Kristine Donovan

I specialize in treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and associated conditions, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), with an emphasis on medication management and integrated, supportive clinical care.

A core part of my approach is helping patients identify meaningful patterns across symptoms that may not initially appear connected. For example, what presents as anxiety or OCD may also involve overlapping features such as body-focused repetitive behaviors like trichotillomania or skin picking, or obsessive-compulsive personality traits. I focus on helping patients understand how these patterns interact, so treatment can be more precise and effective.

My work integrates neurobiology education with evidence-based medication management and brief, structured interventions within visits. I incorporate CBT-based skills, DBT-informed strategies, and Motivational Interviewing to support insight, emotional regulation, and behavior change. I emphasize collaboration, clarity, and insight—helping patients better understand how their symptoms function and how treatment can target them effectively.

My clinical foundation includes a Master of Science in Nursing from California State University, Long Beach, along with clinical training through Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. I completed a Transition to Practice (TTP) program with Foresight Mental Health, where my clinical focus included ADHD, OCD, and autism spectrum presentations. I also have experience as a crisis counselor with Didi Hirsch’s Suicide Prevention Center, which has shaped a calm, steady, and grounded approach in both routine and high-acuity situations.

I aim to provide thoughtful, collaborative care that supports symptom reduction, insight, and long-term stability.

I integrate medication management grounded in well-established, evidence-based treatments with a careful, measured approach to prescribing. I prioritize starting low, going slow, and avoiding unnecessary polypharmacy.

While medication is an important component of care, I also recognize the value of therapy-based and skills-informed interventions as adjunctive supports when appropriate.

When clinically indicated, I may consider select adjunctive options within an individualized treatment plan, always with attention to safety, tolerability, and overall treatment burden.

In the first session, we focus on understanding your current concerns, history, and what has or hasn’t worked in the past. I take a structured but conversational approach to get a clear picture of symptoms, patterns, and how they are impacting your daily functioning.

We also review relevant medical and psychiatric history, discuss treatment goals, and begin identifying the most appropriate next steps. If medication is part of your care, we may discuss options, benefits, and risks in a careful, measured way, with an emphasis on starting low and going slow when appropriate.

You can also expect psychoeducation about your symptoms and how they may be understood through a biological and behavioral lens, along with initial discussion of supportive strategies that may complement medication.

By the end of the session, you’ll have a clearer understanding of your clinical picture and a collaborative plan for moving forward.