Are you accepting new patients?
Dr. Unverferth maintains a select private practice with limited availability. She responds to new patient inquiries only when she has space in her schedule. If you email and are a good fit for the practice, you'll hear back with next steps. Due to the volume of inquiries, Dr. Unverferth may not be able to respond to every message.
If you need care sooner, your therapist, OB/gyn, or primary care physician can help, and Postpartum Support International (postpartum.net) has a provider directory. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 or go to your nearest ER.
To inquire, please email your name, phone number, a brief description of the care you are seeking, and your preferred timeline.
What does Dr. Unverferth specialize in?
Dr. Unverferth is a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in Reproductive Psychiatry and Women’s Mental Health, with particular expertise in premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), mental health during pregnancy and postpartum, and mood and anxiety disorders during perimenopause. She also provides consultations regarding the use of psychiatric medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
What should I expect from the first visit?
If Dr. Unverferth has availability and the practice appears to be a good fit for your needs, she will contact you to schedule a brief phone consultation.
If you decide to schedule an appointment, your first visit will be a comprehensive 60-minute psychiatric evaluation. Spouses, partners, family members, or other significant people in your life are welcome to participate in all or part of the initial visit when helpful.
Follow-up appointments are scheduled based on individual treatment needs. Patients who are pregnant should anticipate being seen at least monthly during pregnancy and the first year postpartum. Patients must be seen at least every three months to remain active in the practice.
Do you offer telehealth?
Yes. In addition to in-person visits at her Santa Monica office, Dr. Unverferth sees patients by secure video who live in California. Initial evaluations are available in person or by telehealth.
For video visits, please plan to join from a private, quiet location on a secure internet connection.
Do you offer therapy?
Yes. Dr. Unverferth offers individual psychotherapy and incorporates psychotherapy into treatment when appropriate. She has extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, and eating disorders, as well as training in psychodynamic psychotherapy, mentalization-based therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy. She does not currently offer couples or family therapy.
Do you accept insurance?
Dr. Unverferth is an out-of-network physician and does not participate in insurance panels. A superbill is made available through the online patient portal upon request and may be submitted to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Reimbursement varies by insurance plan, and patients are encouraged to contact their insurance company directly to determine their individual out-of-network benefits.
If you would prefer to see a psychiatrist through your insurance, you may consider contacting the UCLA Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic at 310-825-9989.
What services do you offer?
Comprehensive Initial Psychiatric Evaluation | 60 minutes
Follow-Up Psychiatric Appointment | 30 minutes
Extended Follow-Up / Psychotherapy Appointment | 45 minutes
Dr. Unverferth’s practice is private pay. Fees reflect her specialized expertise and individualized approach to care and are shared before an initial appointment is scheduled.
Payment is due at the end of each session and can be made by credit card.
What is your cancellation policy?
Appointments may be cancelled or rescheduled up to 48 hours before the appointment. Appointments cancelled or rescheduled after this time will be charged the full appointment fee.