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Until further notice, all appointments are conducted via video. Contact your location's admin team for more information.

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PSYCHIATRY

Welcome to Acacia Psychiatry!

At Acacia, we believe that psychiatry services and medication management are often an essential part of your treatment. As such, our psychiatrists focus on diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional and behavioral issues through psychotherapy and medication.

  • Psychiatric Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention
  • Psychotherapy & Medication Management
  • Tailored To Your Needs
Request An Appointment
Psychiatry services are available via video for existing and new clients in California and Minnesota!

Psychiatry + Therapy

Acacia also offers therapy and other wellness activities! If you are seeking holistic care, we can get you connected to a provider in-house to make this experience your best.

Insurance Accepted

We accept major insurances in both California and Minnesota! Why pay out of pocket for a service your insurance should cover?
See our available insurances below.

Mental Health Matters

Our company is owned and operated by dedicated psychologists, therapists, psychiatrists, and staff wanting to connect you to a licensed provider now!

Is Psychiatry Right For You?

  • Do you often feel overwhelmed?
  • Does anxiety, depression, and negative outlooks occupy your daily thoughts?
  • Do you feel you are losing focus in school, at work, or with daily activities?
  • Have you found it hard to find what’s improving your mental health?
  • Would you like to try or continue Psychiatric services?
If you answer YES to any of these questions, psychiatry and medication management may be right for you.

What to Expect In Your Sessions

We provide confidential and accessible services right from your computer, phone, or tablet!

You’ll be scheduled to see one of our Psychiatry providers for a 1-hour initial intake. During that time, the physician or nurse practitioner will ask you about the symptoms that are distressing you, gather information regarding your medical history including what medications you are taking and if you have any physical medical problems or concerns. They’ll also ask you about your family history, your academic, work, and relationship stressors as well as assess your use of substances and how that might be affecting your overall health.

By the end of the intake, they will make recommendations for treatment tailored to your concerns and may include: 

  • Medications 
  • Lab work
  • Therapy 
  • Nutrition goals
  • Exercise recommendations
  • Sleep hygiene
  • Referral to any other medical specialty relevant to your needs

Your Psychiatry provider will want to see you regularly for 30-minute follow-up visits in order to reassess your symptoms and to ensure you are making progress.

Our Providers

Acacia providers have experience working with diverse clients in a variety of areas. Our psychiatrists and nurse practitioners can connect you with providers in-house that provide therapuetic services as well.

Click on a provider to learn more about who they are and their individual specialties.

California Providers

Appointments Available Now

Dr. Mark Kutcher

Psychiatrist | California

Dr. Stephanie Woodfin

Director | California

Dr. Howard Gershenfeld

Psychiatrist | California

Tim Veal
Dr. Timothy Veal

Psychiatrist | California

Dr. Heather John

Psychiatrist | MD

Dr. Behrouz Namdari

Psychiatrist | California

Minnesota Providers

Appointments Available Now

Lisa Ocker

Nurse Practitioner | Minnesota

Susan Borden

Nurse Practitioner | Minnesota

Psychiatry Appointment Request

Fill our the quick request below and we will follow up with an email within 24 hours!
If you are already seeing a provider at one of our locations, you can contact your office to learn more!
Add the name of a Preferred Provider or write "No Preference". Your sessions will be via video.
I go to Dr. Veal for medication management, but he honestly goes above and beyond to help me understand that I am slowly making progress in improving my mental health. I feel like he is respectful of my decisions and allows me to be an advocate for myself. At my last my last psychiatry place they were reluctant to let me switch medications but when I told Dr. Veal, he trusted that I knew my own experience well enough to make that decision.
I'd say he did pretty well. He gave honest advice and didn't deny or shoot down anything I said as "wrong."
Even though we don't share the same cultural background, he was able to understand mine and consider it when we talk about my stressors. I had a really bad psychiatrist before so I just appreciate how kind and helpful he was.
He was incredible and was very warm and welcoming when I first came in. He went beyond discussing only medication to providing me with some supportive advice about the stress involved with being a graduate student. His insight was so incredibly helpful!

Real Client Feedback.

Psychiatry Rates & Insurance

At the time of session, you can pay with credit card or paypal although a credit/debit card is required to be on file.

Covered Costs

Out of Pocket Costs

California insurances accepted: Anthem Blue Cross (includes UCSHIP), MHN, Aetna, Cigna, and Optum.

Minnesota insurances accepted: Blue Cross Blue Shield of MN, Medica/United Health Care/Optum, Health Partners, Preferred One, Aetna, and UCare. 

Pricing of services will vary by plan and will be discussed prior to your first session after our eligibility check. Not all insurance plans allow for telehealth billing. If this is the case, you will be required to pay for the session in full.


Please note, you are required to provide us with notice of cancellation at least 24 hours in advance. Failure to do so will result in late cancellation or missed appointment fee charge. Coordinate additional billing inquires with our administrative team prior to your sessions.

