Aileen Kim, MD | Talkiatry
Aileen Kim, MD
Education and training
- The University of Chicago Medical Center, BS
- University of Illinois at Chicago, MD
- Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Internship and Residency
Get to know
Aileen Kim, MD
Dr. Aileen Kim approaches medication management with an emphasis on shared decision-making within safe, effective options, thorough counseling about what to expect in treatment, and giving attention to the concurrent use of non-medication modalities of treatment alongside optimizing medication. She is accustomed to working with people who have more than one diagnosis. She is skilled and experienced in de-prescribing (methodically streamlining the number of medications being taken) when needed. Patients can see Dr. Kim for medication management, therapy, or both. Dr. Kim is board certified in Adult Psychiatry. She graduated from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago in 2004. She was selected for the Health Professions Scholarship Program and completed her residency in 2008 at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth in Virginia, where she was chief resident. Following residency, she deployed to Kuwait as a medical officer. She has taught and supervised residents at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. She left active duty in the Navy as a Lieutenant Commander. After becoming a civilian, she went into solo practice, then joined Potomac Behavioral Solutions in 2014, where she served as medical director. Dr. Kim is a past president of the Virginia Psychoanalytic Society. She also lectures advanced mental health professionals for Lingyu International Psychology Centre based in Toronto. For established patients of Dr. Aileen Kim, please call 833-351-8255 to schedule an appointment and let the patient care coordinator know you are an established patient from her prior practice.
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Catherine Cashman, DO
Staff Psychiatrist
Background and credentials
Dr. Catherine Cashman is triple board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in Adult Psychiatry, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, and Forensic Psychiatry. She holds two Bachelor’s degrees: one in Finance from New York University, and another in Biology from the University of New Orleans. She earned her medical degree from Nova Southeastern University and completed an Adult Psychiatry residency at LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. Dr. Cashman subsequently completed two fellowships: the first in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at LSU New Orleans, along with a certification in Infant Mental Health (working with children ages 0–6 years and their caregivers); the second fellowship was in Forensic Psychiatry at the University of Rochester and the Rochester Regional Forensic Unit.
Treatment approach
Dr. Cashman brings an extensive and specialized skillset to psychiatry, informed by her triple board-certifications. Her treatment approach integrates clinical expertise from adult, child and adolescent, and forensic psychiatry, emphasizing accurate diagnosis, risk assessment, and evidence-based care. With specialized expertise in forensic psychiatry and competency assessments, she employs rigorous evaluation methods to accurately inform treatment planning and risk management, particularly in complex or legally-involved cases.
What you can expect in a first visit
Patients visiting Dr. Cashman for the first time can expect a detailed and comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. Given her forensic and clinical experience, initial assessments are thorough, focusing on clear diagnostic understanding, individualized risk assessment, and appropriate treatment planning. Patients can anticipate a collaborative, professional, and structured environment aimed at clarifying diagnoses and addressing their unique mental health needs effectively.
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.
Prit Patel, MD
Staff Psychiatrist
Dr. Prit Patel is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. He obtained his medical degree from the University of South Florida and subsequently completed his residency training at the University of Texas at Austin and Northwell Health's Zucker Hillside Hospital. During his training, Dr. Patel also served as chief resident of Zucker's Hillside Hospital's outpatient psychiatric department. Following his training, Dr. Patel has previously worked at New York Presbyterian's Gracie Square Hospital, where he served as an inpatient psychiatrist treating a variety of mental health conditions, utilizing a combination of medication management and therapeutic techniques in helping those experiencing distress due to their conditions. Throughout his training and career thus far, Dr. Patel has received several awards for his clinical care and contribution to medical and psychiatric education, such as Zucker Hillside's Psychiatric Educator award. Dr. Patel has also contributed to medical research in the domains of psychiatry and LGBTQ+ healthcare .Dr. Patel has an interest in not only treating disorders but also helping patients improve their overall well-being. He treats a variety of conditions including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and trauma-related disorders, through the use of medication and therapy. He has particular experience and interest in treating LGBTQ+ patients as well as young professionals and young adults.
