Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) Psychiatrists in Newport Beach, CA
If you have felt dismissed, overmedicated, or discouraged by treatments that did not work, you are not alone. I work with adolescents (ages 13+) and adults facing anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, trauma, or complex symptoms that have not improved with standard treatment. I take a thorough, practical approach that considers medications, therapy, physical health, sleep, exercise, and each client's goals to create a clearer path forward.
If you have felt dismissed, overmedicated, or discouraged by treatments that did not work, you are not alone. I work with adolescents (ages 13+) and adults facing anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, trauma, or complex symptoms that have not improved with standard treatment. I take a thorough, practical approach that considers medications, therapy, physical health, sleep, exercise, and each client's goals to create a clearer path forward.
I use evidence-based approaches including Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to support meaningful, sustainable change.
You walk around looking “fine,” but inside you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and wondering how much longer you can keep this up.
Maybe your mind never shuts off. Maybe its inattention, distractibility, anxiety, sadness or mood swings make it hard to follow through on the things you know you’re capable of. You’re successful on paper—career, family, responsibilities—but you’re tired of white-knuckling your way through the day, overthinking at night, and worrying this is just “how you are.”
If that sounds like you, you are exactly who I work with at Well Balanced Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, a Professional Nursing Corporation.
I use evidence-based approaches including Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to support meaningful, sustainable change.
You walk around looking “fine,” but inside you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and wondering how much longer you can keep this up.
Maybe your mind never shuts off. Maybe its inattention, distractibility, anxiety, sadness or mood swings make it hard to follow through on the things you know you’re capable of. You’re successful on paper—career, family, responsibilities—but you’re tired of white-knuckling your way through the day, overthinking at night, and worrying this is just “how you are.”
If that sounds like you, you are exactly who I work with at Well Balanced Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, a Professional Nursing Corporation.
Clinical Professor of Psychiatry UCIrvine. USC and Univ Washington Adult and Child Psychiatry and adult and Psychoanalysis Expert in Eating Disorders. Childhood and Adult Anxiety and Depression. and related disorders
Integrating pharmacotherapy and psychodynamic psychotherapy in shorter term treatment
Graduste Adult and Child Psychoanalyst on Senior Faculty and Education/ Research Commities and Board of Directors of New Center for Psychoanalysis Los Angeles
Past President Orange County Psychiatric Society and Souther California Society for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Clinical Professor of Psychiatry UCIrvine. USC and Univ Washington Adult and Child Psychiatry and adult and Psychoanalysis Expert in Eating Disorders. Childhood and Adult Anxiety and Depression. and related disorders
Integrating pharmacotherapy and psychodynamic psychotherapy in shorter term treatment
Graduste Adult and Child Psychoanalyst on Senior Faculty and Education/ Research Commities and Board of Directors of New Center for Psychoanalysis Los Angeles
Past President Orange County Psychiatric Society and Souther California Society for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Jibran Ahmed is a compassionate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) offering medication management, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), and esketamine treatments. While he primarily works in general psychiatry, he is interested in the intricacy of treating schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and eating disorders. He's passionate about the importance of people having access to mental healthcare. In his eyes, treatment can significantly increase the quality of life both mentally and physically.
Jibran Ahmed is a compassionate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) offering medication management, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), and esketamine treatments. While he primarily works in general psychiatry, he is interested in the intricacy of treating schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and eating disorders. He's passionate about the importance of people having access to mental healthcare. In his eyes, treatment can significantly increase the quality of life both mentally and physically.
*** ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS WITH A WAIT TIME OF 1 WEEK OR LESS *** Suffering from depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions can be debilitating and hold you back from leading a happy and balanced life. We invite you to learn more about your treatment options to recover. Call for a Free Confidential assessment and schedule an appointment today.
*** ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS WITH A WAIT TIME OF 1 WEEK OR LESS *** Suffering from depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions can be debilitating and hold you back from leading a happy and balanced life. We invite you to learn more about your treatment options to recover. Call for a Free Confidential assessment and schedule an appointment today.
I'm a Stanford University trained Psychiatrist (MD) with expertise in multiple Cognitive Behavioral Therapies ( CBT) as well as medications.
CBT is an extensively researched and highly effective form of counseling where we rehearse skills that promote resilience when experiencing anxiety, depression and loss. I love what I do and find great meaning in helping persons find hope when life gets really challenging. I lost my dear wife at a very young age to metastatic cancer and can appreciate pain.
I'm a Stanford University trained Psychiatrist (MD) with expertise in multiple Cognitive Behavioral Therapies ( CBT) as well as medications.
