Shaista Khan
Adult Psychiatrist, MD (she, her)
"From trauma to thriving, with compassion and care."
Verified by Psychology TodayBoard-certified psychiatrist with 24+ years of experience. Compassionate, evidence-based care for anxiety, depression, and mental health conditions. Medication management and psychotherapy available. Menlo Park, CA • (650) 910-2505
Book Free 15 Minute ConsultationTrauma-Informed Psychiatric Care That Supports Real Healing
I believe that healing from trauma is an incredibly transformative process. It requires a commitment to long-term improvement and exploring the personal effects of trauma. I provide trauma-informed psychiatric care for women and men experiencing the emotional and psychological effects of trauma.
Through psychotherapy, I help my patients further understand the reasons underlying their symptoms.
Understanding Trauma
Trauma can arise from a single overwhelming event or a buildup of difficult experiences over time. It may come from:
- Emotional or physical abuse
- Childhood neglect or criticism
- Grief, betrayal, or abandonment
- Medical trauma or fertility-related struggles
- Racial, cultural, or intergenerational trauma
- Exposure to violence or life-threatening experiences
Over time, trauma can disrupt your well-being and your ability to feel safe and connected. You may experience:
- Anxiety or panic
- Depression or emotional numbness
- Trouble sleeping
- Unexplained physical symptoms
- Difficulty trusting others or setting boundaries
- Feeling disconnected, "stuck," or constantly on edge
These reactions are not personality flaws—they're protective responses. And they can be gently healed.
How We Work Together
Every person's trauma story is different, and so is the path to healing. I take a personalized and collaborative approach to care that considers the full context behind every person's story.
I can facilitate open communication and encourage self awareness by providing support in a calm and encouraging environment. I use various therapeutic techniques to help patients address their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
Additionally, I provide culturally-aware care, especially for individuals navigating complex identities. I carefully initiate and titrate psychiatric medications to treat a variety of conditions. I work with my patient as a team to make changes in medications/doses based on their response to particular medication.
This individualized approach can reduce the trial-and-error process, minimizing side effects and optimizing therapeutic outcomes.
Trusted By Leading Healthcare Institutions
Specialties & Expertise
Comprehensive care for a wide range of mental health needs.
My Trauma-Informed Approach to Psychiatry
Learning from My Patients
I believe each patient has taught me valuable lessons that have helped me grow as a psychiatrist. It gives me genuine satisfaction to see patients improve through psychiatric treatment and their own dedication to healing.
Continuous Learning & Growth
I continuously expand my knowledge in the evolving field of mental health by attending conferences, taking board exams, and studying updated materials. My passion for psychiatry, combined with my work for underserved populations and personal experience with family health challenges, allows me to connect more deeply with patients and their families.
Trauma-Informed Psychiatric Services & Mental Health Care
Psychiatric Evaluation & Assessment
I conduct a detailed clinical evaluation and assessment for each patient, incorporating different measuring tools, getting detailed past psychiatric and social history plus gathering as much collateral information as possible.
At the conclusion of the intake process, I deliver a comprehensive assessment summarizing my findings and recommendations.
Psychiatric Medication Management
I carefully initiate and titrate psychiatric medications to treat a variety of conditions. I prefer to use the least number of medications and the lowest possible doses to effectively treat the symptoms especially in adult patient population.
I work with my patient as a team to make changes in medications/doses based on their response to particular medication. This individualized approach can reduce the trial-and-error process, minimizing side effects and optimizing therapeutic outcomes.
Psychotherapy & Mental Health Therapy
I do provide psychotherapy for my patients. Through psychotherapy, I help my patients further understand the reasons underlying their symptoms.
I can facilitate open communication and encourage self awareness by providing support in a calm and encouraging environment. I use various therapeutic techniques to help patients address their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
Ready to Begin Your Mental Health Journey?
Whether you're seeking medication management, psychotherapy, or a comprehensive psychiatric assessment, I'm here to provide personalized, compassionate care tailored to your unique needs.
Book Free 15 Minute ConsultationCall or Email for a Free 15-Minute Consultation
Currently accepting new patients for both virtual and in-person appointments.
What Patients Say
"Dr. Khan truly listened to my struggles and made me feel understood. Her advice was always practical and based on years of experience."
Frequently Asked Questions
Important: We do not provide legal evaluations, certifications, or emotional support animal letters.
Good Faith Estimate Information:
Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, health care providers and health care facilities are required to inform individuals who are not enrolled in a plan or coverage or a Federal health care program, or not seeking to file a claim with their plan or coverage both orally and in writing of their ability, upon request or at the time of scheduling health care items and services, to receive a "Good Faith Estimate" of expected charges.
You have the right to receive a "Good Faith Estimate" explaining how much your medical care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don't have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises
Conditions Requiring Higher Level of Care
Some conditions require a higher level of care and are not suitable for this practice:
- Actively having thoughts or urges to self-harm or attempt suicide
- Actively having thoughts or urges to harm someone else
- Eating disorders (anorexia, binging/purging)
- Alcohol or drug addiction/abuse
- Recent psychiatric hospitalization or any other condition or set of symptoms that are severe enough to need a higher level of care