Autism Psychiatrists in Santa Monica, CA
Specific areas of expertise are Borderline Personality Disorder, PTSD, Bipolar Disorders and Adult Autism.
I have practiced psychiatry for over 30 years including 11 years as a professor of psychiatry at Harbor UCLA and 20 years in a NGO based in the Asian and Hispanic communities. Working with individuals with wide-ranging diagnoses and very different life journeys, I learned the value of flexibility and use different modes of psychotherapy based on my assessment of the patient's needs. I have a strong psychopharmacology background and prescribe medication when appropriate. I believe in a candid, respectful and collaborative relationship with the patient and his/her family if appropriate, and referring healthcare professional always.
Specific areas of expertise are Borderline Personality Disorder, PTSD, Bipolar Disorders and Adult Autism.
I have practiced psychiatry for over 30 years including 11 years as a professor of psychiatry at Harbor UCLA and 20 years in a NGO based in the Asian and Hispanic communities. Working with individuals with wide-ranging diagnoses and very different life journeys, I learned the value of flexibility and use different modes of psychotherapy based on my assessment of the patient's needs. I have a strong psychopharmacology background and prescribe medication when appropriate. I believe in a candid, respectful and collaborative relationship with the patient and his/her family if appropriate, and referring healthcare professional always.
My experience includes treating depression, bipolar, anxiety, psychosis, ADHD, and autism.
After college, I attended medical school at McGill University. I then completed a residency in Psychiatry at USC and a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Boston Children’s Hospital of Harvard Medical School. After completing these 10 years of training in 1992, I worked mostly for academic centers. I was faculty in the medical schools of Harvard and Tufts universities, and then returned to California where I was faculty at the University of California and USC for many years. For several years I’ve been Board Certified in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, General Adult Psychiatry, and Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry.
My experience includes treating depression, bipolar, anxiety, psychosis, ADHD, and autism.
After college, I attended medical school at McGill University. I then completed a residency in Psychiatry at USC and a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Boston Children’s Hospital of Harvard Medical School. After completing these 10 years of training in 1992, I worked mostly for academic centers. I was faculty in the medical schools of Harvard and Tufts universities, and then returned to California where I was faculty at the University of California and USC for many years. For several years I’ve been Board Certified in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, General Adult Psychiatry, and Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry.
I'm a board-certified general psychiatrist and a child and adolescent psychiatrist. I have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating a full scope of mental health disorders including but not limited to: anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, autism, OCD, trichotillomania, excoriation disorder, and trauma-related disorders.
I'm a board-certified general psychiatrist and a child and adolescent psychiatrist. I have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating a full scope of mental health disorders including but not limited to: anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, autism, OCD, trichotillomania, excoriation disorder, and trauma-related disorders.
I specialize in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry with a focus on cutting-edge, evidenced-based mental healthcare. I am experienced in the diagnosis and treatment depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism, bipolar, psychosis, substance use, and PTSD. As a child and adolescent psychiatrist, I employ a neurodevelopmental, family-centered treatment approach with shared decision-making and collaboration of care. I employ a variety of psychotherapeutic approaches such as mindfulness, cognitive, and dialectical behavioral therapies which are specifically tailored to each patient's needs and therapeutic goals.
I specialize in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry with a focus on cutting-edge, evidenced-based mental healthcare. I am experienced in the diagnosis and treatment depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism, bipolar, psychosis, substance use, and PTSD. As a child and adolescent psychiatrist, I employ a neurodevelopmental, family-centered treatment approach with shared decision-making and collaboration of care. I employ a variety of psychotherapeutic approaches such as mindfulness, cognitive, and dialectical behavioral therapies which are specifically tailored to each patient's needs and therapeutic goals.
