About Me

Welcome! I'm Dr. Pumar, and I'm here to support you on your journey towards mental well-being. As an adult psychiatrist, I specialize in a range of areas including perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, trauma-related issues, OCD, ADHD, and various reproductive health challenges (premenstrual syndromes, preconception planning, infertility and pregnancy loss, birth trauma, perimenopause). I also have experience working with people who are struggling with the mood and anxiety symptoms that can accompany chronic illness and pain. Additionally, I have expertise helping adults with ADHD to improve their executive functioning. Whether you're struggling with depression, panic attacks, or intrusive thoughts, know that you're not alone – I'm here to help. 

My approach is centered around understanding your unique experiences, strengths, and challenges. Through a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, we'll work together to develop a personalized treatment plan that considers all aspects of your life. From medications to psychotherapy, nutrition to coping tools, I believe in a holistic approach to mental health care tailored to your individual needs and preferences. With extensive training in psychotherapeutic modalities and a passion for infusing humor and compassion into my work, I'm dedicated to helping people feel their best while dealing with many of life’s challenges.

Background

My journey in psychiatry has been shaped by two ideas: First, that there is “no health without mental health,” which highlights the need to address our whole body to optimize health. And secondly, by embracing trauma-informed care principles that oppose questions like, “What’s wrong with you?” and instead asks, “Help me to understand your story? I know we can make sense of this.” I have used these two ideas to fight mental health stigma and improve access to many who need care.

Early in my career, I focused on global mental health initiatives in Uganda and Botswana, working to improve access to care for those in need. This journey has taken me around the globe from California, the bustling streets of the Bronx, to London, England, and India; these experiences have given me a broad perspective on the human condition.

As I progressed, I delved into various areas of psychiatry, including behavioral health integration within primary care, obstetrics, and organ transplant surgery. My passion for perinatal mental health and reproductive psychiatry led me to direct the Perinatal Wellness Program at UCSF, where I spearheaded initiatives to provide support for expectant and new mothers (and birthing people).

During the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic, I co-chaired the “UCSF Employee Coping and Resilience Program”, highlighting my commitment to supporting mental well-being in all aspects of life.

Education

• Fellowship in Health Care Leadership, California Health Care Foundation, University of California, San Francisco

• Residency in Psychiatry, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine

• Doctor of Medicine, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine

• Master of Arts in Theological Studies, Regent College, University of British Columbia

• Bachelors in Science, Biology, University of California, San Diego

Achievements

I have held academic appointments in Clinical Psychiatry and Courtesy Appointments in OB/GYN at University of California San Francisco, University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Botswana, School of Medicine. I have been published in various medical journals such as JAMA Psychiatry, Academic Medicine, and Psychiatric Research and Clinical Practice. I have taught local and international courses, webinars, developed academic curriculum, developed clinical programs and provided expert opinions for current topics in the news. But, the real joy of my work comes from working with my terrific and talented colleagues and caring for and learning from all my patients! 

Certifications & Licenses

• American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology

• DC Board of Medicine

• Medical Board of California 

• National Board of Medical Examiners, Diplomat

Professional Memberships

• American Psychiatric Association

• American Medical Association

• Washington Psychiatric Society

• The International Marce Society for Perinatal Mental Health

• Marce Society of North America