Serving Northern California Through Telepsychiatry
Psychiatric care that looks beyond symptoms.
I work in partnership with adults, children, teens, and families to understand the biological, psychological, relational, and life factors influencing mental health—and to develop a practical, individualized health recovery plan.
Edward Oklan, MD, MPHPsychiatrist serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California
Beyond Medication
A pragmatic, integrative approach.
The goal is not merely to reduce symptoms, but to support health, function, resilience, purpose, meaning, and joy.
Welcome to my psychiatry, psychotherapy, and family counseling practice. I serve adults, children, teens, and families throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and California, now primarily through telepsychiatry. My goal is to work in partnership with you to consider all factors that may be influencing your mental health and well-being, and together design a health recovery plan that supports your resilience and innate healing response.
My philosophy is pragmatic rather than theoretical. I have found that different theoretical orientations are not mutually exclusive, but can work synergistically. My perspective is biopsychosocial and integrative, incorporating family systems theory, psychoanalysis, ego psychology, attachment theory, cognitive-behavioral approaches, and narrative therapy. As a physician, my approach remains fundamentally grounded in biology, medicine, and brain functioning.
I particularly enjoy diagnosing and treating ADHD in children, teens, and adults because of the dramatic, life-changing improvements that can sometimes be achieved. I also work with mood disorders and with people navigating pregnancy, the postpartum period, parenting challenges, divorce, trauma, medical illness, aging, and other major life transitions.
My focus is not merely on treating symptoms of disorder, but on helping each person move toward health, a higher level of function, and a renewed sense of purpose, meaning, and joy. I strive to provide responsive and effective help with compassion and respect, and I consider it a privilege to be able to make a difference in people’s lives.
Current practice availability: After more than 50 years as a psychiatrist, my practice is now limited. I continue working with a small group of long-term patients for medication management and psychotherapy and generally do not have space for new patients seeking ongoing treatment. Openings do arise, and prospective patients are welcome to inquire about availability for consultation or treatment.
Psychotherapy and collaborative care
Many of my patients receive psychotherapy from outside therapists, as I am no longer providing psychotherapy to new patients. Collaborative care is critically important when psychiatric treatment and psychotherapy are provided separately.
Coordination and consultation are often most efficient when I work with my colleague and son, Ari Oklan, Ph.D., an experienced and creative psychotherapist with whom I share a similar integrative orientation. He may be reached at (510) 621-7098 or ari@drarioklan.com.
Ari’s office is located at 445 Bellevue Ave #203B, Oakland, CA 94610.
Comprehensive Care
Evaluation, medication management, and collaborative treatment.
Within an open and caring relationship, care begins with a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation and a broad understanding of the person—not a diagnosis in isolation.
01
Diagnostic Evaluation
Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation for children, teens, adults, and families, including complex presentations, diagnostic clarification, and second opinions.
02
Medication Management
Prescription and management of psychiatric medications and nutraceuticals, with attention to effectiveness, side effects, interactions, and the highest possible level of functioning.
03
Collaborative Care
Coordination with psychotherapists, physicians, educators, and other health professionals when treatment is shared across a broader multidisciplinary care team.
Depression and bipolar disorder
Anxiety disorders, including social anxiety, agoraphobia, panic, PTSD, and OCD
ADHD in children, teens, and adults
Addictions involving drugs or alcohol, food, sex, gambling, and other behaviors
Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders
Autism spectrum disorders
Medical problems and chronic or life-threatening illness
Chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and mitochondrial dysfunction
Life transitions, crises, and traumatic events
Parenting, divorce, pregnancy, postpartum, and aging-related challenges
In addition to clinical psychiatric treatment, I provide consultation and second opinions to individuals, physicians, psychiatrists, psychotherapists, other health professionals, educators, and attorneys throughout California and the United States.
Integrative Psychiatry
Many factors can shape mental and physical health.
I use a biopsychosocial and systems perspective and consider the multiplicity of factors influencing mental and physical health. These may include medical conditions and biochemical imbalances; brain functioning; attachment and developmental challenges; temperament and personality; trauma and other important life events; current relationships; life stressors and support networks; innate strengths; and the spiritual aspects of health, purpose, and meaning.
We then work in partnership to incorporate appropriate conventional and complementary, evidence-based therapeutic modalities into a personal health recovery plan. Depending on the individual, these may include psychotherapy provided by an outside clinician, psychopharmacology, vitamins and nutraceuticals, nutrition, exercise, sleep restoration, and other creative methods that support resilience and the innate healing response.
Many patients receive psychotherapy from outside therapists. When psychiatric treatment and psychotherapy are split, close communication and collaboration are essential.
