Locations
West Coast Life Center & West Coast TMS Institute
Sherman Oaks, CA
About
Bio
I specialize in adult psychiatry, including psychotherapy, psychopharmacology (medications) and transcranial magnetic stimulation. I am very interested in integrative and comprehensive approaches to psychiatric conditions, including dietary changes, exercise (both mental and physical), and bright light therapy, etc. I enjoy working with men and women, and have special training in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
A medical doctor for almost 20 years, I still feel deeply fulfilled by, and passionate about, my work helping people reach and maintain mental health and balance. I chose psychiatry as my medical specialty because I thoroughly enjoy both the science of medicine and the application of psychotherapy – both effective tools that can be used independently or in combination to achieve emotional wellness. l am also very interested in the use of supplements (such as omega-3 fatty acids, certain herbs, vitamins and minerals), relaxation techniques and exercise in the management of mental health. Genetic testing can also be used to figure out how each individual metabolizes various medications and substances in order to improve medication response, or reduce the risk of various deficiencies or medication side effects.
I work hard to provide patients with comprehensive, cutting-edge care. I am interested in my patients’ day-to-day experiences and backgrounds, their families, communities and cultures of origin — all of which enhance my ability to be an empathic and effective doctor.
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Psychiatry
Doctor Q&A
66 Answers
25 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 29-year-old member asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
Prenatal Consult: This is a question that needs to be answered on a case-by-case basis. All meds have risks, but it is important to weigh the risks of going off them a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old member asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
Street Drugs = Bad: If Ritalin (methylphenidate) is not being prescribed and you are getting it off the street, then you very well may be doing yourself a lot of harm. R... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
Seek medical eval: A review of potential medication side effects, hormone levels and a physical exam will guide what the problem is. If everything is normal, it might ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
VNS for Depression: Vns is an fda- approved invasive procedure for treatment resistant depression. Vns can take months to see results, and has a response rate of 22-3... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
Sometimes: To treat bipolar depression, antidepressants like Prozac (fluoxetine) can sometimes be added to mood stabilizing agents, but since they can trigger a ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
CBT: Cognitive behavioral therapy (cbt) is a fabulous treatment for panic disorder. It involves learning what triggers panic and how to manage panic sympt... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
Depression Symptoms: Clinical depression involves at least a 2 week period of a pervasive period of sadness and/or a lack of joy, can also include difficulties getting mot... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
TMS Experience: A magnet the shape of the cup of your hand is gently placed on the scalp near the temple area, overlying the frontal lobe of the brain. Short 4 secon... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
Many Options: Depending on the severity here are options to consider talking with your obgyn and psychiatrist:
1) bright light therapy
2) psychotherapy
3) antide... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
Stress: Feeling perpetually bored, dissatisfied, or unfulfilled can be stressful. If the stress is severe it can cause increased expression of pro-depression... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 58-year-old female asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
Depends: If your medical doctor prescribes it and believes it is medically necessary.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
It depends: It depends why seroquel (quetiapine) is being prescribed. Seroquel (quetiapine) can be helpful for people who suffer from symptoms such as depressi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 44-year-old female asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
Maybe: Depression and anxiety can both cause slowed or inefficient thinking, but other conditions can too. Simple things such as a lack of down time, sleep,... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 28-year-old female asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
Maybe: Lower back pain can be a sign of fibromyalgia, but usually there are more areas of muscle pain and tenderness involved, as well as insomnia and fatigu... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old male asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
Libido: Libido means sexual desire.
While hormonal changes may be connected with your acne and changes in sexual desire - your best bet it to call your doc... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar disorder is usually treated with carefully-monitored mood stabilizing medications, lifestyle changes, & talk therapy. The good news is mood s... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
Very Likely: Dbs is the surgical placement of electrodes on 2 brain sites, which are then stimulated by electric currents. A small study suggests that dbs might... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
Can be: Clinical depression can involve a lack of joy or emotional blunting; it can also include a persistent and pervasive period of sadness, excessive gui... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
Get Medical Help: Call your doctor.
Check out postpartum support international for referrals and support groups:
http://www.Postpartum.Net/get-help.Aspx.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
Absolutely!: Depression is a reflection of brain cell dysfunction. Cardiovascular exercise increases blood flow to the brain and increases brain activity as a res... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
Dangerous Ones: Postpartum depression, when severe, can be associated with sleep deprivation, suicidal thoughts, anxiety and intrusive, obsessive, and disturbing thou... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
Very Basically: Melancholic depressions are severely gloomy with a loss of joy, appetite, weight & insomnia.
