Dr. Kristen Richards, MD

Dr. Kristen Richards, MD

Procedural Dermatology Specialist
9850 Genesee Ave, Ste 460, La Jolla, CA
4.52
“Great experience, she answered all my questions. Very nice office, great wait time. I highly recommend.”
Bianca R.March 13, 2026
Excellent wait time
100% of patients waited less than 30 minutes
New patient appointments
Appointments available for new patients on Zocdoc

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What patients are saying

Overall rating

4.52

Average wait time

4.70

Bedside manner

4.35
“Great experience, she answered all my questions. Very nice office, great wait time. I highly recommend.”
Bianca R.March 13, 2026
“Nice office, nice office staff, great doctor! Seen quickly, took care of my needs and got me in and out in a jiffy! ”
Keith M.January 10, 2026

About Dr. Kristen Richards

Dr. Richards received her dermatology specialty training at Northwestern University School of Medicine in Chicago, following an internship in pediatrics at the University Hospitals of Cleveland. After completing her residency, Dr. Richards pursued her interest in skin cancer surgery and reconstruction through a fellowship in Mohs micrographic surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. Dr. Richards maintains staff privileges at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, where she was the Dermatology Department Head. She is double board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology in Dermatology and Mohs Micrographic Surgery. To schedule an appointment, please call our office or visit our website at torreypinesderm.com

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In-network insurances

99% of patients have successfully booked with these insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
Medicare
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200+ more in-network plans

Areas of expertise

This doctor's experience enhances their expertise in similar cases. Below are the conditions or surgeries they treat most frequently.
Benign or precancerous skin growths
Removal of cancerous skin growth
Acute skin infection
Benign or precancerous skin growths
Removal of cancerous skin growth
Acute skin infection

Office location

Torrey Pines Dermatology and Laser Center
9850 Genesee Ave, Ste 460, La Jolla, CA 92037

Education and background

Practice names

Board certifications

  • American Board of Dermatology

Education and training

  • Medical School - Case Western Reserve University, Doctor of Medicine
  • Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Fellowship in Mohs Surgery
  • Northwestern University, Residency in Dermatology

Professional memberships

  • American Academy of Dermatology
  • American College of Mohs Surgery

Languages spoken

  • English

Provider's gender

Female

NPI number

1386657195

Patient reviews

All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.52
Wait time
4.70
Bedside manner
4.35
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25 reviews
Most relevant
Nice office, nice office staff, great doctor! Seen quickly, took care of my needs and got me in and out in a jiffy!
Verified patient
Great experience, she answered all my questions. Very nice office, great wait time. I highly recommend.
Verified patient
Great consultation. Doctor was professional and knew how to answer my questions. Recommend her and her profession skills.
Great visit. Quick, simple and to the point. Just how I like it. Will be bringing my kids here for their skin check
Verified patient
Doctor is very experienced, responsible. will recommed to my friends.
Verified patient
Professional, courteous, professional
Verified patient
This MD had a terrible bedside manner. I had another appointment the next day and was very excited for the treatment, but cancelled it because I wouldn’t want this woman treating me. She spent less than 5 minutes in the room and didn’t ask any questions; I felt like I was annoying her with my presence. She was honestly the worst MD I have ever seen, and I am a nurse who works with many!
Verified patient
I trust Dr. Richards’ expertise. She knows what she is talking about, yet still works with a compassionate bedside manner. She asked repeatedly asked how I was doing during the entire exam/procedure in order to confirm I was okay. Great experience.
Verified patient
All staff was helpful and friendly
Verified patient
Dr. Richards was very friendly and reassuring but more importantly—a great doctor. I came in with one issue that she was able to diagnose immediately. She also spotted a couple of other things that had been bothering me but I had gotten used to and offered easy OTC solutions. Overall it was a great experience and I’d definitely go back to see her. Best dermatologist I’ve seen in San Diego!
Dr. Richard seems knowledgeable and efficient but I felt her bedside manner was abrupt, she didn’t explain anything she was doing and I felt rushed. She didn’t give me aftercare or ask if I had other concerns before leaving the room. She recommended very expensive services, my copay was high and my services in the visit were not covered by insurance so it was a very quick, expensive visit.
Verified patient
The doctor was very clear in telling me on what I needed to know about the results of the exam. She and her staff are very friendly.
Verified patient
Verified patient
Verified patient
Verified patient
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Verified patient
Frequently asked questions

How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. Kristen Richards?

Generally, Dr. Kristen Richards has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Richards's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.

Is Dr. Kristen Richards accepting new patients?

Dr. Kristen Richards generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Dr. Richards's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.

Does Dr. Kristen Richards accept my insurance?

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Can I make an appointment with Dr. Kristen Richards online?

Yes, you can make an appointment online with Dr. Richards using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.

What practice does Dr. Kristen Richards work with?

Where is Dr. Kristen Richards's office located?

Dr. Kristen Richards's office is located at 9850 Genesee Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037.

Which board certifications does Dr. Kristen Richards have?

Dr. Kristen Richards is certified by American Board of Dermatology.

What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Kristen Richards?

Dr. Kristen Richards frequently sees patients for Acne, Allergy Consultation, COVID-19 Testing, Hair Loss, and Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI). You can see other visit reasons for Dr. Kristen Richards on their profile.

What languages does Dr. Kristen Richards speak?

Dr. Kristen Richards speaks English.

How do patients rate Dr. Kristen Richards in reviews?

25 patients have reviewed Dr. Kristen Richards. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.52/5. They have a 4.35/5 rating for bedside manner and a 4.7/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.

ZocdocProcedural Dermatology SpecialistsDr. Kristen Richards, MD