Psychiatrists in 92122

I specialize in the evaluation and treatment of emotional and self-esteem difficulties, via understanding the inter-relationship between the mind and the brain at various levels. Most of my patients come for consultation because of problems with self-esteem, anxiety, depression, problems in succeeding (or enjoying success), or difficulties making certain life transitions. Many have been experiencing marital/couple distress. I currently teach at UCSD Medical School and the San Diego Psychoanalytic Institute.
I specialize in the evaluation and treatment of emotional and self-esteem difficulties, via understanding the inter-relationship between the mind and the brain at various levels. Most of my patients come for consultation because of problems with self-esteem, anxiety, depression, problems in succeeding (or enjoying success), or difficulties making certain life transitions. Many have been experiencing marital/couple distress. I currently teach at UCSD Medical School and the San Diego Psychoanalytic Institute.

Dr. Stephanie Chen was born and raised in northern California. She is a licensed general adult psychiatrist who is well-versed in using a combination of psychopharmacology and psychotherapy techniques to treat diverse populations of patients in outpatient, inpatient, and emergency settings. She also has specialized training in managing trauma disorders, mood disorders, and various forms of psychotherapy.
Dr. Stephanie Chen was born and raised in northern California. She is a licensed general adult psychiatrist who is well-versed in using a combination of psychopharmacology and psychotherapy techniques to treat diverse populations of patients in outpatient, inpatient, and emergency settings. She also has specialized training in managing trauma disorders, mood disorders, and various forms of psychotherapy.

I can't wait to meet you! I want to get to know my patients and their goals so that together we may develop a treatment plan to meet their needs.
I can't wait to meet you! I want to get to know my patients and their goals so that together we may develop a treatment plan to meet their needs.

Dealing with mental health can be tricky, but it’s not something you have to face alone. In my practice, we tackle these issues head-on with a mix of medication management and self-care strategies. It’s all about finding what works best for you, so you can focus more on enjoying life and less on the stress these conditions can bring. We’ll work together in a relaxed, supportive setting to discover effective ways to manage symptoms and boost your well-being. Let’s navigate this journey together, towards a life that feels more manageable and fulfilling.
Dealing with mental health can be tricky, but it’s not something you have to face alone. In my practice, we tackle these issues head-on with a mix of medication management and self-care strategies. It’s all about finding what works best for you, so you can focus more on enjoying life and less on the stress these conditions can bring. We’ll work together in a relaxed, supportive setting to discover effective ways to manage symptoms and boost your well-being. Let’s navigate this journey together, towards a life that feels more manageable and fulfilling.

Headlight is proud to offer San Diego, CA a full circle of mental health care services, including therapy, coaching, support groups, medication management, and an online library of self-care resources. We make world-class mental health care accessible for everyone!
Headlight is proud to offer San Diego, CA a full circle of mental health care services, including therapy, coaching, support groups, medication management, and an online library of self-care resources. We make world-class mental health care accessible for everyone!

I am a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and graduated from the University of California San Francisco. While completing my graduate thesis, "Blood-Biomarkers in Traumatic Brain Injury", I also pursued my doctoral research interests in addiction medicine and traumatic brain injury dual diagnosis recovery programs. I am fully vested in the health status of all walks of life I come into contact with.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and graduated from the University of California San Francisco. While completing my graduate thesis, "Blood-Biomarkers in Traumatic Brain Injury", I also pursued my doctoral research interests in addiction medicine and traumatic brain injury dual diagnosis recovery programs. I am fully vested in the health status of all walks of life I come into contact with.

Facing the challenges of motherhood, ADHD, or OCD can feel deeply overwhelming and isolating. You may find yourself caught in a cycle of worry or self-doubt, wondering if things will ever feel manageable again. Maybe you're struggling with Anxiety or Depression. I truly understand how heavy this can feel, and I’m here to help you regain a sense of balance and peace. Together, we’ll explore holistic solutions, blending medication management with mindfulness practices to support your overall well-being.
Facing the challenges of motherhood, ADHD, or OCD can feel deeply overwhelming and isolating. You may find yourself caught in a cycle of worry or self-doubt, wondering if things will ever feel manageable again. Maybe you're struggling with Anxiety or Depression. I truly understand how heavy this can feel, and I’m here to help you regain a sense of balance and peace. Together, we’ll explore holistic solutions, blending medication management with mindfulness practices to support your overall well-being.

