Kate Benham-Suk, MD

I am a Columbia and UCSF trained psychiatrist and psychotherapist working in Oakland. I believe psychotherapy helps individuals heal from trauma, attain greater self-understanding, feel more fully alive, and develop stronger relationships. I utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities with an emphasis on psychoanalytic psychotherapy. This means together, we will explore both your conscious and unconscious thoughts and motivations. I also work from an intersectional feminist viewpoint with an ear to the effect of our social world on lived experience. This is a time of intense fear and isolation, and I believe therapy can offer a place to think and have real human connectedness, both of which are increasingly rare and under threat. Medication is also a tool that can be helpful, and I prescribe where indicated, in collaboration with my patients' goals and preferences.

While I treat adults with all types of concerns, I also focus on expectant and new parents. The transition to parenthood is always complicated. It can be wonderful, but it is often stressful and painful too. I address issues including postpartum depression, anxiety, or OCD, labor and delivery trauma, miscarriage, infertility, and medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding. I enjoy working with individuals on any part of the gender spectrum as they approach these major life events. I also enjoy exploring issues related to the body, as well as gender and sexuality.

I see patients both virtually and in person. I am licensed to see patients located anywhere in California.

Training & Education

  • B.A. in Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Stanford University
  • M.D., Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
  • Adult Psychiatry Residency Training, University of California, San Francisco
  • Public Psychiatry Fellowship, University of California, San Francisco
  • Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Training Program, San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis
  • Candidate Psychoanalyst, San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis
Dr. Kate Benham-Suk

Services

Psychotherapy & Psychoanalysis for Adults

Psychotherapy is not merely about relief from symptoms. It is an exploration of what makes us tick, and a pathway to more vitality, connection in relationships, and a sense of freedom.

My approach is psychoanalytic/psychodynamic, which means that I am interested in listening for both your conscious and unconscious thoughts and motivations. Together we will explore these as a way of understanding current struggles or concerns. This type of therapy is creative and individualized, and gives you space to discover yourself anew.

I believe psychotherapy is most effective when it occurs once weekly or more frequently.

Medication Management

I offer collaborative and thoughtful evaluation, initiation, and ongoing medication treatment for adults.

Perinatal Mental Health

I work with expectant, new, and nursing parents, and will meet with you to understand your treatment needs. I will also discuss medication safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding, if applicable.

Contact

Finding the right psychiatrist and therapist can be intimidating, particularly if you are seeking treatment for the first time. Often it comes down to whether or not it feels like a comfortable fit. I offer a free 15-minute telephone call so you can get a sense of me and I can hear about your goals.

Note: This phone call does not signify an initiation of psychiatric care.

Address 5299 College Ave, Suite C3
Oakland, CA 94618
Phone (510) 342-9885
Fax (972) 435-4345
Email kate@drbenhamsuk.com

Ready to take the next step? Schedule a free 15-minute telephone call to see if we're a good fit.

Schedule a Free 15-Minute Call

I am not contracted with any insurance panel. However, your insurance provider's out-of-network benefits may cover a portion of my fees. Your bill will have codes that can be submitted to your insurance for reimbursement.