Locations
Office
Insurances accepted
Blue Shield of California
CIGNA Health Care
Health Net Of California
Community Psychiatry
Lakewood, CA
About
Bio
I have experience in clinical work in community mental health and urgent care settings and am currently working in a private practice group in Lakewood, CA. I am involved or have been involved in clinical trials involving studies of treatments for major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, pediatric migraine headaches and pediatric Tourette's Disorder. I am also supervising nurse practitioners in various settings.
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
Licenses
United States: California
Languages spoken
English
Doctor Q&A
549 Answers
1.1K Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 37-year-old male asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
1: 1 teaspoon (tsp) = 5 ml, 3 tsp = 15 ml = 1 tablespoon (tbsp), 2 tbsp = 30 ml = 1 ounce (oz).
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old female asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
Yes: 109/74 is within the normal range and very good blood pressure.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
Get help ASAO: You should see a mental health specialist asap. If you don't have access to one at the time, you can talk w/ your dr. Or go to the nearest er. A train... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 19-year-old male asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
Sometimes no: Many people who are first diagnosed w/ bipolar d/o are not aware they had an illness until problems arise at home, at school or at work. When a perso... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old female asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
See a physician.: Sometimes chronic stress, dehydration, infection and anxiety can cause rapid heart rate. Also, if you smoke, drink alcohol or caffeinated beverages, t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
No: Seroquel (quetiapine) does not show up on a routine drug screen.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 26-year-old female asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
See your dr: You may experience some weight loss and elevated blood pressure on the combo of Effexor (venlafaxine) and ritalin, but there are no significant drug i... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
See a doctor: It sounds like she has some kind of bad infection. Sometimes foreign bodies or tumors can also cause discharge. She should get checked out by a physic... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
Sometimes: Usually taking ssri meds such as Paxil (paroxetine) does not have serious adverse effects when combined with alcohol. However, Paxil (paroxetine) can ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old male asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
Think positive!: You have to think about your good qualities. Everybody has them, and they also have flaws ; weaknesses which make us human. You need to increase your ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 20-year-old female asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
Can affect the heart: Marijuana can increase your heart rate and slightly increase your blood pressure while lying down. It may cause a slightly increased risk for developi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
You should see a doc: You should not diagnose yourself without receiving an evaluation by a licensed mental health or medical professional. It would be good to discuss your... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
See below.: You should be under the care of your treating provider when you stop these meds, so he or she can monitor your response. You shouldn't have severe wit... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old female asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
No known interaction: There is no known contraindication to taking apple cider vinegar with xanax (alprazolam). However, you should avoid grapefruit juice with xanax (alpra... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 16-year-old male asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
See your doctor: Opiate pain meds can slow gut motility and cause constipation. You might also have a partial obstruction in your GI tract you should call your surgeon... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old female asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
See your doctor: You should discuss the need for further tests with your doctor including a biopsy of the lung nodules if recommended. You may need a stool sample to t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 49-year-old member asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
Set limits.: Set clear and consistent limits w/ exploitative behaviors, provide empathy & validation when you believe the person truly deserves it, & provi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old female asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
Not very much. : Pressured speech and rapid speech are describing the same thing which is someone talking fast. Hyperverbal speech is when someone talks excessively. T... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
GI distress: Sometimes indigestion can cause bloating, gas and a sense of abdominal fullness. If there is an intestinal obstruction, this could lead to vomiting. I... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
Enjoy life. : Try regular exercise in the morning. Spend time with friends or pets. Read the comics, watch a funny movie, volunteer in your community, take a class ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 24-year-old male asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
It's psychological.: It sounds like the cause of your erectile dysfunction is more psychological than physical. Perhaps, it would be good to seek couples therapy or counse... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
Dextramethorphan: There have been reports of some people developing serotonin syndrome w/ otc cough meds that contain dextramethorphan ; ssris like paxil (paroxetine). ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
See a therapist!: You should see a therapist asap. Love yourself for who you are, b/c you are wonderful, vibrant ; beautiful no matter what you look like. People have s... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old female asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
See your dr.: You should go back and visit your ob-gyn dr. For an evaluation. Sometimes an infection, adhesions, or poor wound closure can cause problems at the inc... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
Serotonin receptors: Several proposed mechanisms exist for decreased libido due to ssri use including celexa (citalopram). They mainly deal with alterations in neurotransm... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old female asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
Seek help first: You might have an abscess or infected sweat gland. See your doctor again for evaluation ; treatment.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
Not likely: Insanity is a layman's term for mental illness. About 50% of the population suffers from mental illness at any given point in their lives. These illne... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 17-year-old female asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