Braincom Advanced Nursing
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP-, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Hi, are you feeling overwhelmed? Are you having difficulty waking up in the morning, getting through the day, and sleeping through the night? Are you going through cycles of sadness, mood changes, nervousness, and tiredness? We provide holistic and patient-centered care for adolescents and adults from diverse populations to facilitate the process of healing.
Hi, are you feeling overwhelmed? Are you having difficulty waking up in the morning, getting through the day, and sleeping through the night? Are you going through cycles of sadness, mood changes, nervousness, and tiredness? We provide holistic and patient-centered care for adolescents and adults from diverse populations to facilitate the process of healing.

Life with mood disorders, anxiety, or ADHD can feel overwhelming, leaving you drained, unfocused, and emotionally exhausted. You might struggle with racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, or a persistent sense of unease. My goal is to help you regain control by offering a tailored and supportive approach. Together, we can work toward finding balance and peace in your daily life.
Life with mood disorders, anxiety, or ADHD can feel overwhelming, leaving you drained, unfocused, and emotionally exhausted. You might struggle with racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, or a persistent sense of unease. My goal is to help you regain control by offering a tailored and supportive approach. Together, we can work toward finding balance and peace in your daily life.

Dr. Ashok Parameswaran is a licensed and board-certified psychiatrist. Born outside of Philadelphia PA, he moved to San Diego for residency. In San Diego, he has worked in a variety of outpatient clinical care settings serving patients from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
Dr. Ashok Parameswaran is a licensed and board-certified psychiatrist. Born outside of Philadelphia PA, he moved to San Diego for residency. In San Diego, he has worked in a variety of outpatient clinical care settings serving patients from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.

Dr. Blaire Heath grew up in Southern California and started doing volunteer work locally and abroad when she was in high school, including mission trips to Latin America and Africa. Her passion for helping others and health brought me to pursue the field of nutrition and pharmacy. However, following a medical mission trip to Haiti after the earthquake in 2010, she really felt a calling to pursue medicine and work more closely with patients. She loves that the field of mental health applies to the whole person: body, mind, and spirit and that overall health means not just addressing a single area of one’s life.
Dr. Blaire Heath grew up in Southern California and started doing volunteer work locally and abroad when she was in high school, including mission trips to Latin America and Africa. Her passion for helping others and health brought me to pursue the field of nutrition and pharmacy. However, following a medical mission trip to Haiti after the earthquake in 2010, she really felt a calling to pursue medicine and work more closely with patients. She loves that the field of mental health applies to the whole person: body, mind, and spirit and that overall health means not just addressing a single area of one’s life.

Welcome! I am a board certified general adult psychiatrist. I work with people to live their most fulfilling lives while managing anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. I also have specialty training in maternal mental health, encompassing pre-conception counseling, pregnancy, and postpartum mental health concerns. My goal is for us to build a relationship where we decide on a treatment plan together that prioritizes your goals.
Welcome! I am a board certified general adult psychiatrist. I work with people to live their most fulfilling lives while managing anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. I also have specialty training in maternal mental health, encompassing pre-conception counseling, pregnancy, and postpartum mental health concerns. My goal is for us to build a relationship where we decide on a treatment plan together that prioritizes your goals.

Living with ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, anxiety, or depression can feel like a constant challenge, impacting your ability to focus, regulate emotions, or maintain stability in daily life. These experiences can leave you searching for support and tools to manage symptoms effectively. I specialize in providing compassionate, individualized care to help you navigate these challenges, fostering personal growth and creating a path to greater balance. Together, we’ll explore strategies that align with your values and goals, empowering you to build a more fulfilling and centered life.
Living with ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, anxiety, or depression can feel like a constant challenge, impacting your ability to focus, regulate emotions, or maintain stability in daily life. These experiences can leave you searching for support and tools to manage symptoms effectively. I specialize in providing compassionate, individualized care to help you navigate these challenges, fostering personal growth and creating a path to greater balance. Together, we’ll explore strategies that align with your values and goals, empowering you to build a more fulfilling and centered life.

