Locations
Community Psychiatry
Lakewood, CA
Phone
Insurances accepted
Blue Shield of California
CIGNA Health Care
Health Net Of California
Office
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 31-year-old male asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
Yes.: It is safe to take the two of them together.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
It depends: If you're talking about everyday, ordinary things with some basis in reality, and you are not suicidal or homicidal, then you don't need to be worried... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
321 viewsAnswered >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 28-year-old male asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
See below.: It's great you decided to try less addictive ways to reduce your anxiety. Chamomile is probably the safest tea to help you relax. You may want to drin... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
673 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old female asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
It's a real disorder: Sensory processing disorder is a condition in which kids have difficulty receiving and integrating information from the senses. They can be unusually ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old female asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
See below: It means you may have tiny lesions in white matter where nerve fibers extend away from nerve cells. The increased signals may indicate areas of injury... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 28-year-old male asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
Teach living skills: Occupational therapists assist patients to improve their ability to function in life by focusing on improvement of activities and instrumental activit... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old female asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
See below: You should see your psychiatrist soon and discuss your response to the med. You may need an atypical antipsychotic like Seroquel (quetiapine) or Zypre... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old female asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
Learning disability: Smoking marijuana during pregnancy may have lasting behavioral and emotional effects on your baby. Although studies in humans have shown no absolute e... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
They are helpful.: Antipsychotics can be very helpful for people who suffer from psychosis including hallucinations, delusions and disorganized thoughts. The causes can... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old female asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
Not known effect : Using meth can have many effects on the body, but it is not known to be associated with cysts on the lungs. Certainly, other substances combined with ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old female asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
Call your doctor: You should see your doctor and possibly get a referral for a neurologist. Sometimes a mild stroke or seizure can cause symptoms like the ones you ment... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsAnswered >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 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 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 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
It depends.: It depends on if you have other symptoms, such as eating large quantities of food in a short time period and a feeling of lack of control after bingin... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k 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 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
Thanks for asking!: Phentermine is a stimulant used as a weight loss supplement. There are no known drug interactions with celexa, (citalopram) an ssri antidepressant; ho... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old male asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
Get a second opinion: You can get a second opinion by another mental health professional or a third, if you have a disagreement with your current provider's diagnosis and t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k 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 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 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
Tell your doc: Horny goat weed is an herb that has been used by some people for joint pain, htn, liver disease, hiv, memory loss and osteoporosis. It contains phytoe... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
2 wks: I am not sure if you mean the 3 doses of Prozac were taking at the same time or different days. It usually takes 2 wks to wash Prozac out of the syste... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >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 57-year-old female asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
Use w/ caution: They can both cause sedation especially in high doses. If you are taking them both for pain conditions, let you dr. Know if you experience any side ef... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
May be pregnant.: It could be sign of pregnancy or a miscarriage. You should have a pregnancy test done.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 20-year-old male asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
Yes.: It is possible to have chest pain daily due to chronic, severe anxiety. Anxiety has been associated w/ an increased risk of coronary artery disease an... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.4k viewsReviewed >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 19-year-old female asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
See a drug counselor: It depends on what kind of substances you have used. Marijuana has been linked to decreased libido, impaired ejaculation, low sperm count and abnormal... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
Be neutral but firm.: Bullying is a common problem. A child should be given support ; feel safe to talk to a trusted adult figure. If you are an adult, learn to stand up fo... 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.: She should see a mental health professional who can take a thorough history and do a full evaluation before making a diagnosis such as bipolar disorde... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k 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 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
Could be GI symptoms: Sometimes pms symptoms can be confused w/ sx from other body systems. If you have heartburn or indigestion you could have cramping, bloating and gas w... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
Use good judgment: Garcinia cambogia is a fruit extract touted as a weight loss supplement. In high doses, it can have a laxative effect causing nausea, vomiting & diarr... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 50-year-old male asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
See a doctor ASAP: You might have a kidney infection, blockage or stone. Diabetes and high blood pressure can cause kidney disease. Your symptoms should be checked out a... 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
Relaxation: Ativan (lorazepam) is a good temporary treatment for anxiety. However, in the long run a person may develop tolerance ; dependence meaning that higher... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.5k viewsAnswered >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 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
See your doctor.: You should see your doctor soon. It could be any number of reasons having to do w/ your GI tract including liver, gallbladder and pancreas. Also kidne... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsReviewed >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 25-year-old female asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
Drug interactions: Taking Cymbalta (duloxetine) and Methadone can increase your risk for developing serotonin syndrome or neuroleptic malignant syndrome. If you notice a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A male asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
Hard to say.: Usually er doctors are not the primary treating physicians. The diagnoses made in ers are tentative depending on further workup. If you own doc wrote ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k 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 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 28-year-old male asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
Public health clinic: Most states should have county hospitals or clinics where you can see a primary care doctor. They may be doctors in training, nurse practitioners or p... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
Yes: You can black out if you drink enough gin. The Adderall (dextroamphetamine and racemic amphetamine) may keep you up for a period of time, but eventual... 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 male asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
Given for anxiety: Sometimes Lorazepam is given on a short term basis for acute anxiety. However, you should take it only when you experience severe anxiety. If it cause... 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
Seek help ASAP : I would like to know if you still have thoughts of injuring yourself or are still injuring yourself. If you are, you should check yourself into a hosp... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
Not likely: Usually eating disorders do not appear develop overnight. If a person displays a binge or purging episode, he or she may have had negative thoughts ab... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 43-year-old female asked:
Dr. AUSTINA CHOanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
Ask your dr. again: Is your dr. Prescribing tecta for h. Pylori? Tecta is a proton pump inhibitor which can worsen B12 absorption, so you may not need it. A thin stomach ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k 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
407
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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