Adult Psychiatrist, Board Certified

Pleasanton

✅ Accepting New Patients

💼 8 Years Experience

⭐ Highly Recommended

🕰️ Excellent Wait Time

WEBMD PREFERRED PROVIDER

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5.0

I have been a patient of Dr Hema Shah for over 2 to years. She is very good with communication during the appointment and listening to the patient. She is very compassionate and professional. The patient coordinators and answering services are very good in relaying the exact message to the doctor. I am very satisfied with their services and overall experience.

Getting to know Hema Shah, M.D.

Dr. Hema Shah is a MD Psychiatrist, practicing Adult Psychiatry in out-patient setting. She obtained her adult Psychiatry training from Case Western Reserve (MetroHealth) University. Dr. Shah has additional training in child psychiatry from University of California, San Diego (UCSD). She is skilled in treating mood disorders, anxiety, psychotic disorders, trauma and addiction issues. She practices evidence-based psychiatry and helps patients choose what is best for them after exploring available options of medicines and therapy. Dr. Shah also has experience working in county setting.

Dr. Shah is a good listener and tries to make patients feel comfortable by providing supportive and non-judgmental environment. In addition to English, she also speaks Hindi and Gujarati fluently.Dr. Shah keeps herself updated with latest trends in medicine by participating regularly in national psychiatry meetings and doing scholarly activities. You will find compassionate care and personal attention while working with Dr. Shah.

Dr. Shah also speaks English, Hindi, & Gujarati

Focus Areas

ADHD
Depression
Stress Management
Bipolar Disorder
Eating Disorders
Bereavement/Grief

Schizophrenia
Women's Issues (Perinatal/ Reproductive)
Life Transitions
Mood Swings
Self-Esteem Issues
Childhood/ Adolescent Issues

Confidence Issues
PTSD
Childhood Trauma
Panic Attacks
Chronic Illness Adjustment
Anxiety

Clientele

LGBTQ+
Young Adults
People with chronic illness

Adolescents (13-17 years old)
Adults
Children (3-13 years old)

Veterans
Immigrants/ Refugees

Treatment Approaches

Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry: Provides psychiatric services to patients in other medical specialties.
Neuropsychiatry: Combines psychiatry with neurology to treat disorders affecting both the brain and mind.
Psychodynamic Psychiatry: Utilizes psychoanalytic techniques to understand and treat mental disorders.
Military Psychiatry: Focuses on the mental health of military personnel.
Sports Psychiatry: Deals with psychological issues related to sports and exercise.
Sleep Medicine: Treats sleep disorders and their impact on mental health.
Perinatal Psychiatry: focuses on the mental health and well-being of individuals during pregnancy and the postpartum period (up to one year after childbirth)
Reproductive Psychiatry: addresses the mental health needs of individuals during times of hormonal change, focusing on conditions and symptoms influenced by the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, postpartum period, infertility, and menopause.

Identity

Gender

Female

Languages

English, Hindi, Gujarati

Insurance Providers

UMR
PHCS MultiPlan
Medicare
Carelon Health
VHP

ComPsych
Kaiser Permanente
Aetna
Cigna

BlueCross BlueShield
Magellan Health
TriWest
MHN

FAQs

1. What is your approach to working with patients?

I believe in empowering my patients. My approach focuses on collaboration, personalized care, and helping each person feel in control of their treatment—not pressured or restricted. Together, we create a plan that supports your unique needs and goals.

2. How do you integrate medication management?

I integrate holistic care with medication management when helpful, and I believe patients should have access to clear, unbiased information. Even if someone prefers not to take medication, I still explain the options so they can make a truly informed decision without feeling judged or pushed in any direction.

3. What types of concerns do you specialize in treating?

Mood disorders, ADHD, anxiety, schizophrenia, OCD, trauma, eating disorder, adjustment problems, substance use, women's health related issues and many more.

4. What's something you want your patients to know about you?

I want my patients to know that I am here to listen first. With training from Case Western Reserve University (MetroHealth) and UC San Diego, and 8 years of experience, I focus on providing care that is thoughtful, personalized, and non-judgmental. I take time to tailor each treatment plan to your unique needs, and I monitor medication side effects closely so you feel safe and supported. Most importantly, I want you to feel empowered and in control of your healing.

5. What do you believe is the most important part of the healing process?

For me, healing starts with trust and grows through collaboration. When patients feel comfortable sharing openly, we can work together to create a thoughtful, customized treatment plan. Feeling empowered, well-informed, and supported—whether using holistic strategies, medication, or both—is essential to lasting progress.

6. What kinds of clients do you work with best?

I work best with people who want to feel heard, informed, and empowered. If you’re looking for a psychiatrist who takes the time to explain options, respects your autonomy, and works with you—not over you—I may be a great fit.

7. Do you have experience with trauma or PTSD?

Yes

8. What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I have several hobbies. I like doing art, traveling, cooking, reading and learning new things.