Meet the Maternal Mental Health Team
Sarah Kauffman, M.D.
Physician Director
Dr. Sarah Kauffman is a Columbia-trained, board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in reproductive and forensic psychiatry. She is originally from San Diego and completed her medical training at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). She then completed her general psychiatry residency training, as well as a Women’s Mental Health Fellowship and Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship, at Columbia University in NYC. Dr. Kauffman has authored papers and book chapters related to the intersection of women’s mental health and forensic psychiatry and has been a board member on several mental health organizations. She is also actively involved in advocacy and speaking to the community about reproductive psychiatry and the intersection of mental health and the law. Dr. Kauffman believes in a comprehensive and person-centered approach to women’s mental health including psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and lifestyle approaches.
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Elizabeth Whitham, M.D., M.A.
Reproductive Psychiatrist
Elizabeth Whitham, M.D., M.A. is board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in reproductive psychiatry. She completed her general psychiatry residency training at Louisiana State University in New Orleans, and specialized training in Women’s Mental Health at Loyola University and the Hines VA Hospital. She has a master’s degree in the sociology of Women’s Health and brings this perspective to her practice of medicine, placing patients’ unique identities at the center of problem-solving in healthcare. She has authored papers on depressive disorders and has worked as a researcher on clinical studies of bipolar disorder and the depressive mixed state.
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Angela Mains, LCSW
Lead Therapist Care Manager
Angela is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 30 years of experience working with individuals facing life-changing events. She completed her training at UCLA where she was also an adjunct faculty member. She is passionate about addressing emotional and psychological needs of women facing challenges during the perinatal experience. As a mother herself, Angela brings both personal empathy and professional expertise to her role. For scheduling and insurance eligibility, please call 949-764-8191.
Sandy Yokoyama, LMFT
Therapist
Sandy is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has worked in a variety of different settings with a diverse population of individuals, groups and families. She is a first-generation Chinese American who grew up in the Bay Area of San Jose, CA. Sandy completed her undergraduate studies in Psychology at UC Berkeley, and then obtained a Master of Science degree in Counseling at California State University, Long Beach. Sandy is EMDR trained and certified in the evidence-based practice Seeking Safety with experience and knowledge in trauma work. With more than 10 years of experience in the field, Sandy is dedicated in providing a safe, supportive and non-judgmental space for women to process their experiences through all stages of their lives and explore healthier ways to manage life stressors. For scheduling and insurance eligibility, please call 949-764-8191.
Emily Densmore, LCSW
Therapist
Emily Densmore is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 8 years of experience providing psychotherapeutic services to children, couples, groups, families and adults. Emily utilizes a compassion-focused approach to treatment, while integrating evidence-based interventions and strategies to assist clients in navigating life’s challenges. Self-growth is a non-linear process, and Emily aims to provide an affirming space for individuals to feel seen and supported on their healing journey. She is focused on engaging clients in a collaborative relationship to clarify goals and identify barriers to wellness. Emily utilizes an integrative approach to therapy, drawing from acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, attachment-based therapy and trauma-informed practices. For scheduling and insurance eligibility, please call 949-764-8191.
Meghan Steele, MSN, ANP-C, PMHNP-BC
Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner
Meghan Steele is a Yale trained, board-certified nurse practitioner specialized in both primary care and psychiatric-mental health nursing. She has 13 years of clinical practice experience across several healthcare settings. Most recently, she spent seven years working overseas for the U.S. Department of State managing the primary care needs of over 1,000 U.S. diplomatic and military personnel, their spouses and dependents assigned to the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.). Her passion and knowledge of maternal-child wellness comes from her years overseas providing highly individualized and empathic care to the women and children of Mission U.A.E. She believes optimal health outcomes are achieved through evidence-based, patient-centered care that integrates all aspects of a patient’s physical, mental and emotional well-being.
Salpi Salibian, M.S., PA-C
Executive Director
Salpi joined Hoag in 2015. She oversees and helps develop integrated programs and offerings within the Women’s Health and Hoag Family Cancer Institutes. Salpi is a Certified Physician Assistant with over 10 years of clinical practice and research experience in various healthcare settings, which allows her to combine her passion for clinical excellence and innovative patient-centered care models. She holds a Certificate in Leadership for Healthcare Transformation from the University of California, Irvine, as well as a Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Northeastern University, Boston.