Meet Dr. Pumar

Compassionate, Inclusive, and Affirming Psychiatry

Dr. Pumar is a licensed adult and reproductive psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience, dedicated to providing compassionate, inclusive mental health care. She specializes in supporting individuals of all gender identities, sexual orientations, and cultural backgrounds, offering affirming care for LGBTQIA+ communities and those navigating reproductive and perinatal mental health.

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Holistic, Person-Centered Care

Dr. Pumar (she/her) is a distinguished adult and reproductive psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience and the newest addition to the Arbit Counseling team. She offers a holistic, person-centered approach to care, integrating psychopharmacology with a range of psychotherapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Written Exposure Therapy, Prolonged Exposure for PTSD, and process-oriented therapy. Her treatment approach is grounded in understanding each individual’s unique experiences, strengths, and challenges, empowering clients to embrace brighter futures with confidence, joy, and self-acceptance.

With expertise in a wide range of areas, including Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Mood Disorders, Adult ADHD, Trauma and Complex Trauma, Relationship Challenges, Psychopharmacology, and Talk Therapy, Dr. Pumar offers compassionate, customized treatment solutions tailored to meet each individual’s distinct needs, empowering them to thrive.

Compassionate & Affirming Care for All Identities

Mental health support tailored to the LGBTQIA+ community is essential. Dr. Pumar is deeply committed to providing compassionate and affirming care to adults of all identities, including those in the LGBTQIA+ community, non-binary and gender-diverse individuals, as well as people from various religious faiths and cultural backgrounds. She is dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space for all people—regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or relationship structure.

Dr. Pumar’s care prioritizes a deep respect for each person’s lived experience, ensuring a space where all individuals, whether single, partnered, or in family systems, can be fully seen, heard, and respected.

  • Comprehensive Assessment

    Through a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, we work collaboratively with clients to develop personalized treatment plans that consider all aspects of their lives.

  • Supportive Environment

    Our caring and supportive staff create a safe and non-judgmental space where you can feel comfortable discussing your concerns and working towards healing.

  • Collaborative Care

    We collaborate closely with therapists, primary care physicians, OBGYNs, and other specialists to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care for your mental health needs.

Inclusive Reproductive Care

Dr. Pumar’s approach to reproductive psychiatry is deeply compassionate and inclusive, designed to support individuals across all gender identities, sexual orientations, and family structures. She collaboratively develops personalized treatment plans that honor each person’s unique reproductive journey. By integrating medication management, psychotherapy, nutrition guidance, and coping strategies, Dr. Pumar provides a holistic and client-centered approach to reproductive health, empowering individuals to heal, grow, and thrive.

In-Person & Virtual Care Across California

Dr. Pumar offers in-person psychiatric care in the San Francisco Bay Area and virtual services throughout California, and the Washington D.C. area ensuring accessible, high-quality, and affirming mental health support for individuals and families across the state.

FAQs

  • A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health. They help people with emotional, behavioral, and mental health issues. Psychiatrists can diagnose conditions, provide therapy, and prescribe medications to help manage symptoms.

  • 18-65 yrs of age

  • We offer both!

  • Psychiatrists undergo extensive training, including four years of medical school followed by a four-year residency in psychiatry. This specialized training focuses on diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. General practitioners and nurse practitioners have broad medical training but do not have the same depth of specialized mental health education and training as psychiatrists.

  • That's perfectly okay! Psychiatrists understand that different people prefer different approaches to treatment. If you want to start with therapy, you can discuss this with your psychiatrist. They can work with you to create a treatment plan that meets your needs and preferences, which might include therapy alone or in combination with other treatments.

  • Seeing a psychiatrist can provide several benefits, including a comprehensive evaluation of your mental health. Psychiatrists can offer a combination of therapy and medication management, ensuring you receive the most effective treatment for your specific needs. They can also help manage complex mental health conditions that may require specialized care.

  • Yes, psychiatrists can offer therapy. The therapy provided by psychiatrists may be similar to that provided by psychologists, but psychiatrists can also integrate medical knowledge into their therapeutic approach. This means they can consider both psychological and biological aspects of your mental health and offer a more holistic treatment plan, including the option to prescribe medications if needed.

  • During your first visit with a psychiatrist, you can expect a thorough evaluation. The psychiatrist will ask about your current symptoms, mental health history, medical history, and any previous treatments you've tried. They may also ask about your family history, lifestyle, and other factors that could impact your mental health. This information helps the psychiatrist understand your situation and work with you to develop an effective treatment plan. The first visit is an opportunity for you to ask questions and discuss any concerns you have about your mental health and treatment options.

  • If you're experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or other feelings or thoughts that interfere with your daily life, it might be a good idea to see a psychiatrist. Other signs include changes in sleep or appetite, difficulty concentrating, thoughts of self-harm, or if you're struggling with addiction or substance use. A psychiatrist can help determine the best course of action for your mental health needs.

  • You can bring any relevant medical records, a list of medications you're currently taking, and any notes about your symptoms or mental health history. It can also be helpful to write down any questions or concerns you have beforehand, so you don't forget to ask them during your appointment.

  • Yes, your information will be kept confidential. Psychiatrists are bound by strict confidentiality laws and ethical guidelines. They will only share your information with your consent or if required by law to protect your safety or the safety of others.

  • The frequency of visits can vary depending on your individual needs and treatment plan. Initially, you might have more frequent appointments to assess your progress and adjust your treatment. Over time, as your condition stabilizes, your psychiatrist might recommend less frequent visits.

  • Yes, many people see both a psychiatrist and a therapist. A psychiatrist can manage medications and provide medical insights, while a therapist can offer ongoing counseling and support. Together, they can provide a comprehensive approach to your mental health care. Sometimes, psychiatrist can do both.

  • If you have an emergency or urgent mental health concern, contact emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Many psychiatric practices also have emergency contact options or after-hours support lines that you can call for urgent issues.

  • The duration of treatment with a psychiatrist varies depending on your specific needs and condition. Some people may need short-term treatment, while others might benefit from ongoing support. Your psychiatrist will work with you to develop a treatment plan that aligns with your goals and progress.