Hi! I’m a Board Certified Adult Psychiatrist based in California with over 18 years of experience, trained at Mount Sinai Medical Center. My philosophy centers on building trust with my patients, as I believe that physicians must treat people, not just diseases. Psychiatry is rapidly evolving, and a key part of my role is to make mental health care more accessible and less mysterious through education. While psychiatric treatment often involves medication, I take a more conservative approach, valuing psychotherapy even when medication is part of the plan. Every patient is unique, so we work together to understand the issue and decide whether treatment is needed. I’ll provide my recommendations, but ultimately, the choice is yours. It's a collaborative process focused on your needs.
In the first session, patients can expect a welcoming and collaborative environment. We'll begin by building rapport, as establishing trust is key to effective care. I’ll spend time getting to know you—your history, current concerns, and any symptoms you may be experiencing. We’ll discuss how you view the problem and your goals for treatment. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, so we will focus on understanding the whole picture before making any decisions. We’ll explore whether treatment with medications is necessary, including the pros and cons of different options like medication or psychotherapy. I’ll provide my recommendations, but the decision will always be collaborative, with your preferences guiding the way.
My greatest strength lies in my patient-centered approach, where I build trust and foster a true sense of collaboration. I believe in treating the whole person, not just their symptoms, and I take the time to understand each patient's unique needs. I strive to find the right balance between medication and psychotherapy, ensuring that every treatment plan is personalized and adaptable. I also work to make mental health care less mysterious by educating my patients and empowering them to participate actively in their own treatment decisions. This approach allows me to provide compassionate, thoughtful care that genuinely supports my patients' well-being.
The ideal patients for me to serve are those who value a collaborative and holistic approach to mental health care. These are individuals who are open to building a trusting relationship and are eager to actively engage in their treatment. Whether they're seeking support for managing stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns, they appreciate a thoughtful balance between psychotherapy and, when necessary, medication. My ideal patients are those who want to understand their condition, explore different treatment options, and make informed decisions about their care, with a focus on long-term well-being. They are committed to personal growth and are looking for a psychiatrist who will guide and empower them in the process.
Psychoeducation
My approach prioritizes a collaborative, patient-centered balance between therapy and medication. I emphasize CBT as a first-line treatment when appropriate, integrating medication management selectively based on individual needs. I focus on shared decision-making, discussing the pros and cons of each option with patients. My goal is to empower individuals with evidence-based strategies while minimizing reliance on medication whenever possible.
20 ratings with written reviews
April 13, 2026
I found Dr. Dhillon to be both warm and thoughtful. My initial visit was for an evaluation but after spending time talking with him, I will be working with him directly for medication management. Even though our visit was limited to an hour, he took the time to discuss my history and get an idea of what my medication needs are today. I look forward to working with him!
February 24, 2026
Dr. Dhillon listens to me carefully and thoughtfully, is knowledgeable about medications and their benefits and risks, and approaches me and my problems with empathy, compassion, and solutions. I'm grateful for his help.
February 24, 2026
Dr. Dhillon is so patient and kind - it is clear he has the patient’s best interest at heart. He hears concerns, works through options, and is present and available. Very grateful to have found such a great provider.