About Dr. Katherine Watkins
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Seniors (65+)
Identity
Gender
FemaleLanguages spoken
English
Getting to know Dr. Katherine Watkins
I maintain a practice in General Adult Psychiatry in West Los Angeles, where I provide evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment for a wide range of psychiatric disorders and emotional problems. I am currently seeing patients both in person and through telehealth.
I have expertise in psychopharmacology (medications) and psychotherapy for the treatment of psychiatric disorders, allowing me to provide integrated and comprehensive care tailored to each individual. I believe the best treatment approach is a collaborative one, grounded in integrity and respect, and supportive of who you are. I practice a specific type of psychotherapy called Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP).
I also have specialized experience in women's mental health and can provide evaluation or treatment for psychological issues related to menstruation, pregnancy, infertility, menopause, as well as treatment of psychiatric disorders during pregnancy and the postpartum period. As the parent of a trans child, I also enjoy working with trans and gender nonconforming young adults as they explore their identity.
I earned my Doctor of Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania and completed my residency in Psychiatry at the UCLA Department of Psychiatry.
What should a new client know about working with you?
I provide evaluation and treatment for psychiatric disorders and emotional issues, which include:
Mood problems, such as depression, dysthymia, irritability, mood instability and bipolar disorder
Anxiety, including generalized anxiety, panic, post-traumatic stress and obsessive-compulsive disorder
Adult attention-deficit disorder, which may cause or exacerbate behavioral, emotional, social, vocational and academic problems
Personality disorders, which may cause chronic difficulties with identity, self-esteem, interpersonal relationships or work
Adjustment difficulties with life transitions, bereavement and aging
Medical illness-related mood and anxiety problems
I generally do not see people with psychotic disorders and do not diagnose and treat dementia
I also provide treatment for women’s mental health issues, including psychiatric issues related to menstruation, pregnancy, infertility, or menopause, as well as management of psychiatric conditions through pregnancy and post-partum period. I can also provide consultations to other practitioners for the management of these issues.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
What can I expect from the first visit?
Psychiatric treatment starts with an initial 90-minute appointment where we focus on why you are starting or continuing psychiatric care. What are your concerns and what have you noticed about yourself? What are your strengths and your goals? What do you want from treatment? I will ask questions about your overall health, your background and current life circumstances, your family and friendships and use of drugs or other substances. I may also ask you to complete some pen and paper symptom scales to provide an additional measure of how you are doing. This process, though intensive, bears fruit down the road as it allows me to have a fuller understanding of who you are and to collaborate with you to find the best treatment possible.
At the end of this appointment we will discuss a treatment plan which will include the frequency of subsequent visits. This treatment plan may include medication or psychotherapy or both, and will be guided by your preferences and needs. I may also refer you for a group or other professional consultations or testing. If you choose to go on medication, we will discuss potential side effects and what you can expect from the medication.
Dr. Katherine Watkins 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
More information on payments and coverage
What are your fees and do you accept insurance?
While I do not contract with insurance companies, I do assist my patients by providing the paperwork necessary to submit to their insurance carriers for reimbursement. I am considered an “out-of-network” physician for PPO insurance plans. Practicing this way allows me to provide the kind of care I feel is most helpful, without having to spend substantial amounts of time on paperwork. Additionally, it ensures complete patient confidentiality for patients who elect not to notify their insurance carriers or employers of provided care.
Popular visit reasons
Agoraphobia
Pain Management Consultation
Pediatric Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Psychiatry Consultation
Psychosexual Evaluation
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit
Sleep Problems
Agoraphobia
Pain Management Consultation
Pediatric Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Psychiatry Consultation
Office location
Dr. Katherine Watkins, MD also offers online video visits for patients
Education and background
Practice names
Board certifications
- American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
Education and training
- Medical School - University of Pennsylvania, Doctor of Medicine
- UCLA Department of Psychiatry, Residency in Psychiatry
Professional memberships
- American Psychiatric Association
- American Association of Community Psychiatrists
Awards and publications
- Gold Award, RAND Corporation, 2011
- APA Mead/Johnson Fellowship, 1994-1995
- Kenneth E. Appel Award for excellence in Psychiatry, 1992
- Robert M. Toll Prize for research in the field of mental health, 1992
- U.S. Presidential Scholar, 1981
NPI number
1437389095
How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. Katherine Watkins?
Generally, Dr. Katherine Watkins has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Watkins's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Dr. Katherine Watkins accepting new patients?
Dr. Katherine Watkins generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Dr. Watkins's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Dr. Katherine Watkins accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Dr. Watkins is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Dr. Katherine Watkins online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Dr. Watkins using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Dr. Katherine Watkins work with?
Dr. Katherine Watkins works with Katherine Watkins, MD.
Where is Dr. Katherine Watkins's office located?
Dr. Katherine Watkins has 3 office locations, including in Los Angeles and Markleeville, view full addresses on Dr. Watkins's profile.
Which board certifications does Dr. Katherine Watkins have?
Dr. Katherine Watkins is certified by American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Katherine Watkins?
Dr. Katherine Watkins frequently sees patients for Pain Management Consultation, Psychiatry Consultation, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. Katherine Watkins on their profile.
What languages does Dr. Katherine Watkins speak?
Dr. Katherine Watkins speaks English.