FAQ

I have an office in Hermosa Beach as well as offer telehealth visits. I treat adults with a wide range of issues and disorders. Because of my medical training as well as my work in clinical trials research, I am well-versed in the use of traditional as well as holistic and natural medications. I have also trained extensively in therapy, and will use therapy either in combination with medication or as the sole modality for treatment.  As a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the USC, Keck School of Medicine, I lectured third year medical students and psychiatry residents. Lastly, I have also done risk assessments and personality profiling for reality TV shows.

I am non-judgmental and am practicing a field that I love. I have the sincere desire to help and see others improve their lives. The most satisfying aspect of my job is to see people change, fulfill their potential, and live happier and more fulfilling lives. I recognize that we are all human, doing our best to lead a fulfilling life. At times, however, we all face difficulties or struggles and it is at these times in particular that we need help and support overcoming and working through these situations.  Also, I have purposefully structured my practice to give people the individualized care and attention they need and deserve. This is a departure from the current disappointing trend in medicine where doctors are forced to spend less time with patients.

The science and evidence shows that people who get the help they need and deal with their problems, live more satisfying lives, reach higher levels in their careers, make more money, and are more fulfilled in their relationships. In essence, the science says that life is not about surviving, but thriving. I also believe that this research reflects the change that we are seeing in society. As a society we are more open to seeking help and addressing the problems that we face. This is a significant departure from the past when the message was just to “suck it up”; yes, sometimes we do need to suck it up, but when that isn’t working any longer we need other solutions that work. In my practice I treat people from young adults struggling with adjusting to adulthood, to executives looking to take their careers to the next level, the one common thread is this intolerance to continue to just trod on. They have the desire to address the issues getting in their way. This takes courage, is admirable and benefits them for the rest of their lives.

My background and training in both therapy and medication makes me unique from other psychiatrists. Most psychiatrists have limited training in therapy as psychiatry is very biologically and biochemically oriented and many residency programs reflect this. When I completed my residency, I realized that in order to be able to provide more complete care to my patients, I needed more training in therapy, and I found Intensive Short Term Dynamic Therapy (ISTDP) to be the most effective type of modality for a wide range of issues and problems. ISTDP can help a person achieve results in a relatively short period of time. Medications are effective, but they are limited in bringing about the complete change that many people desire. Whether I see patients just for medications, therapy, or both, my training in psychotherapy allows me to treat the person more comprehensively. I am also more effective in working with a patient’s therapist as I don’t just evaluate the patient from a medication standpoint. I am able to work collaboratively and knowledgably with the person’s therapist which, ultimately, benefits the patient.  

With respect to medications, I have served as a Principal and Sub-Investigator for clinical trials that test new medications on large scale populations of people before they are introduced to the market. This work has allowed me to witness first-hand the effectiveness, short-comings, and side effects of medications on a large scale. Most psychiatrists have to do this patient by patient after a new medication is introduced to the market. I truly believe that my extensive training in therapy, medication, and pharmacologic research has led to my success as a psychiatrist.

I treat adults suffering from anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, claustrophobia, panic attacks, social anxiety, OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), ADD/ADHD, relationship issues, career difficulties, sexual dysfunction, sports psychology, medication management, psychotherapy, talk therapy, counseling.