Psychiatric Assessments in San Diego

If you're struggling with mood, focus, trauma, or other mental health concerns, you're not alone. Below are some of the conditions I frequently diagnose and treat:

• Mood and anxiety disorders
• ADHD
• Addiction
• Trauma-related concerns
• Autism spectrum and developmental disorders
• And many others

The term “psychiatric assessment” can feel clinical or even intimidating—like something being done to you instead of with you. But that’s not how I work.

This isn’t a rushed, top-down process. It’s a collaborative conversation designed to give us both a deeper understanding of what’s going on and how best to support your healing. Here’s what to expect:

For Adults

The initial psychiatric assessment is two hours long. During this time, we’ll explore your:

• Personal and family history
• Day-to-day concerns
• Lifestyle
• Relationship dynamics
• Safety considerations
• And any other factors that may be contributing to your mental health

We may also incorporate lab work and standardized rating scales to provide a complete, evidence-informed picture of your needs.

For Minors

For children and teens, the process includes a two-hour session with parents or caregivers, followed by a one-hour session with the child. This format helps us gather meaningful context, build trust, and design a developmentally appropriate path forward.

A psychiatric assessment is often a turning point in the mental health journey—not just because it offers a diagnosis, but because it brings the insight and direction many patients haven’t found anywhere else. My patients typically walk away with:

Clarity

We’ll develop a diagnostic profile that actually makes sense, one that’s grounded in your lived experience and supported by scientific evidence.

Relief

Understanding what’s going on (and why) is a relief. It helps remove the shame, doubt, and second-guessing many people carry when they’ve been misunderstood or misdiagnosed.

Direction

We don’t just name the problem. We outline what to do about it. I’ll walk you through psychiatric service treatment options, whether it’s psychotherapy, medication, holistic strategies, or interventional treatments like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).

Empowerment

You’ll leave with the confidence to make informed decisions, whether that means continuing care with me or taking the psychiatric assessment to another provider. Either way, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge you need for whatever comes next.

Rather than checking boxes, I’m interested in uncovering the truth. That requires curiosity, collaboration, and respect for the complexity of your experience. Here’s what makes my approach unique:

I Take Time to Get It Right

Rushed psychiatric assessments lead to shallow answers. I set aside two hours to explore your history, symptoms, relationships, and lifestyle. We also use lab work and rating scales when appropriate. The result? A diagnosis that’s not just fast, but accurate and meaningful.

You’ll Be Heard, Not Just Evaluated

I approach psychiatric service and care as a real conversation, one that’s centered around your experience and values your perspective. Patients often tell me they’ve never felt more understood or empowered in a clinical setting.

We’ll Dig Beneath the Surface

Rather than focusing on symptom management, I focus on the why. Together, we’ll uncover deeper dynamics: the emotional, psychological, biological, and environmental factors that may be causing the distress.