Psychiatrists in 90094
![Photo of Lindsay Merrill - Vista Mental Health, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3fc5d7a0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Merrill is a Harvard trained psychiatrist who completed her undergraduate studies in Neuroscience at UCLA and obtained her medical degree from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. She finished post-graduate training at the Harvard Longwood Psychiatry Residency Training Program and completed a fellowship in Women's Mental Health at Brigham and Women's Hospital and has a specific interest in working with women suffering from issues related to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, postpartum, infertility and menopause. She is trained in advanced psychopharmacology, psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and managing patients with complex medical conditions.
Dr. Merrill is a Harvard trained psychiatrist who completed her undergraduate studies in Neuroscience at UCLA and obtained her medical degree from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. She finished post-graduate training at the Harvard Longwood Psychiatry Residency Training Program and completed a fellowship in Women's Mental Health at Brigham and Women's Hospital and has a specific interest in working with women suffering from issues related to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, postpartum, infertility and menopause. She is trained in advanced psychopharmacology, psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and managing patients with complex medical conditions.
![Photo of Luis Enrique Gonzalez, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f2d2ea49-229d-4159-aa16-0097699af996/1/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome. I’m Dr. Luis Gonzalez, a board-certified psychiatrist with extensive experience in treating ADHD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, thought disorders, and personality disorders among others. I have experience with patients of diverse ages and backgrounds including undergraduates, U.S. veterans, and working professionals. Whether you're curious about medications or seeking ongoing management, I look forward to working with you on your journey toward achieving your mental health goals.
Welcome. I’m Dr. Luis Gonzalez, a board-certified psychiatrist with extensive experience in treating ADHD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, thought disorders, and personality disorders among others. I have experience with patients of diverse ages and backgrounds including undergraduates, U.S. veterans, and working professionals. Whether you're curious about medications or seeking ongoing management, I look forward to working with you on your journey toward achieving your mental health goals.
![Photo of Ian Matthews, NP, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/552a795b-4fbd-48c2-922a-d5a23aa182fa/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ian Matthews is a ANCC board certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner treating adults. He graduated from Vanderbilt University's MSN Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program. Ian aims to establish a collaborative relationship with his patients through understanding their unique story, which considers their biological, psychological, and social factors. This understanding allows for the application of an individualized treatment approach through evidenced-based medication management when appropriate, as well as brief, supportive psychotherapy.
Ian Matthews is a ANCC board certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner treating adults. He graduated from Vanderbilt University's MSN Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program. Ian aims to establish a collaborative relationship with his patients through understanding their unique story, which considers their biological, psychological, and social factors. This understanding allows for the application of an individualized treatment approach through evidenced-based medication management when appropriate, as well as brief, supportive psychotherapy.
![Photo of Merima Jurici, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/18073105-eb9b-4eb4-b47c-6b846d9446df/2/320x400.jpeg)
I approach treatment from a holistic point of view. I am a strong believer of the influence of our lifestyle on our emotions and vice versa. With my patients I use a combination of medication and psychotherapy. The psychodynamic approach is a great part of my assessment and treatment which allows me to fully and better understand my patients. My expertise includes a wide range of disorders including mood disorders, anxiety, childhood disorders, behavior problems in children, ADHD, personality disorders, LGBT issues, adjustments to various life stressors that might affect your level of functioning
I approach treatment from a holistic point of view. I am a strong believer of the influence of our lifestyle on our emotions and vice versa. With my patients I use a combination of medication and psychotherapy. The psychodynamic approach is a great part of my assessment and treatment which allows me to fully and better understand my patients. My expertise includes a wide range of disorders including mood disorders, anxiety, childhood disorders, behavior problems in children, ADHD, personality disorders, LGBT issues, adjustments to various life stressors that might affect your level of functioning
![Photo of Eugene Kimn, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/709c7836-0c2f-499f-9bd9-33324f6d3621/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am dedicated to compassionate, thoughtful, and collaborative patient care for all ages, genders, orientations, and cultures. I believe the best care can be provided when viewing the client from a combination of biological, psychological, social, and cultural perspectives. It is my goal to have the client / family come out of session feeling they have been heard and their opinions valued. While I am experienced working with individuals with different needs and backgrounds, I have special interest in minority mental health, childhood mood and anxiety disorders, transitional age / college youth, trauma, and substance use disorders.
I am dedicated to compassionate, thoughtful, and collaborative patient care for all ages, genders, orientations, and cultures. I believe the best care can be provided when viewing the client from a combination of biological, psychological, social, and cultural perspectives. It is my goal to have the client / family come out of session feeling they have been heard and their opinions valued. While I am experienced working with individuals with different needs and backgrounds, I have special interest in minority mental health, childhood mood and anxiety disorders, transitional age / college youth, trauma, and substance use disorders.
See more therapy options for 90094
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 90094
< 10
Psychiatrists in 90094 who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
100% | Bipolar Disorder |
100% | Sleep or Insomnia |
100% | Medication Management |
80% | ADHD |
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
100% | Humana |
How Psychiatrists in 90094 see their clients
60% | Online Only | |
40% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
60% | Male | |
40% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 90094?
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.