Philosophy - Personalized and Comprehensive Care
Dr. Shurman forms a personal connection with each patient and provides individualized treatment. Individualized treatment is critical in the field of mental health as each patient presents with an unique set of mental health challenges. Dr. Shurman strives to understand each patient's history and challenges. Therapeutic alliance has been shown to be one of the strongest predictors of mental health care outcomes.
For these reasons, Dr. Shurman spends extra time with patients so that he can compile an in-depth patient history, offer unhurried appointments, and to address any pressing issue. His initial evaluation is 75 minutes in length and his typical psychopharmacology appointment is 30 minutes -- both longer than the community average. Additionally, he and his staff make an extra effort to return phone calls, schedule emergency appointments and make phone and internet appointments. He is also available by cell phone.
Dr. Shurman works to provide comprehensive care for the patient. This is especially critical in mental health where there are three critical components of care: pyschopharmacology, psychotherapy, and psychosocial rehabilitation. Dr. Shurman will strive to address each of those areas by leading and coordinating care with other healthcare practitioners including therapists, case managers, internists, and rehabs. As an example, a patient might receive a medication for their addiction and mood disorder, EMDR therapy for their trauma/PTSD, and neurofeedback for insomnia, withdrawal symptoms, and anxiety, and a 12-step program for support/structure/relapse prevention.
Additionally, Dr. Shurman routinely consults with the patient’s family, friends, colleagues and attorneys. Dr. Shurman can create a treatment plan in coordination with the family of the patient and provide psychoeducation and support.
Get in touch
Call Dr. Shurman's office for an appointment at 310-979-7335 or email us at drshurmanoffice@gmail.com.
Brett D. Shurman, M.D.
Dr. Shurman graduated Magna Cum Laude from Yale University and proceeded to obtain his medical degree on the University of Pennsylvania. He completed his residency at UCLA and has maintained a private practice in Los Angeles since 2000.
Education
FELLOWSHIP IN PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT LOS ANGELES, NEUROPSYCHIATRIC INSTITUTE AND HOSPITAL, DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHIATRY
Post-Doctoral Fellow, 1999-2000
DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT LOS ANGELES Post-Doctoral Fellow, 1998-2000
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT LOS ANGELES, NEUROPSYCHIATRIC INSTITUTE AND HOSPITAL, DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHIATRY
Residency, 1998
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
M.D., 1994
YALE UNIVERSITY
B.A., Psychology, 1989
Certifications and Licenses
Board Certification in Psychiatry, 2000 - present
Board Certification in Addiction Medicine, 2011 - present
Licensed Buprenorphine Provider, 2007 - present
Medial License, Medical Board of California, 1995
Fellowships, Awards, and Honors
NARSAD Young Investigator Award, 1998-2000.
NIMH-NRSA Post-Doctoral Fellowship, Department of Psychology,
University of California, Los Angeles, 1997-2000.
Research Track Award, (1 1/2 years of half-time research allotted in place of
clinical requirements) Residency in Department of Psychiatry,
Neuropsychiatric Institute and Hospital, University of California at Los
Angeles, 1996-1998.
Outstanding Clinician of the Month, Outpatient Department, Neuropsychiatric
Institute and Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, University of California
at Los Angeles, 1996-7.
Magna Cum Laude with Honors in Psychology, Yale University, 1989.
Office Manager
Josh Cootner
Education
Boston University
B.A., Accounting, 1999