Psychiatrists in Gardena, CA
![Photo of Dhanu Mahesh, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0b764ed3-d134-4f2a-b9a8-623a7a80d10f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dhanashree Mahesh, MD is a Psychiatry Specialist. She graduated with honors in 1979. Having more than 43 years of diverse experiences, especially in Psychiatry.
Dhanashree Mahesh, MD is a Psychiatry Specialist. She graduated with honors in 1979. Having more than 43 years of diverse experiences, especially in Psychiatry.
![Photo of Lilian Okereke, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/183ff9e7-e77c-409a-97be-71aeaf0fc9c0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lilian Okereke
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Gardena, CA 90248 (Online Only)
As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I am to understand each individual's unique mental health needs by carefully evaluating their experiences, symptoms and personal histories. My goal is to empower patients, guiding them towards achieving their mental health goals with respect and empathy.
As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I am to understand each individual's unique mental health needs by carefully evaluating their experiences, symptoms and personal histories. My goal is to empower patients, guiding them towards achieving their mental health goals with respect and empathy.
![Photo of Tochi Nwachukwu, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/36a1bf8e-7b87-4fe1-b8eb-34f557612c8a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tochi Nwachukwu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Gardena, CA 90248 (Online Only)
Tochi Nwachukwu is Compassionate and energetic Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner professionally-driven and eager to help patients of varying ages mitigate personal challenges, and achieve mental health wellness.
Tochi Nwachukwu is Compassionate and energetic Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner professionally-driven and eager to help patients of varying ages mitigate personal challenges, and achieve mental health wellness.
![Photo of Vides Apresto, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/107bcce9-afa1-4402-94c3-09e3203a2b81/1/320x400.jpeg)
Vides Apresto
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Gardena, CA 90248 (Online Only)
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
I am Dr. McLawhorn, a board-certified adult and forensic Psychiatrist. My journey through Psychiatry has been marked by a steadfast focus on the intersection of mental health and law.
I am Dr. McLawhorn, a board-certified adult and forensic Psychiatrist. My journey through Psychiatry has been marked by a steadfast focus on the intersection of mental health and law.
![Photo of Vanessa Naval, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2bd9c6aa-2b0c-4482-b3d9-2c52c9b669e4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Vanessa Naval is a Nurse Practitioner Specialist in California. She graduated with honors in 2012. Having more than 10 years of diverse experiences, especially as a Nurse Practitioner. A compassionate results-driven healthcare professional with progressive experience in a wide variety of scopes.
Vanessa Naval is a Nurse Practitioner Specialist in California. She graduated with honors in 2012. Having more than 10 years of diverse experiences, especially as a Nurse Practitioner. A compassionate results-driven healthcare professional with progressive experience in a wide variety of scopes.
![Photo of Inderpreet Virk, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7533e11b-d308-442e-8c42-619466e7ebcd/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Inderpreet Virk, M.D practices adult psychiatry and is board-certified with American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology with advance training in Addiction Psychiatry from UCLA. He is well published in the field of psychiatry. Dr. Virk thrives to provide competent and compassionate care to his patients. Dr. Virk provides tailored based approach whether it involves medication management or psychotherapy, and he likes to develop working relationship with his patients to mutually establish best treatment plan.
Dr. Inderpreet Virk, M.D practices adult psychiatry and is board-certified with American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology with advance training in Addiction Psychiatry from UCLA. He is well published in the field of psychiatry. Dr. Virk thrives to provide competent and compassionate care to his patients. Dr. Virk provides tailored based approach whether it involves medication management or psychotherapy, and he likes to develop working relationship with his patients to mutually establish best treatment plan.
![Photo of Patrick Charles, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0c81b6a0-4788-49b1-b551-d9be8ab16aa1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Patrick Charles
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Gardena, CA 90248 (Online Only)
Mr. Charles provides psychiatric evaluations and medication management. He has broad expertise in community mental health, substance abuse treatment, as well as telepsychiatry services.
Mr. Charles provides psychiatric evaluations and medication management. He has broad expertise in community mental health, substance abuse treatment, as well as telepsychiatry services.
![Photo of Ronald Blustein, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/58aaa18e-2ead-4368-ae98-46e02ee9e997/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Ronald Blustein is a caring and compassionate psychiatrist. Dr. Blustein obtained his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He brings extensive experience to his role at Ehab Yacoub, MD Inc. Brain Health USA, across Gardena, Van Nuys, Fullerton, CA.
Dr. Ronald Blustein is a caring and compassionate psychiatrist. Dr. Blustein obtained his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He brings extensive experience to his role at Ehab Yacoub, MD Inc. Brain Health USA, across Gardena, Van Nuys, Fullerton, CA.
Alejandra Ramos
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Gardena, CA 90248 (Online Only)
I am a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner. My specialty is in Women’s Health and I focus on providing personalized treatment through an integrative approach to help women thrive in mind & body.
I am a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner. My specialty is in Women’s Health and I focus on providing personalized treatment through an integrative approach to help women thrive in mind & body.
![Photo of Nima Lal, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c31865cf-6539-420f-89fc-adaae3fc5ca6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nima Lal is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner specializing in medication management.
Nima Lal is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner specializing in medication management.