Atypical depressions are associated with interpersonal... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
Absolutely: Research shows that tms, when used alone without meds, is as effective as a 1st trial of an antidepressant drug, and more effective than trying a 2nd... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 67-year-old male asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
No: Talk with your doctor. This can happen with sertraline, but it also can be due to some other medical problem; either way, this needs to be addressed... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
Call Him!: The best way to handle this kind of worry is communication! call your doctor's office and let them know the voicemail made you anxious and you would ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A female asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
Other treatments: Don't give up; get a second opinion about your treatment & diagnosis. Treatment resistant depression often simply means that the right therapies gave ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 26-year-old member asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
CBT: Cognitive behavioral therapy (cbt) can be an effective non-drug treatment for anxiety. It involves learning what triggers anxiety and how to manage a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old member asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
Many possibilities: It may be anxiety, but you should have non-psychiatric medical problems such as allergies, asthma, an infection, congestive heart disease, etc ruled o... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old member asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
6-12 mos: Usually up to a year. But it takes work and it is important to get enough sleep and exercise to normalize growth and thyroid hormones.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 35-year-old female asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
Yes: Both of these meds can cause something called akathesia, which is a discomfort in the legs often with a feeling of restlessness - like you want to mov... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
If you need seroquel (quetiapine): ....You probably should not be smoking weed. Marijuana increases the risk of psychosis and makes it more difficult for your psychiatric condition to ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
It depends: If you are waiting to see your general doctor to deal with the depression, ask to get in sooner or see a psychiatrist.
If you are suffering from de... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 26-year-old female asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
Yes: I have seen this with patients: citalopram, while it can be an excellent antidepressant, can have antihistamine effects that for some people can cause... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old female asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
See a psychiatrist: A combination of manic and depressed symptoms is called a "mixed state" in bipolar disorder.
A mixed state is commonly characterized by a dark nega... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old female asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
Understandable: Having a parent absent in a potentially dangerous situation is understandably distressing.
Consider talking with a therapist or counsellor to pro... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old female asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
In moderation: Drinking water after eating is fine - as long as it is not excessive. If one is overweight, drinking water before meals can help reduce overeating du... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old female asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
Other med options: Dear laura,
medication resistance is a very frustrating condition, but usually there is a solution that has not het been tried. Again, talk with yo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
Bland foods & water: Water, lots of water.
Bland foods like rice & chicken breast.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 61-year-old female asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
Maybe: Anxiety can also cause these symptoms, but so can these medications. Sometimes such side effects are very transient.
Lexapro and Effexor (venlaf... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
Yes: Talk to your doctor to see if the following is appropriate or enough for your particular situation to help fight agitation and depression:
1) dail... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
It's Complicated: Social phobia involves excessive anxiety & avoidance due to a fear of embarrassment or humiliation in a wide variety of social situations. The conditi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old female asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
Get Labs/consult: Rls is not uncommonly associated with low iron and ferritin levels. Have your internist check these levels and replace your iron if they are low, and... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
Are they MD's?: Were the doctors you saw doctors specializing in psychology or medical doctors? Psychologists generally cannot prescribe medications. To rule out m... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old male asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
4-8 weeks: It takes about 4 to 8 weeks to see the full effects of a particular dose of paxil (paroxetine). This is because the immediate Paxil (paroxetine) effe... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
Caution: Citalopram can treat depression. The issue is, that -- in patients who have bipolar disorder -- antidepressants like citalopram can increase the r... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
Group of Symptoms: Clinical depression involves at least a 2 week period of a pervasive period of sadness and/or a lack of joy, and can also include feelings of excessiv... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
Rare but possible: Rarely, a clinical depressive episode is so severe that low mood is accompanied by psychosis, often seen as a loss of reality with derogating auditory... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
Effective Treatment: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (tms) is a non-invasive and fda-cleared option for patients who have not responded to medication. Tms involves plac... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
TMS: Another option: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (tms) is a fda-cleared depression therapy for patients unresponsive to an antidepressant drug. Tms is an non-invas... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:
I have bad anxiety to the point that i can't eat and i throw up from anxiety. is this a bad problem?

Dr. Kira Steinanswered
26 years experience
This is a Problem: If anxiety is so high that it prevents healthy nutrition and leads to nausea, it needs to be taken seriously. Depending on the triggers, these sympto... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
3
Recommendations
180
Thank you notes
Apr 26, 2013
Dr. Stein a knowledgeable, skilled, and caring doctor.
HealthTap member
Mar 30, 2015
Dr. Stein is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. Stein is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Thanks for your quick reply! I. Have alredy had a heart attack. Thanks. For your help. Always.Want. to keep on update of future medical info. Thanks for. :
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! If by brain stimulation u meant something like ECT I have have also had this done twice
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! Thank yoy, your answer was very helpful
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Graduated 1997MD
Residency
RONALD REAGAN UCLA MEDICAL CENTER
Residency
UCLA Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital
Residency
Huntington Memorial Hospital
Awards
Best Doctors of America 2003-2013
U.S. News & World Report Top Doctor 2012
Best Doctor, Best Doctors of America
Affiliations
UCLA Clinical Faculty
American Psychiatric Association
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