Find a Psychiatrist in San Francisco, CA

Dr. Brian Schultz earned his PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology and his MD from the University of Washington. He completed his psychiatry residency at Northwestern University in Chicago and is board-certified in adult psychiatry. Dr. Schultz has served on the teaching and clinical faculties of the University of Hawai‘i and the University of Washington. His experience includes inpatient psychiatry, outpatient community clinics, cancer treatment centers, and psychiatric consultation in hospital medical settings. He has treated patients from college age through late life and, as the spouse of an active-duty military service member, understands many aspects of military family life.

Dr. Schultz engages with patients in a casual, conversational style and believes that medication, when appropriate, is only one part of a comprehensive treatment plan. He strives to create a supportive, non-judgmental environment where patients feel comfortable sharing their experiences, concerns, and goals. He values honest, open communication and welcomes discussions of the gray areas of diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Schultz encourages active participation in the healing process and tailors care to each individual’s unique story.

Dr. Schultz begins by listening to each patient’s concerns, experiences, goals, and history, followed by a discussion of clinical impressions and treatment options. He uses an evidence-based approach to develop personalized treatment plans, recommending medication when indicated and incorporating other strategies such as cognitive and behavioral techniques. Dr. Schultz collaborates with other healthcare providers when appropriate and recommends additional behavioral health resources when beneficial. Ongoing follow-up focuses on assessing progress and adjusting treatment to support patients’ goals.

I practice Adult Psychiatry, employing an integrative treatment approach combining medication management, psychotherapeutic methods, and lifestyle modifications. I recognize that each patient benefits from a personalized mix of these three aspects of care. I specialize in treating diverse psychiatric conditions, including those related to trauma, substance addictions, and various mental health disorders.

I am a board-certified Adult Psychiatrist. I earned my medical degree from UT Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Texas, and completed my residency in Adult Psychiatry at Baylor Scott & White in Temple, Texas. Following residency, I gained additional experience treating homeless and formerly homeless populations in New York City, particularly focusing on individuals with histories of trauma and substance addiction, prior to joining Talkiatry.

In a first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive evaluation aimed at understanding their individual mental health history, specific concerns, and overall treatment goals. I emphasize an individualized approach, carefully exploring the best combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments tailored specifically to each patient's needs. Patients can anticipate an empathetic and collaborative environment focused on their personal experiences and goals.

I'm a board-certified adult psychiatrist with more than 15 years of experience caring for clients in outpatient, inpatient, emergency, and subspecialty settings. I earned my medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and completed my psychiatry residency at the University of Kentucky, where I served as Chief Resident

I believe the best psychiatric care comes from listening and working together to develop a path forward that fits your goals, values, and life. My approach is collaborative, patient-centered, and grounded in evidence-based care. I strive to create a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where you feel heard, understood, and comfortable asking questions.

My practice combines medication management with therapy, allowing us to address both symptoms and underlying patterns.  I believe understanding your mind is an important part of healing, which is why I hope to help you gain insight while developing practical strategies that can be used in everyday life.

I treat adults of all ages and have interests in ADHD, anxiety, and autistic adults. I enjoy helping people navigate stress, burnout, and life transitions.  My goal is to partner with you on your journey toward better health, growth, and healing.

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I work collaboratively with patients, ensuring they feel heard, respected, and informed. I emphasize psychoeducation to empower patients in their treatment journey and encourage open communication to build trust and partnership. I treat a range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, and ADHD, in both children and adults. An initial assessment with me includes a thorough review of personal and medical history, identification of concerns, and the development of treatment goals. I often integrate supportive therapy with medication management to provide individualized, effective care that promotes both symptom relief and long-term well-being.

I completed my medical degree and adult psychiatry residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, followed by fellowship training in child and adolescent psychiatry at Harvard Medical School's Cambridge Hospital. I am double board-certified in general psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry. My career has included roles in inpatient and outpatient care, academic settings, consulting, and telepsychiatry across multiple states.

