We welcome you

We are proud to provide accessible, high-quality mental health care through our offices located in three major cities, as well as through telehealth services available throughout California. Our practice is built on a patient-centered model of care, where compassion, convenience, and clinical excellence are prioritized at every step. From your first contact with us, you’ll find a supportive and streamlined experience designed to reduce barriers and enhance your overall well-being. We offer flexible scheduling options, quick response times from our dedicated providers, and coordinated care that ensures all members of your treatment team are aligned and working collaboratively to support your goals.

About

At the heart of our work is an unwavering commitment to your well-being. We believe that everyone deserves compassionate, high-quality care, especially during life’s most difficult and uncertain times. Our multidisciplinary team brings together a wide range of clinical expertise, perspectives, and backgrounds, allowing us to offer care that is not only comprehensive but also highly personalized.

We understand that reaching out for support takes courage. Whether you are facing a recent life transition, managing ongoing mental health

challenges, or simply seeking a place to feel heard and understood, we are here to meet you with empathy and respect. Our goal is to create a space where you feel safe, supported, and empowered to explore your experiences at your own pace.

Each member of our team shares a commitment to evidence-based practices and a belief in the power of collaborative healing. We work closely with you to understand your unique needs and goals, offering tools and insights that foster resilience, self-awareness, and lasting growth. Healing is not linear and it’s not something you have to do alone.

Sterling Nakamura MD is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with over 15 years of experience in private practice and leadership roles in hospital-based psychiatric programs. He earned his medical degree from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and completed his psychiatry residency at UCLA, following prior training at the University of Hawaii and a Family Medicine internship at Mercy Medical Center in California. He has held several leadership positions, including Associate Medical Director for both the Partial Hospital Program and the Older Adults Treatment Program at El Camino Hospital, as well as Medical Director of Nueva Vista Residential Treatment Program. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and holds active California medical and DEA licenses. His clinical expertise includes electroconvulsive therapy (trained at UCLA and Emory University), addiction psychiatry (trained at UCLA, Queen’s Medical Center, and Hina Mauka), anxiety disorders (UCLA OCD Clinic), and child psychiatry (Hawaii Youth Correctional Facility and University of Hawaii Family Treatment Center). He is a member of the American Psychiatric Association and the American Medical Association.

Lee Brunngraber, MSN, is an ANA-certified psychiatric clinical nurse specialist with over four decades of experience in psychiatric nursing, psychotherapy, and nursing education. Lee's extensive career includes over 25 years as a nursing instructor at Cabrillo College, where she taught both psychiatric and medical-surgical nursing, developed curriculum, and mentored students in clinical settings. She has served in diverse roles including as a psychiatric emergency specialist at the VA Medical Centers in Palo Alto and San Diego, and nursing educator and consultant across VA systems. Lee holds a Master of Science in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing from the University of Colorado and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Delaware. She is a California-certified public health and psychiatric/mental health nurse, bringing a depth of clinical insight and a compassionate, holistic approach to mental health care.

Rachelle Kim PA-C is a board-certified Physician Assistant with a Master of Science degree from Touro University Nevada and a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of the Pacific. She brings a diverse background that includes clinical, research, and emergency medicine experience. Her previous roles span from life science research at PRIMITY BIO and laboratory operations at Emerald Cloud Lab to frontline work in the Emergency Room. She is a Certified Clinical Research Professional and has published scientific research in the Journal of Bacteriology. Her early leadership in service organizations reflects her dedication to community engagement. Fluent in Korean, she is passionate about delivering culturally sensitive, evidence-based care with a holistic and empathetic approach.

Tami Zorge PMHNP is a passionate and integrative healthcare professional and board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to empowering individuals in achieving holistic wellness. With a background in psychiatric care, clinical research, nutrition therapy, and energy healing, she brings a multifaceted approach to mental health. She believes that healing and prevention are grounded in a positive mental outlook, regular exercise, stress management, quality sleep, and a whole-foods-based diet—enhanced when needed by herbs, supplements, and energy work. Over the past decade, she has provided psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and therapy across a range of settings, including The Canyon at Peace Park in Malibu, El Hogar in Sacramento, and WellPsyche in Los Angeles. Her earlier work at Cedars-Sinai spanned more than six years, combining clinical care with neuroscience research and regulatory oversight. She holds certifications as a Nutrition Therapy Practitioner, Clinical Research Professional, and Reiki Practitioner (Levels I & II), and is CPR and ACLS certified. Her approach to care emphasizes the deep connection between mind, body, spirit, and the universe—and she aims to help each client reconnect with their personal power and inner healing potential.

Insurances

In Network Services

We are IN-network with both HMO and PPO insurances for the following plans.

Aetna
Blue Cross

Blue Shield
Cigna
Magellan
Health Net

If your insurance is not listed above then note that we also support other private insurers and will bill them directly so that you will not have the hassle of any out of network paperwork or submissions.

SPECIALTIES

We treat most psychiatric disorders and are ready to tailor a specialized treatment plan for your care. We support patients struggling with the following conditions and more.

Depression
Anxiety/ GAD
Panic Disorder
OCD

Excessive fears and worries
Bipolar Disorder
Sleep problems
Neuropsychiatry

Ptsd

Seasonal affective disorder

Emotional distress

Substance use disorders/ alcohol and drug abuse

Dietary/ food health

We will collaborate with you to address your specific needs and concerns in the treatment.

Scheduling

Your first office visit.

Email us now to schedule your first appointment.

We can often see you by Telehealth as soon as the same day.

Our friendly staff is also available at 650-863-9000 and can answer any questions that you have about the office.

You may also inquire about online therapy booking.

THERAPIES

Axis Psychiatry offers a range of therapies including:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT),

Supportive Therapy, Humanistic Therapy, Compassion focused Therapy,

Interpersonal (IPT),

Acceptance and Commitment (ACT), Psychodynamic Therapy,

Mindfulness,

Eclectic Therapy.

Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing personalized care to help you achieve mental wellness.

Opening Hours

Mon 9am to 6 pm
Tues 9am to 6 pm
Wed 9am to 6 pm
Thur 9am to 6 pm
Sat: variable
Sun: Closed