CBT is an extensively researched and highly effective form of counseling where we rehearse skills that promote resilience when experiencing anxiety, depression and loss. I love what I do and find great meaning in helping persons find hope when life gets really challenging. I lost my dear wife at a very young age to metastatic cancer and can appreciate pain.
Erinn integrates medication management with CBT, DBT, and psychodynamic therapy to treat a range of psychiatric conditions and promote resilience, self-awareness, growth, and long-term mental well-being.
As a provider at Bonmente, Erinn is a mental health expert treating anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, sleep disorders, PTSD, postpartum depression, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, and personality disorders. She offers evaluation and diagnosis, medication management, and talk therapy through convenient telepsychiatry appointments.
Erinn integrates medication management with CBT, DBT, and psychodynamic therapy to treat a range of psychiatric conditions and promote resilience, self-awareness, growth, and long-term mental well-being.
As a provider at Bonmente, Erinn is a mental health expert treating anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, sleep disorders, PTSD, postpartum depression, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, and personality disorders. She offers evaluation and diagnosis, medication management, and talk therapy through convenient telepsychiatry appointments.
Thomas uses CBT along with other evidence-based approaches, selecting methods that best align with your goals, symptoms, and comfort level.
Welcoming new patients!
I am Dr. Mottsin Thomas, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist at Bonmente. You may be navigating anxiety, depression, or a complex mood disorder, feeling that past treatments haven't fully addressed your needs. My ideal client is seeking more than just a prescription; you want to feel truly heard, understood, and validated. Whether you are facing trauma, ADHD, or treatment resistant depression, my goal is to offer a safe, culturally sensitive space where we can find stability together.
Thomas uses CBT along with other evidence-based approaches, selecting methods that best align with your goals, symptoms, and comfort level.
Welcoming new patients!
I am Dr. Mottsin Thomas, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist at Bonmente. You may be navigating anxiety, depression, or a complex mood disorder, feeling that past treatments haven't fully addressed your needs. My ideal client is seeking more than just a prescription; you want to feel truly heard, understood, and validated. Whether you are facing trauma, ADHD, or treatment resistant depression, my goal is to offer a safe, culturally sensitive space where we can find stability together.
My therapy style is eclectic, and I have been using Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy even before it was defined as such.
I would rather teach a skill than prescribe a pill, but I will. In other words, if you or someone you know is on or in need of psychiatric medications, yet would prefer to explore other ways to address their current circumstances, my practice is a great fit. This may include those who have tried multiple medications in the past and have had less then optimal success, found that they are very sensitive to medication effects, or wish to explore alternatives such as; learning mind/emotion/stress management skills, herbal or supplement alternatives (orthomolecular medicine), and spiritual practices to support their healing process.
My therapy style is eclectic, and I have been using Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy even before it was defined as such.
I would rather teach a skill than prescribe a pill, but I will. In other words, if you or someone you know is on or in need of psychiatric medications, yet would prefer to explore other ways to address their current circumstances, my practice is a great fit. This may include those who have tried multiple medications in the past and have had less then optimal success, found that they are very sensitive to medication effects, or wish to explore alternatives such as; learning mind/emotion/stress management skills, herbal or supplement alternatives (orthomolecular medicine), and spiritual practices to support their healing process.
Dr. Williamson is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist who focuses on the medical treatment of severe depression and anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, and bipolar disorder. Having treated patients with complicated forms of depression, he has seen the limitations of pharmacotherapies. Medications, even when they do work, can cause troublesome side effects. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) has proven to be effective for many people and is not associated with the side effects that sometimes limit the use of medications.
Dr. Williamson is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist who focuses on the medical treatment of severe depression and anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, and bipolar disorder. Having treated patients with complicated forms of depression, he has seen the limitations of pharmacotherapies. Medications, even when they do work, can cause troublesome side effects. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) has proven to be effective for many people and is not associated with the side effects that sometimes limit the use of medications.
Dr. Safahieh is the founder and director of psychiatryOC since first opening in 2014 and is a double board-certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of Texas at Austin with a BBA in business management. Dr Safahieh graduated with a medical degree from University of Texas Medical Branch and completed his adult psychiatry residency and child and adolescent fellowship at UC Irvine.
Dr. Safahieh is the founder and director of psychiatryOC since first opening in 2014 and is a double board-certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of Texas at Austin with a BBA in business management. Dr Safahieh graduated with a medical degree from University of Texas Medical Branch and completed his adult psychiatry residency and child and adolescent fellowship at UC Irvine.
Dr. Le's ultimate goal is to help her patients lead well-balanced, healthy, and happy lives by improving their emotional and psychological wellbeing, and strengthening the social bonds and family relationships that lie at the core of their happiness. Children cannot succeed in life without the emotional support and steady guidance of the family systems within which they grow. Thus, Dr. Le works closely with parents and other figures that are directly involved with the care of her patients to promote optimum health for these children and their families.
