Board Certified Adult and Addiction Psychiatrist

Walnut Creek

✅ Accepting New Patients

💼 13 Years Experience

⭐ Highly Recommended

🕰️ Excellent Wait Time

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Getting to know Atef Shaikh, D.O.

Atef Shaikh, DO is a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in the evaluation and treatment of adults with mood disorders, psychotic disorders including schizophrenia, attention and executive functioning difficulties, addiction, and major life transitions.

In addition to residency training, Dr. Shaikh has completed advanced training in psychodynamic psychotherapy. His practice emphasizes careful diagnostic evaluation and precise, individualized care. His approach integrates biological treatment with close attention to the psychological and relational factors that shape how a person’s experiences evolve over time.

Care unfolds in phases. Early visits focus on developing a clear understanding of symptoms, personal history, and contributing factors. As care progresses, the focus shifts toward refining the treatment plan, monitoring response, and supporting greater stability, insight, and functioning.

The ultimate goal is to help patients flourish in ways that are meaningful to them. Patients often describe Dr. Shaikh as thoughtful, attentive, and collaborative.

Focus Areas

PTSD
Chronic Illness Adjustment
ADHD
Panic Attacks

Depression
Schizophrenia
Life Transitions
Self-Esteem Issues

Bipolar Disorder
Anxiety
Mood Swings

Clientele

Adults
Immigrants/ Refugees

Young Adults
LGBTQ+

People with chronic illness
Veterans

Treatment Approaches

Addiction Psychiatry: Focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of substance use disorders.

Identity

Gender

Male

Languages Spoken

English

Insurance Providers

UMR
PHCS MultiPlan
Medicare
Carelon Health
VHP

ComPsych
Kaiser Permanente
Aetna
Cigna

BlueCross BlueShield
Magellan Health
TriWest
MHN

5.0

I was initially unsure of Dr. Atallah but he has proven himself to be a caring, considerate doctor that really goes the extra mile. He researches my spectrum of medical conditions and regularly suggests tweaks to improve the efficacy and safety of my Rx regimen. He’s very on top of messaging and medication requests. I feel heard with him and my care is collaborative.My initial reservations surrounded his very thorough, beyond the book onboarding procedures. It was a barrier to care while I was in acute need but I recognize the need to mitigate liability and confirm health status. If you’re in dire need of care he might not be the best choice because of the time needed for his onboarding procedures but if you’re stable I highly recommend.

5.0

Everyone was very welcoming, and it felt like they really listened to me.

FAQs

1. How do you integrate medication management?

Medication is considered thoughtfully and collaboratively, with attention to medical factors, genetics, psychological context, and other treatment options.

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

The most important part of healing is allowing space for depth and nuance. When patients feel understood, insight and change can follow.

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

People who are curious about their experiences and willing to engage in a thoughtful, collaborative process.

4. What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, being in nature, and trying (with mixed success) to convince my daughters to play tennis with me.