About Dr. Armando Leon
Focus areas
Adult Psychotherapy
Depression
Anxiety
Medication Management
Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Individuals
Treatment approaches
AEDP
Psychodynamic
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Psychoanalytic
Identity
Gender
MaleEthnicity
Hispanic or Latinx, White
Languages spoken
English
Getting to know Dr. Armando Leon
I completed undergraduate training in Biology at Swarthmore College and then earned my Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). I subsequently completed residency training in Psychiatry with the County of San Mateo's public psychiatry program just south of San Francisco. My residency afforded me exceptional exposure to the most challenging cases, as I worked with a broad range of patients, including those who were most unwell. I have completed over 8,000 hours of work in a psychiatric emergency room setting, where I see patients in highly complex situations. I have been seeing patients in the outpatient setting since 2016 and started private practice in 2019.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
If you’re looking for a psychiatrist, there’s a good chance you have an interest in using medication to help you, or at least you’re open to it. I share that same interest and openness, and frequently recommend the use of medication when appropriate. However, we will ideally not rely on medication exclusively. There is far too much to be gained from combining medication with non-medication approaches that are further defined below.
My foundational perspective is most resonant with what is called, “person-centered therapy,” which “operates on the humanistic belief that the [patient] is inherently driven toward and has the capacity for growth and self-actualization; it relies on this force for therapeutic change. The role of the [therapist] is to provide a nonjudgmental environment conducive to honest self-exploration.”
From this starting point, we would likely incorporate elements of mindfulness to understand how it can help you achieve more “presence” in your life and thus decrease stress, negative self-thoughts, or anxiety. Since we are mammals who require meaningful human connection to flourish, we may explore how your early relationships impact you in the present through the lens of Attachment Theory. I broadly incorporate a “trauma-informed” approach, which means acknowledging the ways in which certain impactful experiences may be echoing into the present without our even knowing, and doing so at whatever pace is right for you (if at all). “Somatics” means using moment-to-moment awareness of bodily sensations to learn to identify and then act on the wisdom of your emotions. And finally, I find some of the core principles of the Ancient Greek philosophy of Stoicism to be very helpful (note: Stoicism does NOT mean not feeling your feelings…it’s a coherent, non-religious, 2300-year-old theory for how to achieve happiness (or what they would have called a “free-flowing life”)).
Dr. Armando Leon is not in-network with any insurances
It’s common for mental health providers to be out-of-network. Many insurance plans offer out-of-network coverage, so you may get partially reimbursed. Learn more
Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Initial session: $485 for 60 minutes
Ongoing session: $320 for 30 minutes
- Files your insurance claim: You pay the session fee upfront and the provider files the claim for you, so you can get reimbursed directly without worrying about the paperwork
Popular visit reasons
Anxiety Disorder
Mood Swings
New Patient Visit
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) / Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Psychiatry Consultation
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit
Sleep Problems
Anxiety Disorder
Mood Swings
New Patient Visit
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) / Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Education and background
Practice names
Hospital affiliations
- San Mateo Medical Center
Board certifications
- American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
- Psychiatry (American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology)
Education and training
- Medical School - University of California, San Francisco, Doctor of Medicine
- County of San Mateo, Residency in Psychiatry
Professional memberships
- American Psychiatric Association
- California Psychiatric Association
NPI number
1760865950
How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. Armando Leon?
Generally, Dr. Armando Leon has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Leon's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Dr. Armando Leon accepting new patients?
Dr. Armando Leon generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Dr. Leon's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Dr. Armando Leon accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Dr. Leon is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Dr. Armando Leon online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Dr. Leon using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
Which hospital is Dr. Armando Leon affiliated with?
Dr. Armando Leon is affiliated with San Mateo Medical Center.
What practice does Dr. Armando Leon work with?
Dr. Armando Leon works with Armando Leon MD.
Which board certifications does Dr. Armando Leon have?
Dr. Armando Leon is certified by American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and Psychiatry (American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology).
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Armando Leon?
Dr. Armando Leon frequently sees patients for New Patient Visit, Psychiatry Consultation, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. Armando Leon on their profile.
What languages does Dr. Armando Leon speak?
Dr. Armando Leon speaks English.