DR MARK KUTCHER
HE/HIM/HIS|#G88660

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

I provide psychiatric evaluations that include depressive & other mood syndromes ,anxiety problems & learning/ attention difficulties such as ADHD.

I have experience using a wide range of medications and provide medication management treatment as well as supportive psychotherapy. I also provide education around concerns presented in the evaluation.

about me

I am a Board Certified Psychiatry with over 35 years of experience providing psychiatric services to a diverse adult population. I joined the Acacia team in March 2020. Previously I worked in College Student Counseling and Mental Health Centers for over 20 years, including a position as the Lead Psychiatrist at the University of California Santa Cruz. I have also worked in integrated community mental health clinics and University centers.

I have been part of the Santa Cruz ,CA community the last 10 years, working both in the University and community settings. I enjoy outdoor activities including walking, hiking ,cycling and organic gardening.

DR. STEPHANIE WOODFIN
Director of Psychiatry | #20A9002

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Mood & anxiety disorders, eating disorders, late adolescense & early adult-specific care

therapeutic orientation

Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy

about me

I’m excited to work with you at Acacia! I utilize a specialized combination of traditional western medicine and complementary care modalities in order to provide patients with holistic, individualized treatment regimens. After obtaining my Bachelor of Arts degree in English with Honors from the University of Michigan, I attended Western University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific in Pomona, California, and graduated with my Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine. I went on to work as an Intern and Resident at UCLA/Harbor Medical Center in Torrance, California and served as Chief Resident during my final year of residency. During residency, I had specialty training in treating mood and anxiety disorders, eating disorders, late adolescence and early adult-specific care, Psychodynamic therapy and Cognitive Behavioral therapy. I also became certified to provide Medical Acupuncture through the Stanford University/HMI program.

I am board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and have been in practice since 2007 providing psychotherapy, medication management, medical acupuncture and consultation on nutrition, exercise and other complementary modalities. I prefer to work with patients as a team to strive for optimal health by creating an individualized treatment plan for every patient. I am humbled to be a part of your journey and look forward to working with you.

Dr. Howard Gershenfeld
he/him/his
CA Physicians & Surgeons Medical License #G65229

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Anxiety & Mood Disorders; Evidence- & Measurement- Based Therapy; “Big tent” Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ( = CBT Technical Eclecticism); Brief Psychotherapy; Psychopharmacology; Reslience, Coping with Stress, & Transition issues; Quality of Life issues; Diagnostic Assessment; Coaching

therapeutic orientation

Generally, treatment includes telling your story, a diagnostic assessment, education about the issue with a discussion of treatment options, and then some combination of psychotherapy and/or medications tailored to your preferences. I specialize in anxiety disorders, providing both therapy and medication. However, I see clients with a wide array of distressing issues and problems in living. While I have preferences for therapies that “work” (evidence- & measurement- based therapies) and “being accountable” [via “a measure what you treasure” approach), I have also been influenced by Constructivist, Logotherapy, Narrative, Solution-Focused, Enneagram, and Metaphorical approaches. In general, if therapy and/or medication works for you, it will be one of the best investments you will ever make.

about me

I have 20+ years of experience working in diverse mental health and counseling settings, appreciating the uniqueness of clients’ stories and strengths. I was a faculty member and clinician-scientist at the Univ. of Texas Southwestern Medical School (Dallas, Tx.) x 13 yrs., doing basic and clinical research, treating clients, supervising residents and students, and teaching. I’ve also worked in an underserved community mental health clinic in Northern California. Finally, for 10 years, I worked overseas as a Regional Psychiatrist in the US Dept. of State, posted x 2-3 yrs. in Ghana, India, Greece, and Austria. During this time overseas, I responded to and treated a full spectrum of issues, dealing variously with disasters / emergencies ( terrorist incidents, civil wars, frozen conflicts, infectious disease epidemics, financial crises, coups, earthquakes, violent protests, etc.), sudden unexpected deaths, workplace morale issues, transition stress, interpersonal conflicts, anger issues, marital frayings, insomnia, demoralizations, parenting issues, student anxiety, anxiety disorders, depression, vocational choices, leadership / management concerns, PTSD, and substance misuse. My training includes a B.A. from the University of Chicago, a MD/PhD and residency at Stanford Univ. School of Medicine with a post- doctoral fellowship at the National Inst. Of Mental Health. For hobbies, I enjoy working out at the gym, hiking, reading, live performances, and travel.

DR. TIMOTHY VEAL | #124269

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Anxiety, Depression, relationship issues, life transitions/career difficulties, mood & panic disorders, psychotic disorders i.e. bipolar, schizophrenia, personality disorders, substance abuse, PTSD, trauma related disorders, grief & loss

therapeutic orientation

Integrative approach involving components of object relational, cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic/psychoanalytic & motivational interviewing

about me

My name is Dr. Timothy Veal or Dr. Tim for short. As your psychiatrist, my goal is to work with you to achieve a sense of mastery or control over your psychiatric symptoms enabling you to find more joy, meaning and reduce unnecessary suffering. Apart from prescribing medications, I also do therapy and am currently in advanced training in psychoanalysis at the San Diego Psychoanalytic Center. My therapeutic approach is based on a psychodynamic framework which simply put means I seek to understand your psychological motivations and how they are manifesting as your symptoms. I see the use of medications as a small component to treating psychiatric conditions and feel that psychotherapy along with self-introspection in a nonjudgmental setting can produce the most change. As we work together, if medications are needed, I will discuss the risks, benefits, side effects and possible alternatives and whether or not long/short term use of medications would be beneficial.

