and consultation & liaison psychiatry with over 20 years of clinical experience. After serving as chief resident, he joined Stony Brook University and became Associate Professor in clinical psychiatry. During his tenure at Stony Brook, Dr. Yacoub was director of the ECT service treating many patients with complex psychiatric disorders, which include treatment-resistant depression, severe bipolar disorders, psychotic disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post traumatic stress disorder. He also served as director of the medical student psychiatry clerkship where he received numerous teaching awards like Alpha Omega Alpha and Aesculapius Award for Excellence in Medical Education. Dr. Yacoub is an excellent diagnostician with expertise in complex mood disorders, psychotic disorders, interventional psychiatry, and advanced psychopharmacology. He has multiple publications and abstracts presented. Dr. Yacoub focuses on the interconnectivity of the mind, body, and soul. His care is only exceeded by his vast medical knowledge. In addition to medication management, he is proficient in supportive and interpersonal psychotherapy. He has treated adults, geriatric patients, and diverse populations including but not limited to LGBTQ+ and veterans. He is dedicated and empathetic to all his patients.

Farrah Lamoreux has worked almost exclusively in community mental health centers in Iowa and 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 the lead prescriber for Living Out Loud, a mental health program exclusively for LGBTQ+ persons. She has experience working with patients with comorbid mental health and HIV+ status, as well as a long history of supporting individuals with severe mental illness.

Farrah earned her Master’s in Nursing from Allen College and has mentored countless new Psychiatric Nurse Graduates in their first year of outpatient practice. She also precepts students working to achieve their Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Certification. Additionally, she was part of the pilot program for Integrated Behavioral Health Home, integrating primary care into treatment for patients with severe mental illness.

Farrah offers a warm, patient-centered approach to psychiatry. She is well known for being easy to talk to and down to earth. Farrah believes the patient is the most important part of the treatment team and actively engages patients in the decision-making process regarding their care. Patients say she listens, makes them feel heard, and tailors care to best fit their needs. She enjoys collaborating with therapists whenever possible to ensure the best outcomes. While Farrah specializes in the treatment of ADHD; she also treats Depression, PTSD, Anxiety, Panic, Agoraphobia, OCD, and Bipolar Disorder.

Severine Dondina, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with licensure in Washington and Florida. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and graduated summa cum laude with dual bachelor’s degrees in nursing and biomedical science. Her background spans outpatient, community, forensic, and crisis psychiatry, including leadership roles with Florida’s Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) and Multi-Disciplinary Forensic Teams.

Currently serving patients in Washington, Severine treats adults with ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. She brings a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach to care and is deeply committed to creating affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ and gender-diverse individuals. Her clinical style combines evidence-based medication management with warm, collaborative support.

Trilingual in English, French, and Spanish, Severine is known for her cultural sensitivity, clinical rigor, and authentic presence. She approaches each patient with curiosity, humility, and respect—believing healing begins with connection.

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Margaret Ngumi, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, is a dual board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of experience in healthcare. She began her career as a Family Nurse Practitioner and later pursued a post-master’s certification in psychiatry to address the growing need for accessible mental health services. Margaret has extensive experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings, treating conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, mood disorders, and substance use disorders.

She takes a collaborative, patient-centered approach to care, creating a safe and supportive environment where individuals feel heard and empowered. With a strong emphasis on holistic care, Margaret considers all aspects of a patient’s well-being—including lifestyle, relationships, and overall health. Whether through medication management, therapy, or lifestyle modifications, she is committed to helping patients achieve meaningful and lasting improvements in their mental health.

Margaret begins with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to understand each patient’s history, concerns, and goals. She then works closely with them to develop a personalized care plan that may include medication, therapy, and evidence-based lifestyle interventions. She prioritizes open communication, patient education, and ongoing collaboration to ensure treatment remains effective and evolves with each patient’s needs. Through her compassionate and evidence-based approach, Margaret is dedicated to helping individuals find balance and improve their overall quality of life.

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Dr. Schwartz is a board-certified Staff Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He completed his residency at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in Paramus, New Jersey, where he excelled in his leadership and knowledge, becoming the Chief Resident in just his third year of residency at the busiest outpatient behavioral health clinic in New Jersey. Upon completion of his third year of residency, he went on to become Chief Academic Resident of his program, which allowed him to bestow his knowledge of psychiatry on younger psychiatrists in training. After completing his residency in General Psychiatry, he went on to complete a fellowship in the prestigious Mount Sinai Health System in New York City, based primarily out of the Beth Israel location. During this fellowship he studied Consultation-liaison psychiatry, also known as psychosomatic medicine. It is an exciting subspecialty of psychiatry that focuses on the care of patients with comorbid psychiatric and general medical conditions. Consultation-liaison psychiatry deals with the understanding and advancement of medical science, education, and the provision of healthcare for medically ill and complex patients. Using his training, Dr. Schwartz can focus on using his extensive medication knowledge to help treat an array of psychiatric disorders. Despite medication management, he also works on a holistic approach to psychiatry, including working with the patient to get the proper therapy services when clinically indicated. During the initial interview, a thorough assessment is done, including any medical and psychiatric history, medications you may be currently taking, and supplements before any medication is dispensed. Using his knowledge in psychiatry and consult-liaison psychiatry, Dr. Schwartz's interests include depression, anxiety, ADHD, obsessive compulsive and related disorders, transgender patients on hormone therapies and post-surgical transition. He also has an extensive interest in medical illnesses with a psychiatric component such as cancer patients, transplant, HIV, and many others alike. He looks forward to working with you to enhance your emotional well-being.