I took an adventurous path to Talkiatry. After perhaps thinking a little too hard about Intro to Philosophy in college — "the unexamined life is not worth living" — I first used my chemistry degree to work in pharmaceutical research. I changed course, working in computer network engineering, before deciding to find a more meaningful path. I worked as an EMT, then earned a Master's in Physiology before finally landing in medical school at Ohio State.

Finding a surprising interest in psychiatry, I stayed at Ohio State for residency, and then a fellowship in forensic psychiatry. I am board-certified in both Psychiatry and Forensic Psychiatry. I previously worked as a forensic psychiatrist and evaluator at Ohio's maximum-security state psychiatric facility, as an attending psychiatrist running an inpatient unit for violent or dangerous patients, performing court-ordered evaluations, writing reports, and testifying when necessary. I have also worked as a consultation-liaison psychiatrist, performing psychiatric consults at several general hospitals in Central Ohio's largest hospital system.

I found great enjoyment in teaching successive generations of residents and medical students, serving as an adjunct faculty member at Ohio State, Ohio University, Wright State, and OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital. I am excited for the next chapter of my journey, exploring another area of psychiatry at Talkiatry.

Dr. David Schlager is a board-certified psychiatrist with extensive experience across inpatient, outpatient, and telemedicine settings. He specializes in treating depression and bipolar disorders, anxiety and sleep disorders, ADHD, and mental health issues associated with complex medical conditions or co-occurring substance use concerns. Dr. Schlager earned his medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine, completed his psychiatry residency at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, and completed a research fellowship at Columbia University/New York State Psychiatric Institute, where he later conducted research focused on seasonal depression and sleep disorders.

Over long years of practice Dr. Schlager has witnessed, and so in every new case aims for, marked improvement in both emotional distress and day to day function. He is known for being attentive, compassionate, and nonjudgmental and eagerly supports Talkiatry's mission to provide expert mental health care by reducing geographic and insurance obstacles that traditionally limited access.

Dr. Schlager begins by listening openly to each patient's story, including any past experiences of trauma that may be contributing to their current distress. Interviews progress from conversational overview to more specific and problem focused discussion. Diagnosis and treatment response are often best determined by what patients report rather than by conventional blood testing or imaging. As such, he takes care at every stage to help patients articulate their condition and specific concerns, to recognize their meaning in a psychological and social context, and to regularly update goals of care.

I work collaboratively with patients to establish clear treatment goals from the beginning. I value open communication and prioritize a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive approach. My style is warm and supportive, creating a space where patients feel heard, respected, and actively involved in their care. I begin with a comprehensive evaluation to understand each patient's history, concerns, and goals, and I develop individualized, holistic treatment plans that may include medication and non-medication options, guided by evidence-based best practices. Ongoing collaboration and open communication are central to my approach.

I am a board-certified psychiatrist with over 15 years of experience providing care in acute and outpatient settings. I earned my medical degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine and completed my General Adult Psychiatry residency at the University of California, San Francisco. I have practiced in psychiatric emergency services and outpatient clinics including The Permanente Medical Group, San Francisco Department of Public Health, and The Tenderloin Outpatient Clinic. I am credentialed in New Zealand and have provided public mental health and early psychosis care internationally. I also offer services in Spanish when requested.

I take a no-nonsense approach and pride myself on collaborating with patients to attain their goals of optimum psychiatric health, believing that the cornerstone of a healthy partnership with any patient is a holistic approach. Listening with an open mind and heart while collaborating with my patients to provide the correct medication management and supportive care has always been the key for me. I have a genuine interest in treating psychiatric disorders including anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, and most specifically bipolar, as well as experience treating medical comorbidities including neurologic disorders.

After graduating from medical school, I completed my internship year in Internal Medicine at St. Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix, AZ, followed by two years of neurology residency at Barrow Neurological Institute before completing psychiatric residency at Maricopa Medical Center in 2005. I then spent the majority of my time caring for SMI/seriously mentally ill patients with a mantra of "propelling people forward to wellness." Working on the supportive level of care for this population honed my skills to care for the highest level of outpatient care through ACT/assertive community treatment. In 2023, I extended my expertise and skills to the general population to include telehealth management of my patients.

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.