Dr. Le's ultimate goal is to help her patients lead well-balanced, healthy, and happy lives by improving their emotional and psychological wellbeing, and strengthening the social bonds and family relationships that lie at the core of their happiness. Children cannot succeed in life without the emotional support and steady guidance of the family systems within which they grow. Thus, Dr. Le works closely with parents and other figures that are directly involved with the care of her patients to promote optimum health for these children and their families.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an innovative treatment that uses a pulsed magnetic field to stimulate neurotransmitter activity in the regions of your brain that regulate your mood. In studies, TMS provides a clinically meaningful result for up to 60% of patients who haven’t found relief through first-line treatments like antidepressant medication. Most patients begin with a series of treatments. You receive TMS therapy five days a week for 4-6 weeks. Then depending on your needs, you continue to have TMS treatments, but much less frequently.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an innovative treatment that uses a pulsed magnetic field to stimulate neurotransmitter activity in the regions of your brain that regulate your mood. In studies, TMS provides a clinically meaningful result for up to 60% of patients who haven’t found relief through first-line treatments like antidepressant medication. Most patients begin with a series of treatments. You receive TMS therapy five days a week for 4-6 weeks. Then depending on your needs, you continue to have TMS treatments, but much less frequently.
Hello and welcome to my page! :)
I am a board certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist who uses art and play to connect creatively with individuals. I believe in partnering with patients and families as well as taking a holistic approach to evaluating mental health.
My passion is working with survivors of trauma, marginalized individuals and those struggling with identity and life’s transitions. I incorporate art and play therapy to communicate nonverbally with children, teens and adults.
UPDATE: I offer reduced rates for those interested in EMDR
Hello and welcome to my page! :)
I am a board certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist who uses art and play to connect creatively with individuals. I believe in partnering with patients and families as well as taking a holistic approach to evaluating mental health.
My passion is working with survivors of trauma, marginalized individuals and those struggling with identity and life’s transitions. I incorporate art and play therapy to communicate nonverbally with children, teens and adults.
UPDATE: I offer reduced rates for those interested in EMDR
I’m excellently bilingual in English and Mandarin Chinese 中文國語. Completed training in UCSF and have practiced as RN for more than a decade.
Growing up in an Eastern metropolitan city, I relocated to San Francisco, CA and Manhattan, NYC in my early adulthood to explore Western bicoastal cultures across diverse socioeconomic populations.
Currently I base in sunny Southern California and enjoy outdoor activities, such as walking along water, kayaking. I also love reading and visiting different types of art and museums.
I’m excellently bilingual in English and Mandarin Chinese 中文國語. Completed training in UCSF and have practiced as RN for more than a decade.
Growing up in an Eastern metropolitan city, I relocated to San Francisco, CA and Manhattan, NYC in my early adulthood to explore Western bicoastal cultures across diverse socioeconomic populations.
Currently I base in sunny Southern California and enjoy outdoor activities, such as walking along water, kayaking. I also love reading and visiting different types of art and museums.
In my practice the most important person is you, my client. I will take the time to listen to you, to understand your unique situation, and to review available medical information. I will look beyond obvious symptoms and will try to uncover other medical and behavioral issues. Then, we will discuss a variety of recommendation that, in my experience, provide the greatest likelihood of improvement for your condition. It is your choice to decide which recommendation to move forward with. These may include medication options, therapy options, and other lifestyle changes.
In my practice the most important person is you, my client. I will take the time to listen to you, to understand your unique situation, and to review available medical information. I will look beyond obvious symptoms and will try to uncover other medical and behavioral issues. Then, we will discuss a variety of recommendation that, in my experience, provide the greatest likelihood of improvement for your condition. It is your choice to decide which recommendation to move forward with. These may include medication options, therapy options, and other lifestyle changes.
In my practice the most important person is you, my client. I will take the time to listen to you, to understand your unique situation, and to review available medical information. I will look beyond obvious symptoms and will try to uncover other medical and behavioral issues. Then, we will discuss a variety of recommendation that, in my experience, provide the greatest likelihood of improvement for your condition. It is your choice to decide which recommendation to move forward with. These may include medication options, therapy options, and other lifestyle changes.
In my practice the most important person is you, my client. I will take the time to listen to you, to understand your unique situation, and to review available medical information. I will look beyond obvious symptoms and will try to uncover other medical and behavioral issues. Then, we will discuss a variety of recommendation that, in my experience, provide the greatest likelihood of improvement for your condition. It is your choice to decide which recommendation to move forward with. These may include medication options, therapy options, and other lifestyle changes.
