photo of Dr. Sheenie Ambardar
The Happiness Psychiatrist® Sheenie Ambardar MD

About Dr. Ambardar

Dr. Ambardar was voted by her peers as a ‘Southern California Super Doctor’ from 2019-2022 and as a ‘Super Doctor Rising Star’ from 2016-2018. This select group of medical professionals represents approximately 5% of Southern California physicians.

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Now Serving California and New York
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Now Serving California and New York
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Now Serving California and New York
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Now Serving California and New York
 • 
Now Serving California and New York
 • 
Now Serving California and New York
 • 
Now Serving California and New York
 • 
Now Serving California and New York
 • 
Now Serving California and New York
 • 
Now Serving California and New York

As Seen In

New York Times

The Washington Post

Good Housekeeping

Forbes

SHAPE Magazine

Women's Health Magazine

Bloomberg

The Huffington Post

Well + Good

LiveStrong

WebMD

VeryWell Mind

Compassionate, Concierge Psychiatry
Serving California + New York

Sheenie Ambardar, M.D. is a Physician specializing in Adult Psychiatry, with expertise in psychopharmacologic medication management as well as psychotherapy. Dr. Ambardar graduated with Honors in Biological Sciences from Stanford University where she served as Managing Editor of The Stanford Biologist, the university’s premier undergraduate journal of biomedical research. She completed medical school at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX, a top-ranked institution for Psychiatry training and home of the Texas Medical Center, the world’s largest medical complex. Dr. Ambardar then did a clinical postdoctoral research fellowship at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York, NY and completed her Adult Psychiatry residency training at St. Vincent’s Hospital Manhattan/New York Medical College where she was nominated for both the IAPA Outstanding Psychiatry Resident Award and the PRITE Fellowship.

Dr. Ambardar has previously worked for Kaiser Permanente Southern California as a full-time Attending Physician, is an active member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and has several publications to her credit. Dr. Ambardar is also a lifetime member of the Stanford Alumni Association.

Dr. Ambardar was awarded the Compassionate Doctor Award  five years in a row, based on patient ratings and reviews, and was identified as one of America’s Most Compassionate Doctors. In 2011, she was also awarded the prestigious Patients’ Choice Award. Of the nation’s 830,000 active physicians, only 5% are accorded these honors by their patients each year.

Vitals.com doctor awards

From 2019-2022, Dr. Ambardar was also voted by her peers for the prestigious ‘Southern California Super Doctor’ designation and from 2016-2018, she was voted a ‘Super Doctor Rising Star’. This select group of medical professionals represents approximately 5% of Southern California physicians.

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Ambardar is a mental health advocate, human rights activist, writer, and speaker. She has been published in the New York Times and the Huffington Post and has been interviewed by numerous national magazines for her mental health insights, including the Washington Post, Forbes, Bloomberg, Good Housekeeping, Shape, and Women’s Health.

As a writer and contributor to The Huffington Post, Dr. Ambardar has written about a variety of topics related to happiness, mental health, psychology, and psychiatry. You can read Dr. Ambardar’s popular article on The Huffington Post entitled “10 Ways to Improve Depression and Anxiety without Meds” here!

Dr. Ambardar is also a practitioner of Kundalini Yoga and Meditation, and blends Eastern and Western treatment philosophies in her concierge practice. She has traveled to India on numerous occasions; during one of her trips, she spent almost 3 months exploring the country, learning about Hindu spirituality and holistic medicine. One of Dr. Ambardar’s most memorable experiences in India was spending time in the northern Indian city of Dharamsala, where she studied Hinduism and Buddhism.

Dr. Ambardar is also a vocal Hindu-American activist who regularly speaks out against Hinduphobia and anti-India bias and hate. As a member of Kashmir’s indigenous minority Hindu community whose extended family was driven out of Kashmir by Islamic extremists in the 1990s, this work is deeply meaningful to her.

Dr. Ambardar’s public advocacy work on Kashmir, Hinduism, and India has garnered her many supportive social media followers as well as many angry detractors — some of whom leave fake, 1 star reviews online. For more about Dr. Ambardar’s family story, you can read this New York Times Letter to the Editor
 
Dr. Ambardar is also a proud donor and active supporter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization and is dedicated to building better lives for all people affected by mental illness.
 