I'm Dr. Alex Sahba, board certified in general psychiatry/forensic psychiatry and trained at UCLA. As a recognized leader in the fields of psychiatry and qualified medical evaluations (QMEs), I am called upon to provide excellent service in various settings, including medical, legal, and academics. I conduct various types of evaluations, including: Legal/Forensics, Risk Assessment (Violence/Sexual), Drug/Alcohol Evals, Cognitive Evals, Competency Evals, Diagnostic Clarification, Fitness For Duty Evals., Pre-employment Evals., Immigration-related Evals., and Workers’ Comp. (QME/AME).
I'm Dr. Alex Sahba, board certified in general psychiatry/forensic psychiatry and trained at UCLA. As a recognized leader in the fields of psychiatry and qualified medical evaluations (QMEs), I am called upon to provide excellent service in various settings, including medical, legal, and academics. I conduct various types of evaluations, including: Legal/Forensics, Risk Assessment (Violence/Sexual), Drug/Alcohol Evals, Cognitive Evals, Competency Evals, Diagnostic Clarification, Fitness For Duty Evals., Pre-employment Evals., Immigration-related Evals., and Workers’ Comp. (QME/AME).
Melissa Fillmore
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403 (Online Only)
Melissa Fillmore, PMHNP-BC is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She graduated in 2016 from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio with a Master of Science in Nursing, specializing in Family System Psychiatric Mental Health. She has over five years of direct patient care experience in mental health. Prior to her position at Mindpath Health, she worked as a Nurse Practitioner at an inpatient psychiatric hospital in New York, working with adolescents and trained using the Collaborative Problem Solving Model.
Melissa Fillmore, PMHNP-BC is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She graduated in 2016 from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio with a Master of Science in Nursing, specializing in Family System Psychiatric Mental Health. She has over five years of direct patient care experience in mental health. Prior to her position at Mindpath Health, she worked as a Nurse Practitioner at an inpatient psychiatric hospital in New York, working with adolescents and trained using the Collaborative Problem Solving Model.
I believe in holistic treatment, and assessing social, mental, and physical well-being in order to provide the most comprehensive care. I emphasizes self-love, self-compassion and self-nurturing. I provides a therapeutic relationship that helps patients rediscover their true strengths through integrated assessments and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team
I believe in holistic treatment, and assessing social, mental, and physical well-being in order to provide the most comprehensive care. I emphasizes self-love, self-compassion and self-nurturing. I provides a therapeutic relationship that helps patients rediscover their true strengths through integrated assessments and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team
Chelsea Neumann, MD at West Coast Integrative
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Chelsea Neumann, MD is an integrative psychiatrist in California who is double board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in General Psychiatry as well as Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Dr. Neumann practices using an integrative psychiatry model which incorporates the biological, psychological and social factors that contribute to the health and well-being of the whole person and family. She treats children, adolescents and adults of all ages. Her practice includes therapists and a nutritionist who provide all services within one mental health home at West Coast Integrative Mental Health.
Chelsea Neumann, MD is an integrative psychiatrist in California who is double board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in General Psychiatry as well as Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Dr. Neumann practices using an integrative psychiatry model which incorporates the biological, psychological and social factors that contribute to the health and well-being of the whole person and family. She treats children, adolescents and adults of all ages. Her practice includes therapists and a nutritionist who provide all services within one mental health home at West Coast Integrative Mental Health.
Dr. Mahmoudi spends good amount of time to do a thorough psychiatric evaluation and get to know her patients. She helps patients understand their symptoms and challenges with developing an individualized biopsychosocial formulation. She shares her finding and educate patients about possible diagnosis. She develops an individualized management plan that may include medications, therapy or combination of both. She makes sure to collaborate with patient's therapist if the patient already sees a therapist. She sees a big value in communicating with allied health professionals and other medical doctors involve in a patient's care.
Dr. Mahmoudi spends good amount of time to do a thorough psychiatric evaluation and get to know her patients. She helps patients understand their symptoms and challenges with developing an individualized biopsychosocial formulation. She shares her finding and educate patients about possible diagnosis. She develops an individualized management plan that may include medications, therapy or combination of both. She makes sure to collaborate with patient's therapist if the patient already sees a therapist. She sees a big value in communicating with allied health professionals and other medical doctors involve in a patient's care.
