Psychiatrist in San Francisco, California,
Elizabeth L. Ward, MD

I enjoy listening and learning as much as possible about each person, including their current symptoms as well as biological, psychological and social factors that influence their daily lives. I strive to provide the best evidence-based medical care to my patients and keep up-to-date on the most current treatment options. I like to engage my patients in discussions about all the possible options for treatment, giving them the tools to make informed decisions about their care. I provide both medication management and psychotherapy, and believe that a combination of both yields the best results. I work with each client individually to decide the best course of treatment and take an eclectic approach, having training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, but also incorporating psychodynamic elements. I find it intensely rewarding to assist people in reaching their highest state of well being and believe that active listening, empathy, and establishing a trusted connection are essential elements to successful treatment and recovery. I worked for six years in a multi-specialty medical clinic with a diverse population of adults experiencing depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder and chronic medical issues. Prior to moving to California, I worked for two years at the New York VA Hospital with veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan as well as Vietnam veterans treating post traumatic stress disorder while teaching and supervising medical students. I completed my training in Adult Psychiatry at St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York City associated with New York Medical College, where I served as Chief Resident in my final year. I attended Wake Forest University School of Medicine and prior to medical school I gained valuable experience as a counselor after earning a Masters degree in Education from the University of Florida.