Many people visit this website as an introduction to my concierge psychiatry and psychotherapy practice. My psychiatric practice is based on two fundamentals: a personal relationship and state-of-the art, full-service care. If you want personalized care, if your time is at a premium, or if your situation is complex, we may be a good fit.
First and foremost, I believe that a healthy, caring relationship with a doctor that knows you-as a person-is the most important aspect of care. As such, I make our relationship a priority in your treatment, and pride myself on having a "first-name practice". I know all my patients, schedule our appointments myself, and will recognize you when you call.
First and foremost, I believe that a healthy, caring relationship with a doctor that knows you-as a person-is the most important aspect of care. As such, I make our relationship a priority in your treatment, and pride myself on having a "first-name practice". I know all my patients, schedule our appointments myself, and will recognize you when you call.
Services
To create the kind of practice I want for patients, I operate a full-service, "concierge" psychiatry practice, as opposed to an insurance-driven one. This allows me to focus on quality over quantity and on personalized service and accessibility over volume. Three advantages set a concierge practice apart from an insurance-driven psychiatry model:.
I have expertise and experience in treating the full range of brain-based illnesses, including attention disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma-based disorders, addiction, and substance abuse disorders. Regarding the latter, I am licensed to treat with buprenorphine (Suboxone) for opiate dependence.
There is good evidence that for many different mental health conditions and concerns, psychotherapy is effective and can change the brain. Not all psychiatric doctors practice psychotherapy, but I choose to. Though flexible based on your needs, my leaning is toward an emotion-focused, attachment-based, relational form of therapy.
Dr. MacDonald has extensive experience and training in multiple forms of psychotherapy. It's been a bedrock of his practice over the last decade. As noted elsewhere, he also has extensive experience with ketamine in multiple forms and contexts. Contact him if you may be interested in ketamine psychotherapy.
Several different kinds of doctors administer ketamine, including anesthesia doctors, emergency doctors, and psychiatrists. Though many doctors have experience with ketamine, psychiatrists are the medical doctors who are specially trained to treat depression, PTSD, and addiction. Dr. MacDonald, as a psychiatrist, has special expertise in the treatment of these mental health issues.
Reviews (20)
Melissa Roth
Oct 30, 2021
Report
I have seen a number of therapists for talk therapy and psychiatrists for medication over the past 10 years, but I can't say that I experienced any noticeable gains or improvements until I started working with Dr. Mac. Dr. Mac is the most skilled, most observant, and most cutting edge psychiatrist I have ever worked with. He understands that developing a trusting relationship is the foundation for any meaningful psychological work. I trust that he has my best health / interest in mind, but he also has made me feel that my mental health treatment is in my control, which is quite different from my
Laura Wells
Jul 15, 2021
Report
It is my opinion that Dr.Kai chooses to work with high functioning substance abusers who have a statistically high chance of getting sober on their first try. He will also not prescribe controlled medications to drug addicts even if it is obvious that they need them and would benefit from them because he is worried about the addict abusing them. But how Can you abuse a drug that you actually need? I checked myself into his rehab clinic, Lasting Recovery for an opiate addiction. I was kicked out of the rehab clinic he runs when I told the nurse I had one drink after 5 weeks of testing negative on
Alyson Coons
Mar 26, 2021
Report
Laura LaBelle
Mar 08, 2021
Report
I have been a regular patient of Dr Mac’s for a while now. This is the first time I have ever felt included in creating my treatment plan. Any questions or concerns I have are respected, discussed, and taken care of through the relationship we have developed. He challenges me, sometimes to my chagrin, but always for my growth and good. Past psychiatrist experiences have left me feeling like I was being treated by someone who didn’t know me, but prescribed things anyways. This is not the case with Dr Mac’s practice. Due to the trust built between us, I value what he has to say to me, and trust
Sarah Herring
Feb 22, 2021
Report
I have been seeing Dr. MacDonald since Spring 2020 and my life has changed significantly because of our work together. I had seen therapists prior to being in his care but never saw any drastic changes in how I experienced life. Dr. MacDonald's competency, compassion, and expertise in trauma make him a particularly special and talented therapist. After becoming a therapist myself, I know how rare it is to find a therapist like him so consider yourself lucky to work with him if he is accepting new clients!
Alexis M.
Oct 29, 2020
Report
A life changing doctor!! I cannot put into words the ways in which Dr. MacDonald has changed my life for the better. After years of suffering depression and undiagnosed anxiety / ADHD, I felt hopeless that "this is just who I am." After working with Dr.Mac he empowered me by explaining my suffering was suffering but are also cognitive habits that can be changed - finally I felt hope. I have never felt so empowered and safe with a doctor. Dr. Mac and I have such a strong and positive working alliance because we are completely honest with one another. He is not a doctor who just tells you
Stav Prav
Feb 08, 2020
Report
Dr. MacDonald has been my Psychiatrist for 10 years now and has made a significant positive impact in my quality of life.
I have been struggling with bipolar disorder for as long as I can remember and 4 years ago developed a seizure disorder that compounded my troubles. The first time I met with Dr. MacDonald I was an absolute wreck. My career, family life, and self-worth were at an all time low. I had basically given up on any hope of ever getting even close to being well again. My wide and uncontrollable mood swings had sabotaged me repeatedly.
