Shawn Hersevoort, MD, Psychiatrist in Sacramento, California

My approach to treatment can best be understood by following the course of my education. I first studied biochemistry, where I learned to appreciate the importance of rigorous clinical research, ongoing education, and the power of medications. I then studied clinical psychology, where the focus was on understanding relationships, personalities, and cultures. Medical school taught me about the structure of the mind and body and how neither can flourish while the other flounders. Public health taught me to factor culture and economics into care, making sure that people have an appreciation and understanding of their symptoms as well as the means with which to access treatment. Residency taught me how to bring all of this together in order to listen to, and understand, the needs of patients in order to work with them to produce a treatment plan that fits their unique needs. My focus is on whole person health involving not only traditional medication and psychotherapy approaches, but also balanced diet, exercise, and sleep.

I earned my first Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry at U.C. Davis, and my second in clinical psychology at C.S.U. Sacramento. I received my M.D. and M.P.H. in International Health from Tulane University in New Orleans. My psychiatry residency was completed at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco, where I served as chief resident. In my first six years out of residency I taught and worked in a variety of settings while maintaining a large outpatient practice. These included CPMC and UCSF as well as John George Psychiatric Pavilion, in San Leandro, and Bay Psychiatric Associates, in Berkeley. In the last six years, I have been focusing on program development, teaching, publishing, and organizational psychiatry with UCSF-Fresno, UCD, and the California Psychiatric Association.