Amae Health has a clear understanding of the devastating potential of serious mental illness on individuals and their families. We also know that individuals with serious mental illness have rich and deeply meaningful lives and our singular aim is to ensure that each person in our care is able to find the balance needed to live a full and purposeful life.
Your personalized mental health treatment center in Los Angeles, CA
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Conditions that we specialize in
Schizoaffective Disorder
Schizoaffective disorder is a mental health condition that is characterized by a combination of schizophrenic symptoms and a mood disorder, such as bipolar disorder or depression. Some of the symptoms may include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking and speech, changes in behavior and mood, and difficulty functioning in daily life.
First-Episode Psychosis
First-episode psychosis, also known as early-onset psychosis or first-break psychosis, is a term that refers to the first time that an individual experiences symptoms of a psychotic disorder. Some of the symptoms may include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking and speech, changes in behavior and mood, and difficulty functioning in daily life.
Suicidal Thoughts & Attempts
Suicidal thoughts and attempts refer to an individual’s thoughts of wanting to die and their attempts to take their own life. Some of the externally observable symptoms may include talking about wanting to die, expressing feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, withdrawing from social activities and relationships, and giving away personal belongings.
Major Depressive Disorder
Major Depressive Disorder is diagnosed when an individual has a persistently low or depressed mood, anhedonia or decreased interest in pleasurable activities, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, lack of energy, poor concentration, appetite changes, psychomotor retardation or agitation, sleep disturbances, or suicidal thoughts.
Co-occurring Substance Use Disorder
Co-occurring substance use disorder refers to the presence of both a substance use disorder and another mental health disorder in an individual. Some of the symptoms may include changes in behavior, such as using drugs or alcohol in dangerous situations or in larger amounts than intended, changes in mood, such as irritability or depression, and changes in physical appearance, such as weight loss or poor hygiene.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that is characterized by extreme changes in mood, energy, and activity levels. Some of the symptoms may include periods of intense elation or happiness (known as mania), periods of deep depression, changes in sleep patterns, increased risk-taking behavior, and difficulty concentrating.
Borderline Personality Disorder
Borderline personality disorder is a mental health condition that is characterized by a pervasive pattern of instability in an individual’s moods, behavior, and self-image. Some of the symptoms may include intense and unstable relationships with others, extreme emotional reactions, impulsivity, and self-destructive behavior.
About Amae Health in Los Angeles
Amae Health is a leading outpatient mental health treatment center in Los Angeles. We offer comprehensive treatment for a variety of mental health disorders. Our team includes experienced psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors.
We believe in individualized treatment plans for each patient. Our approach combines traditional therapies with innovative techniques. We provide a safe, nurturing environment for healing and growth.
1762 Westwood Blvd # 310
Los Angeles, CA 90024, United States
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Compassionate clinicians working together to deliver exceptional care
Our integrated clinical team is comprised of psychiatrists, therapists, health coaches, peer supports, and social workers.
Driving outcomes through integrated care
Our team-based approach works to unlock lasting recovery.
Why Choose Amae Health Clinic in Los Angeles
Current approaches to treating serious mental illness are not adequate to help many individuals suffering from the complex array of problems that these disorders can cause. Medications can be helpful and even necessary, but by themselves, are not able to achieve the changes needed to achieve a full and balanced life.
Psychiatry
Psychiatric care involves a combination of medication and therapy. Our psychiatric team works with the full care team to develop a medication plan, monitors the effectiveness and side effects of medications, and makes any necessary adjustments to the medication regimen. In addition, our psychiatrists provide therapy and other forms of support to help patients manage their illness and improve their overall well-being. They work closely with other members of the care team, including nurses, social workers, and therapists, to ensure that all aspects of a patient’s care are coordinated and integrated.
CBT + DBT Integrated Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are two types of therapy that are commonly used to treat mental health conditions. CBT focuses on helping individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that are contributing to their mental health issues. DBT combines elements of CBT with mindfulness and acceptance techniques to help individuals regulate their emotions and improve their relationships with others. Both CBT and DBT are considered to be effective treatments for a range of mental health conditions.
Holistic Health Coaching
Holistic health coaching focuses on the whole person, including physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health. This type of coaching is provided by trained professionals who work with clients to help them identify and achieve their health and wellness goals. Holistic health coaching includes a range of activities, such as setting health goals, creating personalized action plans, and providing support and guidance to help clients make sustainable lifestyle changes. The goal of holistic health coaching is to empower individuals to take control of their own health and wellbeing.
Group Therapy
Group therapy is a form of therapy that involves a small group of individuals who are dealing with similar mental health issues. This therapy is led by a trained therapist or peer support and includes activities such as group discussions, skill-building exercises, and support from other group members. The goal of group therapy is to provide individuals with a safe and supportive environment where they can share their experiences, learn coping skills, and develop a sense of community. Group therapy is an effective complement to individual therapy and medication in the treatment of serious mental illness.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a mental state characterized by a focus on the present moment and a non-judgmental awareness of one’s thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. This state of mind is often cultivated through the practice of mindfulness meditation, which involves paying attention to one’s breath and allowing thoughts and sensations to come and go without reacting to them. Mindfulness has been shown to have a range of benefits for mental and physical health, including reduced stress and anxiety, improved concentration, and increased well-being.
Nutrition, Exercise & Sleep Management
Nutrition, exercise, and sleep are three important factors that can affect an individual’s overall health and wellbeing. Our team works with patients to develop personalized plans for nutrition, exercise, and sleep that are tailored to their individual needs and goals. This involves providing education and support to help patients make healthy choices about their diet and physical activity, as well as working with them to identify and address any obstacles that may be preventing them from getting enough quality sleep.
