Depression Psychiatrists in California

Mu Xu, MD is a Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He obtained his medical doctorate degree from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and PhD from New York University. He completed his psychiatry residency at New York University. Dr Xu is licensed to practice in California, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. Dr. Xu provides both medication management for a variety of psychiatric conditions. Dr. Xu is fluent in English and Mandarin. Dr. Xu is a general adult psychiatrist specializing in medication management. He values building strong connections with patients from all walks of life and tailoring treatments to their unique needs. His working style is characterized by attentive listening, detailed follow-up questions, and straightforward communication, fostering a collaborative and empathetic environment.

Dr. Kamyl Bogan, a board-certified psychiatrist, attended Vanderbilt University for her undergraduate education and earned her medical degree from the Quillen College of Medicine. She completed her psychiatry residency and community fellowship at the University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville. Dr. Bogan was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society in recognition of her compassionate care and was selected as an APA SAMHSA Fellow, where she designed a conference focused on resources for individuals with substance use disorders.

Dr. Bogan strives to create a welcoming and supportive environment for her patients. She listens with empathy and compassion, ensuring that every individual feels heard and safe throughout their care. She is dedicated to practicing with cultural humility and responsiveness, using evidence-based approaches to meet the diverse needs of those she serves.

In initial appointments, Dr. Bogan takes time to explore each patient’s history, primary concerns, and symptoms. Together, they establish treatment goals and collaborate on a personalized plan that may include medication management, therapy, or a combination of both to promote meaningful and sustainable improvement.

Lisha Jones is a licensed clinical social worker with over 23 years of extensive experience working in the mental health field. Lisha has worked with clients facing a variety of life's challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, as well as perinatal and postpartum mental health. She attended undergraduate school in Albany, GA, and graduate school in Valdosta, GA. Lisha is deeply committed to creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can express their thoughts and feelings freely. Lisha's approach to therapy involves engaging each client with warmth and enthusiasm. She encourages them to be active participants on their journey of emotional growth, healing, and empowerment. Lisha uses therapeutic expertise and various inner-healing approaches to teach clients restorative self-care practices, exercises that cultivate emotional awareness, strategies to manage unhealthy thoughts, and methods to change undesirable behaviors. Working with Lisha, clients can expect to take away from each session a plan of action with detailed steps, easy to apply skills and practical strategies to help them manage stress, heal from hurtful experiences, improve their communication skills and strengthen boundaries in their relationships. They will gain a better understanding about how and why they feel uncomfortable emotions and why they experience strong reactions in response to those associated thoughts.

Dr. Maxwell Schauermann is a board-certified addiction psychiatrist. He completed his medical school and residency training at Loma Linda University in sunny Southern California. He was recognized by his colleagues as Chief Resident of inpatient services for his leadership and problem-solving abilities. His passion for caring for people with substance use disorders led him to complete specialized training in Addiction Psychiatry at the University of Washington in 2024. Dr. Schauermann is known for his patient-centric approach and nonjudgmental, easy-going attitude. He typically offers 60-minute new visits and 30-minute follow-up visits. He excels in treating both psychiatric and addiction disorders, utilizing a broad array of therapeutic modalities, including psychiatric medications, supportive therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, psychodynamic-based therapy, prolonged exposure therapy, and motivational enhancement therapy. His treatment philosophy centers on empowering patients to heal holistically�body, mind, spirit, and relationships�ensuring each individual receives tailored and evidence-based care.

Dr. Hong Chen is a board certified adult psychiatrist and has been in practice since 2010. Dr. Chen received her doctorate degree in medicine at the University of Florida. She then completed her residency training at the University of Florida, Department of Psychiatry. She is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Dr. Chen has worked mainly in outpatient settings and often tailors individualized treatment to serve the needs of patients with a variety of conditions. She has a lot of experience in treating patients with depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, Bipolar type 2 and ADHD.