Medication, nutraceuticals, and brain functioning
I have extensive experience using psychiatric medications and nutraceuticals to support brain health, reduce symptoms, improve energy, and restore the highest possible level of functioning. Creative psychopharmacology begins with a careful diagnostic process to determine when medication may be necessary and to minimize side effects.
Any subtle underlying condition that could be exacerbated by a particular medication or medication interaction must be considered, including the use of antidepressants in bipolar disorders. Nutraceuticals—particularly antioxidants and supports directed toward mitochondrial dysfunction—may also be recommended when appropriate.
As a neuropsychiatrist, I am familiar with brain systems, neurotransmitters, neuroprotection and regeneration, and mitochondrial neuronal energy production as they relate to psychiatric and behavioral symptoms.
Compassion & Respect
Responsive care matched to the level of need.
I strive to provide timely and effective help with compassion and respect when it is needed.
There is no formal waiting list. Evaluations and follow-up visits are scheduled as I am able, depending on current availability and the urgency of the need for treatment. Same-day, next-day, weekend, or evening appointments may sometimes be necessary in particular situations.
Suffering and dysfunction can create further risk when they continue without appropriate attention. The intensity and frequency of treatment should therefore match the individual’s level of distress and clinical need.
Multidisciplinary by designIntegrative psychiatry recognizes the contribution of practitioners from different disciplines and the importance of coordinated care.
Collaboration with existing providersI am committed to working closely with a patient’s own physicians, psychotherapists, and other health care professionals.
Referral when additional expertise is neededOther medical, psychological, behavioral, and wellness professionals may be recommended as part of a broader care plan.
Types of specialists and therapeutic approaches
Depending on the clinical situation, referrals may be made for immunological, neurological, endocrinological, or other medical evaluation; neuropsychological assessment; coaching; cognitive-behavioral therapy; dialectical behavior therapy; couples, family, or group therapy; mindfulness and relaxation training; yoga; acupuncture; massage; fitness training and nutritional counseling; social skills training; EMDR; Narrative Expressive Arts Therapy; and other useful approaches.
Children & Adolescents
Care informed by every stage of development.
Children and teens need to be understood in the context of development, family relationships, school, identity, and the world around them.
In addition to my work with adults, I am a Board Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with expertise across the developmental spectrum—from infancy and early childhood through school age, the preteen and teenage years, and college-age young adulthood.
I believe I have a particular ability to engage children and teens who have previously “hated therapy” or who are concerned that seeing a psychiatrist will injure their self-image or expose them to stigma. Understanding mental health concerns at these ages requires consideration of developmental differences; life events; temperament and biological variation; parent-child match and attachment; trauma and external stressors; substance use; and the wide range of normal behavioral variation, especially during adolescence.
I am especially concerned about social isolation, stigma, discrimination, bullying—including cyberbullying—and suicide among middle- and high-school students. Underlying attentional disorders and learning differences, autism spectrum disorders, drug addiction, and serious mood or psychotic disorders can impose tragic costs on individuals and families and contribute to demoralization, anxiety, anger, and violence.
I particularly enjoy evaluating and treating ADHD in children, teens, and adults because appropriately targeted treatment can sometimes produce rapid and meaningful improvements in daily functioning.
Consultation
Support for patients and professionals.
In addition to clinical psychiatric care, I provide consultations and second opinions to individuals, physicians, psychiatrists, psychotherapists, other health professionals, educators, and attorneys throughout California and the United States.
Consultation can be especially useful when a diagnosis is unclear, medication decisions are complex, multiple medical and psychiatric factors overlap, or a broader treatment team needs psychiatric input.
Clear information before an appointment is scheduled.
Before scheduling, either Dr. Oklan or Anne Oklan, R.N., will provide an Office Policies and Fee Schedule packet, payment instructions, and a Good Faith Estimate of the anticipated range of annual costs.
Insurance
Private-pay practice
Dr. Oklan operates on a fee-for-service basis and does not bill or accept insurance. He is not a participating or preferred provider on insurance panels, although many PPO plans may partially reimburse patients for out-of-network services.
Statements & Superbills
Available by prior arrangement
Billing statements and superbills are not routinely provided. Statements for insurance submission or tax purposes may be available when arrangements are made with Anne Oklan in advance.
Medicare & Medi-Cal
Not a participating provider
Dr. Oklan is not a Medi-Cal or Medicare provider. Medicare requires patients to sign an Acknowledgement of Non-Medicare Provider Status and a Private Contract agreeing to direct payment and to not seek reimbursement from Medicare or supplemental Medicare insurance.