Paula Bennett, LPC
Staff Licensed Professional Counselor
Paula Bennett, LPC, has been in practice for over 20 years. She specializes in CBT and individual therapy. Paula strives to provide a client-centered approach based on the individual’s needs.
Paula has a specific passion for victims of trauma. As a teen and young adult, she struggled with depression. There weren’t many treatment options at that time but she found a counselor who inspired her to help other with mental health issues.
Outside of work, Paula is known to enjoy reading, swimming, animals, spending time with family and watching movies. She also loves being able to help people and watch them grow.
Gary Bernard, MD
Staff Psychiatrist
Dr. Bernard is a board-certified Psychiatrist from New Orleans, LA, with fellowship training in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry at Stanford University. His career has spanned both academic medicine and clinical leadership, including serving as Medical Director of a hospital-based C-L Psychiatry service and teaching medical students and residents. His background in academics, leadership and subspecialty training allows him to bridge all aspects of his patient's health. His hobbies include yoga, meditation, martial arts, snowboarding and inline hockey.
Patients can expect a thoughtful, respectful, and collaborative approach. He works to understand both the biological and psychological aspects of each person’s experience, and he believes in creating individualized treatment plans that are practical and evidence-based. His style emphasizes open communication, setting clear goals together, and making sure patients feel heard and supported throughout their care.
He begins with a comprehensive assessment to understand each patient’s medical, psychological, and social background. From there, he partners with patients to identify their goals and tailor a treatment plan that may include psychotherapy, medication, lifestyle modifications or coordination with other healthcare providers. He regularly checks in on progress, adjusts as needed, and strives to create a therapeutic relationship that feels safe, structured, and effective.
Komal Shah, MD
Staff Psychiatrist
Dr. Komal Shah, M.D. is double board certified in adult & geriatric psychiatry. She did her residency at Nassau University Medical Center, New York & then did fellowship in geriatric psychiatry at LIJ-Albert Einstein school, New York. She has been practicing psychiatry for over 25 years.
Dr. Shah has extensive experience in evaluating & managing a variety of psychiatric disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, dementia, etc. She held an academic position as a clinical assistant professor at Rutgers-UBHC for several years. Dr. Shah has worked in various clinical settings including inpatient, outpatient clinics, partial hospital programs, nursing homes, thus serving vast variety of patient populations. She has also volunteered her services at NAMI (National Alliance for mental illness)-SAMHAJ to create & promote awareness of mental health issues in the community. All this makes her a very well experienced & efficient psychiatrist.
Dr. Komal Shah believes in creating a strong therapeutic alliance first with her patients based on mutual trust & honesty. Her primary modality of treatment is medication management, but she may also provide supportive psychotherapy and education, practicing evidence-based medicine. Dr. Shah likes to collaborate patient care with their medical providers and/or therapist.
April Blackwood, MD
Staff Psychiatrist
Dr. Blackwood was born and raised in Charleston, SC. She completed medical school as well as General Psychiatry Residency and Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship at the Medical University of South Carolina. She went to the College of Charleston for undergraduate studies and double majored in Psychology and Spanish. Dr. Blackwood is the first member of her family to become a physician. Her passion for mental health and her desire to help others are what paved the way for her to become a well-trained and highly motivated psychiatrist.
While working together, Dr. Blackwood will get to know you and will be open to you sharing as much or as little about yourself as you would like. Her goal is to create a safe, judgement-free space where you will feel comfortable and heard. When it comes to mental health, Dr. Blackwood understands that having a strong therapeutic alliance is equally as important as accurate diagnosing and medication management.
Dr. Blackwood strongly believes in a patient-centered model, in which medical decision-making is driven by patient preferences. Her job is to empower patients to make informed decisions regarding their mental health. Dr. Blackwood provides a platform with a no-judgement zone for you to feel safe during your appointments.