Psychiatrists in California

Daron Watts, MD is is a board certified psychiatrist in Gardena, CA and has over 25 years of experience in the medical field.
Daron Watts, MD is is a board certified psychiatrist in Gardena, CA and has over 25 years of experience in the medical field.

Dr. Chika Okechukwu is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner with great experience treating clients with medical and mental health disorders. She utilizes a holistic approach to psychiatric care by integrating core values in medical and nursing practice and evidence-based psychiatric treatments. She provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis, and medication management for children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly.
Dr. Chika Okechukwu is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner with great experience treating clients with medical and mental health disorders. She utilizes a holistic approach to psychiatric care by integrating core values in medical and nursing practice and evidence-based psychiatric treatments. She provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis, and medication management for children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly.

Graduate of USC Keck School of Medicine. Chief Resident of LAC+USC General Psychiatry Residency Program. ABPN Board Certified in both Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry.
Graduate of USC Keck School of Medicine. Chief Resident of LAC+USC General Psychiatry Residency Program. ABPN Board Certified in both Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry.

Welcome! I am a pediatric and adult psychiatrist who provides talk therapy and medication management. As a Bay Area native, I understand the unique charms and challenges of growing up here- and I am happy to help.
Welcome! I am a pediatric and adult psychiatrist who provides talk therapy and medication management. As a Bay Area native, I understand the unique charms and challenges of growing up here- and I am happy to help.

Jennifer Kalia-Overlie
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Carlsbad, CA 92008
I continue to become inspired by witnessing the amazing strength and motivation that each person holds in bettering their lives. I take pride in supporting clients in their journey to wellness and improved mental health. I firmly believe in holistic treatment, addressing the health of the mind, body and spirit. Through thoughtful use of medication, psychotherapy, and education, I aspire to design a treatment plan that fits each person’s lifestyle and personal beliefs.
I continue to become inspired by witnessing the amazing strength and motivation that each person holds in bettering their lives. I take pride in supporting clients in their journey to wellness and improved mental health. I firmly believe in holistic treatment, addressing the health of the mind, body and spirit. Through thoughtful use of medication, psychotherapy, and education, I aspire to design a treatment plan that fits each person’s lifestyle and personal beliefs.

Pacific Mind Health treats mental health disorders using a variety of treatments including medications, psychotherapy, telemedicine, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). We strive to help create a treatment plan which will help guide you on a path to wellness. Our goal is to provide thorough diagnostic evaluations which will inform treatment choices and increase the likelihood the treatment will be successful. Please use this link for a free informational TMS session www.pacificmindhealth.com/tmsinfo.html
Pacific Mind Health treats mental health disorders using a variety of treatments including medications, psychotherapy, telemedicine, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). We strive to help create a treatment plan which will help guide you on a path to wellness. Our goal is to provide thorough diagnostic evaluations which will inform treatment choices and increase the likelihood the treatment will be successful. Please use this link for a free informational TMS session www.pacificmindhealth.com/tmsinfo.html

Do you Over-Think things? Over-Experience your emotions? Do you struggle to focus or complete tasks? Difficulty sleeping? Putting off your mental health is no longer an option! With over 75 clinical experts, WellPsyche and MediPsych providers provide Empathetic Psychotherapy and Personalized Medication Management services for Children, Adolescents, and Adults. 100% of our visits are conducted via Zoom, and we are available mornings, afternoons, and evenings. Meet with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of home or work. We are simplifying the mental health experience so you can become the best version of you!
Do you Over-Think things? Over-Experience your emotions? Do you struggle to focus or complete tasks? Difficulty sleeping? Putting off your mental health is no longer an option! With over 75 clinical experts, WellPsyche and MediPsych providers provide Empathetic Psychotherapy and Personalized Medication Management services for Children, Adolescents, and Adults. 100% of our visits are conducted via Zoom, and we are available mornings, afternoons, and evenings. Meet with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of home or work. We are simplifying the mental health experience so you can become the best version of you!

Tameka Dyce PMHNP-BC, as a dedicated Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, my approach to care emphasizes holistic, patient-centered treatment, integrating both medication management and therapeutic interventions to address mental health needs comprehensively. My focus areas include anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders, with a commitment to fostering resilience and promoting overall well-being for my patients.
Tameka Dyce PMHNP-BC, as a dedicated Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, my approach to care emphasizes holistic, patient-centered treatment, integrating both medication management and therapeutic interventions to address mental health needs comprehensively. My focus areas include anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders, with a commitment to fostering resilience and promoting overall well-being for my patients.

