Whole‑Person Psychiatry through Play, Creativity, and Connection
Child, Adolescent, and Adult psychiatry in Newport Beach, California.
I’m a child psychiatrist, but I’ve never believed that my role is simply to prescribe medication. My training has given me a deep understanding of child development, mental health, and the many layers that can affect a child or family. It has also taught me how valuable it is to slow down, listen, and really understand the person sitting in front of me.
I believe children and adults benefit from having a provider who starts with connection and therapy, while also having the ability to recommend medication when it can be helpful. I truly believe in the benefits of medication when it’s needed, but some of the most meaningful parts of my work happen in the therapy room — through conversation, creativity, those unexpected “aha” moments, and simply being present with another person.
My work with children and teens who have experienced trauma inspired me to create a practice that feels a little different. I love connecting with children through their world — through art, play, imagination, and creativity. I’ve found that when we are willing to meet children where they are, they often show us things they may not yet have the words to say.
It has been a long-time dream of mine to bring together my two passions: psychiatry and artistic expression. My hope is to create a space where children, teens, and adults feel understood, supported, and comfortable enough to be themselves — while working together toward meaningful change.
“Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.”
-Carl Jung, psychiatrist and psychoanalyst