Christina M Ford, MD is a board-certified, Harvard-trained psychiatrist who incorporates traditional and integrative techniques to help her patients realize their fullest potential. She combines a background in psychodynamics, pharmacology and women’s mental health with a nuanced understanding of nutrition, herbal treatments, mind-body techniques and the efficacy of lifestyle changes; the result is a holistic approach in guiding people towards self-empowerment alongside mental and emotional well-being.
Conservative in her approach to medications, Dr. Ford places an equal emphasis on natural modes of healing and works with patients to provide personalized and evidence-based treatment. Her work focuses on helping people better understand themselves, improve relationships, manage work-life balance, and navigate life’s unexpected challenges. Her style is direct, supportive and strength-based, and pulls from her multicultural background and studies in dance, music, literature and various healing & spiritual practices. She believes in the innate resilience of the human spirit and feels strongly that regardless of our genetics or life experiences, we all have the capacity to live a fulfilled, meaningful, joyous existence.
Education & Interests
Dr. Ford received her BA in English from Barnard College/Columbia University and her MD from the Keck School of Medicine of USC. She completed both her Adult Psychiatry Residency and a Fellowship in Women’s Mental Health at Harvard Medical School. In addition to her private practice, Dr. Ford serves as the Board Chair Emeritus and Lead Advisor for FEAST, a non-profit dedicated to democratizing the health and wellness of communities through access to healthy foods, nutrition education and emotional support. In this role, Dr. Ford recently facilitated the creation of a novel Perinatal Support Program geared towards reducing inequities in maternal health outcomes, specifically mental health conditions.
Other organizations Dr. Ford has collaborated with and/or actively supports: SCCC (Southern California Counseling Center), MMHN (Maternal Mental Health Now), MPTF (Motion Picture Television Fund). Dr. Ford is passionate about education, and has acted as a consultant and frequent speaker for many of these organizations, and continues her work outside the office as an advisor to early stage start-ups.
Select Credentials
Board Certification: American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Adult Psychiatry (Diplomate)
CA Medical License (Active): https://www.mbc.ca.gov/licensing/Notice-to-Consumers.aspx
Graduate: Integrative Psychiatry Master Class, Denver, CO
Completed Level 1 Training in Reflective Parenting and Mindful Parenting through the Center for Reflective Communities
2020 Community Leadership Award Recipient, awarded by the Cooperative of American Physicians, Inc
Fellow: American Psychiatric Association (APA)
Member: APA, American Medical Association, Southern California Psychiatric Society (Public Affairs Chair), Postpartum Support International
