Because Happiness is What We’re All Striving For...

Award-winning, Integrative Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Coaching

now serving California and New York
illustrated woman celebrating mental wellbeing with her dog
photo of Dr. Sheenie Ambardar

Welcome!

At The Happiness Psychiatrist®, we help you become happier: authentically, deeply, and meaningfully.

Founded in 2012 by Dr. Sheenie Ambardar, M.D., we are a premier California and New York telehealth and wellness practice that provides concierge psychiatry and psychotherapy services to adult patients in California and New York as well as coaching services to clients of all ages worldwide.

We use low-dose psychiatric medications in conjunction with an eclectic blend of psychotherapeutic modalities including psychodynamic therapy, interpersonal therapy, solution-focused therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, inner child work, outdoor walking therapy, meditation, and Kundalini Yoga. We also offer convenient at-home gene testing to help illuminate which medications may work best in your treatment.

Dr. Ambardar (pronounced Amber-daar) is a Stanford-educated, Top Doctor as honored by her peers and a Compassionate Doctor Winner 5 years in a row. As someone who has experienced depression and family abuse herself, she knows firsthand how hard it can be to reclaim our happiness and true inner self.

With 15 years of experience, Dr. Ambardar is committed to providing high-quality, holistic care to patients throughout California and New York. Her unique integrative treatment method blends modern medicine with ancient Hindu and Buddhist spiritual philosophies for the optimal benefit of her patients.

Read Dr. Ambardar’s popular Huffington Post article “10 Ways to Improve Depression and Anxiety without Meds"

SELECTED TO SUPER DOCTORS:
Southern California Super Doctors 2022
Southern California Super Doctors 2021
Southern California Super Doctors 2020
Southern California Super Doctors 2019
Southern California Rising Stars 2018
Southern California Rising Stars 2017
Southern California Rising Stars 2016

Medical Board of California, Physician and Surgeon License
New York State Education Department – Office of Professions Medical License

Our Integrative Services
 • 
Now Serving California and New York
 • 
Now Serving California and New York
 • 
Now Serving California and New York
 • 
Now Serving California and New York
 • 
Now Serving California and New York
 • 
Now Serving California and New York
 • 
Now Serving California and New York
 • 
Now Serving California and New York
 • 
Now Serving California and New York
 • 
Now Serving California and New York

As Seen In

New York Times

The Washington Post

Good Housekeeping

Forbes

SHAPE Magazine

Women's Health Magazine

Bloomberg

The Huffington Post

Well + Good

LiveStrong

WebMD

VeryWell Mind

What Makes Us Different

Concierge medicine

Highly personalized care with direct access to Dr. Ambardar at all times. Customized treatment plans offering an innovative blend of medication management, psychotherapy, coaching, and Eastern philosophies

Science + spirituality

Cutting-edge psychopharmacology combined with mind, body, and soul holistic care. Incorporating techniques from ancient Hindu and Buddhist spiritual philosophies

Discrete + confidential

Direct communication with only
Dr. Ambardar at all times

Easy online access

Get the highest-quality care from the comfort and privacy of your own home. Telehealth appointments with
Dr. Ambardar offer you award-winning service, hassle-free.
Skip the stress of traffic

Convenient scheduling

We are aware that many of our patients and clients are busy and successful professionals, executives, creatives, and students. For this reason, evening, Saturday, and next-week appointments are always available

State-of-the-art

Electronic prescribing with
e-prescriptions, at-home prescription delivery, and at-home gene testing
(if desired)

Featured In

Health Magazine - Erin Andrews
Shape Magazine - Marisa Miller
Women's Health - The 8 Hour Diet
Top Doctors Los Angeles Magazine
Best of LA Magazine (2016)
Best of LA Magazine Cover (2017)

Services

We are proud to offer a comprehensive range of wellness services to our patients and clients. Many patients see Dr. Ambardar for medication management as well as psychotherapy. Dr. Ambardar can also see you exclusively for medication management or psychotherapy or coaching.

happy psychiatry patient hugging a dog illustration

Psychiatry

We specialize in treating depression, anxiety, bipolar, OCD, Adult ADHD, C-PTSD, chronic insomnia, binge-eating, PMDD, and a host of other common conditions and life issues.

Learn More
Happy psychotherapy patient hugging herself

Psychotherapy

Good therapy is transformational and can help us understand who we are, why we do the things we do, and how we can change our thoughts and behaviors in order to lead happier, more satisfying lives.

