I love being a psychiatrist despite regularly hearing stories of sadness, trauma, and injustice, and despite witnessing how mental illness can take someone who seems to have it all and make life feel like it is not worth living. I love it because, if I can make even a small difference, then it is worth it. Mental illness is, in my opinion, the worst of all medical illnesses because it affects everything. It can wreck havoc on all of the other organ systems, relationships, and a person's livelihood.
I consider it an honor and privilege for someone to trust me with their life story and their mental health. I promise to do my best to help every person I see achieve the optimal mental health possible. Often, but not always, medication is necessary to achieve this goal. I am not your average psychiatrist who likes to prescribe. Psychiatric medications often have side effects and are not always effective. I believe in using the minimal amount of medication for as little time as possible. Sometimes this is just one medication for a year, but sometimes that is not possible and multiple medications indefinitely are required. It all depends on the individual.
I have lots of experience, having been in private practice in St. Louis since 2006. I completed medical school and my psychiatric training at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, where I graduated near the top of my class. My specialties are mood and anxiety disorders, especially in women, but I see anyone (ages 18 and up) with all types of illnesses and problems.
I was born and raised in Chicago. My parents are Thai-American. I have 2 children. In my spare time, I love to read fictional novels, listen to music, keep active, and spending time with my dogs.
