Business Details
Women's Mental Health Psychiatry Services in Los Angeles
Dr Katie MD is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in Reproductive Psychiatry and Women's Mental Health, with expertise in treating premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), perinatal mood disorders, and perimenopausal mental health conditions. As Director of the UCLA Women's Life Center and Medical Director of the UCLA Maternal Mental Health Program, she combines academic leadership with private practice care in Santa Monica, California. Dr. Unverferth holds an Assistant Clinical Professor appointment at UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, where she trains psychiatry residents and co-developed national educational modules in reproductive psychiatry.Her clinical practice addresses anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, insomnia, and ADHD through evidence-based medication management and psychotherapy approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic therapy. With specialized training from Duke University, Georgetown University School of Medicine, and the UCLA Mood Disorders Fellowship, she provides comprehensive mental health care for women across their lifespan, from reproductive years through menopause.
Services
Reproductive Psychiatry
PMDD Treatment
Perinatal Mental Health
Perimenopausal Care
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Highlights and features
- We offer specialized expertise in reproductive psychiatry and women's mental health
- Our practice combines academic leadership with clinical excellence at UCLA
- We provide evidence-based treatment for perinatal and perimenopausal mental health conditions
- Our personalized approach includes medication management and psychotherapy options
- We maintain active involvement in national reproductive psychiatry education initiatives
Services
Reproductive Psychiatry
Specialized psychiatric care for women experiencing mood disorders related to hormonal changes. Our practice addresses premenstrual dysphoric disorder, perinatal mental health conditions, and perimenopausal mood disorders through comprehensive evaluation and treatment planning. Patients receive personalized care combining medication management with evidence-based psychotherapy approaches.
PMDD Treatment
Targeted treatment for severe premenstrual symptoms impacting daily functioning. We offer specialized assessment and management of premenstrual dysphoric disorder through medication protocols and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques. Our approach combines reproductive endocrinology principles with psychiatric best practices for optimal symptom relief.
Perinatal Mental Health
Comprehensive mental health care for women during pregnancy and postpartum periods. Our services include treatment for depression, anxiety, and psychosis related to childbearing. We provide medication safety consultations and coordinate care with obstetric providers to ensure optimal maternal and fetal outcomes through regular monthly monitoring.
Perimenopausal Care
Specialized mental health support for women transitioning through menopause. We address mood and anxiety disorders associated with hormonal changes during this life stage. Treatment combines hormone-related psychiatric expertise with psychotherapeutic interventions to manage symptoms like irritability, sleep disturbances, and emotional volatility.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Evidence-based psychotherapy approach for treating anxiety disorders, depression, and eating disorders. Our CBT sessions focus on developing practical coping strategies and modifying negative thought patterns. Treatment is tailored to address specific conditions including obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia, and binge-eating disorder through structured therapeutic techniques.
People
Dr Katie MD
Director, UCLA Women's Life Center
Board-certified psychiatrist specializing in reproductive mental health with academic appointments at UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine. Expert in treating PMDD, perinatal mood disorders, and perimenopausal conditions through medication and psychotherapy.
Questions
What mental health conditions do you specialize in treating?
We specialize in treating premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), perinatal mood disorders, perimenopausal depression/anxiety, and general mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and ADHD.
Do you offer both medication and therapy services?
Yes, we provide medication management and individual psychotherapy using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic approaches for various mental health conditions.
What is your cancellation policy?
Appointments must be cancelled two full days in advance to avoid full session charges. For example, Tuesday appointments require cancellation by Sunday 7:59 AM.
Do you accept insurance?
We do not accept insurance directly but provide superbills for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Patients should contact their insurance provider for reimbursement details.
What happens during the first visit?
The initial evaluation lasts 60-90 minutes and includes comprehensive assessment. Family members may attend part of the session. Follow-up appointments are scheduled for 25-45 minutes based on treatment needs.
Are house calls available?
House calls are offered on a case-by-case basis for patients with specific accessibility needs. Please discuss this option during your initial consultation.
