Psychiatry

in San Francisco, CA

Psychiatric Services & Medication Management

Many people seek psychiatric care after spending years trying to manage challenges on their own. They may be successful in many areas of life while still struggling with focus, anxiety, overwhelm, burnout, mood symptoms, or difficulties that don't seem fully explained by stress alone.

Over time, these patterns can take a toll on wellbeing, confidence, and daily functioning.

You May Be Looking For Additional Support

Whether you have an established diagnosis or are still trying to understand what's contributing to your symptoms, there are a variety of treatment options that may be worth considering. And while weekly therapy can be an option for developing lifelong insights and skills to help manage your symptoms, you may be wondering whether psychiatric consultation or medication could also be a helpful part of your treatment.

Individualized psychiatric services, including comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, treatment planning, and medication management when appropriate. We can help you better understand your options and determine what type of support may be the best fit.

Psychiatric Services

Within the field of mental health, there are definitely similarities between therapy and psychiatry. However, while therapists tend to be expertly trained in counseling approaches and other evidence-based interventions, they cannot prescribe medication—a treatment that may be helpful for certain psychiatric conditions, including ADHD, anxiety disorders, depression, and other mental health concerns.

For some individuals, medication can be an important part of treatment, particularly when symptoms significantly impact wellbeing and daily functioning.

Is It Time To Start Working With A Psychiatrist?

For many high-functioning adults, it can be difficult to know whether what they're experiencing is simply stress, a response to life circumstances, or something that would benefit from additional support.

A psychiatrist can help assess, diagnose, and prescribe for such issues as:

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• Anxiety, stress, and burnout

• Depression

• Sleep disruptions

• Challenges with focus, procrastination, and productivity

Whether you're seeking answers for the first time or reevaluating treatment that hasn't felt quite right, the consultation process is designed to clarify what's going on and explore what treatment options may be most helpful.

Psychiatric Support Is Available

Treatment is collaborative and individualized, with a strong emphasis on building a thoughtful, trusting relationship where you feel understood as a whole person—rather than reduced to a simple diagnosis or medication plan. While this process is primarily focused on medication management, sessions honor your strengths, stressors, goals, and life experience to ensure a plan that works and feels sustainable.

Meet Dr. Joanna Bornstein, MD - Experienced Psychiatrist

As a psychiatrist, Dr. Bornstein offers careful evaluation, collaboration in treatment, and a deeply individualized approach to the assessment and medication management process. You can read more about her background and experience on Dr. Bornstein’s About Page.

Typically, treatment is determined and adjusted through these three phases:

• Initial evaluation/assessment: 90-minute clinical interview that goes over your history, presenting symptoms, and the way they are impacting your functioning

• Follow-up: 60-minute session to review findings, discuss diagnostic impressions, and develop a treatment plan

• Medication management appointment(s): 20- to 30-minute sessions following the assessment process to track progress and make adjustments as needed

Dr. Bornstein's approach is evidence-based, individualized, and attentive to each person's goals, history, and circumstances. She’s also happy to coordinate with other providers—including the therapists at our practice—to support a holistic treatment plan.

You can expect psychiatric assessments and medication management sessions to be thoughtful and grounded in a relational framework. We want to look beyond your symptoms and into the bigger picture of your life and daily functioning. The goal is to help you better understand what you're experiencing and develop a treatment plan that feels thoughtful, practical, and individualized.

Common Concerns About Medication Management & Psychiatric Services…

I’ve had negative treatment experiences in the past, including uncomfortable side effects from medication and feeling misunderstood by the clinician—how will treatment with Dr. Bornstein be different?

This is a common concern. Dr. Bornstein will work collaboratively and take the time to hear your concerns and closely monitor for potential adverse side effects. 

Like the therapists at CICC, Dr. Bornstein works to understand the nuances of each client’s life and goals, prioritizing careful listening and personalized support. At our practice, we want you to feel understood, respected, and like an active part of the treatment process.

Why work with a psychiatrist when I could see a therapist and/or get a prescription from a general practitioner?

Psychiatrists are physicians with specialized training in evaluating and treating mental health conditions. This includes understanding how symptoms, medical factors, life circumstances, and treatment options fit together when developing a care plan. 

A psychiatrist can help evaluate how symptoms are affecting your functioning, identify contributing factors, and determine what treatment approaches may be most appropriate. Medication decisions are individualized and take into account each person's symptoms, goals, history, and prior treatment experiences.

Psychiatric services are expensive—is treatment worth the cost?

Deciding whether psychiatric treatment is worth the investment is a personal decision. Many people seek care because symptoms are affecting their wellbeing, relationships, work, or daily functioning. You can receive superbills for your Psychiatry appointments that can be submitted to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. You can see an estimate of your out of network costs through a company we partner with, Mentaya, click here to see an estimate.

Thoughtful Psychiatric Care

Dr. Joanna Bornstein offers psychiatric assessments and services for clients struggling with symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. To get started, contact us to schedule a consultation.

Dr. Bornstein is an independent professional and is not an employee or agent of California Integrative Counseling Center for Marriage and Family Therapy, A Professional Corporation. All psychiatric evaluations and medication management are provided exclusively by Joanna Bornstein, MD, PC, an independent clinical practice. California Integrative Counseling Center for Marriage and Family Therapy, A Professional Corporation, facilitates access to these services via this platform but is not legally or clinically responsible for the medical decision-making of Dr. Bornstein.

Other Services Offered at California Integrative Counseling Center

Our team understands that there are many factors that can have an effect on your mental health. This is why our professional counselors are happy to offer in-person and online therapy from our Bay Area therapy practice. Other mental health services offered include counseling for life transitions, support for ADHDers, and support groups for neurodivergent folx. We also offer couples therapy and career counseling. Feel free to learn more by visiting our blog today!

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