Dr. Chen’s practice is based on a holistic approach to mental health care; with special emphasis on self-care, mindfulness practices in addition to medication treatment. Dr. Chen

truly believes that focusing on wellness in conjunction with medication mediated symptom reduction will lead to a better outcome for patients. As a result, patients often enjoy the

supportive therapy, insight-oriented therapy and psychoeducation that is provided to them during their sessions with Dr. Chen.

Dr. Goicochea is Peruvian and speaks Spanish fluently. She is a "triple Gator” having completed her undergraduate and medical degree at the University of Florida (UF) and psychiatric training at UF Jacksonville. She was recognized by the Gold Humanism Honor Society for exemplary service, integrity, clinical excellence, and compassion and awarded Resident of the Year for exceptional clinical skills and commitment to patients. Dr. Goicochea is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who specializes in providing person-centered mental health care. She believes in a comprehensive, holistic approach to best improve the overall well-being of her patients; she explores psychosocial and physical health contributions to psychiatric symptoms and incorporates therapy into visits to develop a deeper understanding of the particular psychiatric concerns and their impact on patients' lives. Dr. Goicochea actively listens and creates an empathetic, non-judgmental space to work collaboratively with patients in achieving treatment goals. Dr. Goicochea's expertise is in the combination of evidence-based medication management with psychotherapy, which includes supportive, person-centered, cognitive behavioral, acceptance and commitment, interpersonal, and solution-focused therapy. While she enjoys working with young adults, her skills and experience allow her to effectively assist patients of all ages. Her clinical areas of interest include the treatment of depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and ADHD.

Dr. Bellavia is an experienced board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in adult psychiatry. He was a faculty member of the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle for 8 years and has been a medical director and attending psychiatrist in several clinical settings including academic medical centers, outpatient private practice and consultation. Dr Bellavia works collaboratively with each patient to identify presenting problems and stressors and utilizes evidence-based medication treatments along with individualized supportive and short-term psychotherapy strategies to reduce symptoms and improve function. If clinically indicated, he may recommend adding a psychotherapist to your care team. Dr. Bellavia has a particular interest in treating psychiatric conditions including, but not limited to, depression and bipolar disorders, ADHD, anxiety disorders, and adjustment problems. He has extensive experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, such as university students, creative and tech professionals, and expat communities. He uses a relaxed, nonjudgmental, empathic approach that is holistic and considers the biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors that impact mental well-being.

Dr. Austin Davidson grew up in Nashville, TN before moving to CA for his undergraduate studies at the University of California, Irvine where he was on the rowing team. He then attended medical school at the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his psychiatry residency training at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

When he’s not practicing medicine, he enjoys spending time with his family, working out in his garage gym, and playing board games.

Dr. Davidson focuses on treating the whole patient. He believes medication is just one of the many important aspect to address when concerning mental health. Therapy, lifestyle changes, diet, and exercise are also equally important modalities that must be considered in treatment.  

Dr. Davidson’s treatment process typically begins with an in-depth history that focuses on getting to know his patients. He prefers to take his time with each patient and to make sure they feel they are heard. He believes the treatment process is a team effort and he takes time to come up with treatment plans that both he and his patients are comfortable with.

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Dr. Khandie Graham is a board-certified psychiatrist who completed her medical training at UCLA/Drew Medical Education and her psychiatry training at University of California, San Francisco/Fresno in 2013. She has served as a psychiatrist in the United States Air Force and prior to joining Talkiatry, was an inpatient psychiatrist. Dr. Graham's practice focuses on medication management. Typically, she offers this in conjunction with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. However, occasionally Dr. Graham may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome. Dr. Graham treats all adults and specializes in depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, ADHD, and life changes. She prides herself in partnering with patients to create individualized treatment plans. Dr. Graham is a great listener and spends time with her patients.