If you’ve been struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, or changes in your mood, you may be wondering whether medication could help. I work with adults throughout California who are looking for support with their mental health, whether you’re considering medication for the first time or feel like your current treatment just isn’t working as well as it should. My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable talking openly about what’s been going on and what you’d like to change.
If you’ve been struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, or changes in your mood, you may be wondering whether medication could help. I work with adults throughout California who are looking for support with their mental health, whether you’re considering medication for the first time or feel like your current treatment just isn’t working as well as it should. My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable talking openly about what’s been going on and what you’d like to change.
I am extremely well-trained in psychodynamic psychotherapy, intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and clinical hypnosis, among other treatment modalities.
This question asks me to describe my ideal client. In truth, I have no "ideal client". My pleasure and privilege is to use all of my skill as a physician/psychiatrist to make accurate and comprehensive diagnosis, and then treat with whichever forms of psychotherapy (and with medications when necessary) that will produce the best results for my clients/patients who genuinely want to be well, healthy, productive, and able to love and to work.
I am extremely well-trained in psychodynamic psychotherapy, intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and clinical hypnosis, among other treatment modalities.
This question asks me to describe my ideal client. In truth, I have no "ideal client". My pleasure and privilege is to use all of my skill as a physician/psychiatrist to make accurate and comprehensive diagnosis, and then treat with whichever forms of psychotherapy (and with medications when necessary) that will produce the best results for my clients/patients who genuinely want to be well, healthy, productive, and able to love and to work.
Feeling scattered, overwhelmed, or emotionally “stuck”? I help adults with ADHD, anxiety, depression (including perinatal/postpartum), and mood instability get clarity fast—with careful diagnosis and thoughtful medication management. Appointments are often same-week in 24–48 hours. See me in my Newport Beach office, or by secure telehealth anywhere in California. If you want a provider who listens, explains options clearly, and builds a plan you can actually follow, you’re in the right place.
Feeling scattered, overwhelmed, or emotionally “stuck”? I help adults with ADHD, anxiety, depression (including perinatal/postpartum), and mood instability get clarity fast—with careful diagnosis and thoughtful medication management. Appointments are often same-week in 24–48 hours. See me in my Newport Beach office, or by secure telehealth anywhere in California. If you want a provider who listens, explains options clearly, and builds a plan you can actually follow, you’re in the right place.
See more therapy options for Newport Beach
Nearby Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) Psychiatrists Searches for Newport Beach
- Aliso Viejo
- Corona Del Mar
- Costa Mesa
- Fountain Valley
- Huntington Beach
- Irvine
- Laguna Beach
- Laguna Hills
- Midway City
- Newport Coast
- Santa Ana
- Tustin
FAQ - Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) Psychiatrists
Do psychiatrists provide cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)?
Yes, many psychiatrists provide CBT as a therapeutic approach in sessions with clients. CBT is an evidence-based form of therapy that focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to mental health challenges. Psychiatrists who provide CBT can be particularly valuable when your condition may benefit from both therapy *and* medication, such as depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD or PTSD. However, some psychiatrists choose to focus primarily on medication management rather than ongoing therapy. When evaluating potential psychiatrists, it can be helpful to confirm that they actively incorporate CBT techniques into their practice (rather than focusing solely on prescribing medication)
What is the difference between CBT with a psychiatrist versus a therapist?
The primary difference between CBT with a psychiatrist versus a therapist is that a psychiatrist can integrate medication management with CBT treatment, while non-psychiatrist therapists (such as psychologists, counselors, or social workers) provide CBT without the ability to prescribe medications. In a CBT session with a psychiatrist, you will work on the same core techniques as you would with any CBT provider, such as identifying cognitive distortions or challenging negative thought patterns. However, a psychiatrist can also monitor how medication affects your symptoms. This integrated approach can be especially helpful for conditions like major depression or bipolar disorder, where medication often works together with therapy to produce better outcomes than either treatment alone.
Should I see a psychiatrist or therapist for CBT?
The choice to see a psychiatrist or therapist depends on the severity of your symptoms and whether medication might be part of your treatment plan. A psychiatrist who provides CBT is appropriate when you have more severe mental health symptoms that may require medication. A non-psychiatrist therapist may be appropriate when your symptoms are mild to moderate, you prefer to try therapy without medication first, or you are already stable on medication prescribed by another provider. It is worth noting that psychiatrists typically charge higher rates than other therapists due to their medical training, and psychiatry sessions are not always covered by insurance. Therefore, some people start with a therapist for CBT and later add a psychiatrist to their treatment team if medication becomes necessary.