Paul Puri, Psychiatrist in Los Angeles, 90025

Paul R. Puri, MD

Profession(s):
Psychiatry
License Status:
I'm a licensed professional.
Primary License:
M.D. - A106265

My Approach to Helping

I believe that healing comes in many forms. I am first trained as a psychiatrist and physician. Overall I have found medications can be, but are not always a first line choice for the individual. I meet the person where they are, and do my best to offer what they need, whether that be medication, short or long-term psychotherapy, hypnosis, relaxation training, or a combination that fits the person. I follow evidence-based practice, but also recognize the limitations of current medical research in its generalizability to the individual.

I follow a simple philosophy --
"There are [at least] 21 paths to the top of the mountain. If anyone says he is on THE path, he isn't even on the mountain."

More Info About My Practice

I currently only accept cash payment or credit card, but can provide documentation to assist reimbursement from your insurance company (superbill).

If you prefer to split care and see another therapist, I am also happy to coordinate care with them.

My Therapy Focus

I deal with a broad range of issues, from depression and existential dilemmas, to somatic and physical problems and learning to deal with them, to anxiety problems and even psychotic disorders. Some problems really need medication, but I'm not a psychiatrist who believes in the simplicity of a chemical imbalance being the sole explanation for most mental illness. A medication or even combination of medications may help, but rarely will it be the sole solution.

Had a Negative Therapy Experience?

Therapists come with a broad range of training, experience, and styles. Become an educated consumer, and aim to figure out what didn't work with a prior therapist.

What Makes up a Problem?

This is a complex question. The current thinking involves some form of a genetic predisposition to an illness, and certain factors such as life experiences can trigger them or worsen them. Many problems can come on subtly and then become self-perpetuating, so a simplistic idea of trauma on top of bad genes might just be too reductionistic. In truth science makes its best efforts but hasn't come up with clear answers to any of these questions. We work with the best evidence we have, and offer the best tools we can.

Services I Provide

Individual Therapy & Counseling
Marriage, Couples, or Relationship Counseling
Family Therapy
Group Therapy
Consultation
Other

Ages I Work With

Teens
Adults
Elders

Languages I Speak

English

Groups I Work With

I work with a broad range of problems and conditions. I have done research in somatoform disorders and have an interest in working with Somatic conditions and somatoform disorders.