About

Background

I’m a board-certified psychiatrist and family physician who’s passionate about helping people feel better—both mentally and physically. I went to medical school at Drexel University in Philadelphia, then moved back to California to complete my residency at UC Davis.
For more than 15 years, I’ve worked with individuals facing complex mental health and medical challenges in inpatient, crisis, and outpatient settings. Most of my career has been spent in the nonprofit world, caring for underserved communities and learning firsthand how deeply our physical health and emotional well-being are connected.
In addition to my private practice, I also teach and see patients at Lifelong Medical Care in Berkeley and at UCSF in San Francisco. Teaching and mentorship are some of my favorite parts of what I do—I love working with residents and medical students from UCSF, Stanford, UC Davis, and Kaiser, and watching them grow into compassionate, grounded physicians.

Treatment Approach

I believe that strong psychiatric care starts with open, honest communication and a relationship built on trust. I aim to create a space where patients feel comfortable asking questions, sharing concerns, and being active participants in their treatment.
I take a thoughtful and conservative approach to prescribing. Rather than moving quickly to multiple medications, I prefer to slow down, understand the full picture, and make intentional decisions together. My goal is to find the simplest and most effective treatment plan possible — one that feels manageable, personalized, and aligned with each patient’s values and goals.

Expections For the First Appointment

My goal for the first session is for clients to leave feeling clearer, more grounded, and reassured that what they’re experiencing is understandable and treatable. Many people come in feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about what’s going on, and I aim to help bring structure and clarity to that experience.

I take a solution-focused approach and view each appointment as a step forward. Together, we’ll discuss your concerns, review your history, and begin identifying practical next steps toward your personal wellness goals. While meaningful change often takes time, the first session is about establishing direction, creating a plan, and helping you feel less alone in the process.