Dr. Kristina Purganan
WELCOME
Explore the experience and qualifications of a trusted psychiatrist dedicated to your mental health.
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323-238-2206
Soon to be accepting patients in CA, WA, UT, OH
Practice Info
Introduction
Hello! I have been in practice for over 12+ years. I am board certified in both adult and geriatric psychiatry which means that my expertise lies in taking care of our mental and emotional well-being from adulthood through elderhood. I have extensive clinical experience in different practice settings and enjoy working with patients from diverse backgrounds. It has always been my goal to start a private practice where I am better able to provide a level of attention and continuity that respects your time, privacy, and preferences.
All of us have had mental health struggles at one time or another, but you don’t have to deal with them alone. Whether you’re navigating stress, anxiety, depression, mood swings, medical illness, life transitions, burnout, or other challenges that can affect your mental well-being, I am here to offer my support and expertise. I look forward to partnering with you on your mental health journey towards healing, clarity, and empowerment.
Philosophy of Care
I believe that mental health is equally as important as physical health. I understand that everyone’s mental health journey is unique and deeply personal. We will work together to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses root causes of mental health issues and promotes long term wellness. I integrate evidence-based treatments including prescription medications when appropriate, lifestyle interventions, and psychological tools to holistically address the full spectrum of a person’s emotional well-being.
Specialities
Anxiety disorders
Aging
Burnout (including caregiver, occupational, academic burnout)
Culture and Identity
Dementia and other neurocognitive disorders
Grief
Insomnia
Mood disorders (including depression, bipolar disorder)
Perimenopausal emotional health
Post traumatic stress disorder
Psychopharmacology and integrative approaches
Women’s mental health
Credentials
Professional Background
Education & Training
Duke University
ECT Fellowship (2015)
University of Cincinnati / Cincinnati VA Medical Center
Geriatric Psychiatry Fellowship (2014)
University of Cincinnati
Psychiatry Residency (2013)
Western University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (2009)
Northwestern University
Graduate studies in Neurobiology & Behavior (2002-2003)
University of Washington
BS Cell & Molecular Biology, BA Psychology, Minor in Chemistry (1999)
Certification & Licences
Board Certification in Psychiatry (2013)
Board Certification in Geriatric Psychiatry (2014)
Licensed Medical Provider in CA, WA, UT, OH
Selected Publications
Burris M, Benson C, Purganan K, et al. (2024) Depression and Anxiety in Women. Available at: https://uwhr.utah.edu/the-utah-womens-health-review-special-issue-june-2024/
Purganan K. (2021). Ask the Expert Column: How do you discuss mild cognitive impairment with a patient? Focus Journal. 19(3): 320-321.
Purganan K, White C, Mossman D. (2011). “Boxed in” or “boxed out”? Prescribing atypicals in dementia. Current Psychiatry 10(3): 77-80.
Tsuang D, Riekse R, Purganan K, et al. (2006). Lewy body pathology in late-onset familial Alzheimer’s disease: A clinicopathological case series. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease 9(3): 235-42.
Watson GS, Peskind ER, Asthana S, Purganan K, et al. (2003). Insulin increases CSF Abeta42 levels in normal older adults. Neurology 60(12): 1899-1903.
Craft S, Asthana S, Cook DG, Baker LD, Cherrier M, Purganan K, et al. (2003). Insulin dose-response effects on memory and plasma amyloid precursor protein in Alzheimer’s disease: Interactions with apolipoprotein E genotype. Psychoneuroendocrinology 28(6): 809-822.
Selected Presentations
Keshan B, Knaphus C, Nguyen Q, Pena N, Purganan K. (2021). Behavioral Health
Considerations During & After COVID: Across the Lifespan & Across Culture. [Oral
presentation]. Generations Conference, Salt Lake City, UT.
Purganan K. (2021). A Review of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in the Elderly: Implications for a Rapidly Growing Demographic. [Oral presentation]. Dept of Neurology Grand Rounds, Univ of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT.
Purganan K. (2021). Mental Health and Aging. [Oral presentation]. Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Salt Lake City, UT.
Purganan K. (2020). It’s Not All Dementia: Differential Diagnoses in Older Adults. [Oral presentation]. Generations Conference, Salt Lake City, UT.
Purganan K. (2019). Early Diagnosis & Management of Dementia. [Oral presentation]. Family and Community Caregiver Conference Senior Expo, Sandy, UT.
Purganan K & Demonte W. (2017). Behavioral Health Integration Within Medical Settings: Promising Practices. [Oral presentation]. Healthier Washington Practice Transformation Support Hub Regional Learning Conference, Tacoma, WA.
Purganan K. (2014). Overview of Dementia and Depression in the Elderly. [Oral
presentation]. Mental Health America of Northern Kentucky and Southwest Ohio,
Cincinnati, OH.
Brown M, Purganan K, Roberts J, Sabai M, Aslam M, Beal M. (2014). Utilization of
paliperidone serum concentrations to guide off-label paliperidone palmitate dosing decisions. [Poster presentation]. College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists, Phoenix, AZ.
Purganan K & Sachdeva J. (2013). Clinical considerations for treatment in perimenopausal women with chronic psychotic disorder. [Poster presentation]. 5th World Congress for Women’s Mental Health, Lima, Peru,
Purganan K & White C. (2012). Informed consent and documentation for off-label use of atypical antipsychotics in the treatment of behavioral symptoms in the elderly with dementia. [Poster presentation]. American Association of Geriatric Psychiatry, Washington DC.
Purganan K & White C. (2011). Practical guidance for community mental health providers regarding informed consent and documentation of the off-label use of atypical antipsychotics in the treatment of behavioral symptoms in the elderly. [Poster presentation]. All Ohio Institute on Community Psychiatry, Cleveland, OH.
Purganan K. (2011). Medicolegal Considerations in the Use of Atypical Antipsychotics in the Elderly. [Oral presentation]. American College of Legal Medicine Annual Meeting, Las Vegas, NV.
Purganan K. (2011). Minimizing Risk in the Treatment of Dementia-Related Agitation. [Oral presentation]. Dept of Psychiatry Grand Rounds, Univ of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH.
Kristina Purganan, DO, PC
Private Practice
University of California Los Angeles
Outpatient Psychiatrist, Faculty Practice Group-Behavioral Health Associates
University of Utah
Assistant Professor, Dept of Psychiatry
Medical Director and Founder, Outpatient Geriatric Psychiatry Clinic
Staff Psychiatrist, Neurobehavioral Home Program
CHI-Franciscan Health, Burien, WA
Consultation and Liaison Psychiatrist
Collaborative Care Psychiatrist
University of Cincinnati
Assistant Professor, Dept of Psychiatry
Assistant Director, Geriatric Psychiatry Fellowship
Psychiatrist- Consultation and Liaison, ECT, Inpatient Geriatric Psychiatry Services
Private Practice Opens Soon!
Potential patients and colleagues who wish to get on a waitlist for more information or to send referrals, please feel free to fill out the contact form below.