I am originally from Boston, Massachusetts. I completed my undergraduate training in psychology at Clark University. Before deciding to go to medical school, I spent some time in biomedical research, completing my medical degree in June 2011. After medical school, I relocated to San Diego where I completed my general psychiatry residency with the US Navy. During my Navy service, I was fortunate to work in both the public/private/military sectors where I treated a wide range of patients with a wide range of mental health conditions.

As your doctor, my goal is to be a resource for you on your journey and give you the tools to become who you are and live your best life.

“Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are.”- Chinese Proverb

DR. HEATHER JOHN
SHE/HER/HERS| MD

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Anxiety, Bipolar, Depression, Mood issues

therapeutic orientation

Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral

about me

As a psychiatrist, my role at Acacia is to consider with you how to optimize your mental health, and whether medications might be a good fit for your treatment. I am trained as a psychotherapist, and psychotherapeutically-informed approaches will be integral to your visits with me.

I grew up in Texas, majored in Human Biology at Stanford (where I discovered that "y'all" is underutilized in California), and completed a Ph.D. in the History of Science and Medicine at Yale. My medical degree is from the University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio, with an internal medicine internship at Northwestern, and psychiatry residency at UCLA. After over a decade in California, I now live in the Northeast (East Coast v. West Coast? Both/and).

Dr. Behrouz Namdari
HE/HIM/HIS|#A141707

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, ADHD, Psychosis

therapeutic orientation

Pharmacology, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness

about me

My name is Dr. Behrouz Namdari and I am a psychiatrist. My goal is to help you achieve a sense of wellness and emotional stability with the use of medications and supportive therapy. With treatment you should expect that your life will be more joyful, your stress will be more manageable, you will be more engaged in your social and school/work life, and there will be a reduction in your suffering.

Engaging in mental health care can bring on anxiety and discomfort. I will guide you through the process and make sure you are comfortable with each step. I will partner with you on making decisions that work for your life goals and preference explaining the options which are medically appropriate. It is important to have a psychiatrist who is thoughtful about their recommendations and that you are fully aware of the risk and benefits of any decision. I am a conservate provider with a goal of having my clients achieve success with as little medication as possible.

I am originally from Los Angeles and went to UCLA for undergrad. I went off to Chicago for medical school at Chicago Medical School and did my residency and child psychiatry fellowship at Duke University in North Carolina. I am dual board certified in adult psychiatry and child/adolescent psychiatry.

Lisa Ocker
she/her/hers|#PMHNP-bc161143

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, ADHD

therapeutic orientation

Medication management, Supportive Therapy

about me

Hello! My name is Lisa Ocker, I am a Certified Nurse Practitioner who is qualified to practice in both psychiatry and family medicine. I can diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication and other alternative treatments for children, adolescents, and adults. Some of my practice specialties include (but not limited to) ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD and Substance Use Disorders. I am flexible and integrative in my approach in order to meet the needs and desired outcomes of each individual. I am enthusiastic to apply my experience and compassion with my clients as they address issues that will help them to improve their quality of life and attain a sense of fulfillment. I place an emphasis on providing a holistic care approach which includes consultation and collaboration with other professionals to develop the best course of treatment.

I graduated from St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN in 2011 with a Family Nurse Practitioner Degree. I worked in a diverse family practice clinic treating multiple different physical and mental health conditions. With this experience I found that most physical health conditions came with an underlying mental health component. That led me to my decision to go back to college to obtain my Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate in 2018, from Kansas University. This provided me with a better understanding of the effects that mental illness has on our body. I have worked with clients in a private practice setting, correctional facilities, and the school system. I am very excited to use my education and work experience to help my clients improve their overall health.

SUSAN BORDEN
SHE/HER/HERS|#PMHNP7027

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Mindfulness, PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD & nutrition.

therapeutic orientation

Medication Management, Psychiatric Nursing

about me

I feel grateful to be a part of the Acacia team! I am a mom to 3 beautiful people, a partner, a friend and am lucky to have 2 sweet animal friends in my life as well. I spend much of my time off-the-grid and in nature: canoeing, snowshoeing, hiking and reading (lots of Mary Oliver!). I have an undergraduate degree in nursing from the College of St. Catherine, worked as a registered nurse for the past 25 years across several different settings, and most recently completed a Master's degree in advanced practice psychiatric nursing. I am open to working with all individuals at any moment in their journey and however they show up for care.