Do you suffer from anxiety, depression, ADHD or low self-esteem? Are you stuck in an unwanted repetitive pattern or struggling to find a healthy relationship? I will work with you to shift gears and overcome the obstacles which are holding you back. I use the appropriate treatment for your needs, i.e. psychotherapy and/or medications. I am a board-certified psychiatrist who completed my training at Yale School of Medicine. I provide a comprehensive evaluation using an integrated approach to care, and build on your strengths.
Do you suffer from anxiety, depression, ADHD or low self-esteem? Are you stuck in an unwanted repetitive pattern or struggling to find a healthy relationship? I will work with you to shift gears and overcome the obstacles which are holding you back. I use the appropriate treatment for your needs, i.e. psychotherapy and/or medications. I am a board-certified psychiatrist who completed my training at Yale School of Medicine. I provide a comprehensive evaluation using an integrated approach to care, and build on your strengths.
To hear a patient say, "I finally feel like myself again, thanks to you" shows that with the right doctor and treatment, people can start to feel better quickly. I established Beverly Hills Psychiatry to promote psychiatric wellness and healthy functioning in adults, adolescents, and children. By providing video appointments patients anywhere in California can be seen and treated. I strive to create an environment in which patients can feel comfortable discussing their symptoms, experiences and concerns. I place maximum value on really listening to my patients and establishing an honest and trusting doctor-patient alliance.
To hear a patient say, "I finally feel like myself again, thanks to you" shows that with the right doctor and treatment, people can start to feel better quickly. I established Beverly Hills Psychiatry to promote psychiatric wellness and healthy functioning in adults, adolescents, and children. By providing video appointments patients anywhere in California can be seen and treated. I strive to create an environment in which patients can feel comfortable discussing their symptoms, experiences and concerns. I place maximum value on really listening to my patients and establishing an honest and trusting doctor-patient alliance.
How you feel matters. The approach used by Dr. Loman utilizes the biological, psychological, and social influences in treatment approach. Dr. Loman has over 10 years of experience in treating various mental health conditions. Conditions treated include: Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, OCD, Bipolar disorder, Schizoaffective Disorder, Personality Disorders, Somatic disorders, Substance Disorders, and Sleep Disorders.
How you feel matters. The approach used by Dr. Loman utilizes the biological, psychological, and social influences in treatment approach. Dr. Loman has over 10 years of experience in treating various mental health conditions. Conditions treated include: Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, OCD, Bipolar disorder, Schizoaffective Disorder, Personality Disorders, Somatic disorders, Substance Disorders, and Sleep Disorders.
Pacific Mind Health approaches mental health using a variety of evidence-based treatments including medication, psychotherapy, telemedicine, Spravato and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). We are excited to offer Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) - a revolutionary 3-minute procedure with equal or better efficacy to standard 40+ minute TMS protocols. We provide a thorough diagnostic evaluation to create a personalized treatment plan that will help guide you towards wellness. Please use this link for a free informational TMS session https://www.pacificmindhealth.com/tmsinfo.html
Pacific Mind Health approaches mental health using a variety of evidence-based treatments including medication, psychotherapy, telemedicine, Spravato and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). We are excited to offer Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) - a revolutionary 3-minute procedure with equal or better efficacy to standard 40+ minute TMS protocols. We provide a thorough diagnostic evaluation to create a personalized treatment plan that will help guide you towards wellness. Please use this link for a free informational TMS session https://www.pacificmindhealth.com/tmsinfo.html
Let's work together to help you reach your goals. Whether you or your child desire to emerge from the depths of persistent sadness, stabilize your highs and lows, diminish the impact of voices, visions and paranoid thinking, or reduce chronic worry and fear, we'll devise a plan to improve your state of mind. If you or your child have trouble paying attention in school, struggle with social interactions or making friends, display behavioral problems including tantrums and physical aggression or suffer low mood or chronic worry, request an evaluation to begin the treatment process.
