Dr. Catherine Shaw
Clinical Psychology
Westlake Village, CA
38 years experience female
Locations
Catherine shaw, Ph.D Clinical Psychology
Westlake Village, CA
Phone
Insurances accepted
Aetna
Medicare
About
Bio
Originally from Scotland. Came here to attend Columbia University. Graduated, BA. in Psychology (cum laude).
My graduate school was CSPP-Los Angeles where I received my Ph.D. Clinical Psychology in 1984. During my pre-doctoral studies, I interned at the Suicide Prevention Center.. I also interned at Cedar-Sinai Dept. of Child Psychiatry, where my emphasis was on autism and early childhood development. My final internship was the med-psych department of the West Los Angeles V. A. Hospital. I attended to veteran problems: PTSD, depression and impact of diabetic- related limb amputation.
Post-Doctoral internship was at Woodland Hills Psychiatric Medical Group where I participated in a group practice.
I'm a mom and G'mom who loves all.
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.
Clinical Psychology
Doctor Q&A
134 Answers
509 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 37-year-old male asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
Ignore: Try drinking tonic water around bedtime. It contains quinine which is said to help.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old male asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
Doubtful: Wps, is quite rare. Conversely, anxiety with palpitations, pounding is common in teens and young adults. But if this syndrome runs in your family, bes... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 24-year-old female asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
Not common: You need to speak to your doctor if you have seizures or fainting.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
Normal: An orgasm is a release of heightened sexual arousal. It is both physiological and emotional. Individuals sometimes scream out as if in great pain. Oth... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 30-year-old male asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
Oh be careful !!!: Rohypnol is illegal here. I'm uncertain, but are you saying you take "5 10mg valium to sleep" this would mean you take 50mg of valium at once. Danger... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 21-year-old male asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
Possible: Individuals react differently to od on lunesta (eszopiclone). There could be CNS depression--coma, shallow breathing, even death. Memory could be impa... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old female asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
Yes: Menstrual flow doesn't really stop at night. Your sleep position keeps flow contained until you arise. Do you notice a heavier flow in am? Normal... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
Hopefully: Sorry there is no way to determine pregnancy at this point. "6 days left of month" means 6days until period due? You have been waiting for a bit. Hope... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 56-year-old male asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
Ouch! Painful: If you are not getting relief fro advil and have stomach upset, you could try tylenol (acetaminophen). Be careful you don't take too much bc that coul... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old female asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
Acupuncture: Acupuncture has been proven to give complete relaxation. So you should feel no body tensing. It is safe and worth a try. It would be up to you and pra... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old male asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
Doubtful: Going from Prozac (fluoxetine) 20mg daily to 10mg daily should not produce any untoward effects. However, if you think tapering is too fast for you, d... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
Unable to tell: If no sperm entered you vagina or vaginal opening, its unlikely you're pregnant. But you are probably a better person than an online dr to determine y... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
Doubtful: Best to consult with dr who ordered testing.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old female asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
Vitamins: All of the B vitamins can help with anxiety Magnesium works well for panic attacks.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A female asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
It's your choice: Most couples do wait until second trimester to announce that they are expecting. Pregnancy is now well-established and baby's sex has been determined.... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
Uncertain: Don't know of a "super food". However, try to avoid acid-producing foods: oj., tomatoes, coffee, tea fried foods, etc. Instead, try foods such as avoc... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old male asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
Question is ?: Significant head trauma can possibly cause personality changes. I've never heard of sun- reactions initiating lasting mood changes. Perhaps your chang... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
Visceral reaction: Yes you can scare yourself enough that you can bring on diarrhea. Question is why? Why are you so paranoid over getting food poisoning? Is it based in... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
Absolutely: Yes this is one of the cardinal signs of anxiety. Please seek help from a psychologist who will put you at ease and perhaps refer you to a competent p... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 25-year-old female asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
Doubtful: Have you had doctor check enlarged lymph nodes? Lymph node swelling is most often caused by various infections: flu, chickenpox or infections mononucl... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
Depends: Are you under treatment for your anxiety and panic attacks? If not seek out a competent psychologist who should be able to help you get to the bottom ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 24-year-old male asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
Doubtful: I doubt that your symptom is related to hbp or to heart attack. Headache and "little chest pain" most likely related to worry and anxiety. Best to ha... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 24-year-old male asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
Probably not: Color and texture changes are probably diet, vitamin related. However, best to check with dr re rectal bleeding. Do you have confirrmed internal or ex... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 17-year-old female asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
Unknown: Roche pharmaceuticals stated "no known mechanism of action" but Accutane is linked to depression and other mental illness. Some studies suggest that l... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old female asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
Normal: Babies cry when hungry, tired, teething etc. I.E. Babies cry a lot. All babies know how to sleep, but many have trouble settling. You need to help b... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old female asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
Pain caused insomnia: You are taking Naproxen an NSAID should not interfere with nyquil for sleep. Read the label for any warnings. I am not totally familiar with otc nyqu... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old male asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
