Psychiatrists
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August 2008
Does anyone have recent experience or recommendations for a
psychiatrist in the East Bay who works with adults diagnosed
with ADHD? Thank you
East Bay Mom
Are you looking for someone to handle medication management? My husband is happy
with Dr. Donald Stanford in Berkeley. If you are looking for other kinds of
support, Linda Lawton in Albany is a good ADHD coach.
anonymous
Jan 2007
Any suggestions for psychiatrists to prescribe meds for adult ADD? Saw a couple suggestions from the past
but thought maybe there are more out there, ideally someone in Oakland. For a new resident, health plan
unconfirmed, but possibly BlCr, BlSh or Healthnet.
Thanks for any leads!
anon
I highly recommend Dr. Michael Ratener for Adult ADHD. Many years
ago I worked for Dr. Ratener, and I was so impressed by his
unique combination of compassion and expertise. He's very good at
listening to patients, and he has a great deal of knowledge about
ADHD and other issues such as depression, anxiety, and mood
disorders. His office is at 2914 Domingo Ave, Suite B in Berkeley. His
number is 510-981-0800.
Best of luck.
Rona
Sept 2005
I am looking for a recommendation for a psychiatrist or other
doctor who can help an adult with ADD (both through counseling
and prescribing appropriate medications). Thanks.
can't focus
I have been working with Dr. John R. Rostkowski in Walnut Creek
and found him to be a big help, especially compared to the
previous M.D. I was visiting.
I have had tremendous success with Neurotherapy as a method to reduce the effects
of adult ADD. There are a few practicioners in the Bay Area: www.eegspectrum.com
is a web site where there are listings.
I can recommend Carolyn Robertson at Advanced Neurotherapy in Walnut Creek
(925) 906-0420.
Sept 2003
I have checked the website and did not find current referrals
for a good local psychiatrist who would give a medication
consultation for an adult who suspects ADHD and is currently on
an antidepressant (and is already in ongoing therapy).
Thanks!
Dr. Steven Baskin, a psychiatrist in Berkeley, specializes in
Adult ADD.
Linda Lawton
I am a classic ADHD -- and I think it is often an advantage,
not a disease!
You may be depressed and medication or therapy might help (or
not). Have you tried regular exercise? I swear, it will work
wonders. So many things you could do that are fun, like Swing
Dancing, cycling, or swimming... I personally feel better if I
do a really punishing workout when I am particularly energetic,
mad, frustrated, or stressed out in some way. I like to run
hard. I have a friend who bought a punching bag ( a female)
and beat on that whenever she was pissed.
Exercise may not be a total cure, but you will be surprised how
much it will help.
Also, you know being hyper and distractible is a real advantage
in certain professions. Maybe you need a career change or some
other life change (like stop hanging out with negative/
dysfunctional people).
Best of luck!
Feb 2003
I Believe my husband has ADD and would like to find a
psychiatrist in the east Bay that is good with diagnosing
adult ADD and with treatment. He have HEALTHNET
insurance so would love to fine a doctor that takes this, but
it's not imperative.
I'm a psychotherapist myself, and have talked with quite a few
people who specialize in ADD. Stan Yantis is the only
psychiatrist I know with this specialty, and I don't know him
well, but he seems friendly, warm, respectful, and definitely an
expert in ADD. Psychiatrists are not all so personable, so I
think he's a great choice. He's in SF.
Cynthia
Sept 2007
I am looking for a outstanding psychiatrists that specializes in Bipolar Disorder. I am not happy
with the care I am currently getting and would love a doctor who is up on the latest research and is
really proactive.
Thanks
The very best place to go for cutting edge care is a psychiatric teaching hospital-
the one at UCSF is Langley-Porter Institute, and there is also one at Stanford.
Both of them have affective disorders clinics. My personal experience with
Langley-Porter was very good- they were able to help me with BPII disorder after
several doctors in private practice hadn't been able to.
