What is a psychiatrist?

A psychiatrist is a doctor of medicine (MD or DO) who attended medical school and then trained further to use various methods, but mostly medication, to improve individuals’ mental health.

Psychologists and therapists differ from psychiatrists in that only psychiatrists can prescribe medications. Psychologists, therapists, and psychiatrists are all qualified to provide talk therapy. However, I specialize in  medication management rather than talk therapy.

Are you accepting new patients?

Yes! Call 510.393.2909 for a free mini-consultation today!

What is different about how you approach mental health?

My approach to mental health is different in several ways. While I do treat mental illness with medications in the traditional manner that I learned in residency, I also incorporate other treatment modalities to boost overall health. That means that I pay special attention to your physical health and/or any medical illnesses you may have as the mind and body are connected. In addition, I will work with your dietary and exercise needs and offer recommendations for changes if you are amenable. Nutraceutical treatments are also a treatment modality that I incorporate.

Generally, I provide a holistic approach to your mental health.

What can I expect in a session with you?

Prior to the first session, I will ask you to complete a questionnaire that will tell me about you and your medical and psychiatric history. During our first session, we will meet over a HIPAA-compliant Zoom platform. I will listen to your reasons for coming to session with me and I will also ask you clarifying questions about your history. If you are interested in nutrition/nutraceutical treatments, we will discuss your current diet, exercise, and lifestyle. After our discussion, I will recommend some treatments and directions for moving forward. The following sessions will be shorter and we will work together to assess how treatments are progressing and amending treatment modalities as needed.       

Mental health care is expensive and you do not take insurance; is it worth it to pay out of pocket?

Health, including mental health, is the most important asset one can have. Mental health allows us to enjoy life, family, friends and improve our functioning at work and/or school. Everyone must decide for themselves how much they are willing and able to pay for quality, specialized health care.  

My price point allows for specialized mental health care and other perks in my practice. It allows for longer appointment times, shorter waiting periods for an appointment, and all-inclusive pricing. All-inclusive pricing includes the session, treatment recommendations, lab interpretations, prior authorizations, communications with your other physicians, brief letters (such as work notes), and discounts on select prescribed nutraceuticals. In addition to general psychiatric treatment, I also offer specialized treatments for those with medical conditions, those who are family planning/pregnant/postpartum, those going through fertility treatments, and bariatric/cosmetic surgery consultations.

What disorders do you help me manage?

A list of general mental health concerns that I treat are listed below. This is not an exhaustive list.

• major depressive disorder

• anxiety disorders

• bipolar disorder

• schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder

• obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

• post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• various mood disorders

• peripartum depression/postpartum depression

• peripartum psychosis/postpartum psychosis

I want to have a baby but am taking psychiatric medications. Can you help me?

Yes! I can work with you on the risks and benefits of the medications while one is pregnant and give recommendations regarding your specific situation. I will continue working with you through your pregnancy and postpartum period to monitor for mental health concerns including postpartum depression.

I am getting IVF or other fertility treatments while on psychiatric medications. Can you still help me?

Yes! I will work with you on the risks and benefits of the medications while one is pregnant and give recommendations regarding your specific situation. Fertility treatment is often stressful and it is imperative to have a psychiatrist on your team assisting you with the new life stage. I will continue working with you through your pregnancy and postpartum period to monitor for mental health concerns including postpartum depression.

What are the right psychiatric medications for me to use while I’m pregnant?

There are very few “hard and fast rules” regarding what psychiatric medications to take and not take during pregnancy. Mostly, it depends on what makes you comfortable after speaking with your psychiatrist about the severity of your illness and the possible risks of a particular medication on the fetus. It is important to know that having an untreated mental illness, such as clinical depression, anxiety, or postpartum depression, has a negative effect on the fetus.

Do you do talk therapy?

While I am a supportive and empathetic listener, I do not provide formal talk therapy. I am more than happy to refer you to a therapist while I work with you on medication management and nutritional/nutraceutical recommendations for better mental health.

What if I have an emergency?

If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, harming another person, bad reaction to a medication that is life-threatening or other emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. Once you are stabilized, you may have the emergency room contact me if you are an established patient.

If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, another person, or you need immediate attention by a mental health team, you may also dial 988 for assistance.

Will diet and exercise help my mental health?

Yes! Research shows that healthy lifestyle changes are beneficial to both mental and physical health. Please schedule an appointment and we can discuss a personal plan for you.

Do you only treat women?

As an inclusive practice, I work with all genders. I also welcome all nationalities, races, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, and other identities. However, I only treat those over 18 years of age.

How many consultations will I need?

The answer varies widely depending on a person’s diagnosis, response to medication, social situation, and other factors.

For example, someone who is family planning will likely see me for a few months prior to conceiving, throughout the pregnancy and then postpartum for further monitoring. The total time is about one year of treatment and the number of visits is likely about monthly unless symptoms are becoming problematic, then frequency will increase. They can return to their previous prescriber after postpartum or they may continue treatment with me.

On the other hand, someone with complicated bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, treatment resistant depression may require longer-term management of their medications. While one is feeling comfortable on current medications with fewer symptoms, visits can be as far apart as 3 months.

Where are you located? I am looking for a psychiatrist near me.

The great news about telepsychiatry (appointments over HIPAA-compliant Zoom) is that I am always near you! As long as you are physically located in California, I am licensed to be your psychiatrist. No more traffic or parking worries!