Peer Support
Peer support is provided by individuals who have personal experience with serious mental illness. They are able to provide support and guidance to members of our clinic who are dealing with similar issues. This type of support is provided through a range of activities, such as one-on-one conversations, support groups, and peer mentoring. The goal of peer support is to provide individuals with a sense of community and connection, as well as practical advice and support from people who understand their experiences.
COORDINATED CARE IN ONE PLACE
EVIDENCE & MEASUREMENT-BASED CARE
EXPERT CLINICIANS
Best Psychiatrists in Los Angeles
Dr. Scott Fears is a psychiatrist and Chief Medical Officer for Amae Health. He received his MD and PhD from the University of Chicago before completing his psychiatry training at UCLA. He joined faculty at UCLA and is now Professor of Psychiatry in the Semel Institute for Neurosciences and Human Behavior. His academic work has included international research projects in genetics, neuroimaging and precision medicine. He has also served as the Medical Director of the STAND Clinic for UCLA’s Depression Grand Challenge Program. Dr. Fears has a passion for providing health care to individuals with serious mental illness including homeless and underserved individuals.
Previously, Dr. Fears was the Director of Psychiatric Services at Homeless Health Care Los Angeles, a non-profit dedicated to providing housing and health care to homeless individuals, and he has continued his service as a member of the Board of Directors. In 2014, he joined faculty at the Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Hospital and has managed the inpatient and outpatient operations providing care to individuals with serious mental illness.
Dr. Fears has a long-standing aspiration to address the growing mental health crisis and joined Amae Health to help advance high-quality mental health treatment. He has merged his experience in the treatment of serious mental illness with his knowledge in large-scale clinical operations and his academic expertise in precision medicine to help build a state-of-the-art model of care for Amae Health.
Dr. Caryn Bernstein is the Medical Director of Psychiatry and Women’s Health for Amae Health. She received her BA from Stanford and completed a one-year fellowship at the CDC before going to UCLA where she received her MD in Psychiatry. During medical school, her plans for a career in public health expanded to include a passion for treating serious mental illness (SMI), recognizing that social and economic barriers impact the course of the illness and recovery. She went on to complete her adult psychiatry training at UCLA, where she gained expertise in perinatal mental health.
Dr. Bernstein also serves as the Los Angeles VA Health Care System Behavioral Health, Deputy Division Chief and oversees mental health programs focused on trauma, homelessness, psychosis, substance use disorders, and women’s mental health. She is also a physician educator and is an Assistant Clinical Professor at UCLA and won the UCLA Psychiatry Department’s resident teaching award in 2021 for her course focused on reproductive mental health and trauma. She is excited to bring her expertise to Amae to develop sustainable models of care that promote care engagement and recovery goals.
Dr. Gary Tsai is the Medical Director of Behavioral Health for Amae Health. He completed his medical training at the University of California, Davis School of Medicine and is board certified in both general psychiatry and addiction medicine. Dr. Tsai is also the Director of the LA County Department of Public Health’s Division of Substance Abuse Prevention and Control.
As the son of a mother with schizophrenia, Dr. Tsai is a passionate advocate for improving our behavioral health systems and care delivery. He founded the production company Forgotten Films, focused on behavioral health issues, and is the award-winning author of Against All Odds: A Practical Guide to Successfully Navigate Psychosis and Behavioral Health Systems.
Victor Reus, MD
Emeritus Director and Vice-Chair of the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology, world-renowned psychiatrist
Hemal Kanzaria, MD, MSc
Medical Director at Zuckerberg SF General Hospital, faculty advisor at the UCSF Benioff Homelessness & Housing Initiative
Sander Koyfman, MD, MBA
Medical Director for Behavioral Health at WellCare of New York, former Behavioral Health Medical Director at EmblemHealth
Shilpa Taufique, PhD
Director of Psychology and DEI Steering Committee Co-Chair at Mount Sinai, Director of CARES and AIMS-CARES
What our members say about Amae
“I’m a sister of a patient at Amae. I felt immediate relief from the beginning of our first visit to their facility. The staff is incredibly supportive, caring, and immediately follows up when needed. This is unfortunately rare in the mental health field. Though it’s only been less than two months since my brother has joined Amae, I’ve noticed significant improvement in his overall well-being. For the first time, my brother has accepted that he needs help and is willing and eager to continue to do the work at Amae. We’re beyond grateful for the staff at Amae, and I’m excited for him to continue to stay on the right path.”
— Caregiver of Patient
“The people at Amae are very friendly and supportive. I’ve learned a lot of new coping skills and ways to control my intrusive thoughts. With the health coach, I’ve learned about nutritional foods and getting exercise. With the treatment and the medication, I’m getting better.”
— Patient
“I met with one of your members today. She is still impaired but REMARKABLY better compared to when I last met with her.”
— UCLA Referring Psychiatrist
“After a few miserable days for all of us, we took him to meet the team at Amae. They were wonderful. A harbor in the storm! They gently convinced him to take a breath and to talk to them. Even though he was very adamant to leave. The psychiatrist offered to take him for a walk, just the two of them, and chat. Everyone there made both him and us feel heard for the first time in weeks. Fast forward, day after day, our son started participating more willingly in Amae’s outpatient program. Now, several months later, he willingly goes there twice a week. He is himself again: caring, calm and attentive. Active socially. He even has started to work again. And he takes his medication. All this seemed out of reach just months ago.”
— Parent of Patient
For Families
Is your loved one in need of support? We involve families every step of the way.