Dr. Kerstin Asquith is a board-certified psychiatrist at Talkiatry. She has extensive experience working with a wide range of diagnoses and patient populations, with particular interest in treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD. She also has additional training in college mental health. Dr. Asquith believes in the importance of getting to know each of her patients and the unique issues that bring them into treatment. Her approach involves collaborating with patients to create personalized treatment plans and considering both medication and non-medication methods.

Dr. Asquith is from California and completed her undergraduate studies at the University of California, Davis. She obtained her medical degree from Creighton University School of Medicine and then trained at Stanford University's Adult Psychiatry Residency Program. She subsequently completed a fellowship in student mental health at Stanford University. Most recently, Dr. Asquith worked as an outpatient psychiatrist at The Permanente Medical Group. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, trying new foods, and spending time with friends and family.

Background and credentials

Dr. Phillip Azouz is a board-certified general adult psychiatrist. He earned his medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School, where he was awarded the Albert M. Barret Award for Distinguished Performance in Psychiatry. He completed his psychiatric residency at Florida Atlantic University. Prior to medical school, he obtained his undergraduate degree in economics with honors from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. His background includes research at the Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Center and the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind-Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. Additionally, he worked as a Mental Health Specialist at McLean Psychiatric Hospital.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Azouz provides a relaxed, conversational, and non-judgmental space for patients to reflect on and integrate all aspects of their lives. He believes that vulnerability is key to healing and growth and works with individuals seeking to improve mood, reduce anxiety, enhance sleep, boost attention, or heal from trauma. His approach blends the latest research in medical treatment with insights from psychotherapy and coaching. He specializes in treating major depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, addiction, and personality disorders.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive and collaborative evaluation where Dr. Azouz takes the time to understand their symptoms, challenges, and goals. He fosters an open and supportive environment, ensuring that treatment plans are personalized and aligned with each patient’s unique needs. His approach integrates evidence-based medication management, psychotherapy techniques, and coaching strategies to help patients achieve their full potential.

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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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Dr. Catherine Shim is a board-certified psychiatrist and completed her training at the University of Washington, where she received additional certifications in Psychotherapy and Community Psychiatry.  Prior to joining Talkiatry, she spent years serving the mental health needs of underserved communities as well as our Veteran population.  Dr. Cat is excited to bring that same dedication and selfless service to her Talkiatry patients!

Dr. Cat is experienced in managing a multitude of mental health conditions, but her specialty is providing behaviorally oriented trauma-informed care.  Her approach is to treat primarily through psychotherapy and behavioral change, with medication management serving as an important (and often essential) adjuvant to optimizing mental health.

Dr. Cat tends to have a very casual engagement style, so expect a frank but open conversation during your first meetings with her.  Following that initial screening, anticipate a candid discussion about her approach to your condition and an initial treatment plan.  Please feel free to bring up any questions or concerns at any time during this process, and note-taking is highly encouraged!

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Dr. Melody Stupey is a board-certified psychiatrist with over 26 years of experience treating adults in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She earned her medical degree from Oregon Health Sciences University and completed her residency at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Dr. Stupey is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Dr. Stupey believes in a collaborative approach to treatment, emphasizing active listening, compassion, and respect. She strives to create a warm, supportive environment where patients feel safe and empowered to speak openly without fear of judgment.

Her treatment process is holistic, considering physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors. She evaluates diet, physical activity, sleep habits, and thought patterns alongside medication needs. Dr. Stupey prioritizes using the lowest effective dose of medication to meet treatment goals while supporting the patient’s overall well-being.

Angelica Luciano, PMHNP, has been dedicated to health care for over 22 years. Her journey began in 2003 when she enlisted in the Air Force as a medic and later served as a nurse in the Department of Defense. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Indiana State University, was commissioned as a Nurse Officer in the U.S. Public Health Service, and went on to complete her master’s at Gonzaga University. Inspired by her work as a psychiatric RN, Angelica pursued her calling in mental health and became board certified as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in 2017.

Angelica provides care through a warm, direct, and nonjudgmental style. She takes a biopsychosocial approach, recognizing the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors in mental health. By combining psychopharmacology, patient education, and brief supportive therapy, she offers care that is accessible, collaborative, and authentic. Patients can expect to feel heard, respected, and actively involved in their treatment decisions.

Angelica begins with a comprehensive consultation to understand each patient’s history, concerns, and goals. This may take several appointments before finalizing a treatment plan. Plans may include lab work, collaboration with a patient’s broader health care team, and involvement of supportive family members if desired. Her goal is to create individualized care tailored to patient needs while ensuring comfort, advocacy, and trust. She emphasizes that patients are never defined by a diagnosis but valued as whole individuals.

Dr. Mary Lou Gutierrez is board-certified in both Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and General Psychiatry, with over 20 years of clinical experience. She earned her M.D. from Loyola University Medical Center, where she also completed her residency in Adult Psychiatry. She pursued fellowship training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Northwestern University’s Children’s Memorial Hospital. Her past roles include Medical Director for Compass Health Center’s Under 18 Program and Attending Psychiatrist at Loyola. She has been recognized as a “Top Doctor” in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry by US News and World Report and Negocios Now.

Dr. Gutierrez fosters a warm, collaborative environment where patients and families feel supported and understood. She emphasizes open communication and works closely with patients to define meaningful, realistic treatment goals. Her holistic, family-centered approach integrates medication management, therapy, and psychoeducation with a deep commitment to cultural sensitivity and compassionate care.

Dr. Gutierrez begins by learning each patient’s personal story, clinical history, and goals through a comprehensive evaluation. She creates individualized, evidence-based treatment plans tailored to each child’s unique needs and family context. She continuously collaborates with patients, families, and care teams to ensure treatment remains effective, combining psychotherapy, medication management, and coordination with other providers and resources.