What is a Psychiatrist?

A psychiatrist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illness. A psychiatrist is a physician who has completed four years of medical school and at least four years of residency training.  Due to extensive medical training, a psychiatrist understands the body’s functions and the complex relationship between emotional illness and other medical conditions. Psychiatrists may utilize various treatments including psychotherapy, medication, and hospitalization. A treatment plan is devised based on the individual needs of the patient.

 

What Is The Difference Between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist?

A psychiatrist has extensive medical training and may prescribe medication. A psychologist has received graduate training in psychology and has pursued a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in clinical or counseling psychology. Psychologists typically do not prescribe medication and are authorized to do so in only a limited number of states.

 

Practice Philosophy

I believe it is important to understand each person as an individual. Therefore, my diagnosis and treatment include integration of biologic, psychologic, and psychosocial factors. Many psychiatry practices have gone to a medical model and focus exclusively on pharmacology. I believe many patients are better served by an integrated approach and seeing one practitioner who can provide both medication and psychotherapy. Research data indicates that a combination of psychotherapy and pharmacology provides the best results for most conditions.  I try to utilize testing (peer review report, psychological, biologic, and genetic testing) where indicated to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

There is ample evidence that psychotherapy is effective for many psychiatric conditions and can change the brain.  Despite the medical model so common in psychiatric practice today, I believe that psychotherapy is an integral part of personal transformation and healing. I have trained in an emotion-focused, attachment-based relational form of psychotherapy. The following web site provides further details on the style of psychotherapy which I practice: www.istdp.com.

I provide personalized service unlike many other larger psychiatry practices. When you call my office, you will receive a phone call back from myself. Unlike larger practices, your call will be returned in a timely manner by the physician who knows you. If you are currently being seen by a therapist, I will communicate and coordinate with your therapist to provide the best opportunity  for successful treatment and outcome.

Education

Board Certification: Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology 1997

Medical Degree: New York Medical College, NY

Internship: Norwalk Hospital, CT

Residency: University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, Department of Psychiatry

Chief Resident: University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, Department of Psychiatry, 1993-1994, West Wing

Distinguished Fellow of American Psychiatric Association

Certificate of Completion in Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy,  Nov 2011

Professional Affiliations

American Psychiatric Association 1990 to 2020

California Medical Association 1992 to present

California Psychiatric Association 1991 to 2020

San Diego County Medical Society 1992 to present

San Diego Psychiatric Society 1991 to 2020

California Society for ISTDP  2009 to present