Anon
I don't know if my psychiatrist specializes in bipolar, but I've been happy
with my treatment of my BPII. He's willing to research and find out the
latest on issues I've been having, and has made adjustments to medication
that have been very helpful. His name is Donald Stanford, he's in Berkeley,
and his number is 540-6235.
anon
April 2006
I have recently been diagnosed with bipolar II disorder and am
looking for a clinic and/or psychiatrist who is very skilled in
medication management and is relatively easy to get a hold of.
Any recommendations? I know about Stanford's Bipolar Clinic but
am hoping to find something a bit closer....
Thanks.
Hopeful
Psychiatrist: Stephen Sturges, MD
Located on Dwight Way across the street from Herrick.
Experienced in bi-polar.
Not on insurance panels.
510-548-1189
I have also heard some positive feedback about treatment of bi-polar with
psychaitrist Brad Engwahl, MD.
Located in Albany. 510-559-1819
Good luck.
Laura
I highly recommend Dr. Shane MacKay at the Berkeley Therapy Institute (at MLK and
Delaware). I also have bipolar II and found him three years ago after a lot of
research. I struggled to manage my depressive episodes for fifteen years -- no
kidding -- with only moderate success, and had tried probably eight or ten
medications. I started see Dr. MacKay at the beginning of 2003, and have been
90% stable since probably summer of that year, including through and after a
pregnancy. (Wellbutrin was what worked for me; I also take fish oil
supplements.) What really made the difference was that he recognized as bipolar
II what I and everyone else had thought was straightforward major depression, and
treated it accordingly. Medication is really his thing -- he's very up to date
on the medical literature. (I see a psychotherapist separately.) Good luck with
your search!
Happy and stable
I'm in the same boat, bipolar II. The trick is definitely finding
someone who is easy to get ahold of the first time. I couldn't
get anyone to return my calls for days or weeks, other than to
say I'd need to wait months or they weren't accepting new
patients. I did get a referral to Donald Stanford in south
Berkeley (540-6235), who called me back immediately. I found him
to be incredibly perceptive and skilled pinpointing the right
medications for me and making adjustments until we got it right.
I wouldn't say he's warm and fuzzy, at least not at first, but
I've come to see that's not what I really need. I am so glad I
could find someone who is great at the medication side of this.
You'll probably want to find someone else if you want to talk
about strategies for dealing with the condition. It's not his
forte, though he does listen a bit if you want to talk and
especially ask questions about the condition itself.
Good luck. anon
October 2002
I'm looking somewhat urgently for a Psychiatrist in private
practice in Berkeley/Rockridge (or somewhere else in the East
Bay easily accessible by public trans) who has a good knowledge
of bi-polar disorder. This is for my 35-year-old son who has
been diagnosed as bi-polar and has received some treatment
through the county, but who now needs a regular and reliable
m.d. of his own for treatment and prescription monitoring.
nk
Richard Levine is an excellent psychiatrist. His office is in
Berkeley. Telephone # is (510) 540-1746
good luck
Aug 2008
I'm looking for a psychiatrist who can help me with women's mental
health issues. I have a lot of hormone-related mental health
issues, e.g. PMS, depression/anxiety during pregnancy and
postpartum, plus I'm starting to wonder about effects of varous
birth control methods. I currently have a psychiatrist, who is
fine at managing my meds, but he's sort of impersonal and doesn't
really *get* the women's issues. Any recommendations? Maybe a
female doc this time? I'm on Blue Shield.
One of my friends who had very similar complaints as yours,
has had tremendous relief and success with psychiatrist Karen
Johnson, MD in Oakland, CA. I saved the doctor's name and am
happy to pass it along, as this doctor is someone I know can
be an excellent resource. Best wishes!
