Postpartum Depression Psychiatrists in California

Dr. Barbara Lampert is a board certified psychiatrist, diplomat of The American Board of Addiction Medicine, and Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine. She trained at the Downstate School of Medicine in Brooklyn, NY, completed her internship at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, and her residency in Psychiatry at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA in Los Angeles. Over 30 years, she has worked in inpatient and outpatient settings, taught 3rd-year residents psychopharmacology in the Mood Disorder clinic she created, consulted in the prison system, and volunteered in the aftermath of natural disasters. She joined the New Mexico Medical Reserve Corps and was active in the Corps while working in her private practice. She continued to study the effects of trauma when she returned to California in 2008. She received specialized training in EMDR and Dialectic Behavior Therapy. In addition, she studied substance abuse problems and became a Diplomate of the American Board of Addiction Medicine. Empathy forms the core of Dr. Lampert's approach to treating patients. Working with trauma survivors, she believes that the goal is not to dwell on "the story” because patients often need time to reconstruct an accurate history. Rather, helping patients manage the challenge of living in the present moment is a worthy goal. Dr. Lampert has been named one of the Best Doctors in America for the treatment of mood disorders and one of the Best Doctors in California. She has remained dedicated to the dual path she's followed for years: excellence in Biological Psychiatry and psychology. She looks forward to working with you to help you achieve your treatment goals.

Background and credentials

Dr. Lisa Ekeanyanwu is a board-eligible psychiatrist who completed her psychiatry residency training at Stanford University. She has gained experience in a wide range of clinical environments, including inpatient and outpatient care, community mental health settings, emergency rooms, telehealth services, and international clinical fieldwork.

‍

Treatment approach

Dr. Ekeanyanwu’s practice is centered on pharmacotherapy, which she integrates with supportive therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and psychodynamic therapy to provide comprehensive psychiatric care. She takes a collaborative and individualized approach, tailoring treatment to meet each patient’s unique goals and improve their overall quality of life. She has a special interest in cultural and micro-cultural influences on mental health and strives to provide culturally competent care that respects each patient’s life experiences and values. When she believes additional therapy may be beneficial, she may recommend incorporating a therapist into the care team.

‍

What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a thorough evaluation where Dr. Ekeanyanwu carefully assesses their symptoms, medical history, and personal treatment goals. She fosters a collaborative and patient-centered environment, ensuring that each treatment plan aligns with the patient’s individual needs. She provides medication management along with therapeutic support and, when appropriate, may recommend additional therapy to optimize outcomes. Her approach prioritizes safe, effective, and culturally sensitive care that evolves to support patients throughout different stages of their lives.

‍

Why Talkiatry?

We’re a virtual mental health practice that makes it easy to find great care. We combine quality and convenience to help you thrive—faster. Our providers, like this one, are highly trained experts who specialize in medication management and collaborate with you on a treatment plan that fits your needs and comfort level.

‍

Dr. Michael Lukowski is an adult psychiatrist who holds board certification with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He has been practicing medicine for over 4 years. Dr. Lukowski focuses on medication management combined with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. He practices whole-person medicine, caring for the wellness of your mind, body, and spirit and helping you enjoy your relationships with those around you. Dr. Lukowski received his medical degree from the University of Nevada School of Medicine in Reno, NV, before moving to southern California to complete his residency at Loma Linda University. After completing training, Dr. Lukowski began working with the Southern California Permanente Medical Group in Riverside, CA, where he treated a variety of psychiatric disorders in an outpatient setting. In March of 2020, as the pandemic changed life and medicine forever, Dr. Lukowski adopted a strictly telepsychiatry role at his clinic. He has also held a staff psychiatrist position as an adult inpatient psychiatrist in Tennessee. Dr. Lukowski treats a wide variety of psychiatric disorders within the adult demographic.

Dr. Alexandra Dunn is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who completed her medical training at the University of California Irvine School of Medicine. She then moved to New York to complete her psychiatric residency training at Mount Sinai Beth Israel. During training, Dr. Dunn gained extensive clinical experience in psychiatric inpatient, outpatient, and emergency settings, allowing her the opportunity to treat patients of all ages and backgrounds. In addition, she co-led a mindfulness group at the outpatient clinic, worked with students at Baruch College, and rotated with the Assertive Community Treatment team at MSBI. Ultimately, Dr. Dunn chose outpatient care, focusing on treating patients with mood and anxiety disorders. While her practice primarily emphasizes medication management, she also incorporates supportive and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques in her sessions with patients. If appropriate, Dr. Dunn will refer you for psychotherapy and collaborate with your therapist to support your care. She looks forward to meeting and working with you to help you feel better.

