Psychiatrist Santa Monica: Katherine Watkins MD

Posted on: January 25, 2016

As a psychiatrist with an office conveniently located in West Los Angeles, I welcome residents of Santa Monica who are seeking diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of psychiatric disorders and emotional problems.

Individualized Treatment

I believe people can best realize their potential to grow in the context of supportive relationships. What’s more, I believe that a good relationship with a therapist can change your life. I stay abreast of the research literature to give you state-of-the-art treatment that is scientifically supported by the most current evidence. This also allows me to individualize treatment depending on your needs and preferences. As a patient, you will find that I believe in shared decision-making. I will strive to make sure that you understand the choices you have in terms of treatment options and the risks and benefits of treatment. I also recognize that mental illness is a disease of the brain, and that medication, when used judiciously, can be enormously helpful in relieving suffering.

In your search for a therapist, you will very likely research the experience and credentials of several psychiatrists. In that regard, please see About Dr. Watkins, which contains my educational background and professional experience.

Treatment For A Variety Of Issues

I provide evaluation and treatment for psychiatric disorders and emotional issues, which include:

Mood problems, including depression, dysthymia, irritability, mood instability and bipolar disorder
Anxiety, and more specifically panic, post-traumatic stress, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and generalized anxiety
Adult attention-deficit disorder.
Personality disorders
Adjustment difficulties with life transitions, bereavement and aging
Medical illness-related mood and anxiety problems
Please note that I do not diagnose and treat dementia and generally do not see people with psychotic disorders

If you’re looking for a Santa Monica psychiatrist, I invite you to explore my website to learn more about my practice. You may contact me by email with the form on my contact page, or by calling (310) 470-1534. I look forward to talking with you.

Helpful Links for those researching Santa Monica psychiatrists:

In my related work as a senior scientist at the RAND Corporation, I conduct mental health policy research and then publish articles about improving the quality of mental health and substance abuse treatment. Below are some links to articles that I have either published or that mention my work. Please feel free to explore these articles for information that may be of value to your particular situation, and to inform your choice as you search for a psychiatrist.

This article in Psychiatric News – an official publication of the American Psychiatric Association – focuses on the ways in which collaborative care may improve outcomes in patients with substance use disorder.

Articles relating toIntensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP):

I have published on my blog several articles intended for people who are searching for nearby therapists with expertise in Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP):

What Is ISTDP

What Does ISTDP Look And Feel Like?

What Makes ISTDP So Effective?

In addition, visit the websites of the California Society for ISTDP and ISTDP Institute for more valuable information.

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