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Marla Richard, MD
I believe that you need to take a whole-person approach to both mental and physical health. I use an integrated health paradigm with general and geriatric patients, drawing on traditional psychopharmacology, interpersonal neurobiology practices, and personality assessments to look at root motivations for behaviors, address core issues, and incorporate medication management as needed. My 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, I use interpersonal neurobiology to help clients understand triggers as well as methods to calm overactive stress responses and reactivity.
I am a Stanford-trained board-certified psychiatrist and am board-eligible for geriatric psychiatry from UCSD, with 30 years of practice across a variety of settings. I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota, Duluth, and then attended Stanford Medical School to complete my MD. With visions of becoming a general surgeon, I went to the University Hospitals of Cleveland and completed two years of general surgery training before transferring to psychiatry. I completed my psychiatry training at Stanford University and my geriatric training many years later at UCSD.

Martha James, MD
I am an experienced, open-minded psychiatrist who prioritizes empathy and understanding in my work. I recognize that each individual's path to wellness is unique and strive to meet patients where they are in this process. I believe that while some individuals may benefit from treatment with medication management alone, psychotherapy is often important for treatment success. I encourage patients to participate in psychotherapy and believe a therapist can be a crucial part of the treatment team. I use a collaborative, patient-centered treatment approach with the goal of reducing mental pain and improving wellness so that patients are better able to pursue their unique personal and professional goals. I utilize psychopharmacology, psychoeducation, and supportive and psychodynamic psychotherapy skills when working with patients. I have experience treating adults with a variety of mental health problems including anxiety, mood disorders, trauma-related disorders, and psychotic disorders.
I am board-certified in general adult psychiatry and have more than twenty years of experience working with adults in a variety of mental health care settings including academia, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, university medical centers, VA medical centers, and community mental health settings. I received my medical degree from Duke University School of Medicine and completed my psychiatric residency at the University of California, Los Angeles Neuropsychiatric Institute.

Maryrose Bauschka, MD
Dr. Maryrose Bauschka, MD, earned her medical degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and completed her adult psychiatry residency at the University of Utah. She worked as an inpatient psychiatrist at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute and later at Eating Recovery Center and Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center in Chicago and Denver, where she served as Medical Director. She has held faculty roles at Rush Medical College, the University of Utah, and the University of Colorado, and is a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS).
Dr. Bauschka takes a collaborative, communicative approach, creating a space where patients feel heard and respected. She integrates psychotherapeutic techniques, goal setting, and medication management to support patients in working toward feeling their best.
Dr. Bauschka begins by understanding each patient’s history, values, and goals. She partners with patients to develop individualized plans that include pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies, with a focus on safe, thoughtful psychotropic prescribing.

Matthew Kelly, MD
I am a board-eligible psychiatrist specializing in adult psychiatry. I provide compassionate, comprehensive care for adults facing a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, and bipolar disorder. I emphasize a holistic, evidence-based approach that incorporates medication management, supportive therapy, and lifestyle interventions targeting nutrition, exercise, sleep hygiene, and stress management to improve an individual's wellbeing.
I take the time to understand each patient's unique needs and work collaboratively to develop personalized treatment plans that are non-judgmental, empowering, and focused on overall well-being. I believe an essential aspect of the therapeutic relationship is an individual's ability to make informed choices. I actively involve individuals in their treatment and use clear communication to help patients understand their care so they can focus on their journey of healing and recovery.
I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Houston before attending McGovern Medical School, where I completed both my medical degree and my psychiatric residency.
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Maxwell Schauermann, MD
I am a board-certified addiction psychiatrist with a patient-centric approach and nonjudgmental, easy-going attitude. My treatment philosophy centers on empowering patients to heal holistically, body, mind, spirit, and relationships, ensuring each individual receives tailored and evidence-based care. I excel in treating both psychiatric and addiction disorders, utilizing a broad array of therapeutic modalities, including psychiatric medications, supportive therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, psychodynamic-based therapy, prolonged exposure therapy, and motivational enhancement therapy. I typically offer 60-minute new visits and 30-minute follow-up visits.
I completed my medical school and residency training at Loma Linda University in Southern California, where I was recognized by my colleagues as Chief Resident of inpatient services for my leadership and problem-solving abilities. My passion for caring for people with substance use disorders led me to complete specialized training in Addiction Psychiatry at the University of Washington in 2024.