I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) with 10 years of nursing experience in mental health. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, and PTSD among other mental health conditions. My background and interests include military members, military families, veterans, as well as pregnant, prenatal and postpartum women.
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) with 10 years of nursing experience in mental health. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, and PTSD among other mental health conditions. My background and interests include military members, military families, veterans, as well as pregnant, prenatal and postpartum women.

Are you experiencing a sense of being overwhelmed? Do you find yourself distanced from friends and family following a major life change? Coping with adjustment disorder and trauma can feel incredibly daunting, yet it's not insurmountable. I am here to support you in facing this challenge, guiding you through this struggle, and emerging stronger than ever before.
Are you experiencing a sense of being overwhelmed? Do you find yourself distanced from friends and family following a major life change? Coping with adjustment disorder and trauma can feel incredibly daunting, yet it's not insurmountable. I am here to support you in facing this challenge, guiding you through this struggle, and emerging stronger than ever before.

Dr. Niemeier is a Board Certified Psychiatrist by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She uses an evidence-based, holistic approach, with the goal of using the lowest effective doses of sustainable medications when needed.
Dr. Niemeier is a Board Certified Psychiatrist by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She uses an evidence-based, holistic approach, with the goal of using the lowest effective doses of sustainable medications when needed.

My patients can expect experience, empathy, and compassion. I’m well-rounded, and able to quickly identify with some aspect of my patients’ background.
My patients can expect experience, empathy, and compassion. I’m well-rounded, and able to quickly identify with some aspect of my patients’ background.

Dr. Brandon Niemeier is a Board-certified psychiatrist, who completed training at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and the Portland VA Medical Center. As someone who believes in obtaining an accurate diagnosis with a goal to facilitate the best treatment possible, his main focus is on psychopharmacology when needed, utilizing the most up to date research, and balancing your mental and physical health. He specializes in assessing and treating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD and other psychiatric issues.
Dr. Brandon Niemeier is a Board-certified psychiatrist, who completed training at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and the Portland VA Medical Center. As someone who believes in obtaining an accurate diagnosis with a goal to facilitate the best treatment possible, his main focus is on psychopharmacology when needed, utilizing the most up to date research, and balancing your mental and physical health. He specializes in assessing and treating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD and other psychiatric issues.

My approach is based on integrative psychiatry, which uses medications, therapy and complementary medicine to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms. I address the combined impact of sleep, lifestyle, relationships, nutrition and chronic medical conditions on well-being, and use cutting edge tools like genetic testing to guide personalized treatment with medication and supplements. I consider the patient’s cultural background in my assessments and I can provide treatment in Spanish, Portuguese, French and Italian. My goal is to help my patients create lasting changes and build vitality, resilience and purpose in life.
My approach is based on integrative psychiatry, which uses medications, therapy and complementary medicine to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms. I address the combined impact of sleep, lifestyle, relationships, nutrition and chronic medical conditions on well-being, and use cutting edge tools like genetic testing to guide personalized treatment with medication and supplements. I consider the patient’s cultural background in my assessments and I can provide treatment in Spanish, Portuguese, French and Italian. My goal is to help my patients create lasting changes and build vitality, resilience and purpose in life.

