Ayyappan Venkatraman
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19102
I am a general psychiatrist with a flexible approach to mental health that aims to combine the best of modern science and psychiatric medications (when needed) with talk therapy and spiritual healing. My aim as a clinician is to help people understand themselves better and feel more fulfilled, tailoring treatment to meet their unique history, circumstances and goals. I work with people 18 and older addressing a wide range of issues including mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, attention and learning issues, and addiction.
I am a general psychiatrist with a flexible approach to mental health that aims to combine the best of modern science and psychiatric medications (when needed) with talk therapy and spiritual healing. My aim as a clinician is to help people understand themselves better and feel more fulfilled, tailoring treatment to meet their unique history, circumstances and goals. I work with people 18 and older addressing a wide range of issues including mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, attention and learning issues, and addiction.
(215) 234-3966 View (215) 234-3966
Photo of Elizabeth Milburn, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in 19102, PA
Elizabeth Milburn
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, CRNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19102
I love working with any individual 18 and older who is experiencing difficulty with their mental well-being. My services include psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and meds + supportive therapy. I am an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community. I encourage folks to be active collaborators in their treatment. I am happy to now offer medication treatment for opioid use disorder.
I love working with any individual 18 and older who is experiencing difficulty with their mental well-being. My services include psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and meds + supportive therapy. I am an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community. I encourage folks to be active collaborators in their treatment. I am happy to now offer medication treatment for opioid use disorder.
(267) 460-4536 View (267) 460-4536
Photo of Theresa Webster, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in 19102, PA
Theresa Webster
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19102  (Online Only)
Are you tired of your addiction defining you? You may be unsure of the way forward, feeling anxious, fearful, angry, and hopelessness. You might not know how your addiction overcame you. But one thing is for sure: you’re ready for some relief. You’re ready to stop numbing your pain but instead break through it. You are ready to know happiness. Most of all , you are ready to live your life in recovery, without the chains of dependence. Clients come to me looking for a provider who understands there is not one pathway to addiction, because recovery is not one size fits all.
Are you tired of your addiction defining you? You may be unsure of the way forward, feeling anxious, fearful, angry, and hopelessness. You might not know how your addiction overcame you. But one thing is for sure: you’re ready for some relief. You’re ready to stop numbing your pain but instead break through it. You are ready to know happiness. Most of all , you are ready to live your life in recovery, without the chains of dependence. Clients come to me looking for a provider who understands there is not one pathway to addiction, because recovery is not one size fits all.
(878) 217-0967 View (878) 217-0967
Photo of Christina L Persaud, Psychiatrist in 19102, PA
Christina L Persaud
Psychiatrist, MD, MPH
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19102  (Online Only)
My goal is to help you improve your quality of life through the right combination of medications and therapy. My therapy style combines elements of psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness, and supportive therapy…along with the appropriate doses of sensitivity, empathy and humor.
My goal is to help you improve your quality of life through the right combination of medications and therapy. My therapy style combines elements of psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness, and supportive therapy…along with the appropriate doses of sensitivity, empathy and humor.
(646) 956-5955 View (646) 956-5955
Transgender Psychiatrists

As a gender-diverse individual, why might I want to see a therapist who is also gender diverse?

A trans or gender-diverse client may want to see a therapist who is also trans or gender diverse because the client may feel safer sharing their experiences and more confident that the therapist will understand, validate, and support them. But trans or gender-diverse clients can also benefit from therapy with cisgender therapists; this is a personal decision based on the connection between the client and the therapist, and if that connection is strong, therapy will be successful.

What if I cannot find a therapist who shares my gender identity?

Therapy can still be effective if a therapist does not share a client’s gender identity; a large body of research indicates that the most important factor in successful therapy is the therapeutic alliance. A therapist can also be interviewed for sensitivity and competence on gender identity and expression to ensure they possess appropriate knowledge and skills. Many therapists have excellent training and extensive experience working with gender-diverse clients, and that expertise can be invaluable despite a therapist not sharing the same firsthand experiences.

How can I recognize a good therapist for working with gender-diverse clients?

An experienced therapist should be able to help clients explore their gender identity and expression, alleviate discomfort related to their gender identity, treat mental health challenges and trauma, address existing relationships and communication with family members and loved ones, and determine the next steps pertaining to nonmedical or medical gender-affirming interventions. To recognize a good therapist, clients can ask about these topics and explore their comfort and connection with the clinician.

How might I inquire about a therapist’s experience working with transgender clients?

Clients should feel comfortable asking therapists directly about their experience working with transgender or gender-diverse clientele. For example, clients may ask about the therapist’s training and education with regard to gender identity, how many trans clients they’ve worked with in the past, and what sorts of matters were discussed. You may wish to inquire how a therapist specifically supports the needs of transgender clients or clients questioning their gender identity. A good clinician who is nonetheless not the right fit for you is often happy to make referrals to others based on the concerns you articulate in a preliminary conversation.