Business Details
Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Services in Palo Alto
I am a licensed, board-certified psychiatrist in Palo Alto with extensive training in evidence-based psychopharmacology and psychotherapy. My practice focuses on personalized mental health care for adults, combining thorough diagnostic evaluations with tailored treatment plans. I completed residency at Northwestern and a psychoanalytic training program at the Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute, and I currently serve as Adjunct Clinical Faculty at Stanford. My expertise spans mood and anxiety disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, and adult ADHD, with a treatment approach that integrates supportive, cognitive behavioral, and dialectical behavioral therapies.I prioritize patient-centered care, adjusting treatment to individual needs while maintaining rigorous clinical standards. My background includes faculty roles at Northwestern and Stanford, where I provide psychotherapy supervision to residents. I believe effective psychiatric care requires both psychopharmacological expertise and refined therapeutic skills, ensuring patients receive comprehensive, compassionate treatment.
Services
Diagnostic evaluations
Medication management
Individual psychotherapy
Psychotherapy supervision
Initial evaluations
Treatment for anxiety disorders
Treatment for mood disorders
Highlights and features
- Board-certified psychiatrist with training at Northwestern and Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute
- Adjunct Clinical Faculty member at Stanford University
- Specialized treatment for mood and anxiety disorders including OCD and adult ADHD
- Integrates multiple therapy modalities including CBT and dialectical behavioral therapy
- Personalized treatment plans adjusted to individual patient needs
Associations and certifications
- Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association
Services
Medication Management
25-minute appointments focused on initiating, adjusting, and monitoring psychiatric medications. Initial monthly sessions transition to bi-monthly visits once treatment goals are achieved. Evidence-based approaches ensure safe, effective pharmacological treatment tailored to individual diagnoses.
Individual Psychotherapy
45-50 minute sessions using cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, and supportive therapy techniques. Weekly sessions recommended for optimal outcomes. Treatment addresses mood disorders, anxiety, and life challenges through personalized therapeutic approaches adapted to patient needs and goals.
Diagnostic Evaluations
Comprehensive assessment process involving detailed clinical interviews to identify mental health conditions. Two-session format allows thorough evaluation of symptoms, personal history, and treatment needs. Formulates accurate diagnoses and establishes evidence-based treatment recommendations tailored to individual circumstances.
Treatment for Anxiety Disorders
Specialized care for generalized anxiety, social phobia, panic disorder, and OCD. Combines medication management with targeted psychotherapy techniques. Treatment plans address symptom reduction and long-term coping strategies through collaborative, patient-centered approaches.
Psychotherapy Supervision
Clinical supervision for psychiatric residents using relational psychoanalytic approaches. Draws on 2-year intensive training at Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute. Focuses on developing therapeutic skills, case conceptualization, and evidence-based practice implementation for emerging mental health professionals.
People
Johnson, Rania M MD
Psychiatrist
Board-certified psychiatrist with training from Northwestern and Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute. Adjunct Clinical Faculty at Stanford. Specializes in mood/anxiety disorders with expertise in medication management and multiple psychotherapy modalities.
Questions
Do you accept insurance?
I am an out-of-network provider and do not accept insurance directly. I provide billing statements for patients to submit to their insurance company for potential reimbursement.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Contact me directly to discuss your needs. I will call back within one business day to determine if we are a good fit before scheduling an initial evaluation.
What happens during an initial evaluation?
Initial evaluations typically involve two 45-minute sessions to assess your history, generate diagnoses, and create a collaborative treatment plan tailored to your needs.
What age range of patients do you accept?
I treat adults aged 18 and older, including college students and geriatric patients, though I do not participate in Medicare.
What if I'm dissatisfied with treatment?
Open feedback is encouraged. We will discuss concerns together to adjust treatment approaches, clarify miscommunications, and ensure effective therapeutic collaboration.
