Director / Clinical Psychologist

David Plotkin, Ph.D.

Direct office phone: (310) 470-9994
Dr. Plotkin received his doctorate in clinical psychology from UCLA and was a member of the UCLA Anxiety Disorders Behavioral Research Program, under the direction of Michelle Craske, Ph.D. Presently, Dr. Plotkin is the director of David Plotkin, Ph.D. and Associates and is also a clinical instructor in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, UCLA Semel Institute and Hospital. He teaches and supervises psychiatry residents in the administration of cognitive behavioral therapy at the UCLA Anxiety Disorders Outpatient Clinic. In addition to his clinical and teaching positions, Dr. Plotkin has conducted research and coauthored studies in the areas of panic disorder, social phobia, and substance abuse.
*CA License PSY 19818

Specializing in cognitive behavioral therapy for adults, children, and adolescents

OUR MISSION

To provide the highest quality cognitive behavioral psychotherapy for those suffering from

  • Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
  • Depression
  • Social Anxiety
  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder
  • Insomnia and other sleep disorders
  • Specific Phobias (for example, fear of flying or fear of dogs) and many other conditions.

To offer the highest level of care and support

  • For the busy professional, we offer evening and weekend appointments.
  • Our office staff prepares and submits all PPO insurance paperwork so you don't have to.
  • The associates can provide therapy in Spanish and French.
  • For students and other clients in need of lower fees, the associates offer a sliding scale.
F.C.

Dr. David Plotkin is an extraordinary psychologist and runs a first rate office. His specialty is anxiety disorders...Dr. Plotkin is extremely ethical, professional, and a great motivator.

F.C., Stevenson Ranch, CA
M.R.

Dr. Plotkin has a genuine passion for helping and it showed during my sessions. I'm happy to say that I completed my last session today - sleeping better than I have in years and to see the look of happiness and satisfaction on Dr. Plotkin's face from another job well done was awesome.

M.R., Los Angeles, CA
David Plotkin, Ph.D.
David Plotkin, Ph.D.
Director / Clinical Psychologist

Direct office phone: (310) 470-9994
Dr. Plotkin received his doctorate in clinical psychology from UCLA and was a member of the UCLA Anxiety Disorders Behavioral Research Program, under the direction of Michelle Craske, Ph.D. Presently, Dr. Plotkin is the director of David Plotkin, Ph.D. and Associates and is also a clinical instructor in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, UCLA Semel Institute and Hospital. He teaches and supervises psychiatry residents in the administration of cognitive behavioral therapy at the UCLA Anxiety Disorders Outpatient Clinic. In addition to his clinical and teaching positions, Dr. Plotkin has conducted research and coauthored studies in the areas of panic disorder, social phobia, and substance abuse.
*CA License PSY 19818

Renee Garett, L.C.S.W.
Renee Garett, L.C.S.W.
Associate / Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Direct Phone (424) 286 2664
Renee Garett is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing therapeutic services to adults, children, adolescents, and families. Renee graduated Suma Cum Laude from the University of Southern California where she earned her Bachelors Degree. She then continued her education at the University of California, Los Angeles where she completed her Masters Degree in Social Welfare (MSW).
Renee has worked in various capacities as a therapist; at the Child and Family Guidance Center, at Women Helping Women Counseling and Support Services, at Lamp Community, and in private practice. Renee previously worked as a Clinical Supervisor and the Co-Coordinator of the Adolescent and Child Therapy Program at the Maple Counseling Center in Beverly Hills. Renee has been trained and certified in several evidenced based treatment models (i.e. Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Seeking Safety, and Managing and Adapting Practice-for children experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and disruptive behavior disorders). Renee also specializes in supporting clients through difficult life transitions as well as working with youth.

Renee is currently a Part-Time Lecturer at the UCLA School of Social Welfare and a clinical supervisor to unlicensed therapists.

Carolyn Kim, Psy.D., L.M.F.T.
Carolyn Kim, Psy.D., L.M.F.T.
Associate / Licensed M.F.T.

Direct Phone (424) 532-0020

Dr. Carolyn Kim’s passion for psychology and health began over 10 years ago when she studied meditation and mindfulness in Northern California.  Her knowledge and experience of mental health treatment grew to include research-backed and empirically studied treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure and response prevention therapy.  She gained this experience as a research assistant at UCLA for Dr. Bruce Chorpita’s study on the effectiveness of current mental health technologies for children and adolescents. She also obtained graduate and post-graduate clinical training at the renowned treatment center for eating disorders, Monte Nido Eating Disorders Treatment Centers, as well as the outpatient treatment facility for eating disorders in Santa Monica, A New Journey (now Rosewood Centers for Eating Disorders).  She is also a lead therapist at the Westwood Institute for Anxiety Disorders and treats patients presenting with multiple co-occurring disorders, including severe obsessive-compulsive disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, social anxiety, specific phobias and eating disorders.

Dr. Kim’s experience also extends to bringing mental health care for at-risk populations suffering from a broad and diverse set of mental illnesses.   She worked with grade school children at Para Los Niños and with adults and families at the long-standing non-profit organization, The Southern California Counseling Center.

Altogether, Dr. Kim has direct experience working with adults and couples suffering from depression, anxiety, eating disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, substance abuse, ADHD, self-injurious behaviors, bipolar and related disorders and insomnia.  She also helps clients find balance and fulfillment in the wake of complex life transitions.

Dr. Kim received her Doctorate in Psychology from Ryokan College, Master in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and a BA in Literature from UC San Diego.  

CA Licensed MFT no. 90023

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