Louise
A local complementary medicine MD (OBG, not psychiatrist) who specializes in
women's issues, especially perimenopause and menopause, is Sara Gottfried. She
teaches yoga (and yoga/menopause) classes, and sees individuals in her medical
practice. A friend has worked with her with great benefits. She's in Oakland
(510)601-7111; website: http://doctorgottfried.com
Feb 2008
Can anyone recommend a psychiatrist in Berkeley/Albany who also does
therapy, and who is familiar with the interaction between thyroid
disorders and depression? I have Blue Cross HMO, but I'd rather pay out
of pocket for someone great than use someone so-so who takes Blue Cross.
I looked at the recommendations on the BPN website, but couldn't find any
recommendations for psychiatrists who do therapy (I know they exist) and
was overwhelmed by the alphabetical index of therapists.
I gave up on my last psychiatrist because no matter what I told him about
how I was feeling, he said, ''Just keep taking the Wellbutrin and we'll
check in next time,'' and when I asked him whether maybe there was a
medication that would get me closer to happy, he just said I needed
therapy. I'm not at all convinced that I need therapy--I tried two
different therapists for several years to no avail before going to the
psychiatrist. I feel like I have had a pretty good life, and there's
something not quite right in my brain that is preventing me from enjoying
it as much as I should.
Blue in Berkeley
My best recommendation to you is to call the San Francisco Psychoanalytic
Institute Society (415) 563-5815 and ask for referrals to psychiatrists who
are also trained as psychotherapists.
My spouse has seen several psychiatrists some who claimed to do
psychotherapy. Psychiatrists are doctors and are not required by law to
have any psychotherapy training. When she questioned them, they would tell
her flat out that they had no psychotherapy training but because they were
psychiatrists they could do psychotherapy. Only a few psychiatrists were
professional and honest enough to say that if my spouse wanted therapy,
they could recommend a psychotherapist for the therapy component. There are
some psychiatrists who after completing their medical training do go on to
obtain additional training at psychology institutes such as the one I
recommended above. They are still not licensed, however and may not have
received any supervision for the therapy part.
Anon
Dr. M. Randall Bloch, in Walnut Creek, is a psychiatrist who specializes in
neuro-pharmacology and came highly recommended by my physician and others.
He is very smart, well-read and thorough. A great bonus -- he corresponds
through e-mail and is very quick to respond to concerns or questions. His
phone number is 925 943-1561.
He isn't cheap, and I don't know if he takes insurance. I didn't explore
that with him.
I have a fistful of different medications and supplements, my medication is
complicated, and he was able to experiment to find what works best. He also
worked with my adolescent son, not easy. You can ask him if he knows about
thyroid medication.
He is a little farther out of the way, but truthfully, between downtown
Berkeley traffic and going on the freeway, the time difference isn't that
great.
anon
William Prey is an excellent psychiatrist who has offices in Mill Valley
and San Francisco. I don't know how much therapy he does, but I was
referred to him because I had depression related to hypothyroidism and he
has a lot of expertise in this area. I've only seen him for medication
management, but he is very smart and treats patients with a lot of respect.
His number is 415 381-2619. Good luck.
Kate
June 2007
I need a reliable psychiatrist in SF -- preferably in financial district -- who is not
medication-adverse. Your recommendations would be greatly appreciated!
Needs Help
I drive from Berkeley to see Cody Fisher, and he's worth the trip. He's friendly without
being overwhelming, and opinionated without being judgemental. He helped me to find an
antidepressant, and we still meet regularly so he can make sure I'm on the right track
(though he's very good about not wanting to meet so often or for such a long time, which is
nice considering $$$.) He will want you to see someone for talk therapy as well, so if you
are just looking for medication he's not your guy. His office is 2345 California at
Fillmore, phone 673-6310.
Feeling Much Better Now, Thanks For Asking
May 2007
If anyone has as good therapist in downtown SF, please share.I need to find
someone close to work and have no idea where to start. Thanks.
need some help
If Maureeen Kurpinsky Ph.D. still has an office downtown and has openings in her
schedule I would highly, highly recommend her. Smart, sympathetic and warm. She
takes your suffering seriously.