Go to an ER: Go to the nearest er as soon as possible. You need to be evaluated for internal bleeding or other serious injuries.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 28-year-old female asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
Need inpt treatment : It sounds like you have developed a severe dependence and tolerance to the med. I would try to get into an inpatient treatment facility as soon as pos... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
Seek help first: I would say that you should seek professional help for self-injurious behaviors. It is your decision whether you want to inform your mom or any other ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
It can be treated.: I assume you mean that you or someone you know was diagnosed with bipolar d/o. Left untreated, it can wreak havoc in your life and those around you. P... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old female asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
Common w/ anxiety: Sometimes stress can cause feelings of severe anxiety which can manifest as physical symptoms such as a tightness in the chest, rapid heart rate and r... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
They can all have it: Any produce grown or processed near livestock or meat products may be contaminated by e. Coli. In general, you should wash your produce carefully and ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old female asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
See your doctor : It would be best to see your doctor and possibly a gynecologist. You should have an evaluation for conditions including pregnancy, infections, rupture... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
Seek help.: If your sexual urges are not relieved by your partner or self-gratification, and they are getting you into trouble in your personal life, relationship... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 49-year-old member asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
Divert ur attention: Well, i would tell you to stop asking questions on health tap, just kidding. The best way is to do other things like exercise, read a good book, spend... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 24-year-old female asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
See your doctor: You should see your gynecologist or an endocrinologist for an evaluation. Pcos can cause cramping that can be relieved by otc pain meds, but you may n... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old female asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
See your doctor.: It could be related to fatigue or anxiety, but could be symptoms of a mild stroke or other neurological condition. Although you are young, you should ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 30-year-old female asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
Talk to your doctor.: Beta blockers are usually used for performance anxiety such as public speaking, etc. Usually the doses given in these situations are low compared to t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
Yes: Pseudoephedrine can make the symptoms of Methadone withdrawal worse. A person can experience signs of autonomic hyperactivity from opiate withdrawal s... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 73-year-old female asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
See your dr.: Bone/joint pain are uncommon side effects of Latuda (lurasidone), (lurasidone) but you may experience muscle pains from tremors or rigidity. A rapid h... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 52-year-old male asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
Yes: It would probably be better to get one, just to be on the safe side.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 23-year-old male asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
Trazodone: Most of the sedating antipsychotics cause weight gain. Trazodone is a mild antidepressant that can help. An antihistamine like Benadryl (diphenhydrami... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 21-year-old female asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
2 weeks: You should take the medicine for at least 2 weeks. If you have a partial response, then the dose of zoloft (sertraline) can be increased and taken for... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
See a doctor: You should be checked out to see if you have any problems such as intolerance to certain foods or ulcers, esp. If you have tried otc meds like maalox,... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
See your doctor : I do not know if you are the normal weight for your height.You should see your doctor for an evaluation. Talk to a therapist about your fear of being ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
See a psychiatrist: You should see a mental health professional for a comprehensive evaluation. You could also get a referral or recommendation for an anxiety disorder sp... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old male asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
Yes: Geodon (ziprasidone) has been associated with a prolonged qt interval on ekg tests as well as doses of Celexa 40 mg a day and above. Both meds could t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A female asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
See your dr.: Effexor (venlafaxine) XR is an adrenergic medicine that can raise your blood pressure and potentially dilate your pupils. This is part of the autonomi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
It depends.: Opiate pain meds and benzodiazepines are both sedatives. They can cause drowsiness, incoordination and dizziness due to low blood pressure. Although y... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.5k viewsAnswered >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.
13
Recommendations
406
Thank you notes
Dr. James Lin
May 6, 2014
Dr. Cho's passion/compassion in caring, knowledge on the subjects in point, and instinct to regard reality for life urge me, without reservation, to recommend her to anyone needing her specialty care ...Read More
Sep 6, 2015
I learned a great deal from Dr. Cho's expertise. She meets patients warmly where they are, and collaborates well with colleagues. An expert in psychiatry in every way, and a true asset to HealthTap!
Mar 12, 2014
Dry Cho is a welcome addition to Healthtap. She has an excellent knowledge of psychiatry. The information she provides is a real service to the public. I endorse Dr. Cho.
HealthTap member
This was very helpful. Thanks! Hello, thanks again but would you be able to answer my question specifically regarding how seizures would be the only part of benzo withdrawal that could cause neuron de...Read More
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer or tip was very helpful! It's been difficult because I'm a college student out of town on an internship, but I got in touch with my doctor. Thanks!!
HealthTap member
This made me feel good. Thanks! Thank you. This sounds sensible. I will need to request a compounding pharmacy to assist me as the presentation is a capsule.
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans, LA
Graduated 1995MD
Residency
UC Irvine
Awards
Top Psychiatrist , Third Place, California - Summer
2013
Top Psychiatrist , Second Place, Los Angeles Region - Summer
2014
Hippocrates Award, First Place, National - Spring
2014
Affiliations
American Psychiatric Association Fellow
American Psychiatric Association
Southern California Psychiatric Society
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