Find a Psychiatrist in San Diego, CA

My practice primarily focuses on medication management, though I use a holistic approach in developing individualized treatment plans. I typically incorporate elements of various psychotherapy modalities, including supportive, cognitive behavioral (CBT), dialectical behavioral (DBT), and insight-oriented therapy, in 30- or 45-minute follow-up visits. Occasionally, I may believe that more intensive therapy is needed and recommend that you bring a dedicated therapist into your care team for an optimal outcome. I aim to provide mental health care that helps patients live more fulfilling lives.

I am a board-certified adult psychiatrist. I received my medical doctorate degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and completed my residency training in general psychiatry at the University of Michigan. During my training, I gained extensive experience treating psychiatric disorders in diverse populations, including college students, LGBTQ+ individuals, perinatal women, veterans, and those with socioeconomic disadvantages. I have worked with experts on cases of treatment-resistant depression and provided consultations for patients considering procedural interventions, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and ketamine infusion therapy.

I value therapeutic partnership, working with patients to balance symptom relief with meaningful self-exploration. I take a collaborative, patient-centered approach, creating a warm and nonjudgmental environment. I listen deeply, ask thoughtful questions, and encourage honest exploration of symptoms and underlying patterns. I value authenticity, curiosity, and respect for each patient's unique experiences. While symptom relief is important, my goal is to foster self-understanding and long-term growth. My expertise spans medication management, supportive therapy, and psychodynamic therapy, and I work best with patients open to collaboration and motivated for change, whether through medication management, therapy, or both.

I begin with a consultation phase to ensure a good fit, listening carefully to understand each patient's challenges and goals. Together, my patients and I build a working alliance by clarifying difficulties, identifying realistic changes, and exploring deeper patterns. When appropriate, I prescribe medication thoughtfully, aiming to support therapy rather than replace it. Each session integrates supportive and psychodynamic elements, combining medication review with therapeutic dialogue. Treatment plans are regularly revisited, allowing flexibility and growth, with the ultimate aim of empowering patients toward lasting change.

I earned my BS in Psychology from the University of California, Davis, and my MD from Ross University School of Medicine. I completed my psychiatry residency at Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center and a consultation-liaison psychiatry fellowship at Stanford University Medical Center. I am triple-board-certified in psychiatry, consultation-liaison psychiatry, and addiction medicine, and hold psychoanalytic psychotherapy training certification from the Psychoanalytic Center of California. I am currently a psychoanalyst-in-training at the New Center for Psychoanalysis.

Dr. Elena Volfson is a double board-certified psychiatrist in General Adult Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry. She earned her medical degree from St. Petersburg Pavlov Medical University, completed advanced training in the U.S., and has held leadership, teaching, and clinical roles at nationally recognized institutions. She has also been honored as a Top Doctor and named a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association.

Dr. Volfson believes medication can support recovery but is not a replacement for psychotherapy. Her treatment philosophy combines thoughtful medication management with evidence-based psychotherapy, creating an individualized approach that helps patients build lasting skills and achieve meaningful progress.

Dr. Volfson partners with each patient to understand their goals, concerns, and unique needs. She develops personalized treatment plans that integrate psychotherapy into every visit, using medication when appropriate while emphasizing collaboration, education, and long-term wellness.

I am a board-certified adult psychiatrist who specializes in providing patient-centered care. I offer a mix of medication management in conjunction with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. My areas of interest include treating mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and co-occurring substance use disorders. In addition, I enjoy helping patients explore a holistic approach to their mental health treatment.

I received my medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin. I completed my general psychiatry residency training at Boston University Medical Center, where I was selected as co-chief resident. I also completed an additional post-graduate fellowship at the Massachusetts Institute of Psychoanalysis. During training, I worked with an ethnically, culturally, and linguistically diverse patient population with various psychiatric illnesses and have experience navigating the many intersecting systems of mental health care. I also worked with experts in the fields of psychosis and substance abuse, and co-authored a book chapter on the immune system and psychiatric illness.

I have particular clinical interests in immigrant and refugee health.

I specialize in treating complex psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, and insomnia. As a proponent of holistic care, I integrate psychotherapy into medication management and emphasize lifestyle modifications and evidence-based integrative medicine. New patients receive comprehensive evaluations to rule out medical causes of symptoms, followed by tailored treatment plans combining therapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments. Follow-up visits focus on symptom management through supportive, brief dynamic, or cognitive behavioral therapy, with frequent appointments until stabilization is achieved. I am committed to collaborative, patient-centered care that addresses both mental and physical well-being.

I am board certified in psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN). I earned my medical degree from Kansas City University and completed my psychiatry residency at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas. During medical school, I pursued advanced training as an Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine fellow. As a resident, I served as Chief Academic Resident and earned accolades such as Intern of the Year and Outstanding Educator of the Year twice consecutively. I have presented case studies and quality improvement projects at national conferences, including the American Psychiatric Association (APA), Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, and Association for Academic Psychiatry.

A combat veteran, I served in the U.S. Marine Corps, including a tour in Iraq, and was honored with the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and a Certificate of Commendation for exemplary leadership.

I employ a collaborative and patient-centered approach, primarily focusing on medication management in combination with supportive therapy. I am a strong advocate of psychoeducation, believing it to be an integral part of effective psychiatric care. I specialize in treating adults experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD, and insomnia, and I am also experienced in managing patients with psychiatric conditions complicated by medical comorbidities such as obesity, hypertension, chronic pain, and diabetes.

