Dr. Michael Blumenfield MD

Psychiatrist | Psychiatry

5901 Nita Ave Woodland Hills CA, 91367 Show map

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About

Dr. Michael Blumenfield is a psychiatrist practicing in Woodland Hills, CA. Dr. Blumenfield is a medical doctor specializing in the care of mental health patients. As a psychiatrist, Dr. Blumenfield diagnoses and treats mental illnesses. Dr. Blumenfield may treat patients through a variety of methods including medications, psychotherapy or talk therapy, psychosocial interventions and more, depending on each individual case. Different medications that a psychiatrist might prescribe include antidepressants, antipsychotic mediations, mood stabilizers, stimulants, sedatives and hypnotics. Dr. Blumenfield treats conditions like depression, anxiety, OCD,post traumatic stress eating disorders, bipolar disorders, personality disorders, sexual issues, insomnia, ADD and other mental illnesses.Dr. Blumenfield utilizes psychodynamic and psychoanalytic therapy as well as CBT, psychopharmacology and other techniques.

Dr. Blumenfield has written and edited several textbooks. Recenlty he has a published a book for the general public titled Shrinktalk. For more information about this book go to Shrinktalkbook.com

Education and Training

State University of NY M.D. 1964

San Francisco General-Intern Internship 1966

Kings Cty Hosp Residency Psych Residency in Psychiatry 1968

NY Psychoanalytic Inst Psychoanalysis 1972

Board Certification

American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology

Psychosomatic Medicine (Psychiatry and Neurology)

Provider Details

MaleEnglish 53 years of experience

Dr. Michael Blumenfield MD

Dr. Michael Blumenfield MD's Expert Contributions

My Latest Posts
My Answers

Narcissism by Michael Blumenfield, M.D.
NarcissismThe legend is that Narcissus was a handsome Greek youth who rejected the desperate advances of the nymph Echo. As a punishment, he was doomed to fall in love with his own reflection in a pool of water. Unable to consummate his love, Narcissus was said to stare at his image in the pool hour...

What is the fastest acting anxiety medication?
That would probably be Xanax which has onset in 1/2 hour and lasts bout two hours. However that may not be the medication of choice since it also is the most habit forming of the anti-anxiety medication and can have dangerous withdrawal symptoms. One should also consider psychotherapy along with any medication that is used for treating anxiety READ MORE
When should I stop taking antidepressants?
The questions should be how can you successfully deal with your weight problem as well as your underlying depression. Usually psychotherapy needs to be part of the solution. When you are stable and the depression is in remission, there might be time to do a trial off the medications READ MORE
Can obesity cause depression?
It would not be surprising to find that a person would be very unhappy about their weight and become depressed..In addition to medical attention to your obesity , you should consider an evaluation for treatment of your depression with medication and psychotherapy. READ MORE
What is the best treatment for anxiety?
You need an evaluation by a mental health professional. Treatment for anxiety will usually require psychotherapy, medication or both. A psychiatrist can usually provide both modalities A non psychiatrist mental health professional can usually provide the therapy and would=20 refer you to a psychiatrist for medication treatment. READ MORE
What is the best antidepressant for anxiety with the least side effects?
While antidepressants can have anti anxiety effects, it may. not necessarily be the treatment of choice for your anxiety. IF there are psychological and or interpersonal issues psychotherapy should be part of the treatment plan READ MORE
How can one help a depressed sibling?
Encourage her to see a mental health professional. the treatment depression often will be a combination of medication and psychotherapy. READ MORE
Is feeling lonely a sign of depression?
Feeling lonely may very well go along with depression but there can be psychological issues that need to be addressed as well as possibly taking an antidperessant. READ MORE
Does bipolar disorder cause people to be violent?
Certainly that is very possible Treatment with medication should be helpful READ MORE
Head rush?
You probably have had treatment in the past. A combination of psychotherapy with medication is the way to go. You also should get a physical exam with blood tests to be sure all is OK in the physical department. READ MORE
Is bipolar disorder hereditary?
It can be hereditary. There are mood stabilizers that can be quite effective. Sometimes additional psychotherapy may also be helpful. READ MORE
How does counseling help anxiety?
Of course it does. Most often there are conflicts that once identified and worked on in therapy , the anxiety can be greatly reduced or mostly eliminated.Sometimes medication is also helpful READ MORE
Do antidepressants make you more social?
That is difficult question. Once your depression is under control, you may very well feel more comfortable interacting with others. However, often the inhibitions that prevent you from being social need to be addressed in psychotherapy. READ MORE
What can I take to calm my nerves?
The important question that you and your therapist will need to address is why are you feeling nervous lately? Medication may reduce or nearly eliminate the anxiety but in addition there are underlying conflicts , this will have to be address in psychotherapy . AS part of your evaluation , you should also have a physical check up with routine blood tests.For example, certain types of thyroid problems can present as unexplained anxiety READ MORE
My brother is 39 and single, and I think it's making him depressed. What can we do to help?
One approach would be to suggest that he go online and meet someone. However, there are probably underlying conflicts that he has and perhaps a biological depression. You should encourage him and support him in seeing a mental health professional. He should have psychotherapy perhaps with medication. READ MORE
I feel negative most of the time. Is it a sign to be worried about?
This question demonstrates that you are somewhat insightful . Most likely a combination of psychotherapy and antidepressants is going to be very helpful to you READ MORE
How should a person requiring psychiatric help be approached?
Being empathic to a friend who has been going through a difficult time is the first step which you seem to be doing. Depression can be understood and treated with therapy and sometimes also with medication. Telling your friend that you care about him and want to see him get help is on target. READ MORE
My son is failing in school. Should I consult a counselor?
Why wouldn't you consult with a counselor and or a therapist? He also should have routine physical exam if he hasn't had a recent one. There may be underlying psychological issues that need to be addressed in psychotherapy. Sometimes medication can also be helpful READ MORE
When should you see a doctor for anxiety?
The fact that you are asking this question means that this symptom is bothering you a great deal. A consultation with a psychiatrist will allow you to explore the possible causes of having this anxiety and of course, develop a treatment plan with possible psychotherapy and medication. READ MORE
Can stress and anxiety cause insomnia?
Yes, of course, stress and anxiety can cause insomnia. Meeting with a psychiatrist can help you determine the cause of these symptoms and to develop a treatment plan. READ MORE
What is the difference between neurosis and psychosis?
Psychosis means a break with reality, sometimes with auditory or visual hallucinations and/or paranoid thinking or fixed false beliefs. Neurosis usually means underlying conflicts which influence thinking and behavior. READ MORE

Areas of expertise and specialization

Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Post Traumatic Stress, Relationship Issues, Sexual Problems, Personality Disorders, ADD and others

Faculty Titles & Positions

Sidney E. Frank Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences NY Medical College 2000 - Present

Awards

Bruno Lima Award 2018 American Psychiatric Association
View: mblumenfieldmd.com 2019 Numerous other awards

Treatments

Bipolar Disorder, Dissociative Disorders, Geriatric Health And More

Professional Memberships

American Psychiatric Association ( Fellow & Past Speaker of the Assembly), American Academy of Psychoanalysis and Dynamic Psychiatry ( Fellow and Past President ).
American College of Psychiatrists