Dr. Boski Patel holds the position of psychiatrist at Talkiatry. She is double board-certified in geriatric and adult psychiatry and she has been practicing for over 3 years. Dr. Patel's practice focuses on medication management and she typically in conjunction with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. On occasion, Dr. Patel may believe that additional therapy is also needed and asks that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh, and then went on to receive her medical degree from Penn State University. Following medical school, she completed general psychiatry residency training at the University of Connecticut where she was Chief resident of outpatient psychiatric services. During that time, she was also chosen as an Honors scholar by the American Association of Geriatric Psychiatry. After training, she moved to California to do her geriatric psychiatry fellowship at Stanford. Following her fellowship, she worked at Kaiser Permanente in clinical roles of outpatient, geriatric, and C/L.

Dr. Marcia Morris is a psychiatrist with over thirty years of experience providing medication management as well as supportive psychotherapy to adult patients. She takes a positive psychiatry approach to treatment, prescribing medication while supporting patient strengths, social connections, and healthy habits. She has worked with university students as well as employees in an employee assistance program. She provides care for patients with depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and ADHD. In her previous role as an Associate Professor at the University of Florida, she has done research on the increase in depression and anxiety as well as the increased use of psychiatric medications among university students. She has published academic papers and given national talks in these topics with the goal of decreasing stigma and improving mental health care for young adults. She is a founding member of the Association for College Psychiatry and a member of the American Psychiatric Association college mental health caucus. Dr. Morris provides education to the public about mental health as a writer and public speaker. Her articles have appeared in the New York Times, the Tampa Bay Times, and the Huffington Post. She also has been interviewed on NPR and several podcasts. She currently writes a Psychology Today parenting blog "College Wellness: Promoting Happiness & Health in the College Years.” Her book, "The Campus Cure: A Parent's Guide to Mental Health & Wellness for College Students,” was published January 2018. Dr. Morris has an undergraduate degree from Harvard, a medical degree from Yale, and psychiatry residency training at New York Hospital Cornell Medical Center. She is a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association.

Dr. Ruiz is a compassionate psychiatrist specializing in adult and maternal mental health. She develops personalized treatment plans to address anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, PMDD, and perinatal conditions. Her goal is to help patients reconnect with their values and live balanced, fulfilled, and meaningful lives.

Her passion for medicine began in childhood, inspired by curiosity about the mind and body. She earned an Honors Chemistry degree with  magna cum laude and completed her medical training and psychiatry residency at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. With a strong scientific foundation, Dr. Ruiz understands the role of medications, and embraces holistic healing through connection, gratitude, and spirituality.

Dr. Ruiz has experience in diverse clinical settings and has received national awards including the AWP International Fellowship and ADMSEP Innovations Award. She is dedicated to advancing maternal mental health screening and treatment through clinical care and education.

Dr. Ruiz combines pharmacotherapy (medication) with psychotherapy to create individualized treatment plans. Therapy provides powerful tools to manage thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that support balanced brain chemistry. Research shows that medication helps restore this balance more quickly and effectively, especially in moderate to severe cases.  

Dr. Ruiz likens medication for the brain to fertilizer for a garden. Imagine your mental health as a vibrant garden—when well-nourished, it can thrive with resilience, beauty, and balance. But when symptoms like depression, anxiety, ADHD, or mood instability take hold, they act like invasive weeds, crowding out healthy growth and making it hard to enjoy the space. Medication acts like fertilizer, strengthening the garden’s natural systems so the healthy parts can reclaim their place and flourish. Just as some gardens need only seasonal care while others require more consistent tending, medication plans are personalized to support each person’s long-term mental wellness. When the garden is healthy, there's more room to grow, connect, and fully enjoy life.

With a strong background in chemistry and pharmacology, Dr. Ruiz prioritizes educating her patients about how medications work and why they can be helpful. She believes patients should take an active role in understanding their diagnosis and treatment. Her approach emphasizes diagnostic clarity, medication management, patient education, and brief psychotherapy based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).

Your first appointment is a supportive, in-depth conversation to share your story, challenges, and goals. Dr. Ruiz will review your medical and psychiatric history and assess symptoms using a whole-person approach that considers biological, psychological, and social factors.