Let's work together to help you reach your goals. Whether you or your child desire to emerge from the depths of persistent sadness, stabilize your highs and lows, diminish the impact of voices, visions and paranoid thinking, or reduce chronic worry and fear, we'll devise a plan to improve your state of mind. If you or your child have trouble paying attention in school, struggle with social interactions or making friends, display behavioral problems including tantrums and physical aggression or suffer low mood or chronic worry, request an evaluation to begin the treatment process.
Does not take health insurance- -Dr. Sayer is a board certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist who specializes in medication management and psychotherapy. All appointments are currently virtual. He is licensed in New York and California. He founded the group private practice, Ficus Psych. In private practice, he sees children, teens, and adults. Dr. Sayer understands that the best outcomes happen when patients and doctors work as a team. It is his mission to use his expertise, in combination with the unique characteristics of each patient, to empower patients to make meaningful progress in their lives.
Does not take health insurance- -Dr. Sayer is a board certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist who specializes in medication management and psychotherapy. All appointments are currently virtual. He is licensed in New York and California. He founded the group private practice, Ficus Psych. In private practice, he sees children, teens, and adults. Dr. Sayer understands that the best outcomes happen when patients and doctors work as a team. It is his mission to use his expertise, in combination with the unique characteristics of each patient, to empower patients to make meaningful progress in their lives.
If you would like to make an appointment or ask further questions you can also email us at admin@hopepsychiatry.com. Hope was founded to offer a more natural and complete way of helping people recover from mental illness. Blending together insights from the emerging sciences of Interpersonal Neurobiology and Evolutionary Psychology with more ancient practices that have evidence like Mindfulness,Breathwork and Yoga, we focus on shifting people’s consciousness from a disease model to one that empowers our innate capacity to heal and find meaning in our struggle towards wholeness and optimal health.
If you would like to make an appointment or ask further questions you can also email us at admin@hopepsychiatry.com. Hope was founded to offer a more natural and complete way of helping people recover from mental illness. Blending together insights from the emerging sciences of Interpersonal Neurobiology and Evolutionary Psychology with more ancient practices that have evidence like Mindfulness,Breathwork and Yoga, we focus on shifting people’s consciousness from a disease model to one that empowers our innate capacity to heal and find meaning in our struggle towards wholeness and optimal health.
I approach each individual with a tailored treatment plan rooted in evidence-based medicine. Recognizing the uniqueness of each person, I employ a biopsychosocial model with a holistic perspective, considering biological, psychological, and social factors impacting mental health. By fostering a collaborative therapeutic relationship, I empower clients to explore their challenges, develop coping skills, and achieve their desired outcomes.
I approach each individual with a tailored treatment plan rooted in evidence-based medicine. Recognizing the uniqueness of each person, I employ a biopsychosocial model with a holistic perspective, considering biological, psychological, and social factors impacting mental health. By fostering a collaborative therapeutic relationship, I empower clients to explore their challenges, develop coping skills, and achieve their desired outcomes.
I am here to help you feel that your experiences are seen and supported, the struggles and the wins. This attentive listening is part of my holistic approach to providing customized, evidence-based psychiatric care designed to help you thrive. We'll start with a comprehensive evaluation and medical workup. From there I create a treatment plan that addresses your concerns and is adaptable to progress that we track together.
I am here to help you feel that your experiences are seen and supported, the struggles and the wins. This attentive listening is part of my holistic approach to providing customized, evidence-based psychiatric care designed to help you thrive. We'll start with a comprehensive evaluation and medical workup. From there I create a treatment plan that addresses your concerns and is adaptable to progress that we track together.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
I have particular interests in treatment of individuals with autism, athletes of all types.
For me, the decision to go into psychiatry was easy; I am passionate about advocating for people of all ages struggling with their mental health. My approach is to appreciate the human experience and to help make life more fulfilling for those in need of support. Each session with me you can expect a kind, thorough evaluation and personalized evidence-based treatment recommendations. The decision for or against a particular treatment is always shared and I empower patients to participate in formulating a treatment plan together with me.
