Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheenie Ambardar.
Sheenie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started my solo boutique psychiatry and psychotherapy practice in 2012 after working for a large local medical provider for a few years out of residency.
I decided to start my own practice because I was deeply unhappy with the cookie-cutter, factory-style approach of conventional medicine. I felt that conventional medicine relied too heavily on medications and procedures and insurance while neglecting the more nuanced, feminine art of relationship, healing, listening, and intuition.
I decided to name my practice “The Happiness Psychiatrist®” because I was deliberately trying to put a positive spin on the field of Psychiatry, which unfortunately gets a bad rap sometimes. I wanted to help lighten up the field, reduce the stigma around mental health treatment, and remind people that happiness is what it’s all about.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I remember back in 2012 before the happiness wave had swept the nation, I shared with some colleagues that I was naming my practice “The Happiness Psychiatrist®.” They actually made fun of the name and tried to dissuade me from using it, which was quite hurtful and a bit disheartening. I also got a long, nasty letter from a random retired physician in Beverly Hills upbraiding me for “making a mockery of medicine.” Needless to say, I was quite shocked and upset about that.
Fast forward seven years and The Happiness Psychiatrist® is thriving in the city with offices in Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and Malibu. I am much stronger now, and I understand that when anything is new, unique, bold, and unconventional, it will likely be made fun of and misunderstood by more conventional-type people. This is to be expected and should never stop you from pursuing your dreams!
Since I’ve created this new field of Happiness Psychiatry™, which combines Eastern and Western philosophies in the treatment of mood disorders, I’ve had to learn to fully embrace my unconventionality, my spirituality, my intuition, and my unique feminine ideals and ideas. This hasn’t been easy to do, especially in a staid, stodgy field like medicine, where the wheels of change are very slow to turn. But I’m still at it, and I’m excited to be creating something new.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Happiness Psychiatrist®: Sheenie Ambardar, M.D. – what should we know?
My business, The Happiness Psychiatrist®, is a boutique holistic psychiatry and psychotherapy practice where patients get direct and personalized attention from me, the physician, 100% of the time. There is no one else that interacts with patients, so all messages, emails, texts, and appointments are handled directly by me, the doctor. I think my patients really appreciate and love this uncommon level of care and attention. I believe it’s the main reason why I’m able to charge premium prices and still have a thriving boutique practice.
In terms of my treatment methods, I conduct eclectic psychotherapy and medication management sessions tailored to each individual patient’s needs. What really sets me apart from other psychiatrists is that I take a holistic, integrative, spiritual approach to mental health, incorporating concepts from Eastern philosophies (Hinduism and Buddhism) in my approach. My patient philosophy centers around treating the whole person: mind, body, and spirit.
I believe that the judicious use of psychopharmacology (using psychiatric medications to treat mental disorders), coupled with psychotherapy (talk therapy), and other alternative treatments (such as meditation, Kundalini yoga, walking therapy, group therapy, and animal therapy), can bring about transformative changes in the lives of those suffering from depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and other common mental conditions and life issues.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I believe my success as a psychiatrist and psychotherapist is due primarily to my empathy, compassion, intelligence, intuition, character, and integrity.
My patients know that I have their best interests at heart at all times. I tell it like it is but in a nice, kind way. I think patients really value and crave direct, honest feedback, which they may not be getting anywhere else in their lives.
I also model for my patients the values of self-care, self-compassion, and relaxation. My patients know that I take care of my own mental health by valuing the work that I do, taking regular breaks and vacations, and setting appropriate boundaries.
Pricing:
- INITIAL 75-MINUTE COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL AND PSYCHIATRIC EVALUATION: $550
- 30-MINUTE PSYCHOTHERAPY + MEDICATION MANAGEMENT SESSION: $250
- 60-MINUTE MEDICATION MANAGEMENT + PSYCHOTHERAPY SESSION: $375
- 60-MINUTE WALKING PSYCHOTHERAPY SESSION: $375
- 60-MINUTE MEDITATION + PSYCHOTHERAPY SESSION: $375
- WEEKLY SELF-COMPASSION GROUPS: $80
Contact Info:
- Address: Beverly Hills Office: 315 S. Beverly Drive, Suite 409, Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Malibu Office: 21225 Pacific Coast Hwy, Suite D, Malibu, CA 90265
Santa Monica Office: 1247 7th Street, Suite 300, Santa Monica, CA 90401 - Website: HappinessPsychiatrist.com
- Phone: 424-666-8058
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehappinesspsychiatrist/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/happinesspsychiatrist/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrAmbardar
- Yelp: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlrmZFY0l74
- Other: https://beverlyhills-grouptherapy.com/
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