Good luck in your search - it's overwhelming when you're not sure how to take the
first step.
Anon
My Husband and I have been going to a great psychologist in San francisco. She is
very warm and kind, very easy to talk to. She is sort of in the downtown area. She
is located on 999 Sutter Street/Hyde. The 2/3 bus runs right infront of her office.
Name is Alice Knutson 415.775.4995
Good Luck!
Alexandra
I would recommend Dr. Elizabeth Whelchel, who is in the financial district, on
Montgomery St., and can be reached at 415-362-5950. Dr. Whelchel is very smart,
compassionate and I would recommend her highly.
A fellow psychologist
Nov 2006
I would like to recommend a psychiatrist to a friend who is in mid-pregnancy and suffering
from depression. Can anyone recommend a good psychiatrist who is familiar with issues around
medications and pregnancy?
alena
Three local psychiatrists who specialize in this area: Heather Clague 510.869.4999,
Monika Eisenbud 845.1968, or Phylis Cedars 466.5636. Good luck - Gina Hassan, Ph.D.,
Perinatal Psychotherapy Services www.perinatalpsychotherapy.com
May 2006
I'd like to find a psychiatrist who knows a lot about the pros
and cons of being on antidepressants during pregnancy. Any help?
Thank you!
anon
I was on depression/anxiety medication during my pregnancy and used Dr. Peter
Freedman. He knows what he's doing and is very caring. He is always doing research on
this issue and knows the very latest in what is safe/not safe/risky. He's in Berkeley
and his number is 510-549-3287.
Good luck!
anon
I don't have a specfic recommendation but as my partner and a few friends are
psychiatrists, I can vouch that all of them know extensively about meds and pregnancy,
as it is an important part of their learning process about psychotropic medications.
So, better to find someone that you get good word about, and know that all of them
know what they need to know about meds and safety issues/pros and cons, in pregnancy.
Best of luck. Kate
I'm now in my second pregnancy and have continued taking Zoloft
through both. My psychiatrist has been pretty helpful in working
with me on the issues involved. Before my first pregnancy, we
tried slowly reducing my dosage to try to come off of the meds
and it was clear at a certain point that I was at the lowest
dosage I could be at and still remain stable. He said that there
are no known problems that come from using Zoloft during
pregnancy, although there are known problems that come from being
depressed. So even though there is a theoretical risk with any
medication, for me it was the lesser of two evils. Anyway, his
name is Dr. Lawrence Cohen and his number is 981-9141. I've
appreciated him as my psychiatrist. Good luck.
anon
It's a bit of a distance to go, but for really expert up to date advice, I'd try the
Stanford Mood Disorders Clinic. Anyone there will be knowledgable.
anon
August 2005
I'm looking for a more recent recommendation for a psychiatrist who is experienced
in treating postpartum depression. I've never been treated for depression before but
I'm expecting my second baby in October and I'm not sure I can 'tough it out' as I
did/am doing after the birth of my first. I'm very nervous about going down this
path (meds) but more nervous about not treating the problem. I have a list of people
from HealthNet which provides no information about specialty, etc. Picking a name
out of a hat is just exacerbating my stress. Any advice, recommendations would be
most appreciated.
anon
Greetings,
I am a marriage and family therapist who works a great deal
with postpartum depression/anxiety and parenting transitions.
I think you are wise to look for a psychiatrist who can respond
well to the postpartum period as being sensitive to and
knowledgeable about various factors (nursing, changing dosage,
etc.)is certainly not true for all psychiatrists. I currently
refer to the following M.D.s re: postpartum depression.
Phyllis Cedars 466-5636 (often full)
Monica Eisenbud 845-1968
Michael Lowenstein 925 258-9302
Michael Ratener 1-888-246-1964 (open to alternative medicine)
Please feel free to contact me if you would like more
information about any of these M.D.s. Also, I run a Postpartum
Stress Support Group which I would be happy to tell you about.
