Find a Psychiatrist in California

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.

Dorielayn Arocho, MD, earned a bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez (RUM) and a medical degree from the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara (UAG) School of Medicine in Mexico. Dr. Arocho completed psychiatry residency training at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine in El Paso (TTUHSC-EP), where she served as Chief Resident during her final year.

Dr. Arocho is dedicated to providing comprehensive psychiatric care tailored to each patient's individual history and needs, offering care in both English and Spanish. Her practice focuses primarily on medication management, integrated with supportive therapy and psychoeducation to help patients achieve their mental health goals.

Dr. Arocho creates a comfortable, judgment-free space where patients can share their experiences openly. She uses a collaborative and compassionate approach that considers biological, psychological, and social factors affecting mental health to develop meaningful and lasting treatment plans.

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 am an adult psychiatrist with a background in psychodynamic psychotherapy and mentalization-based treatment. I work with adults who want a thoughtful, collaborative process for making sense of their symptoms, relationships, life experiences, and treatment options. My practice may be a good fit if you are looking for more than a quick medication change or immediate symptom relief. Getting to know what has brought you in—and what may be contributing to your concerns—takes time. Medication is not always started at the first visit. I aim to develop a treatment plan with you that is careful, individualized, and grounded in a fuller understanding of your situation.

A strong working relationship is central to treatment. In my view, it means:

1. We are both invested in the work and in building a productive relationship.

2. We have a shared understanding of what we are working toward.

3. We agree on how we will work together to get there.

My ultimate goal is to cultivate an ongoing relationship with you as your psychiatrist that is built on these three foundations. They are important for treatment to be effective. If we are not able to build them together, it may be best to consider a different approach or psychiatrist who feels like a better fit.

If you are seeking an ADHD evaluation, I take time to look at the whole picture. Difficulty with attention can be related to stress, sleep problems, mood or anxiety symptoms, trauma, medical conditions, or other life circumstances. Stimulant medications are not right for everyone with attention concerns and can be harmful in some situations. A careful evaluation is important before deciding whether they are appropriate.

If your care with a previous psychiatrist has been interrupted, I understand that you may be looking to re-establish treatment and continue medications. At the same time, diagnoses made or medications started by another clinician may not always be appropriate to continue without further evaluation. Depending on your situation, this may include reviewing prior records, speaking with collateral contacts when appropriate, reviewing or obtaining laboratory testing, and coordinating with an established primary care clinician. This process, including medication decisions, may take more than one visit.

My practice is not designed for people who need a higher level of care, such as inpatient treatment, partial hospitalization programs (PHP), intensive outpatient programs (IOP), or specialized eating-disorder or substance abuse treatment. I may also not be the best fit for people with complex medical needs, chronic benzodiazepine treatment, or active substance-use concerns that need more intensive or specialized support. When another level or type of care would better meet your needs, I will help direct you to an appropriate treatment setting.

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 use a professional yet conversational style so that patients may feel at ease while developing a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand. I prefer an educational approach so that patients can gain the knowledge and tools required to achieve improvement. I work with patients who have ADHD, Autism, Intellectual Developmental, Anxiety, Mood and Traumatic Stress Disorders, and Psychosis. I will perform a broad evaluation and work with my patients to create an evidence-based, personalized treatment plan. Subsequent meetings will incorporate medication management as well as psychotherapeutics based on Cognitive Behavioral, Trauma Based, and Psychodynamic techniques. I will provide referrals for traditional counseling or testing when appropriate.

I am double board-certified in General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. A Texas native, I received my Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology from UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. I earned my medical degree at the University of North Texas Health Science Center - Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Worth, and completed residency and fellowship training at Baylor Scott & White - Texas A&M in Temple. I have been practicing since 2015 and served as Medical Director for a community mental health system for 10 years.