Learn More
illustration of happy coaching client with friend

Coaching

If you live outside of California or New York but still have an interest in working with Dr. Ambardar, our signature coaching services may be right for you. Coaching is the secret weapon of many successful people and is proven to help you discover what you really want, meet important goals, and transform your life.

Learn More

Testimonials

“As a professional colleague of Dr. Ambardar’s who has worked closely with her in both the outpatient clinic and ER hospital settings, I can attest to Dr. Ambardar’s superb clinical and diagnostic skills, her agreeable bedside manner, and her genuine concern for patients. Dr. Ambardar is a consummate professional and a wonderful, caring psychiatrist. Her patients have always spoken very highly of her and I would recommend her wholeheartedly to anyone seeking a bright, compassionate physician for themselves or their family members.”

—  
Sidney Gold, M.D., Former Chief of Psychiatry, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Sherman Terrace Medical Offices

“Dr. Ambardar maintains a true professionalism and calm that is not equaled by many of her colleagues. She has a quiet, unassuming demeanor, but underneath she is intelligent, hard working, and her psychiatric evaluations of patients are well thought out, organized, and sound. Sheenie is a good person. She is honest, decent, and fun. She is well liked by the faculty and staff. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Ambardar. She would be an asset to any faculty or medical school.”

—  
Sofia Matta, M.D., former Unit Chief and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at St. Vincent Catholic Medical Center in New York, NY

I have had the privilege of working with Dr. Ambardar for the past 3 years. She is a highly intelligent, compassionate, and thoughtful practitioner. I am confident in her skills and am happy to refer my patients to her for their psychiatric care as I know they will be in excellent hands.

—  
Patrice Robins, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist in private practice in Santa Monica, CA.

“Dr. Ambardar has tremendous insight into personal and collective trauma and the impact of ancestral trauma on a person's life. It is not often you come across a professional who has an in-depth understanding of collective trauma and its impact on an individual's life. Her work and her insights have been supportive in my own healing journey. I highly recommend anyone wanting to connect with their ancestral histories, collective trauma, and current life experiences to work with Dr. Ambardar. She is a caring professional.”

—  
B.S.

Thank you so much for everything you have done for me. I greatly appreciate it. I really think you are a wonderful doctor and I tell everybody about you. I really feel that you are the best doctor I’ve ever been to and that you really listen to me. Again thanks so much.

—  
Former Patient

I highly recommend Dr. Ambardar to anyone looking for an empathetic therapist. She is truly concerned about improving her patients’ well-being. At the same time, she is very professional and knowledgeable and I felt like I was in extremely capable hands. She has helped me overcome so much, and I feel like my life and mental peace are both in such a better place since I started seeing her.

—  
Former Patient

Dr. Ambardar is an outstanding psychiatrist. She is extremely kind and exhibits a vast working knowledge of psychiatric, emotional, and mental disorders and the issues and symptoms that stem from these disorders. I always felt at ease with her and I have really appreciated and benefited from being under such excellent care.

—  
Former Patient

I am a woman in her late-50s who has been living chronically with Bipolar Disorder for many years. Finding a psychiatrist that you really click with is hard and just a matter of luck. I was really lucky to have found Dr. Ambardar when I lived in LA. She always listened to my concerns and is such a sweetheart. I actually looked forward to each appointment. Everyone should have a doctor like Dr. Ambardar!

—  
Former Patient

“Dr. Ambardar is always professional and helpful. She is a wonderful and compassionate doctor who truly understands what her patient’s needs are. I am grateful to have her as my doctor. Her recommendations have been excellent.”

—  
Current Patient

“As a professional colleague of Dr. Ambardar’s who has worked closely with her in both the outpatient clinic and ER hospital settings, I can attest to Dr. Ambardar’s superb clinical and diagnostic skills, her agreeable bedside manner, and her genuine concern for patients. Dr. Ambardar is a consummate professional and a wonderful, caring psychiatrist. Her patients have always spoken very highly of her and I would recommend her wholeheartedly to anyone seeking a bright, compassionate physician for themselves or their family members.”

—  
Sidney Gold, M.D., Former Chief of Psychiatry, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Sherman Terrace Medical Offices

“Dr. Ambardar maintains a true professionalism and calm that is not equaled by many of her colleagues. She has a quiet, unassuming demeanor, but underneath she is intelligent, hard working, and her psychiatric evaluations of patients are well thought out, organized, and sound. Sheenie is a good person. She is honest, decent, and fun. She is well liked by the faculty and staff. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Ambardar. She would be an asset to any faculty or medical school.”

