Lasting wellness begins with active listening. Our initial session is typically two hours long, allowing us to explore not only what’s happening but also why it’s happening. Together, we’ll build a psychiatric treatment plan that considers the full context of your life, not just the symptoms.
Meet Dr. Todd Young
I’m a board-certified San Diego-based psychiatrist in private practice, conveniently located in Encinitas and serving the communities of Northern San Diego County. I work with children, adolescents, and adults across both outpatient and acute care settings, and I treat a wide range of psychiatric conditions, including:
- Mood and anxiety disorders
- ADHD
- Psychotic disorders
- Addictions
- Trauma-related concerns
- Autism
- Developmental disorders
- And more
My approach blends psychotherapy and medication management, guided by psychodynamic principles. I believe that a person’s mental health is best understood within the context of their personality, relationships (past and present), and family of origin.
I also believe that mental wellness is deeply connected to physical health. Restorative sleep, a healthy diet, and a consistent movement practice can dramatically amplify the benefits of therapy and medication. In my own life, I stay active through functional movement, yoga, and—most recently—the fascinating and humbling art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Credentials & Clinical Background in Psychiatric Service
Education
- LSU New Orleans – Doctor of Medicine 2006
- University of New Mexico – Psychiatry Residency 2009
- UC San Diego – Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship 2011
- San Diego Psychoanalytic Center – Fellowship 2017
Associations
- Associate Physician Diplomate, UCSD Physician Enhancement Program
- Member, American Psychiatric Association
- Member, American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
- Member, Institute for Functional Medicine
My Approach to Psychiatric Service
Psychopharmacology
Medication can be a powerful tool, but it’s certainly not the only one. I take a thoughtful approach to prescribing. From the start, we’ll discuss if and when you should taper or stop taking medication, so you’re never left on autopilot.
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Understanding what you feel is certainly important. But understanding why you feel it is transformative. My approach to talk therapy is an effective way to uncover unconscious behaviors that negatively impact how you think, act, relate to others, and engage with the world.
Holistic Psychiatric Service
I often encourage patients to explore the bigger picture—nutrition, movement, sleep, relationships, stressors, and other often-overlooked factors that affect mental health. When appropriate, we can integrate supportive strategies that enhance your primary treatment plan.
Why Me?
Curiosity Over Assumptions
Collaboration Over Control
You’re not here to be told what to do. You’re here to recover through collaborative care. We make psychiatric treatment decisions together. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, trauma, ADHD, addiction, or complex diagnoses like bipolar disorder, we will find a solution together.
Whole-Person Care Over Checklists
I am qualified to prescribe medications and often do. But I also consider the bigger picture—your background, lifestyle, and relationship dynamics. This deeper understanding helps uncover the root causes of your distress, allowing us to pursue psychiatric services aligned with you, not a mental health handbook.
Support Starts Here
Ready to move beyond conventional psychiatric treatments and find lasting wellness? Reach out to take the first step and from there, we'll make the journey together.
