Explore Services

My goal is simple, and perhaps uncommon: to help you reach a point where you no longer need me.

Rather than managing symptoms indefinitely, I work toward genuine recovery; helping you build the resilience and psychological flexibility to handle life's challenges on your own terms.

I'm a psychiatrist in San Francisco offering integrated medication management and psychotherapy through a concierge model. I trained at the University of Washington, where I was prepared to treat the full spectrum of psychiatric presentations, meaning you'll get a precise diagnosis, a clear treatment plan, and the majority of your care under one roof.

Treatment with me means more than a diagnosis and a prescription. I take a whole-person approach, drawing on evidence-based therapies including ACT, DBT, exposure therapy, and psychodynamic psychotherapy. I believe that the most meaningful progress comes from living a life aligned with your values, not one driven by anxiety or avoidance.

I keep a small panel so I can offer longer appointments, faster responses, and the kind of unhurried care that's rare in psychiatry. You won't be rushed through a 15-minute minute medication check in. If you're looking for a psychiatrist who will be honest with you, invest in your growth, and ultimately work toward your independence. I'd be glad to connect.

Please request a call to get started. We’ll get a sense if we are a good fit for one another.

Request a call

What We Offer

Thoughtful, evidence-based psychiatric care focused on understanding you as a whole person. We provide careful evaluations, personalized treatments, and ongoing support to help you feel your best again.

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Initial diagnostic evaluation

Each initial evaluation will be 90 minutes for new patients.

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Combined psychotherapy + medication management

55 minutes for returning patients only. Requires an initial diagnostic evaluation.

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Medication management only

25 minutes for returning patients only. Requires an initial diagnostic evaluation.

What I Can Help With

People come to Benitez Psychiatry for many different reasons. Some arrive with a clear diagnosis they've been managing for years. Others are coming to psychiatry for the first time and aren't sure what to call what they're experiencing — only that something isn't right.

I work with adults navigating a range of conditions, including:

If you don't see your concern listed here, that doesn't mean I can't help. The best way to find out if we're a good fit is to request a call.

Our Process

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Start the conversation

We begin with a brief phone call to understand what you are looking for and to make sure we’re a good fit.

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Understand you deeply

We’ll schedule a 90 minute intake designed to understand you – your history, goals, challenges, and what brings you here. There’s no rush. This time is about listening, reflection, and clarity.

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Create a path forward

Together, we’ll decide on a treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals. Before you leave, we’ll schedule your next appointment so you know exactly what comes next and can move forward with confidence.

FAQs

  • As an adult psychiatrist, my practice typically serves patients older than 18 years old. I am also comfortable working teenagers on a case-by-case basis.

    Please note that I generally do not prescribe controlled substances without complete evaluation. When treating these conditions, I prioritize non-controlled medications and psychotherapy whenever appropriate. If controlled medications are needed, it would start with a thoughtful discussion during our visit.

    Controlled substances may include:

    • ADHD/ADD medications such as stimulants (e.g., Adderall, Ritalin)

    • Anxiety or panic medications such as benzodiazepines (e.g., Ativan, Klonopin, Valium)

    • Insomnia medications such as sleep aids (e.g., Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata)

  • I do not work with commercial insurance. This allows me to serve the patients directly and not the insurance company. Patients would be require to pay for services on the day of the appointment. I am able to provide a superbill, which they can be submitted your insurance company for reimbursement. Most insurances can reimburse 70-100% for out-of-network mental health treatment. While at this time I am not able to see patients who have Medicare part B (AKA original or straight Medicare), I am able to work with patients with Medicare Advantage Programs (Part C). I do not accept Medi-cal at this time.

  • The care I provide is personalized by drawing from multiple psychotherapeutic approaches—such as CBT, ACT, DBT, hypnosis, and IBCT—to thoughtfully address your concerns.

  • I understand that financial situations vary. Sliding scale fees are offered on a limited basis and are designed to make psychiatric care more accessible by adjusting costs according to income and need. After an initial conversation, I will provide a transparent quote with no hidden costs.

  • Working with me is collaborative, thoughtful, and paced with care. I take time to understand your history, your goals, and how your symptoms affect your daily life—not just a checklist of diagnoses.

    Together, we’ll develop a treatment plan that feels intentional and grounded. This may include psychotherapy, medication management, lifestyle considerations, or gradual adjustments over time. I prioritize listening, shared decision-making, and treatments that support long-term stability rather than quick fixes.

  • Same day cancellations or no-shows will incur 100% of the appointment fee.

  • I am only certified to practice in California, so I will not be able to serve patients who live outside of CA.

  • "A truly gifted psychiatrist who is helping me through psychotherapy and medication management"

    -Patient

  • “Dr. Benitez has been instrumental in guiding me to the right care, and for providing me with immediate help and relief as I work towards long-term recovery.”

    -Patient