Megan Crochet, MD
I provide a therapeutic medication management visit, which incorporates therapeutic techniques tailored to the individual patient's needs while adjusting medication doses. My goal is to help patients manage their symptoms while working towards, over time, uncovering the root causes. This comprehensive process helps to empower my patients and provides hope and acceptance of their psychiatric challenges. If indicated, I may believe that additional therapy is also needed and recommend that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome.
I am board certified in Adult Psychiatry and have completed a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. I attended medical school at Drexel University College of Medicine and completed my training at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, followed by Tulane University School of Medicine, where I was a chief resident. I have worked in hospital systems, private practice, and most recently telemedicine.
When not practicing, I enjoy all things water, cooking, and spending time with my daughter and dog.

Michael Locher, MD
My approach to medication management is that it is one tool to be used in the broader context of a multi-modal evidence-based treatment approach that draws upon psychotherapy, mindfulness skills, Buddhist psychology, psychedelic (AKA "mind manifesting") studies, yoga philosophy, and other integrative practices. I understand that healing is an individualized process that cannot unfold without a safe space, and I am dedicated to holding an approachable, empathic space where you can feel empowered to write the next chapter of your life. I have an interest in working with immigrants and LGBTQ+ communities.
I am well versed in treating the full spectrum of mental illness. Having worked on multidisciplinary teams in acute inpatient psychiatric hospital settings, psychiatric emergency rooms, and mental health urgent cares for the better part of 10 years, I am comfortable helping with not just mild to moderate illness, but also the most severe cases of mental illness. I am especially motivated to work with you to maintain stability, avoid hospitalization, and more broadly, to achieve wellness.
I completed Adult Psychiatry Residency Training at Los Angeles County, University of Southern California, where I focused two years of training in conducting Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy. I received my Bachelor of Science undergraduate degree in 3 years with Phi Beta Kappa honors at the University of Miami, Florida. In medical school at Stony Brook School of Medicine in New York, I was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society while earning my Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. I have held academic appointments at University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Western University of Health Sciences, and Ventura Community Memorial Health System Psychiatric Residency Training Program.

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

Michael Padua, MD
I am trained and experienced in diagnosing and treating various psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, psychosis, and bipolar disorder, with a focus on posttraumatic stress disorder, women's mental health, and cultural psychiatry. I combine my clinical expertise with a passion for working with underserved populations and the LGBTQIA+ population to address mental health needs across various communities.
I am a graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and completed my psychiatry residency training at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, IL. I have experience working in a variety of settings, including as an outpatient psychiatrist at a federally qualified health center (FQHC) and as a correctional psychiatrist at the Washoe County Sheriff's Office in Reno, NV. In addition to my clinical work, I have participated in research and education and have co-authored peer-reviewed articles in the fields of psychiatry and biology.

Michelle Ferrara, MD
My path into medicine was inspired by a desire to care for patients in a compassionate and comprehensive way. I was drawn to psychiatry because it focuses on the whole person rather than only the illness. In my work, I take a holistic view of mental health, considering medical conditions, personal history, social determinants of health, support systems, and life goals when guiding care.
I strive to create a supportive environment where patients feel heard, respected, and comfortable communicating openly. I believe effective mental health care is built on collaboration and trust. My approach centers on understanding each patient's unique experiences and values so that treatment aligns with what matters most to them. I work collaboratively with patients to establish clear treatment goals and develop individualized care plans.
With training in adult psychiatry and additional training in addiction psychiatry, I provide evidence-based care and current pharmacologic treatments. I value partnering with patients on their path toward recovery, recognizing that each person's journey is unique.