Dr. Ambardar is also a donor and active supporter of Sandy Hook Promise, a national non-profit organization dedicated to preventing the gun-related deaths of innocent children. Sandy Hook Promise strives to stop senseless gun violence and promote peace for all.

To schedule a free 15-minute phone call with Dr. Ambardar, please e-mail DrAmbardar@happinesspsychiatrist.com

Professional Member of:

Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)

International OCD Foundation (IOCDF)

Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)

National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)

Medical Weight Management Training & Certification from the International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM) - approved by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)

Featured In

Health Magazine - Erin Andrews
Shape Magazine - Marisa Miller
Women's Health - The 8 Hour Diet
Top Doctors Los Angeles Magazine
Best of LA Magazine (2016)
Best of LA Magazine Cover (2017)

Awards

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SUPER DOCTORS 2022

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SUPER DOCTORS 2022

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SUPER DOCTORS 2021

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SUPER DOCTORS 2021

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SUPER DOCTORS 2020

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SUPER DOCTORS 2020

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SUPER DOCTORS 2019

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SUPER DOCTORS 2019

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RISING STARS 2018

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RISING STARS 2018

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RISING STARS 2017

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RISING STARS 2017

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RISING STARS 2016

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RISING STARS 2016

Testimonials

“As a professional colleague of Dr. Ambardar’s who has worked closely with her in both the outpatient clinic and ER hospital settings, I can attest to Dr. Ambardar’s superb clinical and diagnostic skills, her agreeable bedside manner, and her genuine concern for patients. Dr. Ambardar is a consummate professional and a wonderful, caring psychiatrist. Her patients have always spoken very highly of her and I would recommend her wholeheartedly to anyone seeking a bright, compassionate physician for themselves or their family members.”

—  
Sidney Gold, M.D., Former Chief of Psychiatry, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Sherman Terrace Medical Offices, Los Angeles, CA.

“Dr. Ambardar maintains a true professionalism and calm that is not equaled by many of her colleagues. She has a quiet, unassuming demeanor, but underneath she is intelligent, hard working, and her psychiatric evaluations of patients are well thought out, organized, and sound. Sheenie is a good person. She is honest, decent, and fun. She is well liked by the faculty and staff. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Ambardar. She would be an asset to any faculty or medical school.”

—  
Sofia Matta, M.D., former Unit Chief and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at St. Vincent Catholic Medical Center in New York, NY.

I have had the privilege of working with Dr. Ambardar for the past 3 years. She is a highly intelligent, compassionate, and thoughtful practitioner. I am confident in her skills and am happy to refer my patients to her for their psychiatric care as I know they will be in excellent hands.

—  
Patrice Robins, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist in private practice in Santa Monica, CA.

“Dr. Ambardar has tremendous insight into personal and collective trauma and the impact of ancestral trauma on a person's life. It is not often you come across a professional who has an in-depth understanding of collective trauma and its impact on an individual's life. Her work and her insights have been supportive in my own healing journey. I highly recommend anyone wanting to connect with their ancestral histories, collective trauma, and current life experiences to work with Dr. Ambardar. She is a caring professional.”

—  
B.S.

Thank you so much for everything you have done for me. I greatly appreciate it. I really think you are a wonderful doctor and I tell everybody about you. I really feel that you are the best doctor I’ve ever been to and that you really listen to me. Again thanks so much.

—  
Former Patient

I highly recommend Dr. Ambardar to anyone looking for an empathetic therapist. She is truly concerned about improving her patients’ well-being. At the same time, she is very professional and knowledgeable and I felt like I was in extremely capable hands. She has helped me overcome so much, and I feel like my life and mental peace are both in such a better place since I started seeing her.

—  
Former Patient

Dr. Ambardar is an outstanding psychiatrist. She is extremely kind and exhibits a vast working knowledge of psychiatric, emotional, and mental disorders and the issues and symptoms that stem from these disorders. I always felt at ease with her and I have really appreciated and benefited from being under such excellent care.

