Business Details
8 Years
experience
Compassionate Psychiatry & Mental Health Services in San Francisco
As a board-certified psychiatrist with over a decade of specialized training and clinical experience, I prioritize building strong therapeutic relationships to address emotional health challenges. My practice integrates evidence-based psychotherapy, medication management, and lifestyle modifications tailored to each patient's unique needs. With a focus on women's mental health, I treat peripartum and postpartum mood disorders, premenstrual and perimenopausal mood changes, and complex conditions like PTSD and ADHD.My approach emphasizes low-dose medication strategies, mindfulness practices, and collaborative care planning. Having completed residency at UCSF and trained in diverse clinical settings, I combine expertise in psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and interpersonal therapies. I actively contribute to psychiatric education and research, maintaining memberships in leading professional organizations while advocating for integrative mental health solutions.
Services
Individual Therapy
Medication Management
Telemedicine
Initial Evaluation
Complimentary Phone Consultation
Details
- Year established: 2018
Highlights and features
- Board-certified psychiatrist with specialized women's mental health training
- Integrates multiple evidence-based therapy modalities with medication management
- Personalized treatment plans emphasizing low-dose medication strategies
- Telemedicine appointments available for established patients
- Active contributor to psychiatric education and research initiatives
Associations and certifications
- American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
Services
Individual Therapy
Personalized therapy sessions address life transitions, relational challenges, and emotional difficulties through evidence-based approaches. Combines psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and interpersonal techniques with mindfulness practices. Sessions occur weekly or biweekly, with treatment duration tailored to acute or chronic needs.
Medication Management
Comprehensive psychiatric medication oversight focusing on symptom relief with minimal side effects. Includes genetic testing guidance, symptom tracking tools, and flexible appointment scheduling. Adjustments made weekly to quarterly based on treatment stability and patient response.
Telemedicine
Secure video appointments provide convenient access for established patients requiring medication management or brief therapy sessions. Requires private space and reliable technology. Particularly beneficial for new parents, busy professionals, and remote clients.
Initial Evaluation
Comprehensive 60-75 minute diagnostic assessment covering symptoms, treatment history, and life context. Includes review of medical records, blood work, and ADHD documentation. Results in personalized treatment recommendations and potential referrals for specialized care.
Complimentary Phone Consultation
Free pre-scheduling assessment determines treatment fit by discussing presenting concerns and care objectives. Helps establish whether practice expertise aligns with patient needs before formal appointments are scheduled.
People
Karla S Benzl MD
Psychiatrist
Board-certified psychiatrist specializing in women's mental health with 10+ years clinical experience. Completed UCSF residency focusing on complex trauma and perinatal mood disorders. Integrates mindfulness and nutritional psychiatry into evidence-based treatment plans.
Questions
What psychiatric services are available?
We offer individual therapy, medication management, telemedicine appointments, comprehensive evaluations, and complimentary initial consultations.
Do you accept new patients?
Yes, we welcome new patients following a complimentary phone consultation to ensure treatment needs align with our expertise.
What mental health conditions do you treat?
We specialize in mood disorders, anxiety conditions, ADHD, perinatal mental health, and trauma-related disorders using evidence-based approaches.
Is telehealth available?
Yes, secure video appointments are available for established patients requiring medication management or brief therapy sessions.
What should I bring to the first appointment?
Please complete provided questionnaires and bring recent blood work results or relevant medical records for comprehensive assessment.
How is treatment personalized?
Treatment plans combine medication management, psychotherapy approaches, and lifestyle modifications tailored to each patient's specific diagnosis and life circumstances.
