Hi! I’m a Licensed Adult Psychiatrist based in California with over 17 years of experience, trained at Mount Sinai Medical Center. My philosophy centers on building trust with my patients, as I believe that physicians must treat people, not just diseases. Psychiatry is rapidly evolving, and a key part of my role is to make mental health care less mysterious through education. While psychiatric treatment often involves medication, I take a more conservative approach, valuing psychotherapy even when medication is part of the plan. Every patient is unique, so we work together to understand the issue and decide whether treatment is needed. I’ll provide my recommendations, but ultimately, the choice is yours. It's a collaborative process focused on your needs.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions?

In the first session, patients can expect a welcoming and collaborative environment. We'll begin by building rapport, as establishing trust is key to effective care. I’ll spend time getting to know you—your history, current concerns, and any symptoms you may be experiencing. We’ll discuss how you view the problem and your goals for treatment. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, so we will focus on understanding the whole picture before making any decisions. We’ll explore whether treatment with medications is necessary, including the pros and cons of different options like medication or psychotherapy. I’ll provide my recommendations, but the decision will always be collaborative, with your preferences guiding the way.

My greatest strength lies in my patient-centered approach, where I build trust and foster a true sense of collaboration. I believe in treating the whole person, not just their symptoms, and I take the time to understand each patient's unique needs. I strive to find the right balance between medication and psychotherapy, ensuring that every treatment plan is personalized and adaptable. I also work to make mental health care less mysterious by educating my patients and empowering them to participate actively in their own treatment decisions. This approach allows me to provide compassionate, thoughtful care that genuinely supports my patients' well-being.