I'm a psychiatrist who provides psychotherapy as well as medication when indicated. I have a special interest in helping individuals with anxiety disorders, difficulty with professional and personal relationships, and those going through life transitions. I have an open, integrative approach with experience working with a wide range of ages, disorders, and cultural backgrounds.
I'm a psychiatrist who provides psychotherapy as well as medication when indicated. I have a special interest in helping individuals with anxiety disorders, difficulty with professional and personal relationships, and those going through life transitions. I have an open, integrative approach with experience working with a wide range of ages, disorders, and cultural backgrounds.
See more therapy options for 92122
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 92122
30+
Average cost per session
$300
Psychiatrists in 92122 who prioritize treating:
94% | Depression |
94% | Anxiety |
82% | Bipolar Disorder |
76% | ADHD |
73% | Trauma and PTSD |
70% | Medication Management |
64% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
96% | Magellan |
How Psychiatrists in 92122 see their clients
64% | In Person and Online | |
36% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
58% | Female | |
42% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 92122?
The Psychology Today Directory enables users to search specifically for psychiatrists by selecting the provider type from the drop-down menu, and filtering results by city, zip code, or the psychiatrist's name. The search results feature detailed profiles that outline each professional's treatment approach, areas of expertise, credentials, fees, payment options, and accepted insurance. Results include both psychiatrists (MDs) and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), who hold advanced practice nursing degrees. Users can refine their search for a specific type of psychiatric provider using the "Provider Type" filter.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
Psychiatrists are medical specialists dedicated to understanding, diagnosing, and treating brain disorders and mental health conditions. As physicians, they are trained to identify the often subtle biological factors underlying mental disorders and to monitor how mental health treatments may impact other physical conditions, such as heart disease. Psychiatrists are licensed to prescribe medication and typically conduct shorter sessions that focus on medication management rather than intensive psychotherapy.
In contrast, psychologists are particularly attuned to the impact of early experiences on development, behavior, emotions, and cognitive processes. They often take a holistic approach to assessing and treating clients, considering aspects of personality and social functioning. Although psychologists cannot prescribe medication, they are frequently skilled in administering psychological tests—such as IQ tests, personality assessments, and behavioral evaluations—to assess an individual's functioning. Psychologists often engage in longer, more psychotherapy-focused sessions compared to psychiatrists.
In contrast, psychologists are particularly attuned to the impact of early experiences on development, behavior, emotions, and cognitive processes. They often take a holistic approach to assessing and treating clients, considering aspects of personality and social functioning. Although psychologists cannot prescribe medication, they are frequently skilled in administering psychological tests—such as IQ tests, personality assessments, and behavioral evaluations—to assess an individual's functioning. Psychologists often engage in longer, more psychotherapy-focused sessions compared to psychiatrists.
What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner and what is the difference with a psychiatrist?
A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), also known as a mental health nurse practitioner or psychiatric nurse practitioner, is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who has completed advanced training in psychiatric care, earning at least a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing. To become Board-Certified (PMHNP-BC), psychiatric nurse practitioners must also pass a national exam that tests their clinical psychiatric knowledge.
Like psychiatrists, PMHNPs are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. However, PMHNPs and psychiatrists differ in their training experience. While PMHNPs can complete their credentialing requirements (full bachelor's and master's degree training) in as few as 6 years, psychiatrists often spend upwards of 12 years to complete their bachelor's, medical doctorate degree, and residency training requirements. Because of training differences, some states require PMHNPs to be supervised by or enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician in order to prescribe medication.
When deciding to work with a psychiatrist or PMHNP, clients should consider factors such therapeutic fit, cost, and availability. Psychiatrists may have more substantial training in treating more severe psychiatric conditions, as well as in providing more specialized treatment services, such as child psychiatry. However, psychiatrists may be inaccessible to some clients, as their cost and availability may be prohibitive. It can often be easier for clients to find a PMHNP with openings for new clients when compared to psychiatrists, and PMHNPs may also offer lower cost treatment options for clients looking to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
Like psychiatrists, PMHNPs are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. However, PMHNPs and psychiatrists differ in their training experience. While PMHNPs can complete their credentialing requirements (full bachelor's and master's degree training) in as few as 6 years, psychiatrists often spend upwards of 12 years to complete their bachelor's, medical doctorate degree, and residency training requirements. Because of training differences, some states require PMHNPs to be supervised by or enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician in order to prescribe medication.
When deciding to work with a psychiatrist or PMHNP, clients should consider factors such therapeutic fit, cost, and availability. Psychiatrists may have more substantial training in treating more severe psychiatric conditions, as well as in providing more specialized treatment services, such as child psychiatry. However, psychiatrists may be inaccessible to some clients, as their cost and availability may be prohibitive. It can often be easier for clients to find a PMHNP with openings for new clients when compared to psychiatrists, and PMHNPs may also offer lower cost treatment options for clients looking to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