Dr. Marla Richard is a Stanford-trained board-certified psychiatrist and is board-eligible for geriatric psychiatry from UCSD. She has been practicing in a variety of settings for the last 30 years. Dr. Richard uses an integrated health paradigm with general and geriatric patients using traditional psychopharmacology, interpersonal neurobiology practices, and personality assessments to look at root motivations for behaviors to address core issues and with medication management as needed. Dr. Marla believes that you need to take a whole-person approach to both mental and physical health. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota, Duluth, and then attended medical school at Stanford Medical School to complete her MD. With visions of becoming a general surgeon, she went to the University Hospitals of Cleveland and completed two years of general surgery training before seeing the light and transferring to psychiatry. She completed her psychiatry training at Stanford University and geriatric training many years later at UCSD. Her focus includes an integrated approach to the consideration of mental and physical health while incorporating mindfulness tools to teach skills of stress and anxiety management in everyday life. In conjunction with medication management, she uses interpersonal neurobiology to help clients understand triggers as well as methods to calm overactive stress responses and reactivity.

Background and credentials

Dr. John Whittier is a board-certified psychiatrist. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology from the University of Colorado at Boulder and went on to obtain a master’s degree in Medical Science from Loyola University Chicago. He completed his medical training at the Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at The University of Vermont and returned to Colorado for his psychiatry residency at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. While in residency, he specialized in the Psychotherapy Scholars Program and has since gained four years of experience treating psychiatric conditions through telehealth.

‍

Treatment approach

Dr. Whittier primarily focuses on medication management for general psychiatric conditions. His approach is individualized, ensuring that each patient receives a treatment plan tailored to their unique needs. He integrates supportive therapy, medications, and evidence-based alternative therapies to provide a flexible and comprehensive approach. In addition to his general practice, he maintains a psychodynamic psychotherapy panel where he helps patients explore developmental and relational patterns that contribute to their symptoms. His specialties include treating depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, PTSD, insomnia, bipolar disorder, and ADHD.

‍

What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a one-hour comprehensive intake during which Dr. Whittier thoroughly evaluates their symptoms, medical history, and personal goals. He provides treatment options that prioritize flexibility, allowing patients to take an active role in their care. Follow-up visits typically last 20 to 30 minutes, focusing on assessing treatment progress and making necessary adjustments. For those engaged in psychodynamic psychotherapy, longer one-hour sessions are available for in-depth exploration of underlying psychological patterns.

‍

Why Talkiatry?

We’re a virtual mental health practice that makes it easy to find great care. We combine quality and convenience to help you thrive—faster. Our providers, like this one, are highly trained experts who specialize in medication management and collaborate with you on a treatment plan that fits your needs and comfort level.

‍

Dr. Jennifer Ruch is a board-certified psychiatrist who strives to understand her patients' lived experiences and aspirations to develop supportive therapeutic relationships through empathetic listening, mutual trust, and respect. She collaboratively creates individualized care plans that align with personal treatment goals in a safe and judgment-free environment. After completing her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Biology with a focus in psychology from the University of California, Merced, she earned her medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Ruch completed her General Psychiatry Residency at Arnot Ogden Medical Center in New York. Her clinical experience involves treating individuals of all age groups from diverse populations and socioeconomic backgrounds suffering from anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, and neurocognitive disorders. She has provided care in inpatient and outpatient psychiatric facilities, the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, emergency rooms, state facilities, and an inpatient chemical dependency center. She also performed pre-procedure psychological evaluations for bariatric and spinal cord surgeries, and psychiatric consult liaison services on medical units and has clinical training in inpatient and outpatient neurology. Her clinical experience incorporated treatment modalities such as pharmacotherapy and interventional psychiatry, including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Spravato. Dr. Ruch integrates a wide array of psychotherapy as needed; however, her practice primarily focuses on medication management while utilizing referrals to therapists and providing collaborative care for optimal outcomes.

Dr. Albert Luong is a Board Certified adult psychiatrist who integrates a friendly and collaborative approach to treating psychiatric conditions. For him, building strong therapeutic relationships is key to helping patients achieve their goals. In line with holistic treatment, Dr. Luong utilizes psychotherapy and medication management to implement a safe, empathic, and individualistic framework that allows for healing and wellness. Dr. Luong works primarily with patients dealing with depression, anxiety, stress management, and lack of fulfillment, among other life challenges. Dr. Luong completed undergraduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley, majoring in biological sciences and graduating with the highest distinction. He received his medical degree from New York University School of Medicine and completed an adult psychiatry residency at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. As part of his training, he was the Chief Resident of the Adult Outpatient Psychiatry Department, supervising trainees and treating patients with various psychiatric illnesses.

Dr. Alexa Hall is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with extensive training and experience across inpatient, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient psychiatry settings. She earned her medical degree from Saint Louis University School of Medicine and completed her psychiatry residency at Harvard South Shore. Through her clinical work with the Harvard Medical School system and the Boston VA Healthcare System, Dr. Hall developed expertise in caring for diverse patient populations. She has also served as Medical Director for multiple psychiatry practices, overseeing services such as outpatient medication management, Spravato, IV Ketamine, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). Outside of work, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her family.