I am a Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who has been working and providing care in inpatient and outpatient mental health settings for over 30 years. I graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from San Francisco State University, my Master of Science in Child and Family Psychiatric Nursing and my Child and Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of California, San Francisco, and my Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of Massachusetts, Boston.
I am a Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who has been working and providing care in inpatient and outpatient mental health settings for over 30 years. I graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from San Francisco State University, my Master of Science in Child and Family Psychiatric Nursing and my Child and Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of California, San Francisco, and my Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of Massachusetts, Boston.

I'm Dr. Alex Sahba, double board certified in general psychiatry and forensic psychiatry and trained at UCLA. I conduct legal / forensic / psychiatric evaluations for court, risk assessment (violence / sexual), diagnostic psychiatric evaluations, competency evaluations, drug & alcohol evaluations, fitness-for-duty evaluations, cognitive evaluations, immigration evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME) evaluations, and other types of psychiatric evaluations / assessments.
I'm Dr. Alex Sahba, double board certified in general psychiatry and forensic psychiatry and trained at UCLA. I conduct legal / forensic / psychiatric evaluations for court, risk assessment (violence / sexual), diagnostic psychiatric evaluations, competency evaluations, drug & alcohol evaluations, fitness-for-duty evaluations, cognitive evaluations, immigration evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME) evaluations, and other types of psychiatric evaluations / assessments.

Dr. Gundu Reddy is licensed in California. Prior to starting residency at Mount Sinai School of medicine, she pursued additional research in HIV Psychiatry. As well as residency training, she has also pursued further training in psychodynamic psychotherapy at the NYU Psychoanalytic Institute. She states that whether prescribing medication, family, or relationship therapy, understanding psychodynamic conflict and causes of symptoms will cause help to enhance the quality of care. As well as psychodynamic training Dr. Reddy also has a background in integrative psychiatry and treatment resistance.
Dr. Gundu Reddy is licensed in California. Prior to starting residency at Mount Sinai School of medicine, she pursued additional research in HIV Psychiatry. As well as residency training, she has also pursued further training in psychodynamic psychotherapy at the NYU Psychoanalytic Institute. She states that whether prescribing medication, family, or relationship therapy, understanding psychodynamic conflict and causes of symptoms will cause help to enhance the quality of care. As well as psychodynamic training Dr. Reddy also has a background in integrative psychiatry and treatment resistance.
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Jonathan Allotey
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Online Only
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Online Psychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Online Psychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA

For over three decades, I've dedicated myself to the practice of psychiatry across all age groups. My approach emphasizes attentive patient listening, thorough psychosocial history assessment, and genetic exploration to ensure accurate diagnosis.
For over three decades, I've dedicated myself to the practice of psychiatry across all age groups. My approach emphasizes attentive patient listening, thorough psychosocial history assessment, and genetic exploration to ensure accurate diagnosis.

Have you ever taken time off from your busy job or pulled your child from school mid-day because of a behavioral health appointment? Here at Weekend Behavioral Health, we believe psychiatric appointments don't have to be a disruption to you or your child’s daily life. Weekend Behavioral Health primarily operates on the weekend. However, we also offer evening appointments during weekdays. We offer both in-person and telehealth appointments.
Have you ever taken time off from your busy job or pulled your child from school mid-day because of a behavioral health appointment? Here at Weekend Behavioral Health, we believe psychiatric appointments don't have to be a disruption to you or your child’s daily life. Weekend Behavioral Health primarily operates on the weekend. However, we also offer evening appointments during weekdays. We offer both in-person and telehealth appointments.

Your mental and physical well being is primordial to us. The mind and body are interconnected, and there is a great overlap between physical and mental health conditions. Mental healthcare includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. By exploring multiple treatment modalities with our clients, we strive to provide the most all-encompassing care to ensure the best outcomes for our clients. We promise to be there for you every step of your wellness journey. Our goal is to help you grow from your struggles, heal from your pain and assist you in creating a meaningful life.
Your mental and physical well being is primordial to us. The mind and body are interconnected, and there is a great overlap between physical and mental health conditions. Mental healthcare includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. By exploring multiple treatment modalities with our clients, we strive to provide the most all-encompassing care to ensure the best outcomes for our clients. We promise to be there for you every step of your wellness journey. Our goal is to help you grow from your struggles, heal from your pain and assist you in creating a meaningful life.

