I’m a Stanford-trained, board-certified psychiatrist working with patients throughout California.

I use an integrative and holistic approach to wellness. My goal is to understand, support, and empower people I work with to lead full and fulfilling lives.

Approach

I believe in creating a safe, compassionate space where patients feel heard and understood. I don’t dismiss symptoms, especially when the picture is complex or falls outside neat diagnostic categories. I welcome curiosity and I partner with you to navigate uncertainty. Above all, my goal is to help you feel supported, informed, and empowered in your mental health journey.

Finding the Right Fit

I know it can be very challenging to find the right fit with a new mental health provider…

For many, conventional psychiatric medications can be really helpful, and for some, even life-changing. If you fit in that box, or are interested in exploring whether psychiatric medications might make sense for you, great. I have lots of experience in that area. (I also work with many women going through hormonal transitions and related mood changes – click here if you’re interested in learning more about this focus area of my practice.)

If, on the other hand, you are unsure of medication or even if you know that you don’t want to explore the use of medication (or maybe you’ve experienced significant side effects), I have years of experience using alternative treatments—such as behavior and lifestyle modifications, supplements and botanicals, and innovative technologies and applications (including the use of ketamine)—which can be very effective without the use of conventional psychiatric medication.

And you don’t have to choose just one type of treatment. I often use multiple treatment methods for an individual patient. Together we can talk through what might make sense for you and go from there.

Click here to learn more about my approach.

Services

Initial Consultation

I offer a complimentary 10-minute phone consultation for potential new patients. During this call, we’ll discuss what you’re looking for and how I might be able to help. If it seems like a good fit, we can schedule an initial appointment to get started.

New Patient Evaluation

My evaluation process takes about 2 hours, usually spread over 2-3 sessions. This thorough assessment covers your symptoms, past treatments, and personal history, which allows me to develop and share a comprehensive treatment plan that’s personalized for you.

Medication Management

Follow-up medication management sessions typically last 30-45 minutes and are usually scheduled every 1-3 months, depending on your needs and the medication. Whether you’re completely new to psychiatric medications or have been on a regimen for years, I’ll work closely with you to ensure your treatment is effective and tailored to your situation.

Individual Therapy

Therapy sessions are 45 minutes in length and are usually scheduled weekly or every other week. I use a variety of therapy techniques depending on what you’d like to work on and your goals for therapy. Medication management can also be incorporated into these sessions when appropriate.

Specialties

  • Anxiety

  • ADHD

  • Depression

  • Insomnia

  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

  • Women’s Mental Health

  • Lifestyle Medicine

  • Functional Medicine

About me

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

I’ve been practicing medicine in the Bay Area since 2007, and
I’ve been working with patients in my own practice since 2011.

Education

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)

North Carolina State University - B.A. in Biomedical Engineering, B.A. in Biological Engineering

Training

Stanford University - Psychiatric Residency

Stanford University - Medical Internship

San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis - Palo Alto Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Training Program

Integrative Psychiatry Institute - Integrative Psychiatry Fellowship

Polaris - Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Training Program

Board Certifications

American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology

Fees & Insurance

I’m not in-network with any insurance providers, but I can provide an itemized receipt for each visit, which many of my patients use to request reimbursement from PPO insurance plans. Payment is due at the time of service.

Cancellation Policy: Please provide 48 business hours notice for cancellations and rescheduling. If less notice is given, the full session fee will be billed.

Office Location

5299 College Ave, Suite 5
Oakland, CA 94618

 

Contact

To schedule a time to discuss whether we’re a good fit, feel free to reach out by email (sbanks@stacybanksmd.com) or by phone
(650-209-5966).