About
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Dr. Dholakia
I am a board-certified psychiatrist who works with people of all ages to help enable mental, emotional, and behavioral changes that lead to improving and maximizing wellbeing.
In addition to my work with children, teens, and their families, I help corporate executives, physicians, and other professionals with stressful careers create balance and equanimity in their lives.
I specialize in psychopharmacology and use evidence-based treatments—including medication management, appropriate psychotherapeutic recommendations, and lifestyle adjustments—to ensure your treatment plan offers you the best possible support. I treat a wide range of pediatric and adult disorders, with a special interest in Autism, OCD and ADHD. I also provide comprehensive second opinion evaluations for complex cases that are not responding to treatment.
In order to best serve you, I take time to get to know you or your child beyond the initial reason that was the catalyst for our visit. Together, we identify your strengths as well as your difficulties. I collaborate continuously with family members, primary care physicians, psychotherapists, educators, mental health agencies, and other involved parties to create an integrated treatment plan for your optimal mental health that is unique to you.
Thalia Ford, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC
Thalia is a board-certified Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), specializing in Family Practice and Psychiatric Mental Health Across the Lifespan, certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), graduating Cum Laude, from Shenandoah University, followed by a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Simmons College. Thalia further honed her expertise with a Post-Master’s Certification in Psychiatric Mental Health from Wilkes University.
With over a decade of experience in a hospital setting, Thalia initially worked in orthopedics, cardiology, and medical observation units. She later transitioned to the community as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and, ultimately, as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)—a role that aligns with her true calling. Over the past seven years, she has gained invaluable experience working with diverse patient populations in community health, private practice, and long-term care settings.
Passionate about holistic care, Thalia is dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered treatment to individuals from all walks of life. She is grounded in evidence-based practices and takes great pride in building strong, trusting relationships with her patients, empowering them to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Thalia also serves as a nursing professor, mentoring students through both their academic and clinical journeys. She remains actively involved in student education, guiding the next generation of healthcare professionals and offering them hands-on experiences that enhance their learning.
A staunch advocate for mental health, Thalia works tirelessly to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health challenges. She is committed to ongoing professional development, continually expanding her knowledge through education and certifications to ensure she provides the most current and compassionate care to her patients.
Testimonials
Psychiatric Background
Board Certification
Diplomate of American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology: General Adult Psychiatry
Diplomate of American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology: Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Diplomate of American Board of Obesity Medicine
Training, Education, and Research
Fellowship in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Hofstra North Shore- LIJ School of Medicine, New York (currently Northwell Health)
Residency in General Psychiatry
UMDNJ- New Jersey Medical School, New Jersey (currently Rutgers New Jersey Medical School)
Master of Public Health (M.P.H)
UMDNJ- School of Public Health, New Jersey (currently Rutgers School of Public Health)
New Jersey Autism Study (2009- 2011)
Clinician Reviews for CDC sponsored Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network
Awards/Recognitions
Commitment to Excellence Award, Wayne Memorial Hospital, 2016
Community Service Excellence Award, Pike Behavioral Health, 2015
Clinical Excellence Award, Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Hofstra North Shore- LIJ, 2013
Chief Fellow, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Hofstra North Shore- LIJ, 2012-2013
Lester Granet Resident Achievement Award for Leadership, clinical skills and teaching, UMDNJ- NJMS, 2011
Chief Resident, General Adult Psychiatry, UMDNJ- New Jersey Medical School, 2010-2011
Vice President – New Jersey Psychiatric Association Residents’ Chapter, 2010-2011
Golden Apple Award Nominee for Excellence in Teaching Medical Students, UMDNJ- NJMS, 2010
Best Research Paper Award, New Jersey Psychiatric Association, 2010
Assistant Chief Resident, General Adult Psychiatry, UMDNJ- New Jersey Medical School, 2009-2010