—  
Former Patient

I am a woman in her late-50s who has been living chronically with Bipolar Disorder for many years. Finding a psychiatrist that you really click with is hard and just a matter of luck. I was really lucky to have found Dr. Ambardar when I lived in LA. She always listened to my concerns and is such a sweetheart. I actually looked forward to each appointment. Everyone should have a doctor like Dr. Ambardar!

—  
Former Patient

“Dr. Ambardar is always professional and helpful. She is a wonderful and compassionate doctor who truly understands what her patient’s needs are. I am grateful to have her as my doctor. Her recommendations have been excellent.”

—  
Current Patient

“As a professional colleague of Dr. Ambardar’s who has worked closely with her in both the outpatient clinic and ER hospital settings, I can attest to Dr. Ambardar’s superb clinical and diagnostic skills, her agreeable bedside manner, and her genuine concern for patients. Dr. Ambardar is a consummate professional and a wonderful, caring psychiatrist. Her patients have always spoken very highly of her and I would recommend her wholeheartedly to anyone seeking a bright, compassionate physician for themselves or their family members.”

—  
Sidney Gold, M.D., Former Chief of Psychiatry, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Sherman Terrace Medical Offices, Los Angeles, CA.

“Dr. Ambardar maintains a true professionalism and calm that is not equaled by many of her colleagues. She has a quiet, unassuming demeanor, but underneath she is intelligent, hard working, and her psychiatric evaluations of patients are well thought out, organized, and sound. Sheenie is a good person. She is honest, decent, and fun. She is well liked by the faculty and staff. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Ambardar. She would be an asset to any faculty or medical school.”

—  
Sofia Matta, M.D., former Unit Chief and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at St. Vincent Catholic Medical Center in New York, NY.

I have had the privilege of working with Dr. Ambardar for the past 3 years. She is a highly intelligent, compassionate, and thoughtful practitioner. I am confident in her skills and am happy to refer my patients to her for their psychiatric care as I know they will be in excellent hands.

—  
Patrice Robins, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist in private practice in Santa Monica, CA.

“Dr. Ambardar has tremendous insight into personal and collective trauma and the impact of ancestral trauma on a person's life. It is not often you come across a professional who has an in-depth understanding of collective trauma and its impact on an individual's life. Her work and her insights have been supportive in my own healing journey. I highly recommend anyone wanting to connect with their ancestral histories, collective trauma, and current life experiences to work with Dr. Ambardar. She is a caring professional.”

—  
B.S.

Thank you so much for everything you have done for me. I greatly appreciate it. I really think you are a wonderful doctor and I tell everybody about you. I really feel that you are the best doctor I’ve ever been to and that you really listen to me. Again thanks so much.

—  
Former Patient

I highly recommend Dr. Ambardar to anyone looking for an empathetic therapist. She is truly concerned about improving her patients’ well-being. At the same time, she is very professional and knowledgeable and I felt like I was in extremely capable hands. She has helped me overcome so much, and I feel like my life and mental peace are both in such a better place since I started seeing her.

—  
Former Patient

Dr. Ambardar is an outstanding psychiatrist. She is extremely kind and exhibits a vast working knowledge of psychiatric, emotional, and mental disorders and the issues and symptoms that stem from these disorders. I always felt at ease with her and I have really appreciated and benefited from being under such excellent care.

—  
Former Patient

I am a woman in her late-50s who has been living chronically with Bipolar Disorder for many years. Finding a psychiatrist that you really click with is hard and just a matter of luck. I was really lucky to have found Dr. Ambardar when I lived in LA. She always listened to my concerns and is such a sweetheart. I actually looked forward to each appointment. Everyone should have a doctor like Dr. Ambardar!

—  
Former Patient

“Dr. Ambardar is always professional and helpful. She is a wonderful and compassionate doctor who truly understands what her patient’s needs are. I am grateful to have her as my doctor. Her recommendations have been excellent.”

—  
Current Patient

“As a professional colleague of Dr. Ambardar’s who has worked closely with her in both the outpatient clinic and ER hospital settings, I can attest to Dr. Ambardar’s superb clinical and diagnostic skills, her agreeable bedside manner, and her genuine concern for patients. Dr. Ambardar is a consummate professional and a wonderful, caring psychiatrist. Her patients have always spoken very highly of her and I would recommend her wholeheartedly to anyone seeking a bright, compassionate physician for themselves or their family members.”