Lynn Yacone Martin
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, MS, PMH-CNS
Verified Verified
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
It's an honor to have you consider me as a possible care provider. Info about my training & expertise is posted on the "About" page of my website (www.martincbt.com). If my expertise sounds relevant to your situation, please contact me. I offer cognitive behavioral therapy. I work with people coping with anxiety &/or mood disorders, with people coping with bipolar spectrum disorders &/or life transitions, and with loved ones of people experiencing cognitive decline. My goals are to help clients find effective ways to manage their symptoms, decrease suffering, & engage in things that matter to them. (I do not offer med management).
It's an honor to have you consider me as a possible care provider. Info about my training & expertise is posted on the "About" page of my website (www.martincbt.com). If my expertise sounds relevant to your situation, please contact me. I offer cognitive behavioral therapy. I work with people coping with anxiety &/or mood disorders, with people coping with bipolar spectrum disorders &/or life transitions, and with loved ones of people experiencing cognitive decline. My goals are to help clients find effective ways to manage their symptoms, decrease suffering, & engage in things that matter to them. (I do not offer med management).

I am a board certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist who practices psychotherapy, pharmacologic treatment and, when appropriate, refers for interventional psychiatry treatments. I see both children and adults, and approach patients and their families with respect, compassion and care. While I strongly believe in pharmacologic treatments backed by neuroscience, I am also a proponent of not simply medicating a child or an adult, but using the entire spectrum of interventions for a healthy brain (exercise, diet, meditation, mindfulness). I liaison with schools, teachers, parents, guardians, therapists, life coaches.
I am a board certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist who practices psychotherapy, pharmacologic treatment and, when appropriate, refers for interventional psychiatry treatments. I see both children and adults, and approach patients and their families with respect, compassion and care. While I strongly believe in pharmacologic treatments backed by neuroscience, I am also a proponent of not simply medicating a child or an adult, but using the entire spectrum of interventions for a healthy brain (exercise, diet, meditation, mindfulness). I liaison with schools, teachers, parents, guardians, therapists, life coaches.

I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and I have been in the healthcare field for 10 years. I have experience working in a variety of settings including inpatient, acute care psychiatric rehab, and residential treatment facilities. I use a comprehensive method of caring for patients and realize therapeutic medications work in combination with psychotherapy. I take a non-judgmental and compassionate approach and believe patients should be partners in their care and have choices.
I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and I have been in the healthcare field for 10 years. I have experience working in a variety of settings including inpatient, acute care psychiatric rehab, and residential treatment facilities. I use a comprehensive method of caring for patients and realize therapeutic medications work in combination with psychotherapy. I take a non-judgmental and compassionate approach and believe patients should be partners in their care and have choices.

I am a physician, a Miami native of rich Haitian-descent. I earned my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interdisciplinary Natural Sciences in Chemistry from the University of South Florida in Tampa and later earned my medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine located in the lush green beautiful island of Dominica. I completed my residency training at the Larkin Community Hospital General Psychiatry Program in South Miami, Florida in Summer 2019.
I am a physician, a Miami native of rich Haitian-descent. I earned my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interdisciplinary Natural Sciences in Chemistry from the University of South Florida in Tampa and later earned my medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine located in the lush green beautiful island of Dominica. I completed my residency training at the Larkin Community Hospital General Psychiatry Program in South Miami, Florida in Summer 2019.

“Remove the obstacles to growth.” I’ve always loved that description, which I encountered in the writings of psychiatrist Irvin Yalom, of what psychotherapy is supposed to do. I, too, believe that we all have an inherent tendency toward self-actualization and growth, but sometimes obstacles get in the way. My task as a psychiatrist and psychotherapist is to help identify those obstacles and figure out how best to approach them.
“Remove the obstacles to growth.” I’ve always loved that description, which I encountered in the writings of psychiatrist Irvin Yalom, of what psychotherapy is supposed to do. I, too, believe that we all have an inherent tendency toward self-actualization and growth, but sometimes obstacles get in the way. My task as a psychiatrist and psychotherapist is to help identify those obstacles and figure out how best to approach them.
See more therapy options for California
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Average cost per session
$250
Psychiatrists in California who prioritize treating:
94% | Anxiety |
92% | Depression |
78% | ADHD |
78% | Bipolar Disorder |
74% | Trauma and PTSD |
74% | Medication Management |
71% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
93% | Aetna |
90% | Cigna and Evernorth |
80% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in California see their clients
53% | In Person and Online | |
47% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
61% | Female | |
38% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in California?
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.