Services
About My Clients
Are you wondering if you are on the right psychiatric medications, or at the right dosages? Not sure if you have the right diagnosis? Are your meds managed by your PCP? Why not see a specialist? I encourage you to come in for an evaluation. Each session is a friendly conversation where I ask straightforward and concise questions to assess what is causing your symptoms, determine if medications need to be introduced or changed, and work out therapeutic strategies to lessen symptoms.
My Background and Approach
The path that led me to psychiatric care began in an unexpected place – the intensive care unit of a busy trauma center in Long Beach, California. As an ICU nurse, it was hard to watch patients get discharged and then come back with the same or worse injuries because mental health needs were often overlooked. Seems basic, right? So I switched to psychiatry in 2010. I love psychiatry! It keeps me busy, challenged, and on my toes. I have worked and trained in family practice, eating disorders, addiction, Autism, ADHD. For the last six years I have also practiced Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy for conditions that regular medications fail to treat. My patients often say, with a hint of surprise, "You're different than I expected!" I am often described as very direct, down to earth, and funny. I believe in being direct yet compassionate. In our sessions, you'll find no pretense – just honest, down-to-earth conversations about your concerns and what you can do to improve them.
My Personal Beliefs and Interests
I focus primarily on medication management while offering counseling to create a comprehensive approach to mental wellness. Think of it like building a bridge – medication can help stabilize the foundation, while therapy provides the support beams needed for lasting strength. My approach is Dharma/Buddhist based. The goal is to stop suffering without reason! One question I hear frequently is, "Will I need these medications forever?" My answer always begins with, "That's your choice to make." Some find comfort in long-term medication use, experiencing it as a return to their natural state. Others use it as a temporary support while working through specific challenges like grief or PTSD. Whether you're struggling with social anxiety, depression, disorganization, or poor motivation, I'm here to help you discover your own unique path to recovery. Through medication management, therapy, or a combination of both, we'll work together to create meaningful change.