Find a psychiatrist in California — covered by insurance
Top psychiatrists in California accepting new patients
Headway brings mental health support to California residents with 952 empowering providers ready to help. With sessions available virtually or in-person and accepted by 70+ insurance plans, many clients save significantly on their mental health care.
Hi, and welcome! I am happy you are here to explore my offerings and a return to your wellbeing. A bit about me:
I am a board-certified, doctorally prepared Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 17 years of experience spanning acute care, crisis response, psychiatric nursing, and public health. I offer integrative psychiatric care that blends evidence-based medicine with holistic, trauma-informed approaches. I work with adolescents, adults, and older adults navigating depression, anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, trauma, grief, life transitions, and healthcare-related burnout.
Our work together will feel collaborative, grounded, and deeply respectful of your story. You can expect a therapeutic relationship rooted in listening, presence, and curiosity—where your values and goals shape the course of treatment. I aim to create a safe space where you feel seen, supported, and empowered to heal and thrive.
Outside of work, I love being active in nature, dancing, traveling, cooking, and spending time with my friends, family, and my beloved dog.
You may look like you have everything together—but internally feel overwhelmed, anxious, or mentally exhausted. I work with adults, teens, and children navigating anxiety, ADHD, burnout, and mood concerns. Many of my clients are high-functioning individuals seeking more thoughtful, personalized care after feeling rushed or unheard in the past. I offer longer, collaborative visits focused on truly understanding you—not just managing symptoms. Treatment may include medication, along with lifestyle and therapy recommendations. If you’re looking for a more intentional, personalized approach, I’d love to connect.
I’m a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) who genuinely cares about my patients and their well-being. With ten years of experience and a strong foundation in empathy and compassion—shaped by my own life experiences—I strive to provide holistic care that nurtures both the mind and spirit. Losing my mother at a young age deeply shaped who I am and how I show up for others, allowing me to create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can feel truly heard and understood.
Whether you're facing anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns, my goal is to support you through your unique challenges with patience and care. We'll work together to create a personalized plan for healing and growth—one that moves at a pace that feels comfortable and empowering for you. This is your journey, and I’m here to walk beside you every step of the way.
I am a dual board-certified psychiatric mental health and family nurse practitioner providing medication management and supportive therapy for anxiety, depression, ADHD, and women’s mental health.
I have specialized training in perinatal and postpartum mood disorders through Postpartum Support International (PSI) and take a holistic, integrative approach to care.
Soy enfermera con doble certificación en salud mental psiquiátrica y medicina familiar. Ofrezco **manejo de medicamentos y terapia de apoyo
As a Stanford-trained psychiatrist, I work closely with Dr. Sethi at Metabolic Psychiatry Labs (MPL) to manage serious mental illness conditions including bipolar, depression, binge eating disorder, and psychosis. While I am trained in multiple types of psychotherapy, including CBT, psychodynamic, DBT, ACT, and Internal Family Systems. I believe in treating the root cause of mental illness. I provide supportive therapy around your metabolic and psychiatric conditions using different therapeutic approaches.
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.
I am Sharon Atwood, a dual board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Adult Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of hands-on clinical experience serving adults and older adults. I hold active, unrestricted licenses in Florida, New York, California, and Idaho, and I provide care through both telehealth and outpatient settings.
My academic journey reflects a deep, enduring passion for mental health and human behavior. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology magna cum laude from Kean University, followed by a Master of Science in Nursing from Florida Atlantic University and a Post-Master's Certificate in Psychiatric-Mental Health from the University of Miami, both completed summa cum laude. I maintain board certifications through ANCC and AANP and hold active membership in the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, and the California Association of Nurse Practitioners.
My clinical background spans adult and geriatric primary care, integrated psychiatric services, crisis intervention, and outpatient psychiatric medication management. This diverse experience has prepared me to address a wide range of conditions with both skill and compassion, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, OCD, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, sleep disturbances, grief, anger management, and complex co-occurring presentations. I welcome individuals with treatment-resistant symptoms and those still searching for the right provider.
I specialize in working with adults aged 18 and older, helping to uncover root causes and develop plans for genuine growth. My approach is collaborative and evidence-based, combining psychiatric medication management with integrative wellness strategies that address sleep, nutrition, exercise, stress, and meaningful connection. I believe that expert care works best alongside healthy lifestyle habits and a sense of humor.
I’m a dual board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner dedicated to providing compassionate, integrative mental health care for children, teens, adults and older folks. My approach combines evidence-based medicine with mindfulness, somatic awareness, and trauma-informed therapy. I integrative treatment modalities such as Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, EMDR and play/art/pet therapy. The care you will receive is collaborative, calming, and deeply human as we underlying patterns and life experiences that shape well-being.
Hello, I'm a board-certified psychiatrist who works with adults experiencing a broad range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, and immigrant health.
About our psychiatrists serving California
- 99%Anxiety
- 99%Depression
- 86%Bipolar disorder
- 86%PTSD
- 86%ADD/ADHD
- 99%Aetna
- 95%Cigna
- 89%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 85%Anthem Blue Cross California
- 59%United Healthcare
- 98%English
- 9%Spanish
- 4%Tagalog
- 4%Igbo
- 3%Hindi
- 89%Online only
- 10%In-person or online
- 72%Woman
- 28%Man
- 90%Nurse Practitioner
- 9%Medical Doctor
- 1%Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
- 96%Individual therapy
- 17%Family therapy
- 7%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 California
Searching for psychiatrists in California starts with understanding the type of care you’re looking for. Psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication, while therapists focus on talk therapy and behavioral support. Both can be valid entry points, depending on your needs. If you’re looking for support with anxiety, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or medication management, look for a psychiatrist whose listed specialties and clinical background match what you want to address. Across California’s urban, suburban, and rural areas, available psychiatrists and areas of focus may vary, so reading profiles can help you narrow the options with more confidence.
Practical fit matters, too. A psychiatrist in Los Angeles, San Francisco, or San Diego may offer in-person visits, virtual appointments, or both, and the right format often depends on your schedule, location, and preference. Psychiatric appointments for medication management are usually shorter and less frequent than therapy sessions, though some psychiatrists also provide therapy. Some people work with both a therapist and a prescriber as part of their care. As you compare options, check whether the psychiatrist is accepting new patients, has appointment times that fit your calendar, and offers a free phone consultation. Provider bios can also show how they communicate, what session structure may look like, and whether their approach fits your goals.
Psychiatric care in California can be a significant expense without insurance, and using in-network coverage is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs. Headway helps you find psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners who are accepting new patients with your plan. You can enter your insurance details to check coverage, see your estimated out-of-pocket cost before booking, and choose between virtual and in-person options when available. Nationally, Headway partners with over 100 insurance plans. You can enter your insurance details on Headway to confirm what coverage is available for your plan and location, then browse providers, review bios, 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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