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![Photo of Patrick Gonzales, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40934c89-e95a-4625-a260-60ee37a0ebfb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Patrick Gonzales
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Gardena, CA 90248 (Online Only)
Mr. Patrick Gonzales is a qualified adult psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner. He earned his master’s degree in nursing from West Coast University. Subsequently, Mr. Gonzales received a post-master’s certificate in psychiatric nursing from Azusa Pacific University. He currently works at Ehab Yacoub, MD Inc. Brain Health USA across Gardena, Van Nuys, Fullerton, CA.
Mr. Patrick Gonzales is a qualified adult psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner. He earned his master’s degree in nursing from West Coast University. Subsequently, Mr. Gonzales received a post-master’s certificate in psychiatric nursing from Azusa Pacific University. He currently works at Ehab Yacoub, MD Inc. Brain Health USA across Gardena, Van Nuys, Fullerton, CA.
Barbara Schaetzel
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Gardena, CA 90248 (Online Only)
I am Barbara Schaetzel, a Nurse Practitioner that is certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. My experience has given me a strong foundation in developing and implementing comprehensive care plans that address both physical and mental health needs.
I am Barbara Schaetzel, a Nurse Practitioner that is certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. My experience has given me a strong foundation in developing and implementing comprehensive care plans that address both physical and mental health needs.
![Photo of Tehila Tanya Abrekov, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4593b634-ba63-4fdc-a836-984ef084f861/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tehila Tanya Abrekov
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Gardena, CA 90248 (Online Only)
Tehila (Tanya) Abrekov, NP is a Psychiatry and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Specialist in Los Angeles, California with more than 1 years of diverse experiences being a Nurse Practitioner.
Tehila (Tanya) Abrekov, NP is a Psychiatry and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Specialist in Los Angeles, California with more than 1 years of diverse experiences being a Nurse Practitioner.
![Photo of Christine Taheran, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50b631a5-24a5-4e1c-af33-8bd7dd19b000/1/320x400.jpeg)
Christine Taheran
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Gardena, CA 90248 (Online Only)
I am an experienced nurse practitioner who is specialized in Psych/Mental Health. My goal is to provide compassionate, individualized care that empowers clients to achive optimal well-being.
I am an experienced nurse practitioner who is specialized in Psych/Mental Health. My goal is to provide compassionate, individualized care that empowers clients to achive optimal well-being.
![Photo of Rachel Jumonville, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c8d83725-d6f2-488a-96bf-74de842e964e/1/320x400.png)
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
![Photo of Joel Quitugua, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a89b6427-3107-4f2e-ac2e-a9c8575af92e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Joel Quitugua
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Gardena, CA 90248 (Online Only)
ANCC Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner new graduate seeking employment as a PMHNP-BC. My professional background which includes 8 years as a registered nurse along with my graduate practicum experience will allow me to work autonomously and efficiently to perform within my scope of practice, advocating for the psychiatric-mental health needs of the community.
ANCC Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner new graduate seeking employment as a PMHNP-BC. My professional background which includes 8 years as a registered nurse along with my graduate practicum experience will allow me to work autonomously and efficiently to perform within my scope of practice, advocating for the psychiatric-mental health needs of the community.
![Photo of Pedro Morante, DNP, PMHNP, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dac9e1a4-790d-4d94-a40e-9c287b7b0478/1/320x400.jpeg)
Pedro Morante
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, MSN
Verified Verified
Gardena, CA 90248 (Online Only)
Mr. Pedro Morante is a caring and considerate nurse practitioner and mental health nurse practitioner serving the communities of Los Angeles, Gardena, and Northridge, CA.
Mr. Pedro Morante is a caring and considerate nurse practitioner and mental health nurse practitioner serving the communities of Los Angeles, Gardena, and Northridge, CA.
![Photo of Thomas Earwood, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7df82727-d84d-4190-ad91-8d4573aba9dc/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hi! I am Dr. Thomas L. Earwood, I am licensed Psychiatrist. I received my medical degree from Medical College of Georgia and has been in practice for more than 20 years. I am dedicated to providing comprehensive and empathetic care to each of my patients. My extensive background in the field has equipped me with a deep understanding of diverse mental health issues and effective treatment strategies.
Hi! I am Dr. Thomas L. Earwood, I am licensed Psychiatrist. I received my medical degree from Medical College of Georgia and has been in practice for more than 20 years. I am dedicated to providing comprehensive and empathetic care to each of my patients. My extensive background in the field has equipped me with a deep understanding of diverse mental health issues and effective treatment strategies.
Rivy Oseni, NP is a Nurse Practitioner in Gardena, CA. Rivy Oseni, NP holds an active license to practice, and continues to take an all-encompassing role in supporting a patient's wellbeing.
Rivy Oseni, NP is a Nurse Practitioner in Gardena, CA. Rivy Oseni, NP holds an active license to practice, and continues to take an all-encompassing role in supporting a patient's wellbeing.
See more therapy options for Gardena
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Gardena, CA
100+
Average cost per session
$250
Psychiatrists in Gardena, CA who prioritize treating:
90% | Anxiety |
89% | Depression |
86% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
86% | Medication Management |
85% | ADHD |
85% | Bipolar Disorder |
75% | Trauma and PTSD |
Average years in practice
14 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
95% | Aetna |
90% | Medicare |
90% | Optum |
How Psychiatrists in Gardena, CA see their clients
82% | Online Only | |
18% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
60% | Female | |
40% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Gardena?
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.