I am a board-certified adult psychiatrist. I obtained my bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences from the University of California at Irvine and graduated cum laude with my medical degree from the American University of Antigua. I completed my psychiatry residency training at the University of Central Florida, where I was elected chief resident.

Patients visiting me for the first time can anticipate a comprehensive evaluation conducted in a collaborative and supportive environment. I prioritize understanding each patient's individual needs and concerns, creating a personalized treatment plan that integrates medication, supportive therapy, and psychoeducation. Follow-up visits typically last about 30 minutes, allowing time to adjust treatment and reinforce therapeutic strategies.

I use a collaborative, narrative-informed approach that centers each patient's lived experience and values. My integrative method helps individuals recognize emotional and behavioral patterns shaped by cultural, relational, and systemic factors. I am committed to providing culturally responsive and identity-affirming care, with a particular focus on immigrant communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and high-performance professionals. In clinical practice, I combine evidence-based medication management with appropriate psychotherapy techniques and elements of executive coaching. This comprehensive approach supports patients navigating high-pressure environments, helping them achieve greater clarity, resilience, and confidence across both personal and professional domains.

I earned my undergraduate degree in Materials Science and NanoEngineering from Rice University, my medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and completed my psychiatry residency training at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Now based in New York City, I bring a broad geographic and cultural perspective, having previously lived in China, Canada, Illinois, California, Texas, and Mississippi.

I diagnose and treat conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, and psychosis. I offer medication treatments and partner with patients to explore how their experiences, values, and goals shape their identity. By addressing maladaptive patterns and life challenges, I provide personalized, comprehensive care to help patients reach their full potential.

I earned my bachelor's degree in political philosophy and premedical sciences at the University of California, Davis, exploring how ideas shape cultures and institutions. Philosophy and science taught me that human experience is influenced by our past, beliefs, and biology. After graduation, I worked as a therapist for neurodivergent individuals, helping them process challenges and develop skills to reach their goals. I studied holistic patient care at Touro University College of Medicine, focusing on mind, body, and spirit. I completed my psychiatry residency at Riverside University Health System in Southern California, serving diverse patients with varied mental health conditions. As chief resident, I trained future physicians in evidence-based approaches while emphasizing the therapeutic and humanistic foundations of psychiatry.

I employ a kind, collaborative, and patient-centered approach to psychiatry. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders, with additional training in psychotherapeutic modalities for PTSD. I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where patients feel comfortable exploring their concerns and working toward healing.

During the first visit, patients can expect a thorough and compassionate evaluation aimed at understanding their unique experiences, symptoms, and treatment goals. I emphasize collaboration, ensuring that each patient is actively involved in their treatment plan. I provide a supportive space where patients can discuss their concerns, and I tailor treatment options, including therapy and medication management, to meet individual needs.

I am a board-certified adult psychiatrist. I earned my bachelor's degree in psychology from Xavier University in New Orleans and obtained my medical degree from the University of California Davis. I completed my general psychiatry residency at the University of Texas at Austin Dell School of Medicine. Before transitioning to private practice, I worked within the Veterans Affairs healthcare system, where I gained extensive experience treating a diverse range of mental health conditions. I have also served as an Affiliate Faculty member at the University of Texas at Austin Dell School of Medicine, supervising and training psychiatry residents.

I am a psychiatrist interested in the mind-body connection in overall emotional and mental well-being. I have worked extensively with medically complex patients, including a special focus in psycho-oncology with cancer patients. I like to integrate therapy modalities, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, supportive therapy, mindfulness and meditation with medication management to optimize a patient's mental health.

I am double board-certified in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing for over 7 years. Before Talkiatry, I worked as an Assistant Professor at the University of Washington and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. I also worked as an Assistant Professor and was Director of Emergency Psychiatry at the University of Chicago. I have presented nationally at the Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and written a book chapter about psycho-oncology.

I attended medical school at John P. and Kathrine G. McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. I then completed an Adult Psychiatry residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, followed by a Consultation-Liaison fellowship at Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin.

My practice is based on a holistic approach to mental health care, with special emphasis on self-care and mindfulness practices in addition to medication treatment. I truly believe that focusing on wellness in conjunction with medication-mediated symptom reduction will lead to better outcomes for patients. I have a lot of experience treating patients with depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, Bipolar type 2, and ADHD, and I often tailor individualized treatment to serve the needs of patients with a variety of conditions. As a result, patients often enjoy the supportive therapy, insight-oriented therapy, and psychoeducation provided during our sessions.

I am a board certified adult psychiatrist and have been in practice since 2010. I received my doctorate degree in medicine at the University of Florida and completed my residency training at the University of Florida, Department of Psychiatry. I am board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. I have worked mainly in outpatient settings throughout my career.

Dr. Ioana Circiumaru earned a Doctor of Medicine degree from Ross University School of Medicine and completed psychiatry residency at Larkin Community Hospital in Miami, Florida. She has experience providing comprehensive psychiatric care across inpatient, outpatient, emergency, consultation-liaison, child and adolescent, geriatric, forensic, substance use, and community psychiatry settings.

Dr. Circiumaru believes understanding each person's story is as important as understanding their symptoms. She provides thoughtful, individualized care in a safe, supportive, and judgment-free environment where patients feel respected and heard. She values open communication and shared decision-making, helping patients feel informed, empowered, and actively involved in their care.

Dr. Circiumaru begins by listening to each patient's history, concerns, and goals to create a personalized, evidence-based treatment plan. Care may include medication management, psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications, and collaboration with other healthcare providers when appropriate. She emphasizes education, regularly reviews progress, and adjusts treatment as patients' needs evolve.