Before the Initial Appointment
Patient Narrative
Prospective patients—and parents when the patient is a minor—are asked to email a narrative that is three to four pages long before the initial appointment. The narrative should include:
The reason for requesting an appointment
A history and timeline of the symptoms or problems for which treatment is being sought
Prior psychiatric treatment and medications, both current and past
Relevant medical history
Academic and employment history
Use of alcohol and drugs
Current marriage, family, and other important relationships
A personal life story, family of origin, and important formative or traumatic events
Major strengths, interests, and anything else considered relevant
Birthdate, legal name, mailing address, email address, and telephone numbers
Please email the narrative to help@edoklanmd.com as soon as possible after the initial inquiry.
Patient Perspectives
Comments shared on public review websites.
Selected excerpts reflect patients’ individual experiences and do not guarantee any particular treatment outcome.
“My interactions with Dr. Oklan have always been very positive. I never leave without feeling better than when I went in and inevitably leave knowing this doctor genuinely cares. I am so thankful to have found Dr. Oklan. He is an exceptional clinician with excellent diagnostic skills who is also committed, caring, and kind. He is up to date with current therapies and pharmacology, and he thinks twice before prescribing. This doctor is a rare find AND a keeper. He listens. And he follows up, makes himself available. And returns your calls, every time. He doesn't leave you hanging... And on top of that, he is the kindest and most compassionate doctor I've ever met. This man has changed my life for the better, and I am forever grateful. No joke!”
“My experience with Dr. Oklan is that he's an excellent diagnostician, compassionate, extremely responsible, and really up to date on the latest in psychopharmacology. He is prompt in responding to phone calls, is very careful when prescribing medication, and is astute in his judgment of the efficacy pertaining to certain medications. He is not a by-the-book professional who throws medications at particular diagnoses based upon advertisement either by the medical field or by pharmacology companies. This thoughtful, competent, and caring professional is highly recommended for individuals suffering from any one of the panoplies of mental health diagnoses.”
“My Life Has Changed. I am an adult with ADHD. Now that I have been receiving treatment by Dr. Oklan, I can't imagine life without proper treatment. Dr. Oklan is very patient (you have to be with me) and very wise about my mental health. He also takes time to explain what is going on. I highly recommend him to anyone.”
“Dr. Oklan is an excellent diagnostician, compassionate, and very knowledgeable about medications. I have been seeing Dr. Oklan for 4 years; he is brilliant in diagnosing a problem, recommending the right medications, and doing so with compassion and humor. He is also an expert listener; he really hears what you have to say and what you mean. I highly recommend Dr. Oklan for any mental health issues anyone may be having.”
“For many years, a close family member suffered from bipolar depression. It is difficult to watch someone year after year curled up on the sofa not wanting to participate in life. On the first visit with Dr. Oklan, she was diagnosed and medically treated. Thanks to Dr. Oklan, she lives a happy, outgoing life...travels, reads books, and attends social events. Our family is forever grateful to Dr. Oklan!!”
“He is practical, direct, and very insightful: minimal psychobabble and very smart.”
“I have been going to Dr. Oklan for 5 years, and I cannot speak highly enough of him. He is extremely competent and a very knowledgeable psychopharmacologist.”
“Dr. Oklan has been a great help to me. I owe him a lot. His prescriptions and advice have changed my life for the better! Everyone I know has seen a big difference in me. Thank you, Dr. O.!”
“Dr. Oklan is especially good with complex decisions on medications. And he has been very quick to respond to emergencies, and he is always available, which is crucial to us in our situation.”
“Dr. Oklan is a brilliant diagnostician and understands medications as well as any psychiatrist. He is persistent and creative in providing the best possible care to his patients...”
“Appointment was timely. The Doctor listened and made me a part of the solution. I am having a very positive experience with this doctor. I would recommend him. The staff was very helpful and responded the day I called with all the information I needed to obtain my first appointment.”
“Dr. Oklan is very responsive and is often available to see new patients within a few days if necessary. His office manager, Jane Howard (510-339-0405) is a gem and very helpful. She can email office policy and fee information and questionnaires, and help schedule the initial extended evaluation. Dr. Oklan is a compassionate and experienced adult, adolescent and child psychiatrist.”
“Dr. Oklan literally saved my life for which I am forever grateful. His knowledge of psychiatry and psychopharmacology is excellent. I was a psychiatric nurse in the same county for years and had a good pool of MDs to compare him to. I recommend him unequivocally.”
“The best child psychiatrist in Marin County.”
“I recently went through a manic-depressive episode, and he went far beyond the call of normal duty in response. It was very impressive. Good docs are to be treasured, and this one is in that category.”
“Dr. Oklan was practical, knowledgeable, and supportive.”
1 / 16 reviews
Selected comments reflect individual experiences shared on public review websites and do not guarantee any particular treatment outcome.
Appointments & Inquiries
Start with a conversation about availability.
Because the practice is limited, please contact the office to ask about current openings for consultation or treatment.
Important: This website and email are not monitored for emergencies. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for immediate help.