Group members certainly feel that not having to ''tough it out
alone'' makes all the difference.
All my best,
Lee
I highly recommend Dr. Emily Newman. She's based in SF -- but
highly worth the trip across the bay. She helped me with my
depression prior to my 2nd pregnancy -- and all the way through
it. Like you, I had decided I couldn't ''tough it out'' like I
did with my first. 257 Connecticut St. (415) 565-7101.
anon
I saw Steven Joseph in Albany, and I think he's wonderful.
Though he does not specialize in PPD, he was extremely helpful,
and is one of the few psychiatrists who practices real
psychotherapy, instead of focusing on meds, though he does it
all. He also has a Jungian background.
Shoshana Bennett (sp?) is THE resident expert on PPD, however,
and had she not been located so far away from me, I probably
would have sought her out. She is in Walnut Creek, I believe.
She is well-known, written an important book on the subject,
and has experienced the condition herself.
been there, too
June 2006
I am seeking a psychiatrist for post-partem anxiety. My choices (through my
insurance plan) are: a) John Rosenberg; b) Donald Stanford; c) Mike Gumble and d)
Jane Delay.
Does anyone have experience with any of these doctors? I prefer someone who has
some warmth and is not just a drug-dolling autobot.
CE
I have had a wonderful recovery through working with Dr. Jules Tanenbaum- he is
in Walnut creek but worth the drive.
b.
I would highly recommend Dr. Jane Dulay. She is caring,
knowledgeable psychiatrist here in the East Bay.
Michael Y. Simon, MFT
April 2000
I'm looking for a recommendation for a doctor who specializes in
post-partum depression.
I'm currently covered by Kaiser, but anyone outside the system is fine.
One of the Bay Area specialists in postpartum depression and also in
womens hormones and mental well being is at Kaiser Oakland.
Dr. Jeanne Leventhal in the Department of Psychiatry.(This is number for
her nurse. I don't know if it is the way to make an appointment, but
try it 596-7899)
Sherry
I highly recommend Dr. Judy Schwartz, a Berkeley
psychiatrist who offers talk and/or drug therapies for
hormonally related problems among others.
If she currently has no openings, ask her for
recommendations of other practitioners with expertise
in this area.
Oct 2006
I am looking for a good Aetna HMO psychiatrist (M.D.) in the
Albany/Berkeley area for my wife who takes medication. There are
many to choose from and I don't know which are good. I have
already looked through the psychiatrist section on the Berkeley
Parents Network and none of the doctors listed are included in
our health plan. Any recommendations you could offer would
greatly help us
Concerned Husband
One psychiatrist I would recommend is Donald Stanford. He's very
good with medication maintenance. He's in south Berkeley, but I
think a little drive is worth it if when you find the right
doctor for you. I don't know if he takes Aetna HMO. He does take
MHN, which some HMOs use to subcontract mental health coverage.
One suggestion I'd have is that you get a list of psychiatrists
covered by your plan and then ask for recommendations on those
specific names. You'll get more responses, I think.
Good luck.
tca
Oct 2006
I'm looking for a female psychiatrist, ideally who has
experience in addictio, OCD, manic depression, etc... I believe
medication may be necessary so please dont email names of
psychotherapists. Ideally it would be nice if she is in the East
Bay but if not, thats ok. It seems really difficult to find a
woman in private practice.
Thanks!
lr
Although she is not in your ideal area, you may want to contact Rebecca Watters, MD
in San Francisco. She specializes in OCD and Women's issues, does both
psychotherapy and medication, and I believe she might be currently available to
take new patients. You can find out more about her at www.drrebeccawatters.com.
If she doesn't seem like the right match, she can also provide other suggestions
for psychiatrists.
Good luck
Donna
I highly recommend Heather Clague MD (her number is 510-869-4999), a psychiatrist with a
private practice in Berkeley. She has a lot of experience treating pregnant women and is
very thoughtful about the risks and benefits of medications in pregancy and breastfeeding.