I have particular interests in treatment of individuals with autism, athletes of all types.
For me, the decision to go into psychiatry was easy; I am passionate about advocating for people of all ages struggling with their mental health. My approach is to appreciate the human experience and to help make life more fulfilling for those in need of support. Each session with me you can expect a kind, thorough evaluation and personalized evidence-based treatment recommendations. The decision for or against a particular treatment is always shared and I empower patients to participate in formulating a treatment plan together with me.
I strive to deeply understand my youths with academic/career (ADHD, Autism) and emotional difficulties (depression, anxiety, obsessions, mania, and anger issues), families with dynamic issues, those with substance use issues, as well as those with psychotic issues.
I take on the tradition of detailed discovery of your issues and turn it around to supporting you in how best to reach your emotional, relational, and cognitive potentials. I am versatile in, and offer, various treatment approaches such as DBT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and psychodynamic therapy, as well as prescribing medications. I discuss the details of my Psycho-Bio-Social model integrated formulations before answering the scientific and functional rationales behind my recommendations. I believe the process of discovering your functional goal is the most important part of the process.
I strive to deeply understand my youths with academic/career (ADHD, Autism) and emotional difficulties (depression, anxiety, obsessions, mania, and anger issues), families with dynamic issues, those with substance use issues, as well as those with psychotic issues.
I take on the tradition of detailed discovery of your issues and turn it around to supporting you in how best to reach your emotional, relational, and cognitive potentials. I am versatile in, and offer, various treatment approaches such as DBT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and psychodynamic therapy, as well as prescribing medications. I discuss the details of my Psycho-Bio-Social model integrated formulations before answering the scientific and functional rationales behind my recommendations. I believe the process of discovering your functional goal is the most important part of the process.
See more therapy options for Santa Monica
Nearby Autism Psychiatrists Searches for Santa Monica
- Beverly Hills
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- Encino
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- Marina Del Rey
- Sherman Oaks
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Autism Psychiatrists
What is the most effective treatment for autism?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has come to be considered the standard treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder, and research has confirmed its effectiveness for many children. Therapists trained in ABA techniques work with children (and their parents) on developing social skills, communication and learning abilities, and everyday habits of hygiene and grooming. The clinician will tailor their program to the child’s particular need but the overarching goal will be to help them advance as far as possible toward independence based on their level of symptoms and decrease the need for additional special services. Families should seek a mental health professional specifically trained in ABA, and holding special certification in the technique, who has extensive experience not only with the approach but in using it with children with the same level of symptoms as the child who needs care.
How does ABA work?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) sessions, which typically focus on positive reinforcement, can be intensive, lasting two or more hours several times a week, and continuing for two years or more. Therapists can also be expected to ask parents to take an active role in reinforcing lessons. Research has found that the technique can lead to major improvements that decrease the need for additional special services.
How does treatment for autism work?
Therapy sessions based on Applied Behavior Analysis will likely be frequent, intensive, and highly structured. After a thorough assessment, a therapist will help a child understand and develop skills in a range of areas, including communication, motor skills, social skills, self-care, play, and academic skills, as well as routines of daily living like hygiene. Typically, the therapist will help a child break down the components of a behavior—often referred to as the antecedent (what prompts an action), the behavior, and the consequence(what immediately follows)—and then reward the child at every step, while also asking parents to reinforce the lessons, and the rewards, throughout the day. This core therapy may be supplemented by occupational or speech therapy, and antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants may be prescribed to address specific severe symptoms.
How long does therapy for autism take?
Some people with autism spectrum disorder may be engaged in some level of therapy for many years, but research shows that treatment will be most effective if it is begun early and delivered intensively. When therapy begins by age 3, children tend to be better able to grasp and adopt the skills needed to manage everyday life, including attending school and establishing social relationships. This type of early-intervention treatment regimen is highly structured, typically involving 20 to 40 hours of one-on-one therapy per week, along with additional hours of engagement managed by parents, for a period of two years or more, although the duration of treatment is dependent on the child’s level of symptoms and pace of progress.