— 
Sidney Gold, M.D., Former Chief of Psychiatry, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Sherman Terrace Medical Offices, Los Angeles, CA.

“Dr. Ambardar maintains a true professionalism and calm that is not equaled by many of her colleagues. She has a quiet, unassuming demeanor, but underneath she is intelligent, hard working, and her psychiatric evaluations of patients are well thought out, organized, and sound. Sheenie is a good person. She is honest, decent, and fun. She is well liked by the faculty and staff. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Ambardar. She would be an asset to any faculty or medical school.”

— 
Sofia Matta, M.D., former Unit Chief and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at St. Vincent Catholic Medical Center in New York, NY.

I have had the privilege of working with Dr. Ambardar for the past 3 years. She is a highly intelligent, compassionate, and thoughtful practitioner. I am confident in her skills and am happy to refer my patients to her for their psychiatric care as I know they will be in excellent hands.

— 
Patrice Robins, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist in private practice in Santa Monica, CA.

“Dr. Ambardar has tremendous insight into personal and collective trauma and the impact of ancestral trauma on a person's life. It is not often you come across a professional who has an in-depth understanding of collective trauma and its impact on an individual's life. Her work and her insights have been supportive in my own healing journey. I highly recommend anyone wanting to connect with their ancestral histories, collective trauma, and current life experiences to work with Dr. Ambardar. She is a caring professional.”

— 
B.S.

Thank you so much for everything you have done for me. I greatly appreciate it. I really think you are a wonderful doctor and I tell everybody about you. I really feel that you are the best doctor I’ve ever been to and that you really listen to me. Again thanks so much.

— 
Former Patient

I highly recommend Dr. Ambardar to anyone looking for an empathetic therapist. She is truly concerned about improving her patients’ well-being. At the same time, she is very professional and knowledgeable and I felt like I was in extremely capable hands. She has helped me overcome so much, and I feel like my life and mental peace are both in such a better place since I started seeing her.

— 
Former Patient

Dr. Ambardar is an outstanding psychiatrist. She is extremely kind and exhibits a vast working knowledge of psychiatric, emotional, and mental disorders and the issues and symptoms that stem from these disorders. I always felt at ease with her and I have really appreciated and benefited from being under such excellent care.

— 
Former Patient

I am a woman in her late-50s who has been living chronically with Bipolar Disorder for many years. Finding a psychiatrist that you really click with is hard and just a matter of luck. I was really lucky to have found Dr. Ambardar when I lived in LA. She always listened to my concerns and is such a sweetheart. I actually looked forward to each appointment. Everyone should have a doctor like Dr. Ambardar!

— 
Former Patient

“Dr. Ambardar is always professional and helpful. She is a wonderful and compassionate doctor who truly understands what her patient’s needs are. I am grateful to have her as my doctor. Her recommendations have been excellent.”

— 
Current Patient

Our Philosophy

In our current fast-paced culture of high-stress and hard work, where we’re constantly scrambling to compete, climb the career ladder, juggle the demands of work and family, and maintain our mental health and sanity all at the same time, it is vitally important that we take time out for ourselves on a regular basis to check in with our own personal needs and desires.

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You Deserve To Feel Happier


At The Happiness Psychiatrist®, our patient philosophy centers around treating the whole person: mind, body, and spirit.
We believe that the judicious use of psychopharmacology, coupled with psychotherapy and other holistic treatments (such as meditation, Kundalini yoga, and walking therapy), can bring about transformative changes in the lives of those suffering from Depression, Anxiety, Adult ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Binge-Eating Disorder, OCD, and other common mental health conditions and life issues.

As a female psychiatrist-owned online business, we're proud to serve all parts of California, including the Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Westwood/UCLA, Pasadena, Malibu, Burbank, Newport Beach, San Diego, La Jolla, San Francisco, Marin County, Portola Valley, Palo Alto, Stanford, Silicon Valley, Santa Clara, Menlo Park, & San Jose areas.

We're also proud to serve all parts of New York, including New York City, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Greenwich Village, the Upper East Side (UES), the Upper West Side (UWS), the Hudson Valley area, Ithaca, and Buffalo, NY.

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