Together, you’ll develop a personalized plan that may include lab work, medication, and therapy. Initial visits last 60 minutes for thorough evaluation; follow-ups typically last 20–30 minutes, focusing on medication management and brief therapy. If needed, Dr. Ruiz can refer you to in-house or community therapists for add-on therapy support.  

Throughout your care, Dr. Ruiz prioritizes shared decision making to ensure you feel informed, empowered, and supported.

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Dr. Kathryn Hu is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. She majored in biology and neuroscience at Brandeis University, attended medical school at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and completed residency training at Stony Brook University Hospital. ‍Dr. Hu practices a patient-centered approach to mental health care. She works collaboratively on goals of treatment, with a focus on medication management while incorporating supportive therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness. ‍Dr. Hu treats a variety of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and ADHD.

Dr. Laura Obler is board-certified in adult psychiatry. She received her medical degree from David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA in Los Angeles, California, where she stayed to complete her psychiatry residency at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience. During residency she received specialized training in reproductive psychiatry (the treatment of women who are considering pregnancy or are pregnant or postpartum) and acted as Chief Resident of the Women's Life Center at UCLA. Dr. Obler has experience working with a diverse group of patients. She has previously worked in community clinics in the greater Los Angeles area and as a staff psychiatrist at UCLA. She prefers a holistic approach to psychiatric treatment and therefore uses a combination of medication management and talking therapies to treat patients. Techniques she may utilize include cognitive behavioral therapy, experiential psychodynamic therapy, mentalization based therapy, and medical hypnosis.

Dr. Rodriguez is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. He earned his medical degree from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and completed his residency at the University of Southern California. Dr. Rodriguez has experience working in a variety of settings, including inpatient, outpatient, community mental health, and correctional facilities.

Dr. Rodriguez specializes in treating depression and anxiety. He acknowledges that while medications can be necessary, they are not magic, and a holistic approach is essential for achieving mental health. With this understanding, Dr. Rodriguez spends time getting to know his patients, focusing on helping them achieve mental wellness rather than simply prescribing medications. When he became a doctor, he made a pledge to "do no harm." He takes this commitment seriously and only prescribes medications, especially those with addictive properties, when it is safe and clearly indicated.

The first one or two appointments focus on a thorough assessment to establish a provisional diagnosis, which is essential for effective treatment planning. Once this initial diagnosis is made, Dr. Rodriguez collaborates with his patients to develop tailored treatment recommendations. During follow-up appointments, he actively listens to his patients and proposes adjustments to the treatment plan as needed.

Melissa Medina, LCSW, began her journey in mental healthcare with a Bachelor’s in Psychology followed by a Master of Social Work degree. From 2015 to 2018, she completed her clinical hours at a community mental health agency in Los Angeles, where she gained experience working with diverse populations facing complex challenges. Melissa’s therapeutic approach integrates psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, interpersonal, strengths-based, dialectical behavioral, and EMDR modalities. She is dedicated to providing culturally sensitive, neurodivergent-friendly, person-centered care to support individuals and families navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, panic attacks, grief, family conflict, and life transitions.

Melissa believes therapy is both a journey and a destination. She takes an eclectic approach, tailoring interventions and communication to best fit each patient’s needs and preferences. Patients can expect an atmosphere of warmth, empathy, and collaboration. Through motivational interviewing and narrative techniques, Melissa helps individuals articulate their stories, identify strengths, and reframe challenges as opportunities for growth. She is committed to meeting patients where they are while supporting them in reaching their goals.

Melissa’s process begins with building rapport, listening to each patient’s story, and understanding their unique needs and hopes for therapy. Early sessions focus on creating a safe, supportive space while developing a treatment plan tailored to the individual. Patients can expect to gain fresh perspectives, practical coping strategies, and deeper self-awareness. Melissa’s goal is for patients to feel heard, understood, and empowered as they strengthen relationships, build resilience, and move toward a greater sense of fulfillment.