Heather Clague works with men and women who are seeking an assessment and/or, in particular
with individuals who are seeking to see one practioner to cover both medication and
psychotherapy - a great combination for those who need it: she's a wonderful therapist -
wise, warm and practical, compassionate and easy to talk to. Her professional treatment is,
most importantly, - stablizing, accurate, and very helpful.
Sheryl
Feb 2005
Can anyone recommend a psychiatrist (not a therapist)who is
knowledgable about the various drugs for anxiety/panic
disorders/possibly bipolar disorder and also provides some
therapy and comfort for someone dealing with the extreme stress
and inability to function that comes with these issues?
Ideally this person would be in the Berkeley area (not through
the tunnel)
Thanks!
Anon
Shane McKay in Berkeley 1748 MLK Jr. Way at Delaware, 540-1746 is
excellent for medication prescription and management. This is
from a professional point of view (I used to work in psychiatric
nursing) and as a consumer/patient of psychiatric services. He
doesn't take insurance, so you have to pay up front, and collect
what you can from your insurance company, which would be zero if
you have an HMO. But he is SO worth it, if you can get in to see
him. Once you are his patient, he is very reachable -- he
returns voice mail messages promptly, and leaves his pager number
on his outgoing message, so if you need to speak to him urgently,
you can page him and he calls back quickly. He is the most
knowledgeable about psych meds and you don't feel pathologized
when you talk with him. He's got a sense of humor and a very
positive attitude -- he'll keep trying until he gets the med
regime you need, and really wants to hear back how you are doing.
He gives his patients lots of control over dose adjustment,
prints out instructions from his computer so you always have it
in writing, and legible. I've referred several friends to him
and they have had great experience with him.
satisfied bipolar mom
I work at Alta Bates (Herrick) in inpatient psychiatry & work w/
many of the psychiatrists in the area (that do both inpatient &
private practice). I would highly recommend the following:
Lawerence Cohen, Hal Goldberg, Christopher Michel & Steven
Sturges. All four are highly skilled w/ diagnosis and
medications as well as building very good therapeutic
relationships w/ their clients.
Berkeley Therapist & Mom
I recently had the same problem finding someone who would accept
new patients. One of the doctors that my therapist recommended,
who wasn't accepting patients, suggested I call Donald Stanford.
His office is on Carleton near Shattuck. My therapist thought I
should look into medication for depression but Dr Stanford
diagnosed mild bipolar disorder and prescribed medication that
has done wonders in just two weeks. I'm not seeing him for talk
therapy, but I think he would be good for what you're describing
based on my few visits.
anon
Dr David Rovno MD in Montclair is excellent in dealing with
anxiety and is the most judicious and measured psychiatrist I
have ever seen (I'm bipolar with acute anxiety issues). He may be
reached at 510-531-7523.
anon
Queer-friendly psychiatrist
Feb 2002
I am looking for a progressive, compassionate, queer-
friendly psychiatrist who has experience with mood
disorders and hormonal issues. Thank you.
I know of a great queer-friendly psychiatrist named Tim Brower who works in
the East Bay. I don't have his number but he's listed I'll bet. Very
knowledgeable and kind. Good luck.
Massberi
From Whitepages.com
Brower Timothy MD
39013 Sundale
Fremont, CA 94538
510-608-5803
May 2005
Does anyone on this list have any experience, positive or
otherwise, with Dr. Joseph Hartog, a psychiatrist who practices
in Berkeley? Thanks!
anon
I see Dr. Hartog for medication monitoring and I love him! He
is an older gent, is kind, friendly, knowledgeable, funny, and
is good about reviewing his notes and getting to the point and
following up on things talked about in prior sessions. He is
also easy to talk to, and has worked along side me to find the
right medications that work for me. Hope you have as good an
experience with him as I have.
anon
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