Dr. Hall provides a supportive, non-judgmental environment where patients feel heard, respected, and understood. She takes a collaborative approach, working in partnership with patients to set and achieve individualized wellness goals. Her practice emphasizes whole-person care, integrating both mental and physical well-being into each treatment plan.

Dr. Hall begins by listening closely to understand each patient’s history, experiences, and concerns. From there, she collaborates with patients to identify their personal treatment and wellness goals. She develops individualized treatment plans tailored to these goals, focusing on supporting meaningful progress and long-term well-being.

Dr. Rachel Sherhart is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who has been in practice for over 4 years. She specializes in medication management with 30-minute follow-up visits. This may be accompanied by elements of supportive therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and psychodynamic therapy. If more in-depth work is needed, she may refer patients to a collaborating psychotherapist. ‍Dr. Sherhart received her medical degree from Texas A&M Health Science Center and completed her psychiatry residency training at the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas, Texas. She has served as faculty at Texas A&M University College of Medicine, providing education and supervision for psychiatry residents and medical students. ‍She has experience treating adult patients from many walks of life with a broad range of diagnoses, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and trauma-related disorders. Dr. Sherhart has a passion for providing excellent patient care and education. Her goal is for patients to feel heard and find a safe place to discuss their concerns. She is motivated to work collaboratively with patients to find a solution that best fits their treatment goals and improves their overall quality of life.‍

Dr. Emmalee Boyle is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who specializes in providing patient-centered care. She offers a mix of medication management in conjunction with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. Dr. Boyle's areas of interest include treating mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and co-occurring substance use disorders. In addition, she enjoys helping the patient explore a holistic approach to their mental health treatment. Dr. Boyle received her medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin. She completed her general psychiatry residency training at Boston University Medical Center, where she was selected as co-chief resident. She also completed an additional post-graduate fellowship at the Massachusetts Institute of Psychoanalysis. During training, Dr. Boyle worked with an ethnically, culturally, and linguistically diverse patient population with various psychiatric illnesses and has experience navigating the many intersecting systems of mental health care. In addition, she worked with experts in the fields of psychosis and substance abuse. She also co-authored a book chapter on the immune system and psychiatric illness. Dr. Boyle also has particular clinical interests in immigrant and refugee health.

Dr. Tara Thompson-Felix is a board-certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist. Dr. Thompson-Felix has specialized training in perinatal mental health and believes that improving outcomes during pregnancy and the postpartum period has a long-lasting impact on outcomes for a mother and child. She also specializes in treating a wide array of psychiatric conditions affecting children, adolescents, and young adults. Dr. Thompson-Felix's journey into medicine started in her undergraduate studies at Rutgers University. She earned her medical degree at Rutgers, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and trained in adult psychiatry at Temple University Medical School. She completed her child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Yale School of Medicine. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Thompson-Felix has extensive research experience in using neuroscience to understand the impact of maternal mental health on child development. She has authored several publications, presents her work nationally/internationally, and received numerous awards for her clinical work, research, and passion for teaching. Dr. Thompson-Felix believes that trust, communication, and respect between a patient and their physician is the foundation of effective treatment. Her style is welcoming, nonjudgmental, and collaborative. She evaluates mental health based on biological, psychological, and cultural aspects. She uses evidence-based treatments to manage psychiatric symptoms and promote optimal health.

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. 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.

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.

‍

Dr. Mustafa Taquee is a board-certified Adult Psychiatrist. After receiving his undergraduate degree from Wayne State University in Detroit, he completed his medical degree at Oakland University William Beaumont in Rochester, MI. He is a graduate of the Adult Psychiatry Residency Program at St. Mary Mercy Hospital in Livonia, MI. As a testament to Dr. Taquee's desire to help patients reach their full potential, he has also completed a psychotherapy fellowship through the Michigan Psychoanalytic Institute. Dr. Taquee believes that every patient brings their own mosaic of experiences embedded in a unique story. He understands that building a strong therapeutic relationship through empathy, compassion, trust, and respect is essential. He enjoys taking time to understand his patient's goals, offer psychoeducation, and create a collaborative plan for treatment with the patient. He believes in a holistic approach to mental health treatment, which includes medication management, supportive and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, as well as mind-body medicine techniques. He also has a special interest in psychodynamic therapy, an in-depth therapy modality, which he incorporates in all patient interactions and sessions. Due to the diversity and richness of culture in southeast Michigan, Dr.Taquee has experience working with patients from varied backgrounds. He enjoys the challenge such a heterogeneous environment brings and is particularly fond of working with young adults experiencing life transitions. He also has experience working with patients from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, as well as adolescents and geriatric populations.