Anxiety disorder?: Symptoms are indicative of anxiety, worry over health. However, chest pain is not too common in anxiety. Are you ok when at rest? Why not check with y... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 16-year-old male asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
Fat: Increase your calorie intake. But stick with healthy foods and exercise. If you are lean toned and healthy you will look attractive. As you get older ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 25-year-old female asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
See OB asap: Sounds as though you have upper resp infection. Because you have fever, and dehydrated, you need immediate attention. Otherwise, you might endanger pr... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 26-year-old male asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
Yes : Yes, it can be dangerous to stop ssri (prozac (fluoxetine) etc) suddenly. Best to taper off under your doctor's guidance. It will not take long. Hope... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
Need clarification: Could be a few different causes of lip swelling. For example herpes simplex (cold sore) causes lip to enlarge and swell, but it is usually accompanie... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
Sorry: Have you contacted health care provider? Have you recently been to a foreign country? Best to see your dr if you don't feel better by morning. If he/s... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 25-year-old male asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
Intrusive thoughts: "bad and unwanted thoughts" are just that. Individuals have many thoughts that they feel are ego-dystonic ( not what they want, but can't control.) i... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 21-year-old female asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
ER: You are very young, but your signs and symptoms point to a possible heart attack. Though this is highly unlikely, best to be on safe side. After check... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old male asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
Go to ER: If these are new symptoms, go to er. If chronic, best discuss with dr or your cardiologist. Might be related to cardiac catheterization or your hiatal... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 19-year-old male asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
Gay thoughts: Are you afraid you might be gay? Have you been straight and have had straight sex and relationships!anxiety disorder may be responsible for your worst... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old male asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
Doubt heart disease: You appear to have had all your symptoms checked by er or physician. While i understand your concern over mom's heart disease, i see no good reason fo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
Trust pelvic US: Every woman differs, but usually 6-8 weeks. You might want to temporarily ease off sexual activity until you are pain free. If pain worsens or fever, ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 28-year-old female asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
Acid reflux??!: Does not sound like acid reflux. Could be a stomach virus. If it doesn't resolve soon talk again with dr or seek a second opinion.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old female asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
Emergency= ER: Yes vaginal ultra sound will pick up an ectopic pregnancy even in the tubes. If you suspect such a pregnancy, go to the er. If tube ruptures, mothers ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
So sorry. Dr Mom: Your daughter was stillborn? My heartfelt condolences to your family. You want to try again. The timing is as much psychological as it is medical. M... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
Clarify please: Is your mother 40 yrs old? What could be stressing her so.? I think you're hoping it's just stress. But, if she has unexplained weight loss, she first... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 26-year-old female asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
Wellbutrin (bupropion): Wellbutrin (bupropion) is not recommended in individuals with past or present eating disorders. This is because of a higher reported number of seizure... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old male asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
Probably OK: Nuun is not an antacid. It is a sports drink used to rehydrate after strenuous exercise. If you have concerns, why not sip water to keep you hydrated.... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 53-year-old female asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
Seek medical help: Rectal bleeding could be from external or internal hemorrhoids especially if blood is bright red. But there is no way to correctly diagnose online. Pl... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old male asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
Anxiety attacks suck: There are 2or 3 things you can do 1) continue with your techniques but add cognitive refocusing: read a book or journal back to front; count from 100 ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 26-year-old male asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
You'll be OK.: Sorry you are taking this so hard. If libido and erections ok. Before attempted sexual experience, then all should be well. It's a mind game that many... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 16-year-old female asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
Abortion by pill: You should eat what you want, but best to eat lightly to gage if you are nauseous or not. Make sure you remain hydrated. If any severe symptoms, conta... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
Early labor?: Yes, it certainly could.Be. Why not check with your ob/gyn to get a definitive answer. Good luck to you and baby.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
No: You won't die. Dosage is too low and too much time elapsed between drug ingestion. However, who gave you such potent drugs? You need to be under medic... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.1k 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.
5
Recommendations
175
Thank you notes
Apr 27, 2014
I highly recommend Dr. Catherine Shaw! She approaches her work with caring professionalism and recommendations that will work. I'm very glad that she shares some of her expertise with HealthTap part...Read More
May 4, 2014
Dr. Shaw's answers are clear and helpful to patients, plus very useful for her HealthTap colleagues also. Both we and Westlake Village, CA are lucky to benefit from her expertise!
Apr 25, 2014
Best Clinical Psychologist for your family and friends in a beautiful Westlake Village CA.
HealthTap member
This was very helpful. Thanks! This is very helpful to me. I wasn't really sure on weather to go to the doctor or wait a month longer. I am glad I came to this site to get help.
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! I believe it is stress. She's been going through a lot the past 3 yrs
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! Thanks mam..maybe stress was the reason and that was helpful.god bless
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
columbia university in the city of new york
Graduated 1976MD
Medical/Graduate school
alliant university/ Ca School Prof. Psychology/ Los Angeles
Graduated 1985MD
Residency
CSPP
Completed 1986
Awards
Columbia University BA Psychology (com laude) Multiple Honor List Student
Top Psychologist, First Place, Ventura Region - Summer
2014
Most Influential Doctor, Third Place, Ventura Region - Summer
2014
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