Business Details
8 Years
experience
Your Trusted Psychiatrist in Mission Viejo
As a board-certified psychiatrist, I prioritize developing strong connections with patients to address emotional health challenges through personalized treatment plans. My practice integrates psychotherapy, medication management, and evidence-based lifestyle modifications, emphasizing low-dose medication when appropriate. With specialized training in women's mental health from UCSF and a background in psychology from UC Davis and NYU School of Medicine, I offer tailored care for mood and anxiety disorders across diverse adult populations.My approach combines psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and mindfulness-based therapies, supported by over a decade of clinical experience in both public and private settings. I maintain active involvement in professional organizations like Postpartum Support International and the American Psychiatric Association, ensuring my practice remains informed by the latest advancements in integrative and nutritional psychiatry.
Services
Individual Therapy
Medication Management
Telemedicine
Women's Mental Health
Mindfulness Practices
Details
- Year established: 2018
Highlights and features
- We offer board-certified psychiatric expertise with specialized training in women's mental health
- Our treatment integrates evidence-based psychotherapy and medication management
- We provide personalized care tailored to individual needs and preferences
- Our practice incorporates mindfulness and nutritional psychiatry approaches
- We maintain active involvement in professional mental health organizations
Associations and certifications
- American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
Services
Individual Therapy
Personalized therapy sessions address life transitions, relational issues, and emotional difficulties through evidence-based approaches. Sessions typically last 45 minutes weekly, with flexible scheduling options for acute or chronic needs. Combines psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and mindfulness techniques to build coping skills and emotional awareness.
Medication Management
Comprehensive medication evaluation and monitoring for optimal symptom relief with minimal side effects. Includes genetic testing options for treatment-resistant cases and regular symptom tracking through standardized questionnaires. Appointments range from 25-30 minutes with flexible frequency based on treatment stability.
Telemedicine
Secure video appointments provide convenient access for established patients requiring medication management or therapy. Ideal for busy professionals, new parents, or those with mobility challenges. Requires private space and stable internet connection for effective remote consultations.
Women's Mental Health
Specialized treatment for peripartum, postpartum, and reproductive cycle-related mood disorders. Addresses premenstrual dysphoric disorder, perimenopausal transitions, and lactation-related concerns with evidence-based interventions tailored to women's unique mental health needs across life stages.
Mindfulness Practices
Integrates mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques into treatment plans to enhance emotional regulation and self-awareness. Combines traditional psychotherapy with mindfulness exercises to improve coping mechanisms and promote overall mental wellness through evidence-based lifestyle modifications.
People
Karla S Benzl MD
Board-Certified Psychiatrist
Dr. Benzl is a board-certified psychiatrist with specialized training in women's mental health from UCSF. She holds medical licensure in California and has over 10 years of clinical experience treating mood and anxiety disorders using evidence-based approaches.
Questions
What mental health conditions do you treat?
I specialize in treating depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, peripartum/postpartum mood disorders, and reproductive cycle-related mental health conditions using personalized treatment plans.
Do you offer telemedicine appointments?
Yes, I provide secure video appointments for established patients requiring medication management or therapy sessions when appropriate for the patient's treatment needs.
What therapy approaches do you use?
I employ an eclectic approach combining psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, and mindfulness-based therapies tailored to each patient's specific needs and treatment goals.
How does medication management work?
Medication management includes comprehensive evaluation, symptom tracking, and dosage adjustments during 25-30 minute appointments. Genetic testing may be recommended for treatment-resistant cases to guide medication selection.
What is your cancellation policy?
While specific policy details weren't provided, I recommend contacting the office directly at 949-763-4040 to discuss appointment scheduling and cancellation procedures.