Mustafa Taquee, MD
I believe that every patient brings their own mosaic of experiences embedded in a unique story. I understand that building a strong therapeutic relationship through empathy, compassion, trust, and respect is essential. I enjoy taking time to understand my patients' goals, offer psychoeducation, and create a collaborative plan for treatment with the patient. I believe 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. I also have a special interest in psychodynamic therapy, an in-depth therapy modality, which I incorporate in all patient interactions and sessions.
I am a board-certified Adult Psychiatrist. I received my undergraduate degree from Wayne State University in Detroit and completed my medical degree at Oakland University William Beaumont in Rochester, MI. I am a graduate of the Adult Psychiatry Residency Program at St. Mary Mercy Hospital in Livonia, MI, and I have also completed a psychotherapy fellowship through the Michigan Psychoanalytic Institute.
Due to the diversity and richness of culture in southeast Michigan, I have experience working with patients from varied backgrounds. I enjoy the challenge such a heterogeneous environment brings and am particularly fond of working with young adults experiencing life transitions. I also have experience working with patients from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, as well as adolescents and geriatric populations.

Mu Xu, MD
I am a general adult psychiatrist specializing in medication management. I value building strong connections with patients from all walks of life and tailoring treatments to their unique needs. My working style is characterized by attentive listening, detailed follow-up questions, and straightforward communication, fostering a collaborative and empathetic environment.
I obtained my medical doctorate degree from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and my PhD from New York University, where I also completed my psychiatry residency. I provide medication management for a variety of psychiatric conditions and am licensed to practice in California, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. I am fluent in English and Mandarin.
Looking for a psychiatrist in San Francisco, CA? Talkiatry matches you with a psychiatrist licensed in California who sees San Francisco residents by video, from anywhere in the Bay Area. Care happens from home, on your schedule, with no commute and no local waitlist.
How online psychiatry works for San Francisco residents
You start with a free online assessment about your location, symptoms, and history. We match you with a psychiatrist licensed in California, and you meet by video from home. First visits are 60 minutes; follow-ups are usually about 30 minutes.
Because care is virtual, there is no San Francisco office to visit. Your psychiatrist must be licensed in the state where you are during the visit, which is why these pages are organized by state and city.
What a psychiatrist in San Francisco can help with
Psychiatrists are medical doctors, so they can prescribe and manage medication, and therapy is available too. Talkiatry psychiatrists work with a range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, and ADHD, along with bipolar disorder, OCD, and PTSD.
Some medications are controlled substances, and controlled substances are prescribed when clinically appropriate and legally permissible; a prescription is never guaranteed, and some medications may not be available for online prescribing — your psychiatrist will discuss options.
Does insurance cover a psychiatrist in San Francisco?
Talkiatry is in-network with major insurers, and your coverage is checked during the free assessment. Costs vary by plan, so contact your insurance company for a detailed estimate of what you would pay.
Mental health care in San Francisco
Access to psychiatric care is limited across California. The state has 627 federally designated mental health professional shortage areas, and only about 23.5% of its need for mental health practitioners is currently met.
An estimated 598 more psychiatrists would be needed to remove those shortage designations, according to KFF. Virtual care helps close that gap by connecting you with a psychiatrist licensed in California without a local wait.
Psychiatry across California
For the full list of psychiatrists licensed statewide, visit our California psychiatry page. If you are near other Bay Area cities, you can also see psychiatrists available in Oakland and San Jose.
Start with a free assessment
Take the free online assessment, get matched with a psychiatrist licensed in California, and schedule a video visit, often within days. Take our free online assessment.
How much does it cost to see a psychiatrist in California?

Costs depend on your insurance plan. Talkiatry is in-network with major insurers, and your coverage is checked during the free assessment. Because plans differ, contact your insurance company for a detailed estimate of your out-of-pocket cost.
What is the 3 month rule in mental health?

There is no single official "3-month rule" in mental health. People sometimes use the phrase to describe how long it can take to notice steady progress or adjust to a new medication. Your psychiatrist sets a follow-up schedule based on your symptoms and treatment plan, not a fixed rule.
Can I just go straight to a psychiatrist?

In most cases, yes. You usually do not need a referral to start with a psychiatrist. With Talkiatry, you begin with a free online assessment, then get matched with a psychiatrist licensed in California.
Why is it so difficult to see a psychiatrist?

Demand for care outpaces the number of psychiatrists in many areas. In California, only about 23.5% of the need for mental health practitioners is currently met, according to KFF. Virtual care shortens the wait by matching you with a psychiatrist licensed in the state, often within days.