Find a psychiatrist in Encino, CA — covered by insurance
Top psychiatrists in Encino, CA accepting new patients
Connect with empowering, solution-oriented providers across Encino's neighborhoods including Bel Air, Sherman Oaks, and Studio City. Headway's 983 providers offer flexible scheduling with availability within two weeks. Patients save an average of 75% on sessions through insurance coverage.
Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a master’s degree in nursing from Western Governor University and post master’s from Maryville University in St. Louis. Also board certified in Ambulatory Care and have been caring for people with mental health issues in/out of the hospital for over 18 years. I have a strong critical care background and treat different issues such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, LGBTQ+ issues, men’s health issues, postpartum depression amongst others.
Hi, I’m Vimal Patel, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of experience in healthcare. I earned my Master of Science in Nursing and have a background in both psychiatric and intensive care nursing. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders using a combination of medication management and supportive therapy. My approach is compassionate, culturally sensitive, and centered around your unique needs and goals. I'm here to help you feel heard, supported, and empowered on your mental health journey.
I am a board certified, doctoral prepared PMHNP. I completed my post graduate at National University in Adult, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. I earned my DNP from Azusa Pacific University and graduated from CSUSB MSN program. I have been a faculty at CSUSB since 2014. Extensively trained and a certified Trauma-Informed specialist. I diagnose and treat mental disorders including medication-assisted treatment along with counseling for chemical dependency and substance use disorders.
I'm Melody Claiborne, a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) licensed in Washington and California. I specialize in ADHD, anxiety, and depression, offering thorough diagnostic evaluations and personalized medication management for adults. I believe in care that sees the whole person — not just a diagnosis. Having witnessed patients go unheard during their most vulnerable moments, I built my practice around genuine advocacy and connection. I work at your pace, in a safe and supportive environment where your concerns are fully heard and your goals guide your treatment.
I believe that meaningful mental health care starts with trust, compassion, and genuine connection. Over the past 15 years, I have worked across a variety of healthcare settings, including trauma nursing, emergency nursing, and nurse leadership roles, caring for individuals and families during some of life's most challenging moments. These experiences have reinforced my belief that every person deserves to be treated with dignity, empathy, and respect.
My commitment to mental health care is also shaped by personal experience. Like many people, I have witnessed the impact of mental health challenges in my own life and among loved ones, which has deepened my understanding of the courage it takes to seek help. I strive to create a welcoming, judgment-free space where clients feel comfortable discussing difficult thoughts, emotions, and life experiences.
As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I am dedicated to helping people feel like themselves again. I provide compassionate, evidence based care for anxiety and depression, ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions.My goal is to create a judgement free space where patients feel heard and receive personalized treatment that fits their lives
About our psychiatrists serving Encino, CA
- 99%Depression
- 99%Anxiety
- 86%Bipolar disorder
- 86%ADD/ADHD
- 85%PTSD
- 98%Aetna
- 95%Cigna
- 90%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 85%Anthem Blue Cross California
- 58%United Healthcare
- 98%English
- 9%Spanish
- 5%Tagalog
- 4%Igbo
- 3%Hindi
- 90%Online only
- 10%In-person or online
- 73%Woman
- 27%Man
- 91%Nurse Practitioner
- 8%Medical Doctor
- 1%Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
- 96%Individual therapy
- 17%Family therapy
- 6%Child or adolescent therapy
- 6%Couples therapy
Frequently asked questions
Find the right psychiatrist for you
Headway makes it easy to find support for your mental health — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Psychiatrist in Encino
Finding psychiatrists in Encino starts with understanding the type of mental health care you want to book. Psychiatrists can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medication, and manage medication over time. Psychiatric nurse practitioners may also provide this type of care. Therapists provide talk therapy and may work with concerns like anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and OCD. Some people start with a therapist, some start with a prescriber, and some work with both. As you compare options, look for a psychiatrist whose listed specialties and care focus match what you want to address.
Encino has local psychiatry options, and availability may vary by schedule, office location, and appointment type. Virtual appointments can expand your search beyond the nearest office while still giving you access to California-based psychiatrists. Medication management visits are often shorter and less frequent than therapy sessions, though some psychiatrists also offer therapy. Before booking, review each profile for availability, appointment format, areas of focus, and whether a free phone consultation is offered. Bios can also help you understand communication style and what to expect in a first visit.
Psychiatric care in Encino can be a significant expense without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs and understand what you may pay before your first appointment. Headway helps you search for psychiatrists who take your plan, shows estimated out-of-pocket costs before you book, and verifies that listed psychiatrists are accepting new patients with your insurance. You can browse profiles, compare fit, and book directly when you’re ready.
If you're already taking psychiatric medication and considering switching providers, talk to your current prescriber before changing or stopping any medication — most psychiatric medications shouldn't be stopped abruptly. Anyone experiencing thoughts of self-harm or in acute crisis should call 988 or go to the nearest emergency department rather than wait for an outpatient appointment.
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