Psychiatry | UC Davis Health

Psychiatry

Taking care of your mental health is a cornerstone of a fulfilling life. Our top priority is helping you set and achieve your mental health goals and maintain a healthy quality life.

Medically reviewed by Jesse Koskey, M.D. on Jan. 08, 2024.

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Advancing Outpatient Mental Health Care to Improve Lives

At UC Davis Health, we are committed to helping you meet and overcome the unique challenges you face through up-to-date, evidence-based, personalized care.

In our Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, nationally recognized psychiatrists collaborate with a team of experienced mental health providers. Together, we provide care tailored to your health, preferences and circumstances.

Our Difference

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Nationally Recognized Expertise

Our psychiatrists are nationally renowned leaders in mental health care. We care for common and complex psychiatric conditions affecting a diverse patient population.

Read more about our mental health care services
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Team Approach

Our team has more than 540 members, all dedicated to helping our community members achieve their mental health goals. Psychiatrists, psychologists, nurse practitioners, social workers, and psychiatric pharmacists work together to provide comprehensive, individualized care.

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Leading-Edge Care

Our research team helps improve mental health care. As a result, you may have access to preventative, diagnostic, and treatment methods before they are available elsewhere.

See how you can participate in a research study
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What Is Psychiatry?

Psychiatry is a medical specialty that focuses on mental, emotional and behavioral health conditions. Psychiatrists are physicians who complete medical training before specializing in mental health. They can diagnose the full range of mental health disorders, including substance use disorders. They also coordinate mental health care with other specialties when appropriate.

Psychiatrists can prescribe medication, but they may also offer other mental health treatments. Your provider may recommend talk therapy (psychotherapy) or brain stimulation therapies such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

Some Common Psychiatric Conditions We Treat:

Age-Related Mental Health Illnesses

As the global population ages, the amount of older people at risk of developing mental health problems increases. Common mental health conditions in people over 60 include dementia, depression, anxiety and substance use.

Anxiety Disorders

People with anxiety disorders experience constant, high levels of stress and worry. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health concern in the U.S., according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

People with ADHD have trouble paying attention or controlling certain behaviors. ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders among children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But adults can have it, too.

Bipolar Disorder

People with bipolar disorder experience shifts in their moods and energy levels, which can be extreme. While people of all ages can have it, providers often diagnose bipolar disorder during young adulthood.

Developmental Conditions

Developmental conditions affect how children grow, think, function and behave. They include a broad range of conditions, from ADHD and autism to cerebral palsy.

Read more about child development and behavior
Early Psychosis

People who suffer from psychosis have trouble differentiating what is real from what isn’t. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent psychosis from getting worse, and can improve quality of life.

Depression

Depression can involve feelings of extreme sadness, guilt or hopelessness. It is a leading cause of disability worldwide.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

It’s normal to feel anxious and afraid after a traumatic event. But those who continue to experience intense reactions may have PTSD.

Sleep Disorders

While there are more than 80 recognized sleep disorders, insomnia is the most common.

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Outpatient Mental Health Services We Offer

We provide a full spectrum of mental health services. These include psychiatric assessments, medication management, psychotherapy, group therapy, interventional care, and community programs.

Our Specialties:

Adult Psychiatry

Our behavioral health team includes psychiatrists who are leaders in their field. They provide compassionate and innovative care for the full range of adult mental health disorders.

Learn about adult psychiatry at UC Davis Health
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

We understand the unique ways mental health conditions can affect children, adolescents, and their families. Early intervention promotes healthy development throughout childhood as youth transition into adulthood.

Explore our child and adolescent psychiatry services
Early Psychosis Care

Early diagnosis and treatment are key for lessening the impact of psychotic disorders. Our nationally recognized programs help prevent its most devastating effects, including hospitalization. They also help patients reach social, educational and occupational goals.

Read about our Early Psychosis Programs
Substance Use Disorder Treatments

Our addiction psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, and pharmacists provide evidence-based treatments to help patients overcome substance use disorders. They deliver compassionate outpatient care based on a tailored treatment plan.

Learn about substance use disorders treatment
Trauma Recovery

Our RESTART (Resilience, Education and Supportive Tools for Adults Recovering from Trauma) Program treats and empowers survivors of all types of trauma. This includes human trafficking, sexual assault and domestic violence.

Read about our RESTART Trauma Recovery Program

"Identified mental disorders in older adults in primary care: A cross-sectional database study," NIH National Library of Medicine, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5795746/#:~:text=The%20most%20common%20mental%20disorders,and%20substance%20abuse%20%5B2%5D.

"Sleep Disorders," MedlinePlus, https://medlineplus.gov/sleepdisorders.html

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To refer a patient, you can submit an electronic referral form or call.

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Awards and Recognitions
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Ranked among the nation’s best hospitals

A U.S. News & World Report best hospital in cancer, cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, diabetes & endocrinology, ENT, geriatrics, neurology & neurosurgery, orthopedics, and pulmonology & lung surgery.

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US News & World Report best Children’s Hospital badge

Ranked among the nation’s best children’s hospitals

U.S. News & World Report ranked UC Davis Children’s Hospital among the best in neonatology, nephrology, orthopedics*, pediatric & adolescent behavioral health, and pulmonology & lung surgery. (*Together with Shriners Children’s Northern California)

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Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital

Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital by U.S. News, and high-performing in back surgery, COPD, colon cancer surgery, gynecological cancer surgery, heart attack, heart failure, hip fracture, kidney failure, leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma, lung cancer surgery, pneumonia, prostate cancer surgery, stroke, TAVR, and gastroenterology & GI surgery.

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The nation’s highest nursing honor

UC Davis Medical Center has received Magnet® recognition, the nation’s highest honor for nursing excellence.

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World-class cancer care

One of ~56 U.S. cancer centers designated “comprehensive” by the National Cancer Institute.

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A leader in health care equality

For the 13th consecutive year, UC Davis Medical Center has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader by the educational arm of America’s largest civil rights organization.

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