—  
Sofia Matta, M.D., former Unit Chief and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at St. Vincent Catholic Medical Center in New York, NY

I have had the privilege of working with Dr. Ambardar for the past 3 years. She is a highly intelligent, compassionate, and thoughtful practitioner. I am confident in her skills and am happy to refer my patients to her for their psychiatric care as I know they will be in excellent hands.

—  
Patrice Robins, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist in private practice in Santa Monica, CA.

“Dr. Ambardar has tremendous insight into personal and collective trauma and the impact of ancestral trauma on a person's life. It is not often you come across a professional who has an in-depth understanding of collective trauma and its impact on an individual's life. Her work and her insights have been supportive in my own healing journey. I highly recommend anyone wanting to connect with their ancestral histories, collective trauma, and current life experiences to work with Dr. Ambardar. She is a caring professional.”

—  
B.S.

Thank you so much for everything you have done for me. I greatly appreciate it. I really think you are a wonderful doctor and I tell everybody about you. I really feel that you are the best doctor I’ve ever been to and that you really listen to me. Again thanks so much.

—  
Former Patient

I highly recommend Dr. Ambardar to anyone looking for an empathetic therapist. She is truly concerned about improving her patients’ well-being. At the same time, she is very professional and knowledgeable and I felt like I was in extremely capable hands. She has helped me overcome so much, and I feel like my life and mental peace are both in such a better place since I started seeing her.

—  
Former Patient

Dr. Ambardar is an outstanding psychiatrist. She is extremely kind and exhibits a vast working knowledge of psychiatric, emotional, and mental disorders and the issues and symptoms that stem from these disorders. I always felt at ease with her and I have really appreciated and benefited from being under such excellent care.

—  
Former Patient

I am a woman in her late-50s who has been living chronically with Bipolar Disorder for many years. Finding a psychiatrist that you really click with is hard and just a matter of luck. I was really lucky to have found Dr. Ambardar when I lived in LA. She always listened to my concerns and is such a sweetheart. I actually looked forward to each appointment. Everyone should have a doctor like Dr. Ambardar!

—  
Former Patient

“Dr. Ambardar is always professional and helpful. She is a wonderful and compassionate doctor who truly understands what her patient’s needs are. I am grateful to have her as my doctor. Her recommendations have been excellent.”

—  
Current Patient

“As a professional colleague of Dr. Ambardar’s who has worked closely with her in both the outpatient clinic and ER hospital settings, I can attest to Dr. Ambardar’s superb clinical and diagnostic skills, her agreeable bedside manner, and her genuine concern for patients. Dr. Ambardar is a consummate professional and a wonderful, caring psychiatrist. Her patients have always spoken very highly of her and I would recommend her wholeheartedly to anyone seeking a bright, compassionate physician for themselves or their family members.”

— 
Sidney Gold, M.D., Former Chief of Psychiatry, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Sherman Terrace Medical Offices

“Dr. Ambardar maintains a true professionalism and calm that is not equaled by many of her colleagues. She has a quiet, unassuming demeanor, but underneath she is intelligent, hard working, and her psychiatric evaluations of patients are well thought out, organized, and sound. Sheenie is a good person. She is honest, decent, and fun. She is well liked by the faculty and staff. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Ambardar. She would be an asset to any faculty or medical school.”

— 
Sofia Matta, M.D., former Unit Chief and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at St. Vincent Catholic Medical Center in New York, NY

I have had the privilege of working with Dr. Ambardar for the past 3 years. She is a highly intelligent, compassionate, and thoughtful practitioner. I am confident in her skills and am happy to refer my patients to her for their psychiatric care as I know they will be in excellent hands.

— 
Patrice Robins, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist in private practice in Santa Monica, CA.

“Dr. Ambardar has tremendous insight into personal and collective trauma and the impact of ancestral trauma on a person's life. It is not often you come across a professional who has an in-depth understanding of collective trauma and its impact on an individual's life. Her work and her insights have been supportive in my own healing journey. I highly recommend anyone wanting to connect with their ancestral histories, collective trauma, and current life experiences to work with Dr. Ambardar. She is a caring professional.”

— 
B.S.

Thank you so much for everything you have done for me. I greatly appreciate it. I really think you are a wonderful doctor and I tell everybody about you. I really feel that you are the best doctor I’ve ever been to and that you really listen to me. Again thanks so much.