Dr. MacDonald proved to be exactly the type of
I have been struggling with bipolar disorder for as long as I can remember and 4 years ago developed a seizure disorder that compounded my troubles. The first time I met with Dr. MacDonald I was an absolute wreck. My career, family life, and self-worth were at an all time low. I had basically given up on any hope of ever getting even close to being well again. My wide and uncontrollable mood swings had sabotaged me repeatedly.
Dr. MacDonald proved to be exactly the type of
Wilson G.
Oct 28, 2019
Report
If you are in need of such services, Dr. MacDonald's professionalism and promptness will make a substantial difference in your journey. It is invaluable to know that you can get your doctor on the phone within an hour or so, sometimes immediately should the situation demand it. Further, having a doctor who can day-to-day monitor your medications and tailor them as needed is crucial. If I ever have a friend in need I will be pointing them directly to Dr. MacDonald.
Thank you Dr. Mac!
Thank you Dr. Mac!
Rick H.
Oct 05, 2019
Report
If you're looking for a highly trained/skilled/intelligent Psych Dr. then look no further Dr. MacDonald is your guy. Took my son (adult age) here for consultation and treatment. Dr. MacDonald presented thoughtful probing questions and based on answers provided excellent feedback and guidance. He can drill down and get to the source of the mental behavior issues and then put together a treatment plan. I found him to be considerate and caring...very good at prompt return calls. I highly recommend him.
Dana V.
Sep 29, 2019
Report
I have seen wide range of therapists/counselors/psychiatrists since I was a teen. Dr. MacDonald is the most effective I've ever worked with. He is focused on identifying the issues currently impacting your life, determining their root cause and helping you to work through these. He has helped me tremendously. Both my home and work life have improved significantly in the last year we've worked together. He will push you and doesn't let you slide by with excuses. It isn't easy work, but if you are looking to improve your life, he is an EXCELLENT doctor. From a scheduling
P. S.
Aug 28, 2019
Report
In a world saturated with clinicians these days, it can be very challenging to find the an effective psychiatrist/therapist with whom you connect. People spend years and money in therapy with clinicians who just chat about your life, which is not therapy. Fortunately, Dr. Mac’s treatment is unique and unparalleled. His knowledge is unequivocal compared to the majority of professionals in his field. His compassion is unprecedented, and his professionalism impeccable. He is one of the few clinicians I highly recommend.
Rachel Ramos
Aug 24, 2019
Report
Dr. Mac is the best mental health physician around, period. From the moment we met I felt comfortable and safe. Every session he's completely present (as if I'm his only patient that day), listening, observing, yeilding uncanny insight into my psyche with great care, and incredible skill.
Dr. Mac focuses on building a relationship grounded in trust, honesty, and partnership. His personal approach, combined with exceptional training and thoughtful treatment plans, has helped me overcome crippling issues in a shockingly short amount of time. Seriously, it feels like years of growth in a matter of
Dr. Mac focuses on building a relationship grounded in trust, honesty, and partnership. His personal approach, combined with exceptional training and thoughtful treatment plans, has helped me overcome crippling issues in a shockingly short amount of time. Seriously, it feels like years of growth in a matter of
Stevebridg
Jul 17, 2019
Report
I have been a patient of Dr. Kai MacDonald for more than 7 years. I came to Dr. MacDonald in severe physical and emotional pain. Through Dr. MacDonald’s treatment I have found a chemical and emotional balance that no doubt saved my marriage, saved my business and has improved my quality of life greatly. I highly recommend Dr. MacDonald to anyone dealing with chronic pain, addiction and the emotional stress caused by both.
Jeremy P.
May 30, 2018
Report
Dani E.
Jun 06, 2017
Report
I have been working with Dr. Macdonald for a couple of years. He is a caring, professional, and ethical doctor. He has helped me to overcome debilitating phobia's and create significant changes in my life. He is compassionate, understanding, and forthright. I pay promptly each month and I have never had any problems with his nursing staff.
Paola H.
Sep 15, 2016
Report
Roberto V.
Nov 18, 2015
Report
Couldn't be happier. dr macdonald is helping me for the past 3 years and results are really satisfactory. i came from Brazil and dr macdonald got in touch with my physician in Rio to get more details about my condition and the handover was perfect. i also don't share the same opinion of the other review about payment problems. everything is working flawlessly so far.
Julie W.
Jun 29, 2015
Report
Dr. MacDonald is the top tier of physicians within his specialty! I am so grateful and thankful to have found him. I'm a working professional, and business owner and my time is severely limited. Dr. MacDonald scheduled with me promptly and at a time/day convenient for me. After not sleeping for two solid years, after 1 day taking the medication, I finally slept! I feel better today than I have in ages. Don't look any further, this is the best doctor available anywhere in San Diego!
Tara M.
Apr 10, 2015
Report
Brian G.
May 26, 2010
Report
I should identify in advance that I do not want to get into specific details about my needs in a public forum, so my review will be lacking a few requisite details for a complete assessment.
I feel bad about the one star because I did not treat with this doctor, but I think it is necessary. So many professionals seem to forget that they provide a service, and th public is free to find another physician, psychologist, psychiatrist, lawyer, accountant etc. I would strongly suggest that anyone considering this doctor at least talk to other people in this field to see if someone else shows more
I feel bad about the one star because I did not treat with this doctor, but I think it is necessary. So many professionals seem to forget that they provide a service, and th public is free to find another physician, psychologist, psychiatrist, lawyer, accountant etc. I would strongly suggest that anyone considering this doctor at least talk to other people in this field to see if someone else shows more