Can a psychiatrist or a PMHNP prescribe medication?
The Psychology Today directory features two primary types of psychiatric professionals: psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs). Both are generally authorized to prescribe psychiatric medications. In 28 states, PMHNPs have full practice authority, allowing them to provide the complete spectrum of psychiatric care, including independent medication prescribing and management. In other states, however, PMHNPs are required to work under the supervision or in collaboration with a physician to prescribe medication. Both psychiatrists and PMHNPs may also offer additional services, such as psychotherapy, counseling, and care coordination, for clients seeking psychiatric care.
Do psychiatrists or PMHNPs offer therapy?
Both psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are generally trained in a number of treatment modalities, including traditional psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), pharmacotherapy, and, occasionally, various somatic therapies. Typically, psychiatrists and PMHNPs make a diagnosis and determine a course of treatment based on chemical or biological factors, using lab tests, brain scans and physical and psychological evaluations.
While psychotherapy may be used in the first session to aid in diagnosis, it is not typically utilized in subsequent visits. In fact, after the introductory session, most psychiatry sessions may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management; this is frequently the case for both psychiatrists and PMHNPs. However, medication providers who do not offer psychotherapy usually work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians who do offer these services, and they can refer clients seeking more traditional psychotherapy services to their care.
While psychotherapy may be used in the first session to aid in diagnosis, it is not typically utilized in subsequent visits. In fact, after the introductory session, most psychiatry sessions may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management; this is frequently the case for both psychiatrists and PMHNPs. However, medication providers who do not offer psychotherapy usually work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians who do offer these services, and they can refer clients seeking more traditional psychotherapy services to their care.
How do I know if I need a psychiatrist, a PMHNP, or a therapist?
It is not always easy to know which type of mental health practitioner to choose. Many people are unaware of the root of their mental or behavioral problem and may be unaware of the differences in support provided by various mental health professionals. One way many people learn which type of care is best for them is by seeing their primary care provider (PCP) first. Depending on the nature and severity of the symptoms, the PCP may review their medical history and provide guidance or a referral to the appropriate type of provider.
A referral to a psychiatrist or PMHNP is most often made when a client is in need of psychiatric medication management or assessment. These professionals are specifically trained to prescribe psychiatric medications, when necessary, for a client; however, they generally do not provide supportive psychotherapy on an ongoing basis. A therapist or psychologist, in contrast, can provide supportive psychotherapy but is unable to prescribe medications. Because of their unique roles, some clients see both a medication prescriber (either a psychiatrist or PMHNP) and a therapist at the same time to address their psychiatric concerns holistically. Many psychiatrists and psychologists are very open to referring clients to other professionals if unable to meet the client's needs or if they think the client could use additional support from a different type of professional.
A referral to a psychiatrist or PMHNP is most often made when a client is in need of psychiatric medication management or assessment. These professionals are specifically trained to prescribe psychiatric medications, when necessary, for a client; however, they generally do not provide supportive psychotherapy on an ongoing basis. A therapist or psychologist, in contrast, can provide supportive psychotherapy but is unable to prescribe medications. Because of their unique roles, some clients see both a medication prescriber (either a psychiatrist or PMHNP) and a therapist at the same time to address their psychiatric concerns holistically. Many psychiatrists and psychologists are very open to referring clients to other professionals if unable to meet the client's needs or if they think the client could use additional support from a different type of professional.
Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist or a PMHNP?
A referral to a psychiatrist or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is often not required. However, consulting your primary care physician (PCP) first can be beneficial and may streamline the process of getting the care you need. Your PCP can help determine whether psychiatric care is necessary or if another type of mental health support might be more appropriate. Additionally, some insurance plans require a PCP referral to cover part or all of the costs associated with seeing a specialist. Obtaining a referral can also expedite the appointment process, particularly in areas with provider shortages or for clients seeking specialists in fields like child psychiatry.
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed professional?
Yes, all professionals listed in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory are licensed to provide mental health services in the state(s) where they practice. The directory includes a variety of providers such as psychiatrists, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), physician assistants, psychologists, social workers, and counselors. Each provider must hold a valid license issued by their state regulatory body to be listed. In addition, Psychology Today offers a verification process for certain providers, signified by a 'Verified' symbol next to their profile. This badge indicates that the provider’s primary credential or license has been independently verified by Psychology Today.