— 
Former Patient

I highly recommend Dr. Ambardar to anyone looking for an empathetic therapist. She is truly concerned about improving her patients’ well-being. At the same time, she is very professional and knowledgeable and I felt like I was in extremely capable hands. She has helped me overcome so much, and I feel like my life and mental peace are both in such a better place since I started seeing her.

— 
Former Patient

Dr. Ambardar is an outstanding psychiatrist. She is extremely kind and exhibits a vast working knowledge of psychiatric, emotional, and mental disorders and the issues and symptoms that stem from these disorders. I always felt at ease with her and I have really appreciated and benefited from being under such excellent care.

— 
Former Patient

I am a woman in her late-50s who has been living chronically with Bipolar Disorder for many years. Finding a psychiatrist that you really click with is hard and just a matter of luck. I was really lucky to have found Dr. Ambardar when I lived in LA. She always listened to my concerns and is such a sweetheart. I actually looked forward to each appointment. Everyone should have a doctor like Dr. Ambardar!

— 
Former Patient

“Dr. Ambardar is always professional and helpful. She is a wonderful and compassionate doctor who truly understands what her patient’s needs are. I am grateful to have her as my doctor. Her recommendations have been excellent.”

— 
Current Patient

FAQs

How do I know if I need to see a psychiatrist?

That is a personal decision that is entirely up to you. If you have been struggling with significant mood impairment (whether that be persistent feelings of sadness, despair, anxiety, irritability, mood swings, or feelings of hopelessness or helplessness), it may be a good idea to seek help from a trained psychiatric physician (M.D.) who has the ability to prescribe pharmacological intervention should that be needed.

I’m hesitant to begin medication for my mood. Will medication change my personality?

No, medication will not change your personality. Psychiatric medications, when prescribed judiciously and with care, have the power to transform the lives of those suffering from mental health issues, like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and OCD. At The Happiness Psychiatrist®, we believe in using the lowest effective dose of psychiatric medication, tailored specifically to each patient’s individual needs. In addition, Dr. Ambardar incorporates other treatment modalities to treat mood symptoms, including psychotherapy, meditation, walking therapy, and Kundalini Yoga.

Why don’t you accept insurance?

Insurance companies typically place many restrictions and demands on doctors and dictate the frequency and level of care that physicians may provide to their patients. In order to offer you the highest-quality personalized service, tailored to your individual needs and not subject to third-party restrictions, Dr. Ambardar does not contract with any insurance providers. In this way, she can focus all of her energies on serving you, the patient, to the best of her abilities.

Do you offer in-person appointments?

While we are primarily a boutique telehealth practice that serves patients throughout California and New York, we continue to offer in-person outdoor walking therapy sessions in the Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, and UCLA/Westwood areas. In addition, Dr. Ambardar is periodically in the San Francisco Bay Area, Stanford area, and New York City areas.

Do you offer weekend and evening appointments?

Dr. Ambardar is aware that many of her patients are busy and successful professionals, executives, creatives, and students. For this reason, she is happy to offer Saturday and evening appointments.

Read all FAQs

If you are finally ready to:

Understand the underlying and deep-seated reasons for your unhelpful behaviors

Transform your life from the inside-out and reduce feelings of fear, sadness, inadequacy, and shame

Stop feeling trapped and stuck by seemingly unchangeable life circumstances

Heal the past, live mindfully in the present, and reach your highest potential

Have healthy, loving, and mutually rewarding personal relationships

Confidently pursue your dreams and live the life you were born to live

and experience happiness, peace, joy and contentment…

then our Happiness Psychiatry services are right for you.

To set up your free 15-minute phone consultation, please e-mail DrAmbardar@happinesspsychiatrist.com. We look forward to helping you live a life full of hope, happiness, joy, and vitality!

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Feel Happier

At The Happiness Psychiatrist®, our patient philosophy centers around treating the whole person: mind, body, and soul. We believe that the judicious use of psychopharmacology, coupled with psychotherapy, and other alternative treatments (such as meditation, Kundalini yoga, and walking therapy), can bring about transformative changes in the lives of those suffering from depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, and other common mental conditions and life issues.

As a woman-owned online business, we are proud to serve all parts of California, including the Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Westwood/UCLA, Pasadena, Malibu, Burbank, San Francisco, Marin County, Portola Valley, Palo Alto, Stanford, Silicon Valley, Cupertino, Menlo Park, and San Jose areas.

We are also proud to serve all parts of New York, including New York City, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Greenwich Village, the Upper East Side, the Upper West Side, the West Village, and the Hudson River Valley area.

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